Image provided by: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Warm Springs, OR
About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 10, 2000)
SPILYAYTYMOO WARM SPRINGS, OREGON August 10, 2000 5 V, 4 '-',4 L The Warm Springs river was a Native Americans To the editor, ' To the good people of the Warm Springs Nation. On behalf of the Native Brothers here at the Two River's Correctional Institute. We are reaching out for your help. Being how this Institute is so new, we are the first of the Native brothers to pass through this joint. So due to that fact, we are in great need of your support from the outside Native communi ties. We are in a situation where we have noting. When it come to Native Spiritual practices. From our hearts, we as incarcerated Native American men are here serving our time and paying punishment for our crimes and wrongs we've committed in the Tribal members speak out To the editor, What's on your mind? Hey, there's a lotta' stuff going on around the rez. Stuff at the mill, budget sea son is here with a lot of stuff that needs to be questioned. Do you know what essential and non-essential tribal services are? Do you talk to your council rep about it? What would you do if per capita was suddenly stopped? What would you do with out a job? What if the tribal program you work for gets cut from the bud get or it called for anywhere from five to fifteen percent cut? If your job was cut, how would you deal with your creditors, provide for your family, pay routine monthly bills? What needs to happen is people question ing tribal council and management in a general council meeting through your district representative. When the budget meetings come up, go to the meetings, not just to eat and leave, but stay and state your concerns. When the issues of per capita and bonus (pro and con) are presented, be there. Tribal members, if you are wondering how YOUR money is be ing spent, don't be afraid to come forward and be heard. Remember that you deprive the tribal membership 1 00 of the chance to hear you if you never speak out. Have you heard rumors about another referendum on a new casino? Tribal members still are on the "12 point system" at Indian Head. For example, each day they are absent from work due to illness, a point is deducted. When did excused ab sences go out of style? Maybe we should implement a uniform person nel manual to fit all the enterprises as w ell as tribal administration. Did any body ask tribal members of the adopted logo (Indian Head) could be changed to" a feather? Of course, we as Natives, are proud of eagle feath ers, but the Indian head was the origi nal head w as the original logo cho sen throuch a contest, and w as sub- 4 -4 r a '1 ' . fv. , V J f .. . ' cool refreshing sight during a hot day at Two Rivers Correctional.lnstitute past. And we accept our feat. And we are here with strong intentions of bettering ourselves in ways such as mentally, physically and spiritually. We have hope to return to our com munities one day as strong better human beings and take back away the pain and hurt we' ve put our family and people through by being away in time of need. We the Native Brothers here at Two Rivers are all from various tribes through the Turtle Island Continent. We are asking for your help in ways such as: knowledge, songs, language, and most importantly "Time" ! ! Outta your life to help us bring unity back into our circles. The Institution's policy here at TRCI is to tame us of mined by one ot our tribal members Maybe if we ask the council in a gen eral meeting, they can tell us what the plan for a future casino is, this time for a future casino is, this time be can did and not withhold information from members. This would be a good way to regain the trust of the members-straight talk. Why is there so much emphasis to build a casino off reservation? Is it because somebody (besides the tribe) stands to profit as well? Why are off-reservation causes donated to by Indian Head (such as in Bend) when those funds could be used on the rez for worthwhile causes? There's a lot of concern be ing expressed by the mill guys, and they have every right to bring forth the issues that are bugging them. Some have already reported these problems in public meetings, so let's hear it from the rest of you mill guys gals. Have you been informed about the possibility of unionization in tribal enterprises? Yes, this is possible; however, our protection is to have a personnel manual in place that IN CLUDES a grievance process. An affirmative action plan needs to be in place. Every work place on the rez needs a grievance process for with out one, where does the employee turn to get an issue resolved? We know the mill guvs have been told that the "rumor" of the mill losing money is HOGWASH. We kid you not. As of the end of May, 