Confederated Umatilla Journal
3 Sections, 56 pages Publish date Oct. 3, 2019
The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ~ Pendleton, Oregon October 2019
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Volume 27, Issue 10
Kosey gets her job back Judge rules in favor of ousted BOT member By Wil Phinney of the CUJ
Scalp dance
Sixteen women took part in a rarely performed Scalp Dance Sept. 27 as part of the grand opening of the Nixyaawii Education Center on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The women shown here are, from left, Annie Smith, Wynema Thurman, Andria Scott, Katrina Miller, Merle Kirk and Kim Minthorn. More on Page 12A.
Questionnaire compares candidates CUJ surveys will be posted on Facebook By Wil Phinney of the CUJ
MISSION – Thirteen of the 32 candidates in the Nov. 12 election for Board of Trustees and General Council returned CUJ questionnaires that are part of the following report. Because of space limitations, this story focuses on just three of the nine
questions. It should still give readers insight into what these candidates are thinking about the diminished boundary, the BOT’s “sole authority,” and growing hemp as an agricultural crop. The candidates’ answers, in full, will be posted on the CUJ Facebook page. The answers of any other candidates who return their questionnaires will also be posted online – in full, without editing. Only one BOT officer candidate returned her survey – Sally Kosey, who is running for Secretary. Two General Council officer can-
didates returned their questionnaires – Andrea Hall, running for GC Chair, and Charles Sams, running for GC Vice-Chair. The other 10 are all running for atlarge positions on the Board of Trustees. They are, in no particular order, Lawanda Bronson, Donald Williams, Scott Minthorn, Lisa Ganuelas, Boots Pond, Lindsey Watchman, Corrine Sams, JillMarie Gavin, and Monica James. Remember to read all the candidate responses on the CUJ Facebook page. Candidate questionnaire on page 14A
MISSION – Sally Kosey returned to her office Wednesday, Oct. 2, as a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Her term may be short lived. Tribal Court Judge Doug Nash granted Kosey a 14-day reinstatement following a 90-minute hearing. Nash’s temporary restraining order allows Kosey to return to office until Oct. 15 when another hearing is scheduled. At that hearing, according to Tribal attorney Naomi Stacy, Judge Nash is expected to decide whether or not a permanent order will be granted that would allow Kosey to continue in office for the duration of her term. Stacy and Kosey’s attorney, Ryan Dreveskracht from the Galanda Broadman law firm in Seattle, argued their cases in the courtroom at the Nixyaawii Governance Center. Eighteen people, including several members of Kosey’s family, were in the gallery. Among other things, Nash based his decision on the BOT’s lack of action regarding a “nearly unanimous” General Council motion Kosey returns to BOT on page 4A
New coaching caps Assistant coach Shane Munkers, sporting a Pilot Rock/Nixyaawii hat on the Rockets’ sideline, talks with big 6-31/2-foot, 270-pound Magi Moses, who is playing on the offensive and defensive lines for the undefeated 8-man team. More in Sports on Page 1B.
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CUJ News Lamprey make splash at Oregon Zoo PORTLAND – Pacific lamprey, a fish that’s been around for more than 400 million years, was officially introduced to the general public on World River’s Day, Sept. 29, at the Oregon Zoo. Tribal people have known for eons about the prehistoric fish often referred to as an eel, and it was a collaboration between Oregon treaty tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that put together the new exhibit with the Oregon Zoo. Jeremy Wolf, chairman of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), which represents the Umatilla, Nez Perce, Warm Springs and Yakama treaty fish tribes, and vice-chair of the Umatillas, was the keynote speaker at World Rivers Day Program. Other speakers included Craig Dirksen, Regional Metro Councilor; Dan Moore, the Zoo Director; Robyn Thorson, USFWS Pacific Region Director; Kelly Coates, Water and Environmental Resources Program Manager for the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribes; Roy Elicker, USFWS Pacific Region Fishery Resources Assistant Director; Emerson Squiemphen, CRITFC Commissioner from Warm Springs; Grant Spickelmier, the Zoo’s Curator of Conservation and Learning, and Jeremy Five Crows, the Public Affairs officer for CRITFC, served as master of ceremonies. Many other area officials, including Jaime Pinkham, CRITFC’s executive director, attended. Wolf, who was there with his family, recognized Aaron Jackson, leader for the CTUIR Lamprey Project, which provided the lamprey for the zoo display. He also recognized “our elder and relative, Ksuyas or Pacific Lamprey,” which, he said, has been incorporated into tribal cultures, diets, religions and mythology.
“They are a food, nutrient and filtration source vital to the resiliency of regional ecosystems and cultural sustenance,” Wolf told those gathered on the rainy day. Traditional harvest once occurred in a vast number of tributaries, but as rivers declined so did lamprey. Wolf quoted the late Elmer Crow, a former Nez Perce CRITFC Commissioner who said: “How do we let something that’s 450-500 million years old go extinct? Shame on us, the whole bunch of us, for not paying attention to what was going on.” Wolf said tribal people have an obligation to speak for the lamprey. “We were the first to raise the alarm that they were in trouble and we continue to be the leaders in their recovery efforts,” he told the audience. Today, the tribes are joined by federal, state and local agencies in recovery efforts. Wolf said cultural knowledge developed over thousands of years combined with decades of scientific research and expertise developed from salmon recovery has guided collaborations and design of lamprey reclamation efforts. Ultimately, tribes want to stop translocating lamprey from the Columbia River to tributaries to spawn. “We want lamprey to once again become established, functioning as a selfsustaining and harvestable population within our rivers and streams.” Concluding, Wolf asked the audience, which included many young people, to “speak of what you’ve witnessed here today. Be amazed at this species, its determination and sacrifices. Above all, listen and pay attention to all the land, plants and animals around you. They will speak to you if you listen.”
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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From back to front, Bridget McConville from Warm Springs, Stella Wolf, Manaia Wolf, Althea Huesties, Pheobe Suppah from Warm Springs, Annalise Whipple from Warm Springs, Aiden Wolf and Bryson Redcrane.
Board of Trustees Vice Chair and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Chair Jeremy Wolf speaks during the opening ceremony of the Lamprey exhibit at the Oregon Zoo in Portland Sept. 29.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
CUJ News Commission dismisses BOT election complaints Shippentower, Ashley questioned Kosey’s nomination petitions
Ellen Taylor shows Rebecca Bearchum how to position the designs.
By Wil Phinney of the CUJ
Aubrey Parrish, 4, and her grandmother Lawanda Bronson choose which colors to put with which design.
Deidre Bill works at the museum store and decided to partake in this class. CUJ photos/Casey Brown
Put a brush on that bill MISSION - Nearly 20 participants showed up to become semi-professional hat painters, from grandkids to grandparents and all ages in between, they all joined Ellen Taylor, CTUIR member and artist in a hat painting session Sept. 24. Participants painted their hats with horses, horseshoes, landmarks and more at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. The class was a special free event where all supplies, except for the hats, were provided. Snacks and Pepsi were also provided by Tamastslikt.
Merkley talks tribal issues, 2020 election right now is the 2020 budget and the budget year starts October 1, so we have just two weeks to really PENDLETON – During his trip to the Pendleton figure things out and make sure the government Round-Up, United States Senator Jeff Merkley sat doesn’t shut down,” Merkley said. Budget negotiations absorbing most of Merkley’s down for the third time with the CUJ to talk about his views on national politics and issues facing Oregon time, he serves on the Committee on Appropriations because he focuses on fighting for programs that are Tribes. relevant to Oregon. There His interest in Tribal issues, will be one more cycle of he said, is not just due to his budget appropriations dibirth and upbringing in Oregon rectly before the 2020 elecbut also because he has always tion so the Senator is mindfelt duty-bound to be an advoful of how he plans to spend cate for Oregon Tribes. In his his time over the next year. days as an intern for Senator Unfortunately, Merkley Mark Hatfield, Merkley said he said, the Senate tends to was struck by his boss’ dedicaslow down in election years tion to tribal issues. because everyone is out “In my first experience in the campaigning and a third Senate I was an intern for Senaof the Senate is up for retor Mark Hatfield and he made election. a real point of trying to help “I’m frustrated we aren’t tribes and was always doing his getting more bills through. best to ensure they were treated We spend most of our days fairly. So I think it’s part of the on nominations and this has legacy of Oregon’s reputation,” US Senator Jeff Merkley waves at the crowd during much to do with RepubliMerkley said. cans trying to fill the courts Honing in on national issues, the Westward Ho! Parade, Sept. 13. Merkley shared what he expects to see leading up to with right-wing judges who don’t believe in the fundamental vision of our constitution. The Supreme the 2020 presidential race. “There’s different phases, the chapter we are in ‘Merkley’ on page 22A By Jill-Marie Gavin of the CUJ
October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
MISSION – The CTUIR Election Commission has answered complaints from two members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) who questioned nomination petitions of Sally Kosey, who is a candidate in November for BOT Secretary. The Election Commission met Sept. 18 to address a formal complaint received the same day from Rosenda Shippentower. The Commission also answered a complaint made a week earlier, on Sept. 10, by Aaron Ashley. Ashley did not send an official complaint letter, but like Shippentower sent several emails to Election Commission Chair Michelle Thompson and Vice Chair Roberta Wilson, with copies to the Election Commission, the Board of Trustees, and tribal attorneys. In one of the emails, Wilson said she considered Ashley’s correspondence a formal complaint. Neither Shippentower nor Ashley requested a hearing within the three-day period allowed by the Election Code. Shippentower and Ashley’s complaints were in response to the following facts: Kosey submitted a nomination petition for a BOT member-at-large petition. She asked that the at-large petition be removed so she could run for the BOT secretary position. She received a new petition, but the Election Commission member who provided it did not fill in the complete title of the position Kosey was seeking. Kosey listed her address at Thorn Hollow, not her residence in Pendleton, which has been the location that has been at the center of her candidacy eligibility issue. Ashley argued that Kosey’s BOT at-large nomination petition was not lawfully withdrawn and that her candidacy should therefore be rejected because she was in essence submitting two nomination petitions for more than one position at the same time. Further, Ashley claimed that Kosey’s nomination petition for Secretary should be rejected because it did not identify the position as secretary of BOT or GC. Shippentower also contended that Kosey’s nomination should be rejected because it did not say whether she was running for BOT or GC Secretary. Shippentower cited a 1993 BOT Election Code Resolution that requires candidates to write on the nomination petition the full position they are seeking. In her complaint, Shippentower said other candidates received petitions that were completely filled out by Election Commission members. However, Shippentower said, those candidates “were diligent and specifically stated (filled in) what position they were running for.” Shippentower suggested in a Sept. 11 email to the Board of Trustees that Kosey was being disingenuous Election Commission complaints on page 21A
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Kosey returns to BOT Continued from page 1A
to reinstate Kosey. After the hearing Kosey said she was overwhelmed. “I’m excited to get back to work. I just want to finish out my term without problems,” she said. “I’m anticipating business on the board to be peaceful for the next two months.” A press release from the Board of Trustees to local media Oct. 2 said their regular duties will resume uninterrupted with Kosey back in her seat. The release also states: “The Court’s restoration of Kosey to the Board is consistent with the General Council motion to reinstate her. All sitting trustees are members of the General Council and thus have not supported any motions or resolutions that would negate the authority of the governing body. The Board has always been mindful of the General Council’s constitutional authority to elect the Board of Trustees, and will respect their decisions regarding the 2019 elections. On September 6, 2019 the Board approved Resolution 19-057 to direct the Tribal Election Commission to schedule a Special Election for the CTUIR membership to vote on a Constitutional Amendment to Article VI, Section 2 to read as follows: ‘No member shall be qualified to act as a member of the Board of Trustees who is a non-resident of the Umatilla Indian Reservation as defined in Article 1 of the Treaty of 1855.’ That Special Election will be conducted by the Election Commission in accordance to the Constitutional notice requirements. “ The BOT release said further decisions made by the court between now and Oct. 15 will determine the ultimate status of Kosey’s position on the Board. “Regardless of those proceedings, the Board of Trustees will continue to fulfill their duties as elected officials in the weeks to come.” Nash called it a “weighty” issue worthy of more debate and set a Oct. 15 hearing. Nash is hoping the two sides can work out an agreement so that Kosey can stay in office through the Nov. 12 election or even through the December swearing-in date. At the hearing, Dreveskracht said Kosey would be agreeable to the extension. CTUIR Executive Director Ted Wright said Oct. 2 that the two sides are trying to work toward such an agreement. Kosey is running for BOT Secretary. It remains to be seen what will happen if she wins and if her residency is called into question again. At that point, win or lose, the point of her lawsuit may be moot, Nash said. In the event an agreement isn’t worked out and the Oct. 15 hearing does take place, Kosey’s brief is to be delivered to Tribal Court by Oct. 7. The BOT’s response is supposed to follow by Oct. 11. Elected as an at-large BOT member in November of 2017, Kosey was removed by fellow BOT members 20 months later on Aug. 5, 2019. The BOT based their decision on election codes amended in November of 2018 that changed residency requirements for eligibility to
‘When was she not eligible? She was eligible until the law was changed. They changed the law to make her not eligible. They made it retroactive. That’s the problem.’ Ryan Dreveskracht, Sally Kosey’s attorney serve on the policy-making board. The key change to the residency requirement was the adoption of a diminished boundary to define the Umatilla Indian Reservation for purposes of elections. Prior to amendments, the boundary was “defined by the Treaty of 1855.” Dreveskracht argued that seven of the eight remaining BOT members “conspired” to rid themselves of Kosey, who they didn’t agree with politically, by enacting laws and then applying them retroactively. Dreveskracht told the Court that the BOT applied the amended election code retroactively “for no other reason than to get her off the board.” Nash said he made his decision in Kosey’s favor based on multiple reasons. He said he was “influenced” by the BOT’s application of the code retroactively. He said the BOT did not give Kosey proper and adequate notice that they were deliberating about her removal. And he said he was “informed” by the BOT’s lack of action with regards to two motions “passed nearly unanimously” by the General Council to reinstate Kosey to her Board position and to amend the Constitution to define the boundaries of the reservation using the 1855 Treaty. Kosey said after the hearing that she thinks Judge Nash was not happy that the Board ignored the General Council. “They (BOT) went against the General Council’s wishes,” Kosey said. “He didn’t like that. Why aren’t you listening to the people?” Dreveskracht, also after the hearing, agreed with Kosey, saying the “Board tried to pull the rug out from under the people and the democratic process.” Nash questioned Stacy about the BOT’s response to the General Council motions. “Was it the Board’s intent not to act on that?” Nash asked. “There was no Board response to the General Council for reinstatement,” Stacy replied. Nash asked, “Doesn’t the organizational chart show the General Council above the Board?” Stacy said it does, but she noted that the Constitution gives authority to the Board to govern and members of the General Council are not elected officials.
Dreveskracht, in his filed complaint and in his oral argument, hammered home the point that the Board conspired to push Kosey off the board, and the chronology of the events leading up to her removal was not debated. “Ms. Kosey was sworn into office and then the Board changed the rules in the middle of the game,” Dreveskracht said. “She met all the requirements when she ran and then they came up with new rules that impaired her privilege to serve. That’s the definition of retroactive application.” Dreveskracht said the Election Code was amended specifically to remove Kosey. “They’d already made up their minds,” he said. Dreveskracht also told the Court that the Board’s decision to give itself “sole authority” should be “troubling” because it “conflicts with the constitutional power of the General Council.” Nowhere in the Constitution, he said, does the BOT have the authority to remove a Board member. “The only place that’s mentioned in the Constitution is vested in the General Council,” Dreveskracht said, suggesting the “law was changed haphazardly.” Stacy argued that the residency requirement in the 1949 Constitution has never changed. Only the Election Code has been amended. She said the Board expects that its elected leaders gain the expertise they need from living on the reservation and abiding by their own laws. In her response to Kosey’s complaint, Stacy quotes BOT Chair Gary Burke saying, “If you want to lead your people, then you have to live among them.” Stacy said the Board’s decision to amend the Election Code’s residency requirement was not arbitrary, but instead was made to “align with the constitution.” She said the Election Code is applied equally across the board to all members who are required to be a resident. Stacy noted that the Board did not allege that Kosey had misbehaved. Further, it did not hide the issue. There was extensive debate and several work sessions devoted to the issue. Kosey, in fact, voted against the Election Code amendment. “When she knew about the eligibility,” Stacy said, “she had nine months to do something about it … She was not barred from becoming eligible, but right now she has decided not to.” When he rebutted Stacy, Dreveskracht zeroed in on what he said is the problem. “I keep hearing ‘Kosey wasn’t eligible. Our hands were tied.’ When was she not eligible? She was eligible until the law was changed. They changed the law to make her not eligible. They made it retroactive. That’s the problem. Is there a compelling reason to retroactively apply it? No, there isn’t. There’s no been no reason articulated to apply it retroactively. They can’t get there, they don’t even try.”
