2023 December CUJ

DECE MBE R 2023

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Students, youth and tribal employees celebrate Native American Heritage Month, PAGES B10 & B11

NEWS DAILY @ CUJ ONLINE

VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 12

THE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION

Newly elected officials take office Nov. 29

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

Chief Judge William Johnson administers the oath of office to the newly elected tribal leaders Wednesday morning, Nov. 29, in the rotunda of the Nixyáawii Governance Center. LISA SNELL | CUJ

MISSION – Recently elected tribal leaders officially began their terms Nov. 29 after a standing-room only swearing in ceremony at the Nixyáawii Governance Center.

Six freshly elected citizens of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) joined six re-elected members on the Board of Trustees, the tribal governing body that sets policy and priorities, makes decisions on projects and decides how to handle tribal affairs. For its new two-year term, the Board will be led by several new officers, including Chair Gary Burke, who defeated incumbent N. Kathryn Brigham in the Nov. 14 election.

OFFICIALS CONTINUED PAGE 4

Parent pushback leads to day care rate hike pause MISSION – A now-paused drastic increase in the cost to parents who send children to the tribally owned day care gave some families relief last month while putting pressure on tribal leaders as they ponder potential long-term solutions to meet a need for more child care options.

In late August, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Education’s Ataw Myanasma Learning Center informed parents that day care rates

would increase between 62% and 74%, saying the jump was needed to unlock additional grant funding for lower-income families, higher additional staff and increase wages.

For the families who don’t qualify for day care tuition assistance, the jump in rates would’ve meant hundreds of extra dollars a month in child care costs, leading one shocked family to press tribal leaders in the weeks that followed to address their concerns. That advocacy resulted in a Board of Trustees work session on Nov. 8 and a Special General Council meeting the following day.

CTUIR 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

Those meetings led to the tribe saying that it would not increase the rates – for now – but also reinforced the opinion of some tribal leaders of the need for a longer-term solution and to address other questions, such as how to eliminate a long waitlist for services at the tribally owned day care, that have languished for years.

“I see it as a partial victory,” said Denise Wickert, the CTUIR tribal member and parent of two who was facing sharp increases and pushed tribal leaders to address her concerns.

DAY CARE CONTINUED PAGE 6

The CTUIR Housing Department has pre-built two shelters for placement east of the longhouse. The shelters will provide a warm, dry place to sleep on nights the temperatures drop to unsafe levels. CTUIR HOUSING DEPT. | COURTESY

Tribe taking first steps toward homelessness solutions

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter MISSION – Tribal members experiencing homelessness will soon have a place to stay warm during the cold, long winter nights as tribal leaders work to prepare a long-term plan to address homelessness.

At its Oct. 30 meeting, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Board of Trustees approved a motion to initiate the process of placing two small structures on Confederated Way near the education building and preparing them to give homeless tribal members on the reservation a warm place to shelter overnight.

The two pods are the first step in HOMELESS CONTINUED PAGE 7

SPORTS ROUND UP: See pages B12 & B13

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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CTUIR gets nearly $2M for river pollution prevention project MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has received nearly $2 million in federal funds for a project to prevent pollution and reduce toxicants in four Columbia River tributaries.

The CTUIR has received a 2023 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tribal grant in the amount of $1,990,990 for its Strategic Pollution Prevention and Toxics Reduction Planning and Implementation Project.

The plan will target toxicants reduction actions in the Umatilla, Walla Walla, Snake and John Day tributaries to the Columbia River.

Mason K. Murphy, CTUIR Energy and Environmental Sciences Program manager, said toxicants are manmade chemicals that are toxic whereas toxins are natural-occurring substances that are toxic. He said the CTUIR uses toxics in the plan name to represent “toxic substances” and to include other pollutants that are not classified as toxicants.

“From our water code: Water keeps all our bodies for us. Čúuš is a part of everything. It is within natítayt (the people), it is within tiičám (the land), and it is within núsux (the salmon).

It is essential for the survival of all life. Cold, clean, healthy water is the life blood of the land. This funding is an important step toward protecting cold clean water,” Murphy said.

According to the EPA, a comprehensive inventory of toxicants will prioritize reduction actions. The

The CTUIR has received a 2023 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tribal grant in the amount of $1,990,990 for its Strategic Pollution Prevention and Toxics Reduction Planning and Implementation Project. LISA SNELL | CUJ

project will focus on toxicants and their impact on human health and First Foods such as salmon, mussels, lamprey, resident fish, deer, elk, bitterroot, celery, huckleberry and choke cherry, which are a critical component of CTUIR tribal member diets and depend on a healthy and functioning river and floodplain.

Murphy said the CTUIR has received the grant and is hiring toxicology staff to implement the work. The project will take six years and funds will be spent across that period.

“The funds will be used to develop a toxics (toxicants/toxic substances) release inventory to understand what toxicants and how many are entering our rivers form various sources and a toxicant reduction plan to strategically prioritize and reduce those toxicants getting to the waterways,” he said.

The grant money stems from the EPA investing $31.7 million across seven Oregon projects and programs to reduce toxicants in fish and water, address climate chaos and help restore the health of the Columbia

River Basin.

The federal investment come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $79 million total funding infusion into the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, which is proving essential to the Pacific Northwest’s tribes, communities and economy that rely on the critical watershed.

“Our rivers and waterways are the lifeblood of our communities. If they are dirty and polluted, our homes, schools, and businesses are dirty and polluted,”U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said.

“The federal investments for these homegrown projects and programs will drive solutions that lead to a cleaner, healthier Columbia River Basin for our communities, wildlife, ecosystems, and economy.”

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said the Columbia River Basin is a rich and essential part of Oregon’s history, as well an integral part of our present and future.

“Clean water is a key ingredient for thriving and healthy communities in the basin,” he said. “And I will continue to fight for federal resources just like these that protect this precious natural asset for generations to come.”

According to the EPA, toxic pollutants can accumulate in water, sediment and fish tissues.

This threatens to decimate natural ecosystems and risk the health of tribal communities and other Oregonians who consume affected fish populations.

CTUIR getting $915,000 EPA grant for recycling program MISSION – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is giving the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) more than $900,000 to update and overhaul its recycling program.

According to the EPA, the CTUIR’s Tribal Environmental Recovery Facility (TERF) will receive a $915,895 grant early next year to focus on practical and culturally sensitive recycling options, replace and upgrade recycling equipment and expand markets for recycled commodities through tribal user education and recycled materials management.

“We are very excited to be receiving the EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant, and the opportunities that it will provide for our program and community,” TERF Manager Ashley Picard said. “We will be working with a consultant to update our Conservation and Recycling Plan so that it will align with the needs of our community.”

Picard said inadequate equipment and staffing shortages have forced TERF to not provide curbside

recycling services and limited its commercial and onsite options. She said the grant would allow TERF to fill those needs.

“We are excited to be able to purchase two new trucks, one of which will be an automated truck to provide curbside collection, a new backhoe and an electric forklift that will be used to prepare recyclables for transport, recycling receptacles, a waste oil heater that will be used to heat our recycling center and transfer station during the cold months, and a glass crusher that will produce sand that can be utilized for landscaping purposes,” Picard said.

She added that as TERF’s recycling program expands, CTUIR members will need to properly prepare materials for recycling. The grant will allow this through proper education via flyers and informational documents.

The grant stems from more than $34 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding and more than $3.5 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants in Alaska and the Pacific

The grant will focus on practical and culturally sensitive recycling options, replacing and upgrading recycling equipment and expanding markets for recycled commodities. TERF | COURTESY

Northwest. Grants are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will expand recycling infrastructure and education for waste management systems in states, tribes and communities as part of the EPA’s National Recycling Strategy.

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

OFFICIALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ABOUT THE CUJ

The Confederated Umatilla Journal (CUJ) was created in 1975 as the official publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), which includes the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla people. The CUJ is produced monthly by the CTUIR’s Communications Department.

Publisher: Kaeleen McGuire kaeleenmcguire@ctuir.org Editor: Lisa Hicks Snell lisasnell@ctuir.org Reporter: Chris Aadland christopheraadland@ctuir.org Advertising: M. Moses-Conner monecemoses@ctuir.org Contributing Photographers: Dallas Dick dallasdick@ctuir.org Lee Gavin leegavin@ctuir.org CONTACT US Confederated Umatilla Journal 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 Email: CUJ@ctuir.org Phone: 541-429-7005 Fax: 541-429-7005 SUBSCRIBE

The CUJ is free to pick up at tribal entities and area businesses. However, a mailed subscription can be purchased for the price of shipping and handling by contacting the CTUIR Finance Department. Call 541-429-7150 or by visiting the Finance Department at Nixyaawii Governance Center, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton.

One year: $15 • Two years: $28 The CUJ prints on the first Thursday of each month.

EMAIL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO: CUJeditor@ctuir.org DEADLINE: 20th of the month prior • Limit to 300 words or less • Information found to be inaccurate/libelous will not be published.

• Letters containing profanity will not be published.

• One letter per issue will be published. Campaigning is not allowed.

• Author’s full name, address and phone number must be listed for verification purposes.

Newly elected Board of Trustees Chair Gary Burke addresses community members after being sworn into office Nov. 29. LISA SNELL | CUJ PHOTOS

In addition, two new General Council officers – Chair Alan Crawford and Secretary Martina Gordon, who defeated Shawna Gavin in the November election – will join returning Vice Chair Michael R. Johnson and Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl. Former Chair Lindsey X. Watchman didn’t run for reelection.

Burke, who has previously held the Board chair position, said “it’s a great day today” and that “there’s many things that [have] to be done” during the Wednesday morning event.

Under his leadership, he said the board would serve the CTUIR community – hopefully with some encouragement from the people – and honor the visions of previous generations of leadership by relying on the Treaty of 1855 and the CTUIR Constitution and bylaws to guide them.

“It’s a big responsibility, and I take it that way,” Burke said. “I’m proud to serve you as your chairman of the Board of Trustees.”

But before Burke and the other new leaders could officially begin working, they had to be sworn in and pledge to support and preserve treaty rights and the tribe’s Constitution and laws, and work on behalf of the tribal members who elected them.

Upwards of 200 community members attended the ceremony, which included an honor song

and opening prayers, followed by CTUIR Tribal Court Chief Judge William Johnson officially swearing in the new leaders after signing their oaths of office. The approximately 90-minute long event also included remarks from the new Board and General Council members, cake and refreshments, hugs, handshakes and photos.

In remarks to attendees, the officials and others who led the event, thanked the community for its support.

Some acknowledged generations of previous leaders, with others saying that they were committed to honoring them, and the tribe’s treaty and Constitution, by working to ensure the well-being of tribal members, the land and First Foods. Some said they were grateful for the opportunity and that they hoped CTUIR community members wouldn’t hesitate to offer feedback or guidance during their terms.

“We all are family, and I look out and see all of you, and it’s humbling,” new Board Treasurer Raymond Huesties told those who attended the swearing-in. “It makes me feel good because all of you are going to help me do my job; you’re going to keep me honest.”

In addition, Roberta Wilson took over as Board secretary, taking over for Sally Kosey.

New Member At Large Steven Hart joins Toby Patrick, Corinne Sams and Lisa Ganuelas, who all kept their seats. Former Member-at-Large Boots Pond was kept off the ballot for his seat due to an error with his candidacy paperwork and ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for General Council Chair.

While the new board jumped right into meetings and work sessions beginning on Nov. 30, it will learn more about CTUIR day-to-day operations and set priorities during a scheduled retreat and four-day orientation.

“Everybody’s coming in with their fresh new ideas,” Vice Chair Aaron Ashley, who is in his fourth term, and second as vice chair, said during the ceremony. “We’re all going to come together as one and try to do the best that we can for the people.”

During Wednesday’s ceremony, the outgoing Board of Trustees and General Council members were also recognized and given

Pendleton blankets as gifts for their contributions.

“The last two years, they made a great commitment, and Kat over many decades, to serve the people,” Board Member Corinne Sams said during the ceremony, adding that she had the “utmost respect and faith” in the new board and that it would work together to serve the tribe to protect – and enhance – treaty rights to ensure that future generations can thrive.

Members of the CTUIR Youth Council were also sworn in after their peers selected new leaders during a two-day summit the previous week.

As Youth Council members, the emerging leaders will sharpen their own leadership skills, advocate on behalf of issues important to them and the CTUIR community and represent CTUIR outside of the community all while helping elevate and promote the perspectives of tribal youth.

