Confederate Umatilla Journal - August 2020

Nixyaawii classes starting online

Leroy Bushman is believed to be the oldest World War II enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Read about him on Page A14.

Antone Minthorn has decided wearing a cloth mask is a small price to pay to keep himself and others safe from COVID-19.

See what others have to say on Page 10A.

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

2 Sections, 36 pages Publish date Aug. 6, 2020

The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ~ Pendleton, Oregon August 2020

Section

lucky 7 with picture

CTUIR leaders confident that FCC license will be approved for broadband on Umatilla Reservation

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

CTUIR leads COVID-19 huddle Brigham brings Umatilla County, Hermiston officials together

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

MISSION – With Umatilla County now dragging the state down as the hot spot for COVID-19 cases per capita, Kat Brigham thought it was time for the Confederated Tribes to lead a proactive effort among the region’s leaders to push toward normalcy.

She called first on Oregon State Sen. Bill Hansell from Athena to help organize a ZOOM meeting to include

Volume 28, Issue 8

CARE$ paying for Wi-Fi

Dipping nets with the sun A setting sun and a plank dock set the scene for three young people casting nets on the Columbia River near Cascade Locks in mid-July.

The efforts of Nakia Cloud, Elijah Wood and Chelsea Quaempts were captured

by Nez Perce photographer Pox Young.

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Umatilla County Commissioners and city officials from Hermiston and Pendleton.

Before the RSVPs were over, more than 20 people had joined the meeting, gathering in two rooms at Wildhorse Casino and by teleconference from offices and homes across the county.

All three County Commissioners – George Murdock, John Shafer and Bill Elfering, Hermiston Mayor David Drotzmann and Milton-Freewater

City Manager Linda Hall joined the meeting. Pendleton Mayor John Turner and City Manager Robb Corbett were invited but were unable to attend. Pendleton Fire Chief Jim Critchley attended. Several members of the CTUIR Board of Trustees – Secretary Sally Kosey, Treasurer Sandra Sampson, and members Jill-Marie Gavin and Boots Pond, and General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman, COVID-19 huddle on page 12A

MISSION – Wi-Fi internet service to residents on the Umatilla Indian Reservation is nearing reality, according to Tribal leaders and staff who are confident that a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license will soon be approved.

The “Pandemic Broadband Buildout” project will be paid for by CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds of just over $1 million, part of the federal aid awarded this year to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

The goal is to provide reliable wireless internet connection service, just like that provided in Pendleton, to residents on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The CTUIR FCC 2.5 GHz license application was prepared by Kaeleen McGuire, Business Recruitment Specialist for the Department of EcoBroadband project on page 18A

Mary Hines to be inducted into Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Mary Hines, pictured here with her granddaughter, 1984 Happy Canyon Princess Gretchen “Buffy” Hines, is one of three people being inducted into the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame.

A story appears on Page 6B.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Pendleton, OR Permit #100

CUJ News Nixyaawii classes starting on-line

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

MISSION – Online half-day classes four days a week will start for Nixyaawii Community School students with a soft opening Aug. 24 when Chromebooks will be distributed.

“We’ve been having constant meetings all summer planning for the worst case scenario and here it is,” said NCS Principal Ryan Heinrich. “It’s definitely not optimal, but that’s the hand we’ve been dealt right now and we’ll provide the best education we can under the circumstances.”

The soft start will also include text book handout and addressing each student’s access to the internet.

Heinrich said every student in Pendleton School District 16R will receive a Chromebook but internet connectivity is questionable. Meetings with families will be scheduled to determine needs.

The school is looking at possible “hot spots,” perhaps the Recreation Center, where students could access the internet, although there would be social distancing restrictions.

Students will mostly be working from home with their Chromebooks, but the

Tribes buying 680 Chromebooks for students MISSION – More than 680 Chromebooks are being purchased for school-aged tribal members to access the internet as fall classes start with online distance learning from home.

Schools in Umatilla County are starting with online classes in August and September.

The Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in July passed a resolution that authorized spending about $138,000 in federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) funding for the Acer Chromebooks.

“The BOT has agreed to use some COVID-19 funds to ensure our CTUIR tribal student members are prepared to begin the school year with a Chromebook Nixyaawii starting on page 4A

six NCS teachers will be in the classroom at the school providing instruction each day from 9 a.m. to 12:20 pm. A day of learning will total close to 200 minutes, which is about half a normal 400-minute day.

Still to be worked out is how the week will be split – either an even/oddday schedule or Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday schedule. One section would be periods 1-3 with an advisory and the second section would be periods 4-7.

Teachers, working their full contract

days, will be available in the mornings before classes and in the afternoons for individual-student assistance, Heinrich said.

“We (staff) have to talk about it, but I think it would look like Mr. Brandsen in a room with Google Meets and any student could call in and say they don’t understand something and could talk one-on-one with him,” Heinrich said.

Teachers also will have time for Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, class preparation, grading, etc. Teachers will also be checking in on

students who miss logging-in each day.

“Two members of the staff will make home visits if a student doesn’t log in for two days in a row. We’re going to stay on top of it,” said Heinrich, who is starting his eighth year at Nixyaawii.

Some classroom instruction will be challenging, Heinrich said, especially when it comes to electives.

“How do you run the foods class online? How do you have drama and art?” he asked. “Mrs. VanPelt has some new media programs online and Mrs. Kennedy (chemistry teacher) has found some online virtual labs, but anything handson is not really going to be hands-on.”

Physical education will also be a test, but teacher Lynette Minthorn will post workouts that students will be able to do on their own.

The important thing, Heinrich said, “is making sure kids get back into a routine.”

Students need to realize they will not be working from Acellus, the online workbook-like honor system that was used last spring when schools were closed.

“They will be in front of their teachers every day,” Heinrich said.

Nixyaawii starting on page 4A

Tribes respond to Umatilla County ‘baseline’ order Indian Reservation:

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

MISSION – Wildhorse Casino has temporarily closed from midnight to 8 a.m. as part of the actions taken by leaders on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in response to Umatilla County being ordered back to a baseline “stay home” status due to rapid spread of COVID-19.

The Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes met with its Incident Command Team July 31 to address the order sent down the night before by Gov. Kate Brown that moved Umatilla County from Phase 2 back to the baseline as of noon July 31.

The Incident Command Team response outlined several provisions for Tribal members and employees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla

- Continue to encourage the community to stay at home as much as possible.

- Maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wash your hands, and wear a mask.

- Community facilities, including the Longhouse, will be closed until further notice.

- Gatherings are limited to 10 people, indoors and outdoors.

- Funerals, specifically, are limited to 10 members of the immediate family. Those conducting funeral services will be responsible for recording who is attendance. This is necessary for public health infection tracing in the event attendees transmit COVID-19 to other funeral attendees. For employees, administrative leave will not be approved for attendance at funerals, nor for isolation/quarantine requirements for employees that fail to adhere to this directive.

- Emergency daycare services currently being provided for children ages 6-10 at Nixyaawii Education Center will end Friday, Aug. 7.

Confederated Umatilla Journal

46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 Phone 541-429-7005

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Fax 541-429-7005 Email cuj@ctuir.org www.ctuir.org

- Families may continue to sweat together with those who reside in the same household, but due to the increased risk of transmission, community sweats are not allowed until further notice.

- Off-reservation enterprises, Birch Creek Golf Course and Hamley’s Steakhouse, will limit food service to take out.

- On-Reservation enterprises – As of Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Wildhorse casino will be closed from 12-8 a.m. Additionally, the Wildhorse Cineplex will close July 31. Restaurant services at the casino and golf course will be take-out only. The hotel will continue to be open and the gaming floor will remain open from 8 a.m. until midnight.

- Mission Market will continue to offer drivethrough service only.

- Arrowhead Travel Plaza will remain open as usual.

- Access will be limited to all government buildings. Nixyaawii Governance Center (NGC) services will be provided by appoint-

ment only. Employees will work from home unless required to be in the building.

- Kayak Transit will keep operating to support community in transportation for supplies/ groceries, etc.

- All work travel is limited to a 75-mile radius unless authorized by the Executive or Deputy Executive Director.

- Exercise, such as short walks or hikes alone or with members of the same household remain allowable and encouraged. Maintain a safe distance from those outside your household. Under the current conditions, CTUIR members should exercise their treaty rights with the same precautions.

The ICT provisions outlined for the BOT also called for Yellowhawk to research the availability of hospital beds.

ICT will meet daily on weekdays with regular updates to the Board of Trustees.

Updated guidance will be provided Tribes respond on page 19A

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August 2020

Board told federal ‘needs-based’ COVID cash can’t be justified ‘Considerable’ coronavirus relief has already been distributed on Umatilla Reservation

sistance provided by the CTUIR and the federal government, including: U.S. Treasury payment of $1,200 per MISSION – After reviewing COVID-19 financial assistance already provided by adult and $500 per minor for those makthe Tribes and the federal government, ing less than $75,000 per year ($150,000 leaders on the Umatilla Indian Reser- for married couple); CTUIR payment of vation don’t think they $300 of CARES Act funds can justify use of more in April to cover AprilCARES Act money for June COVID costs; another cash distribution CTUIR payment of to tribal members. $750 of tribal funds in In July, following a Starts at noon at the June to cover COVID $750 Pandemic Relief back of the Longhouse costs; Benefit distributed in Enter Confederated Way off Food distributions June to all members of Mission Road from the far east provided by the Departthe Confederated Tribes entrance by the old Administrative ment of Children and of the Umatilla Indian Building.

Family Services; Reservation, the Board - Food distribution Housing assistance of Trustees discussed a - Mask handout - Bring empty bottles to refill with and rental payment waivpotential second “needshand sanitizer ers by CTUIR Housing based” payment to in- COVID-19 info fromYellowhawk Department; dividuals using federal - Census 2020 info Educational assistance CARES (Coronavirus provided by the CTUIR Relief and Economic SeEducation Department curity) Act funds.

However, that no longer appears and Nixyaawii Community School; Credit Program payment and interest/ plausible after Tribal staff, including Executive Director Ted Wright and Finance fee waivers; Generous allocation of paid leave for Director Paul Rabb, considered issues that bear directly on the Tribes ability to tribal employees who could not work use CARES Act funding to pay for future due to COVID closures and who could not telework; distributions.

Furloughed tribal government or According to a document shared with the BOT on July 30, the Tribes would enterprise employees were eligible to have to perform a needs assessment on receive unemployment insurance beneach person who received assistance and efits that included an additional $600 per have that assessment show that the CO- week over the state benefits without the VID-19 virus reduced wages coming into on-week waiting period; The House of Representatives’ HEthe household and/or that COVID-19 resulted in extra expenses that were not ROS Act (approved May 15) included otherwise covered by other assistance. another round of direct payments of In July, the BOT discussed creating a $1,200 per person (maximum $6,000 per one-page “needs-based” application household). Senate Republican leaderto provide documentation in the event ship is developing a bill that includes there was a federal audit of the CARES another round of direct $1,200 payments (HEALS Act), but the income limits for Act funding.

The report to the BOT noted there those eligible to receive the payments has been “considerable” COVID-19 as- may be lowered;

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

Aug. 13 Food Distribution

Bridge jumpers

Needs-based cash on page 19A

Social gathering defendants plead not guilty in Tribal Court MISSION – Fifteen defendants charged with civil violations from the gathering at the Toby Patrick residence on Easter Sunday pleaded not guilty in Tribal Court July 13.

As of Aug. 4, no trial date had been set in Umatilla Tribal Court.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the court proceedings were conducted by audio.

Since they were charged with a civil violation, the defendants are not facing jail time, according to Kelly J. Sager, Tribal Court Administrator.

Further, a civil violation does afford a defendant the right to legal representation.

If any of the defendants choose to have an attorney, it will be at their own expense.

Sager said their trials will be consolidated.

The adults who attended the family feast are being charged with violating the rule limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people. There were about two dozen at the event, including children.

Patrick has argued in the CUJ that his lifestyle, culture and traditions should outweigh the government’s regulations.

August 2020

CUJ photo/Dallas Dick

Isiaih Case floats toward a deep hole in the Umatilla River under the Railroad Bridge near Cayuse on a hot day in July when temperatures cracked triple digits. Thrill seekers use this tressle and nearby Black Bridge for jumping-off points to cool off in summer. But they should take caution when they climb and when they jump, and they especially should go feet first and never dive. Jumpers say the water is very deep at this spot, but a river is always a mystery, especially after a spring flood event. Even when there is plenty of water, there can be mishaps.

Just ask Magi Moses. The Nixyaawii Community School senior was LifeFlighted to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland July 28 after he jumped off this bridge. Moses, who goes about 6-foot 4-inches and close to 300 pounds, sliced through the water and touched the bottom. but as he came up the pressure actually popped a vein in his brain. “I came up with a headache but my ears hurt way more than my head,” Moses said. He swam for another 30 minutes, but realized something might be serious when he blew his nose and his ears about exploded. His mother, Michelle, took him to St. Anthony Hospital ER. A CT-Scan found bleeding on the brain and he was loaded onto the LifeFlight helicopter. Magi asked if his Mom could just drive him, but that wasn’t an option. He rode with two EMTs and the pilot.

The ride was uneventful except for the stop in The Dalles for fuel. He spent about four hours in the OHSU Emergency Room then was admitted for two days to a regular room where he spent his time watching old football and basketball games, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Magi said his hearing was muffled for about five days, but he hears fine again. Now that he’s home, doctors have cut Magi’s on-screen time to four hours from his admitted time of up to 12 hours a day. He’ll be taking it easy for a few months with expectations of being ready for the NCS basketball season in the winter. He was jumping that day with his brother Bear and sisters Lark and Cystene, and friend Tyasin Burns.

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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Charles Sams III hired as Deputy Executive Director MISSION – Charles F. Sams III has been hired as Deputy Executive Director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

Sams, who has served for the last seven years as the CTUIR Communications Director, started his duties July 27.

The Deputy Executive Director will supervise nine departments of tribal administration; the Charles Sams III Executive Director will supervise seven, according to the updated organizational structure, which is designed to meet the demands placed upon tribal government.

The CTUIR Board of Trustees ap-

proved the new updated structure by a split vote with Chair Kat Brigham breaking the tie. Voting in favor of the new structure were Corinne Sams, Sally Kosey, Jill-Marie Gavin and Armand Minthorn. Voting against were Jeremy Wolf, Lindsey Watchman, Boots Pond and Sandra Sampson.

Sams will report directly to Wright, who reports to the Board of Trustees.

Sams has served in a number of executive positions in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, regionally and nationally, over the past 25 years. He has worked for the CTUIR for the past eight years as the environmental health and safety officer/planner, and as communications director. Sams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Concordia University and a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Oklahoma School of Law.

Check websites for Pendleton school opening information PENDLETON - Pendleton School District 16R has a number of different school plans.

Below are links to each school website. Each link will take parents to a letter explaining what to expect for your child while attending school in the Pendleton School District this fall.

“We’ve been busy planning and look forward to providing your child with a comprehensive, high-quality educational experience,” said Matt Yoshioka, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment.

Parents are urged to contact their child’s school should you have any questions.

Pendleton Early Learning Center: https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/ Washington Elementary School: https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/ Sherwood Elementary School: https://ses.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/ McKay Elementary School: https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/ Sunridge Middle School: https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parent/ Pendleton High School: https://hs.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/ Hawthorne High School: https://hhs.pendleton.k12.or.us/letter-to-parents/

Nixyaawii starting Continued from page 2A

Only staff will be allowed inside the school building until restrictions are loosened.

Sports have been postponed or cancelled until later this fall. (See OSAA story on Page 1B.) “Our hope is to eventually bring kids back in small groups, then get bigger and bigger until we’re considered a hybrid,” the principal said. “The best case scenario

Chromebooks

Continued from page 2A

that will help them to be successful in a very different school year,” Kat Brigham, Chair of the BOT, said in a CTUIR news release.

Many CTUIR homes have had Chromebooks during the school year that were loaned by the Pendleton School District – or Nixyaawii Community School, but in most cases the laptop-like devices have been limited to one per household.

According to the BOT news release, families were faced with challenges last spring when school work was moved online and some households were sharing one computer.

The CTUIR-purchased Chromebooks,

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

is by the end of the first quarter (October) we’ll all be back in the classroom. We would already have our one-throughseven periods scheduled so we hope the transition would be smooth.”

Heinrich said last year was hard enough with the emergency closure.

“I thought, ‘This is weird’, but now at least we’ve had time to prepare for it. We found out early and we already had ideas in mind that it could happen,” he said.

for kindergarten-through-grade 12 students who live on and off the reservation, will be given to the students and will not have to be returned.