‘Discover’ seeks to empower CTUIR employees Year-long module provides variety of supervisory training MISSION - The Pamáwaluukt Empower Program is accepting applications through Nov. 4 for tribal members interested in taking part in the Discover training module for 2020. Discover – a training for supervisory level positions offered through the Office of Human Resources – is available to tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) who are employed with the governance and administration departments located in the Nixyàawii Governance Center. The Discover Program seeks enthusiastic, energetic, aspiring employees looking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout the year-long training course, according to Lorene Broncheau, Pamáwaluukt Staffing and Recruitment Specialist. The program does not guarantee an advancement for employees, but it does provide three months of
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Briana Spencer was the very first person to go through the Discover program. As a result, she worked her way up to Public Transit CUJ photo/Casey Brown Operations Supervisor at Kayak.
supervisory experience. The training module is designed to enhance the trainee’s knowledge of programmatic functions, supervisory roles and responsibilities, budgetary preparation and
Confederated Umatilla Journal
compliance, application of personnel policies, services provided and what primary challenges those programs and departments manage. Five tribal members have been or are currently working through the program. Brianna Spencer was the first participant in 2017. She currently is the supervisor of the Tribes’ Public Transit Operations. In 2018, Angela Hummingbird-Johnson and Alexandra Nilo went through the one-week-per-month program. Hummingbird-Johnson is a caseworker in the Office of Child Support Enforcement. Nilo, who worked in the Department of Children and Family Services, no longer is employed by the CTUIR. This year, Corrine Sams, a Community Resource Caseworker in DCFS, and Iosefa Taula, a Wildlife Technician in the Department of Natural Resources, are the Discover participants. For the supervisory level, employees must work with the tribe for at least two years and not be under disciplinary actions at the time their application is submitted. Discover on page 17A
October 2019
Frosh welcomed to BMCC Pack By Megan Van Pelt of the CUJ
PENDLETON – Incoming freshman No’alani Malumaleumu, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla of the Indian Reservation (CTUIR), was among a handful of Native American students who attended the Welcome to the Pack (WTTP) orientation Sept. 18, at Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC). Malumaleumu, along with 200 other BMCC freshman had the opportunity to participate in the sixth annual WTTP orientation, which lasted about five hours. New students, such as Zach Cyr and Chyenne Bronson, were also in attendance. According to Annie Smith, the Native American population is 2-3% and 250 self-identify as Native American, 30 of whom are enrolled with the CTUIR. “I wish there were more (Native American) students on campus and only because I know a couple of my friends are native and did graduate high school are just chilling at home,” Malumaleumu said. “Later I know they’re going to get bored of sitting around, and I told them about BMCC and about talking to Annie Smith. At least get a feel for what college would be like.” According to a college ranking platform called Niche, BMCC’s overall population of undergraduates is 839. WTTP was an opportunity for students to meet with faculty members, participate in fun activities, take sample classes, locate classrooms and even a chance to win prizes. The objective was for the incoming freshman to get comfortable with the college setting. “Welcome to the Pack was pretty fun and it gives you a feel of what classes are going to be like,” said Malumaleumu. She emphasized the importance of learning about resources such as TRiO, a student support service with tutoring options. In addition, to sample classes and campus tours, students were able to visit the Club and Resource Fair in Pioneer Hall. One of the stands was Yellowhawk Tribal
October 2019
No’Alani Malumaleumu, far right, laughs with fellow BMCC newcomers during the ‘Welcome to the Pack’ event Sept. 18. The orientation was planned to educate the more than 200 freshman enrolled at BMCC about on-campus activities and life.
Health Center, with tribal members Denise Wickert and Joann Malumaleumu (No’alani’s mother). They had Yellowhawk merchandise such as bags, magnet clips, pens, water bottles and metal straws to give away to students. Also, Wickert and Joann provided information about how Yellowhawk functions and possible career options. Also in attendance was tribal member Chuck Sams, Communication Director for CTUIR. Sams was there to speak with students about the college journey and what it means to choose community college. “I love coming to school because I am actually paying the teachers to teach me. Also that they are here to help even when I don’t understand,” said Malumaleumu. Available resources for tribal members thinking about enrolling at BMCC or any other college are open. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened Oct. 1 for the 2020-21 school year. The CTUIR Higher Education program will have FAFSA assistance Oct. 3. Students looking for assistance applying for FAFSA are encouraged to stop by the
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center employees Denise Wickert, left, and Joann Malumaleumu were onsite at the college event to offer swag and information about the clinic to new BMCC students.
CTUIR Higher Education office located at 46314 Timine Way, Pendleton, OR 97801. For more information, contact Annie Smith at AnnieSmith@ctuir.org.
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CUJ Letters to the Editor Chairman challenged to provide answers To the editor, I challenge Chairman Gary Burke to tell the people why he chose to hide information that would of exonerated Mrs. Kosey. You see, Mr. Burke, you violated Article VI, Section 5 in our Constitution; you know, the part that says the entire Board has to vote on the removal of Mrs. Kosey. Brigham and Wolf were both gone. Now you, Mr. Burke, don’t get to vote as a rule, but on this one you did vote and you voted for the removal of her. On what charges? So this is the third time you have went against the Constitution. The reason I say you is because of what you wrote in our annual report and I quote, “The welfare of the people of this Tribe and the health, education and protection of Treaty Rights along with the Constitution and By-Laws will remain the utmost importance of the BOT.” You failed terribly. So now I happen to think this was a conspiracy to remove Mrs. Kosey from day one and you, Mr. Burke, was in on it from the get-go. Now the people have heard Mrs. Kosey’s story and now the people want to hear your story, Mr. Burke, either in an open forum or in writing in the CUJ, because the people deserve an answer from you and also from Shippentower, Ashley, Wolf, Sigo and Star as to why for 22 months of a 24-month term you people abuse, bullied, intimidated her and still you have no reason for her removal. So I believe the people would like one of you to step forward and tell us what good the sole authority and a diminished boundary does the Tribe and why you six people went against the Constitution three times to remove Mrs. Kosey, who has not to this day done nothing wrong. For the most part, you BOT members make about 80,000 dollars a year. I think for that much money the people deserve an answer from you. A truthful answer. The people are looking forward to your response. David Sams Thornhollow, Oregon
Cayuse Holdings success questioned In last month’s Confederated Umatilla Journal, there was a front-page article on Cayuse Holdings, LLC, that deserves a response. Throughout the lengthy article there were many great sounding points made about business contracts that CH recently made with the federal government and also private businesses. For all practical purposes, Cayuse Holdings was formerly better known as Cayuse Technologies; however, both businesses have the same Board of Directors, same management, same employees, and same owners, with the same basic goals. Thus, for the purpose of this short letter, I will not attempt to split technical hairs between the two businesses. Our community will know who I am referring to. The CUJ has published previous articles that have boasted of several other ventures that Cayuse has made. First, there is the Utah venture, and second is the Hawaii situation where big expectations were highly touted at both places by the CUJ. A few years ago, the CUJ also wrote about contracts between Cayuse and Fortune 500
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Brown on blue
Sunlit brown turning to chocolate turned to gloomy gray and black painted the sky over a northern strip of cobalt that sat heavy on the tops of the warm foothills of the Blue Mountains in mid-September. This photo taken by Jiselle Halfmoon.
companies that should have paid off by now. However, a closer analysis of the facts of the situation provides a factual and realistic accounting of how Cayuse is really doing financially. At the General Council meeting on August 29, 2019, Doris Wheeler, tribal Treasurer, gave her quarterly financial report. After 13 years in business, she reported that Cayuse Technologies has not even yet broke event, much less turn profits to start funding tribal departments and programs. The experts point out that after about six years a successful business should start turning profits. Also, the treasurer’s report did not make a distinction between Cayuse Technologies and Cayuse Holdings. After hearing the treasurer’s report on Cayuse, several of us GC members, of course, expressed our legitimate concerns on the situation. In theory, the Board of Trustees delegated policymaking authority and oversight of Cayuse to the Cayuse Board of Directors. However, it is clear and obvious that Billy Nerenberg, CEO of Cayuse, is both making policies for Cayuse, and then managing his own policies, a conflict of interest that needs to stop. All the BOD ever does is merely rubber-stamp whatever Nerenberg puts on the table in front of them. Thus, Cayuse goes off on these wild goose chases to Utah and Hawaii that have never even started to help fund tribal operations. The article also reports that Cayuse has already hired 150 people “throughout the United States.” Now, when did it become our tribal goal, and responsibility, to hire throughout the country? We need to, first and foremost, take care of the employment needs of our own tribal people. Also, “my goal is 1,000 people by 2022 … most of the employees will not be from here,” Nerenberg stated.
46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-429-7005 FAX 541-429-7005 e-mail: cuj@ctuir.org www.ctuir.org
Publisher:
Chuck Sams CUJ staff: Wil Phinney, Editor Casey Brown, Reporter/Photographer Jill-Marie Gavin, Reporter/Photographer Dallas Dick, Freelance Photographer
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What this means is that these 1,000 people “not from here” will be removing all the wealth that is generated here and invest and spend it elsewhere in the country. Cayuse already takes advantage of our sovereign tribal lands to avoid paying business taxes to the State of Oregon. Nerenberg’s presumptuous statements make it clear who is setting our tribal goals for us in the context of Cayuse. Why are our tribal leaders allowing a nonIndian to dictate our tribal goals? Where is our tribal self-determination in this situation? We need to make our own decisions and set our own tribal goals. There is a principle in our tribal Constitution that all tribal actions will be made in the context of tribal selfdetermination. This current Cayuse situation definitely does not aling with this principle. Bob Shippentower
Farrow-Ferman supports Gavin
I would like to express my support for Jill-Marie Gavin who is running for the position of Board of Trustees Member-At-Large. I feel Jill would be a great leader and would advocate for our tribal membership. Also, Jill has skilled public outreach qualities from her journalism experience and would keep tribal members informed of issues. Please vote for the candidates you feel will best represent our tribal membership and Tribes, specifically those willing to fight for our treaty rights and sovereignty. Respectfully, Teara Farrow Ferman X-1253
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October 2019
CUJ Op-Ed/Columns Certain BOT members ‘can no longer be trusted’ By Corrine Sams
The General Council Officers responsibilities are to schedule and run monthly General Council meetings. The General Council Chairman is elected to bring concerns and motions passed by the GC to the Board of Trustees on behalf of the People. Ex Offciio by definition means the General Council Chairman is only at the BOT table as a representative and advocate of our group, the General Council. The General Council members, which consist of Tribal Members 18 and older, have the right to elect the Board of Trustees, the General Council Officers, demand reports, and voice their concerns during GC monthly meetings. In addition, the General Council has the right Corinne Sams to petition for a Special General Council Meeting to address specific issues or concerns. This right is in accordance with Article V Section 4 of the CTUIR Constitution and By Laws, which states “Meetings of the General Council may be called by the Chair of the General Council, by the Board of Trustees, or by petition signed by at least twenty (20) members of the General Council.” On March 11, 2019, Donald Sampson, Lead Petitioner, submitted a valid petition to General Council Chairman William Sigo V. The petition was verified and deemed legitimate by the CTUIR office of legal council and the CTUIR enrollment department. Once a petition demanding a special general Council is verified, the constitutional protocol is for the GC Chairman to schedule the requested Special General Council meeting to address the topics specified in the petition. The Petition submitted in March 2019 was turned in to address the following: 1. To discuss the constitutionality of the Board of Trustees Resolution 18-085. TOPIC: Election Code
Amendment(s) SECTION 3.06. QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOLDING OFFICE. Specifically, the following sentence: “The Board of Trustees shall have the Sole Authority to determine the qualifications of its members and officers.” 2. Demand the Board of Trustees take action to rescind this specific amendment to the Election Code identified above within 30 days of the submission of this petition to the Chairman of the General Council. 3. Review the four suggested Election Code amendments regarding residency for Board and General Council members and officers developed by the CTUIR Election Commission. 4. Identify the Constitutional amendment process to determine and clarify the qualifications of the Board of Trustees members and officers. 5. Demand the Board of Trustees, Election Commision, Tribal Court Judge, relevant experts to the Topic, and legal staff be present during the Special General Council. 6. Demand release and proper due process of any reports, legal analysis, relevant information and documents be distributed to General Council membership at least days prior to said Special General Council. The petition and constitutional rights of the General Council have been ignored! Chairman Sigo added the topic of the petition to a regular General Council meeting held two months later on May 30, 2019. The petition clearly states “Upon completion of the petition with the required 20 signatures, please submit this petition to the General Council Chairman who will schedule the Special General Council meeting upon receipt.” I was one of the 20 members of the General Council to sign the petition for a Special GC Meeting. I was one of the 20 members of the General Council whose constitutional rights have been violated. This action proves the General Council has assembled, voiced specific concerns in regard to our current BOT’s actions, and STILL have been blatantly ignored.
On August 29, 2019, GC Members voted and passed three motions that addressed the previous ignored topics listed in the Special GC Petition. By a vote of 104-1 (four abstentions) to amend the Constitution, 116-0 (four abstentions) to reinstate Sally Kosey, and a third motion that called for the BOT to rescind its Aug. 26, 2019 Election Code adoption of the diminished boundary. None of the motions were acknowledged by either Chairman Sigo or the Board of Trustees. This is not a personal attack against Chairman Sigo or Members of the BOT. These are factual documented unaddressed action items of the GC. Ignoring the General Council has become a pattern with the current BOT. Due process has not been served and it is my obligation as a tribal member and my constitutional responsibility to hold my elected leaders accountable. The Board of Trustees are sworn into office to protect Policy, Codes, Laws, Treaty, Constitution, enhance Sovereignty, and uphold our Democratic Governance. Certain members of our current BOT, without any justification or explanation at all, have amended our Constitution to give themselves sole authority to decide who they want on the BOT, and diminished our boundary for election purposes. We can only assume it is to ensure that only a select few can run for office. Sadly, by refusing to defend, own or be accountable for their decisions, they have failed us and can no longer be trusted to lead us as a tribe. I am calling on my fellow Tribal Members to attend CG meetings, continue to stay informed, and stay current on Tribal Government issues. Please exercise your right to vote on November 12, 2019, and implement the change we deserve. Vote for candidates that defend the CTUIR Treaty, Constitution, and General Council’s Input. Corrine Sams is a member of the General Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She is a candidate for an at-large position on the Board of Trustees.
Elect leaders who follow law, are responsive to you By Don Sampson
Many members of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the General Council have ignored YOU the General Council and will only continue to do so if reelected. While there have been multiple attempts to correct this by submitting petitions, taking formal actions at the General Council, we continue to be ignored. Our constitution is being ignored. Is this the Trump Administration? We need people who will ask you for your input, your voice, and abide, uphold, and support the Constitution. Why is it the Board has gone down this path? I believe there are a few that bully and push their way around and there are those who fear or follow without questioning the bullies. Now is the time for true leadership – who listen to us, the General Council members. We cannot allow our elected leaders to act like Donald Trump and his administration. Our tribal administration and employee’s morale are at an all-time low. You can see it and hear it when you talk to them. They are fearful of repercussions if they speak the truth. We need to elect leadership who will work together with common goals and who listen to the people. And while I personally like 8 of these Board members, I must speak up on the actions they are taking. We must reject those who are taking your rights away, benefit their own, and don’t care to listen to the tribal people. Chairman Gary Burke – only votes in event of a
October 2019
tie – but what has been your position, and have you stood up for the General Council during the deliberations of the Board? Vice Chairman Wolf – voted in support of many of these actions or was absent. Treasurer Doris Wheeler – voted in support of these actions General Council Chairman William Sigo – voted in support of these actions and did not represent or ignored the General Council which he is mandated to represent. Rosenda Shippentower – the ringleader bully of these efforts to ignore your input, ignore the Constitution, and take away your rights as Tribal members Woodrow Starr – voted in support of these actions Aaron Ashley – voted in support of these actions Why didn’t some of these Board members stand up and represent your Constitutional rights? Are they afraid? I know Sally and Kat tried to speak up, but they were ignored too. These Board members have rejected your input and your rights as Tribal citizens under the Tribal Constitution by supporting the following actions: 1. Voted to buy the Pendleton Country Club – they didn’t ask for your input nor did they want your input. Who really benefits from this, not us? 2. Voted to buying Hamleys? 3. Ignored a valid General Council petition to rescind the Board’s “sole authority” to determine who is qualified to serve on the Board of Trustees and General
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Council and to recognize the 1855 Treaty Boundary for residence to serve on the Board. 4. Voted to have the Board of Trustees have the “sole authority” to determine who is qualified to serve on the Board of Trustees and General Council – in violation of the Tribal Constitution and the General Council authority. 4. Voted to illegally remove a duly elected Board of Trustees member Sally Kosey. They illegally took the vote away from every one of us who voted for Sally Kosey. 4. Ignored the General Council action (116 in favor) to reinstate Sally Kosey as a Board member. 5. Ignored the General Council action(104 in favor) to return the “sole authority” to the General Council and use the 1855 Treaty boundary as the basis for residence. Unfortunately, after all this has been brought to their attention, they ignore us again. This has gone too far. Now is the time to use your vote. Elect new leaders on November 12, 2019. Hold them responsible and reverse the course we are on. The Umatilla Tribe can once again be recognized as a national leader; however, it is up to each of us to vote and make the change we desperately need. Don Sampson is a Walla Walla Chief and a member of the General Council for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He has served in elected position and as Executive Director.