“As future leaders, we the Youth Council are here to watch and learn from our elected leadership,” said Hiyuum Nowland, the Senior Youth Council’s new cultural ambassador.

“My hope is that we, the newly elected leadership, lead our tribe and youth with one heart and one mind.”

Newly elected General Council Secretary Martina Gordon stands alongside General Council Chair Alan Crawford as the newly elected official prepare to be sworn into office Nov. 29.

Nixyáawii Governance Center will be closed January 1st

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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Board reviews options for expanding school

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter MISSION – Tribal leaders on Nov. 9 reviewed a report about adding grades kindergarten through eighth at the Nixyaawii Community School, but took no official action.

Earlier in 2023, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) hired consultants to study expansion to give students the option of being educated by the tribal community for their entire primary education.

The consultants presented findings and expansion options to the Board of Trustees. Given the options and steps required for each, and other unanswered questions such as the lack of a long-term solution to address early childhood education and daycare needs being included in the report, Board members said they wanted more information.

Tribal leaders said they will likely form a task force to spend 2024 reviewing options before deciding on a possible expansion.

If the tribe ultimately chooses expansion, it will likely occur between 2027 and 2030, the report estimated, and millions of dollars in construction costs.

“Bottom line, we still have a lot of work to do,” then-Board Chair Kat Brigham said Nov. 9. “We definitely need to be figuring what our next steps are and how we’re going to be moving forward, because, as some of our elders have told me … we 2023_Dec-CUJ_ad_PRINT.pdf 9.75 x 6.4 11/16/2023 11:09:14 AM definitely need to grow our own.”

The 64,000-square-foot building operates as a

high school under a Pendleton School District charter. The building and charter allow for up to 200 students, though about 75-85 have typically enrolled. It also houses the CTUIR Language, Head Start and day care programs.

In the report, consultants presented four options: • Make no grade changes offered at NCS under the charter, • Make no changes but increase programming such as after school and early childhood offerings, • Expand the facility and offer more grades under a modified charter agreement, or • Expand while pursuing several self-governing operation models.

The report also included options for phasing in grades k-8 or partially expanding to include some grades.

Depending on the tribe’s approach, consultants estimated that construction-related costs would range between $24 million to $40 million, with yearly operational costs between $1.5 million and $3.2 million.

Consultants also presented four oversight options that would affect how much the tribe would pay to build and operate the expanded school, as well as how much control over curriculum, staffing and programming it would have.

The tribe could seek to modify its charter to include more grades and continue under the same funding mix of state taxes, federal and state grants and tribal dollars.

Or it could lobby for policy changes at the state level, sign a compact with the state and break from

the Pendleton charter to become a self-governing school district, consultants said.

It could also operate under two models to partner with the Bureau of Indian Education. Both options would give the tribe greater control in determining curriculum and programming because, consultants said, the BIE values incorporating Indigenous language and culture in education more than states.

Those approaches would require less tribal funding and be paid for mostly through federal grants, the report states.

If tribal leaders settle on a fourth option – forming an entirely self-funded and governed district – that some Board members said they preferred, CTUIR would pay for all construction and operational costs but would result in the greatest control of how it educates it students.

Not included in the findings was information about options for how the tribe could address pre-kindergarten and child care needs, as well as estimates on how many students would choose NCS if additional grades were offered.

The next step will likely include forming a task force to study the issue and recommend how to proceed though no formal directive was drafted at the meeting.

Some Board members said a task force, and any recommendations produced by it, should include discussion about a long-term vision about early childhood education and day care and how to incorporate those into any expansion.

Regardless of how the tribe decides how to proceed, its charter agreement with Pendleton will soon need addressing as it expires in 2024.

TAMÁSTSLIKT CULTURAL INSTITUTE | EAT. SHOP. EXPLORE. | DECEMBER 2023

The Museum Store Happy Holidays Sale!

25% off all Pendleton Wool merchandise* December 1-30

Enjoy discounted merchandise from Pendleton Woolen Mill all month.

25% off bags, blankets, towels, home décor, apparel, everything Pendleton.

Get in early while the selection is at its best! *May not be combined with other offers/discounts.

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Pendleton, OR 97801

FREE First Friday!

December 1 10am-5pm

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And shop the big sales at the Museum Store!

www.tamástslikt.org 541.429.7700

The Museum Store

End of Year Employee Sale!

30% off all Pendleton Wool merchandise* December 1-30

All employees of CTUIR government and tribally-owned entities receive 30% off all Pendleton Woolen Mills merchandise.

That's a big discount on bags, blankets, towels, home décor, apparel, and more.

Be sure to bring your employee ID! *May not be combined with other offers/discounts.

Exhibits, Museum Store Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm Kinship Cafe Open Tues-Sat 11am-2pm First Fridays are FREE!

Tamástslikt Cultu ral Institute will be close Christmas Day an d New Year's Day! d Enjoy your holidays!

Kinship Café Open for lunch 11am-2pm

Tuesday through Saturday! Great lunch options, weekly specials, and tasty huckleberry treats!

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DAY CARE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“They acknowledged that more discussion needs to happen and that other options need to be looked at.”

While many families that rely on the AMLC for childcare would’ve been largely insulated from the increases because they qualify for subsidies for lower-income families, a handful of families who aren’t eligible would have faced the full price hike, according to information presented by the CTUIR Education Department and Department of Child and Family Services at the Nov. 8 Board work session.

Concern about the increase prompted leaders to reduce the amount to 20% before the special General Council meeting before further deciding to not increase rates at all.

Now that the rates will remain unchanged from 2022, the tribe will spend the next year re-examining its rate and financial assistance structure, as well as what other funding sources the tribe could access to expand services or help parents pay for care, said CTUIR Deputy Executive Director Jonetta Herrera. The pause, she said, was influenced by the feedback the tribe received about the increase from working parents.

“It was too big of a jump,” Herrera said, adding that tribal outreach to parents could have been better before deciding to increase the cost. “I just felt that we needed to take a step back and look at it differently.”

In the coming months, the tribe also will open a temporary facility to help eliminate the AMLC’s waitlist, which sat at 32 as of Nov. 8, as it looks to solidify a more permanent solution to meet needs.

Herrera said the semi-permanent modular building is expected to open in July and have room for approximately 35 children up to 2 or 3 years old. The structure will sit at the community services area of the Nixyáawii Neighborhood subdivision, she added.

Price hikes hit some harder

Most CTUIR parents who take their children to the AMLC for care, or rely on one of several other facilities approved by the tribe, have some or all of their daycare costs subsidized through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which is a federal program CTUIR receives money from to help lowincome families afford child care.

The CCDF is overseen by the

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023 CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Overall, 90 families receive financial assistance through the program. The Education Department administers the AMLC. Before the proposed increases, parents were charged between $578 and $727 a month depending on the child’s age. Head Start program tuition had been $289 a month but became free beginning in September.

If the proposed increases had gone into effect, parents would have had to pay up to $1,190 a month per child.

Increasing the rates, as originally planned, would have allowed the tribe to unlock CCDF funding and make more families who previously didn’t qualify for the subsidies because they made too much money eligible for the program. It would have also allowed the AMLC to hire more staff and increase pay, which officials at the Nov. 8 meeting said would reduce turnover in the low-paying field and lead to higher quality care.

About 10 families would have been responsible for paying the full cost of care at the AMLC, Education Department staff said during the Nov. 8 meeting.

But for Wickert and her fiancé, Julian “J.D.” Gone III, who were among several other families who take their children to the AMLC who wouldn’t qualify for assistance under the CCDF expansion because they still made too much money, the rate hikes were unaffordable.

It would have meant an increase of more than 70%, or nearly $940 a month for Wickert and Gone to take their two young children to the AMLC – extra money the two CTUIR employees didn’t have, she said.

Despite both being established in their careers and grateful for their jobs, which come with good benefits, reliable hours and great work-life balance, Wickert said their government job wages – coupled with the costs of raising two children and living expenses – meant that they were still struggling financially.

Had the increases taken effect, Wickert said they would have had to make difficult decisions, such as selling one of the family’s two vehicles, one of them taking on a second job or one of them quitting their job to stay home with their young children.

Wickert and Gone said they would like to be saving for a house, but are still living paycheck to paycheck after moving to a two-bedroom apartment to be close to work and the AMLC. Gone had left a higherpaying construction job to work for the tribe because it would allow him to spend more time at home and have a reliable and flexible schedule to be

more present for his children.

“We agreed that it was going to be tight financially,” Wickert said. “And then when this happened … for us, I was just like ‘no, we can’t do this. We can’t make this work.’”

So, Wickert said she began to reach out for answers after she learned that their rates would jump dramatically in the Fall. She said she contacted a board member, who encouraged her to appeal to the tribe through a letter and comment card submission.

Wickert said she spoke up during a fall General Council meeting and said that she hadn’t received a response from the tribe. And after finally receiving an answer that said the rate changes couldn’t be undone, an unsatisfied Wickert was told she could petition to hold a special General Council meeting to address her concerns.

Wickert said it’s important to continue sending her children – Julian IV, age 2, and 1-year-old Elijah – to the AMLC because the curriculum centers around CTUIR culture and values and employs community members she knows and trusts. Wickert and Gone also said their two children enjoy spending the day there and that the kids feel safe with AMLC staff.

“I know, if I drop them off, they’re going to be in good hands,” Gone said. “I can go to work and not have to worry – I just know they’re going to do a great job.”

A question of priority

For the Board members and tribal officials working to offset the drastic daycare increases, addressing the issue also reminded them of unanswered questions about the long-term vision for CTUIR’s approach to child care and education: Should the tribe be treating the service as a baby sitting business or as a tribal service and critical part of a child’s education?

And how could the tribe meet the demand for child care services and how would that be paid for?

Tribal leaders have sought to answer some of those questions for years, then Board Chair Kat Brigham said during the Nov. 8 work session.

Brigham said she could remember debates she described as “a huge fight” about what sort of approach – treating child care as no more than baby sitting or a crucial first step in a child’s development that the tribe should play a large role in – and the necessary facilities going as far back as 1997 or 1998.

A 2022 Board resolution also called on the tribe to restructure child care and early learning programs and expand services.

Whether the new Board, which was sworn in on Nov. 29, prioritizes child care options is as yet unclear.

The Board didn’t take any official action or otherwise officially direct tribal staff to pursue a specific strategy or long-term solution in November but expressed hope that staff could present potential solutions to the Board soon so leaders could settle on a long-term strategy and provide certainty over pricing in the short term.

Still, some Board members who were re-elected said they planned to advocate for the issue to be among the new Board’s top priorities, with some top CTUIR staff members saying they also planned to ensure it’s not ignored.

“I don’t want that conversation to stop, regardless of who’s sitting here,” Board Member Corinne Sams said at the Nov. 8 meeting. “How we’re going to address the services moving forward needs to be resolved.”

What is known, is the need for additional childcare services.

In addition to the AMLC waitlist of more than 30, the demand could potentially be greater; as of late July, there were 305 enrolled tribal youth under age 13 in the area who would be eligible for childcare or early-learning services, according to information presented at the Nov. 8 meeting. Another 220 or so under age 13 are enrolled but don’t live in the area.

At the meeting, Sams said she believes access to quality child care in their early years “is huge” and “affects everything after” in helping young children develop and thrive.

Wickert said quality child care should be an affordable option for all CTUIR families and non-tribal parents who work for the tribe and challenged the new Board to tackle the issue. She said she is “happy to be a thorn in the side” if it’s not being prioritized.

Ideally, Wickert said she’d like to see the tribe treat childcare as an essential service and cover 100% of the costs for parents who send kids to the AMLC or a private center approved by DCFS and provide stipends to tribal members who live outside of the area and to CTUIR employees who aren’t tribal members. She said that it’s also important that daycare staff are paid enough to support themselves and given opportunities for professional development to ensure children receive high quality care.

“I just really want this to work, not only for us, but for everybody,” Wickert said. “I couldn’t imagine this not being addressed.”

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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HOMELESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

One potential outcome that’s already been considered, Herrera said, and could be part of a more permanent solution, would be to construct a small village of cottages with services that would more permanently and comfortably house those transitioning from homelessness... what tribal officials say is part of a plan to develop a long-term solution over the next year to reduce and prevent homelessness among CTUIR tribal members.

While the temporary shelters may not be ready immediately, housing officials said they are optimistic the units will be open for the coldest months. Deputy Executive Director Jonetta Herrera on Dec. 4 said she's hopeful they'll also help fill a gap moving forward until better longterm or more permanent options are available.