“We will distribute information via email and Facebook when we have more information,” said Modesta Minthorn, Education Department Director. “There are approximately 687 students who are Tribal members and we are very pleased the Board has taken this step to support our youth.”

Minthorn said local distribution will follow social distance restrictions. The CTUIR Enrollment Office will assist in distributing Chromebooks to off-reservation addresses.

August 2020

CUJ News ‘Time to dream’ about next use of July Grounds

By J.D. Tovey, CTUIR Planning Director

The July Grounds are the center of the Mission Community. Over the generations, the grounds have served as village and camp sites for our ancestors and as a gathering place for General Council meetings where some of the Tribes’ most importance decisions in the modern era occurred.

Throughout recent history the July Grounds have housed our clinic, government offices, recreation facilities, educational programing, a school, housing, community gardens, and monuments to revere our veterans, as well as serving as a religious and cultural center at the Longhouse.

But now is the time to dream about what the next incarnation of the July Grounds shall be.

With the completion of the Governance Center, new Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, and Nixyáawii Education Center, many of the uses have moved out of the July Grounds. Earlier this spring some of these old buildings were

What is left are large ponderosas, cottonwoods and grass growing in fields that have not been open in at least two generations. The scene gives the sense that the space is healing and getting ready for its next life of service to the community. removed because they had served their purposes and for various reasons would have cost more to abate and repurpose than to demolish and start fresh.

The scene at the July Grounds is now dramatically different with them gone.

What is left are large ponderosas, cottonwoods and grass growing in fields that have not been open in at least two generations. The scene gives the sense that the space is healing and getting ready for its next life of service to the community.

Everyone I talk to has amazing ideas about what could happen there. The July Grounds were originally set aside for use by the Veterans and most of the ideas are in support of that. For example, people have suggested a veterans’ hall or homes, or a large community garden and

COVID triggers smoking ban at Wildhorse Resort MISSION – Wildhorse Resort & Casino in mid-July banned smoking and vaping in all indoor spaces at the entertainment facility on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The action was taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to “make sure guests keep their masks on while inside buildings,” according to information provided

by Wildhorse.

An outdoor smoking area has been established to allow access to the casino floor.

When re-entering the casino from the posted smoking area, guests will not be required again to go through the COVID-19 screening process, as is done when a guest enters the casino from the outside.

Guests will see signs directing them to the smoking area and maps are available.

“Umatilla County and our region has seen a major spike in positive COVID-19 cases,” said Wildhorse CEO Gary George.

“It’s our obligation to do all we can to protect staff and our guests from the transmission of the virus.”

According to the Wildhorse release, it is not only important for guests to keep their masks on, but the act of smoking involves a pattern of putting fingers to the mouth, while also touching gaming surfaces. This exposes smokers to a higher risk of spreading or contracting the virus.

As experts become more knowledgeable about COVID-19 and how to avoid the spread, Wildhorse is updating protocol.

Banning smoking creates an extra layer of protection for employees and guests.

August 2020

orchard that could be managed by veterans who are recovering from the effects of war. Other broader community ideas include a dance arbor that rivals the one at Tamkaliks. A few years ago, students at Nixyáawii proposed a skate park or an obstacle course like a Tough Mudder course. These are all great ideas.

Over the next few months there will be a series of community outreach opportunities and a focus group that will help craft conceptual plans for the future of the July Grounds. This will kick off in August with visioning activities with the focus group and the broader community. Concept plans for review and comments from the membership should be ready in early September and October, and a community generated

master plan will be completed before the end of the year.

The focus group will involve about 10 community members including Veterans, members of the Youth Council, and other community members, and potentially you if you are interested. They will be working with BBT Architects, the designers of the Nixyáawii Education Center, to help get your ideas on paper.

Meetings will be held by phone, by Zoom or potentially in-person on a limited basis due to COVID social distancing concerns. If you are interested in the process, but unable to participate in weekly meetings, there will still be plenty of opportunities to provide your input and ideas through community engagement opportunities that will be announced in the next few CUJ editions.

Please check the CTUIR website often for news and information. Any news will be titled “July Grounds Community Vision.” If you are interested in being part of the focus group please contact the Tribal Planning Office at 1-541-276-3099 on or before Aug. 12.

Peaceful march against police brutality, systemic racism Aug. 29 Tribal member one of organizers for Black Lives Matter event By the CUJ

PENDLETON – A peaceful march against police brutality and systemic racism is planned Aug. 29 in Roy Raley Park in Pendleton.

Briana Spencer, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is one of three organizers of the event, joining with Nolan Bylenga from Pendleton, a Democratic candidate for 58th District House of Representatives, and John Landreth, an activist from Boardman who works in Pendleton.

The threesome sent the CUJ a joint message that noted the 2013 origin of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which went viral in 2013 after the acquittal of the suspect in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

“The brutal murder of George Floyd has sparked mass protests across the U.S. in the middle of a virulent pandemic,” their statement reads. “The sheer scale of the protest that ensued, the broad support it has garnered across the globe and the active participation of the people of every walk of life has rekindled the hope in many, that the U.S. will finally and comprehensively address systemic racism that has severely damaged the moral standing in the world. This march is to show our BIPOC [Black and Indigenous People of Color] that we stand with them against systemic racism and police brutality.”

Most Black Lives Matter marches in small communities have been without incident, including those that already have occurred in Pendleton, but marches in larger cities like Portland and Seattle have turned violent with some protesters engaging with federal officers, state and local law enforcement.

Spencer, an activist who lives in Pendleton, said the march Aug. 29 “will be peaceful” and is being coordinated with local law enforcement.

“We are working with the Pendleton Police Department and we are training our own event security and

Confederated Umatilla Journal

EO reporter Nada Sewidan talks with John Carbage from Hermiston at a Black Lives Matter rally on the sidewalk on the north side of the Umatilla County Courthouse in Pendleton July 15. Carbage spoke an anti-racism rally in Hermiston earlier in the month to bring awareness to the BLM movement. “Honestly, Black lives do not matter if we can’t recognize that they do not matter,” Carbage said. Carbage said the effort wasn’t just about Black people and invited Native Americans to “come out and support us.”

CUJ photo/Phinney

de-escalators to keep it peaceful,” she said in an e-mail to the CUJ. According to a poster promoting the event (appears on Page 2B), the event from 4-6 p.m. will include speakers, census and voter registration and kid-friendly activities.

Bylenga and Carina Marie Miller, Democratic candidate for Oregon State Senate in District 30 and a member of the Warm Springs Nation of Oregon, will speak during the rally.

Spencer said U.S. Ron Wyden will be issuing a statement.

Marchers who will walk through Pendleton will be required to wear masks and social distancing “is highly encouraged.” Masks and water will be provided and hand sanitizer will be available.

The poster asks participants to wear black.

For more information, organizers have listed an e-mail address of PDTBLM@OUTLOOK.COM.

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CUJ Opinion/Editorial Page Tribes, Brigham take county lead on COVID-19

T

he Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, with Board of Trustees Chair Kat Brigham holding forth, took the lead Tuesday, Aug. 4, and brought leaders from around Umatilla County together to discuss a coordinated action plan to battle COVID-19.

It was an exercise in the CTUIR’s political power and it was confirmation of Brigham’s leadership.

Brigham called Oregon Sen. Bill Hansell three days prior and hatched her plan to invite Umatilla County Commissioners plus city officials from Hermiston and Pendleton to a ZOOM meeting hosted at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

About 20 people, including several members of the CTUIR Board of Trustees, attended the ZOOM teleconference.

The meeting was designed to pull everyone together, to share information, and to agree on a consistent message with a goal of decreasing the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths so Umatilla County can return to some kind of normalcy.

County Commissioner George Murdock was able to attend in the same room with Brigham and Han-

sell, while Commissioner Bill Elfering ZOOMed in from his County Courthouse office and Commissioner John Shafer, who was only identifiable by his name.

Pendleton Mayor John Turner had a conflict and couldn’t attend; neither could City Manager Robb Corbett. Instead, interim Fire Chief Jim Critchley represented Pendleton.

In an adjacent room, Hermiston Mayor David Drotzmann and doctors including the CEO from Good Shepherd Hospital offered their perspectives on what’s happening on the west end of the county.

It was during Dr. Jeremy Anderson’s statements when Brigham proved her take-charge mettle, only this time she had to use her hand instead of a gavel to bang the speaker quiet.

Three times she slapped the table to interrupt Anderson, an orthopedic surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at Good Shepherd, who questioned whether a return to Gov. Kate Brown’s baseline stay-home order was going to make any difference.

Instead, Dr. Anderson more than intimated that the Hispanic population is to blame for the increased COVID-19 spread.

Brigham reminded Anderson that the meeting wasn’t about placing fault, but about “what we can do together now.”

Throughout the one-hour meeting, the participants praised the Tribes for taking the initiative to put the meeting together.

County leaders were happy to announce extra funding coming from the state to help get the COVID-19 message out, but otherwise admitted they’ve been floundering.

When Brigham asked if the County had an Incident Command Team like the Tribes, Shafer said the County has a “virtual” team, but he laid it at the feet of the Public Health Department. Commissioner Elfering admitted the County does not have any definite strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic.

So the Confederated Tribes, which have so far done a better-than-commendable job of responding to the pandemic here on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, stand ready to assist the rest of Umatilla County on a larger scale.

Umatilla County would do well to listen. ~ WCP

Blue on gold A Great Blue Heron with a fat vole in his beak flies near hole number 18 at Wildhorse Resort Golf Course with golden wheat fields and the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the background.

The great blue heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America. You often see the big birds in the median between the east and west lanes of Interstate 84 between Mission and Pendleton.

CUJ photo/Megan VanPelt

Remain vigilante and we will win this COVID fight

By N. Kathryn Brigham

C

ovid-19 continues to spread throughout Oregon and especially now in Umatilla County.

All of you have done a great job fighting to keep this horrible disease at bay. While we have had over 50 positive cases, as of this writing, we are down to only seven active positive cases on the Reservation.

Our friends and neighbors who surround us are seeing a large surge in positive cases. We must all fight this disease together if we are to win.

As you all may know in 2016 the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 16-023 that established an Emergency Operations Plan for CTUIR. Because of this plan the current BOT approved several resolutions to protect our tribal community’s health, safety and economics. Now we are in the fifth month into this crisis and we continue to operate under emergency conditions.

CUJ Confederated Umatilla Journal

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These five months have been stressful, fearful and confusing to say the least. We are all looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. Yet now we are faced with an increase of positive cases all around us. Therefore, we must dig even deeper in our resolve to keep healthy and safe.

The BOT has taken several different approaches to help assist our members during this pandemics. CTUIR has received CARES Act funds to keep our operations open to meet the needs and demands of our Tribal members and community. The BOT knows that Kat Brigham CTUIR will have to be accountable for the funds and we do not want to put ourselves in a payback situation with the U.S. Treasury. The BOT has carefully considered how best to apply the use of

46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-429-7005 FAX 541-429-7005 e-mail: cuj@ctuir.org www.ctuir.org

Interim Publisher:

Jane Hill

CUJ staff: Wil Phinney, editor Dallas Dick, freelance photographer Megan Van Pelt, freelance photographer

Confederated Umatilla Journal

these funds and will provide updates and information as to how we are using these monies to meet your needs.

Our Tribal entities are open and we are finding out through contact tracing that our entities are not spreading the virus at this time. The outbreaks we experienced are because of gathering of Tribal members and staff who are not necessarily practicing safe distancing and mask wearing. The Incident Command Team has issued more strict guidance that we know can protect us from the virus.

Many times I have told my daughter, “Keep your chin up.” We need you to continue to do your part now more than ever.

Together we will continue the fight and I know that together we can win this fight against Covid-19.

Kat Brigham is Board of Trustees Chair for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

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August 2020

CUJ Opinion/Editorial Page Keep the faith underpinned by Creator’s perfect design

By Lindsey X. Watchman, General Council Chair for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

T’ac leeheype iinim himyuume (good day my relatives).

Seems like every other week there is a new threat or challenge for the People of our small reservation community. For many months now, we have all experienced anxiety and fear due to this invisible enemy.

We have all experienced involuntary separation from family members near and far. And sadly, we have all also experienced an increase in suffering, and in loss of our loved ones.

While attending several funerals the past four weeks, I witnessed painful (yet necessary) adjustments to our religious protocols … to our immemorial Tamanwit. Heightened and prolonged grief, acceptance (not denial) of the loss, and using one’s own preferred methods for personal reconciliation … are

all key components to balancing our trauma(s). Fortunately for us, our tribal ways: to sing, dance, share testimony and to console one another … has taken care of us natitayt for thousands of years. And our tribal ways will continue to do so … as long as each of us ‘keep the faith’… that it will.

What faith do I speak of?

The kind of faith that brings only love, joy, peace and reassurance. That kind of faith that Creator has your back, at all times.

That Creator is in-tune with your suffering and needs, and will Lindsey X. Watchman relieve it in mysterious ways … when asked for. That Creator has established a perfect design, and although we humans cannot (or do not get to) understand why all this is

happening … as it too is Creator’s will.

So my beautiful People … whenever you begin to lose your faith due to the pains and chaos around us, I wish to echo and share the words repeated often by our Longhouse leader Armand Minthorn, “that there is never a wrong time to pray; never a wrong time to sing our songs; and never a wrong time to turn to Creator for help.”

In closing, I pray for my People to each find his/ her own ways to take care of yourself (body and spirit), for continued safety within your household, and offer that we utilize this quarantine period to turn our energies to one another in positive ways. To communicate more. To be present more. And to ultimately, survive and move forward together in faith. That things will get better, any day now … any day.

I miss you all, ataawisamas.

Yox kalo Pateewas

CUJ Letters to the Editor Country may be in chaos, but elections still looming To the editor, There’s plenty to focus on right now. I get it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 140,000 Americans and we’re close to four million cases in the United States. The experts think this is not over and will keep going unless all Americans wear masks, protect our children and families, wash our hands, and keep social distancing.

In the middle of this deadly pandemic, a historic civil rights movement brought on a reckoning of this country’s original sins – the colonization of Native American peoples and the enslavement of African Americans.

National protests in every part of the country arose from the brutal murder of George Floyd in the streets of Minneapolis, and Americans now demand liberty and justice for all.

The removal of the Confederate flag and statues, and changing Confederate names on U.S. military bases are long overdue for the African American community.

For Natives, we are witnessing the removal of the derogatory “R” name of the Washington, D.C., NFL football team - in our Nation’s Capital. We are hearing that other professional teams may follow suit (the baseball teams in Cleveland and Atlanta), which may signal a national trend. Hopefully, these changes are the beginning of a significant movement for Native Americans.

These recent events can be seen as healing some of America’s deepest wounds.

Our fears for public health, especially in sending our children back to school, add to our stress.

It’s been a blur and here we are.

During these very dire, challenging and chaotic times, we need to remember that presidential and statewide elections are looming.

Our votes in November will select county commissioners, state executives (Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General), state senators and representatives to the Oregon Legislature, and state court judges, as well as representatives to the U.S. House of Representative, a U.S. State Senator, and the U.S. President.

The deadline to register to vote in Oregon is October 13, 2020. The general election is November 3, 2020.

Just last week, I got so tired of seeing a certain senator’s face on TV and hearing his toxic rhetoric that I donated $25 to his opponent’s campaign. I wish there

August 2020

was more I could do. Yes, I’m passionate about voting.

I plan to contribute $25 more where I can. To me it’s a tank of gas on that road trip I want to take straight out of 2020!

I write this letter to encourage all Oregonians who are at least 18 years old to register to vote by Oct. 13 if they aren’t already registered.

In Oregon we vote by mail so watch for your ballot, mark it and get it back by Election Day on Nov. 3. You can mail your ballot back or you can take it to a ballot box.

We must vote like our children’s lives depend on it, because, quite frankly, they do!

Kaeleen McGuire, X-1588

Daley uses double standard Kyle Daley, tribal prosecutor, is a tribal public servant. Thus, his actions are subject to review and comment from the tribal public.

Two years ago, a program manager at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center admitted she obtained almost $500.00 of foodstuff through the YTHC procurement process for personal use. This was a clear violation of YTHC personnel policies and procedures. This was also a clear violations of tribal criminal code.

However, YTHC senior management never brought disciplinary charges against her. Also, Daley refused to charge her with violating the criminal code. This free pass is a perfect example of preferential treatment. Daley had solid evidence that a crime had been committed, but he failed to carry out his sworn professional duties as the tribal prosecutor, and an officer of the court. Daley claimed the employee “forgot” to repay the theft. Being forgetful is not relevant is this situation; a crime was still committed.

