OR. COLL.
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78
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June 1,
1998
JUNE 1, 1998
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bes gaftheir iim Salem to celebrate
AnmerScami looliaini Week on Oregoo
By Oscar Johnson
ribal Information Day was celebrated at
the State Capitol building by a govern
ment proclamation declaring May 17
through 23 "American Indian Week in
Oregon."
The governor-endorsed proclamation was pre
sented Thursday by Oregon Secretary of State, Phil
Keisling, kicking-off the annual day set aside for
Oregon public to learn first-hand about Indian cul
ture, history and community programs.
With nearly a dozen information tables lining the
foyer of the capitol building, representatives of
tribes from areas such as Grand Ronde, Warm
Springs and the Siletz Indians of Oregon as well as
the Kalamath shared facts about their communities
with visiting students and legislators. Traditional
drummers and dancers from various nations were
also on hand for the event.
Tribal leaders gathered for the event, including
many from the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde, said the proclamation honoring Oregon's
Indian nations was a significant recognition of in
digenous sovereignty.
"It's important for us because we were not recog
nized for 20 years not even by the Commission
on Indian Services," explained Confederated Tribes
of Grand Ronde Council Chairwoman, Kathryn
Harrison. Bringing attention to Keisling's welcom
ing of "all nine tribes" to the proclamation, Harri
son said, "we are finally taking our rightful place in
the family of Indian nations. By coming here we
are exercising our right of sovereignty."
Many of Harrison's fellow Council members,
such as Leon Tom, also said Oregon's new week
of Indian recognition is a favorable testimony to
the state's tribal-friendly Governor. Emphasizing
tribalstate relations, Tom said he sees this as a vi
brant opportunity for the two governments to work
together.
"This Governor plays more of the game with all
tribes than the last Governor did," Tom said. "He
recognizes that we are not just here, but we have
always been here for a reason to be caretakers
of the land. And it's important to know we are put
here for a reason."
Standing in for Gov. John Kitzhaber who was
unable to attend the event due to illness, Keisling
echoed Tom's belief in the state's respectful rec
ognition of tribal governments. He indicated that
although the proclamation was a symbolic gesture,
it was still an important one.
"It recognizes mat we live in a state that has nine,
sovereign, tribal nations," said Keisling. "The
proclamation is small but important. It's a mutual
recognition between these nations and state gov
ernment." However, for Native American Rehabilitation
Association (NARA) representative, Vince
Wannassay, "if such a thing does mean anything,"
Oregon's calender should extend at least two
weeks, not only for honoring tribes, but educating
the public on Indian issues.
The public educator who was on hand to share
information on NARA's cultural, education and
substance abuse prevention programs for Indian
youth, said the real value behind the day's events
was the opportunity to show Oregonians what Na
tive communities are really about.
"Oregon has a kind of institutionalized pioneer
attitude towards Indians," Wannassay said. "This
kind of information and gathering helps to break
that stereotype. It shows the mainstream the kind
of things we are able to do not just Indians and
cowboys."
Like Wannassay, many attending Tribal Infor
mation Day at the State Capitol noted that honor
ing the state's Indian nations with days and weeks
is a significant start in the legislative battle for sov
ereignty. However, they emphasize that it is only
a start.
"This is really significant and that is why we do
(Tribal Information Day) every year," said Legal
Council for the Governor's Office, Henry Lazenby.
But (Oregon American Indian Week) takes on a
new meaning and that is a gut-level commitment to
work on this every day of the year not just one day
or one week out of the year."
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Smoke signals
IS
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Secretary of State
Phil Keisling (center),
stepped in for Gov.
Kitzhaber on May 21
to sign the proclama
tion declaring
May 17-23 as
American Indian
Week in Oregon.
Pictured:
Keisling poses with
representatives from
the Grand Ronde and
Warm Springs tribes.