“We have a true need,” she said. “So that’s going to be a big plus for our community.”

The CTUIR Housing Department has built two 8 feet-by-10 feet structures and were waiting on approval from the Board to begin final preparations to make them habitable, Herrera said.

Housing Department Director Marcus Luke said in a recent email to the CUJ that they’re currently working to get power to a site east of the Longhouse for placing the pods. Once the electric is in place, the structures will be assembled on site and installed with heat and smoke alarms. Once complete, he said, those involved, like his department, the Department of Child and Family Services, tribal police and an area homeless services provider, will finalize details on how they’ll be operated.

The shelters will be stocked with supplies and be patrolled and monitored by security cameras, Luke said.

Those who use the shelters will also likely have access to water and showers. A CTUIR staff member, potentially from DCFS, will be responsible for daily checks on the tribal members using the shelters

Jonetta Herrera

and making sure there aren’t other resources they need or could find helpful, Herrera said during the Oct. 30 BOT meeting.

“It’s just temporary until we … work out a long-term plan,” Luke also told the Board in October.

While the structures are planned to only be available on colder nights, the tribe will still work to provide coldweather resources regardless or try and arrange potential motel stays if needed on nights where it may get too cold for the pods, or for other reasons.

In the meantime, the tribe will be working to identify ways to provide more permanent solutions and resources for tribal members who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk for losing housing.

That plan could include looking at what resources would be best for CTUIR tribal members, what funding is available combat homeless or to prevent someone from becoming homeless, how to access that money and what groups or other tribal entities have resources to contribute to addressing the problem, Herrera told the CUJ. One potential outcome that’s already been considered, Herrera said, and could be part of a more permanent solution, would be to construct a small village of cottages with services that would more permanently and comfortably house those transitioning from homelessness or others who might be at risk for losing shelter.

The tribe is expected to have a plan, prepared in conjunction with the state of Oregon and other local partners, completed sometime in 2024.

Essentially, Herrera said, the tribe will be looking at how to “incorporate all of this together to do what’s best for the community.”

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

Kayak Public Transit honored with national award MISSION – The National Rural Transit Assistance Program has announced Kayak Public Transit as its most recent recipient of the RTAP Tribal Transit Agency Award.

The national award honors innovation, efficiency, commitment and performance in the tribal transit industry and recognizes challenges overcome and best practices that raise the bar for tribal transit, according to RTAP. “This award is a result of all the hard work and dedication of the Kayak team long before I came,” Kayak General Manager Vicki Croes said.

“I feel honored to be part of such an amazing group that has surpassed all expectations as a tribal transit agency.

I look forward to our continued success and growth.”

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) launched its first fixed route in 2001 to meet tribal members’ transportation needs. The agency expanded its capacity, took over maintenance responsibilities, developed comprehensive performance measurements and extended its service area. It was

rebranded Kayak Public Transit in 2014.

“Kayak started as a transportation solution to tribal members that needed to access school, shopping, medical and other services, and as the program grew, it was quickly realized this is a challenge the entire region also struggled with. Kayak is a

which owns and operates Kayak.

Today, Kayak provides free and accessible transportation for the public in 19 rural communities in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. All its buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bicycle racks.

The transit program is funded

Kayak Public Transit buses sit parked under a canopy at the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Nixyáawii Governance Center in Mission, Oregon.

CTUIR | COURTESY

testament to regional collaboration, dedication and determination and finding robust solutions to common challenges.” said JD Tovey, deputy executive director of the CTUIR,

through a combination of federal and state grants and CTUIR general funds.

Angie Jones, Oregon Department of Transportation Public

Transportation Division’s Region 5 transit coordinator, nominated Kayak for the award. Croes will be accepting the award on behalf of Kayak during the RTAP Technical Assistance Conference Dec. 3-6, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The award marks the second time Kayak has been honored by RTAP. In 2019, Kayak was awarded the Tribal Transit System Award for creating a vision for regional mobility for tribal members through the CTUIR’s historic tribal lands by forging partnerships with the state, ODOT, adjacent counties and towns.

This past August, the program received two recognitions from the Oregon Transit Association: the 2023 Distinguished Service and 2023 Transit Driver of the Year awards.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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10

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

CTUIR Board approves 3 associate judge appointments MISSION – In November, the Board of Trustees approved three associate judges to serve in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) court system.

Naomi Stacy, Louisa Allman and Matt Johnson, who are all CTUIR members, were sworn in as associate judges on Nov. 13 for terms of 10 years.

Naomi Stacy “It’s an honor to have both the court’s recommendation, and the Board of Trustees approval for this appointment,” Stacy, a licensed attorney, said. “My legal career has been dedicated to the sovereign rights of Indian Country. That fits well with the court’s mission to exercise the sovereign judicial authority of the Umatilla Tribal Court.”

CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson appointed Stacy as a judge pro tem in May, which allowed her to hear matters under a temporary term. Over that time, she has taken judicial training and prepared with the Tribal Court to take cases.

“Currently, I hear criminal, probation and traffic matters at the trial court level,” she said. “The trial court level means hearing the charges filed by complaint, arraignments, pretrial status hearings, trial, and in the event of a verdict or plea of guilty, then move to sentencing. Eventually I will also hear civil matters such as juvenile, family law issues, personal injury matters and appeals.”

In the past 27 years, Stacy’s employment and training include juvenile justice advocate, American

Indian Law Pre-law Summer Institute teaching assistant, tribal prosecutor, natural resource policy analyst, tribal attorney, lobbyist, hearing officer and mediator.

Louisa Allman Allman, who has a background in criminal justice focusing on children and adolescents, is a CTUIR juvenile delinquency specialist and will retain that title along with serving as an associate judge. She was appointed as a pro tem judge in August 2022 and has presided over child support hearings.

“It was an honor and a privilege to be recommended for appointment as associate judge

by Chief Judge Johnson and appointment by the Board of Trustees,” Allman said. “Having been appointed as an associate judge, my goal is to listen, to answer with respect, to make decisions soberly, and decide impartially.”

Having worked in the legal field since age 15, Allman has made it a goal to treat everyone with respect. “My belief is anyone can make a bad decision and it doesn't define who they are,” she said.

Allman, who has an associate degree in business administration is a certified paralegal.

Stacy and Allman are only the second and third women to serve as CTUIR judges. Lynn W. Hampton served as an appellate judge before being appointed as a Circuit Court judge for Umatilla and Morrow counties in 2011 by then-Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Matt Johnson Matt Johnson, a licensed attorney, has been the Tribal Court director/judicial assistant since April 2022. He will continue that role along with hearing cases as an associate judge.

“To have the Board’s trust to carry out such an important duty of the tribal government is an incredible honor, and I recognize what a privilege it is for me to be in this position,” he said.

Matt Johnson said the Tribal Court has sole criminal jurisdiction over Indian people on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who have been charged with domestic violence offenses under the Violence Against Women Act. He added that it has concurrent jurisdiction with Oregon for civil issues within the reservation.

“I expect Judge Stacy will initially take on most new cases among the three of us recently appointed judges, but I’ll be ready to fill in and start to ramp up as the senior judges (Chief Judge Johnson and Associate Judge David Gallaher) transition to appellate roles,” Matt Johnson said.

As judge, he plans to enable the court to exercise the maximum extent of its jurisdiction under the Treaty of 1855, the CTUIR Constitution and tribal codes.

“Exercising the Tribe’s sovereign judicial authority and providing tribal members and people on the Umatilla Indian Reservation with access to justice are two of the Court’s critical objectives that I will do my best to fulfill,” Matt Johson said.

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CTUIR member named to governor's cabinet SALEM — Shana McConville Radford has joined Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's administration as Tribal Affairs Director.

In a media release, Kotek lauded McConville Radford’s experience in tribal matters, policies and government-to-government relations illustrated throughout her career.

“It is with great honor and humility that I step into public service as Tribal Affairs Director for Governor Tina Kotek’s office on behalf of Oregon’s tribal nations and the state of Oregon to foster collaboration Shana McConville and cooperation that is respectful of the unique Radford tribal cultural and historical perspectives, values, sovereignty, and self-governance," McConville Radford said. "I will promote and practice transparent and integrous policy design and implementation by centering true collaboration through curiosity, empathy, candor, and reciprocity.

As a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and an Oregonian, I bring with me a deep sense of pride and commitment to our shared values of connection, history, collaboration, and gratitude for the community that raised me.”

According to the release, McConville Radford brings more than 15 years of tribal relations, policy, tribal facilitation, negotiation, and intergovernmental relations experience to the role.

Previously serving as a CTUIR deputy executive director, Radford has also served as the superintendent of the Flathead Agency in Montana for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has worked with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and served as a tribal consultant on energy, education, and health.

She is a former American Australian Association Education Fellow and holds a postgraduate degree in international law and international relations from the University of New South Wales.

In addition, she is a former Mark O. Hatfield Congressional Fellow, where she served as a tribal legislative liaison and advisor to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.

11

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Cayuse Holdings earns Dept. of Labor hiring award MISSION – The U.S. Department of Labor on Nov. 8, 2023, named Cayuse Holdings LLC, an enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), as a Platinum Level HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipient.

HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients in 2023 were recognized for their support recruiting, employing and retaining U.S. military veterans, according to the Department of Labor.

At Cayuse Holdings, 17% of its employees are veterans.

Cayuse’s Veteran Liaison and Director of Training Christopher Schwartz helps facilitate veterans’ needs, assisting in everything from veteran services to finding resources and information for vets. He said Cayuse’s veteran employees are an important part of the organization’s success.

“It’s fundamentally natural for Cayuse’s veterans to act as mentors and coaches in their roles, setting an example for their employees and becoming stewards of leadership,” Schwartz said.

For the Platinum Level Award, at least 10% of a recipient’s new hire percentage must be veterans, and the recipient’s retention rate of veterans must be at least 85%. The recipient must also have veteran integration assistance programs such as a veteran organization or resource group, leadership program, dedicated human resources professional(s), pay differential program and tuition assistance program.

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su announced award recipients during a ceremony at the department’s Washington, D.C., headquarters where awardees were recognized for supporting veterans and their families.

“Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans as they help them develop meaningful, longterm careers,” said Su. In 2018, the CTUIR created Cayuse Holdings, LLC and expanded Cayuse Technologies into a holding company with several subsidiary companies. The CTUIR enterprise employs more than 630 people.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Why I didn't run for re-election I have been asked numerous times over the past couple months, why I had chosen not to run for a third term as your chairman of General Council. The decision to step away for a term or two, was not an easy one to make.

I prayed a lot, made many a hot sweat, and asked closest friends and loved ones what I should do.

Of course, it was Creator who calmed my anxiety and suffering Lindsey X. Watchman best. In reply, I share that it’s time for me to get back into the trenches, specifically workforce development and helping our People get trained up for meaningful careers here at home.

It has been my life’s greatest privilege these past four years, and certainly the most humbling… to serve, to protect, and to try to enhance the livelihood of every Nixyáawii man, woman and child who lives here on the rez, and those hundreds of miles away. We are nearly 3,200 members strong, and are speckled all around the world. I serve(d) each and every one of you.

Servant leadership is a challenging call of duty, for sure…that is, to try to think of every tribal member, all day every day. Debates during countless meetings on how best to efficiently and effectively “manage the day-

to-day operations” of an organization with almost 1,900 employees; an operating budget of over half a billion dollars; land holdings and natural resources spanning 180,000 acres; while also monitoring several business enterprises. Then finally, following-up with concerns brought to us by our tribal members. It’s a 24/7/365 oncall job.

Although there is much to learn, study and pay attention to, I graciously award myself a solid grade of ‘B’ during my two terms (some may grade higher)…but give a heartfelt apology at the same time if I didn’t meet your expectations.

I’ll work even harder the next time around.

I sincerely thank fellow GC officers for keeping me in line, to fellow Board members for their patience while I asked questions to seek full understanding of the topic, to both admin and janitorial staff of the west wing, and to the hard-working department directors and their staff… we cannot get anywhere without you all keeping your eyes on the goals for our community.

Each one of us…holds within our timine (heart) an intrinsic, deep vow of reciprocity to the People, to our homelands, to our history and to our songs and traditions.

That’s what makes us Nixyaawiipama.

Kúnk’u ’ée háawtnay’sa titóoqana "always show respect to the people..." I hope that I have done so, every day that I served you as your chairman of General Council.

Yox kalo Pateewas / Lindsey X. Watchman

It's been an honor I knew it was going to be an uphill battle once I pursued the idea of being a write-in candidate back in September.