2000 the year-to-date loss was close to S900.000! Look at it, for yourself in the attached report submitted to coun cil dated 6192000 by the WSFPI chief financial officer. This report was given to council in July AFTER the mill was sure it was getting a $4 mil lion loan. Good timing, mill manage ment. If the mill is doing so well, what's the reason for borrowing? Where is it being spent? Now there is talk of shutting the mill down. If this is the case, then the layoffs should start at the top w ith executive man f V 4 'if?.. ,1 H " at HeHe Longhouse. our criminal ways and their inten tions on that is the old boarding school method, Divide and Conquor. And with that come's the "Ter mination" between us and our cul ture. We are asking of the DOC (De partment of Corrections). The opportunity to pray in the ways we as Natives know how, such as a sweatlodge ceremony, a drum ming circle, are even a smudge cer emony. And we are being denied these until we can find someone from the outside to come and access us through whichever ceremony it may be. Once again we are asking for someone to come in "Two Rivers" and help us build and hold a sweat on several issues including agement since they are the highest paid. What's this rumor about nepo tism at the mill? If the mill workers, both tribal members and MITs are laid off, tribal departments that will be hit the hardest are Credit and Hous ing. Here is a direct quote, so WSFPI managers, don't tell us you were un aware of timber revenue declining. George Smith interview: "A poten tial tribal budget crises is on the hori zon with sharp declines in timber in come; other sources of revenue must be developed to fund tribal programs, reduce burden on forest resource to provide revenue need." (Forestry Workshop One, Kahneeta, July 7 & 8, 1999). So, tribal management, you have had two years to look for these "other sources of revenue." What have you found so far? What George Smith (Area forester) has written is something that has been known by many for years. At this same work shop, it was also recommended TWICE that the WSFPI Board be re placed with knowledgeable people. So people, let's not depend just on others to come up with ways to cut costs and build revenue. Come to the meetings and share your ideas with them. If you think your idea for sav ing the tribes dollars is not worth say ing, think again. You thought your vote wouldn't count; but it sure . counted in the public safety and ca sino referendums. We have some smart grass roots people out there who have never expressed themselves. The time to do this is fast approaching during bud get meetings. Why is the Council ac count position being abolished and moving the responsibility to the coun cil area? It functions very efficiently where it's at now in the Finance area. Also another item that needs discus sion is whether our managers have authority to transfer funds from one committee to another, after the people had voted on the budget for money to be spent for specific departments Jam Fest Schedule of Events Erlday August 25th 7 p.m. - Food Vendor set up. Must set up until at least 9 p.m. or longer, and have a Food Handlers card available before set up. Minimum electrical hook-up usage, this night only. 8-11 p.m. - Outdoor con cert featuring Casper Lomayesva of Third Mesa Music, Native American Reggae artist. Please bring your own lawn chairsblan- 2:30 -3 p.m.- Open slot kets, bleachers and benches 3 -3:30 p.m. -Poetry read may be available but will be ing (Liz Woody, et al) limited. 3:30-4p.m.-Paddledance Saturday August 26th (Adeline Miller family) Consumer Credit Counseling offers back-to-school budgeting tips Do you have $5 19 to spend on back to school expenses? If you don't and will soon be in the market for backpacks and other school necessi ties, start saving today because that's what adults planned to spend on back to school items last year. "Back to school clothes, calcu lators, software programs and school supplies can add up in a hurry," said Terri Rahmsdorff, CEO, Consumer Credit Counseling, a non-profit Neighborhood Financial Care Center that provides dept and credit counsel ing and education. "Many families need to budget for that large expen diture." In 1 999, the International Mass Retail Association asked 1,000 adults to total up their planned back to seek assistance lodge cleansing ceremony. Or bring a drum and share songs with us. Even a taling circle and share some knowledge with us. Any kind of support offered is more than needed. Our point to the people is, we are struggling to obtain our nationalities sacred instruments of prayer and any way of communi cation with our Creator. With that, we would like to thank you for taking the time to read this short message to the people. . Respesctfully, Tewahnee Sahme 11186353 P.S. If you wish to contact