At the time, I was both on the Health Commission and the BOT. The Health Commission has oversight authority for the YTHS administration and this is how I became involved and informed. For all practical purposes, this situation was dropped by YTHC management and the tribal prosecutor’s office as well.

However, I kept up justifiably criticizing the situation and within a few months all YTHC senior management involved in the situation voluntarily left their respective positions. Those who departed included the Chief Executive Officer, the Finance Director, the Community Health Director, and the Program Manager. These departures, of course, may be just coincidental.

Confederated Umatilla Journal

Daley is now charging about 15 tribal members for allegedly not complying with pandemic guidelines for social gatherings. Why didn’t Daley charge the program manager with a violation of the criminal code? There obviously is a double standard that Daley uses in his job duties. Equal treatment before the law is a foundation of our justice system; however, equal treatment definitely was not provided in this overall situation.

Bob Shippentower

Keep school doors closed To our elected leaders of the CTUIR Board of Trustees & General Council, Tribal Education Department and Nixyaawii Community School Board: Please reassure us that you are being advised on the latest COVID-19 virus by experts in the field of health, education and science, and you are listening to concerned parents, grandparents, teachers and staff. You are discussing in work sessions and with our community in full faith and complete depth and understanding of the vulnerability concerning our most precious ones: our children.

As this global health pandemic continues and you read and listen and ask questions and learn of new research, as I am trying to do about COVID-19 ... it’s pretty damn scary.

Yes: we wear a face mask.

Yes: we social distance to at least 6 feet.

And yes: we wash our hands.

We have known asymptotic carriers and community spread since February but some of the latest research states it appears the virus can be transmitted airborne.

And the risk of COVID-19 transmission from and possibly to children and their teachers, and to their families is too high.

As leaders you must make the right decision about our children’s future. Let’s err on the side of caution.

In my mind and heart I know the decision is clear: keep our school doors closed: Keep Nixyaawii, Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start, Day Care & Afterschool closed at least for the fall and offer home educational support and hybrid education until 2021, while continuing to plan for 2021-2022.

It is the only safe path forward.

Kwaliism’chna~ Ulla~Kuthla Cathy Sampson-Kruse, x-603

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CUJ Almanac Obituaries Deanna Rae Williams

Aug. 29, 1946 – July 21, 2020 Deanna Rae Williams was born Aug. 29, 1946, to Donald Bruce Williams and Antoinette Conner Williams in Pendleton, Oregon. Her children included Nancy Turner (deceased), Jesse Minthorn Sr., Tayts Scott and Donald Scott.

Dee was preceded in death by long-time partner Salvador Guerro.

Approximately 20 years.

She was the first born of eight children. Her siblings included Sue Lovejoy, JT Williams, David Williams, Steve Williams and nephew/brother William “Tony” Surface. She was preceded in death by Deanna Williams parents Donald B. Williams and Antoinette C Conner, sister Sara Surface and brothers Bruce Anthony and Donald Barry.

Grandchildren included: Kristi Higheagle, Alex Turner, Angel Williams, Dominique Stitts, Jamar Breazeale, Tamara Minthorn, Jesse Minthorn Jr., Alyssa Minthorn, Derek Williams, Jeffrey Williams, Shaylin Spencer, Monica Lewis Great-Grandchildren included: Nancy A. Williams, Fernando T. Hernandez Jr. Moses C. Hernandez, Nova A Hernandez, Antoinette Crowe, Skylar Crowe, Kaydon Higheagle, Francis Stitt, Porter Stitt, James Cayuse, Bradley Breazeale, Weylin Breazeale, Juliana Castro, She had many nieces and nephews.

Dee started her training at Roswell, NM. This time was described as challenging but an enjoyable start in improving conditions for her little family. She later attended Eastern Oregon Community College in LaGrande, Ore. She completed all her courses except for the practicum portion to receive her degree.

Dee worked at a wood mill tossing lumber about in Pilot Rock up until it was discovered she was pregnant and had to give the job up.

The position she often talked about was her time working for the Confederated Umatilla Journal (CUJ) in its early years. She enjoyed writing and had fond memories of her time there.

Dee worked in a variety of jobs at the Wildhorse Casino, the last being a Slot Floor Supervisor.

She was a great pool shot and loved playing pool.

She was such a loving person, easy to talk to and always willing to listen. She could strike up a conversation wherever she went. She didn’t have

Public Notices

to know you starting out, but did when she left.

She was known by many as Kotsa and loved it.

Arnold Charles Van Pelt

Feb. 13, 1960 — Aug. 2, 2020 MENTOR-ON-THE-LAKE, Ohio - Arnold Charles Van Pelt, 60, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. Born Feb. 13, 1960, in Pendleton, Oregon, he had been a resident of Lake County for the past 31 years.

He was an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1979 to 1992 aboard the Norton Sound. Arnold was a member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho.

Arnold was the beloved husband of Pamela JoAnne Van Pelt; loving father of Brent Dwayne Van Pelt of Mentor-onthe-Lake, and Layla Marie Van Pelt of Ohio City; cherished grandfather of Savannah Jane Van Pelt; Arnold Van Pelt dear brother of Donna LeClaire, Laurie Bob McMasters, Amelia Spaulding and Jennette Scott; and nephew of Silas Whitman.

He was preceded in death by his mother Naomi Janice Van Pelt, and siblings Louie LeClaire III, Thomas LeClaire, Watkins LeClaire, Lance Spaulding and Wilbur Spaulding Jr.

Chester S. Tias

Sept. 6, 1972 – July 17, 2020 Chester S. Tias, 48, of Pendleton, died Friday July 17, 2020 in Walla Walla, Washington. He was born Sept. 6, 1972 in Pendleton, Oregon.

Services were held July 21, 2020 at Burns Mortuary, Pendleton, followed by burial at Agency Cemetery, Mission, Oregon.

Sign the online guestbook at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton.

Weather Weather information summarize data taken at the Pendleton Weather Station July 1-30.

Temperature is reported in degrees Fahrenheit .

The average daily temperature was 89.5 degrees with a high of 109 degrees on July 29 and a low of 45 degrees on July 14.

Total precipitation to date in June was .06.

The average wind speed was 9.7 mph with a sustained max speed of 33.0 mph from the West on July 1. A peak speed of 41 mph occurred from the West on July 1, July 7 and July 31. The dominant wind direction was from the West.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Land Protection Planning Commission (LPPC) of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will hold the following public hearing:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Land Protection Planning Commission (LPPC) of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will hold the following public hearings:

Zone Change File #ZC-20-002 – Applicant, John Barkley, 48368 McKay Creek Rd., Pilot Rock, OR 97868 seeks a recommendation of approval from the Land Protection Planning Commission to the Board of Trustees for a change to the Master Zoning map from Rural Residential (R-1) to Community Residential (CR-1) for a 1.28 acre parcel located at 73455 Hwy 331, Tax Lot 2N3310BC01100. The property is just north of Mission Market. Zone Change amendments are subject to the CTUIR Land Development Code Chapters 9 and 13.

Land Development Code (LDC) Text Amendment #ZC-20-003 – Applicant; CTUIR Planning Office, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton, OR. The Tribal Planning Office seeks a recommendation from the Land Protection Planning Commission (LPPC) to the CTUIR Board of Trustees for text amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC) to permit Small Scale Solar Power Projects in the Industrial zone, update the definition of Net Metering, and amend related definitions and standards. Changes are proposed to Chapters 2, 3, and 17 of the LDC. Amendments to the LDC are subject to Chapter 9, Zone Change, Amendments, and Chapter 13, Hearings.

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Due to the current health emergency (COVID-19) this hearing will be held via Zoom. If you would like to participate in the hearing or provide testimony starting at 9:00 a.m., please join us online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83032866050, or by phone at 1-346-248-7799. The meeting ID will be 830-3286-6050.

The public is entitled and encouraged to participate in the hearing and to submit testimony regarding the request. Materials relating to this conditional use request are available from the Tribal Planning Office, 541-276-3099 or online at https://ctuir.org/information-technology/noticepublic-hearing-zc-20-002.

Written comments may be sent via e-mail to hollyanderson@ctuir.org or by US mail to the Tribal Planning Office at 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton OR 97801. Written comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Note that the Tribal Offices may be closed to the public except by appointment. Staff can be reached at 541-276-3099. Thank you.

Lindsey Watchman, Secretary Land Protection Planning Commission

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Due to the current health emergency (COVID-19) the hearing will be held via Zoom. If you would like to participate in the hearing or provide testimony starting at 9:00 a.m., please join us online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84702713904 or by phone at 1-253-215-8782. The meeting ID will be 847-0271-3904.

The public is entitled and encouraged to participate in the hearing and to submit testimony regarding the request. Materials relating to this conditional use request are available from the Tribal Planning Office, 541-276-3099 or online at https://ctuir.org/information-technology/noticepublic-hearing-zc-20-003.

Written comments may be sent via e-mail to hollyanderson@ctuir.org or by US mail to the Tribal Planning Office at 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton OR 97801. Written comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, August 7. Note that the Tribal Offices may be closed to the public except by appointment. Staff can be reached at 541-276-3099. Thank you.

Lindsey Watchman, Secretary Land Protection Planning Commission

Public notice NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE TRIBAL COURT FOR THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION CASE NO. CV-00042020; In the Matter of the Estate of Lillian Minnie (Shock) Spino, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Luella Spino Azule has been appointed personal representative for distribution of the Deceased’s non-trust estate.

All persons having claims against the non-trust estate that have not yet been duly paid are

required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned attorneys for the personal representative at 4531 SE Belmont, Suite 201, Portland, OR 97215, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorneys for the personal representative. Dated and first published on August 6, 2020. Luella Spino Azule; Personal Representative. Martha Klein Izenson OSB No. 173797 Native American Program, Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Attorneys for Personal Representative 4531 SE Belmont Ave., Suite 201 Portland, OR 97215.

Pendleton Pioneer Chapel received three prestigious awards in 2009

w The Oregon Funeral Directors Association Award of Funeral Service Excellence w The Best Of Eastern Oregon Award as voted by the readers of the East Oregonian w Pendleton Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year

Our experienced family provides caring, compassionate care including:

Burial Services ~ Military Services Cremation ~ Monuments

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

CRITFC EMPLOYMENT Job Title: Police Officer

Department: Law Enforcement Department of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Classification: Full time, regular, non-exempt Salary/Wage Range: $50,506.00 – $55,157.00 Location: Hood River or Boardman, OR Closing date: August 24, 2020 Vacancies: There are three vacancies to be filled from this recruitment.

Job Summary/Primary Responsibility: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement (CRITFE) Police Officers are directly responsible for carrying out all enforcement and protective patrols by foot, vehicle and boat on the main stem Columbia River (Oregon and Washington shores), its environs and also patrol at the In-lieu and Treaty Fishing Access sites (TFAS). Patrols are dictated

by CRITFC/CRITFE policy, Tribal policy, contractual obligations of the Law Enforcement Department, and at the direction of patrol supervisors.

Essential Job Functions: Protect tribal treaty rights and the fishery resource, protect the InLieu and Treaty Fishing Access sites and the users of these sites. Maintain a working knowledge of fishing codes/regulations, laws, resolutions, customs, and traditions of the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama), learn the tribal codes, BIA/Federal codes, and codes of the States of Oregon and Washington as applicable.

Investigate violations and incidents, issue warnings and citations, apprehend violators, write case reports, prepare cases for court, process evidence and/or property, assist citizens as necessary, and refer non-treaty Indians and non-Indians to the appropriate state.

Job Requirements/Qualifications: DPSST certified or certifiable in the State of Oregon with knowledge and experience of general enforcement duties and techniques. Knowledge or ability to learn tribal fishing rights and tribal, federal, and state enforcement codes.

Physical Working Conditions: Outdoor patrols by vehicle, foot, or boat; some office time for reports, training, and meetings. Must be physically fit to lift and pull fishing gear in all weather conditions, for foot patrols over rocky terrain, and for long hours of surveillance. Required to qualify for and carry firearms, capsicum, and an asp baton. Must be prepared to handle physical, verbal, and potentially dangerous confrontations. Must be able to work rotating shifts to ensure patrol coverage 24 hours day/7 days a week, including holidays. Some overtime will be necessary due to surveillance, paperwork, processing evidence/ property, court appearances, and case preparations or follow-up. After the initial basic police academy of 16 weeks, travel can be from overnight to 2 weeks or more for training.

Submit a letter of interest, application, list of at least three professional to: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Attn: Human Resources 700 N.E. Multnomah Street, Suite #1200 Portland, OR 97232 Phone: 503-238-0667 Email: hr@critfc.org For additional details, you may also contact the HR department in Portland, 503-238-0667, or the Captain at the law enforcement office in Hood River, phone number 541-386-6363.

Employment opportunities Funding and Services Available Through Training & Employment Consortium (TEC) for Dislocated Workers, Adults and Young Adults TEC currently has funding available for dislocated and adult workers. Funded services include but not limited to: On-the-Job trainings, short-term vocational or post-secondary educational training, ABE/GED and employment assistance. Funding is also available for Young Adults, ages 14 thru 24 years of age. Funded services for young adults include but not limited to: Paid Work Experiences, ABE/GED services, pre-employment and life skills training and employment services. Funding is limited. Registration must be completed and eligibility must be determined before funds can be awarded. TEC also offers, free of charge, assistance with resume develop-

ment, job search, career and training exploration.

For more information, please contact the Training & Employment Consortium office @ 1-541-5645685, TEC is an EOE/Program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY dial 711.

THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU is STILL HIRING in the tracts that include the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Athena, Weston, Adams, and Umatilla. $16-$17.50 per hour plus 57.5 cents per mile.

Flexible schedule from 20-40 hours per week – can be evening or weekend work as well.

For more info or to apply, please visit www.2020Census.gov/jobs.

CTUIR Board of Trustees

General Council

Chair Kathryn Brigham

Chair Lindsey X. Watchman

Vice Chair Jeremy Wolf

Vice Chair Michael Ray Johnson

Treasurer Sandra Sampson Secretary Sally Kosey

Secretary Shawna Gavin Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl

At-large BOT Members: Jill-Marie Gavin General Council contact Info Office: 541-429-7378 Armand Minthorn Email: GeneralCouncil@ctuir.org Boots Pond Meeting updates and information on: www.ctuir.org/government/general-council Corinne Sams Executive Director : Ted Wright Deputy Executive Director: Charles F. Sams III

General Council Meeting

ZOOM - Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.

E-mail shawnagavin@ctuir.org with information to verify enrollment and receive meeting invitation. Call-in will begin at 1:45 p.m. Aug. 20.

CTUIR Express Phone Directory

Committee, Commission vacancies Aug. 1, 2020

August 2020

Tribal Court 541-276-2046

Human Resources 541-429-7180

Department of Children and Family Services 541-429-7300

Science & Engineering/Air Quality Burnline 541-429-7080

Enrollment Office 541-429-7035

Senior Center 541-240-8700

Finance Office 541-429-7150

TERF 541-276-4040

Finance – Credit Program 541-429-7155

Confederated Umatilla Journal 541-429-7399

Confederated Umatilla Journal

9A

MASK UP Alyssa Tonasket wears a mask while shopping at Safeway in Pendleton. She has no problem wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s not just about myself, it’s about protecting everyone around me and my family. That’s what it means to wear a mask.”

CUJ photo/Megan VanPelt

What’s your opinion about COVID face coverings?

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

C

Cynthia Bean

OVID-19 is proving a wicked virus that has killed more than 155,000 people and infected “If it helps cure the virus, then just wear it whenever more than 4 million in the United States. you leave the house.”

The Umatilla Indian Reservation has escaped relatively unscathed, yet it has taken one Tribal member Some people don’t think masks are necessary, but and it has infected more than 50 others. when a “close family member gets the virus and gets hit Umatilla County is among the 75 worst counties hard with the virus, maybe that will among the 3,000 across America change their mind.” and has been sent back to the “baseBean said people who don’t wear line stay home” status by Oregon or refuse to wear masks need to get Gov. Kate Brown. over it.

Medical experts list three simple “I’m so tired of people who say this measures to combat the coronavirus: is a hoax. I had family and friends Wash your hands frequently. who got it and they said it’s nothing Social distance, as in stay at least like the flu. They said it’s worse than six feet away from others if possible, that, but then there are some that and avoid crowds. have had mild symptoms or none And … wear a mask. at all – well good for them, but now Washing hands has been easy. they have other people thinking it’s Staying away from others besides not so bad. We all want to go back those in your household hasn’t been to some kind of normal and people a big problem for most folks, except who don’t wear them are setting us for those who attend larger gatherback. All you to do is cover your face. ings like beach parties and protests.