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CUJ Almanac Obituaries Douglas D. Minthorn May 19, 1937 – Sept. 9, 2019 Douglas D. Minthorn passed away peacefully Sept. 9, 2019 in Richland, Washington. He was born in Pendleton, Oregon on May 19, 1937 to William Minthorn and Mamie Patawa Minthorn. He attended grade school in Warm Springs, Oregon, but his family moved back to the Umatilla Indian Reservation where he graduated from Pendleton High School. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) where he raised grand champion steers. He was a football star, playing under the legendary coach Don Requa as a guard and linebacker. Doug was chosen as a member of the Shriner Football Team and was recognized as an All American and All State Football player. He was honored for his football skills with a dinner at the Pendleton Elks Lodge. He attended Oregon State University then transferred to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande where he played baseball for three years. (He also attended summer courses at Gonzaga University in Spokane.) Doug was inducted into the Pendleton Buckaroo Hall of Fame for his outstanding athletic abilities Doug was also an outstanding calf roper and bull rider, competing in amateur and all-Indian rodeos, riding his last bull in 1974 at the age of 37. After college, Doug worked for his then fatherin-law as a farmer, and later became a self-taught body and fender man. He worked for Inland Chevrolet in Pendleton before moving to Bob’s Auto in Milton-Freewater where he worked until his retirement. After retirement, Doug raised sheep for several years on his ranch on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He worked with the Umbarger Ranches, swathing and raking hay, hauling and feeding the ranch’s prized Angus herd. He also served on the CTUIR Tiicham Conservation Board, which was highly regarded in Indian Country. He was vice-chairman of Tiicham when he passed. He helped form Indian Country Livestock and helped purchase the Tribes’ first 150 head of cattle. Doug was a lifelong advocate for youth and strongly encouraged 4H, FFA and other agriculture-related activities. He wanted young people to dream of managing their own land. Doug was active in seniors program and had lunch everyday unless he was ill. He was a very active member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Alcohol and Drug program and New Beginnings Coalition. Doug also was a recovering alcoholic who had been sober for 30 years. He advocated with Bill Burke to use money from the sales of alcohol at Wildhorse Casino to be used for an alcohol-anddrug treatment program. Doug married Caroline Motanic in 1956 and later divorced. Doug is survived by his brothers Antone Minthorn and Peter Minthorn, children Katherine Minthorn, Whitney (Benny) Minthorn, Toni Minthorn, Julie Minthorn and Sarah Picard (Prosper), as well as 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, all of Pendleton. Doug is proceeded in death by his parents Mamie and William Minthorn, brothers Fredrick Minthorn, Gilbert Timothy Minthorn, sisters Ramona Minthorn and Katherine L. Minthorn. Recitation of the Rosary was Sept. 11, 2019 at Burns Mortuary with funeral mass on Sept. 12, 2019 at St. Andrews Church. He was buried at the Agency Cemetery. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton was in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.burnsmortuary.com
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Frank E. Ball Jr. July 2, 1961 – August 29, 2019 Frank Edward Ball Jr. - EE Mak Kus Saw Wiss, “Big Quiet,” his Indian name given to him at his Dressing Service, died August 29, 2019 in Pendleton, Oregon. Frank was born July 2, 1961 in Pendleton, Oregon to Frank and Yvonne Ball Sr. Frank grew up in Pendleton and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1979. He enjoyed playing softball as he grew up and was in Little League and Babe Ruth and softball leagues in Oregon. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling. He put his all into whatever sport he played. Frank always loved hunting, and shooting his bow was a favorite pastime besides walking the baseball diamond in Mission every day. He was able to share his knowledge of hunting with his nephews, cousins and friends because spending time with his family and friends was very important to him. Frank worked for the CTUIR Recreation Education Department. He is survived by his children, Shyenne Calkins of Lewiston, Idaho; Kevin (Kristen) Ball of Madras, Oregon; and Jamie Ball of Warm Springs, Oregon. Also includes his grandchildren Jackson Ball, Jada and Aubrey Herkshan, his father Frank Ball Sr., his brother William “Joe” Ball (Charlotte Minthorn), sisters Amelia (Tyler) Pinkham and Patricia Ball, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Dan and Julia Broncheau, mother Yvonne Ball, sister Betty Ball and his niece Kaymbra Thompson. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton was in charge of the arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.burnsmortuary.com Gerald “Jerry” W. Weathers January 4, 1940 – September 20, 2019 Gerald “Jerry” Weathers 79, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family, following a short battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 4, 1940 in Walla Walla, Washington to Virgil and Marjorie Weathers. He was raised in Umapine, Oregon, graduating from Umapine High School in 1958. In 1960 he began ranching with his father and eventually settled at their ranch along the Umatilla River on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. They raised cattle, horses, wheat, and hay. He served in the US Army Airborne in the early 1960s and was stationed at Ft. Bragg. He married Sharon Elk on Sept. 24, 1966 at the Tutuilla Presbyterian Church near Pendleton and they spent their 53 years of marriage running the ranch together. They have two children: Debra and Bill, who both live near the family ranch with their families. Jerry loved the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon, where he was a volunteer for 45 years, and also competed there in the wild horse race during the 1970s. He enjoyed ranching, hunting, watching Mariners baseball and PBR bull riding. He and Sharon often took a few days off after putting the cattle out on summer pasture, and again before feeding cattle all winter. They liked driving along the Oregon coast, California Redwoods, and to Reno, Nevada. He especially loved spending time with his grandsons, teaching them his ranching skills and watching their sports and other activities. He is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Marjorie Weathers and his sisters Jeanie
Olinger and Judy Russell. Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon Weathers; daughter Debra Croswell and her husband Tom; son Bill Weathers and his wife Kimberly; and his four grandsons Jerad Croswell; Gunnar, Kannan, and Pistol Weathers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Umatilla Tribal Fire Department in his memory. Funeral Service were Sept. 25, 2019 at Burns Mortuary, Pendleton, OR, followed by burial at Weathers Cemetery at Thorn Hollow. A dinner was held at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute after the burial. Burns Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www. burnsmortuary.com Rosalie Sohappy July 27, 1942 – Sept. 29, 2019 Rosalie P. Sohappy passed on Sept. 29, 2019. She was born July 27, 1942 in Celilo Falls to Dunbar and Ida George John. She grew up along the Columbia River and resided in different areas around Yakima, Washington. She married Stephen P. Sohappy in 1959 and raised their children in Pendleton, Oregon. Rose was an avid sports fan and enjoyed traveling to tournaments, camping outdoors, crafting and beadwork, yard sales and community events. She enjoyed watching all or her grandchildren in activities, she loved to laugh and tease, always had a beautiful smile. She loved the mountains whether she was gathering foods or taking a drive. She always stayed connected with her family and friends here and on the Yakama Reservation. She was teacher to many. She is survived by her husband, Steve Sohappy of Cayuse, Oregon and her children Vivian Shaw, Vincent Sohappy and Van Sohappy of Pendleton, Oregon, Valerie Shock of Yakima, Washington and grandson, Dominique “Dom” Sohappy of Pendleton, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. She is preceded in death by her son Victor R. Sohappy, her parents and all five siblings Ted, Nolan, Byron, Lindsay and Marilyn Umutch John. We will always cherish the compassion, love, laughter and the beautiful smile she shared with everyone she knew. We celebrate the life and memories of Rosalie P. Sohappy.
Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www. burnsmortuary.com
Public Notice PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 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: Land Development Code (LDC) Text Amendment #ZC-19-002 – 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 LDC regarding zoning and regulatory authority on Off Reservation Trust Lands. Changes are proposed to LDC Chapters 1 through 3. Amendments are also proposed to Article II of the Bylaws of the Land Protection Planning Commission. Amendments to the LDC are subject to Chapter 9, Zone Change, Amendments, and Chapter 13, Hearings. The public hearings will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Nixyáawii Governance Center Wanaq’it Conference Room on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, 46411 Timíne Way, Pendleton, OR. The public is entitled and encouraged to attend the hearings and to submit oral or written testimony on the proposed amendments. To obtain further information, contact the Tribal Planning Office at 46411 Timíne, Pendleton, Oregon, 97801 or call (541) 276-3099. Travis Olsen, Secretary Land Protection Planning Commission
Campaign ads due Oct. 22. Paid in full.
Committees/Commissions TRIBAL MEMBERS: This notification formally announces that applications are now being taken from tribal members who wish to serve on the Commissions/Committees listed below. Appointed members will receive a $100.00 stipend per meeting effective January 1, 2016 once the minutes have been approved on CTUIR pay days. 3 positions for CTUIR Culture Coalition – 1 position to complete one term ending on May 7, 2020, meets as needed (No Stipends). 2 positions for Culture Resource Committee – 1 positon term ending on April 1, 2021, 1 position term ending Dec. 3, 2020, meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday
1 position for Economic & Community Development – complete term ending on April 2, 2020, meets 1st& 3rd Tuesday @ 9:00 AM 2 positions for Land Acquisition Committee – 1 position to complete term ending on Feb. 4 2021, meets 2nd& 4th Wed. 4 PM 1 Alternate position for Land Protection Planning Commission – complete term ending on April 3, 2020, meets 2nd & 4th Tues. @ 9:00 AM 1 position for Law & Order Committee – 1 position to complete term ending Jan. 7, 2021, meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday @ 2:00 PM 1 position for TERO Commission – 2 year term, meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday @ 1:30 PM 3 positions for Tiicham Conservation District – 2 year term, meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday @ 1:00 PM All applications will be due on Monday, October 21, 2019 by 4:00 p.m. and BOT will make appointments on Monday, October 28, 2019. Applications available at the Nixyáawii Governance Center or online at www.ctuir.org/government/ committees- commissions Completed applications should be submitted to the Nixyáawii Governance Center lobby. For more information, call 541-276-3165. Completed applications are to be returned to the Nixyáawii Governance Center switchboard desk. If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Brigham BOT Secretary 541-429-7374 or Doris Scott, Secretary II at 541-429-7377.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Jobs Job announcement: Job Title: Senior Maintenance Worker Department: Fishing Site Maintenance Department, Closing Date: October 4, 2019, Classification: Full time, regular, Non-Exempt, Salary/Wage: $37,700.00$40,213.00 DOE/DOQ, Location: The Dalles, OR, Job Summary / Primary Responsibility: (Senior Maintenance Worker) The position provides the maintenance of the Tribal InLieu / Treaty Fishing Access Sites along the Columbia River by: performing work that involves a variety of trade practices such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical and custodial work. Maintenance workers will use hand and power tools to accomplish this work. On occasion, the senior maintenance worker must provide supervision to other full time or seasonal maintenance worker in the safe performance of the maintenance tasks of the Tribal InLieu / Treaty Fishing Access Sites.
CTUIR
Career Opportunities 1. Public Transit Bus Driver (part time) 2. Public Transit Bust Driver 3. Police Officer (2 positions) 4. Archaeologist I/II 5. Hydrologist 6. Equipment Operator I 7. Building Inspector 9. Child/Youth Advocate 10. Business Recruitment Specialist 11. Male Re-Education/Intervention Facilitator 12. Child Welfare Case Worker I 13. Surveillance Operator 14. Nixyaawii Education Center Cook 15. Child Protective Services Intake/ Investigator I 16. Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager 17. Nixyaawii Governance Center Receptionist/ Secretary I (2 positions) 18. Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) Assistant 19. Teacher/Coach-Mentor 20. Tribal Roads Construction & Maintenance Foreman 21. Maintenance Repairer 22. Tribal Legal Aid Attorney, Intimate Partner Violence Survivors
Board of Trustees
General Council
Chair Gary Burke
Chair Willie Sigo, IV
Vice Chair Jeremy Wolf
Vice Chair Michael Ray Johnson
Treasurer Doris Wheeler
Secretary Shawna Gavin
Secretary Kathryn Brigham
Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl
At-large BOT Members: Aaron Ashley General Council contact Info Sally Kosey Office: 541-429-7378 Rosenda Shippentower Email: GeneralCouncil@ctuir.org Meeting updates and information on: Woodrow Star
www.ctuir.org/government/general-council
For more information visit: Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Att: Office of Human Resources Online 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 http://ctuir.org
Pendleton Pioneer Chapel received three prestigious awards in 2009
Executive Director :
Ted Wright
General Council Meeting
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
Nixyaawii Governance Center, October 31, 2 p.m. -
w Pendleton Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year
Draft agenda:
2020 CTUIR Budget Housing Department Annual Report Fish & Wildlife Commission Report
Our experienced family provides caring, compassionate care including:
Burial Services ~ Military Services Cremation ~ Monuments
CTUIR Express Phone Directory
October 2019
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 541-276-0296
Finance Office 541-429-7150
TERF 541-276-4040
Finance – Credit Program 541-429-7155
Confederated Umatilla Journal 541-429-7399
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION 46314 Timine Way - Pendleton, Oregon 97801 541- 966-9830 - www.yellowhawk.org
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Sole Sista’s race the sun “Sole Sista’s” on Sept. 14 participated in the Ragnar Sunset Relay. Our goal was to outrun the Seattle sunset and we met our mark with 30+ minutes to spare. Our team has been working hard to prepare for this relay race. Team members are Crystal Hodges, Lorasa Joseph, Shoshoni Walker, and Liliana Sanchez from Hermiston.
October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Sixteen women participated in a Scalp Dance in the gymnasium at the Nixyaawii Community School during the grand opening at the Nixyaawii Education Center Sept. 27. The women are, from left, Mildred Quaem Ashley Wallahee and Teata Ellenwood.
Scalp Dance celebrates new Education Center by honoring veterans
A Scalp Dance, not performed here for de and paid tribute to Tribal veterans at the gra “Their sacrifice and perseverance is why w The women wearing war bonnets and carry At the event, eagle feathers or war medals w The songs sang with the big drum were Yakama and Nez Perce languages were spo The Scalp Dance was organized by Fred H were made by the George St. Denis America Following the ceremony in the gym, a trad Tours of the school were guided by the Le Among the guests was Colt Gill, Director o
Talia Tewawina and Cece Stanger give war hoops as they circle the gym at Nixyaawii Community School during the Scalp Dance.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
Teata Ellenwood is follow
October 2019
mpts, Modesta Minthorn, Linda Sampson, Kim Minthorn, Merle Kirk, Katrina Miller, Andria Scott, Wynema Thurman, Annie Smith, Rachel Guardipee, Talia Tewawina, Cece Stanger, Aaliyah Dick, Clarise Huesties,
ecades, honored the memory of forefathers and great grandmothers, and opening of the Nixyaawii Education Center Sept. 27. we are here today,� reads the program for the event. ying the scalp dance sticks represented their family member veterans. were used to adorn the scalp dance sticks. from old recordings dating back into the 1940s when the Umatilla, oken to identify the warriors they were singing for. Hill Sr. A veterans recognition and giveaway took place. Introductions an Legion Post 140 and Commander Antone Minthorn made remarks. ditional meal was served in the school commons. eadership Class from Nixyaawii Community School. of the Oregon Department of Education in Salem.
Singers kneel around a big drum while Scalp Dancers and members of the audience join together in the Nixyaawii Community School gymnasium in a round dance to end the ceremony Sept. 27. Following the Scalp Dance, people gathered for a traditional meal and then tours of the Nixyaawii Education Center. CUJ photos/Phinney
wed by Mildred Quaempts and Modesta Minthorn during the Scalp Dance Sept. 27.
October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Candidate questionnaire Continued from page 1A
Besides the three questions considered below, the questionnaire asked candidates about: - History of serving - Other government positions relevant to the job they are seeking
- Three top priorities - Characteristics important for Board members regarding management of financial investments - Authority of the General Council in policy-making decisions - Types of housing they would like to see
developed on the reservation - Climate change - How they have given back to the community - Here are the three topics we focused on for this story. SOLE AUTHORITY None of the respondents supports the Board of Trustees having “sole authority” to determine the qualifications of its members. Lindsey Watchman used an old saw: “Power corrupts and absolute power … absolutely corrupts.” Gavin said the BOT already overrides the votes of the General Council when it comes to policies and resolutions so they shouldn’t get even more authority. Charles Sams looked to the Constitution, which says the General Council alone possesses the authority to vote in or remove elected officials on the BOT or GC. “The General Council is the legislative body,” he said. Kosey said sole authority gives the BOT “way too much power.” The authority, she said, belongs to the people. Corrine Sams said it’s just plain unethical for the BOT to want sole authority to decide who is qualified. The Board, she said, should have “zero say in the election process.” The most adamant were Pond and Hall, who focused on the current Board and the goings-on with the Kosey lawsuit, etc. Said Pond, “What is the intention? To get rid of a single Board member?” He said the current BOT is “twisting the words of the constitution to have their way” and are “trying to deal with one person.” The General Council elects the Board, and the General Council “should ultimately decide to get rid of someone. Sole authority negates that.” Hall, a former chair of the Election Commission, said the BOT added “sole authority” to the Election Code “to serve
their own political and personal agendas.” She called it an “abuse of power to seek revenge” over Kosey. She harkened back to her father’s time on the Board when leaders “actually listened, engaged and made sound decisions, when General Council opinions were taken seriously.” James said it succinctly: “What’s the point of committees, elections or General Council members? I don’t want to serve myself. I want to serve my tribe and my people.” DIMINISHED BOUNDARY For sure the diminished boundary is a hot-button issue. None of the candidates who answered the questionnaire like the current BOT decision that uses a “diminished” or “current” boundary for election purposes. With regard to eligibility to serve as a BOT member, two candidates said that as long as the elected member lives within the boundary of the 1855 Treaty, shows up for work on time sober, and completes his or her job duties then it shouldn’t matter where they leave from each morning. Most responses said something like what Charles Sams wrote: “We did not ask for nor have we ever fully accepted anything less than our reserved homelands,” which was the 512,000 acres reserve for the confederacy’s exclusive use in the 1855 Treaty. Corrine Sams said recognizing a diminished boundary for any purpose “makes us extremely vulnerable.” She defined the word diminished as lessen, reduce, shrink, weaken and shrivel. “Anyone who believes this is enhancing or protecting our Treaty rights should educate themselves on the long stance of our People,” she wrote. Watchman said the land identified as “our place” is still “our homeland regardless of any new boundaries that exist.” Minthorn worried that accepting a diminished boundary for elections could spill over and infringe on tribal members’ rights to hunt and fish on ceded lands. Bronson noted that the CTUIR is buying land and have offices throughout the 1855 boundaries. “Why use the diminished boundary when many of our members are living in Pendleton and surrounding cities because the CTUIR does not have adequate housing?” she asked. Hall said she will never support an official diminished boundary for any purpose. She noted that the Election Commission did not suggest a diminished boundary to the Board of Trustees when it asked for options. “Once colonized, we as native people were determined to erase lines, borders and boundaries,” Hall wrote. “We did not adhere to boundaries or lines of exclusion.” Gavin wrote that she would ideally support the use of the ceded territory for candidacy eligibility but will “gladly vote to accept the Treaty of 1855 boundary as a guide for voting eligibility” in the special election this winter. “Fishing, hunting and gathering First Foods in our usual and accustomed lands are all rights that should be protected at all costs and many Tribal members believe that ‘accepting’ a diminished boundary for purposes of elections will infringe upon them,” Gavin said. Candidate questionnaire on page 16A
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Special Election on Constitutional change planned By the CUJ
MISSION – The Board of Trustees (BOT), in a special meeting Friday, Sept. 6, passed a resolution that directs the Tribal Election Commission to schedule a Special Election that would amend the Constitution to define the Umatilla Indian Reservation boundary by Article I of the Treaty of 1855. More than 50 people attended the meeting, which lasted just 21 minutes. The action followed a General Council meeting Aug. 29 in which tribal members voted 104-1 in favor of the amendment. The General Council wanted the referendum to take place during the Nov. 12 General Election when all nine BOT positions are up for election. However, the 90-day notice required in the Constitution cannot be met, so the Election Commission will need to set a Special Election date later in the year. The General Council at their Aug. 29 meeting passed two other motions that the BOT did not address at their special meeting Sept. 6. Only the resolution regarding the referendum for the Constitutional amendment on the boundary issue was on the BOT agenda. However, Secretary Kat Brigham made a motion that was seconded by Treasurer Doris Wheeler to add to the BOT agenda the two other General Council items. One of the General Council motions, passed 116-0, reinstated Sally Kosey to her position as an at-large member of the BOT. Five members of the Board, using the “sole authority” it granted itself last November, removed Kosey from office on Aug. 5 because she does not live within the “diminished” boundary of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The other motion Brigham and Wheeler wanted to add to the agenda was made at the General Council meeting by Aaron Hines. It asked the General Council Chair to
call for the Special BOT meeting to amend the Election Code to reflect the decision of the General Council. Brigham’s motion to add those two motions to the agenda failed 5-2 with no votes from BOT Vice-Chair Jeremy Wolf, at-large members Woodrow Star, Rosenda Shippentower, Aaron Ashley, and General Council Chair William Sigo. When the BOT was discussing the resolution on the Constitutional amendment, Wolf wanted to add an 1871 survey map that would include the East Boundary as part of the Treaty of 1855 boundary. Shippentower told Wolf that the Board should not be adding anything to the General Council’s motion and reminded him that he wasn’t even at the GC meeting. There also was discussion about the number of maps used by the Confederated Tribes to determine boundaries. Brigham noted that there is the 1855 Treaty map, the 1871 survey map, and now the “diminished” boundary map. A vote on a resolution that included a map showing the East Boundary failed 4-3. A subsequent vote on a resolution that did not include a map passed unanimously. As soon as the vote was over Shippentower moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:51 p.m. Some members of the General Council moved forward and questioned why the meeting was over and asked when they
could expect to hear more about the issues. One tribal member said she could not hear the BOT members and was unable to read the small print on the overhead screen from the back of the room. Chair Gary Burke told tribal members that the meeting Sept. 6 was a Special Meeting and not a General Council meeting. Another person wanted to know why a
petition presented in May that called for a Special General Council meeting to address “sole authority” was not conducted. GC Chair Sigo said the issue was on the agenda of a GC meeting. Other tribal members yelled out their dissatisfaction. As the BOT Chambers emptied, someone yelled, “Vote them all out.” Another yelled, “It’s time to clean house.”