us in regards to this letter, please write, or call: Chaplain Ms. Schwartz; 82911 Beach Access Rd.; Umatilla, OR 97882 (541)922-2003 or committees. How does council it self intend on reducing expenditures? If there's gonna be budget cuts in the organization, it needs to include coun cil, management and attorneys also. There could be only two executive committees appointed instead of eight. One would deal with natural and physical resources issues. The other would review human resource community service-type subjects. Do we have a process in place to audit federal and other grants to see that they are being spent properly? After council has spent all its money, where do they get money to spend? Maybe from the "rainy day fund" that was intended for our children and grand children? Could our legal beagles be ' looking at the possibility of skimming money off the top of one or more of , our enterprises? Remember, these enterprises were set up as separate entities under their own charters and boards of directors. When it comes time for our future leaders to run the rez, what resources will they have to do that with? Where in the council rules (if there are any) are proxy votes authorized? In other words, can coun cilmen vote on something without actually being present at a meeting? Also, tribal members, 200 1 is a coun cil election year, so that's another thing to think about. Who in your dis trict is going to best represent you and the tribe? Be seriously thinking about who your nominee will be. This is NOT a popularity contest. Being on council is not a place to play games, neither is it a political area, nor was it intended to be a source of income. It holds the direction of our reservation in its hands. Think-the incoming council is also responsible for select ing the S-T and COO. Why not com bine the positions into one and return the responsibilities to an S-T, the way the constitution states, PLUS cut the salary down. Also the council selects committees and boards. Is it right or ethical for a chairman to abandon a committee w hen it's out of money? 9-10 a.m. - Vendor regis tration (CHET Staff) 10 a.m. - BBQ Cooks set-up (Andrea Kalama) 11 a.m. - Opening prayer & Welcome (Wilson Wcwa Jr.) 12 noon - Free BBQ (CHET staff) 1:30-2 p.m. - Open slot 2 - 2:30 p.m. - Intl Wind Dancers (L. Colwash & M. RedDog) school expenses and they came up with an average of $519. The break down includes $297 on apparel; $ 1 7 1 on consumer electronics, and $5 1 on school supplies. These totals should come as no surprise because retailers report that the weeks before school resumes in the fall are among the busiest of the year. If you are in charge of your family's back to school shopping, here are budgeting tips that will help you stretch your back to school dol lars. See what you have first. Before you go shopping, take an inventory of your children's clothing and elec tronic needs. The last thing you want to do is buy duplicate pants and cal culators. But, you may without an Tribal member to to relocate due to Hello, My name is Alesia Eyle. My Indian name is "Tuk-Tin-Pa". My parents are Alexander and Pauline Eyle, both of Yakama and the late Arlita "Ducky" Johnson of Warm Springs. I am 34 years of age and I enjoy beadworkings. I am also learning to . paint with watercolors. I have lived an active life working as a firefighter and in heavey construction and car pentry. My beadwork is hightly known to many people. I have been active in Longhouse work in both tribes of Warm Springs and Yakama. I have contracted cystic fibrosis, the severe scarring of the lungs, since 1995, and am accompanied by liquid oxygen portable stroller. And for the past two years I have been trying to get on the list at Washington Uni - versity Hospital for a double lung transplant, Available lungs will come from the states of Alaska, Washing ton, Oregon, and Idaho. This hospi tal has accomplished five successful lung trasplants this year. ' In order for me to have this opera the mill, budget cuts, etc. Something else to think about: when you get a loan (either personal or house) through tribal credit, insurance is added to the loan payments. On a house loan, funds go to into an es crow account and premiums are paid out directly to your insurance com pany. Why is it that our Credit de partment refuses to replace a house (lost to fire) when insurance has been paid in by the borrower all along? Fire insurance was meant to pay for fire losses, not anything else. If not put in escrow, where does it go? Have you had problems getting a loan, and what reasons were given to you? Talk to your council rep. Have you taken time to read the Credit Code? Some of you may remember the OLD cattle loans called reimbursables that were funded by the BIA to help members go into business back in the 1940's and 1950's. We no