Again, I take full accountability for what went wrong on my nomination form. To those 253 people who wrote my name in for the General Council chair role, it means so much. I had more votes as a write-in this year than when I first ran four years ago as a member at large. It’s been an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees these past four years.

There has been a lot of growth from myself serving Boots Pond these two terms. I know a lot more about what goes on in the Board Chambers. The person I was in 2018 was so critical of the Board. Our elected leaders do a lot. What’s on their plate and the amount of information that needs to be digested can pop a membrane. I really don’t envy what the Board does anymore now that I got a taste of it.

Being on the Board helped with me speaking up. My confidence in myself to step up and represent increased. I want to give a shout out to Sandy Sampson, Lindsey Watchman, Jill-Marie Gavin, Armand Minthorn, and especially Jeremy Wolf. The way they ask questions on certain matters made me jealous. How are their speech skills and confidence so good? It pushed me to better myself and to have faith in what’s on my mind. There’s no dumb question to be asked.

The weight on my shoulders is lighter now. This experience with the 2020 floods, the Covid pandemic, and the Covid aftermath has changed my perspective. There were many things I planned to do to enhance the General Council chair role. That all might have to be dusted off later on. We’ll see, I also had ideas for the Board chair and secretary as well. I highly encourage the youth to look into the tribal government. That was one of my main pushes.

There’s a lot on the horizon for this next Board to be wary of. It’s going to be a crucial term. I completely trust Vice-Chair Ashley, Member Ganuelas, Member Sams, Member Patrick and staff to carry that fire. Our newly elected leaders are going to be overwhelmed at first, but I know they’ll catch on. Wishing you all well and good luck!

Boots Pond

Toastmasters kicking off 2024 with 2 programs Cay-Uma-Wa Toastmasters are hosting the second annual Gary L. Hildebrand Youth Speech Contest at 6 p.m., Jan. 16 in the Birch Room at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Youth 12 to 18 years of age are invited to present an original three- to six-minute speech on any topic. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers. Contact Kristy Jones at kapobob8@gmail. com to register.

A series of “Speechcraft” seminars begin Jan. 17 at the Nixyáawii Governance Center.

These seminars are geared towards adults looking to develop public speaking skills.

Seminars will be from Noon to 1p.m. every other Wednesday for six sessions that include both an in-person and a remote attendance option. Cost is $60 for the program which includes six months of ongoing post-program support and membership with Club. Contact Holly Anderson at Hollyanderson@ctuir.org to register.

Cay-Uma-Wa Toastmasters

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

13

National transit group honors CTUIR employees MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) employees Robert and Susan Johnson have been selected as honorees for the 2023 National Rural Transit Assistance Program Wall of Fame.

The Johnsons, who are married, will be two of 12 people recognized as inaugural Wall of Fame honorees Dec. 3-6 at the National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Those honored are being recognized for exemplary service in the rural and tribal transit industry for their dedication, innovation, customer service and professionalism. The Johnsons are being commended for their work with the CTUIR’s Kayak Public Transit.

“I feel deeply honored to have received this award and am thankful that I am able to travel to accept this award,” Susan Johnson said. She retired from Kayak in February but is contracting with the agency to provide training and support. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Kayak Public Transit and the great staff that work hard to keep the program running smoothly.”

Robert Johnson, who retired from Kayak in March 2021, has also returned to the transit agency as a part-time driver training instructor and special projects support.

“It was very gratifying to have been chosen for the Wall of Fame,” he said. “It is a humbling experience to be honored in this way. I never performed my work with the thought of being recognized and honored

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) employees Robert and Susan Johnson have been selected as honorees for the 2023 National Rural Transit Assistance Program Wall of Fame during its National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference Dec. 3-6 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The married couple dedicated 31 combined years building Kayak Public Transit as a gold standard in the industry. COURTESY

for it. I always looked at it as my contribution to this great industry.”

Collectively, the two dedicated 31 years to the service.

Susan Johnson helped build the transit system from scratch, beginning in 2001, as administrative support for the first transit service providing transportation options between Pendleton and Mission.

She grew the program to become a regional transit provider, offering fare-free rides to connect 18 communities in four counties in Oregon and Washington. The routes cover more than 100 miles east to west and 70 miles north to south.

Before joining Kayak as the fleet and safety manager in 2013, Robert Johnson had 38 years of experience as a diesel mechanic, including six years as an instructor at Blue Mountain Community College.

He helped establish Kayak's Transit Center, which was completed in 2013, and developed its Fleet Maintenance System, which is nationally recognized as a gold standard in rural transit fleet management.

Earlier this year, the two were jointly awarded Oregon’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award.

Kayak Public Transit General Manager Vicki Croes nominated the Johnsons for the award. She said the two “built a solid transit operation and their contribution to the organization will be felt for years to come.”

Each honoree will be showcased on the wall and on the National RTAP website as well as receive a commendation. Honorees who attend the conference will also receive National RTAP Honoree business cards and lapel pins.

The CTUIR owns and operates Kayak. It is funded by federal, state, local and tribal grants and contracts to provide public transit services to the region. For information, call 541-429-7519 between 4 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING

4th Annual Free Christmas Dinner Fundraiser

In 2020, with only two weeks of planning, we served 250 dinners.

Last Christmas that number grew to over 600. This dinner would not be possible without sponsors, volunteers, and community donations.

We invite you to consider warming the hearts and stomachs of the Pendleton community this Christmas by making a taxdeductible donation to the 4th Annual Free Christmas Dinner.

Donations can be made online at https://pendletoncac.org/donate or by check to Pendleton Community Action Coalition PO Box 1762, Pendleton, OR 97801.

Scan this QR code to access our Linktree

Pendleton Community Action Coalition is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization

14

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes •October 16, 2023 Ascertainment of Quorum. BOT Present: Kat Brigham, BOT Chair; Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; Sandra Sampson, Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Lisa Ganuelas, Member (via Zoom); Toby Patrick, Member; Boots Pond, Member; Corinne Sams, Member and Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman. Full quorum present.

Old Business: Polled Action.

No. 23-050 Subject: Support Letter to Wells Fargo Bank.

MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to ratify Polled Action 23-050. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7 for (Lindsey Watchman, Boots Pond, Lisa Ganuelas, Sally Kosey, Toby Patrick and Sandra Sampson) – 0 against - 1 (Aaron Ashley). ii. No. 23-051 Subject: ATNI sponsorship was ratified at the Oct 2 BOT Meeting. [This was approved at the 10/2 BOT Meeting]. iii. No. 23-052 Subject: Letter to Cayuse Holding LLC Board of

Director Chair regarding defaults from Wells Fargo Bank.

MOTION: Boots Pond moves to ratify Polled Action 23-052.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7 for (Boots Pond, Corinne Sams, Lindsey Watchman, Aaron Ashley, Toby Patrick, and Sandra Sampson) – 0 against, 1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas). iv. No. 23-053 Subject: Letter supporting historic opportunity to save NW Salmon.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to ratify Polled Action 23-053.

Aaron Ashley seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is 23-087: None.

Other Board Action Items: None. f. BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports.

Lisa Ganuelas, Aug. 8-9, Zoom on The Settlement of Indian Reserved

Water Rights.

Sally Kosey, 9/17-22 attended ATNI Convention at Portland.

Sandra Sampson, 10/2-3 attended OHP Board meeting Retreat at Bend.

Toby Patrick, meet and greet Sen. Anderson at Glenden Beach.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to approve the four travel reports.

Lisa Ganuelas seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests.

Kat Brigham, 3 requests: polled personal leave 10/10 1-4 PM. polled personal leave 10/11 7:30-8 AM. travel 10/29 dept at 1 PM to ret. 1 PM on 11/1 at Lucky Eagle Casino Resort to attend WA Accord meeting.

Lindsey Watchman, 2 requests: personal leave 10/13 from 2-4 PM. polled travel to Ashland to attend SOU even paid by host.

Lisa Ganuelas, 2 requests: personal

leave 10/26-27. polled personal leave on 10/13.

Sandra Sampson (3): Personal leave, 10/26 dept. 1 PM and all day 10/27. Virtual meeting, SGAC Title 4 Amendments Implementation Work Group, 11/21 at 6AM and 11/23 at 2 PM. Virtual meeting, SGAG Title 4 Amendments Implementation Work Group,11/6 from 10 AM to 2 PM. MOTION: Boots Pond moves to approve and ratify the 13 leave requests. Sally Kosey seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports.

Lisa Ganuelas, Aug. 8-9, Zoom on The Settlement of Indian Reserved Water Rights.

Sally Kosey, 9/17-22 attended ATNI Convention at Portland.

Sandra Sampson, 10/2-3 attended OHP Board meeting Retreat at Bend.

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

October 16 continued Toby Patrick, meet and greet Sen. Anderson at Glenden Beach.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to approve the four travel reports.

Lisa Ganuelas seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests.

Aaron Ashley, 2 requests: personal leave on 11/14 and birthday leave on 11/15. travel 10/31 to 11/3 to attend Rise Up NW In Unity at Tulalip, WA – rescinded request.

Boots Pond, 2 requests: polled personal leave 10/13 from 1-4 PM. polled personal leave 10/10 from 1-4 PM. Corrine Sams, polled personal leave 10/4 from 2-4 PM. Kat Brigham, 3 requests: polled personal leave 10/10 1-4 PM. polled personal leave 10/11 7:30-8 AM. Travel 10/29 dept at 1 PM to ret. 1 PM on 11/1 at Lucky Eagle Casino Resort to attend WA Accord

meeting.

Lindsey Watchman, 2 requests: personal leave 10/13 from 2-4 PM. polled travel to Ashland to attend SOU event paid by host.

Lisa Ganuelas, 2 requests: personal leave 10/26-27. polled personal leave on 10/13.

Sandra Sampson 3 requests: Personal leave, 10/26 dept. 1 PM and all day 10/27. Virtual meeting, SGAC Title 4 Amendments Implementation Work Group, 11/21 at 6 AM and 11/23 at 2 PM. MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to approve the four travel reports.

Lisa Ganuelas seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

Scan the QR with your smart phone camera to see the Board of Trustees work calendar

15

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

46411 Timine Way | Pendleton, OR 97801

General Council

www.ctuir.org email: generalcouncil@ctuir.org Phone & Fax: 541-429-7378

General Council Draft Agenda Dec. 21, 2023 - 2:00 PM & Hybrid: In-person & Virtual via Zoom 1.

Call to Order 2.

Invocation 3.

Ascertainment of Quorum

a. General Council Officers

b. Board of Trustees

c. General Council Members 4.

Approval of Agenda

5.

Approval of Executive Summary - November 16, 2023

6.

Old Business

7.

New Business

a. Board of Trustees Vice Chair/Annual Report

Aaron Ashley, BOT Vice Chair

b. Umatilla Basin Water Rights Settlement Update and 2024 Settlement Activities - Gary Burke, BOT Chair 8.

Open Mic 9.

Announcements/Notes 10.

Adjournment Only enrolled CTUIR Tribal Members permitted to attend. Contact GC Secretary Martina Gordon at martinagordon@ctuir.org for zoom meeting ID & passcode

S p B l Thursdays

16

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes • October 30, 2023 Ascertainment of Quorum. BOT Present: Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; Sandra Sampson, Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Boots Pond, Member; Corinne Sams, Member and Lindsey Watchman , General Council Chairman. Kat Brigham, BOT Chair and Lisa Ganuelas, Member both on travel. Quorum present.

Old Business i. No. 23-054 Subject: Letter to USACE submitting comments on the draft Implementation Guidance for the Revised Village Development Plan.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to ratify Official Polled Action No. 23-054. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6-0-0. ii. No. 23-055 Subject: Budget Modification for additional technical support.

MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to ratify Official Polled Action No. 23-055. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0. iii. No. 23-056 Subject: Talking points Centennial Accord.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to ratify Official Polled Action No. 23-056 with addition of adding Sandra Sampson's vote for yes.

Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0 New Business: a. Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is 23-087: i. Resolution 23-087: Topic: USFWS NHPA Adverse Effect MOA- L-Road Reseeding (45GR00318).

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Confederated Tribes to participate as an invited signatory to the "Memorandum of Agreement Among the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Nez Perce

Tribe, and the Wanapum Band of Indians Regarding Effects to Site 45GR00318 due to the L-Road Fire Reseeding Project within the Hanford Reach National Monument, Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Grant County, Washington," attached as Exhibit 1, and authorizes its Chair to execute it on behalf of the Confederated Tribes and to take such further action and execute other documents, if any, that are necessary to carry out the purposes ofthis agreement and this Resolution.