Birthdays: 5th: Jenz Kash Kash 9th: Sophie Van Pelt 10th: Michael Van Pelt 15th: Mike Hussey 19th: Marcy Hoptowit and Petr Lebedev 29th: Bryson Bronson 31st: Francis Marsh
Anniversaries: 1st: Brittney & Michael Eickstaedt 24th: Aaron & Brooklyn Quaempts
October 2019
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Candidates Continued from page 14A
Kosey said she won’t support a diminished boundary in any “shape, way or form.” “It only weakens our tribal sovereign rights to hunt and fish, gather, on our ceded property. Who in their right mind would ever use the diminished boundary for anything?” Kosey pondered. Jones said the diminished boundary “diminishes my options and choices to have someone who is qualified and disqualifies opportunities supposed to be given to all enrolled members in whole.” And Williams had this to say: “This is a topic that has to be solidified and determined before institution, because in essence, and can reflect on our capability to make a very detrimental decision in declaration of a contingent and or existing boundary we institute. The CTUIR tribal members, as a collective should be inclusive in such matters.” HEMP AS A CROP We asked about hemp as a commercial agricultural crop in light of the federal government’s Farm Bill, which has legalized growing the plant like wheat or any other ag product. It is from the marijuana plant family but you don’t smoke it. Instead, you can make rope and clothing, body potions and paper, food and concrete. You can make just about anything out of hemp. Google it. Responses varied. Not everybody is ready to jump on the hemp wagon. Many said we’re not ready or it needs to be studied to see if it is a viable business choice. A couple said we need to see if the climate and soil is conducive to growth. Four of the 13 were emphatic yeses. Ganuelas said we should grow it and create a lab, maybe the old DOSE lab, to test it. Williams, who works at the DOSE lab, said it could create jobs and produce biofriendly products. Kosey said the Tribes should educate people about the potential uses. She said we could look to other tribes that are growing hemp. The most enthusiastic was Cor Sams. She said the CTUIR should have been at the forefront of the hemp industry. It’s a huge business opportunity, she said. The Tribes should be looking at a processing plant as well.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
VOTE GARY BURKE
A visitor to the Columbia County Fair checks out the Tucannon Habitat Project’s entry, which won the grand champion award. The project is part of the Fisheries Program of the Department of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Tucannon habitat project earns county fair award DAYTON, Wash. – The Columbia County Fair awarded a Grand Champion award to the Fisheries Tucannon Habitat Project of the Department of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The habitat project, staffed by Kris Fischer and Zach Seilo, competed in the Ag and Natural Resources Class at the 2019 Columbia County Fair in Dayton, Washington, on Sept. 6, 7 and 8. The theme for this year’s county fair was “Timeless Traditions.” It was the Tucannon Habitat Project’s second year at the Columbia County Fair. The project interacted with and informed
fair attendees about the importance of First Foods in the Tucannon River. This year the Tucannon Habitat Project teamed up with the CTUIR Mussel Project and Alexa Maine to bring an aquarium to the fair. Aquarium inhabitants included a White Sturgeon, two Rainbow Trout, a Pacific Lamprey and three Western Pearlshell Mussels. Bringing “livestock” to the fair in an aquarium made the Tucannon booth a big hit with the children attending the fair. Children dragged their parents to the booth to view the aquarium and learn about the “Timeless Tradition” of restoring floodplain connectivity in the Tucannon River.
BOT Chairman Creating opportunities for future generations...
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Briefly
Kris and Stephanie Smith
Events set during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
MISSION - CTUIR Family Violence Services is hosting events throughout October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every Thursday of the month is the day to wear purple ribbon in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month. On Oct. 7, information on domestic violence will be displayed at the Nixyaawii Governance Center. On Oct. 14, information will be displayed at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. The final even will be a brownbag lunch and discussion on Oct. 16 at the Nixyaawii Governance Center in conference room L203A. The discussion topic is “Why Didn’t She Leave?” For more information, contact Enola Dick in Family Violence Services at 541-4297414 or enoladick@ctuir.org.
Discover Continued from page 4A
The Discover rotation involves a one week per month commitment for a year in various programs and departments, which enables trainees to attend to their job functions and provide flexibility in scheduling their training modules. The Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee will screen applications Nov. 14. A selection panel, including members of the committee and Human Resources staff, will review applicants, interview finalists and select the trainee participants who will begin their training in January 2020. The selected participants must have
October 2019
approval by their supervisor and department director. Three letters of recommendation – one from a department director – are required. Applications for interested, eligible candidates are available at Human Resources, located in the NGC first floor, northern wing. For additional information please contact Broncheau, Pamáwaluukt Staffing and Recruitment Specialist at 541429-7180 or Lorenebroncheau@ctuir.org Pamáwaluukt means “Each person raising themselves up” in the Walla Walla language as named by the tribal elders of the CTUIR language program.
Kris and Stephanie are the new owners of Frazier Office Supply. Together with newcomer Kenny Austin and 15-year-veteran Lori Rigdon they bring you same outstanding service you’ve come to expect at their location on Main Street in Pendleton.
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CUJ and KCUW bring home 16 media awards The Confederated Umatilla Journal and 104.3FM KCUW brought home 16 awards from the annual National Native Media Conference. The conference took place at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake, Minnesota from Sept. 15-18 and was hosted by the Native American Journalists Assocation (NAJA). This was KCUW’s first time submitting work to NAJA, and they won second place in General Excellence for a radio station or podcast. PROFESSIONAL DIVISION II (Native American journalists) Print / Online – Best Editorial Second Place - Charles F. Sams III - Unseen Scars of War. Third Place - Charles F. Sams III - Good health: a personal right and a treaty right Print / Online – Best Feature Photo First Place - Jill-Marie Gavin - Children’s Root Feast Second Place - Jill-Marie Gavin - Boy on Fence Third Place - Dallas Dick - Valentines Owl Dancers Print / Online – Best Feature Story First Place - Jill-Marie Gavin - She’s 1 in eight billion Print / Online – Best Health Coverage Second Place - Jill-Marie Gavin - Tribes adopt new approach to suicide prevention Print / Online – Best Sports Photo First Place - Dallas Dick - Quanah Picard drives ball Second Place - Dallas Dick - Tyree Turn RADIO Radio – Best Feature Story Second Place - Jill-Marie Gavin - Mission Minute - KCUW Pendleton - Foster Care Recruitment on the Umatilla Reservation Radio – General Excellence Second Place - Jiselle Halfmoon - KCUW
October 2019
Jill-Marie Gavin, enrolled CTUIR, and Casey Brown, enrolled Delaware Nation collect the 16 media awards won by CTUIR publications. ASSOCIATE DIVISION I & II (Non-Indian journalists) Print / Online - Best Feature Photo Third Place - Wil Phinney - Sunny Walsey Dances Print / Online – Best Feature Story Third Place - Wil Phinney - It’s all adding up for Sophie Van Pelt Print / Online – Best News Photo Third Place - Wil Phinney - Controlled burn burns out of control Print / Online – Best Environmental Coverage First Place - Wil Phinney - Recycling rejected: China’s plastics ban means milk jugs, etc., now go to the landfill Print / Online – Best Coverage of Native America Third Place - Wil Phinney - Sampson picks up Walla Walla staff for Peo Peo Mox Mox
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Dancing in the Square Pow Wow turns 14 PORTLAND - The Northwest Portland Area Intertribal Health Board (NPAIHB) held their 14th annual Dancing in the Square Pow Wow in the Pioneer Courthouse Square Sept. 27. The annual event was started by the NPAIHB to raise awareness of Indigenous people and tribes in the Portland metropolitan area. More than 500 people attended the Pow Wow.
Lillyonna Minthorn owl dances with father John Minthorn, Sr. during Dancing in the Square Sept. 27.
Leona Jo’Ray Norwest reaches for her mother during an intertribal at the Pioneer Courthouse Square Sept. 27.
KOIN 6 news channel reporter Forrest Nguyen asks Northwest Health Board member Shawna Gavin about the 14th Annual Dancing in the Square Sept. 27.
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Cathy Sampson-Kruse owl dances with General Council Vice Chair Michael Ray Johnson, both enrolled CTUIR, during the annual Dancing in the Square event held at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland.
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October 2019
Election Commission complaints Continued from page 3A
with her petitions. Shippentower noted that on Aug. 29 Kosey was “still expounding she lived within the CTUIR Treaty Boundaries (City of Pendleton) which is not the boundary for election purposes,” but a week later was listing her address as Thorn Hollow within the diminished boundaries adopted by the BOT. “What if Gary Burke, Kat Brigham or Jeremy Wolf listed they were running for chair or vice chair respectively (without including BOT or GC) then would a declaration as to what they were running for suffice? I wonder. What if Aaron Ashley listed secretary on his nominating petition without including BOT or GC, would he still be on the ballot?” Shippentower asked in her email. Shippentower’ s email to the BOT said Kosey’s claim that she lives at a Thorn Hollow address is troubling, especially in light of a recent lawsuit filed in Tribal Court that is based on an Election Code residency requirement.
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“Who knows maybe she did move to Thorn Hollow as she claims on her nominating petition,” Shippentower wrote in that Sept. 11 email. “For her sake, I hope so because this brings into question the validity of her nominating petition as for its truthfulness and honesty.” (For the record, Ashley is running against Kosey for the BOT Secretary position. Shippentower said twice in public meetings that she was not running for re-election, but is again on the ballot as a candidate for an at-large BOT member position.) Answering Ashley, the Election Commission found that Kosey contacted the Election Commission Aug. 30, while the petition process was still open, to request her at-large petition be removed and “made it clear” in “writing and orally” that she wanted a petition for the BOT secretary position. Thompson wrote that the Commission does not interpret the nomination petition withdrawal provision in the Election Code (Section 3.09) to be applicable to candidate requests
to remove petitions prior to the close of the nomination petition period. The Commission has permitted candidates to request the removal of their petitions to make corrections to their petitions prior to the close of the nomination process. Further, the Election Commission found Ashley’s second argument had “no merit” because the Commission had determined that Kosey had removed her BOT at-large nomination petition on Aug. 30, so there were not two petitions at the close of the nomination period on Sept. 3. Answering the complaint regarding Kosey not writing BOT Secretary on her nomination petition, the Election Commission response noted that the Resolution 93-41B had subsequently been amended. The Election Code in question “specifically requires the Commission to prepare nomination petitions for each BOT and GC officer and BOT at-large positions.” Election Commission Vice-Chair Wilson filled in Kosey’s nomination petition and “failed to include ‘BOT’ on
Confederated Umatilla Journal
the petition,” although Wilson identified Kosey’s position as “BOT Secretary” on the Commission’s petition log. Accordingly, the letter to Shippentower said, “the Commission is responsible for the failure to identify the position on the Kosey nomination as the BOT Secretary” and “The Commission approved the Kosey nomination for the BOT Secretary position by a polled vote (4-0-0) on September 3, 2019.” As to her second argument,” that Kosey’s petition was not “honest” because it listed a Thorn Hollow address, the Election Commission told Shippentower the Commission’s review of petitions “does not include a determination of the accuracy of the candidate’s address. In fact, Section 3.08 states that the purpose of the space for the candidate’s home address is ‘to permit the Election Commission to notify the candidate regarding the disposition of their petition.’” Therefore, the Commission found Shippentower’s second argument had “no merit.”
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Merkley Continued from page 3A
court has proceeded to undermine the vision of our Constitution by giving the green light to extreme gerrymandering,” he said. Merkley went on to malign Republicans for also undermining the idea of distributed power by “giving the greenlight to massive campaign money being spent without limits.” The seemingly limitless amount of money at the disposal of Republican campaigns, he said, has given way to a much more sinister outcome. Voter suppression and intimidation aimed at poor, college-age and minority communities, namely Tribal communities, are the outcome of these practices Merkley asserted. “The main thing that is obstructing us
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from acting, is that the Majority Leader has used the courtesy of being able to speak first and the first amendment to basically block any legislation from going forward. But you think about, for example, an important bill, ‘For the People Act’, which was take on the gerrymandering, the voter suppression, dark money, ethics… Senator Tom Udall, of New Mexico and I are the lead sponsors for that, and every Democrat is on board because we are fighting the vision for our Constitution but we can’t get a single Republican to support restoring the integrity of the election process,” he said. In keeping with the subject of Tribal issues, Merkley suggested ways for tribes to draw attention to issues pertinent to them during national elections. He said, “It begins by working hard
to organize and draw attention from members of Congress. I think our Oregon tribes do a pretty good job of reaching out to my team and visiting D.C. to make their cases and calling my field representative to fill them in. With the presidential campaigns it’s important to contact the campaigns, the major campaigns, they have a whole series of advisors on different topics, I’m sure they have advisors on Indian affairs. It’s very important to have a cultivated relationship with them and let them know what matters.” Lastly, Merkley made sure to mention a recent accomplishment regarding a bill passed that gives allowance to take on the challenge of sea lions and the salmon predation going on at dams on the Columbia River. Merkley said, “My team worked in-
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credibly close with the Tribes to make sure they were at the table and all involved. We worked on a deal that would stand the test of time, that is, it wouldn’t result in generational animosity between Tribes and so forth. I feel we accomplished that and the Umatilla tribe was deeply engaged in that whole process. I sat with my team and probably worked through 15-20 drafts on the legislation because we try to find a way to have not just the members of Congress lined up but also the tribal interest. Not everyone got what they wanted but they got enough to where they feel good about the outcome. That type of cooperation was a lot of staff work and a lot of time, good will on everyone’s behalf and I applaud everyone who engaged in that.”
October 2019
Kayak wins national transit award MISSION – Kayak Public Transit, operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), has been named 2019 Tribal Transit System of the Year. The award recognizes the leading tribal transit system in the country. It was awarded by the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) at its National Conference in Portland Sept. 17. Kayak shared the award with Blue Lake Rancheria in Northern California. “The National RTAP award recognizes your innovation and leadership. The work you do inspires and provides a model for tribal and rural systems nationally,” said Robin Phillips, Executive Director of National RTAP. Kayak Public Transit operates in cooperation with five counties, two states and 15 cities and communities in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington to provide safe and reliable transportation to riders of necessity and riders of choice for access to jobs, shopping, medical appointments, services, or just to visit friends and family. Current operations stretch 100 miles from Irrigon to La Grande, and 55 miles from Pilot Rock to Walla Walla, Washington, and will be expanded to Boardman in the coming years. Current ridership is approximately 100,000 riders per year and growing. “We’d like to thank RTAP, all our regional, state and national partners, and especially would like to thank our riders, transit staff and CTUIR staff for all their support and assistance in making Kayak an integral part of building our community and regional economy. We look forward to many more years of partnership and growth,” said Susan Johnson, Kayak Public Transit Manager. Johnson received the Tribal Transit Champion Honoree Award at the Conference. The award recognizes people who are the driving forces behind tribal transit systems. Nominees are individuals who have made significant contributions to the tribal transit community. RTAP operates under a cooperative agreement between the Federal Transit Administration and the Nesponset Valley Transportation Management Association. Their mission is to address training and technical assistance needs of rural and tribal transit operators across the nation.
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MM, Arrowhead profit allocations planned MISSION – An allocation of profits from Mission Market and Arrowhead Travel Plaza will be shared in February with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The CTUIR Board of Trustees on Sept. 30 approved an Enterprise Revenue Allocation Plan that gives 25 percent of profits from the two businesses to tribal members. The amount of the allocation was not divulged in the meeting, nor in public documents.
October 2019
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
News & Sports
Section
The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ~ Pendleton, Oregon
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October 2019
MacKenzie Kiona is part of Nixyaawii Community School’s cross country team, which competed in Helix recently. See the story on Page 2B.
Jeffrey Van Pelt was working the ball in a Saturday morning soccer game at Grecian Heights Park in Pendleton. A couple more photos on Page 8B.
Tyasin Burns, junior running back from Nixyaawii Community School, has rushed for more than 900 yards in the first three games of the season for Pilot Rock/Nixyaawii in Class 1A eight-man football. Burns ran for 343 yards and had 250 yards receiving against Arlington/Ione and was named Wendy’s OSAA Player of the Week. PR/NCS is averaging 45 points per game while holding opponents to 7. CUJ photo/Phinney
Unbeaten PR/NCS ranked third in state By Wil Phinney of the CUJ Relay races were wild at the Championship of Champions in Walla Walla. More on Page 7B.
BOT minutes start on Page 22B.
October 2019
PILOT ROCK – The Pilot Rock/Nixyaawii Community School (NCS) football was ranked third among all Class 1A teams in Oregon with an unblemished 3-0 record as September came to an end. There still were four games to go in October before playoffs were scheduled to begin on Nov. 1 on the artificial turf at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. Behind the rushing, receiving and
scoring of NCS junior Tyasin Burns, the squad rolled up league wins over Enterprise 44-8 and Ione/Arlington 58-14, and a non-league win over previously unbeaten DeSales, Washington, 44-0. PR/NCS is averaging 45 points a game while holding their opponents to 7. Burns racked up some incredible stats over three games. He’s gained 943 yards for a 314 yard per game average with eight rushing touchdowns. His biggest game came against Ione/
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Arlington when he scored six touchdowns, rushing for 343 yards and catching passes for 250 yards receiving. Burns was named the Wendy’s OSAA Athlete of the Week Sept. 16-22 after that game. Burns also has caught three touchdown passes and thrown one TD pass. He punts the ball, kicks off and returns both punts and kicks. But he’s not all the offense. Quarterback Corwin Tanner threw a school PR/NS football on page 5B
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OCT. SPORTS SCHEDULES
NCS runners push toward late meets
Nixyaawii Community School Football with Pilot Rock 10/4/19 2pm @Imbler 10/11/19 7pm vs. Union 10/18/19 7pm @Dufur 10/24/19 7pm @Powder Valley (EOU) Varsity Volleyball 10/3/19 6:30pm vs. Cove 10/5/19 10am vs. Pine Eagle 10/5/19 1pm vs. Wallowa 10/8/19 5pm vs. Griswold 10/10/19 5pm vs. Elgin 10/12/19 10am vs. Joseph 10/19/19 11:30am @Joseph 10/19/19 4:30pm @Powder Valley
‘... with these girls, I think they have this thing about them, they bring out the best in each other, pushing each other, running hard, encouraging each other.’