I feel like we are in grade school and In some cases too many people have dealing with kids who are throwing tantrums.” gathered for feasts and funerals.

Kaeleen McGuire Masks have been an issue for a couple of reasons, not the least of Bobbie Conner which is politics. For some reason a medical concern “Many indigenous peoples employ the use of masks has turned into a liberal vs. conservative issue for many over time. Some are ceremonial, some protective as in people.

But the CUJ’s random sampling of residents didn’t war gear, and some to frighten enemies. Masks are an find much opposition to wearing masks to protect others ancient piece of apparel, as old as tattooing.” and the wearer.

Conner wonders if some of her staff at Tamastslikt Inconvenient? Yes. Cultural Institute may have contracted COVID-19 last Uncomfortable? Of course.

A burden? Maybe. fall when they couldn’t get well from what started out as An obligation? Absolutely. cold and/or flu symptoms.

Almost everyone is irritated, some are angry, at “Mine hit in early October, ran a high fever for a couple people who won’t wear masks for whatever reason. of days, accompanied by a persistent cough. I know Those people are rude and uncaring. about five folks who experienced something similar But we’ll let our respondents tell you what they think. and we were just shaking the dry cough at Christmas.

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

Then this hit?!?”

Right now, Conner said she’s happy to wear a mask it if minimizes the risk in the community, even though they are uncomfortable in the hot weather.

Conner keeps a clean mask in each of her vehicles, at her desk and in her purse.

“I don’t think it’s a burden,” she said. “I have family members with underlying conditions and I wouldn’t want to increase their risk of contracting COVID-19.”

Kaeleen McGuire “They can be fun to wear if you have a cool one. I prefer serape print because it goes with everything.”

However, “wearing makeup and lip gloss is out the window these days.”

McGuire said she feels “very patriotic” wearing a mask.

“I’m protecting my son’s health and helping protect our communities … If we want to see our kids play sports again … and go back to school … wear a mask!”

McGuire keeps her distance from people who refuse to wear masks.

“To me it’s pretty selfish and ignorant.”

She wishes the CTUIR or Yellowhawk would have provided masks with logos on them.

“It was trending with Tribes. Heck, even the Rosebud Sioux Tribe handed out tribal masks,” she said.

McGuire is confident COVID-19 won’t last forever.

“So let’s just get through awkward 2020.”

Deb Croswell “Given the way the virus lives and travels, I feel I’m doing my part to help slow the spread.”

Croswell said she wears a face covering while out in public where she’s close to others, such as the grocery store or moving through a restaurant.

“I’m glad most others seem to agree and are respectful of one another’s health and safety,” she said.

MASK UP on page 11A

August 2020

And Croswell appreciates the workers who are required to wear face coverings for much of the day, such as health-care providers, and employees in stores and restaurants.

“Their commitment to our safety is certainly helping to keep some semblance of normalcy in our everyday lives by allowing us to shop for groceries and eat out occasionally,” she said.

Ron Halfmoon shared part of a Facebook post.

“People who refuse to wear them are failing to understand the method by which the virus spreads and evidently feel that the failure to comply is merely a prerogative. The POTUS is showing absolute denial that the virus is still unabated, and aggressive. To this man, #45, the coronavirus is a hoax. The pandemic has become a political issue, not a human health issue, or human rights.”

Boots Pond “It could be worse, we could be wearing hazmat suits.”

Pond, who actually contracted COVID-19 and had to quarantine for two weeks, said he was joking.

“I can see why it could be uncomfortable to others, especially around the ear regions. Elders and children could be more affected by this, which is understandable.”

Pond said he usually wears a mask when he goes into an outdoor setting.

“Being a homebody I plan ahead when I know I’m going into an area with a crowd.”

Pond reminded people who wear cloth masks that they should be routinely cleaned.

“There hasn’t been a time when I was cleaning my cloth masks in a bowl with soap that the water didn’t end up being dirty. So wash/clean the masks just like you would with socks, shirts, or shorts that were worn.”

Dara Williams-Worden “This virus doesn’t care who you’re voting for or what your background it. Listen to science and educate yourself. Just mask up.”

“Wearing masks everywhere has been an adjustment, but my family knows that to get this under control we need to wear one. We have a multi-generational home and we’re trying to be safe. My daughter, even at 8 years old, sees the importance of it. We let her pick out her own mask online which made it fun for her at least.”

The Williams-Worden family limits their outings to places with lower risk, so Walmart is off limits.

“One of the funny things I noticed was before it was a statewide order to wear masks there were people that would look at you funny like you’re the crazy one for wearing a mask. We even had an older man in town try and tell my mother and daughter that they were ‘too beautiful’ to be wearing one. What kind of sick logic is that?”

Williams-Worden said wearing a mask is the right thing to do.

“If it’s a burden, it’s one I’d gladly take on rather than the alternative. And I would say as a responsible person and a good human it is our obligation to try and protect you from any potential hazards and vice versa.”

People who don’t or refuse to wear masks more than irritate Williams-Worden.

“Oh man, this one gets me so mad!! I honestly cannot understand the big deal! You put it on to keep yourself and other people safe. Why would someone want to fight that! People saying it infringes on their rights are just the worst. You don’t get more entitled than that excuse.

“If you don’t want to wear a mask and follow the orders set forth then stay home! And businesses need to enforce this more and keep those people out or make them accountable by wearing them correctly. You already put it on, you’re halfway there, just put the damn thing on and wear it right! These people who wear it below their nose, pull it down to cough or sneeze, or to talk … are you kidding me?

“See, I told you this one gets me mad, haha! But seeing videos that are circulating of people having literal fits like a child and sitting on the floor refusing to wear one or leave a business are unbelievable. If the most upsetting

August 2020

Dara Williams-Worden gets irritated by people who won’t wear masks. “People saying it infringes on their rights are just the worst. You don’t get more entitled than that excuse.”

CUJ photo/Phinney and trying thing you have in your life is to wear a mask then you should count yourself lucky.

“Just wear the damn mask.”

Antone Minthorn “They are uncomfortable to wear and, in particular, when breathing.”

Minthorn said he wears a mask whenever he leaves home because everyone has to understand “the potential deadly consequences of not wearing one.” He carries a spare or two at this “particularly dangerous and infectious time.”

Minthorn noted that COVID-19 isn’t restricted by boundaries or borders and impacts the CTUIR like everywhere else. The policy is to wear a mask wherever you live.

“I think that people who don’t follow a public policy of wearing a protective mask should be avoided and refused public service, that is, until the environment becomes safe enough again to live without the use of a protective mask.”

ally not being there feels like I don’t have closure. If we went through the whole ceremony, which includes the cry ceremony. I’m just sad I missed the funeral. I know that it’s not safe to be in big crowds. It’s for my safety not to attend.”

Althea Wolf “People who do not wear masks make me roll my eyes, groan, and shake my head because none of us want to wear them, but it’s our responsibility to do so as a human being.”

Masks an uncomfortable and inconvenient, Wolf admits.

However, “I’ve found that the natural fibers of organic elastic make them more bearable to wear in the summer.”

They are inconvenient mostly because her kids forget their masks.

“We keep extra masks in our cars on the blinker handle. We’ve also put hooks up so the kids have a place to hang their masks, and so do we. I had to pull out the baby laundry bag that I used to wash all my kids’ socks in to now wash our masks in.”

The Wolfs started wearing masks before the statewide order was made. In fact, Katrina Miller Jeremy Wolf, Althea’s husband, drove his family to Celilo in June to be tested for “I think the inconvenience COVID-19. They were all negative. is when I get to the door and Althea has been active in politics, but I realize I forgot my mask in she doesn’t think masks is an issue worth the car.” battling about.

“There are plenty of things people can Miller doesn’t like wearing make a stand about; this is not one of them. masks because it’s difficult Better yet, put your statement on your mask for her to breathe and she has if you must, just wear one,” she said. allergies.

Antone Minthorn “Wearing masks is only one part of the “Feels like I run out of breath solution to stop the spread and honestly it’s sometimes,” she said. the easiest part,” she said. “It is really hard to not pick Miller also suffers from diabetes. things up at the store, like when choosing apples, orang“I know masks help protect me from the virus. I’m es, watermelons or reading labels. I don’t wear gloves, getting used to wearing masks when I go to the store.” but I may have to eventually. Staying home, keeping kids Still, they are uncomfortable. home, away from their cousins and grandparents, away “I don’t like getting masks that are small, because it from their friends, sports and pow-wows, and then yelling feels like they pull my ears out… I had to make my own to keep doors shut, cooking and cleaning up after a full mask because I have chubby cheeks,” she said. house while also working from home. There are days I Miller wanted to share how she feels about tell my kids and husband to have cereal for dinner, eat a funerals. banana. Wearing a mask is the easier thing to do during “I have had friends and family die because of the this pandemic. Before in good conscience we can send virus,” she wrote. “It hurt because I’m not able to be kids back to school we have to flatten the curve. I love there to pay condolences and send them off. It’s hard my kids’ schools and would never want to put any of because there is no proper traditional funerals for them.

They are dressed and straight to the cemetery. PersonMASK UP on page 13A

Confederated Umatilla Journal

11A

COVID-19 huddle Continued from page 1A

plus Tribal staff ZOOMed in. Three newspaper reporters also listened in.

Brigham’s message was this: How do Umatilla County leaders deliver a common message that reaches an inclusive audience resulting in individual action that leads to a decrease in COVID-19 cases so the social and economic normalcy can be attained again.

As of Aug. 4, Umatilla County had 2,112 positive case, 25 deaths and nine people hospitalized with COVID-19.

As of Aug. 4, the Umatilla Indian Res- Sitting in one of two rooms at Wildhorse Casino for the ZOOM meeting were, from left, BOT member Armand Minthorn, BOT Chair Kat Brigham, CTUIR ervation had 50 positive cases with two Executuve Director Ted Wright (in back), Oregon Sen. Bill Hansell, and Umatilla County Commissioner George Murdock. deaths. Only seven cases were considered County Commissioners have been under material. She pointed to videos produced nates with epidemiologists throughout active. Before Umatilla County acted, the gun on COVID-19 issues, mentioning on the Reservation that show Tribal the state. She explained Yellowhawk’s the CTUIR instituted strong restrictions, recent “devisiveness.” members, including young people and testing protocol and how it is coordinated many tougher than those recommended The Governor, he said, was quoted elders, talking about COVID-19. with the Tribes’ Incident Command Team. by the U.S. Center for Disease Control or as saying the County Commissioners Hermiston Mayor Drotzmann, who Guzman said Yellowhawk takes a those ordered by the state. were not responding appropriately to brought with him three physicians, two “solution-focused and proactive” apBut Brigham wanted the meeting the pandemic. from Good Shepherd Hospital, noted proach. She told the group that the clinic because the CTUIR is part of Umatilla Further, he said, “groups in the Coun- a representative from Mirasol Family has rapid testing ability that provides County and until Gov. Kate Brown desty are trying to get us to defy the Gover- Health Center was invited but not able results in 15 minutes and positive results ignates the county differently in terms nor’s order, which we have no intention to attend. That left the meeting without are in the hands of contact tracers within of COVID-19 restrictions, the Reservaof doing.” a Hispanic representative. an hour so that outbreaks can be identition will comply with many of the same Their rallying cry is that the cure is But Mayor Drotzmann said Mirasol- fied quickly. regulations. worse than the sickness, inasmuch as Family Health Center, which sees mostly She said the county, city and Tribe “Umatilla County impacts us all. We’re closing the economy, especially small Latinx patients from multi-generational should be advocating for more rapid part of Umatilla County and we have not businesses and schools, is causing more and multi-family homes, have had dif- testing, and culturally competent educadeveloped a working relationship like we of a hardship than the ailment itself. ficulty getting their message across to tion materials, especially for the Latino should have on this pandemic,” Brigham Murdock said otherwise. many Hispanics. population. said. “We all need to be on the same page.

“We have to come together and acOrthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeremy AnAnd then Guzman addressed Dr. AnWe need to move forward and deal with knowledge the only way to return to derson, the Chief Medical Officer at Good derson’s comments. this virus. If Umatilla County is off the Phase 2 and beyond is to accept where we Shepherd, drew the rebuke of Brigham “I’m afraid the tone just exhibited baseline we benefit as well.” are now and come up with a positive so- and the admonishment of Yellowhawk makes people fearful,” she said. “ComAt the end of lution. It’s something Tribal Health Center CEO Lisa Guzman munity members will not respond to the meeting, which the collective citizens for the comments he made blaming His- that tone as being the sole group bringBrigham facilitated, of the county have panics for the spread of COVID-19 in the ing the pandemic or exacerbating the she boiled it down to got to do. Indeed we west end of Umatilla County. pandemic.” a few points: a comare in this together Anderson questioned the overall The group also discussed COVID-19 mon message, culturand we have to get message. positive individuals isolating and where ally appropriate inout together,” Mur“Does this group really believe … that that could take place. Guzman said vulformation, a vigorous dock said. returning to a lesser phase will make a nerable populations, including homeless masking campaign, Brigham said the difference? … A high percentage of cases and people suffering from mental illness, stronger request for message must be that is coming from one type in the commu- have to be considered. quicker testing and health is the top con- nity that is spreading the disease. Shut“Can we collaborate on a large strucmore contact traccern. ting down small businesses makes little ture to use in the event that we have to ing assistance, and an “ T h e c o m m o n impact on this,” Anderson said. quarantine in the fall?” Guzman asked, outreach plan. message has been Brigham had to interrupt the doctor to suggesting that it would best to prepare The key takeaway confusing. Health has remind him that the meeting was about now in case a second wave occurs. results, Brigham to be the priority for the current circumstances.

Hansell said the Oregon Legislature said, is that Umatilla Umatilla County,” “We know we have the virus. We need is talking about setting aside CARES Act County intends to she said. “The econo- to focus on what we can do to get out of fund to purchase regional hotels in 10 quickly hire a Public my is also a priority, the situation. We can point fingers but it’s locations around the state.

Information Officer to but in order to have not going to help us,” she said.

Mayor Drotzmann volunteered for start working on the an economy you have Anderson said that, as a microbiologist, Hermiston to “take charge” with PacWest common agenda, and to have health. They the message of staying home will not be and Commissioner Murdock said he Hermiston will take a - Kat Brigham, Chair of the Board of Trustees are tied together.” effective and will not make a difference. would wait to hear about that meeting. for the Confederated lead contracting with Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Brigham wanted Brigham slammed her hands down on There was talk about Tribal, city and the communications to know what kind of the table to interrupt him again saying, county leaders working on messaging, firm PacWest. public health strate- “We are not happy, none of us. This is including the use of billboards.

County Commissioner George Murgies Umatilla County is employing. about what we can do together, like it or Brigham said another meeting should dock announced at the meeting that some She found out the plan isn’t very co- not we live here in Umatilla County. If be scheduled before the end of the week. of the “surprising amount of funds from ordinated. we’re going to move forward we have to Chuck Sams, CTUIR Deputy Executhe state” that were recently received will The county has no Incident Command figure out what we need to do.” tive Director and former CTUIR Incident be used to send COVID-19 information, Team like the CTUIR has had since the Anderson again: “I just don’t know Commander, suggested each governprinted on bags in both English and SpanFebruary floods. County Commissioner what message you can send that’s going ment appoint two staff people, including ish, to some 20,000 addresses. The bags, John Shafer said there is a “virtual” team to change the course of it.” an Incident Commander, to meet once a to be printed through a contract with the that is basically handed over to the Public Brigham slammed her hands down week to act as one voice.

East Oregonian, will include protective Health Department and Commissioner again: “Now you’re sending mixed “You need professional staff to make face masks, too.

Bill Elfering said the county does not messages. The staff are saying this is the this happen,” he said.

Murdock told the group that his role have a “definite strategy on this CO- message for county residents. You may Murdock said the group “understands as the county’s liaison to public health is VID-19 pandemic.” not like it, but this is the message – wash the urgency of the mission.” busier than he ever imagined.

Likewise, the county, and Hermiston, your hands, wear masks, social distance.”

Said Hansell, “It sounds like there is “It’s usually not a huge duty, but it’s have not had a Public Information OfAnderson: “That been out there since a desire for the county and Tribal and about 90 percent of my time right now,” ficer who has been able to produce a February.” others to work together on some of these he said, noting that the highest number coordinated message for its residents, Brigham: “You’re not helping.” things, which is rewarding. Are we workof cases, in order, are in Hermiston, Pendparticularly its Latinx population.