MOTION: Sandra Sampson moves to adopt Resolution 23-087.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0. ii. Resolution 23-088: Topic: GRAP Amendments. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees does hereby approve the Amended Gaming Revenue Allocation Plan (Amended GRAP) attached to this Resolution as Exhibit lC; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chair to submit the attached Amended

GRAP to the Department of the Interior for approval as required

by Federal law; BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Amended GRAP shall not be effective until approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or her designee, and that the Executive Director shall insure that the trust documents, forms for the reporting of general welfare expenses and any Tribal Code amendments needed to implement the amended GRAP shall be developed and submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval; MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to adopt Resolution 23-088 with amendments to change from last Resolve spelling of insure to ensure and change BOT Chair not to sign amended GRAP. Sally Kosey seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0. iii. Resolution No. 23-089 Topic: Tiicham Conservation District Reorganization/RESOLVED, The Board of Trustees approves the proposed amendments to the Tiicham Conservation District Charter, attached as Exhibit 1; AND

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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October 30 continued BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Board of Trustees approves the proposed Articles of Incorporation for the Tiicham Conservation District under the Nonprofit Corporations Code, attached as Exhibit 2; AND BE IT FURTHER MOTION: Toby Patrick moves to adopt Resolution 23-089 with amended dates. Lindsey Watchman seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0. iv. Resolution No. 23-090 Topic: Designation of Executive Director as Alternate NCAI Delegate. RESOLVED, that pursuant to Article III, Section B(l)(b) and (c) of the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Board of Trustees hereby designates the Confederated Tribes' Executive Director, Donald G. Sampson, as an Alternate Delegate to the National Congress of American Indians for purposes of the November 2023 Annual Convention, with full authority to vote on behalf of the Confederated Tribes; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Executive Director is hereby directed to provide a copy of this Resolution to the NCAI Credentials Committee to certify the Board of Trustees' delegation of voting authority prior to the 2023 NCAI Annual Convention. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 23-090. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0. a. Other Board Action Items: Commission & Committee Update

by Sally Kosey, BOT Secretary. Fish & Wildlife Commission, for a 3-year staggered term has 1 vacancy with 2 applications from Bud Herrera

and Brandon Treloar. ACTION: By secret ballot Brandon Treloar was appointed to the Fish & Wildlife Commission for a three-year staggered term.

Health Commission for a 3-year staggered term has 1 vacancy with 3 applications from Shawna Gavin, B Irene Fitzpatrick and Karen Macolm. ACTION: By secret ballot Shawna Gavin was appointed to the Health Commission for 3-year staggered term.

Land Acquisition Committee for a 2-year term has 1 application from Aaron Jackson.

MOTION: Boots Pond moves to reappoint Aaron Jackson by acclamation to Land Acquisition Committee for a 2-year term. Sandy Sampson seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

Tiicham Conservation District for 2-year term has 1 vacancy with 1 application from Adrienne Berry.

MOTION: Toby Patrick moves to appoint Adreinne Berry by acclamation to Tiicham Conservation District for a 2-year term. Sally Kosey seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

Tribal Employment Rights Office Commission for a 2-year term has 2 vacancies with 1 application from Gretchen "Buffy" Hines.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to appoint Gretchen "Buffy" Hines to the TERO Commission for a 2-year term. Sandra Sampson seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

Wildhorse Foundation has a 2-year staggered term, 1 vacancy with 2 applications from Louisa

Allman and Sonara Malamaleumu.

ACTION: By secret ballot Sonara Malamaleumu appointed to the Wildhorse Foundation for a 2-year staggered term.

MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to reappoint John Turner from Pendleton to Wildhorse Foundation. Toby Patrick seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motin carries 6-0-0 Farming Committee: resignation from Mark French.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to accept resignation from Mark French and advertise one position.

Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

Terms expiring: Jeff Van Pelt, Election Commission, term ends 12/31. Dawn Swan, Election Commission, term ends 12/31.

Velma Dunfee, Enrollment Commission, term ends 12/2.

Terms Expiring continued:Catherine Barkley, Enrollment Commission, term ends 12/2. Raymond Huesties, Land Protection Planning Commission, term ends 12/1.

Term letters will be sent within two weeks of the ratification date.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports. Corinne Sams 4 reports:1.9/20-22 at Hagerman, ID for CRITFC meeting. 2. 10/18-19 attended EcoTrust dinner awards at Portland. 3. 9/27-29 as keynote speaker at Water Association Annual State Conference at Seattle.. 4. 10/11-13 to re: attend US v OR Tribal Caucus and a regular meeting at Portland.

MOTION: Boots Pond moves to approve travel reports. Sandra Sampson seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests. Aaron Ashley, 10/27 polled persona leave from 2 to 4 PM. Boots Pond, 10/23 polled personal leave from 3 to 4 PM. Corinne Sams (5) leave requests: Personal leave, 10/30 from 1 to 4 PM. Birthday leave, 10/31 all day.

Personal leave, 11/20-22 all day.

Polled leave, 10/23 from 7:30 to 8 AM. Polled travel, 10/23-25 to attend CRITFC meeting at Portland.

Lindsey Watchman, 10/26 polled personal leave for 5 hours.

Lisa Ganuelas, (2) leave requests: Polled Personal Leave, 10/18 for 2.5 hours. Polled Personal Leave, 10/16 for 3.5 hours.

Sandra Sampson (3) leave requests: Polled Personal Leave, 10/18 for 1 hour. Polled Personal Leave, 10/19 for 1 hours. Virtual meeting, 11/30 from 9 AM to noon with Center for Indigenous Innovation & Health Equity Advisory Committee.

Toby Patrick (4) leave requests: Polled Personal Leave, 10/23 from 1 to 4 PM. Polled Personal Leave, 10/26 all day. Polled Personal Leave, 10/28 from 1 to 4 PM. Polled Travel Request, 11/3-4 to attend Willamette Falls Board meeting at Portland.

MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to approve and ratify 17 leave requests with corrections.

Boots Pond seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

Scan the QR with your smart phone camera to see the Board of Trustees work calendar

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

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CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes • November 13, 2023 BOT PRESENT: Aaron Ashley, ViceChair; Sandra Sampson, Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Boots Pond, Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Corinne Sams, Member and Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman. Kat Brigham on personal leave. Quorum present.

Old Business: Polled Action: No. 23-057 Subject: Increase turkey gift/cash to employees.

MOTION: Sandra Sampson moves to ratify Official Polled Action No. 23-057. Corinne Sams seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

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New Business: Resolution number is 23-091 Topic: Strategic Energy 2023-2024 Implementation Plan Resolved, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the Executive Director to execute any actions necessary to move Pacific Power meters under the housing department to take advantage of the Tutuilla Solar Renewable Energy Subscriber agreement, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees appropriates funding from the contingency fund in the amount of $181,169.45 to fund the activities outlined in the Strategic Energy 2023-2024 Implementation Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit 2; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees appoints the Energy Strategy Team Lead to initiate a scoping call with the United States Department of Energy loan office; AND BE IT FURTHER ESOLVED that the Board of Trustees authorizes the Executive Director to oversee the development of the Projects and associated actions described in Exhibit 2: a. Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Energy Fund Proposal Project; b. Energy Portfolio Scoping Project; c. Tribal Energy Development Organization Feasibility Project; d. Tribal Utility Authority Feasibility Project; e. Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program Pre-Application Project; and to take any other action necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees delegates and authorizes the Executive Director to sign and submit grant

applications as described in Exhibit 2, the Strategic Energy 2023-2024 Implementation Plan: Treatment of Energy- Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law- Preventing Outages 40101d Formula Grant; and to take any other action necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees directs the Executive Director to report back quarterly on the status of the Energy Strategy Team’s progress and status of the grant applications; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 23-091 as amended to add report on quarterly status. Boots Pond seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-092: Topic: Legal Services Contract; RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the filing of a quiet title action and a boundary line adjustment to resolve the land title and boundary issues associated with Columbia County tax lot 4010, to secure Bonneville Power Authority approval of the boundary line adjustment and the associated release of the parcel that is the subject of the boundary line adjustment from the conservation easement on the Rainwater Wildlife Area and to provide replacement wildlife mitigation acres from the Fewel property; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees directs that a fee to trust application for Columbia County tax lot 4010 be filed as soon as practical after the land title and boundary issues have been resolved; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby appropriates the funds needed to pay for the above referenced legal services from the Land Acquisition Fund; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Executive Director to execute the attached Engagement Letter and Fee Agreement, or one containing substantially similar terms, and to take such further action and execute documents as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 23-092.

Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-093: Topic: 2024 BOT Meeting Calendar.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to defer Resolution for more BOT and staff input. Lisa Ganuelas seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-094: Topic: DCFS Reorganization Adding Child Welfare Program Manager Position.

RESOLVED, that the Confederated Tribes hereby approves the Department of Children and Family Services revised organization chart as Exhibit 1, which includes a new Program Manger position, and appropriates the 2023 allocation from the Contingency Fund and directs Finance to add the 2024 amount as identified in Exhibit 2C to the Department of Children and Family Services base budget for 2024; MOTION: Sandra Sampson moves to adopt Resolution 23094 with an Whereas amendment that Law & Order Committee met on November 7th and approved resolution. Corinne Sams seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6 for (Sandra Sampson, Corinne Sams, Boots Pond, Lindsey Watchman, Sally Kosey and Toby Parick) – 0 against) - 1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas).

Resolution 23-095: Topic: Transfer of Milton-Freewater Bus Service to Kayak. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation accepts the transfer of a 2008 Ford El Dorado, a 2016 Ford Starcraft, and four bus shelters and their associated responsibilities from the City of Milton-Freewater (Exhibit 1) on January 1, 2024, and will fulfill all obligations and authorizes the execution of all necessary documents and restrictions to complete the transfer; MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to adopt Resolution 23-095 with amendment. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-096: Topic: Housing Admission & Occupancy Policies. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees approves the adoption of the proposed Admissions and Occupancy Policies, attached as Exhibit 1, effective January 1, 2024, following a public notice and engagement period, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board

DECEMBER 2023 • NEWS • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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November 13 continued of Trustees directs the Executive Director to notify the relevant regulatory agencies of the adoption of the proposed Admissions and Occupancy Policies, attached as Exhibit 1, AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED; the Board of Trustees authorizes the Executive Director to make technical, formatting, and grammatical revisions to the Admissions and Occupancy Policies as needed; MOTION: Lindsey Watchman moves to adopt Resolution 23-096.

Boots Pond seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6 for -(Lindsey Watchman, Boots Pond, Sally Kosey, Toby Patrick, Corinne Sams and Sandra Sampson) – 0 against – 1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas).

Resolution 23-097: Topic: Modification of Lease Agreement for Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the FY 2023 Lease Modification and the FY 2024 Lease Modification for the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center between the Confederated Tribes and the United States of America, Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services (IHS), Lease No. IHSCTUIR-2022-821, attached to this Resolution as Exhibits 1C and 2C, respectively; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chair or their designee to execute the Lease Agreement and to take such further action as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Resolution; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby delegates to the Tribal Health Commission the authority to negotiate and execute future leases with the Indian Health Service under Section 105L of the Indian Self Determination and Educational Assistance Act for the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees directs that the Yellowhawk Chief Executive Officer shall include in their monthly reports to the

Board of Trustees the status and result of such Yellowhawk lease renewal negotiations when they occur; MOTION: Sandy Sampson moves to adopt Resolution 23-097.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-098: Topic: Appointment of Associate Judges; RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees appoints Naomi Stacy, Louisa Allman, and Matthew Johnson as Associate Judges of the Umatilla Tribal Court; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that per Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Confederated Tribes and Section 2.01(B) of the Confederated Tribes’ Court Code, these appointments shall include a probationary period of one year; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the terms of appointment, pending successful completion of the probationary period, shall be for a period of ten (10) years from the date of this Resolution; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 23-098 with amendments. Sandra Sampson seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-099: Topic: 2024 Annual Budget and Work Plans.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation appropriates an allotment for 2024 not to exceed $531,941,700 and approves the 2024 operating budgets as identified in Exhibit 1C – 2024 CTUIR Budget provided expenditures do not exceed revenues; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees directs the Board of Trustees Treasurer and Executive Director to monitor the implementation of the directives, recommendations and instructions contained in Exhibit 2C - 2024 Tribal Appropriations Report and provide periodic reports to the Board of Trustees regarding the accomplishments and obstacles in such implementation; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board

of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation approves the Tribal government Annual Work Plans as contained in Exhibit 3 – 2024 CTUIR Annual Work Plans; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the Executive Director to negotiate and execute the 2024 Indirect Cost Proposal and to modify the identified budget amount as circumstances dictate in relation to the Indirect Cost Proposal; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the Board of Trustees Treasurer, Executive Director and the Tribal Finance Director to withdraw other Tribal funds identified in Exhibit 1C for the uses identified; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the withdrawal of revenues held by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 upon notification to the Umatilla Agency Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the negotiation, execution, and modification of the 2024 budgets approved herein as provided for in the CTUIR Fiscal Management Policies; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 23-099 as amended. Sally Kosey seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 23-100 Topic: Reappointment of Montgomery Hong to Cayuse Holdings Board of Directors. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Montgomery “Monte” Hong to the Cayuse Holdings Board of Directors for a four-year term beginning October 31, 2023, and ending on October 31, 2027.