Pilot Rock High School Varsity Volleyball 10/5/19 3:30pm @Enterprise (Grant Union High School) 10/5/19 5pm @Grant Union 10/10/19 6:30pm vs. Weston-McEwen 10/12/19 4:30pm @Elgin 10/15/19 6:30pm vs. Stanfield 10/17/19 6:30pm @ Heppner 10/19/19 2pm vs. Grant Union (Enterprise High School) 10/19/19 3pm @ Enterprise 10/22/19 6:30pm @ Union
Weston-McEwen High School Football 10/4/19 7pm Stanfield 10/11/19 7pm @Riverside 10/18/19 7pm vs. Heppner 10/25/19 7pm vs. Portland Christian Volleyball 10/1/19 7pm @Heppner 10/3/19 5pm vs. Enterprise 10/10/19 6:30pm @Pilot Rock 10/12/19 2pm @Stanfield (Grant Union High School) 10/12/19 2pm Grant Union 10/15/19 5pm vs. Heppner 10/17/19 5:30pm vs. Union 10/22/19 5pm @Enterprise
Senior Mick Schimmel, still nursing an early summer injury, is expected back in HELIX – Enterprise laid claim to the October. Also missing at Helix was junior streets of Helix Sept. 26, but it was a Jared Wildbill, whose limp is expected to good workout for Nixyaawii Community be gone before the next meet. Others behind Simon were Saint School’s cross country squads as they progress toward their own invitational Schimmel, 27th, 20:15; Lyle Soaring and the district meet in Pendleton on Eagle, 36th, 21:44; Shane Rivera, 44th, 23:01; and Nolan Enright, 46th, 23:12. Nov. 1. The NCS girls ran closer as a team Enterprise had four runners among the top seven in the boys race and was nearly with the first three Golden Eagles flying between spots 20 as impressive in the and 26. girls’ contest which Keyen Singer fincovered 5,000 meished 20th in a time ters, about 3.2 miles, of 24:01, with McKover sidewalks and enzie Kiona 22nd pavement in the litin 24:34, and Elle tle town’s neighborMarsh 26th in 25:22. hoods with the start The other three girls and finish at the high weren’t far behind school track. with Diamond Green It threatened but 31st in 26:18, Adilia never rained on the Hart 32nd in 26:31, meet, which boasted and Sophie Bronson 11 teams with 58 boys 37th in 27:47. and 44 girls compet“It’s a young ing. team, but just like Enterprise boys the boys they’re finished with a fiveshowing improverunner total of 23 ment each week,” points. NCS, fifth - Coach Ken Mayfield Mayfield said. “They with 124 points, was come to practice with led by senior Joe Sithe intention of getmon in 19th place in ting better. We focus on each individual a time of 19:34. “It was our third race as a team,” said to bring out the best they can be and with Coach Ken Mayfield. “We’re still im- these girls, I think they have this thing proving, getting the feel of everything, about them, they bring out the best in each other, pushing each other, running learning to run as a team.” Mayfield said he’s pleased with the hard, encouraging each other.” Nixyaawii Community School will heart of his squad. “We’re not that team that has just run- host the Kyle Burnside Invitational at ners,” he said. “A lot of these guys are Wildhorse Resort Golf Course Oct. 17. basketball players. They’re progressing The meet will feature 26 high school as the weeks go by and they’re getting teams from The Dalles to Baker and from experience as we get closer to the district Pomeroy to Condon. Hundreds of boys meet. They’re competitors and I don’t and girls will be running. The district meet will be run Nov. 1 at think they’re quite satisfied. They push Community Park in Pendleton. each other and get better every day.” By the CUJ
Freshman Lyle Soaring Eagle keeps a steady pace through the streets of Helix in a meet Sept. 26. NCS hosts the Kyle Burnside Invitational Oct 17 when 26 teams run at Wildhorse Golf Course.
Pendleton High School Football 10/4/19 7:30pm @Milwaukie 10/10/19 7pm @La Salle Prep 10/18/19 7pm vs. Parkrose (Round-Up Stadium) Volleyball 10/3/19 6:30pm @Ridgeview 10/8/19 6:30pm vs. La Grande 10/10/19 6:30pm vs. Redmond 10/15/19 6:30pm vs. The Dalles 10/17/19 6:30pm @ Crook County 10/22/19 6:30pm @ Hood River Valley 10/24/19 6:30pm vs. Ridgeview Boys Soccer 10/4/19 6pm vs. Crook County 10/8/19 4:30pm vs. Hood River Valley 10/10/19 4:30pm @Ridgeview 10/17/19 3pm vs. Redmond 10/22/19 4:30pm vs. The Dalles / Dufur 10/24/19 4pm @Crook County 10/29/19 4:30pm @Hood River Valley 10/31/19 4:30pm vs. Ridgeview Girls Soccer 10/4/19 4:30pm vs. Crook County 10/8/19 4:30pm @Hood River Valley 10/10/19 4:30pm vs. Ridgeview 10/17/19 5pm vs. Redmond 10/22/19 4:30pm @ The Dalles / Dufur 10/24/19 4pm @ Crook County 10/29/19 4:30pm vs. Hood River Valley
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Diamond Greene finished 31st in 26:18 in Helix Sept. 26. Running along side Greene is McKenna Bray from Pilot Rock.
Saint Schimmel makes his way through the Helix course. He placed 27th over the 5,000 meter course in a time of at 20:15. CUJ Photos/Megan Van Pelt
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Jay Julius from Lummi, Washington, watches his ball roll toward the cup during action at the CayUmaWa golf tournament at Wildhorse Resort Golf Course. Looking on are Gary and Quincy George. Contributed photos
169 golfers from 8 states, Canada compete in CayUmaWa tourney MISSION – Nearly 170 golfers from Canada and eight states competed Sept. 21-22 in the CayUmaWa Golf Tournament at Wildhorse Resort Golf Course on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Southern California golfer Gene Webster Jr. won for the fifth time, defeating defending champion Nathan Dick by six strokes. The first day overall leader was Skye Alexis who fired a 66 and followed it up with a 72 from the gold tees on Sunday. She recorded two eagles – a chip in three for eagle on number 13, and a one-putt eagle two on number 17. Webster shot 67 on day one and had a four-stroke lead over Corey Saddleback and a five stroke lead over Dick. On Sunday, Webster shot 69, Dick shot 70 and Corey shot 73. “The course was in amazing shape and everyone had a great time,” said Gary George, CEO at Wildhorse and the tournament coordinator. “We received rave reviews about the new clubhouse and the new computerized scoring system.” George wanted to thank the “Burke girls” and sponsors Pendleton Bottling Co., Wildhorse Resort & Casino and Lydig, and Wildhorse staff in food and beverage, banquet, pro shop and golf maintenance who “helped make this the greatest Native American tournament in Indian Country (according to our champion Gene Webster Jr.).” 2019 CayUmaWa Golf Tournament Wildhorse Resort Golf Course, Pendleton, Oregon Sept. 21-22 / 36 hole gross and net competition in men’s, women’s and senior flights Championship flight Gross – 1, Gene Webster, San Bernardino, Calif., 136. 2, Nathan Dick, Mission, 142. 3, Kelly Bitternose Jr., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 148. 4, Louie Quaempts, Mission, 149. Net – 1, Cory Saddleback, Gunn, Alberta, Canada, 134. 2, Tandy Charley, Taholah, Wash., 138 3, Sequoya Julius, Bellingham, Wash. 4 (tie), Brian Condon, Omak, Wash., and Shannon Wheeler, Lapwai, Idaho, both 142. First Flight Gross – 1, Kevin Provost, Brocket, Alberta, Canada, 155. 2, Jamin Feist, Penticton, British Canada (BC), Canada, 158. 3 (tie), James Samuels Jr., Plummer, Idaho, and Mike Wilbur Sr., LaConner, Wash., both 162. Net – 1, Frank Harrison Jr., Browning, Mont., 126. 2 (tie), Mitch Buffalo, Edmonton, Alberta; Matt Baker, Vancouver, BC; Aaron Martin, Penticton, BC, all 137.
October 2019
Senior Champion Carl Lane of Lummi, Washington, looks over a putt during the CayUmaWa tournament. Second Flight Gross – 1 (tie), Alan Connelly, B.C., Pat Teton, Fort Hall, Idaho, and Fancis Sheldon, Marysville, Wash., all 176. 4, Travis Blue, Browning, Mont., 179. Net – 1, Jesse Baker, Vancouver, BC, 134. 2, Justin Strongman, Maskwacis, Alberta, 138. 3, Magic Smith, Fort Hall, Idaho, 134. 4, Sean White, Boise, Idaho, 143. Ladies Gross – 1, Skysong Alexis, Gunn, Alberta, 138. 2 (tie), Kylie Jack, Westbank, BC, and Kasey Clausen, Phoenix, Arizona, both 147. 4, Sharon Jack, Westbank, BC, 162. Net – 1, Jennifer Paul, Duffield, Alberta, 113. 2, Wanda Arcand, Morinville, Alberta, 121. 3 (tie), Nostha Alexis, Wapato, and Daphne Alexis, Gunn, Alberta, both 126. Seniors Gross – 1, Carl Lane, Lummi, Wash., 145. 2, Zeke Domebo, Clarkston, Wash., 148. 3, Rob SiJohn, Plummer, Idaho, 153. 4, John Barkley, Mission, 153. Net – 1, Vince Lewis, Vernon, BC, 131. 2, James Samuels Sr., Plummer, 135. 3 (tie), Rudy Edwards, Swinomish, Wash., and Dave Gordon, Browning, Mont., both 136. Second Flight Gross – 1, Vern McKay, Mission, Ore. 161. 2, Tom Rodriguez, Pendleton, 169. 3, Rich Ramsey, Lapwai, Idaho. 170. 4, Jon Bergstrom, Aberdeen, Wash., 169. Net – 1, Arnold Alexis, Gunn, Alberta, 169. 2, Ivan Quintana, Albuquerque, N.M., 139. 3 (tie), Alan Roberts, Carson City, Nevada, and Rich Baker, Vancouver, BC, both 143. Third Flight Gross – 1, Karman Blake, Spokane, Wash. 173. 2, Rich Wells, Taholah, 184. 3, Leo Stewart, Mission, 185. 4, Merle Smith, Fort Hall, 187. Net – 1, OJ Jack, Westbank, BC, 137. 2, Gene Sorrell, Missoula, Mont. 142. 3, Arch Washines, Toppenish, Wash. 137. 4, Seymour Billy, Toppenish, Wash. 148.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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NCS girls grab first official victory in new gym By the CUJ
MISSION – They know they’re going to “take their lumps,” but by gosh they were the first team to play in the new gym and they scored a victory. The Nixyaawii Community School volleyball team dumped Pilot Rock in the first official contest on the new hardwood and they’re going to hang onto that historical triumph. As October began, there had been four setbacks on the varsity level, but Coach Jeremy Maddern would argue that two wins over Ukiah should be counted on that record. However, because Ukiah’s budget doesn’t allow it to travel on a league schedule it has to play as a JV squad. So the mark is 1-4, not 3-4. “We’re seeing a lot of improvement. It’s night and day from last year as far as skill development,” Maddern said, mindful of last year’s single victory. It’s not going to be any easier this year in the Old Oregon League, which may be toughest in the state, starting with top-ranked Powder Valley. Other teams include Wallowa, Joseph, Cove, Imbler, Helix and Pine Eagle. “Six or seven teams in this league
Seniors from the Nixyaawii volleyball squad. From left to right, Susie Patrick, Tayanna VanPelt, Christina Kaltzukis, Kylie Mountainchief, Cloe McMichael, and Chelsea Farrow. Photo by Robert McLean
would be first or second in other leagues. It’s brutal. We have to get better to beat these teams,” Maddern said. Maddern said the girls are working hard and getting better. Passes are sharper, hits are cleaner, serving could be a little more consistent, but some things you just can’t fix.
“We have no height,” Maddern admitted. “Against Elgin we had good hitters who got their hands on balls, but our lack of height showed up a bit. They had athletic jumpers and 5-6 versus 5-10 is a big difference. We played as well as we could with a lack of height, and big hitters make a difference.”
DID YOU KNOW? The salmon was the first food to appear in early spring. Family bands gathered along the Columbia River at their favorite or traditional fishing sites to catch and dry enough salmon to use for the year ahead. During the salmon runs, the fish traveled up every creek and river that emptied into the Columbia. There were so many that it was said that you could walk across a creek on the backs of salmon. The men hooked, netted, trapped and speared huge quantities of fish. A very common net was the long handled dipnet which is still used today. Platforms made of wood were suspended from rocks or bluffs. Fishermen stood on these platforms and used their dipnets. The women cleaned the salmon and hung them on long racks to dry in the sun. When enough salmon was dried and stored away in caches, the bands would prepare to move to the foothills of the Blue Mountains to dig roots. Gathered from ctuir.org
Maddern has no qualms about the Golden Eagles’ character. “They’re on the court facing adversity,” he said. “We have more players this year with better work ethics. We’ll start winning games and it will help elevate us. This is a new program and we’re making big improvements. We know we’re going to take our lumps but we have a positive attitude.” This is the fifth year of the volleyball program at NCS. The first year was a co-op with Pilot Rock. This is Maddern’s second year as head coach. Two dozen girls turned out for volleyball this fall and 18 remain on the team. That includes three transfers – the Farrow sisters, Chelsea and Celia, who were at Pendleton High School; and Arizona newcomer Shelby Joseph. The varsity roster includes seniors Cloe McMichael, Tyanna Van Pelt, Christina Kaltsukis, Chelsea Farrow, Susie Patrick and Kylie Mountainchief; juniors MacKenzie Kiona, Alexia Spino, Shelby Joseph, Allyson Maddern and Celia Farrow; and freshman Alexis Maddern. NCS fields a full junior varsity team as well.
Former artist-inresidence completes ultra marathon Former artist-in-residence at Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts has completed an impressive feat in Europe. Yatika Fields, Osage/Creek, competed in the 2019 Ultra-Trail du MontBlanc marathon race, and completed the 92-mile course from Courmayeur, Italy to Chamonix, France in 32 hours over two days, according to Osage News. The Washington Post defines an ultra marathon as anything longer than a standard 26.2-mile marathon. They say the most common distances are 50 and 100 miles and kilometers.
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Happy 50th Birthday to Junior! You’re an amazing husband and father!
We love you so much and are thankful for everything you do for us. Love always, Stephanie, Sissy and William the Warrior.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
CUJ Sports PR/NCS Continued from page 1B
record five TD passes for more than 400 yards against Arlington/Ione. In three games he’s thrown for about 1,100 yards and seven TDs. Wide receiver Logan Weinke has five received touchdowns; he had 127 receiving yards and three TDs against DeSales. (Logan also had 15 tackles in that game.) With all those high-flying numbers you’d think PR/NCS would be on top of the Class 1A charts, but that’s not so. Number 1 ranked Camas Valley out of District 2-North, 3-0, is averaging 63 points and holding opponents to 11. Number 2 St. Paul, District 1-North, 4-0, is averaging 59 points and holding opponents to 2 points. Number 4 Hosana Christian from the District 2-East is averaging 50 points and holding opponents to 3. And number 5 Perrydale, 4-0, from District 1-North is averaging 50 and holding opponents to 16. But there’s plenty to be happy about in Pilot Rock with games left against at Imbler Oct. 4, at home against Union Oct. 11, at Dufur Oct. 11, and Eastern Oregon University Oct. 24 against Powder Valley. Dufur, a perennial powerhouse, is 2-0 in league, but lost its first two non-league games, 668 against Adrian/Jordan Valley and 68-18 against St. Paul. They beat Union and Enterprise. PR/NCS Coach Mike Balezlena said even he was impressed with his team’s non-league homecoming win over DeSales. “That team was bigger than us, holy smokes,” he said. “They were ranked number 7. They were scoring 60 a game and they’d shut out two teams. That game was actually a big deal for us. The scoring doesn’t show how tough that game was. It was gritty.” In spite of the high-powered offense, Balezlena said it was the team’s defense that made the difference. “They’re a passing team. They spread the offense. They want to test your corners and test your defensive ends. One of the big plays was when Aaron Barkley (NCS) knocked down a pass and then his interception. Wyatt (Stillman) knocked down a pass that would have been a score.” Barkley’s interception cam at the end of the second quarter, setting up a score in the final seconds of the first half that gave PR/NCS a 28-0 lead at the break. What broke DeSales’ back, the head coach said, was an interception by Burns in the second half. “DeSales came out strong, but it ended when Tyasin jumped up and got that interception for their big kid. He got off the ground. That would have been a touchdown,” Balezlena said. “By then they were rattled. It was 38-0.” Balezlena said he put some of the younger players in the game, including Dylan Abrahamson, but kept his varsity players on the field as long as DeSales kept their starters in the game. NCS lineman Magi Moses, who admits to being more like 6-31/2 and 270 pounds
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Homecoming court from left to right, senior Mick Schimmel and senior Queen Susie Patrick, senior Quanah Picard and senior Princess Chelsea Farrow, junior Jared Wildbill and junior Princess Celia Farrow, sophomore Bryson Spino and sophomore Princess Keyen Singer, freshman Dylan Abrahamson and freshman Princess Kyella Picard.
Mud wars a favorite homecoming activity every year. This year students enjoyed making a mess near the old Nixyaawii Community School building. The senior girls team include, from left, Kylie Mountainchief, Tyann Van Pelt, Tristalynn Melton hidden by Van Pelt, Cloe McMichael, Christina Kaltsukis; spectators Chelsea Farrow, Kyella Picard, MacKenzie Kiona, Latis Nowland, Alexia Spino, and Diamond Greene. Farthest back from left are Zach Gaulke (bearded teacher) and Aaron Barkley (standing on table.) CUJ photos/Phinney
(not 6-5 and 315 like the program says), played offensive tackle after the first period when NCS lineman William Sigo was ejected for fighting. Coach Balezlena didn’t have anything but good things to say about Sigo. “That kid was punching on him and we were trying to tell the refs,” Balezlena said. “He was trying to pick a fight and Willie finally had enough. I’ve never ever seen Willie get angry in my life. That kid had to have pushed his buttons. Willie should have kept his head, but you can only take so much from a dirty player.” Sigo’s left hand was wrapped in ice but the head coach said he should be fine for the game against Union. Meanwhile, Moses did the job he wasn’t accustomed to. “He did a great of blocking at offensive tackle,” Balezlena said. “We cut some of his defense time at nose guard, which is his forte. Teams are double-teaming him defensively, but that opens up holes for our linebackers to take care of things up the middle. With him filling holes, technically two holes, he blows up their plays. Offensively, filling Willie’s spot, we ran right off his back. He did a fine job.”
