COVER STORY: continued
a benefit to both the Tribe and the County. They have given us a letter
of support. Specifics to the agreement will be published at a later date.
On the 12th of January, Kathryn Harrison and I made a presentation
requesting the support of the members of the United Presbyterian Church
in Monmouth. They have committed a letter supporting the establishment
of the Reservation.
On the 16th of January, Merle Leno and I gave a presentation to the
Corvallis Chapter of the Rotary Club International, asking for their
support. Their response was favorable.
On the 18th of January, Kathryn Harrison, Merle Leno, and I attended the
Slletz Tribal Council meeting in Siletz to request Dee Pigsley, and Art
Bensell's presence at the next general council meeting (Feb. 2) to brief
us on their experience In completing the entire process which led to the
establishment of the Siletz Reservation. Dee and Art agreed to come and
share some of their experiences.
On the 22nd of January, the tribal council met with Cooper Consultants at
Coopers, to discuss possible concerns of Congressman AuColn in regards to
the Reservation Plan. We spent a couple of hours reviewing our progress,
the conflicts as we saw them, sought to agree on possible resolves to
issues, and generally tried to prepare for a meeting which was to be
scheduled with AuCoin's aides.
9
On the 23rd of January, Kathryn Harrison, Merle Leno, Paul Ehinger Jr.,
Gary Varner, Nelsen Witt, Sande Schmidt, and I met with Steve Anderson
and Kevin Lynch (AuCoin's aides). There we discussed major concerns
expressed by Congressmen AuColn regarding the Reservation Plan. It was
made known that the council still has more work to be done before a bill
can be Introduced. We also updated AuColns aides as to our progress.
The struggle for a return of our reservation is not over. I am requesting
you to write letters of support to all of our Oregon delegation. Let them
know that their backing Is necessary. We are doing everything we can as a
council, but we need your support. Please take the time to write and let
them know how you feel.