Then Guzman, in a room at Yellow- ing together a little, can we do it more, leton and then Umatilla.

Brigham said it is important to pro- hawk, spoke. She said Yellowhawk has and if we desire to do so, how can we Murdock acknowledged that the duce culturally appropriate education multiple partners and the clinic coordi- move forward?”

‘Umatilla County impacts us all ...

We all need to be on the same page.

We need to move forward and deal with this virus. If Umatilla County is off the baseline we benefit as well.’

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

MASK UP What’s your opinion about COVID face coverings?

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Continued from page 11A

the teachers in danger, so please people, do your tiny part and wear a mask so kids can go back to school.”

Tami Rochelle “I don’t like it, but I’m compliant.”

Rochelle said if people don’t follow orders life is probably going to get worse.

“If people don’t start listening about no contact then (Oregon Governor) Brown is going to shut things down again, (Washington Governor) Inslee already is, next (California Governor) Newsom will and then we have a trifecta of follow the leader again. So wear the mask.”

As for Rochelle: “I just don’t know. I’m just doing what I’m told.”

Rochelle isn’t fully convinced that masks are the answer, but Randall Melton she’s following the rules.

“I don’t know how much I believe “Masks are less inconvenient than that people should be required aca hospital stay or death of myself or a tually. I watched too much news at loved one.” the beginning of this and Dr. Fauchi said to, then he said not to…”

Melton follows the recommendations Also, she thinks masks create of doctors. “germ concerns.”

“There are an overwhelming number “I mean really, people are of health professionals and health augoing home and washing their thorities around the world who recommasks? I doubt it by seeing how mend wearing masks so I will listen to filthy some are that people are the health experts,” he said. wearing. Gross! The other day I Melton said it is “socially responsible saw on the news people are getetiquette to wear your mask” and beting acne. Yikes. Gross.” cause the “state has made it mandatory Recently, CTUIR Nurse Kristi Tami Rochelle based on scientific evidence it should Yunker pointed out a gap in the be required.” side of Rochelle’s mask.

Is it necessary? Same answer: “According to health “I’ve learned with this that my face isn’t even! I think experts, not Facebook warriors or politicians.” my ears are too high. It pulls that mask up too far! It Melton said wearing a mask is no more burdensome doesn’t matter which kind I wear it’s always touching that obeying traffic laws such as wearing a seat belt. my eye lashes!

Melton said people who won’t wear a mask are putting Rochelle said she feels like wearing a mask is both themselves, their loved ones and the community at risk. a burden and an obligation.

“I think about the pressure increased cases put on “It’s a pain to wear them, but I don’t want people to the health-care professionals and businesses, and be scared, especially since I have allergies from hell, ultimately the entire community,” he said. “As long as always have but everyone looks at you if you sneeze the wearing of a mask is ordered, it should be followed or cough like you’re spreading CV19. I need to make a and legal consequences should be enforced on those mask that says ‘It’s ALLERGIES!’”

August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

who don’t.”

Celeste Whitewolf “The only way we can control this virus is to work together.”

Whitewolf agrees masks should be mandatory.

“Most importantly we must protect our elders,” she said.

Masks make her eyeglasses fog up, but she’s learned that the fog will dissipate and it’s easier to breathe if she loosens the bottom strap.

Early in the pandemic Whitewolf made 360 masks and gave them all away to tribal and non-tribal people at no cost.

She believes wearing a mask is an obligation “to show others that you value their health and well-being.”

She becomes upset when she sees people not wearing masks.

“First I get mad because they are being selfish and then I get worried that I might get sick because of their actions.”

Katherine Minthorn “If people are too irresponsible to stay at home and away from gatherings then wearing a mask should be mandated.”

Minthorn said she puts on a mask when she gets out of her vehicle and removes it when she gets back in. She carries a mask in her purse and in one of her vehicles.

It’s uncomfortable only if she has to wear it more than 20 or 30 minutes, and “it doesn’t usually take much more time than that to do whatever I’m doing.”

People who don’t want to wear a mask or refuse to wear a mask “should stay out of the general public, send someone to do their shopping. Be responsible for your actions.”

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Leroy Bushman, 94, is believed to be the oldest World War II veteran enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Bushman talked about his days in the Navy as well as his life in Eastern Oregon during a conversation in his backyard in Perry in July.

The Last WWII Warrior...

Leroy Bushman was on board the U.S.S. Iowa in the Bay of Tokyo when Japan surrendered

By Wil Phinney of the CUJ

P

ERRY – Leroy Bushman was stacking wood when General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman walked around the house where the 94-year-old World War II veteran and his wife, Beverly, have lived for the last 42 years.

Bushman is believed to be the last living World War II veteran enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Watchman, an Air Force veteran, wanted to meet him.

The GC Chair, dressed in his familiar bright red ribbon shirt, sat down at a table in the shade of a tree in Bushman’s backyard with Leroy, Beverly and two of their five children – brothers Steven, who works at the CTUIR’s Department of Natural Resources Native Plant Nursery and oldest son Jeff Bushman, plus grandson, Thomas Bushman, who attended Nixyaawii Community School, and Brandy Jones, the girlfriend of Steven.

Watchman, with the help of Beverly and Steven, carried on a conversation with the hard-of-hearing Leroy, who changed from the straw hat he was wearing at the wood pile to his U.S. Navy topper.

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eroy Bushman’s Indian bloodline goes back to his grandmother, Mary Ann Walla Walla, who married a French Canadian trapper named Edward Beauchemin. Their son, Fred Bushman, had Walla Walla blood.

At the time his grandparents were married, the family believes, the name was pronounced Bo-shuhmen. Over the years the spelling and pronunciation has become Bushman.

Because Leroy was born in 1926, the family believes his grandparents were likely born in the mid- to late1800s. It is conceivable that they were children in 1855, but more likely they were born after the treaty signing at Walla Walla.

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eroy was born in Pendleton and attended grade school in Perry, that little spot most people know by its freeway sign about five miles west of La Grande. (Perry was originally named Stumptown, but was later renamed in honor of an early railroad dispatcher in La Grande.)

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Lindsey X. Watchman, General Council Chair for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, sat down in July to talk with Leroy Bushman, who is believed to the be the oldest World War II veteran enrolled CTUIR member.

Leroy graduated from La Grande High School in 1944 and was drafted in the spring of that year. He was allowed to finish his senior year, but two days after graduating from high school he was headed for Naval training in San Diego.

Given the choice, he selected the Navy over the objections of his father, Fred Bushman, who had served in the Army’s horse artillery in World War I. He chose the Navy, he said, because he’d heard too much about the Army and he wanted the opportunity to take a bath every day.

“I went to boot camp and did what I was told. If you were told to go left you didn’t go right,” he said.

He remembers he had to learn “two big words: yes and sir.”

Leroy was initially stationed on the U.S. Bosque, a new attack transport ship, commissioned in December of 1944. He was aboard the Bosque for several months before being transferred to the U.S.S. Iowa where he stayed throughout the remainder of his service.

The battleship Iowa sailed in spring of 1945 for

Confederated Umatilla Journal

Okinawa to relieve her sister ship New Jersey. The Iowa supported carrier operations, which aimed to establish and maintain air superiority for ground forces during their struggle for the island. The Iowa then supported air strikes off northern Japanese islands and participated in strikes on the Japanese home islands for several days in mid-July. She continued to support fast carrier strikes until the cessation of hostilities on Aug. 15.

Steven remembers his father talking about Japanese kamikaze planes strafing the Iowa. Huge beams would light up the planes and the ship’s guns would swing around and fire. The recoil would cause the boat to shift in the water.

On Aug. 17, Leroy was aboard when the Iowa and its sister ship Missouri entered Sagami Bay to oversee the surrender of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal.

Two days later, the Iowa entered Tokyo Bay with the occupation forces. Here, a number of sailors from the Missouri were temporarily stationed on the Iowa for the duration of the surrender ceremony, which took place aboard the Missouri.

After serving as Admiral Halsey’s flagship for the surrender ceremony on Sept. 2, the Iowa remained in the bay as part of the occupying force. As part of the ongoing Operation Magic Carpet, she received homeward bound GIs and liberated U.S. prisoners of war before departing Tokyo Bay on Sept. 20, bound for the United States.

At 94 years of age, exact dates and lengths of times are becoming blurry for Leroy. It’s hazy as to what took place or where he was between the date of the Japanese occupation and June of 1946 when he was discharged at Seattle and became “human again.”

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eroy was back in La Grande for two days when he met Beverly at the Liberty Theatre in La Grande. He spent the first night with his parents in Perry and on the second night he went to the movies where Beverly worked. They were introduced and Beverly told her girlfriends, “I’m going to marry him.”

“Then I had to marry him to prove myself right,” she said, sitting next to him in the shade.

Back in Eastern Oregon, Leroy immediately went to the La Grande train depot and asked for a job. They

August 2020

A young Leroy Bushman went off to San Diego within a week of graduating from La Grande High School in 1945. He remembers this:“I went to boot camp and did what I was told. If you were told to go left you didn’t go right.” He said he remembers he had to learn “two big words: yes and sir.” Bushman served on the U.S.S. Iowa in the Pacific during World War II. This 1944 photo shows Iowa in her anti-submarine camouflage measure, applied in December or in early January 1944.

Highly visible in this view are the fine foreward hull lines for a higher speed than the preceding South Dakota-class battleships.

Consequently her #1 turret had little depth for torpedo protection.

U.S. Military photo

A dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, Leroy watches the news on TV “all day long” and apparently isn’t afraid to opine about current events.

Except he filtered his comments in front of the GC Chair.

“Kids nowadays are a little different,” he said. “It’s a different country.”

Leroy’s first presidential vote was for Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

About the 45th president he says, “Trump, I’d rather have somebody else. He means well but he doesn’t know how to do it.”

Those remarks, said Steven, are definitely “politically correct.”

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Leroy Bushman holds a photo of big guns firing from the U.S.S. Iowa while his wife, Beverly, looks on in their Perry backyard. He and Beverly, who have been married 73 years, are the parents of five children, including Diana, born in 1949 and died in 2010; Lori Ann, who died as an infant in 1950; Julie born in 1953, Jeffrey born in 1955 and Steven in 1965. Leroy is the grandson of Mary Ann Walla Walla, who married a French Canadian trapper named Edward Beauchemin. Leroy’s parents were Fred Bushman and Iva Eads. His three remaining children, Julie, Jeffrey and Steven, are all enrolled CTUIR members.

hired him on the spot.

He went to work on a signal crew and continued on maintenance teams for Union Pacific for 42 years.

Leroy and Beverly dated one year before they were married on June 24, 1947. They honeymooned in Durkee – an unincorporated community, best known for its cement plant, along I-84 about 12 miles southeast of Baker City.

Leroy and Beverly lived in Gibbon for 27 years. Leroy worked with a UP signal gang that took him from Huntington to Portland to Spokane.

He and Beverly lived in a railroad car for a while.

“I thought I saw the whole world,” Beverly said.

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marriage of 73 years hasn’t always been a bowl of cherries – or a bowl of ice cream.

Wait. Leroy doesn’t eat ice cream in a bowl.

He eats only vanilla ice cream on a plate and he uses a fork. He whips it up.

“It’s an event,” said Steven.

“It’s epic,” said Brandy.

“Sometimes it takes an hour, ‘til it’s perfect,” Steven added. “We used to watch as kids and we used to

August 2020

eroy has always been a fisherman, dipping flies on the Grande Ronde, which if not for the freeway you could probably hear from his house, and the Deschutes River to the west. He hunted deer and elk in the forested ridges that surround his home.

Until he and Beverly decided they’d had enough of picking and canning cherries, the backyard featured a huge garden. Leroy just got tired of climbing the 12foot wooden ladder that is still leaning up against the back of the house.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t still working.

Last winter he was still climbing up on the house to sweep the snow off the roof and as he continued to talk he had one eye on that stack of wood.

There was still work to do.

sneak up and stick a spoon in it. He used to act like he didn’t like us doing that, but I think he didn’t mind.”

His breakfasts are a bit unusual, too, but perhaps that comes with age.

Beverly sometimes surprises him with bacon, eggs and pancakes, but most of the time Leroy’s routine is a big bowl of five kinds of cereals mixed together, and two slices of buttered toast with honey applied just so, said Brandy.

“We’re talking perfection here,” she said.

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n nearly three-quarters of a century, marriage hasn’t always been perfect, but the banter and joking between the two is still there, even at 94 and 89 years old.

Beverly laughed when she said the secret to happiness is “telling him off every day.”

Leroy just couldn’t find the words. He raised his eyebrows enough that you could detect a smile underneath his COVID-19 mask. He muttered something under his breath and Beverly playfully slapped his arm and then said, “Shut your mouth while you’re ahead.”

Confederated Umatilla Journal

Leroy Bushman poses with his rifle, and the International Scout that’s still parked at his Perry home, in one of his family’s favorite photographs.

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46314 Timine Way 541-966-9830

Pendleton, OR 97801 www.yellowhawk.org

What the CDC says about breastfeeding The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good source of information about breastfeeding, including information about how breastfeeding in the context of COVID-19.

“Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. We must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed.”

Dr. Ruth Petersen, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity According to the CDC: Infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of: •Asthma.

•Obesity.

•Type 1 diabetes.

•Severe lower respiratory disease.

•Acute otitis media (ear infections).

•Sudden infant death syndrome

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

(SIDS).

•Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting).

Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of: •High blood pressure.

•Type 2 diabetes.

•Ovarian cancer.

•Breast cancer.

August 2020

August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

17A

Broadband Project Continued from page 1A

nomic and Community Development and was submitted to the FCC on July 27, 2020. In its FCC application for a 2.5 GHz spectrum channel, the CTUIR justified its need for broadband to support distance learning, tele-medicine, and public safety communications for tribal law enforcement, emergency response and the fire department to address the COVID-19 public health emergency, which was declared March 2 by the Tribes’ Board of Trustees.

We’re very optimistic and very excited,” said Kat Brigham, BOT Chair. “We’ve been at this for more than a decade. CARES money will build the broadband and hopefully it will be available by the end of the year.”

Brigham said the internet will provide opportunities for all tribal members of all ages to access information about any number of subjects, including their own government.

Boots Pond, at 24 the youngest member of the ‘Access to Board of Trustees, may not be as confident as oththe internet is ers on the Board, but he’s vital and will eager for broadband to be support the available.

“It’s now a lifestyle for upcoming needs all ages ‘cause we have of distance grown up accustomed to education, allow it,” Pond said in an e-mail. for tele-medicine, “Social media has dominated our communication increases style nowadays and it’s motivation, and hard to ignore.”

Pond said he was glad affords the ability the Board has pushed for to work from broadband, “especially at this time.” home. Lastly, “We’ve seen how and perhaps much socialization has most importantly, changed,” Pond said. families can stay “Now education will be seeing changes as well. engaged with We have to adapt in order near and distant to protect the health of relatives online.’ everyone.”

General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman, who - General Council Chair is a member of a BroadLindsey X. Watchman band Working Group, said expanding rural broadband will “significantly improve the quality of life” for Tribal members.

Wi-Fi internet, he said, will allow “our people to strive for their own personal sovereignty, self-determination and self-sufficiency.”

Further, Watchman said, “Access to the internet is vital and will support the upcoming needs of distance education, allow for tele-medicine, increases motivation, and affords the ability to work from home. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, families can stay engaged with near and distant relatives online.”

According to federal requirements, the CARES Act funding must be incurred by Dec. 30, 2020. However, requirements from the FCC’s spectrum channel application process show that the owner has five years to build-out the communication system to maintain the FCC license.

How to make requirements for spending the federal dollars jibe with the time it will take to complete the federal project is still to be determined, according to Bruce Zimmerman, a member of the Broadband Working Group.

Zimmerman, the CTUIR’s Tax Administrator in the Department of Economic and Community Development, said the Working Group will be returning to the BOT with a “more definitive plan” that will include engineering designs, a tentative layout, and a timeline for construction, plus an estimated cost.

“Right now we’re planning,” Zimmerman said. “It’s very initial. We’re doing a lot of preliminary work and trying to finalize the initial design and construction phase of the project to report back to the Board of Trust-

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This map shows the internet coverage area envisioned in the Umatilla Reservation broadband project.

ees. All information and guidance from the US Treasury at this point is that the money from CARES has to meet certain provisions and that the initial Broadband project must be in place with all costs incurred by the December 30 deadline. We’re trying to get all options on the table so we can best benefit the Reservation within the confinements of the funding available.”