Magi Moses (75), a lineman from NCS, gets triple teamed during a game against Arlington/Ione in September. Moses, who goes 6-31/2 and 270 pounds, draws a lot of attention on both sides of the line. He opens holes for his running backs, like teammate Tyasin Burns, and plugs holes for opponents runners.
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Proposed BADGES Act could help MMIW crisis By Casey Brown of the CUJ
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new bill to remove some of the common barriers in combating the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis is making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The BADGES for Native Communities Act stands for Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety. It was sponsored in the House by Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) who is an enrolled
member of the Pueblo of Laguna, and sponsored in the Senate by Tom Udall (DID) who is the vice chairman of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Indian Affairs. On Haaland’s website, she explains that the BADGES act will improve data reporting and federal database coordination, increase the Tribal Access Program, bridge agency data gaps, promote recruitment and retention of BIA law enforcement and make some public safety programs in Indian Country permanent. BADGES will continue the positive ef-
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fects of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which turned 25 this month. The local response has also been positive. Desiree Coyote, Family Violence Services Program Manager and longtime advocate, states the relevance of these proposed changes. “Long have our people struggled to survive on our land. Most U.S. citizens go throughout their…with the innate feeling that their children are safe. All believing if anything negative impacts their life or the life of their children, the U.S. or state systems will act swiftly and justly for the safety of their family. “And, for the most part, it does. Unfortunately, this is not true for most indigenous families especially those living on reservations,” she said. The BADGES act would improve those disparities. “The BADGES for Native Communities Act is one step closer to closing that gap, that disheartening disparity, that injustice. The lack of jurisdictional linkages and meaningful partnerships continue to be a glaring harm,” she said. Brent Leonard, an attorney for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, approves of the expansion of the Tribal Access Program, which he said was originally rolled out on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. “THE CTUIR pushed hard for the creation of the program to ensure our domestic violence protection orders were entered into national criminal databases. The program has been very successful to see the federal government seek to expand it,” he said. This reservation is also one of the few that has the right to prosecute nonIndian perpetrators of domestic violence within the boundaries of the reservation thanks to an reauthorization of VAWA in 2013. Barriers created by lack of data sharing and data access are addressed in the proposed legislation. “The crisis of murdered and missing Native American women devastates
communities who often lack the resources and tools to take the appropriate steps. “Expanding access to criminal and missing persons data between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies will make Native American communities safer and help protect the most vulnerable in Indian Country,” said Rep. Gwen Moore, a co-sponsor of the bill. “I successfully fought to include protections for Native American women in the 2013 Violence Against Women Act, and supporting this legislation is another reminder that our work is far from over.” Lack of support for police officers as well as recruitment and retention problems are also addressed. The Seattle Indian Health Board says, “The BADGES Act takes an important step in bridging law enforcements data gaps to address the issues that have caused our missing and murdered loved ones to go unnoticed for centuries.” “Officers working for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are responsible for policing more than 200 reservations covering 56 million acres of land. However, Indian Country’s police staffing is insufficient to meet national police coverage standards. “In 2010, Tribes had only 1.9 officers per 1,000 residents compared to an average of 3.5 officers per 1,000 residents nationwide in non-tribal areas,” according to information published on Haaland’s website. The House version of the bill has ten bipartisan co-sponsors from across the nation, , including Representative Sharice Davis, member of the Ho-Chuck Nation, and the Senate version has five bipartisan co-sponsors, including Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) who is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. BADGES is currently in committee in both the House and Senate. It was introduced in the House on Sept. 11 and referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on Sept. 25. It was introduced in the Senate on June 13 and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs on June 19.
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October 2019
Braily Tissidimit had a tough start in the Maiden race on Sunday’s championship day and finished out of the running. However, Chenoa Erickson (purple) riding for Arrow Lakes took the lead and kept it for the win. She was followed by Autumn Charges Strong (blue with sunglasses) riding for White Tail, then Sage Creek Vets, with Jody Cate (white shirt) in fourth, Timettwa was fifth, and Mountain Crow finished sixth
CUJ photos by Dallas Dick
Walla Walla
Championship of Champions In the consolation race on championshp Sunday, Frankie Gould, a Shoshone Bannock riding for the Umatilla EWxpress, comes in for the first exchange. Umatilla Express started i the six spot of the six relay racers but finished in first place. The Umatilla Express horses are owned by Katherine Minthorn.
During the first heat on Saturday afternoon, horses and riders Black Rock (red) and Cayuse Express (blue) ran into each other during the first exchange. Nobody was hurt and the race went on. Names weren’t available.
The rider from the Omak Express team (white) went past his spot and ran into the River Road team, sending rider Tristan Birding Ground (red shirt) to the dirt during the Junior relay championship on Sunday. In the end River Road was first, Omak Express was second, Smoke Ranch with rider Blane Seymour was third, and Mason Relay with jockey Garrett Mason was fourth.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Autumn soccer Cohen Bronson, son of Kylie Bronson, works the ball around a defender during a recent Pendleton Youth Soccer game at Grecian Heights Park. Bronson was playing in a 8-10-year-old league.
Photo by Aaron Worden
Jeffrey Van Pelt readies to boot the soccer ball in a Saturday morning contest at Grecian Heights Park in Pendleton. Teams play every weekend at the park during the early fall. CUJ photo/Phinney
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Kiana Rodriquez, enrolled CTUIR seventh grader, and Arianna Britton, enrolled Navajo seventh grader, assemble their team’s robot. They participate in Sunridge Middle School’s robotics program and compete in FIRST meets throughout the school year. CUJ Photo/Casey Brown
Sunridge robotics program ready to start season strong By Casey Brown the CUJ
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Robotics team at Sunridge Middle School boasts 35 students, including three tribal members. Arianna Britton, enrolled Navajo, joined the team last year when she was in sixth grade. This year, her best friend Kiana Rodriguez, enrolled CTUIR, and Aaden Brom joined the team as well. “I wanted to get involved because I loved building,” Britton said. “It’s just fun to build stuff and have them go into the arena and see your bot in action.” Rodriquez joined based on her friend’s suggestion, but then found something more. “I recognized the beneficial parts of it for the future because I can get scholarships. I am planning to do that and keep my grades high. I want to get into a good college,” Rodriquez said. Coming off a successful season last year - they made it to the super qualifiers in Hillsboro, Oregon - they are hard at work on this year’s theme, Power the Future, where they are tasked with build-
October 2019
ing sustainable city structures. Cary Wasem-Varela has been the coach for three years, and she says costs add up quickly. She estimates that it is about $1,300 per team. She is a fan of FIRST’s concept of gracious professionalism, and she feels that is where her strengths come into play. “Last year we had a lot of autistic kids and kids that just don’t fit in in other activities. I have parents coming up to me with tears in their eyes saying, ‘Oh my gosh this is so good for him.’ That’s what kept me coming back,” she said. The teams will be competing in meets Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, at Pendleton High School. The “big kahuna” league final takes place on Jan. 25. The meets take a lot of volunteers to run smoothly, from the people who set up the arena to the people who run the registration desk. Those interested in volunteering can contact the Volunteer Coordinator Renae Swilling at 541-499-8290 or renae_angela@yahoo.com.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Pier No. 104 Golden Eagles add Honors Diploma By Casey Brown of the CUJ
Kathie Burke Stylist
104 SE Court 541-278-3469/ cell 541-240-1116
MISSION – Nixyaawii Community School (NCS) added an option for an Honors Diploma. Starting this year, students who complete extra requirements will be eligible for the new distinction. The Honors Diploma Team, comprised of Chelsea Hall, Jewel Kennedy, Carrie Phinney, Michelle Van Pelt and Zack Brandsen, put forth the requirements to the NCS School Board during their Sept. 23 meeting. The board approved and the information was rolled out to students later that week.
They will need to achieve a 3.2 GPA or higher. This will be the only year the GPA stays at the level as each year it will go up by 0.1 until it is at 3.5 for the 20222023 school year. On top of the regular 25 credits, students seeking an honors diploma will need to complete additional honors courses and meet other requirements. Ryan Heinrich, NCS Principal, said it is a “the next step” and encourages students to stay enrolled “all four quarters of all four years.” “What was happening was kids finishing their 25 credits and they might opt
out and not come after the spring terms because they met all their credits and didn’t fail any classes. We were looking for a way to have those leaders in the school longer,” he said. Hallam, honors diploma team lead, sees the diploma as a symbol for how far the school has come. “We finally have enough resources, teachers, classes to be able to offer a different track. That in of itself is indicative of much we’ve changed and grown as a school,” she said. She encourages students to pursue an honors diploma because it will reflect well on the individual student and bring pride to the entire school. “I and the rest of the honors diploma team hope students are driven to get an honor diploma and see it as something to work towards. If they are working towards it, it will help them in their future and the school as a whole become more invested in academics,” she said. Additional requirements include completing a project or presentation during their senior year and an internship or job shadow during their four years. They must also “be a role model for good character and behavior” and complete the same 120 hours of community service required of all NCS student. However, in the future they may add a specific focus such as working with elders.
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October 2019
Native musicians will play in Oregon East Symphony’s new season PENDLETON - The Oregon East Symphony (OES) has officially announced its 34th annual concert season as well as a promotional raffle in support of encouraging season ticket orders. Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Beau Benson and the OES Board of Directors have programmed another exciting season of concerts which will feature symphonic performances, holiday music, chamber music and chorale works. This year’s Holiday Music Festival will include songs from the Umatilla Indian Reservation, coordinated by Fred Hill, CTUIR elder, and the March 2020 composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. This year marks the start of a new, twoyear initiative to program more works by living composers into the Symphony’s major symphonic concerts. OES Executive Director J.D. Kindle says that there is more diversity when it comes to living composers. “In contrast to works within the canon of classical music there is a greater diversity among contemporary composers
October 2019
in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, and having a pulse. We want to the Oregon East Symphony to be an artistically progressive organization that is expanding the canon of classical music instead of solely being a museum for works of the past. “Old music doesn’t have context without the new, and vice versa. We’re looking forward to creating space for composers that are currently alive and working by performing their work during their lifetime,” Kindle said. The first concert of the 2019-2020 season – Symphonic Shenanigans on Sunday, November 10th, 2019 – will feature Shenanigan by American-CanadianHungarian composer Kati Agócs. Shenanigan is a short overture based on the Reels brought to French-speaking Canada by waves of English and Irish immigrants. The full schedule, season tickets and those for individual performances are on sale on the OES website www.oregoneastsymphony.com.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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ODOT to assess walking route safety for kids PENDLETON – New funding is coming to Pendleton to assess how safe walking and bikes routes are to six area schools, thanks to grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT). The funding is for creating a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan to identify how to improve streets near the school to support families in getting to school safely. The SRTS Plan will also outline opportunities for education and encouragement events to promote walking and biking to school. Planners from Alta Planning + Design (www.altaplanning.com), active transportation planning consulting firm, will lead the planning process. The walk audit at PELC will take place Oct. 7 at 2:15 p.m. PHS and Hawthorne school is Oct. 8 at 7:30 a.m. McKay’s is on Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. Sherwood’s is on Oct.
9 at 7:45 a.m. Sunridge Middle School will walk on Oct. 9 at 2:15 p.m. The last walk will be for Washington on Oct. 10 at 7:45 a.m. All Walk Audits will begin at the flagpole in front of each school. Following the Walk Audit, there will be a Community Meeting to brainstorm improvements for walking and biking to school and discuss opportunities for SRTS education and encouragement. Additionally, ODOT asks families to share feedback and experiences getting to school using the online input tool. The interactive online tool can be found here: odotsrtsprojectid.com For more information about the Walk Audits and Community Meetings, please contact Chris Fritsch, Pendleton School District superintendent, at cfritsch@ pendletonsd.org or call 541-276-6711.
Umatilla Language Classes
MISSION – Free language classes every Tuesday and Thursday Evening. Taught by Mildred Quaempts, Umatilla Master Speaker, the classes last from 4-6 p.m. in the Recreation Program Library. Take the right door at the Recreation Gym Entrance. Class cancellations will be based on Mildred’s work schedule, inclement weather, Tribal Office closures and holidays. Please keep in contact with the instructor. No sign ups required. For more information, contact the CTUIR Education/Language Program at 541-276-8120.
College visit from Washington State University
MISSION – Prospective college students can learn more about Lewis-Clark State College, University of Idaho and Washington State University. Bob Sobotta from LCSC and Sydel Samuels from U of I will be at the Nixyaawii Governance Center from 1:302:30 p.m. Then, on Oct. 10 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in conference room L101A, Anthony Brave, Native American Outreach Coordinator for Washington State University, will meet with students to answer questions and share what WSU has to offer. For more information, contact Brandie Weaskus at 541-429-7825 or brandieweaskus@ctuir.org.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Expect extended I-84 delays and lane closures on Cabbage Hill in next few weeks PENDLETON - Travelers heading up or down Cabbage Hill along Interstate 84 east of Pendleton can expect lane closures in the westbound and eastbound lanes over the next few weeks. Shoulder paving began in late September in the westbound lanes, then was to shift to the eastbound lanes by early October. Westbound traffic will be restricted to one lane from the top of the hill near mile post 225 to the bottom of the hill around milepost 218. As paving progresses up the hill, the work zone will be shortened. Similar lane restrictions will occur along the eastbound lanes after westbound shoulder resurfacing is completed. Motorists are advised to slow down and be prepared for single lane travel in this area. Depending on weather conditions, this work is expected to be completed around mid-October. The paving will seal the area where power cables were installed earlier this
summer under the freeway shoulders. Those wires will help provide electricity to a dozen digital message boards, freeway lighting and other enhancements that are part of our $15 million I-84 Snow Zone Safety Improvements Project. Along with the digital signs and lighting, the project includes new highway cameras, road sensors, curve warning signs, a new freeway ramp gate and other features that will improve safety, especially during the challenging winter season. Construction and some lane closures will continue near the top of Cabbage Hill through October. The two-year project that started earlier this year will mostly shut down after October, then resume next spring. All work is expected to be completed by next fall. For more information visit ODOT’s project web pages at www.tinyurl.com/ odot-region5 and select I-84: Snow Zone Safety Improvements.
Free Halloween concert, party at Wildhorse
MISSION – A free Halloween concert and party will take place at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on Saturday, Friday Oct. 26 from 7-11 p.m. Rivers Event Center doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert beings at 8. The band is Hell’s Belles, an all-female AC/DC tribute band. The band is endorsed by Angus Young (Blender Magazine, 2003), who has called Hell's Belles the closest one can get to one of the greatest rock-n-roll bands in the world. There will be drink specials and a costume contest. No masks are allowed and attendees must be 21. For more information, call 800-654-9453.
Healthy Kids Night Oct. 9 at Yellowhawk
MISSION – Healthy Kids Night, and evening of dinner, games and prizes, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. Join Yellowhawk to learn about the importance of regular well child checks, meet Yellowhawk’s prenatal and pediatric providers and engage in activities and games that foster growth within your children. For more information, contact Marissa Baumgartner ILAUNCH Community Coordinator at 541-240-8440.
Property for Sale on Reservation
Darling Farmhouse sits on 7-plus secluded acres. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath with new floors. Great water rights, circle driveway, barn, shop and detached garage. $349,000 Call Mark McLaughlin 541-377-8781
rmls 18360260
Milne McLaughlin, Principal Broker Clark Jennings & Associates LLC OR 614 SE Court Avenue / Pendleton, OR Office 541-278-9275 / Cell 541-377-7787 October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
15B
It’s yurts now The CTUIR closed on the acquisition of 76.94 acres of river and forest lands on the Umatilla River to help Bonneville Power Administration mitigate for hydropower impacts to anadromous fish. The $280,000 purchase has been in the works for over a year and protects over a third of a mile of high quality spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and Chinook salmon. The property includes one residence, a yurt that will be removed and the homesite restored to riparian habitat. This is the second land purchase on the Umatilla River for fish mitigation under the BPA Fish Accords Agreement. Phiotos by Carl Scheeler/DNR Wildlife Program
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
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
16B
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Learn to preserve jams and jellies at Yellowhawk MISSION – Learn how to preserve jams and jellies at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center on Oct. 15 from 4:30-7 p.m. Participants will learn how to make huckleberry jam and watch a demo of jelly making. Due to the popularity of this class participation will be limited to 15. Please register for this workshop by Oct. 10. Tribal preference will be given due to the use of our First Foods. We are accepting donations for additional huckleberries. Register for this class by phone or email by calling Adrienne Berry, Community Garden Coordinator, at 541-240-8432 or AdrienneBerry@yellowhawk.org.