MOTION: Sandra Sampson moves to adopt Resolution 23-099 as amended. Corinne Sams seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Other Board Action Items: Motion approving Healing Lodge Agreement by Yellowhawk.

MOTION: Sandra Sampson moves to approve Assessing Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities Data Sharing Agreement as presented at the November 9, 2023 Board of Trustees work session, and that the Board of Trustees authorize its Chair to execute and submit such Agreement to the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0 BOT Leave and Travel Reports: Sandra Sampson, 3 reports Virtual meeting, 10/24 with OHBP. Virtual meeting, 11/7 with OHBP. Virtual meeting, 11/6 and 7 ISDEAA Negot.

Rulemaking for Progressive Act. Toby Patrick, 11/2-3 at Portland for Willamette Falls Board meeting.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to approve the four travel reports and Kat Brigham report will be read only. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6 for (Sally Kosey, Boots Pond, Lisa Ganuelas, Lindsey Watchman, Toby Patrick and Corinne Sams) – 1 against (Sandra Sampson) – 0 abstaining.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Request: Boots Pond, 2 requests personal leave on 11/23 and 11/27 and polled leave on 11/3 for 3 hours.

Corinne Sams, travel 11/14-17 for CRTFC meeting (paid by CRITFC) Lindsey Watchman (3): Polled PL, 11/8,for 1.5 hours. Polled PL, 11/1, for .5 hours. Polled Travel, 10/31, to attend CDA ground-breaking ceremony.

Sally Kosey, 11/16 all day.

Sandra Sampson, 2 requests Polled PL, 11/2 for half hour and 11/22 all day.

MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to ratify and approve leave requests.

Sandra Sampson seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

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Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy & prosperous 2024

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • NEWS • DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

DECE MBE R 2023

VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 12

SECTION B

Tribal employees recognized for landmark years of service during annual event, PAGE 3

COMMUNITY & SPORTS

THE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION

Tribal members take to the court during Trail Blazers/Thunder game

By NIKA BARTOO-SMITH Underscore News PORTLAND – In a packed stadium, community members showed up to the Blazers vs. Thunder game Nov. 19 not only in support of Portland’s NBA team, but also to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Fans poured into the Moda Center for the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game that Sunday night. Blazers Dancers led a parade through the hallways and into the stadium with pop music blaring through a portable speaker. The dancers were followed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Yakama Nation tribal members dressed in their regalia. In the rear, two Umatilla elders sat in a bike peddled

carriage, handing out “Rip City” flags.

The sounds of jingle dress cones and bells blended together with the ruffling of pompoms and pop music as powwow dancers and Blazers Dancers made their rounds through each floor of the Moda Center.

Looking into the crowd that night — a sea of red, black and white — beaded medallions, earrings and ribbon skirts with the Blazers logo were a common sight.

“I think I’m most excited about the fact that community is here,” said Michelle Jalali, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Trail Blazers, who helped plan the event. “The best part of this process was knowing that we gave out over 400 free tickets just specifically GAME CONTINUED PAGE 11

Chicken dancer Hiiyuum Nowland shows off his moves during a break in the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game Nov. 19.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS | COURTESY PHOTO

Cousins named 2024 Happy Canyon Princesses

Lauren Gould and Layla Sohappy have been named the 2024 Happy Canyon Princesses. HAPPY CANYON | COURTESY PHOTO

PENDLETON – The Happy Canyon Board of Directors has announced cousins Layla Sohappy and Lauren Gould as the 2024 Happy Canyon Princesses.

They will serve as the 2024 ambassadors for the Happy Canyon Night Show, Oregon’s official outdoor night pageant that takes place each night of the Pendleton Round-Up. The women will be formally introduced as the 2024 Happy Canyon Princesses during a 1 p.m. lunch Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Pendleton Convention Center. The public is invited.

“We’re excited to have these outstanding young women represent Happy Canyon in 2024,” said Happy Canyon President Kipp Curtis. “With a multigenerational family connection to Happy Canyon, we’re honored to have them as ambassadors.

Their special bond as cousins adds an extra special touch to this opportunity and is exciting for both their families and Happy Canyon.”

Sohappy and Gould are both descendants of Chief Joseph, who led the Nimiipuu people through the states to escape to Canada in 1877 and was an advocate for Native Americans to remain on

their homelands. The cousins are also great-great granddaughters of Annette Blackeagle Pinkham, who married Chief Clarence Burke in 1970 and resided in Cayuse until her death in 1988.

Sohappy, whose Indian name is Tsanat (Place of the Swan), is an 18-year-old enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and 2023 graduate of Nixyáawii Community School. Her parents are Jacy Sohappy and Tyler Niemeier. She plans to attend a four-year university after she earns an associate degree. She said she would like to pursue a career in history and Native American heritage and cultures and is interested in returning home to work with elders or collect information and artifacts for the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.

She follows in her mother’s footsteps as a Happy Canyon Princess. Her mother, Jacy Sohappy, was a Happy Canyon Princess in 2002, and since then several of Layla’s aunts have also served as princesses. Her cousin, Látis Nowland, served as a Happy Canyon Princess in 2023. Sohappy said her COUSINS CONTINUED PAGE 6

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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CTUIR employees recognized for landmark years of service MISSION — Sixty-eight employees were recognized with years of service awards during the annual Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation employee appreciation event Dec. 1 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. All employees were treated to breakfast, entertainment and prize raffles.

20 Years

Five Years

10 Years

Sisk, Donna

Allman, Louisa

Barkley, Catherine

Lewis, Cami

Bingham, Derrick

Maine, Alexa

Blair, Katherine

Michael, Tanner

Cain, Timothy

Moore, Garrell

Case, Clinton

Farrow, Burke

Smith, Annie

Coiner, Larman Lee

Snyder, Ronald

Hall, Andrea

Daley, Kyle

Hudson, Kevin

Vasquez, Carina

Hufford, Mae

Kannard, Haley

Dave, James

Kosey, Sandra

DeMary, Heather

Wagner-Bellingham, Paula

Harral, Douglas

Winks, Michael

Branstetter, Tela Dick, Aaliyah Fabian, Micki Jo

Lofting, Andrew Mayfield, Marla Minthorn, Trinette

15 Years

Burke, Kathryn Crump, Carrie Lambert, Michael

25 Years Ball, William Becenti, Darnell Conner, Roberta Dearing, Christian

Minthorn, Tysen

30 Years Childs, Allen

Bobbitt, Richard

Mildenberger, Alaina

Cowapoo, Lawrence

Nez, Donna

Fossek, Ronald

Picard, Prosper

Smith, Craig

Jackson, Rose

Pitt, Joseph

Tibbets, Kara

Johnson, Julie

Red Elk, Wenix

Shippentower, Gene

Watchman, Nina

Matamoros, Rachel

Scheele, Richard

Tovey, William

Purnell, Kevin Robledo, Sheena Schulte, Brittany

Ball, Patricia

Contor, Craig

50 Years

35 Years LeCornu, Leslie Powaukee, Kris Reves, Celeste

Ruth Spencer, center, was recognized with a certificate and Pendleton wool blanket. Spencer is a legal administrative specialist handling land probates in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Umatilla Agency. DALLAS DICK | CUJ

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

Yellowhawk launching mental health phone line MISSION – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center will be offering a new service to the community beginning Dec. 15 – a peer-based call-in service called Warm Line that will provide behavioral health support before a crisis develops.

Managed by the Sober Transitional Housing (STH) staff, Warm Line is a confidential, free phone service not intended for emergency situations, unlike a crisis line or hotline such as 988.

“The Warm Line is designed to help fill in a gap in our behavioral health services,” said Cindy Cecil, Yellowhawk Behavioral Health Director. “These Warm Lines are all across the state and nation. When a person is struggling and needs someone to talk to, they can call our team.”

For example, Cecil said, someone might be experiencing a relationship break up, or struggling to stay substance free, processing the loss of a pet or loved one, or even just having bad day and needing someone to listen, can call.

“It is important to know our team can help provide peer support to help prevent a situation from escalating to a crisis,” Cecil said.

According to the health center, the STH staff managing Warm Line have personal experience with behavioral health disorders and will use their lived experiences to better understand and support callers, offer conversation, emotional support and information on local substance use and mental health services, and other community services if needed. Yellowhawk staff are trained in a variety of modalities and most recently

Regardless of the issue, anyone struggling mentally can call the Warm Line at 541-969-0010 beginning Dec. 15. STOCK PHOTO

took a 988 crisis de-escalation training in October.

“Community members voiced a desire to have a grass roots support system for afterhours support and we knew our staff were committed to our community, so we made it happen,” Cecil said.

The Warm Line can be reached by calling 541-969-0010 beginning Dec. 15, 2023. The line will be staffed at all times, every day, all year.

The Warm Line is NOT intended to replace 911 or 988. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you are experiencing a behavioral health emergency such as suicidality, please call 988 or go the nearest hospital. If you have questions about the Warm Line, call Yellowhawk Behavioral Health Director Cindy Cecil at 541-240-8684.

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DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FREE TO-GO-STYLE

Christmas

Dinner MONDAY DECEMBER 25, 2023 1:00PM-2:30PM EAGLES LODGE 428 S MAIN ST PENDLETON, OR 97801

Community members can pick up to-go-style dinners.

Delivery is not available.

Hosted by

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the dinner by scanning the QR code

Pendleton Community Action Coalition is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization https://pendletoncac.org/donate

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

COUSINS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cousin’s involvement this past year helped her learn more about what goes into the role.

Sohappy said she enjoys activities that make her feel more connected to her people and culture, including dancing, weaving, beading, horseback riding, and gathering roots and berries.

Gould, whose Indian name is Tamawiitanmy (Earth Blanketed Woman), is an 18-year-old enrolled member of the Nez Perce from Lenore, Idaho, and her parents are Aaron and Jackie Gould. Lauren has lived her entire life on her family’s ancestral land and ranch near the Clearwater River. She is part of the Wallowa and Whitebird bands and also descends from the Umatilla, Okanogan, and Arrow Lakes people.

Lauren graduated with honors from Lapwai High School in 2023 and was a two-time high school state basketball champion. She plans to complete her associate of arts degree at Columbia Basin College, where she currently attends, and then transfer to a four-year university to pursue a career at a Native American museum in archives.

Gould has participated in the Happy Canyon Night Show and Indian Encampment for the past several years.

She and Sohappy have held the roles of young weavers, which were passed down to them from their great-great grandmother through other family members. Several of Gould’s family members have also served as Happy Canyon princesses, one of which was the late Anna Jane Wilkinson Pond, who served in 1958 with Joyce Hoptowit and again in 1959 with Anna Marie Pond.

Her aunt – and Sohappy’s mother – Jacy Sohappy, also served as a princess.

“I am proud to be from an involved family and intend to carry this family tradition on through the generations,” she said.

Gould’s interests include powwow dancing, gathering cultural foods, basket weaving, sewing, horseback riding, basketball, cooking, working cows and cultural ceremonies.

The Happy Canyon Night Show is scheduled for Sept. 11-14, 2024.

Scan the QR with your smart phone camera for more information about Happy Canyon

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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Area students recognized during Nov. meeting PENDLETON – During the November meeting of the Pendleton District School Board, several tribal member students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement, citizenship, leadership and hard work.

Each student received a certificate and was introduced with his or her accomplishment noted by his or her school principal or teacher.