Just over $1 million is earmarked for the broadband buildout project, which is planned in three phases that likely will include a first phase “loop” connecting broadband service to all tribal buildings and business enterprises to the new broadband “Point of Presence (POP)”, a second phase “backbone fiber” from the reservation to a major internet hub in downtown Pendleton, and a third phase system development of “last-mile” delivery to households across the reservation.

A complimentary project, with a price tag of almost $1 million, is a “Pandemic Preparedness Building” that will house the broadband POP facility, services and information technology upgrades to Tribal government, plus facilities for the storage and distribution of emergency food supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Construction of the Pandemic Preparedness Building is expected to start in September of 2020.

The Broadband Working Group also includes IT Director Marguarite Becenti, Planning Director J.D. Tovey, Cultural Resources Protection Program Manager Teara Farrow-Ferman and CRPP Senior Archaeologist and THPO Manager Carey Miller, Department of Economic and Community Development Director Bill Tovey, and

Confederated Umatilla Journal

Chris Leonard from Cayuse Technologies, as well as representatives from Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, and the CTUIR Education Department.

Additionally, according to the BOT Resolution approving the budget for CARES Act projects, DECD will be coordinating with the Departments of Children and Family Services, Natural Resources, Public Safety and Public Works, and the Offices of the Executive Director, Finance, Planning and Information Technology, as well as Yellowhawk, to ensure that the Pandemic Preparedness meets the operational needs of the CTUIR to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law, marking the third and largest major legislative initiative to address COVID-19 to date. (The first was the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, signed into law on March 6, followed by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ($1,200 to U.S. citizens), signed into law on March 18.) The CARES Act contains a number of health-related provisions focused on the outbreak in the United States, including paid sick leave, insurance coverage of coronavirus testing, nutrition assistance, and other programs and efforts. It also includes support for the global response.

The CTUIR provided its own COVID-19 relief package of $750 to tribal members in June.

August 2020

Tribes respond Continued from page 2A

at www.ctuircovid.info. Tribal members who may need services should contact the Department of Children and Family Services at 541-969-8413.

During their discussion Friday, the Board of Trustees touched on a variety of issues ranging from cluster testing and furloughs at Wildhorse to Zoom broadcast of funerals and enforcement of civil violations.

The Incident Command Team, which is in charge of the directives, regularly briefs the BOT. On Monday, the ICT is expected to talk to the Board about how closures at Wildhorse could impact the Tribal economy.

Chuck Sams, Deputy Executive Director, said the situation remains fluid, as it has been since the coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year.

Sams said COVID-19 incidents are changing daily on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“Our trend is going down,” he said

July 31. “We’re not near where the County is and more folks are showing negative results. Our restrictions have been much stronger than the county.

We’ve restricted access to buildings, required masks and gloves, and we’ve done adequate cleaning. We haven’t seen outbreaks in our organizations, but we have seen outbreaks at gatherings, funerals and celebrations. We can’t explain what’s happening to the county. They are showing 45 percent of the people who don’t know where they got it from.

The tracers can’t figure out where it originated. Up until a couple of weeks ago it was occurring at places of work, but now they don’t know.”

Sams told the Board that a map sent out by the County Health Department July 30 showed that a person who gathers among nine others in Umatilla County has an 88 percent chance of contracting COVID-19.

Since then, cluster testing by Oregon State University showed that 17 percent of all Hermiston residents would test

positive for COVID-17.

BOT Chair Kat Brigham noted that the Umatilla Indian Reservation has done a relatively good job compared to other places.

“Where Umatilla County is and where we are is quite a difference,” she said.

“We’re doing a good job, quite frankly, of keeping things down on the reservation.”

Executive Director Ted Wright said the Umatilla Indian Reservation, according to Yellowhawk numbers, has seven active cases to go with 50 recovered cases.

“We’ve been doing the right things, wearing masks … the people to the west and other places, if only they were we wouldn’t have this situation. But we still have to respond so we will,” Wright said on July 31.

BOT member Jill-Marie Gavin asked about cluster testing at Wildhorse and how it is determined when someone who has tested positive is considered recovered.

Kristi Lapp from Yellowhawk, partici-

pating on the Zoom meeting, said cluster testing is coming to an end at Wildhorse and, in fact, the number of tests has dramatically decreased because employees are not volunteering anymore. She said Yellowhawk has the capability to do more cluster testing, but such testing is not planned.

Gavin said testing would give “peace of mind” to employees who are “very nervous about going to work” and “terrified about bringing it home.”

Funerals were discussed extensively with Board members agreeing that the subject is sensitive.

“It’s an extremely delicate issue, but something that needs to be talked about before we send directives,” Sams said.

Gavin said a recent funeral for her uncle was broadcast via Zoom so family members in other communities could observe the services. She wondered if the CTUIR might be able to facilitate that kind of technology to encourage fewer people to attend the in-person mortuary services.

Needs-based cash can’t be justified Continued from page 3A

Both the House and Senate bills likely will include an extension of the unemployment insurance supplement (that expired July 31), but the supplement may be lower than the current $600 per week.

Additionally, the Board was told, the CTUIR set up a call center for offreservation tribal members and provided various forms of assistance to persons requesting it. And, as to income loss, the CTUIR and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center furloughed no employees.

“All of this will make a new round of CARES Act funded payments to members tough to justify from a COVID-19 needs bases,” the memo states.

The Board of Trustees discussed COVID-related matters matter for more

August 2020

than two hours and, among other things, learned another food distribution event is planned behind the Longhouse Aug. 13 at the noon. In addition to food, masks and hand sanitizer also will be available.

BOT member Jill-Marie Gavin asked if future distributions could also include non-food items such as laundry soap, shampoo, and diapers.

Tribal members are encouraged to bring their empty hand-sanitizer bottles to be refilled by the CTUIR Public Works Department, which has a 55-gallon drum of the stuff. BOT Vice Chair Jeremy Wolf urged people to reuse their bottles and, if possible, to wash and reuse cloth masks rather than use throw-away masks.

BOT Treasurer Sandra Sampson discussed the potential to use empty existing buildings or trailers to quarantine

individuals if needed. She said it may be necessary to monitor individuals to make sure they “stay put” when diagnosed with COVID-19. In some cases, she said, monitoring might need to be “like an ankle bracelet” to “make sure they aren’t moving around.”

Sampson also asked about food storage. She was reminded that the Board approved spending nearly $1 million in CARES Act funding for construction in September of a Pandemic Preparedness Building, a steel structure that will include space for food storage as well as broadband technology equipment.

General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman announced that CARES Act funding will be on the Aug. 20 General Council agenda. The Zoom meeting agenda will include reports from Executive Direc-

Confederated Umatilla Journal

tor Wright and Finance Director Rabb.

Watchman said the discussion is designed to illicit opinions and ideas.

BOT Chair Kat Brigham asked Watchman to be mindful there are “all kinds of strings attached” to the federal money.

“Don’t give tribal members false hope that we have $10 million available to spend. That’s not how it happens. We’re doing everything we can to help those in need … We’re being transparent and honest. I’m getting e-mails asking where the CARES money is going but I don’t have all the answers … People are asking and we’re asking the same questions. The Board agrees that we need to be transparent with ourselves and with tribal members about how it’s going to be spent. We need to come up with answers because we’re getting a lot of questions about it.”

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

News & Sports

Section

The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ~ Pendleton, Oregon

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August 2020

Grant would fund Umatilla ‘Language Nest’ project By the CUJ

Combining forces

CUJ photo/Phinney

Kevin Hudson and Marcus Dunfee drive combine through a steep field of wheat north of the Native Plant Nursery on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in late July as harvest was underway. As of press time, the five-person Tribal crew was about halfway through their 3,800-acre progression with much of the south reservation still to cut. Hudson, in his 22nd year as Farm Enterprise manager, said this year’s yields aren’t as high as expected, but aren’t bad. “A lot of people thought we were going to have a huge crop, and I was one of them, too. It looks like you’re cutting better wheat, but all in all it’s a good average crop.” Hudson said some of the early seeded wheat was affected by dry weather and even though rains came late, so did some cold weather that didn’t help the crop. “A lot of it is timing,” Hudson said. “You can’t see it all the same day.” Hudson said yields have ranged from 60 bushel per acre up into the 80s in some areas. The CTUIR Farm Enterprise crew includes Hudson, Dunfee, Babette Cowapoo on the bank-out wagon, Doug Nordyke on the semi-tandem axle semi, and Tami Rochelle in the office.

Football in March

OSAA sets high school sports seasons to start in December PORTLAND - The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) shifted its traditional Fall sports season contests to begin in March under a new 2020-21 school activities calendar approved by the association’s Executive Board Aug. 4.

The OSAA issued a press release Aug. 4 announcing a new calendar that provides for three distinct seasons from late December to late June with limited overlap between seasons.

The Board also voted to waive current out-of-season

Catching rays, cutting strokes

With temperatures in the 90s and over 100 degrees in July and August, Wildhorse Resort Golf Course has been one place to social distance during COVID-19. Sam Spino stands over a putt while Travis Eastwood looks on.

OSAA sets seasons on page 2B

August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

CUJ photo/Megan VanPelt

MISSION – A multi-year Umatilla language immersion program for ten 3-5-year-old children is envisioned should the Confederated Tribes’ Education Department succeed in obtaining a $300,000 federal grant.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) on July 20 approved the submission of a grant application for financial assistance to the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Esther Martinez Immersion grant.

Several other Northwest tribes are currently using ANA grants for language immersion programs.

The grant would fund the “Umatilla Language Nest” for a five-year period, 2020 through fiscal year 2024, according to the resolution passed by the BOT. The CTUIR would provide a 20 percent ($60,000) financial match, as required by the ANA grant, from existing funds annually allocated to support the Tribal Language Program.

Among other things, the money would be used to a hire full-time Umatilla Language Nest teacher and a teacher apprentice.

The teacher would provide instruction in a “language nest environment” for the young students. During the time in the “nest,” only the Umatilla language would be spoken. According to immersion theory, when children are immersed in the language, that is, when they are surrounded by it, using it and hearing it as much as possible, they learn it much faster.

The Umatilla Language Nest teacher must be able to speak Umatilla fluently or at an “intermediate level,” according to the job duties list on the vacancy announcement.

The apprentice, according to job duties and responsibilities, will need to learn to speak and write the Umatilla language fluently. A required minimum qualification is that the apprentice is currently learning the Umatilla language.

The CTUIR Education Department administered three language focus groups with a survey last year that documented strong community support for the Tribal Language Program, according to the resolution approved by the BOT. As part of the Tribes’ goal to preserve and teach present and future generations Language Nest on page 8B

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OSAA sets seasons Continued from page 1B

coaching policies to allow for student participation during the Fall (Season 1).

Participation will be at the discretion of the local school district in those activities allowed per directives from the Governor’s Office, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Traditional Winter activities will take place in January and February (Season 2), followed by Fall activities in March and April (Season 3), with Spring activities occurring in May and June (Season 4).

Each season will feature an equitable 7-week regular season, with adjusted contest limitations, followed by an OSAA Culminating Week. Specific plans for culminating week events will be developed in conjunction with member schools in the coming months in alignment with large group gathering guidelines issued by the state.

“Today’s decisions by the Executive Board provide a framework to maximize the potential opportunity for students in Oregon to participate in three seasons during the 202021 school year,” said Peter Weber, OSAA Executive Director. “The Board recognized that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t what’s best for students across the state. By waiving policy to allow regional participation this Fall, local school districts will have the discretion for participation in those areas that are able to do so safely per state directives.”

The Executive Board took this action following release of school reopening health metrics in late July by the Governor’s Office and OHA. These metrics

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will result in nearly all OSAA member high schools starting in a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) format this Fall, which presents challenges for the resumption of school activities. Shifting the season calendar later in the school year provides additional time for more schools to return to a hybrid or on-site learning format while providing flexibility for local school districts to make decisions this Fall that are best for their school communities as health metrics and state guidance in this area continues to develop.

The OSAA Association Year will officially begin on Aug. 31 in Season 1 where policies restricting out-of-season coaching have been removed. This allows member school students and coaches, at the discretion of the local school district, to participate in any OSAA-sanctioned activity permitted by directives from the Governor’s Office, OHA and ODE. This participation may include conditioning, practices and interscholastic competitions in those permitted activities provided schools adhere to OSAA policies.

The OSAA will continue to work with the Governor’s Office, OHA, and ODE, along with our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) to provide information to member schools. Guidance from these entities continues to evolve, along with the pandemic itself, and will impact future OSAA decisions regarding the 2020-21 school year.

Visit http://www.osaa.org/coronavirus for the latest OSAA information regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

Looking for a lunker at Indian Lake Gladys Biloff of Milton-Freewater was “Friend of the Lake” at Indian Lake in July. The 98-yearold spent the weekend camping and fishing at Indian Lake (Lake Hiyúumptipin), which is operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The lake is 19 miles east of Pilot Rock on land owned by the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Lake Hiyúumptipin (which translates as “grizzly bear devouring”) offers camping, picnicking, fishing, and boating in the Blue Mountains at an elevation of 4,200 feet. The site has 43 different campsites. For more information visit campindianlake.com.

NEXT CUJ AD DEADLINE IS AUGUST 18 NEXT CUJ NEWS DEADLINE IS AUGUST 25 August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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CTUIR Language Words Ímatalam Sɨn ́ wit Tmíšit’al – The Month of the Chokecherries, August Wát’ipam Kaʔuyta Wíwnu – Everyone Is To Feast First on the Huckleberries C’apxmí Wíwnupama – Cedar Huckleberry Basket Sawítk pa wá níix tqwátataš – Indian Carrots are good to eat.. Áwpa Át’iša Wíwnu – The Huckleberries are ripening now Kútašna Atmáyta Aniłá T’lawiyášat ku Walptáykaški – And We are to Honor Our Creator with Prayer and Songs Čí Tamaanít Wíwnu iwá Áwtni – This Huckleberry we gather is Sacred C’áʔatpayn iwáta twáynpatataš Yáamaš ku Wawúkyana– Not too long from now it will time to hunt deer & elk.

Ana kwínam ničtáxna Wíwnu táatpamapa – And you can put your Huckleberries in jars, to can.

K’súyas pínxi pa wá níix tqwátataš – Eels,they’re

Weyiiletpuutímt

August - waw̓ amaʔayq̓áal season when salmon swim to the heads of creeks Huckleberries - cemíitx Feast - kéʔuyit I was at the berry feast - kéʔuyitpe wéeke Huckleberry basket - táx̣cik̓ay Lets go berry picking - kemex wéye timaníišix

Hello - lilóoyca

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in early August announced the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will receive a $269,000 federal grant to repair its main water line.

“These urgently needed resources will help restore a dependable and safe water supply for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,” Wyden said. “That reliability is essential at any time, but especially now when the community is working to keep its members healthy during the coronavirus. I’m glad the Tribes have secured this assistance and I’ll keep battling to pass the Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act that would direct federal funds to help the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and other Tribes with their water infrastructure.”

“Reliable access to clean water is a basic human right—and even more important during this public health emergency,” said Merkley. “By funding the repair of a critical water line, this grant will help deliver this essential service to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

But this grant is only one piece of a bigger puzzle when it comes to ensuring tribal nations have the infrastructure resources they’re entitled to, and I will continue to work in partnership with tribal leaders as we grapple with the coronavirus crisis and beyond.”

The $269,000 federal Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Community Development Block Grant from its Imminent Threat program assists Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages with activities to improve, repair or restore safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations, in Indian communities and in Native Alaskan villages in response to imminent threats.

“Clean water is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and these funds will be useful in repairing the water system on our Reservation,” said Warm Springs Tribal Council Chairman Raymond Tsumpti.

Looking for a new you?

What is your name - ʔitúu weʔnekíše My name is_____.- íin weʔnekíše …..

How are you? - Manáma wéeš

Call me

I am fine - táʔc wéeš I am tired. - ʔiláatwiša

Warm Springs gets grant for water repairs

Kimberly Weathers

I am hungry - heyéeqce

Words and definitions provided by the Language instructors at the Education Department for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

There are many ways to say things and pronounce words.

For more information, please contact the Education Department by calling 541-429-1944.

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

Tribal students travel via ZOOM to summer camp

By Megan VanPelt of the CUJ

PENDLETON - COVID-19 didn’t stop this student from attending summer camp.

Keyen Singer, member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), participated in the 2020 Native Pathways Virtual Summer Camp with other indigenous students across the country.