longer have such a program. The steer calves and culls were sold off and payment made on the loan. Tribal members were trying to be self-sufficient and are impeded by this old law that was recently "implemented". The "applicable" or dinance is 66 that refers to the Code of Federal Regulations, 25 CFR, 166, which is mainly applicable to LAND, in this case. Credit has apparently gone back to the "Mother, may I" concept. Are some borrowers hand picked to try to force them to come under this alleged policy? Could it be that personality conflict is involved, or some legal matter? Looks like a few are held VERY accountable, and other borrowers aren't. We heard about very reliable folks (couples both working) being denied loans. Why? Let's be fair to all our mem bers. Did you know the credit enter prise gives its employees bonuses? So does Indian Head. Since we have sev eral enterprises, does that make you wonder who else gets bonuses from your profits, and how much, based on salary? Employees, ever wonder w hat happens to those dollars if you should die before becoming retirement age? 4 - 4:40 p.m. - Full Gospel Choir (Pastor Hunt) 4:40 - 4:50 p.m. - Brutus Rap (Luis Baez Jr.) 4:50 - 5 p.m. - Soloist (Victoria Smith) 5 - 5:30 p.m. - Rap music (Tony Anderson) 5:30 -6 p.m. - Duncan Brunoe Group 6-6:30p.m. -DOD, Heavy Metal (DW Hudson) 6:30 - 7 p.m. - Flute music (Foster Kalama) 7 - 9 p.m. - Reggae Group ' 9-11 p.m. -Jam Fest Street Dance inventory. Make a list. Write down what you and your children need in terms of shirts, trousers, computer disks, childen's organizers, backpacks, fold ers and writing utensils. You will spend less money if you stick to a formal list while shopping. Decide what you can spend. Take your list and add up all the items. If it is more than you can afford to spend, look for places to cut expenses. This information was submit ted by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Oregon. Their mis sion is to develop and support respon sible financial consumers in Central Oregon thereby improving the finan cial health of both the community and the individuals served. hold fundraiser medical reasons tion, I need to relocate to the Seattle area. I will need finances for rent up to three years. I will require a care provider for a period of time before and after the operation. I need to have transportation to and from the hospital several times a week before . and after the operation. And that is only the beginning. I don ' t want to overwhelm anyone with the details so I will finish by saying, I am asking for asking for support and help from the people of Warm Springs Tribes. Myself and my sister Jacqueline Kalama will be in Warm Springs to do some fundraising. What we have planned will be a mini-raffle on August 30 in the lobby of the agency. Ticket sales will begin on August 24th. We will also have a variety of beadwork for sale in the agency lobby. Mailed contributions may be sent to Eyle Fund; co Foster Care Center; 171 Wishpoosh Road, Toppenish, WA 98948. Thank you for your time and consideration. Alesia J. Eyle Does your family see any of these withholdings after you pass away? No. The money disappears into a fund. Whose fund and now is it used? Those tribal members who want to continue speaking through us, do so. We're glad to put your concerns forth and we do thank those of you who stepped right up and wrote one your self. Thank you. Also you will find a letter attached that concerns the WSFPI. Daisy Ike, Shirley Sanders, Ginger Smith & Rita Squlemphen To: W.S.F.P.I Board of Directors Gentlemen, For the month of May 2000, W.S.F.P.I. I had a net loss of ($650,554. 13). This brought the year-to-date loss to ($871,996.52). The operating loss year-to-date is ($820,465.09). The loss is a negative 4.2 1 of sales. This is well below the 5 to 6 standard by the Tribal Coun cil. The sawmill had a gross loss of (546,413.65). The sawmill had sales of 7,810,246 b.f of lumber at a value of $2,451,069. The mill consumed 5,077,940 b.f. of logs at a cost of $2,386,912. The mill produced 8,578,780 b.f. lumber at cost of $1,252,069, Lumber inventory was written down to market by $344,350. Total cost of sales for the sawmill was $3,254,136.00. Since January of this year, the average sales value went from $382.18 per-m to $313.83 per m. This is a $68.35 drop in the aver age sales value. The Timber department had a gross profit of $59,382 for the month. This brought the year-to-date profit to $254,036. The mill harvested 8,864,810 b.f. of logs and paid $1,565,957 in stumpage. Harvest and other costs were $ 1 ,794,847. The mill purchased 958.360 b.f. of timber from off the reservation and paid $441,176. Log inventory was written down to market by $4 1 .1 42. Total cost of sales w as $3,349,780. Total sales and trans fers for the month were $3,409,1 162