PENDLETON EARLY LEARNING CENTER Sis Moses… is sweet and polite. She works hard and shows great joy in her work and accomplishments.

Aurora Sohappy… is polite, generous with her friendship and strives to do her best in school.

Marilyn Spencer… is kind and caring to all students in her class. She always works hard and does her very best.

McKAY ELEMENTARY Paxton Warner… is a student who tries extremely hard in all areas of academics. Even if she is unsure of herself and her answer, she is always willing to participate in class. As a teacher, you can’t ask for more than that. I love her willingness to try.

Wahape Paradise… is being recognized for consistently turning in his weekly home assignments the last five weeks of school. He is also willing to jump in and substitute for student helpers that are absent who assist a student to get where they need to be in school. He is very helpful and responsible.

Azalia Minthorn… works hard in class, is dependable, and kind to others. She is always willing to help staff and other students. Azalia has great character and is such a great student at Sherwood.

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY Mila Michelle Aguilar… has outstanding citizenship, exceptional academic achievement, and active involvement in our school community.

Mila has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies, excelling in various academic areas while showcasing leadership qualities and positive contributions to our school environment through excellent citizenship.

Van John Sohappy Jr.… has shown outstanding citizenship and dedication to academic achievement. He is actively involved in our school community and continues to be a great role model for those around him. Van continues to be an exemplary student both in academics and positive interactions with staff and students.

Paisley McLaughlin… is an extremely upbeat and positive student. She is a dedicated student who is kind to peers and respectful to adults. She is friendly and makes others around her smile. She is a great leader. She gives her all on every project and produces quality work.

PENDLETON HIGH SCHOOL Persephone Bearchum… her radiant positivity and optimism are contagious. She provides support for her friends and peers, putting the needs of others before herself.

Marie Templin… is a resilient intellectual and she is quite introspective as well, always reflecting on her own personal growth and learning.

NIXYA´AWII COMMUNITY SCHOOL Allen Zamudio… awarded for outstanding academic achievement and citizenship Liana Higheagle… awarded for outstanding academic achievement and citizenship

SUNRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Dymond Say… is known for her gentleness, kindness and thoughtfulness throughout the building. She sets a wonderful example by doing what is right at all times. Her quiet demeanor makes others around her calm as well, but she is also fun and funny at the same time.

Lainey Surber… is not only a conscientious and great student, she is also a true leader. She is kind to others and always willing to work with those who need extra help. She has consistently shown hard work, dedication and responsibility. She has a great future ahead of her.

Sis Moses, Aurora Sohappy and Marilyn Spencer

Paxton Warner and Wahape Paradise

Azalia Minthorn and Jakob Thomas

Van John Sohappy Jr. and Mila Michelle Aguilar

Paisley McLaughlin and Lainey Surber

Marie Templin and Persephone Bearchum

Allen Zamudio and Liana Higheagle

SHERWOOD ELEMENTARY Jakob Thomas… has had perfect attendance this school year. He comes to school each day with a positive attitude and is ready to learn. He is a friend to all and a wonderful citizen at Sherwood.

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

Federal funding expands UO’s NW Language Institute

I

Sonara Malumaleumu, a staffing and recruitment specialist for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), served as an intern at the University of Oregon’s Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI) her final year of school. COURTESY PHOTO | UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

With the new funding, which will support the center for five years, NILI will expand its reach, building new connections in Alaska, Idaho and Montana and strengthening existing ones in Oregon and Washington.

By LAUREL HAMERS University of Oregon Communications EUGENE – The University of Oregon’s Northwest Indian Language Institute will create a resource center for the revitalization of Indigenous languages, thanks to more than $1.7 million in funding from the US Department of Education.

Since 1997, NILI has been working with tribes, schools and other groups to bring back endangered Indigenous languages.

Now, with the creation of the Northwest Regional Native American Language Resource Center, it will be even better positioned to help Indigenous students in the region learn and speak their tribal languages.

The center will “take the essential pieces of what NILI does and allow us to grow, said Janne Underriner, founding director of NILI. “We’re not starting from scratch – we have a long track record of doing this work.”

For centuries, the U.S. government has enforced colonial assimilation policies upon Indigenous people, to eradicate their life ways, language and culture. For more than 150 years, children were forcibly sent to boarding schools, where they were punished for speaking their languages and practicing their traditions.

Today, the dozens of different Indigenous languages spoken throughout the Pacific Northwest are mostly stewarded by small numbers of people.

These traditional languages provide a vital connection to culture and community.

But as the number of elders who grew up speaking their tribal language dwindles, teaching new generations is more urgent than ever.

For Indigenous youth, being unable to speak their language “severs a connection between their elders and ancestors,” Underriner said. “Boarding schools took languages away. So I feel that now, working with the school districts and the university, it’s our work to [bring them back.].”

With the new funding, which will support the center for five years, NILI will expand its reach, building connections in Alaska, Idaho and Montana and strengthening existing ones in Oregon and Washington.

The grant will also allow the team to create and compile shared resources and trainings, to support tribal language programs in their own work. And they will work with school districts, state departments of education and tribes to develop language courses programs in schools and communities.

NILI adjusts its approach depending on the needs of different tribes or communities. But across the board, by learning their tribal languages, “kids say they have more of a sense of identity and connection with their community,” Underriner said. “They talk about the sacredness of language –it’s an honoring of their people, and the last speakers of the language.”

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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CTUIR member represents at Tribal Youth Forum

By LISA SNELL Editor WASHINGTON – Summer Wildbill, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) tribal member, served as a youth delegate to the White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. last month.

Wildbill is currently a Martin Luther King Scholar enrolled in a social justice program at New York University.

“It is my second year serving as a youth delegate for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. The Biden Administration contacted the organization WeRNative, which NPAHIB is a part of, to send a representative to attend the forum. Since I was on the East Coast already, it worked out well,” Wildbill said.

Wildbill joined about 150 other Indigenous youth leaders for an opportunity to engage with federal officials on key issues impacting their tribes and the greater Indigenous community and have direct conversations with those officials and policymakers.

“I was excited to meet and collaborate with Indigenous leaders worldwide to share my ideas and learn from them.

What exceeded my expectations was that there were Indigenous representatives from around the world, such as Brazil, Honduras, Canada and other countries,” she said.

The forum included the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Education, among others.

Discussions revolved around policies to support mental health, address substance abuse, support for sustainable energy policies and climate resiliency projects.

“Climate resilience was one of the most notable discussions in which everyone engaged,” Wildbill said.

She said her biggest takeaway from the forum is that Native Americans are essential when understanding and seeking solutions to environmental and climate change.

“Native Americans face some of the most significant impacts of climate change. However, we are some of the most important contributors to climate resilience strategies,” she said.

The Tribal Youth Forum was born out of President Barack Obama’s 2014 Generation Indigenous initiative. A year later, the White House Tribal Youth Gathering was coined.

However, the gathering was discontinued during the Donald Trump administration and returned virtually in 2020 under President Joe Biden. Postpandemic, the event has been held inperson.

“The experience was terrific, and it was empowering to have the platform to share our concerns and innovations for the future,” Wildbill said. “What stood out to me the most was how the issue of colonialism is an issue everywhere in the world and how Indigenous leaders from other countries shared similar struggles as Native Americans. After attending the forum, I got the opportunity to speak with other Native Americans who work in government, and it sparked a significant interest in me to work in law and policy.”

Summer Wildbill stops for a photo in front of a Tribal Youth Forum banner during the annual White House gathering Nov. 6. The White House, in partnership with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hosted the Forum at HHS Headquarters in the Great Hall of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington D.C. COURTESY PHOTO

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

Native American Heritage Month powwow at NCS

CTUIR’s Indian Education/Title VI program treated students from Pendleton Early Learning Center and Washington Elementary to a powwow demonstration Friday, Nov. 17 in the Nixáawii Community School gymnasium. The program staged demonstrations throughout mid-November at area schools to celebrate Indigenous heritage.

LISA SNELL | CUJ

DALLAS DICK | CUJ

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

GAME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hazel Quaempts and Jesse Bevis Jr. were two of the youngest dancers to perform Nov. 19 during the Portland Trail Blazers Native American Heritage Night celebration.

MONECE MOSES | CUJ

to tribes and community.”

Planning for the Native American Heritage Month Blazers celebration began in August when Jalali approached JR Lilly (Navajo) and Anna Allen (ShoshoneBannock) about helping to plan a Native American heritage night. The National Indian Child Welfare Association served as the nonprofit sponsor for the event.

Together, they organized a night full of celebration. The evening started with a reception and parade before the game, followed by an epic halftime show with song and dance honoring Native community leaders.

During the parade and halftime show, dancers and drummers from local nations, including Yakama, Umatilla and Warm Springs, among others, showed up in their colorful regalia.

“We wanted to center the tribes who have a historical connection to the area first,” Lilly said.

A group of around a dozen Native youth formed a tunnel as the players ran onto the court to begin warming up, giving them each high fives along the way and welcoming the Blazers players onto the court. “[Giving the players high fives] felt really amazing because I play basketball,” said 12-year-old Bernadine Jackson, Klamath, Modoc and Paiute. “It’s such an

honor to be here.”

Dressed in her pink and yellow fancy dance regalia, Jackson took deep breaths to calm her excited nerves as she awaited the players with a smile on her face.

Jackson also danced during the halftime performance.

Before the game began, Native veterans brought out different tribal nations’ flags along with the U.S. flag for the national anthem. As red and white stars were projected onto the floor of the court, recording artist Rebecca Kirk (Klamath and Ojibwe) walked to the center of the arena. Dressed in a Blazers ribbon skirt with beaded Blazers earrings, Kirk sang the national anthem. Her performance was followed by loud cheers from the crowd.

Kirk has been singing since she was 7 years old and has opened up for, and sang with, well known artists including Chaka Khan and The Temptations.

“A singer’s goal is to be able to sing for an NBA game — that’s a huge thing,” Kirk said. “For me to be able to be the first Native American singer to perform it on the inaugural Native American Heritage Month Celebration for the Blazers, that is a huge deal.”

At the event, an exclusive Eighth Generation new blanket design created

by Shirod Younker (Coquille, Coos

11 and Umpqua) was revealed. The red blanket with pops of blue, black and gray, showcases a reworking of a basket design on the letters “Rip City.”

Throughout the night, various Indigenous leaders and community members were honored. Images and biographies of around 20 community leaders were displayed on pillars throughout the ground floor of the stadium. Among those honored were: Seah-dom Edmo, James Alan Parker, John “Buzz” Nelson, Tawna Sanchez, Adam Becenti, Tattoo 34 and Shirod Younker.

In a stunning halftime show performance, Wild Rose Drum Group sang a few intertribal songs as dancers took to the floor. Dancers young and old wore their regalia proudly and the stadium filled with the sounds of beating drums, jingles and moccasin-clad feet pounding on the Blazers court.

As Blazers and Thunders players geared up to start the second half of the game, “Master Plan” by local artist Kunu Bearchum (Ho-Chunk and Northern Cheyenne) blared through the arena speakers.

“You’re Oregon’s team so you should really focus on connecting with the tribes whose land you are on,” Allen said.

“Tonight was a night to feel seen, be seen and be in community.”

Whitman College hosts inaugural powwow WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitman College in Walla Walla hosted an inaugural powwow on campus Nov. 18.

The Pášxapa Powwow was presented with support from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Walla Walla Community College.

The name, Pášxapa, meaning place of the wild sunflowers, is what the Cayuse people called the Walla Walla Valley, said Jeanine Gordon, Whitman College’s Native American Outreach officer.

The powwow will be an annual event that honors a Memorandum of Agreement between the college and the CTUIR. Gordon said the powwow will “strengthen the relationship we are building and provide support for development of programs on campus that bring an opportunity for our people to share our culture with the college community and surrounding communities and provide a more ‘at home’ and more supportive space for our Native American students on campus.”

WHITMAN COLLEGE | COURTESY PHOTOS

Honored veterans gather for a photo during Whitman College’s inaugural powwow.

Marie Dick, Whitman President Sarah Bolton and Alvina Huesties

Miss Pášxapa Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

Sports Spotlight

Baron Moses shoots a free throw as both teams pounce to snag the rebound Friday, Dec. 1 during the Nixyáawii Golden Eagles season opener against Western Christian. The Golden Eagles fell in a 67-62 loss.

Marcella Stanger brings the ball down the court at the end of the game Dec. 1.

Symon Picard goes up for two in the middle of the lane during the Nixyáawii home opener.