Starting on July 21, students engaged in the online program through a threeday ZOOM teleconference.

Another CTUIR student, Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky, a senior at Pendleton High School, also took part in the virtual summer camp.

Singer, who will be a junior at Nixyaawii Community School, has higher education on her mind.

“My biggest takeaway from this program is learning more about the scholarship processes and the aid native students receive,” she said.

The three-day event, aimed at high school and college students, included workshops, guest speakers and chats with university admission officers. The summer camp included representatives from Navajo Tech University, University of Arizona, Fort Peck Community College and more.

After completing the program, Singer said she felt more confident because of the

Keyen Singer attended Native Pathways Virtual Summer Camp in July.

Contributed photo

input from admission officers.

“Attending Native Pathways, I have learned the advantages of attending a tribal college. I learned it’s okay to move away from family because this is for the community and my right for an education,” said Singer.

For more information about the program, visit collegefund.org.

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August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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August Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays: 1st: Nikki Minthorn and Cristina Ferea 3rd: Nika Kash Kash 5th: Melissa Van Pelt 6th: Loretta Cook 7th: Avary McKay 10th: Tracy Viegener 16th: Jordan Barrett 18th: Reannon Jones 22nd: Robert Brigham and Sara Jones 24th: Aggie Kash Kash 27th: Taryn Minthorn, Andrew Van Pelt, Symon Picard and Jon Morrison 28th: Fabby Jones, Tiff Rodriguez and Shirley Harrison 29th: Mika Asher and Eric Kash Kash 30th: Ryan McLaughlin

Anniversaries: 4th: Reannon & Dan Morris 12th: Tiona & Jon Morrison 14th: Nita & Mike Hussey and Phyllis & Alan Simmons, Jr.

Mary Hines to be inducted into RoundUp and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame PENDLETON — Three individuals travois in the Westward Ho! Parade for and a horse headline the latest list of many years. inductees into the PendHines was a chapleton Round-Up and erone for the Happy Happy Canyon Hall of Canyon Royalty in the Fame, according to a 1970s, and frequently press release from the loaned her regalia to Hall of Fame.

Happy Canyon prinThe late Mary Hines, cesses and members of who attended the Pendthe all-Indian Roundleton Round-Up and Up court of the 1950s.

Happy Canyon while She assisted with still in her mother’s the Junior American womb, will be inducted Indian Beauty Pageant nex year during the and will be remem2021 Round-Up and bered for her traditionHappy Canyon. al Friday Round-Up Also to be honored dinner in the Indian are Butch Knowles, a Village. commentator and forBuffy Hines said mer Round-Up chamher grandmother pion; Jack Shaw, a long- The late Mary Hines attended every loved the Pendleton time volunteer; and a Round-Up from birth in 1911 to her Round-Up and Happy horse named “Badger.” death in 1989.

Canyon families. Her Hines attended every favorite Round-Up Round-Up from birth in 1911 until her Queen was Lori Anderson. death in 1989.

Knowles was the 1986 Saddle Bronc She actually attended the first Round- Champion at the Round-Up and shared Up in 1910, because her mother was the title again in 1991. He is a four-time pregnant when she participated in the National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc inaugural event, according to Hines’ qualifier, winning the average title at the grandmother, Gretchen “Buffy” Hines.

NFR in 1987.

“Grama was so proud she never After winning the National High missed a Round-Up she would gloat School All-Around title in 1973, Knowles telling us that story,” Buffy said. competed at Walla Walla Community Hines was a volunteer for both Round- College, winning Northwest Regional Up and Happy Canyon. She pulled a titles in bareback, saddle bronc, bull rid-

ing, and all-around.

After his retirement from full-time rodeoing, Knowles became a commentator, most notably for the NFR telecasts from 1989 until 2019. Knowles has also been part of the live broadcast team of the Round-Up for the past 34 years.

Shaw has more than 70 years of volunteer service with the Pendleton RoundUp and Happy Canyon, including eight years on the Round-Up Board as the competitive events director. During this time, he was instrumental in bringing barrel racing back to the Round-Up after a long absence and designing the famous “green mile” barrel pattern.

Shaw continues as a member of the barrier crew and has served on numerous committees for the Columbia River Circuit and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Shaw was also a member of the Happy Canyon cast for many years.

Badger, a Quarter Horse gelding owned by Cydney Curtis and the late Heather Corey, has an extensive background in carrying Round-Up queens, princesses, presidents, directors and hall of fame inductees. He has been their mount for run-ins, parades, honorary laps, reunion parades and queen and court tryouts. Badger has made 31 Round-Up Grand Entry appearances — likely the most of any horse to date.

Badger was ridden by a 2019 princess at the Rose Festival, Lilac Festival and other parades.

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

Travis Sproed, right, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribe of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, graduated from Walla Walla Community College in 2019 with an Associate in Applied Sciences, Watershed Management degree. His degree helped him advance in his fisheries career with CTUIR before moving on to his current job with the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission. He plans to start classes at Oregon State University this fall studying fisheries and wildlife.

It’s not too late to think about college this fall

By Melissa Rodriguez

There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic challenges us all to think and act differently. And that may include thinking about college. Given today’s uncertainties, some students who had planned on going away to college may now be rethinking whether they want to travel so far. Or, maybe you are unemployed right now and looking for a way to improve your job skills.

If studying closer to home this fall makes sense to you and your family, Walla Walla Community College has what you need. Programs such as computer science, automotive repair technology, welding, cosmetology, including nail tech and barbering, agriculture, business, criminal justice, and many others can be completed in a few months to two years. Or, you can earn credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university to study everything from natural resources to psychology through an Associate of Arts, Associate in Applied Sciences, or other degrees.

In addition, WWCC now offers two Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) de-

August 2020

grees. Students interested in pursuing careers in business or the agricultural sector can also earn a BAS degree in Agricultural Systems or Applied Management and Entrepreneurship. Both programs deliver specialized knowledge and skills that are in high demand in our region.

Walla Walla Community College also offers more than 100 certificate and degree options. These programs are taught by skilled professionals working in their respective fields, and the curriculum is designed in partnership with local employers.

After transitioning instruction to distance learning last spring due to COVID restrictions, Walla Walla Community College will launch a new, flexible learning model this fall to accommodate distance and in-person instruction whenever possible.

Faculty will provide live instruction during scheduled class hours and classes will be posted for students who need to catch up later. The College will also continue to provide individualized student support services in-person (in compliance with health directives), and Walla Walla Community College on page 9B

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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Happy Birthday!

Ain’t it nifty, Chuck Sams is 50!!!

Superman isn’t far behind because Ryan Sams is pushing 49.

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church sets new cemetery requirements

OSU Bound

Happy Birthday Chauncey

TUTUILLA FLATS - Tutuilla Presbyterian Church Cemetery has received a historical designation and the cemetery has been expanded.

The expansion will have space for nearly 400 new burial or cremains sites, according to Micheal Minthorn, Ruling Elder at the Church.

Minthorn said all burials must be preapproved by the church. Tribal government will refer burial requests back to the church.

In order to be buried at the cemetery in the future, pre-planning is strongly en-

couraged, Minthorn said. There is a $100 fee to reserve a grave site in advance.

Reservations for grave sites in the new cemetery for currently active church members runs from now until Sept. 1, 2020. Beginning on Sept. 2, 2020 reservations will become open to the public.

More information and reservation request forms will become available on the church Facebook page.

To reserve a space or request one, call Micheal L. Minthorn, Ruling Elder, at 541-379-1252 or 541-443-6152, or call Pastor Lloyd Commander at 541-310-2137.

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church is the oldest congregation in the northeast Oregon Presbytery. Established in 1882, it has been in operation for 138 years. Like us on our Tutuilla Presbyterian Church Facebook page. Online services live every Sunday at 11 a.m.

Language Nest Continued from page 1B

the languages of the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse/Nez Perce, a 25year language plan has been created to revitalize the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Weeyilatpu languages.

The resolution states that the Umatilla languages is at a critical state with fewer than five fluent speakers remaining whose age is 50 years or older.

The Education Department’s Language Program implemented a Umatilla Immersion Program, funded by a different federal grant, from 2021-2015.

Several Northwest Tribes currently have programs implemented with the Esther Martinez Immersion grants, including the Kalispell Community of the Kalispel Reservation, the Salish School of Spokane, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

According to the ANA Esther Martinez Immersion website: Kalispel Language Survival School Expansion expanded K-2 Kalispel Survival School to include grades 3-5 on the Kalispel Indian Reservation to provide a continuous immersion experience for Kalispel children and allow the acquisition of language fluency by age 11. This project provides at least 500 hours of Kalispel language to 15 students who attend Kalispel Survival School for primary level education.

The goal of the Salish School Survival project is to increase high quality immersion education for 15 sixth- through eighth-grade students. That program complemented an immersion program offered for about 45 students from pre-school to 5th grade. Each student will receive more than 1,000 hours of language instruction every year focusing on subjects like Salish literacy and math. The project also provides Salish language training for students’ parents, thereby increasing intergenerational use and transmission of Salish language and culture.

The Spokane Language Survival School continue its language journey by growing the Back to the Heart Language Nest School to include a Language Survival Immersion School that gives each student more than 500 hours of language instruction per year. This expansion increases the fluency level and cultural knowledge of six language teachers and 26 students of the Spokane Language; develops an Indigenous comprehensive math, reading, and science curriculum for students aged 7-10; and creates traditional story books, language/culture units that are accessible on the language/culture website and social media pages.

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Walla Walla Community College Continued from page 7B

by phone or video chat.

Whether it’s virtual, or in person, we remain focused on helping our students succeed. Just ask Travis Sproed, who was 24 years old when he started classes at WWCC. “I was worried about feeling out-of-place, older than everyone else,” Travis says. “I didn’t feel out of place at all. My advisor was a tremendous help from day one.”

Travis, who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribe of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, graduated from WWCC in 2019 with an Associate in Applied Sciences, Watershed Management. His degree helped him advance in his fisheries career with CTUIR before moving on to his current job with the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission. He plans to start classes at Oregon State University this fall studying fisheries and wildlife.

“It’s never too late to get an education,” he says. “It’s rising up to the expectations of our elders and setting a good example for the future of our tribe.”

Travis says one of the reasons he delayed going to college was because he worried he couldn’t afford it. We hear that from a lot of prospective students.

Here’s the good news: WWCC is affordable.

Our tuition is one-third the cost of

a four-year college or university. And more than half of our students receive financial aid. The college employs expert staff who are well-versed in numerous grants, loans, scholarships and other forms of financial aid currently offered by the state and federal governments.

Staff can also help you identify your career goal, select a program, apply, develop a financial plan, progress in your classes, and apply for jobs or transfer.

I’m proud that this region has many successful WWCC graduates, including Travis Sproed, who are realizing their dreams.

I, myself, received my Associate in Applied Sciences from WWCC in 1997 and transferred my credits to Cal State San Marcos, where I finished my BA degree in Communication. I came back home to Walla Walla and have worked for the college for seven years. I love hearing from students who found exactly what they needed from WWCC. What’s your dream? The college has created a new website, WWCCWarrior. org, to provide you with the information you need to get started, including a link to an application that’s easy to complete and costs nothing to submit. Find out how you can be a Warrior, too. Join us.

Melissa Rodriguez is Director of Outreach for Walla Walla Community College; 509730-0897.

Poopsie can sweet, but she can be mean now that she’s 13.

Happy Birthday Addison Kosey We’re pleased to present the ...

Achievers of the Month The Youth Leadership Council for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has set an ambitious goal of gathering masks for the CTUIR community, as well as for the people suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo and Yakama Nations.

The Council has set an ambitious goal of producing 25,000 masks.

Youth Council member If you have masks to donate please send them to: CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services c/o CTUIR Youth Leadership Council 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

August 2020

Keyen Singer and her mother Cara Greene will be helping to gather and send masks to people on the Navajo and Yakama Nations who are suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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46314 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-966-9830 www.yellowhawk.org

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August 2020

August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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CARES grant will fund oral history interviews Money will hire new staff in CTUIR Language Program

the Umatilla Tribal Elders on Pandemics and Natural Disasters,” received the grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which in June announced $40.3 million in new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act economic stabilization grants to support essential operations at more than 300 cultural institutions across the country.

The grant will be used to retain and hire new staff to record stories on the history of pandemics and natural disasters, documenting the language as well as preservation of tribal culture, according to information from the NEH. In the “highly competitive” NEH CARES grant category, more than 2,300 eligible applications were received from cultural organizations requesting more than $370 million. The CTUIR’s Language Program was among the 317 grants that were approved. The grants, the NEH announced, will allow cultural organizations to retain staff to preserve and curate humanities collections, advance humanities research, and maintain buildings and core operations.

Katrina Miller is project director for the CTUIR oral histories project in the Language Program of the Tribes’ Education Department.

MISSION – A $125,000 CARES grant will provide funding for the Confederated Tribes’ Language Program to carry out oral history interviews with tribal elders talking about pandemics and natural disasters that have impacted the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The project, titled “Oral Histories of

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE KOSEY

FREE for **Qualified CTUIR MEMBERS WILL-WRITING and ESTATE-PLANNING VIRTUAL SERVICES

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH!

Now making confidential virtual appointments Please contact: Martha Klein Izenson, Attorney Native American Program, Legal Aid Services of Oregon (NAPOLS)

Direct Line: 541-429-7401 Email: martha.kleinizenson@lasoregon.org

Front Line Joseph Adams, Custodial Tech Joseph and a couple other custodial staff were dishing up their plate while on duty during the employee banquet.

Banquet staff witnessed him getting the call that garbage needed emptied for the event. Joseph was the only one to put down his plate and attend the call. This embodies the spirit that the banquet was intended to appreciate Wildhorse employees. He put aside the meal made in our honor, proving that he deserves the recognition the night was all about.

Support Staff Scott Key, F&B Culinary Scott is always working hard and greets everyone with a smile. He keeps the breakroom pretty well taken care of when in his hands.

Always appreciate a clean breakroom and all of his hard work.

Supervisor Terry Lupinacci, ATP Shift Supervisor Terry is the most reliable supervisors I’ve ever had.

He is always willing to accommodate whatever needs my-coworkers and I might have. There have been various occasions where he has come in late at night on his day off to fix our machines.

Always has a smile and a good joke to greet you with.

Just an overall good dude.

Casino • Hotel • Golf • Cineplex • RV • Museum • Dining • Travel Plaza

Did you know?

The BIA Umatilla Agency is no longer storing wills for CTUIR Members. The CTUIR Enrollment Office will provide confidential, secure storage for your will within your enrollment file. **Client eligibility shall be limited to individuals who are enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and whose income does not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Documents that can be prepared: Wills (distribute your property) Powers of Attorney (allows others to make decisions) Living Wills (detailed end-of-life decisions)

Learn About: Your lands and your options Why writing a will is important and what you can do with your will once it’s written

800.654.9453 \\ Pendleton, OR \\ I-84, Exit 216 \\ wildhorseresort.com

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Confederated Umatilla Journal

August 2020

Thank you letter THE LUKE FAMILY EXPRESSES a big thank you for helping us lay to rest our beloved son/brother/uncle/cousin Atway, Patrick L. Luke.

We all knew him for being the ultimate fisherman on the big river and we all know he wanted to help others where he could. It’s been an unsettling amount of emotions on what happened, but we’re in touch with the FBI in hope to find closure.

Please keep us in your prayers.

We know COVID-19 made it a very limited time and not all were able to attend the funeral.

Inchii-Qwuthla, a big thank you to Thomas Morning Owl and Armand Minthorn for officiating; Yakama Nation and Tribal Police Department; Yakama Warriors Association for playing the USMC Hymn and Taps; Robert Trujillo; Gary Pierce and the gravediggers; Wade Wahsise and family for the Nusuux; all the family support from The Big River; Thompson and Minthorn family; CTUIR; all of his friends that have asked about him from his Oregon State University to his biologist days at YIN; friends at CRITFC; Longhouse families; the many friends and relatives from his Facebook page; Mary Goudy; Ramona and James Kiona; Shadow Kiona; Mardell Wallahee and family; Shance Skahan; Jode Goudy; Jason Rau; Dave McKay III; Cecil Shippentower; Pam Shippentower; Benjamin Blue Arquette; Cedric Wildbill; Andrew Wildbill; James Bill; Alan Bill; Dana Miller; Gary Burke; Steve Sohappy; Myron Jim; Stanley Miller; Steve Nelson; Roy Dick; Marylee Jones; Michelle Sconowah; Michael Tinoco; Selam family; Jon David and Emily Washines; all his lifelong friends and relations, too, that couldn’t attend. After the things settle down we’ll announce a memorial.