Thank you letters THE TOVEY FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO THANK: Father Michael Fitzpatrick of St. Andrew’s Catholic Mission. Your frequent visits and prayers were great comfort to Mom and to us. Also, for use of your facilities for the funeral mass and luncheon. Dr. Arain Kargar & Staff, whose care the last few years was compassionate and outstanding. The Pharmacy Staff at Rite Aid and Walmart, the quick service and help with insurance needs on the expensive medication was crucial in getting my Mother the help she needed. All the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital – the care and kindness these past few years, especially the last was impressive and compassionate. It made the most difficult times easier to deal with. Burns Mortuary – making this difficult time and decisions easier. Armand Minthorn, we appreciate the song, we know it helped her. Paula Wallis and family, you have always been there for us. This time feeding us. Thanks!! To Martina Gordon for helping us make musical selections that all came out beautifully. To our cousin, Andrea Hall, for help duplicating photos and your presence. To another cousin, Wenix Red Elk, for gathering and presenting us First Foods for the luncheon. Dara Williams of the Tribal Cultural Resources Protection Program for the quick research on some of Mom’s oral histories with you over the years. Martha Santana, we were so fortunate to have my mother’s next door neighbor be her caretaker these last couple of years. Martha was much more than that, she was a great friend and godsend. Our Mother loved you very much. To our dear close relatives—Sharon Weathers, Kay Webb, and Marie Dick—we are so grateful you were able to spend so much time with us and Mom over these past weeks. Mom loved you each so dearly. We’re grateful for Mom’s pall bearers—Lance Dick, Kyle DeVore, Gary Guzman, Dallas Dick, Andrew Cook, and Jim Wallis. Our wives, Val, Vicki and Wendy – know that our Mother loved you like the daughters she never had. To the friends and family who were here and those unable to attend, your love and support these last few days has helped us immensely. Dave, Bill, Al, and J.D. Tovey WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT and encouragement received from family and friends as we said farewell to our husband/dad/ papa, Jerry Weathers. We have many people to thank and apologize if we miss someone, but please know we appreciate the help and comfort you all provided. Comfort for Jerry and family in his final days: Walla Walla Community Hospice Food, drinks and other supplies at the home: Don Key, Bob and Jodie Gentry, Kay Webb, Matt Farrow, James Hall, Joani Bosworth. Funeral arrangements and service: Burns Mortuary (Brian and Shawna), Marty Campbell, Armand Minthorn and Washat singers Woodrow Star, Gail Shippentower, Fermore Craig, Marcus Luke, and speakers Linda Jones and Woodrow Star Casket bearers: Dan Baker, Andrew Cook, Casey Flory, Ken Hasenbank, Brandon King, David Liberty Casket purchase guidance from Tribal Enrollment: Toni Minthorn and Cindy Freston
Grave siting and preparation: Tribal Planning (Patty Perry), James Hall, and CTUIR Public Works (James Bill, Charles Jones, Burke Farrow, Tyler Simmons, J.D Gone, Richard Lyons). Chairs: Tribal Fire Department Graveside help: Raymond Huesties, Dallas Dick and the many who helped cover the grave Meal: Tamastslikt Cultural Institute (Hilda Alexander, Michelle Moses and the Kinship Cafe cooks). UTFD paramedics who responded to a medical emergency at the graveside service: Bill Weathers, James Hall, Randy Burke, Tony Cook, Jeremy Mitchell Funeral procession escort: Tribal Police Support and love in too many ways to list: Pat Baird and Jan Fessler Thank you to all who attended the service, burial and lunch, and to those who provided flowers and donations, as well as much needed hugs, prayers and kind words, Sharon Weathers Deb, Tom and Jerad Croswell Bill, Kimberly, Gunnar, Kannan and Pistol Weathers THE NICHT-YOW-WAY ELDERS Advisory Group and CTUIR DCFS would like to thank those who donated baskets, and contributed to our annual Elders Luncheon. Thank each of you for making this event special for Elders around the Pacific Northwest. Big thanks to all the attending Elders and their respected Tribes, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Nicht-Yow-Way Elders, CTUIR Board of Trustees, CTUIR General Council, CTUIR Office of Technology, CTUIR Office of Child Support, CTUIR Office of Legal Counsel, CTUIR Finance, CTUIR Cultural Resources, Cayuse Technologies, Yellowhawk Senior Center, Yellowhawk Health Commission, D&B Supply, The Saddle, Arrowhead Travel Plaza, Pendleton Round Up Association, Michelle Tias, Frank Anderson, Michael McCloud, Cassie “Earring Lady”, Bertha Case, Delphine Wood, Marie Dick, Marlene Taylor, Cindy Halfmoon, Lisa Ganuelas, Cayuse Singers, keynote speaker Solo Greene, our entertainers; Martina Gordon, Medicine Journey, Nixyaawii Drama Class, and Corinne Sams. Thank you Lorena Thompson and Pam Peterson for raising funds for Nicht-Yow-Way Elders. Thank you to Anson Crane for providing the music, and Ellen Taylor for her amazing art work we printed on gift bags. Many Thanks, The Elders Advisory Group Officers Chairman- Allen Crawford Vice Chair- David Wolf Secretary/Treasurer- Roberta Kipp TO DCFS AND BOLSTER PROGRAM We received the packet with agenda and photos of 2019 events. What an amazing program!!! The General Council Officers thank the BOLSTER program staff for all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into providing such a productive and encouraging program for our tribal membership. Congratulations to the participants who completed the program and are moving forward armed with the knowledge and experience gained through steadfastly attending activities and following through with the classes offered. Thank you for sharing the photos and program with us!!! General Council Officers: William Sigo, Chair Michael R Johnson, Vice Chair Shawna Gavin, Secretary Thomas Morning Owl, Intepreter
CTUIR General Election Nov. 12 October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
17B
Head Start students hit their new school running MISSION - Forty Cay-Uma-Wa students are starting out their journey in the new Nixyaawii Education Center. This will be the first class to use the classrooms that were finished just before the facility opened in August. During the open house event held Sept. 5, parents voted on their new Head Start Policy Council. New members on the council are parents J’Shon Thompson, Jill-Marie Gavin, Nikki Sams and Cat Barkley. Families were also encouraged to make “kiss cups” as an activity provided by the Native Connections program at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. Students and parents decorated cups and filled them with imaginary kisses for little ones to gather when they feel sad in the classroom.
Head Start student Jillian Morningowl checks out her open house materials in her new classroom.
Kellen Herrera makes a break for the door during the Cay-Uma-Wa open house held Sept. 5.
CUJ Photos/Megan Van Pelt
Some of the 40 Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start students test out the new toys in their classroom in the Nixyaawii Education Center during open house held Sept. 5.
Sadie Speedis, left, shows off her finished work in the brand new cafeteria in the Nixyaawii Education Facility, while Calib Bannick, right, finishes his healthy lunch provided by the program.
WHAT: DOG/CAT VACCINE CLINIC
Tune in to your reservation radio station 104.3 FM KCUW
WHEN: Week of October 21-25th. HOW: Call Housing Department for a VOUCHER (must call ACO for voucher) for cost: Dog Vaccine: Rabies $20, DHPP $20. WHERE: Cat Vaccine: Riverside FVRCP $20 Veterinary Clinic 2504 NE Riverside Place Pendleton, Or 97801 WHO: CTUIR Community CALL: ACO, Kendyl 429-7931 FREE Tribal dog license with voucher (1-week to redeem) 18B
Re-Elect Michael R. Johnson General Council
Vice Chair Michael Ray Johnson is a life-long Tribal Member of CTUIR and resident of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Michael Ray has served three terms as a General Council officer, he is experienced and he knows his People well.
Vote for Michael Ray, General Council Vice Chair.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
BOLSTER employees make ‘extraordinary impact’ By Corinne Sams for The CUJ
The 2019 Building Our Life Skills & Training and Employment Readiness (BOLSTER) Program made an extraordinary impact in the upkeep and maintenance of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) grounds. BOLSTER trainees played an integral part in management across the Mission community. This unique program enhances training and access to opportunities with focus on job retention. The program’s mission is to ensure CTUIR Tribal Members are empowered with skills, training and information to assist in obtaining and retaining regular employment opportunities. The BOLSTER program, formally known as day training was funded by the Board of Trustees in 2015, was created to offer a paid temporary employment environment for CTUIR Tribal Members. The program operates during the spring and summer seasons and gives trainees a four-week period to learn on-the-job training in largely manual labor environments but also provides participants with administrative and other training opportunities. This year BOLSTER had 106 applicants and 75 of those applicants participated in at least on wave, a four-week period of paid training, in the program. Application intake is up 6.5 percent from the 2018 season. Out of the 75 participants, 20 of those individuals have obtained temporary, part time or full time employ-
From left are BOLSTER participants Sampson Sampson, James Smith, Michelle Shippentower, Jacky Minthorn, Veva Jim and Lindsey Watchman pose around after their awards ceremony Sept. 26.
ment since May of this year. The 2019 BOLSTER Program (in collaboration with the Department of Children and Family Services, Public Works, Tribal Court, and the Housing Department) completed work on 17 homes that required clearing of hazardous vegetation from around their surrounding properties. This project is offered annually for home owners that may have overgrowth of vegetation creating a fire hazard. BOLSTER Crews cut vegetation within 30 feet of the homes to create a defensible space and reduce fire danger. BOLSTER has piloted a program with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specifically with Public Outreach/Education Specialist Wenix Red Elk, to incorporate traditional and cultural practices into the BOLSTER Program. Through this collaboration the program was able to fulfill a need to gather
traditional foods, and medicine that are used in the DNR first food reserves for ceremonial purposes or services that require CTUIR traditional foods on the table. BOLSTER participants were taught to gather camas, various roots, berries and medicine. This is the second year BOLSTER has partnered with DNR on Gathering Excursions. The idea was presented to BOLSTER participants in a survey two years ago by the Department of Children & Family Services. The results of the survey indicated extreme interest in learning cultural practices. Without hesitation program facilitators implemented cultural teaching into the training schedule. In 2018 it was added to this Program and the response from participants was powerful. Partnering with Wenix, at DNR, and taking an active role in educating and informing participants about CTUIR’s first foods
empowered individuals and families to identify traditional foods, participate in traditional gathering practices, learn traditional gathering sites and ensures Tribal Members are exercising their Treaty Rights. It has given participants teachings that will extend beyond BOLSTER, and allows for these teachings to be positively contagious. Each participant who completed the program was presented with a certificate of completion. BOLSTER Participants who received certificates also received six months experience in Landscape, Grounds keeping, and Basic Maintenance. The BOLSTER Recognition Ceremony took place September 26 at the Nixyaawii Governance Center. The ceremony included a recognition that was added this year and honored a Tribal Member who passed away in 2018. The James Minthorn Memorial Award was created to honor Atwai James Minthorn who served diligently in his duties as a BOLSTER participant year after year. This award was provided to a male and female participant who committed exceptional work ethic. This year’s award winners were Sampson Sampson and Michelle Shippentower. “I never even knew roots grew here on this ridge. This is definitely a valuable learning experience. I can share this with other Tribal Members in my family. Awesome experience and I appreciate the opportunity to learn about my traditional foods,” Wauker Tate, BOLSTER participant, said of his time with the program this year.
It’s time for a change... VOTE
N. Kathryn
‘Kat’ Brigham FOR
BOT CHAIR
Political ad paid for by N. Kathryn Brigham
October 2019
Confederated Umatilla Journal
19B
CUJ Feature Malcolm shines a light on cancer action network By Casey Brown of the CUJ
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Karen Malcom practiced her talking points in Mission and then took them to the nation’s capital with 700 other American Cancer Society volunteers. Malcom, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), talked to lawmakers about mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, e-cigarettes and HPV, using sciencebased research. She got involved as a volunteer for the Relay for Life 10 years ago when she lost a close friend and got more and more involved until she became a team-lead two years ago in the Cancer Action Network, ASC CAN for short. “Cancer, it doesn’t care what color you are … It just comes in and it attacks ‘Cancer, it people. It can wipe out a doesn’t care life. That’s why I became involved,” she said. what color Shockingly, insurance you are … It companies do not cover the cost of mammograms for Karen Malcom and other area American Cancer Society volunteers took bags from local cancer surivors and loved ones to Washington, just comes Photos contributed by Karen Malcom people under 50 even if a D.C. for the Sept. 10 Lights of Hope event at the Washington Monument. lump has been found. in and it one story, one real person, maybe a survivor or a loved “The screenings are go- one. Someone who has been touched by cancer. attacks ing to go down because Doris Scott has a story of her own as a cancer survivor. women aren’t going to get Scott is a CTUIR tribal member and employee. people. It it done if you can’t afford Her cancer is currently in remission, but her journey can wipe it. That’s reality,” Malcom began in May of 2015 when she learned she had breast said. cancer. out a life. One of the lobbying “I originally went to the doctor for other health reaThat’s why points is to reduce the age sons and happened to come across this,” she said. “This from 50 to 40. is a life changing experience. It not only changes your I became “You know a ten-year life but the lives of people who love you.” jump may not be that much, involved.’ She’s had a long battle that all started with a phone but we can make the cure call, at work no less. She said that she was originally Karen Malcolm rate to go up, there will be told she was all clear but then received a follow-up call more survivors and more the next day. early detection, so women “I was originally told my biopsy was negative and can have more time with their loved ones,” she said. nothing to worry about. Next day, I received a call at The battle continues, but there have been some no- work stating I did have breast cancer and needed to start table successes. a treatment plan. I was devastated. It’s not news you At the state level, a law used the wrong medical code want to hear then let alone at work,” she said. for colorectal cancer screenings so people were being All in all, she underwent three surgeries and various American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteers charged when they shouldn’t have been. met with lawmakers like Representative Greg Walden, center, treatments. “It was a law that there wasn’t supposed to be an “This journey was a difficult one. It was an emotional in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 10 to discuss cancer screens, out-of-pocket expense. At the time, it was Rep. Bob time for me. Being in pain, going in and out of surgeries, e-cigerettes and HPV. From left to right, Volunteer State Lead Jensen. Smart man. He was my sociology professor at radiation, doctors and hospitals. It’s overwhelming and Ambassador Kathy Ottelle, Karen Malcom, and Rosalyn. Blue Mountain Community College. He looks at it and exhausting,” she said. “After healing from all surger- battle with other types of cancer. he said, ‘Karen, I see what ies my next step is to take The Lights of Hope bags that were on display in the the issue is.’ That’s why chemo pills every day for nation’s capital represented those stories and struggles, he’s smarter than me. He rest of my life to stop the as well as the hope for says, ‘There’s a wording cancer.” the future. Forty thouissue right here and I’ll Scott encourages people sand illuminated bags ‘This is a life go fix it.’ Within a week to get mammograms on a lining the reflecting pool it was done and we had regular basis. can be quite a sight. changing a victory,” Malcom said. “You need to take care of “You can see the experience. The ACS CAN method yourself and do it for your Washington Monument is to stick to the bipartisan loved ones who care.” in the background and It not only talking points and stay on She has words of en- when the weather is changes your the cancer-related topics. couragement for others right you can see the “I don’t care who’s in facing breast cancer and Lights of Hope bags life but the office. I know that if a polireach out to the heavens. 40,000 Lights of Hope lined the reflecting pool at the Washington survivors. She said she tician isn’t very popular Monument Sept. 10, including some decorated by area residents. “continues my fight every It’s just really, really lives of people and somebody else gets day” while she is in remis- something to see,” Malwho love you.’ voted in, that’s fine and dandy as long as they’re at least sion. com said. Doris Scott, willing to listen to me… If they want to argue about the “It takes a lot of strength to fight this battle but never Malcom’s hope is that cancer survivor economy or conservation, I’ll do that another day. I want give up,” she says. “Survivors of breast cancer are war- one day the Lights of them to just focus on the cancer part of it,” Malcom said. riors who continue to fight the battle.” Hope will look a little ACS CAN volunteers met with lawmakers on Sept. The ASC CAN volunteers are fighting for people different. 10, the same day as the Lights of Hope event in which like Doris. Malcom said an important part of her work “I would love to go to a ceremony where there aren’t tens of thousands of lighted bags were lined up in front is “helping my own people.” Several CTUIR members any bags. That we’re there to have a good time, socialize, of the Washington Monument. Each bag represented are breast cancers survivors and more from this area and say we beat cancer.”
20B
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
CUJ Community News
Umatilla County says UCOUNT By Casey Brown of the CUJ
PENDLETON – A local event aims to get people geared up for the 2020 U.S. Census. Umatilla County has formed the Complete County Committee (CCC) and seeks to ensure every Umatilla County resident is counted in the census. They are hosting the UCOUNT 2020 event on Oct. 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate. Shana Radford encourages the CTUIR community to attend. Radford is enrolled CTUIR and the Tribal Partnership Specialist for Oregon and Idaho with the U.S. Census Bureau. “I will be attending both, and would love some tribal youth, family and CTUIR community presence there to encourage a complete and accurate count of all American Indian/Alaska Natives residing within Umatilla County and Oregon,” she said. George Murdock, a member of the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners, helped form the CCC. “Talking about the 2020 Census isn’t really a hot button issue until you realize that $875 billion in federal funding is at stake. That converts to $3,200 for every person we find living in Umatilla County. That is serious money. And, for better or worse, it’s money we need to provide services for those who might be the most difficult to count or find,” Murdock said in an open letter. “Not only is the Census used to determine the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives but it continues to be a critical tool for decision making in our communities. “The Census is used to aid planners in determining where to allocate funds for future public transportation needs, determine what areas are eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans, decide the best locations to locate new schools as well as facilities for children, seniors and those with disabilities,” he said. The event is open to the public and free to attend, but those interested must RSVP by Oct. 7 on Eventbright.com: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ucount2020-pendleton-tickets-71672920635. An event is Hermiston is scheduled for Oct. 16 from 4-6 p.m. at the Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S highway 395. For more information, contact Umatilla County Planning Department at 541-2766249 or Shana Radford at 541-908-7911 or shana.m.radford@2020census.gov.
Mongolian designer Song Hong walks out to take a bow after her Cashmere Song Fashion Company show at Hamley Steakhouse and Saloon Sept. 11.
Fashionably great PENDLETON – For a second year in a row, fashion lit up the runway at the Hamley Steakhouse Round-Up Fashion Show, the only difference was this time Wildhorse Resort & Casino was part of it. Kerry Yu, event producer and long-time partner of previous Hamley’s co-owner Blair Woodfield planned the first fashion show in 2018 and produced the 2019 show as a partial send-off to Woodfield. The Tribes purchased Hamley’s in August and this is the first joint event held at the business. Chefs from Wildhorse were brought in to cater the event. Wildhorse CEO Gary George spoke at the event and thanked everyone for all their hard work in bringing the two business together.
Yu brought in Mongolian fashion designer Song Hong who just finished showing at New York Fashion Week. Hong studied fashion in Mongolia and her company Cashmere Song Fashion Company is based in China and focuses on largely white cashmere pieces. Hong’s husband served as her translator and spoke at the event on behalf of the designer. The couple’s daughter, Fan Siyu, studied fashion at the London College of Fashion and said she grew up around fashion and it was a logical path for her to choose as an adult. As part of producing the show Yu and Wildhorse recruited in as much local talent as they could which included Venesiah Broncheau as a model and EllaMae Looney and Kaitlynn Melton as makeup artists.
Venesiah Broncheau, of Mission, was the only local model to walk in the Wildhorse Resort & Casino and Hamley first joint event. CUJ Photos/Jill-Marie Gavin
YOU CAN TRUST SALLY KOSEY SALLY lives by the 1855 Treaty and the 1949 Constitution. Sally believes in transparency and won’t back down from a fight. Sally puts her time and money where her mouth is when it comes to children and education. Sally believes in employment for all tribal members and wants the CTUIR to become sustainable through economic growth.