Muriel Jones-Hoisington (13) blocks the ball of Kylla Picard (00) Dec. 2. JonesHoisington led Linn-Benton with 17 points, Picard was the second leading scorer for her team with seven. The Blue Mountain Community College Timberwolves fell to Linn-Benton 4358, away from home at the Roadrunner Classic.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT SUMMARIES AND PHOTOS BY DALLAS DICK | CUJ

Liana Stewart drives in for two Dec. 1 at the Eagle’s Nest.

The team struggled in a 61-25 loss to Western Christian.

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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2A football final: Lowell settles score against TigerScots

By JERRY ULMER OSSA Today HILLSBORO – The Lowell Devils picked the perfect time to overcome their nemesis on the field Nov. 25.

The third-seeded Devils, whose only losses in the last two seasons have come against Weston-McEwen, settled the score with a resounding 74-42 win over the No. 1 TigerScots in the OSAA/ OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A final at Hillsboro Stadium.

Led by junior tailback JaMar Thurman, Lowell rolled up 618 total yards. In an ironic twist, the Devils scored the most points in an OSAA final since 2013, when they lost to Imbler 88-76 in the 1A final in their only previous championship game appearance.

The victory made up for losing to Weston-McEwen 27-21 in the quarterfinals last year and 25-23 in Week 4 this season.

“We just had that fire in us. We really wanted to beat them,” Thurman said. “We were 0-2 against them, and we were, to be honest, really (upset) about that. So we came in here, we made our adjustments.

We have really great coaches. We just showed up and played ball.”

This year’s nonleague loss to the

TigerScots (11-1) provided plenty of fuel for the Devils (12-1).

“Honestly, that game put a chip on our kids’ shoulders,” first-year Lowell coach Ray Yarbrough said. “From that game forward, our games were over at halftime.

Our kids came out and blew other teams out. Our kids were ready to get here. They knew they wanted the rematch.”

Said sophomore quarterback Carter Harris, “We were looking for revenge. We just wanted that win. This is the biggest time to do it. We knew what we could do, and we balled out.”

Weston-McEwen coach Kenzie Hansell, whose team lost in the final for the second year in a row, was impressed with Lowell’s improvement.

“They’re physical,” Hansell said. “What they do, they do really well. Credit to Lowell in making big plays all game long.”

Hansell said Thurman is a “great, great running back.”

“JaMar Thurman is going to get his yards,” he said. “I’d say he’s the best running back we’ve seen. Their offensive line blocks well for him.”

For the season, Thurman rushed for a state-leading 2,958 yards and 44 touchdowns.

Lowell took a 15-0 lead in the first quarter and never trailed. Weston-

Check OSAA website for most up-to-date information: www.osaa.org/schools/Nixyaawii

Tune in to KCUW 104.1 to hear Thursday/Friday games live.

The Weston-McEwen TigerScots prepare to take on the Lowell Devils in the state title game at Hillsboro Stadium Nov. 25. TIMOTHY HEALY | COURTESY THE OREGONIAN

McEwen got to within 22-21 in the second quarter and 29-28 in the third quarter, but Lowell built the lead to 51-28 on three consecutive touchdowns – a 31yard pass from Harris to Files and runs of 63 and 46 yards by Thurman.

Weston-McEwen gained 422 yards but couldn’t keep pace with the Devils. Junior Easton Berry completed 15 of 24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions. Junior Maddox King

rushed for 60 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries and caught four passes for 68 yards and one score.

The TigerScots are still seeking their first state title.

“These kids really wanted to win a state championship,” Hansell said. “It was a goal from 365 days ago when we were here against Oakland. We’re so proud of our kids to get back here.”

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

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Marie Dick, Laurie Alexander, Stanley Alexander, Le Ann Alexander, and Melinda Alexander enjoy food and fellowship at the 2022 elders dinner. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES | COURTESY PHOTO

Nicht-Yow-Way Elders Dinner scheduled for Dec. 21 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino MISSION – On Dec. 21, holiday food and fun are in store for tribal community elders at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Registration will start at 10:30 a.m.

Turkey and ham dinner will be served at 12:00 p.m. There will be raffle prizes during the event.

“Donations to raffle prizes are welcome.

Let’s show our elders how much we appreciate them,” said Katrina Burnside, senior activities coordinator, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

This occasion will be the outgoing event for current officers: Mary Halfmoon, chair; Lorena Thompson, vice-chair; and Susan Sheoships, secretary-treasurer.

Nominations will be invited, and elections will take place at the Dec. 21 dinner. The Nicht-Yow-Way Senior Advisory Group is chartered under the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Officers are sworn in for a two-year term of conducting monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month. They oversee a budget administered by the Department of Children and Family Services. There is no stipend.

Elders will also be asked to brainstorm trip destinations they would desire in 2024. All requests will be recorded, and

future meetings will narrow down by votes to a viable set of trips. This past year, groups of elders went on four overnight trips and one day trip. The elder program is run according to its official Senior Travel Policy that sets forth how travel is administered.

In addition, during the year the program purchased Wildhorse cinema tickets and Pendleton Farmers’ Market tokens for elders aged 55 and over. In the autumn the program distributed an energy assistance stipend to elders aged 60 and over. In November, the program sent out a turkey stipend. There is also an Individual Assistance line item that enables DCFS to help individual elderly people with emergency needs.

“It’s a challenge to reach all elders,” said Sheoships. “Not everyone can make it to the meetings, but DCFS has been running zoom meetings for us.”

Email ChildrenFamilyServices@ctuir. org or call 541-429-7301 if you want to be on the list for the monthly Zoom connection. DCFS also encourages people to join the Camp Crier app, CTUIR ELDERS 55+.

– Submitted by the CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services

Naughty or nice? Regardless, elders can expect a special guest, raffle prizes and a full holiday meal during the annual Elders Dinner Dec. 21 at Wildhorse Casino & Resort.

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Veterans, family members and guests attended the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the tribal Warriors Memorial Nov. 11. DALLAS DICK | CUJ

CTUIR Members commemorate Veterans Day on the reservation After veterans concluded the annual ceremony held at the Warriors Memorial on Nov. 11, it was time to remove their service-related regalia and don basketball gear and running shoes.

Throughout the day, nearly 100 veterans, players, fans and family members witnessed or participated in the inaugural Nixyaawii Warriors Memorial basketball tournament held at the high school gym.

With veterans serving as captains, teams were created (one with several players from Blue Mountain Community College’s men’s squad) and held a round-robin format event, with family members of all ages playing on each team.

Each player received a participant shirt, and at 5-6 p.m. an honor meal was held in the school cafeteria, with many kind words shared by attendees.

Himeeqis q’eciyew’yew for all who supported the event. See you next year!

– Submitted by Lindsey X. Watchman

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL • COMMUNITY • DECEMBER 2023

Inaugural Tribal Employment Rights Office construction trades trainees were recognized for completing the program during a ceremony Nov. 17 in the Board of Trustees Chambers at the Nixyaawii Governance Center. Graduates were presented certificates of achievement and gift bags. From left to right are Aaron Watchman, Robert Chavez, Stockton Hoffman, Shannon Galloway, TERO Apprenticeship Training Coordinator Michelle Bratlie, Shayrena Johnson, Enoch Crane, Michael Jones and TERO Program Manager John Barkley. CHRIS AADLAND | CUJ

TERO program prepares students for building careers

By JOHN BARKLEY TERO Program Manager MISSION – Exposing younger tribal members to career opportunities in the construction industry is essential to rebuild workers available for dispatch by the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO).

TERO, as a regulatory program since 1978, is obligated to provide workers for construction projects of the Tribes and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TERO and ODOT calls for supplying workers to contractors for bridge and highway construction projects.

“This requires us to recruit workers, but over the past three years the pandemic resulted in diminishment of skilled and experienced workers,” said John Barkley, TERO program manager. “We are targeting younger people and obtained a Ready for Oregon grant from the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) to conduct a Construction Career Exploration pre-apprenticeship construction training program.”

TERO hired Michelle Bratlie, former TERO dispatch officer, as the new TERO apprenticeship training coordinator. She is a certified instructor for Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)10/30, as well as hazardous waste operations, traffic control, and emergency response. Bratlie understands the needs for construction and what type of workers are required.

A seven-week course was designed by TERO and approved by BOLI. Initially, 10 people enrolled and eight participated in a graduation ceremony Nov. 24 in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees chambers.

“This was the highlight of this exploration experience,” said Bratlie. “I’m amazed how some of them showed enthusiasm about construction and now are committing to this field or joining a building trade union.”

Enoch Crane admires his certificate of program completion received in a Nov. 17 ceremony.

During the course, representatives from several building trade unions, along with owners of TEROcertified Indian owned businesses, were on hand to explain the benefits and expectations of unions and to serve as mentors.

“Their participation added value to our training,” said Barkley, “Now trainees have a better inkling about construction jobs that offer prevailing wages that can support their own livelihoods, but more importantly, they are cognizant of the tools of the trade, along with expectations and demands in this industry.”

Training was held at the Food Distribution Center located in the south Coyote Business Park. TERO rents space from the Department of Economic & Community Development. These sessions were also offered in conference rooms at the Nixyáawii Governance Center and at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

TERO utilizes a CAT simulator for a front-end loader and motor grader purchased by the CTUIR education department via a Career Technical Education grant. That

unit was initially used to train students of the Nixyáawii Charter School construction class in December 2022.

A welding simulator was purchased by a grant from the Marathon Petroleum Foundation and discounted because it was part of an education module. This grant is also used to purchase hand and power tools for the training, along with a cargo trailer for mobility.

“Big thanks to Marathon and their representative VJ Smith for supporting this cause,” said Barkley. “This grant provides the flexibility needed to attune our training as we go.”

TERO is working with the Oregon Housing and Community Services to purchase kits to build cottages and tiny homes that can be used in the community.

These units are being constructed in southwest Oregon for homeless people who lost their homes in wildfires this past season.

Another round of exploration will start midDecember. Ten applicants will be selected for the course and offered weekly stipends.

“Graduates are already eyeing opportunities with upcoming tribal construction projects, such as the expansion of Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and the Wildhorse Resort & Casino,” said Barkley. “That way, that can accrue valuable experience and skills, plus help get their apprenticeship hours to reach journeyman status if they are a union member.”

Barkley says his TERO staff get much credit and added that TERO has planted the seed and now that trainees have ‘explored’ construction jobs they can make a better determination as to which trade they aspire to pursue and be available for dispatch by TERO to meet hiring goals.

Those interested in working on TERO projects in 2024 will need to fill out the TERO Skills Bank survey to be eligible for dispatch. Contact TERO at 541-429-7506 or email TEROStaff@ctuir.org.

DECEMBER 2023 • COMMUNITY • CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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Department of Education

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See the complete list of job openings at www.cayuseholdings.com

Preschool Educator II (2 positions)

$45,000/annual DOE/DOQ. Full Time with benefits package. Covered status (requires background check). Non-Exempt. The Preschool Education II participates in a team approach to implement curriculum activities and program services for children and their families using best practices. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist in ensuring that children’s learning experiences in Cay-UmaWa Head Start meet the program description and comply with Head Start Performance Standards. The position is Open Until Filled.

To apply, please visit our website for the Application at: https://ctuir.org/ career-opportunities/ or visit the Office of Human Resources in NGC to pick up an application in person.

For more information or questions, please contact Human Resources at (541)429-7180 or HumanResources@ctuir.org

WRC NOVEMBER

Employees of the Month Supervisor of the month: Darrell Bliss, Table Games “Darrell is always positive in his actions and treats the dealers well. He works to make even a negative event into a positive working lesson. He approaches all situations in a level-headed fashion. He makes working a pleasure.”

- Nominated by Brian Hanson

Support Employee of the month: Erika Minthorn, Group Sales “I would really like to nominate Erika Minthorn for Support Employee of the Month. Erika joined events a few years back during all the chaos of Covid and she has really learned a lot in a short amount of time and flourished beautifully in the event side of things. She is an asset for sure to the events team and to Wildhorse. Erika is informative, helpful, and is always professional in interactions with clients and staff. She is appreciated immensely.”

- Nominated by Sara Kinney Frontline Employee of the month: Tina Marsh, Custodial “Tina goes way above her job duty and description. One day she will clean the F&B drinking locations, and the next day clean the employee break room, all while cleaning carpets that have thousands of people walking, spilling and many other obstacles in the way. She really is a great team co-worker and leads by example. It’s employees like Tina, that make the casino a great place.”

- Nominated by Edgar Simpson

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