Spilyay tymoo., September 28, 2006, Page 5, Image 9

I
Together Our Resources Can Help'
Wormy Springs
Tr |
The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is a sovereign nation that stretch­
es from the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the waters of the
Deschutes River.
The Wasco, Paiute, and Warm Springs tribes make up the confederation
and in 1855 the treaty that secured sovereignty over the 644,000-acre
reservation was signed. The reservation is older than the state of
Oregon, which was established in 1859.
Over 3,800 Native Americans reside on the reservation. Of those,
2,400 live in the community of Warm Springs.
Since 1938, tribal members have conducted their own affairs through
their constituted government. The Warm Springs Tribal Council is the
central governing authority. This 11-member body presides over all
facets of public life on the reservation. Eight members are elected to
the council and three positions are for chiefs.
“We are taught as indigenous people, that we are all related and inter­
connected in sacred ways. Domestic violence is a threat to the natural
harmony and peace of all things in Creation. As a community, we are
all responsible for ensuring the safety of all people.”
Warm Springs Victims of Crime Services sup-
ports the Silent Message video project of the
| Madras High School Youth Team. The Silent
.1 r J ? ^ ! Message video is an excellent dramatization of
É* ^ p how adolescent sexual abuse affects our
teenagers. The silent messages many young peo-
pie exhibit in their behavior cry out to be heard.
There are more survivors of sexual abuse in
your community than you may realize.
* jr
iv #
:
yi
“Methamphetamine or other substance abuse does
not cause domestic violence.”
“Domestic violence should be a private matter.”
Silent Tears
There was shouting and yelling and he was determined to
win, when I began to cry he apologized again.
It’ll never happen again as long as I live,
the things I have called you, can you willingly forgive?
I cried some more and I finally forgave,
pulled myself together and tried to De brave.
A few weeks later I must have said something wrong,
I became weak and he became strong.
The shouting led to pushing and I had fallen on the floor,
when I began to cry he apologized once more.
I cried again and finally forgave,
he was now my master and I was his slave.
I tried to ignore it when he toyed with my mind,
he convinced me I needed him and we were one of a kind.
A few weeks later it got out of hand,
his anger and power I could no longer stand.
So I told him I was leaving and could no longer stay,
I had to get out and go my own way.
I wanted to leave from being his wife,
so he helped me out by taking my life.
So here I lye in a bed all alone,
no master, no king, no man on a throne.
The only thing before me is the Lord up above,
and in his arms I have found my true love.
Anonymous!
1
I :Healing from the impacts of child abuse, domestic violence and/or sex- |
ual assault must take place at some point in a survivor’s life. The feel­
ings can be so painful or overwhelming that you may do things to
avoid them such as use alcohol and/or drugs. Some people push mem­
ories of abuse so far away that they can’t explain why they have intense
anger or fear. Memories of abuse may surface that have been too
painful to think about or that were blocked by drugs and/or alcohol.
Working through painful memories and experiences can help you heal
so that you can focus on your present life. Addressing these issues
takes time; be patient. It is worth it - you are not alone. Keep moving
forward. One day you may be able to help another person who is lost
in addiction and pain to heal. Now, find a trusted counselor, pastor or
therapist that you can talk to and let the healing begin.
The Warm Springs Tribal Council passed Resolution No. 10,622 stating
that methamphetamine abuse is the number one priority for the Tribe,
and that Tribal Council supports the tribal initiatives for the prevention
of; intervention of; and treatment of methamphetamine abuse. Meth
abuse may not cause domestic violence or sexual abuse by itself, but it
can increase the severity of such abuse or violence when the Perpetrator
is under the influences of Meth. Meth abuse can hurt our community
members in other ways. The residue of Meth use can harm our chil­
dren and other innocent bystanders. Meth users are committing the
property crimes of theft and burglary to support their illegal habit. It
takes the whole community to fight the Meth scourge, just not the
police. Teach your children about the dangers of Meth Call the Police
if you see Meth crimes occurring in your neighborhood. Together we
| can make a difference!
1
~
It
'A ?
Beliefs that may contribute to violence in
our Native American community...
S '
^
5