The Luke Family

Tribal Court can sentence remotely MISSION – Tribal Court now has the authority to sentence defendants who appear remotely rather than require them to be physically present, following passage of a resolution July 13 by the Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

The Court requested the amendment to the CTUIR Criminal Code to make remote sentencing authority and other remote criminal-hearing-related matters explicit with regards to the March 2 Public Health Emergency declared by the Board of Trustees due of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The amended Criminal Code states: “…For purposes of arraignments, pleas, sentencing or other court hearings, ‘in person’ may, upon a judge’s approval and finding of good cause, include appearance by phone, video, or other appropriate electronic means.”

OUR GOAL: 25,000 FACE MASKS! The Youth Leadership Council for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has set an ambitious goal of gathering masks for our people, but we want to send masks to people on the Navajo and Yakama Nations who are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We want to protect young and old from the virus and hope we can count on you.

We are calling on native and non-native sewing groups to sew and donate face masks. If 125 seamstresses and seamsters could each donate 200 we could reach our goal of 25,000 face masks. But we will gladly accept any number of masks, even one, that anyone would like to contribute.

Thank you for helping to keep our native communities safe.

We fight together, not alone!

If you have masks to donate please send them to: CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services c/o CTUIR Youth Leadership Council 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

Youth Council member Keyen Singer and her mother Cara Greene will be helping to gather and send masks to people on the Navajo and Yakama Nations who are suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DID YOU KNOW?

Affairs for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are governed by an elected body called the Board of Trustees. A chairman presides over the Board, which consists of eight other members. The Board sets policy, makes the final decisions on tribal affairs, and takes a lead role in determining priority projects and issues. The Board conducts business meetings weekly, in addition to numerous work sessions with staff and special board meetings with external individuals and organizations. All of the board members, except the Chair, participate in various commissions and committees established to oversee specific tribal issues, such as education, natural resources, water, health and welfare, cultural resources, fish and wildlife, law and order, and more.

The Board is elected by the General Council, which consists of all Tribal members age 18 and older. The General Council also elects its own officers. The General Council meets monthly to hear updates from its Chairman, the Board of Trustees, and various working groups. This is also an opportunity for General Council members to provide input and recommendations to the tribal officials. Special General Council meetings are occasionally held to discuss specific issues.

The day-to-day work of the Confederated Tribes government is carried out by a staff of nearly 500 employees (47% are our own tribal members, 14% are Indians from other tribes, and 38% are non-Indians). The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director are responsible for directing the staff, which is organized into several departments and programs.

From ctuir.org/about-us

Happy Birthday

KODA

August 2020

Confederated Umatilla Journal

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EASTERN OREGON CENTER FOR

INDEPENDENT LIVING A Global Disability Resource and Advocacy Center EOCIL is a proud supporter of the CTUIR community and other communities and programs that promote and value inclusion, equality and opportunities for people with disabilities. EOCIL is a global disability resource and advocacy center that provides an array of services for people with disabilities.

EOCIL is operated by people with disabilities.

Services Available:

- Informational and Referral - Independent Living Skills Training (budgeting and financial management, cooking, application assistance, etc.)

- Peer Counseling - Individual Advocacy - Life Transitions (school to employment, home to home, corrections to community, etc.)

- LGBTQ and two spirit resources - Support Groups

- Youth Mentoring Project - Representative Payee Project - Emergency Financial Assistance - Accessibility Assistance - HIV/AIDS Independent Living Project - And many other services

Marathon to appeal order to close pipeline on Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in ND BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Marathon Petroleum Corp. plans to appeal an order by a federal agency to shutdown a pipeline that crosses part of an American Indian reservation in North Dakota.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the Bureau of Indian Affairs on July 2 ordered the shutdown of the pipeline that delivers oil to Marathon’s refinery in Mandan.

The order comes seven years after an easement allowing the line to cross part of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation expired.

The BIA also is billing Marathon $187 million for damages associated with the trespass of the company’s Tesoro High Plains Pipeline.

The BIA is involved because the federal government owns some of the land that is held in trust for tribal members.

The shutdown order comes after several years of negotiations and litigation over the pipeline, which was built in 1953 and has undergone easement renewals every 20 years until the most recent one expired in 2013.

Locations:

EOCIL has three locations: 322 SW 3rd St., Pendleton, Ore. webpage: www.eocil.org Email: eocil@eocil.org 541-276-1037 711 Relay Toll free: 1-877-711-1037 1021 SW 5th Avenue, Ontario, Ore. 541-889-3119 Voice 711 Relay Toll free 1-844-489-3119

The Dalles Office 400 East Scenic Drive Building 2, Third Floor, Suite 2 The Dalles, Oregon 541-370-2810 Toll free: 1-844-370-2810 Providing services in Harney, Malheur, Baker, Union, Grant, Wallowa, Umatilla, Morrow, Wheeler and Gilliam, Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties.

EOCIL is a supporter of:

aocil.org • endhivoregon.org • adrcoforegon.org

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CTUIR Board of Trustees minutes

DATE: July 13, 2020 BOT Present: Kat Brigham, BOT Chair; Jeremy Wolf, Vice-Chair arrived at 9:05,(had zoom problems), Sandra Sampson arrived at 9:00 (but speaker was not working did not come on until 9:28 could not hear her), Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Armand Minthorn, Member; Boots Pond, Member; Jill-Marie Gavin, Member; Corinne Sams, Member; Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman. Quorum present Old Business: Ratify polled Resolution 20-064: Covid 19 Response Ambulance Service ICDBF cares Act Citizen Participation-Amendment to Tort Claims and Tribal Workers Benefit Codes RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby informs the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) that such operational matters are delegated to its Executive Director, or his delegate to: cause a Citizen Participant Survey to meet the requirements of the Indian Community Development Block Grant on the CTUIR website that announces that the CTUIR has applied to replace and purchase emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles and equipment, that the CTUIR is taking questions and comments, and a contact person; and Inform ONAP how the notification took place, a copy of the notice, how long the notice was posted, and a summary of comments received MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to ratified polled Resolution 20-064, as corrected.

Jill-Marie Gavin seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 20-065 - Tort Claims and Workers Benefit Code: RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Amendment to the Tribal Tort Claims Code attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1, which Amendment shall be applicable to any lawsuits filed in the Umatilla Tribal Court on or after June 1, 2020; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Amendment to the Tribal Workers Benefit Code attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 2, which Amendment shall be applicable to any claims filed on or after June 1, 2020.

August 2020

MOTION: Armand Minthorn moves adopted Resolution 20-065. Lindsey Watchman seconds.

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

Resolution 20-066 Remote Sentencing RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby amends the Criminal Code to add the following to Section 1.01: “Z. In Person. For purposes of arraignments, pleas, sentencing, or other court hearings ‘in person’ may, upon a judge’s approval and finding of good cause, include appearance by phone, video, or other appropriate electronic means.” MOTION: Armand Minthorn moves adopted Resolution 20-066. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question. 7-0-0.

Resolution 20-067 ANA SEDS Grant - RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees agrees, should the grant be awarded, to allocate the required twenty percent (20%) in-kind financial match of the grant amount in its annual budget as part of the Department of Natural Resources existing base budgets; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the submission of the Food Systems Resilience project application for financial assistance to the ANA SEDS for $1,200,000.00 during FY 2021-2023, for financial. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves adopted Resolution 20-067, as amended. Boots Pond seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

BOT Travel Reports (via zoom) - Jeremy Wolf reported, July 8, 2020 Benton County Technical meeting; Jeremy Wolf reported, July 7, 2020 Willamette Falls Trust Presentation meeting; Jeremy Wolf reported, July 9, 2020 Columbia River Treaty Negotiating Team Update meeting; Kat Brigham reported, May 26, 2020 ATNI meeting; Kat Brigham reported, June 26, 2020 Nine Oregon Tribes conference call with Governor Brown and staff; Lindsey Watchman reported General Council meeting will be July 17, 2020 (Thursday). It will be the first Zoom meeting.

The agenda has been published.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve BOT Travel/Zoom Reports. Boots Pond seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0 BOT Leave and Travel Requests- None July 20, 2020 BOT Present: Kat Brigham, BOT Chair; Jeremy Wolf, Vice-Chair; Sandra Sampson, Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Boots Pond, Member; Jill-Marie Gavin, Member; Corinne Sams, Member; Armand Minthorn, Member and Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman.

Quorum present.

Old Business: None New Business: Resolution 20-068: Budget for CARES Act. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Budget for the Pandemic Preparedness Project and the Broadband Project attached to this Resolution as Exhibits 1C and 2C, respectively, and appropriates funds from the CARES Act contingency to pay for each Project; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DECD will coordinate with the Departments of Children and Family Services, Natural Resources, Public Safety and Public Works, and the Offices of the Executive Director, Finance, Planning and Information Technology, as well as the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, to ensure that the Pandemic Preparedness Project includes the facilities needed to meet the operational needs of the Confederated Tribes to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Executive Director to take the following actions: to execute the contract between the Confederated Tribes and the Wenaha Group for the management of the Pandemic Preparedness Project; to execute contracts for the Pandemic Preparedness Project structure as well as the construction of the structure consistent with the Project Budget set forth in Exhibit 1C;to execute the contract with the firm selected to construct the Broadband Project consistent with the Project Budget approved in Exhibit 2C; the delegation of authority to execute contracts set forth herein includes the authority to have those contracts provide a limited waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Confederated Tribes for the sole purpose of permitting the contractor to enforce the terms of the contract; and to take such further action and to execute documents necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution and to complete the Pandemic Preparedness Project

and Broadband Project in a timely fashion; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby directs that the Executive Director and DECD Director provide monthly updates on the progress of the planning, the execution of contracts and the construction of the Pandemic Preparedness Project and Broadband Project. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 20-068. Armand Minthorn seconds.

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

Resolution 20-069: Broadband Project – FCC License RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes the Department of Economic and Community Development to prepare the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license application, including FCC Form 601 and FCC Form 602; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees make the following findings: the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Confederated Tribes) are a federally recognized tribal government and are the applicant for the 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license; the Board of Trustees accepts the FCC’s eligible rural tribal lands for the purpose of submitting and obtaining a 2.5 GHz spectrum Channel license to operate throughout the Umatilla Indian Reservation as shown on Exhibit 1 attached to this Resolution; the Board of Trustees authorizes the 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license application to be submitted for channel numbers 1, 2, and 3; and Since the Confederated Tribes are the 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license applicant, the Confederated Tribes have met the governmental service and local presence requirements; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes its Executive Director to sign the FCC Form 601, FCC Form 602, and take any other action necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution and to submit the 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license application to the FCC before the August 3, 2020, deadline; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees instructs the Broadband Working Group and the Executive Director’s Office to report back on the final status of the 2.5 GHz spectrum channel license application to the FCC; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 20-069. Armand Minthorn seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Travel Reports – Deferred BOT Leave and Travel Requests (via zoom) - Jeremy Wolf – Video Conference: CRITFC Monthly Meeting 7/22-23/20; Jeremy Wolf – Video Conference: NOAA BiOp Policy Meeting 7/21/20; Boots Pond – Personal Leave: 7/24/20 – 7:30 am – 4:00 pm; Boots Pond – Personal Leave: 7/31/20 – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Date: July 27, 2020 BOT Present: Kat Brigham, BOT Chair;

Jeremy Wolf, Vice-Chair; Sandra Sampson, Treasurer; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Boots Pond, Member; Jill-Marie Gavin, Member; Corinne Sams, Member; Armand Minthorn, Member and Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman.

Quorum present Old Business Ratify polled Org Structure MOTION: Jill-Marie Gavin moves to ratified polled Org Structure change.

Armand Minthorn seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 5 (Corinne Sams, Armand Minthorn, Jill-Marie Gavin, Sally Kosey, Kat Brigham) – 4 (Jeremy Wolf, Sandra Sampson, Boots Pond, Lindsey Watchman) - 0.

New Business: Resolution 20-070: Topic: Portland Harbor Clean-up Agreements. RESOLVED, the Board has reviewed the funding agreements for Arkema, Bayer CropScience, FMC Corporation, the B1A area, General Electric, Union Pacific Railroad, Willamette Cove, and Willbridge Cove at a work session on July 22, 2020; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board authorizes the Chair to sign the tribal oversight funding agreements on behalf of the Confederated Tribes; MOTION: Armand Minthorn moves to adopt Resolution 20-070.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 20-071: Topic: TGM Grant Application - Planning. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation supports the Tribal Planning Office’s application to the 2020 Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Grants to Local Governments to update the Tribe’s Transportation Systems Plan; MOTION: Armand Minthorn moves to adopt Resolution 20-071. Sally Kosey seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Travel Reports: Jeremy Wolf 7-15-20 CRITFC Tribal Chairs Meeting; Kat Brigham 7-15-20 CRITFC 4 Chairs; Kat Brigham 7-17-20 Oregon Lottery Call; BOT Leave and Travel Requests: Leave request Corinne Sams July 30-31.

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DATE: July 6, 2020 BOT Present: Kat Brigham, BOT Chair; Jeremy Wolf, Vice-Chair; Sally Kosey, Secretary; Armand Minthorn, Member; Boots Pond, Member; Corrine Sams Member; Lindsey Watchman, General Council Chairman Absent: Jill-Marie Gavin, Member (PL); Sandy Sampson, Member (PL) Old Business. ANA Grant for Language Program Polled Resolution 20-062.

RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees, hereby approves the submission of the “CTUIR Language Nest Project Application “ for Financial Assistance to the Administration for Native Americans, Ester Martinez Language Nest Program for FY 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees agrees to provide the required twenty percent (20%) financial match of the grant amount to be awarded in accordance with the terms or the ANA Ester Martinez Grant from existing tribal funds annually allocated to support the Tribal Language Program; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the submission of the Umatilla Language Nest” project application for financial assistance to the Administration for Native Americans Ester Martinez for $300,000.00 during FY 2020-2024: MOTION: Jeremy Wolf moves to ratified polled Resolution 20-62, with amendments, Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

New Business: Resolutions: 20-063: Lucky 7 Resident Incentive; RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees allocates an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the Lucky 7 Fund to provide home buyout and moving stipends to existing Lucky 7 Residents; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes the Tribal Housing Department to conduct the Lucky 7 resident and tenant outreach and negotiate offers for home purchases and moving stipends MOTION: Jeremy Wolf moves to adopt Resolution 20-063 as amended. Sally Kosey seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel Requests (via zoom) - Jeremy Wolf/Armand Minthorn- July 7th 1:00 pm- Willamette Falls Board Meeting – via zoom.

Jeremy Wolf July 8th, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, CTUIR Benton County Technical Meeting, via zoom BOT LEAVE REQUEST- NONE

Confederated Umatilla Journal

CCB: 197219 • DEQ: 38882 • Licensed-Bonded-Insured

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Tribal seamstress featured among top indigenous designers Sydelle Harrison has been featured in the July issue of HuffPost Life in a story featuring 23 indigenous fashion designers and their brands.

Harrison, whose lineage is listed as Cayuse, Walla Walla, Yakama

Sydellen Harrison recently started making COVID-inspired face masks.

and Korean American, is part of the indigenous group highlighted by the on-line publication for their clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes.

Harrison’s “Kanaine” handbag is described as a “celebration of color and movement.”

The brief description on HuffPost.

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com goes on to say: “Harrison, who has worked many years in cultural resources protection, makes her bags with blankets from the Oregon-based Pendleton Woolen Mills. The medium is a natural fit: She grew up in Pendleton, and the blankets are a treasured part of local cultural practices. Harrison is a nerd about material and design. In her launch videos on Instagram, she obsesses over leather, over giving fringe details the right kind of heft, over space and structure and proportion.

Her unmistakable erudition and her love for her people form the heart of her brand.”

Harrison sells three different Willie handbags, all of which are currently sold out.

She makes the Willie design in a wide range of sizes and blanket prints. The bags range in price from the Willie Mini Arrowhead at $250 to the Willie Large Falcon Cove, which is marked at $450.

Harrison also sells KANAINE apparel such as T-shirts and skirts, plus Buckaroo cowls. She also makes adults and kids’ jackets with and without fringe and recently began making face masks.

You can find her at kanaine.com.

Sydelle Harrison, shown here with her three children - Kai 8, Blake 6, and Riley 3, recently appeared on a national Census commercial, which aired during the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

A Willie handbag.

Confederated Umatilla Journal

A children’s jacket.

August 2020