October 2019
Event organizer Kerry Yu made a surprise appearance in the second show of the evening.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Sally Kosey for BOT Secretary 21B
Elders rock the house MISSION - More than 650 people attended the annual Elder’s Day Luncheon hosted by the Dept. of Children and Family Services at Wildhorse Resort & Casino Sept. 6. Elders from surrounding reservations flocked to Mission for the entertainmentpacked event that included dancing contests and a live band.
CUJ Photos/Jill-Marie Gavin Malcolm Minthorn was enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a 1371 Combat Engineer and Desiree Coyote, who joined the U.S. Army in 1976, were part of the veteran’s honoring ceremony at the Elder’s Luncheon hosted by DCFS Sept. 6.
Marlene Taylor, previous member of the Elder’s Advisory Group, participates in the Tai Chi.
Elder’s luncheon guests Armand Minthorn, left, and Linda Jones, right, visit while volunteers hand out raffle prizes at the annual event held at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.
Board of Trustees minutes DATE: June 17, 2019
BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Jeremy Wolf, Vice Chairman; Doris Wheeler, Treasurer; Kathryn Brigham, Secretary; Rosenda Shippentower, Member; Aaron Ashley, Member; Woodrow Star, Member; Sally Kosey, Member and William Sigo IV, General Council Chairman. Full quorum present. Old Business. Ratify Poll for assistance to Warm Springs Tribe. MOTION: Kat Brigham moves to ratify polled action to donate $5,000 to Warm Springs to assist with water crisis. Sally Kosey seconds. Motion carries 7 for – 0 against – 1 abstaining (Aaron Ashley). Next Resolution 19-041: None. Other Board Action: Timber Cutting Permit for Craig Quanah La Cornu an enrolled Nez Perce member. Rosenda Shippentower asked Ted Wright, ED to check into if we have reciprocal permits with Nez Perce Tribe. MOTION: Aaron Ashley moves to approve timber cutting permit for Craig Quanah La Cornu enrolled Nez Perce member. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 8-0-0. BOT Travel Reports. 1) Aaron Ashley, June 5 to Heppner for site visit with Cultural Resources Committee to Madison Butte and Black Mt. Aaron noted he submitted another report on his trip to Temecula, CA to attend a conference but it was not in the folder. 2) Gary Burke, July 14 to Lewiston, ID to attend Four Chairs meeting. 3) Kat Brigham, June 12 to Union Gap, WA for a W3MP meeting with Dept. of Ecology. 4) Rosenda Shippentower, June 4 conference call OR Health Policy Board monthly meeting. June 4-5 to Portland to attend “Strategies for Addressing the Social Determinants of Health. MOTION: Kat Brigham moves to approve BOT trip reports. William Sigo seconds. Motion carries 8-0-0. BOT Leave and Travel Requests. 1) Aaron Ashley, personal leave June 28 to July 1. 2) Jeremy Wolf, July 9 to 12 to Washington DC as part of CRITFC delegation. 3) Kat Brigham, June 19 speaker at ACOE Annual meeting at Walla Walla from 9 AM to 2 PM. June 19 personal leave from 2 PM to 4 PM. June 21, personal leave from 2:30 PM to 4 PM. June 27, Special W3MP meeting from 6 AM to 10 PM. July 2, personal leave all day. July 19, personal leave all day. 4) Rosenda Shippentower, Spokane, WA on June 20-21 to attend Healing Lodge mtg. July 8-11 to Spokane, WA to attend IHS Regional 10 Annual Tribal Consultation and Resource Day. 5) Sally Kosey, personal leave June 20 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. All day June 27. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to approve leave requests. Sally Kosey seconds. Motion carries 8-0-0.
22B
DATE: July 1, 2019 BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman (arrived at 9:13 AM); Jeremy Wolf, Vice Chairman; Doris Wheeler, Treasurer; Kathryn Brigham, Secretary; Rosenda Shippentower, Member; Aaron Ashley, Member; Woodrow Star, Member; Sally Kosey, Member and William Sigo IV, General Council Chairman. Full quorum present. Old Business. None. Resolution 19-041: Topic: Rangeland Management Plan Environmental Assessment Funding Proposal. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees requests that Bureau of Indian Affairs fund the Rangeland Management Plan Environmental Assessment proposal in its entirety; AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 1st day of July, 2019. MOTION: Woodrow Star moves to adopt Resolution 19-041. Sally Kosey seconds. Motion carries 7 for (Woodrow Star, Sally Kosey, Rosenda Shippentower, Doris Wheeler, Kat Brigham, Jeremy Wolf and Aaron Ashley) – 1 against (William Sigo) – 0 abstaining. Resolution 19-042: Topic: PDX Harbor – United States Phase 2 Funding and Participation Agreement. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman to execute the Phase 2 Funding and Participation Agreement, Addendum No. 4 to the Phase 2 Funding and Participation Agreement, and the United States Path C Funding and Participation Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibits 1, 2, and 3 respectively; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman and appropriate tribal staff to take any other steps necessary to formalize the Confederated Tribes’ approval of the United States as a Phase 2 Path C Party. AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 1st day of July, 2019. MOTION: Sally Kosey moves to adopt Resolution 19-042. Kat Brigham seconds. Motion carries 8-0-0. Resolution 19-043: Topic: Amendments to Tribal Health Commission Charter and Bylaws. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the amendments to the Tribal Health Commission Charter that are attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1 and the Tribal Health Commission Bylaws attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 2, which exhibits shows all new language as underlined and all deleted language lined through. AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 1st day of July, 2019. MOTION: Kat Brigham moves to adopt Resolution 19-043 with amended Bylaws to state Minutes will be submitted to the BOT Secretary.
Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 5 for (Kat Brigham, Woodrow Star, Jeremy Wolf and Doris Wheeler) – 1 against (Rosenda Shippentower) – 2 abstaining (Aaron Ashley and Sally Kosey). Other Board Action: Commission/Committee Update by Kat Brigham, BOT Secretary. To be deferred until later in the meeting. At 10:15 AM the deferred agenda item was brought back to the table. Kat said due to incomplete information report will be deferred to the July 8th. Possible meeting with Yakama Council by Kat Brigham, BOT Secretary. During NCAI Convention Kat met with two Yakama Councilmen to discuss the Yakima Integrated Basin Plan and Colville’s purchase of land with possibility of building a casino in Tri-Cities area. Several dates during month of July were suggested for the meeting. Jeremy Wolf, BOT Vice-Chair and Fish & Wildlife Chair asked the discussion deferred to Tribal Session. Later during Tribal Session it was suggested the two water commissions from CTUIR and YIN schedule a meeting and a tribeto-tribe meeting be discussed later. Majority of BOT agreed to discuss a tribe-to-tribe meeting with Yakama at a later date. Agenda item that was deferred from Public Session regarding Martina Gordon question to Rosenda Shippentower asking for explanation on her no vote on the Resolution to amend the Health Commission Charter and By-Laws. Rosenda Shippentower gave her explanation and summarized meetings she attended. BOT Travel Reports. 1) Aaron Ashley, June 23-27, to Sparks, NV for NCAI Convention. 2) Jeremy Wolf, June 26-28 to Portland to attend CRITFC meeting. June 18-20 to Omaha to meet railroad representatives at the UPRR headquarters. 3) Kat Brigham, June 19 to Walla Walla as speaker for USCOE Annual Meeting. June 20 to Ellensburg, WA to attend quarterly CRPAG. June 23-26 to Sparks, NV to attend NCAI Convention. June 17 to Walla Walla Community College to attend special W3MP meeting. June 30 to Athena & BMCC to attend Congressman Walden & Sen. Wyden Town Hall mtg. 4) Rosenda Shippentower, June 20-21 to Spokane, WA to attend Healing Lodge meeting. June 23-27 to Sparks, NV to attend NCAI Convention. 5) Sally Kosey, June 24-25 to Salem to attend Education Summit. MOTION: Woodrow Star moves to approve trip reports. Rosenda Shippentower seconds. Motion carries 7-0-0. BOT Leave and Travel Requests. 1) Gary Burke, travel July 9-11 to West Linn to attend WFLC meeting. 2) Jeremy Wolf, July 1 from 1-4 PM, to Boardman to attend ROFR. 3) Woodrow Star, July 15-16 to Troutdale to attend Hanford Advisory Board meeting. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to approve leave requests. Motion carries 7-0-0.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
DATE: July 8, 2019
BOT Present: Jeremy Wolf, Vice Chairman; Doris Wheeler, Treasurer; Rosenda Shippentower, Member; Aaron Ashley, Member; Woodrow Star, Member; Sally Kosey, Member and William Sigo IV, General Council Chairman. Gary Burke, BOT Chairman and Kathryn Brigham, Secretary on personal leave. Quorum present. Old Business. Ratify polled letter. Letter to USFWS stating CTUIR have significant concerns on the Petition for rulemaking on “To End the Criminal Ban on Religious Exercise with Eagle Feathers and to Protect Native American Religious Practices”. MOTION: Woodrow Star moves to ratify letter to USFWS stating CTUIR concerns regarding the Petition on decriminalizing eagle feather possession. Rosenda Shippentower seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. Next Resolution 19-044: None. Other Board Action: Commission/Committee Update by Kat Brigham, BOT Secretary. Science & Technology Committee, 1 vacancy with one application from Robin Bitrick for 2 year term. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to reappoint Robin Bitrick to Science & Technology Committee for a 2 year term ending Feb. 4, 2021. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. Water Commission, 1 vacancy with 1 application from Kelly Long for a 2 year term. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to reappoint Kelly Long to the Water Commission for 2 year term. Sally Kosey seconds. Motion carries 4 for – 0 against -1 abstaining (Doris Wheeler). Culture Resources Committee/Housing Commission matter concerning Katrina Burnside appointments. Katrina sent an email to BOT Secretary on June 24th stating she wants to remain on the Housing Commission. She asked if the BOT could reconsider and update the policies and procedures to allow tribal member employees working in sync with the WRC to allow a two limit service with rare cases such as hers. She also sent a letter of resignation from the Culture Resources Committee. MOTION: Woodrow Star moves to accept Katrina Burnside’s letter of resignation and advertise for vacant position on Culture Resources Commission with term ending April 1, 2021. Doris Wheeler seconds. Motion carries 3 for - (Doris Wheeler, Woodrow Star, and Sally Kosey) – 2 against (William Sigo and Rosenda Shippentower) – 0 abstaining. Terms Expiring: Timothy Nitz, Culture Coalition, term expire August 7. Cheryl Shippentower, Education & Training Committee, term expires August 7. Ken Hall, Fish & Wildlife Commission, term expires August 1. Board of Trustees minutes on page 23B
October 2019
Board of Trustees minutes Continued from page 22B Jim Marsh, Fish & Wildlife Commission, term expires August 1. MOTION: William Sigo moves to send letters notifying members of expiration terms and advertise for the vacancies. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. Will Continue to advertise for: 1 position, Farm Committee, complete term ending May 7, 2021, meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday’s at 2:30 PM. 2 positions, CTUIR Culture Coalition, term ending May 7, 2020, meets as needed (no stipends). 2 positions, Tiicham Conservation District, term end June 11, 2010, meets 2 and 4 Tues. All applications due Monday, July 22 by 4 PM. A work session will be scheduled for Friday, July 26 at 8:30 AM. Appointments will be made on Monday, July 29. Housing Department Security Camera Policy motion. MOTION: William Sigo moves to approve the Housing Department Security Camera Policy and to direct the Housing Department to implement the Policy in the Housing Areas it administers for safe and secure neighborhoods and for effective law enforcement and crime prevention. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. BOT Travel Reports. None. BOT Leave and Travel Requests. 1) Gary Burke, July 21-23, travel to Siletz to attend Oregon Tribes meeting. 2) Rosenda Shippentower, personal leave July 12 from 1 to 4 PM. July 17 all day. 3) William Sigo, personal leave for July 26-31. MOTION: Aaron Ashley moves to approve BOT leave requests. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0.
DATE: August 12, 2019
BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Jeremy Wolf, Vice Chairman; Doris Wheeler, Treasurer; Rosenda Shippentower, Member; Aaron Ashley, Member; Woodrow Star, Member; Sally Kosey, Member and William Sigo IV, General Council Chairman. Kathryn Brigham, Secretary on travel. Quorum present. Old Business. Ratify polled letter to Governor Brown. The CTUIR provided testimony in opposition to HB 2329 and continue to oppose this bill. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to ratify polled letter to Governor Brown. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0. Resolution 19-050: Topic: Hanford Natural Resource Trustee Council Bylaws. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman to sign the revised Hanford Natural Resource Trustee Council Bylaws, attached as Exhibit 1; AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 12th day of August, 2019. MOTION: Woodrow Star moves to adopt Resolution 19-050. Jeremy Wolf seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0. Resolution 19-051: Topic: Change of LLC Member for Cayuse Technologies LLC. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes a transfer of all of its LLC membership rights in Cayuse Technologies to Cayuse Holdings; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that to the extent Section 5.1 of the Cayuse Technologies Operating Agreement is inconsistent with such a transfer, the Board of Trustees hereby amends Section 5.1 to allow for the transfer, and to allow for the Confederated Tribes to cease to be a Member of Cayuse Technologies by transferring all the Confederated Tribes’ membership rights in Cayuse Technologies to Cayuse Holdings, which is wholly-owned by the Confederated Tribes; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Cayuse Holdings, is hereby directed to create a new Operating Agreement for Cayuse Technologies; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Cayuse Holdings, shall amend the Cayuse Technologies Articles of Organization on file with the Nevada Secretary of State in order to document the change in LLC Member, consistent with NRS 86.221 and NRS 86.226; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, t h a t the Board of Directors of Cayuse Holdings, LLC, shall submit any Small Business Administration (SBA) documentation requiring the Confederated Tribes’ authorization to Confederated Tribes staff for internal review and to then file notice of this change per SBA guidance and in accordance with the CFR requirements for SBA 8(a) certified
October 2019
firms; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Cayuse Holdings, shall take such other action as may be necessary for the change of the LLC Member, including documenting the change with the Internal Revenue Service and other entities which may require notice of the change. AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 12th day of August, 2019. MOTION: Jeremy Wolf moves to adopt Resolution 19-051 pending legal review. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 4 for (Jeremy Wolf, Woodrow Star, Aaron Ashley and Doris Wheeler) – 2 against (William Sigo and Rosenda Shippentower - 0 abstaining. Resolution: 19-052: Topic: Cayuse Holdings LLC Commercial Line of Credit. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes temporarily increasing the CTUIR Line of Credit to Cayuse Holdings, LLC to $2.5 Million; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes Cayuse Holdings, LLC to return to the Board of Trustees with a proposal to establish a line of credit from a commercial lending institution of up to $10 Million, and authorizes the Tribes Finance Director to determine the best collateral to secure the Line of Credit; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that upon securing the commercial line of credit, Cayuse Holdings will pay to the CTUIR the amount owed on the Schwab line of credit, and following that repayment, the CTUIR line of credit provided to Cayuse Holdings via Resolution 18-058 will then be discontinued. AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 12th day of August, 2019. MOTION: Doris Wheeler moves to adopt Resolution 19-052. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 4 for (Doris Wheeler, Woodrow Star, Aaron Ashley and Jeremy Wolf) - 2 against (William Sigo and Rosenda Shippentower) – 0 abstaining. Other Board Action: Four Chairs Meeting. Warm Springs was to host but due to the water crisis Gary volunteered CTUIR since it is centrally located for the four tribes. Gary also requested to use the WRC DEB book to cover cost of meeting room and lunch. MOTION: Aaron Ashley moves to approve CTUIR hosting Four Chairs meeting (and use of WRC DEB book). Rosenda Shippentower seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0. BOT Travel Reports. 1) Kat Brigham, Aug. 6 from 7 to 9 PM to monitor Partnership monthly meeting at Walla Walla Community College. 2) Jeremy Wolf, by invite attended Siletz Pow Wow Aug. 9-10. MOTION: Aaron Ashley moves to approve trip reports. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0. BOT Leave and Travel Requests. 1) Aaron Ashley, Portland Aug. 27-29 to attend DOI meetings. 2) Gary Burke, Portland Aug. 12-13 invited to Portland by Mayor to learn more about Plan/S. Reach and boat tour. Portland Aug. 27-29 to attend DOI group and individual meetings re: Columbia River Treaty. 3) Woodrow Star, Portland Sept. 4-5 to attend DOJ Marijuana Summit with US Attorney Billy Williams. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to approve leave requests. Woodrow Star seconds. Motion carries 6-0-0.
Department of Economic and Community Development to serve in the assigned Administrator security role on behalf of the Confederated Tribes, who shall be responsible for entering/updating an application and assigning access to new users in USDA’s ReConnect Program Online Application System; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Representative-Signature-Certifier and Administrator for the application shall comply fully with all security procedures and policies of the ReConnect Program Online Application System; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that any USDA ReConnect grant or loan agreement shall be subject to Board of Trustees approval, AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 19th day of August, 2019. MOTION: Kat Brigham moves to adopt Resolution 19-053. Jeremy Wolf seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. Resolution 19-054: Topic: Hamley (Yurt) Real Estate of Contract of Sale. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Real Estate Contract of Sale between the Confederated Tribes and Mary Ann Hamley (Yurt Property), attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby acknowledges receipt of the Preliminary Report for Title Insurance attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 2, and, except for exceptions no. 1, 6, and 11 shown therein, which must be removed prior to closing, accepts the encumbrances therein; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman, or his designee, to execute the above referenced Real Estate Contract of Sale, or an agreement containing substantially similar terms, as well as the conservation easement attached hereto as Exhibit 3; AND BE IT FURHTER RESOLVED, that upon the Confederated Tribes taking possession of the Hamley (Yurt) Property, the Confederated Tribes; Department of Economic and Community Development through its Land Program will be responsible for payment of property taxes; AND BE IT FURHTER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the use of BPA Accord funds allocated
to the Confederated Tribes to pay the purchase price for the Hamley (Yurt) Property as set forth in the attached Real Estate Contract of Sale on the closing date and; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that upon receipt of title to the Hamley (Yurt) Property, the Confederated Tribes’ Land Program Manager shall expeditiously pursue the conversion of the Hamley (Yurt) Property from fee to trust status. AND, that said Resolution has not been modified amended or repealed and is still in full force and effect. DATED this 19th day of August, 2019. MOTION: Kat Brigham moves to adopt Resolution 19-054. Doris Wheeler seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. Other Board Action: None. BOT Travel Reports. 1) Aaron Ashley, Aug. 15 STGWG meeting at Richland. 2) Doris Wheeler, Aug. 13 to Salem to attend fundraiser at residence of Peter Courtney. 3) Gary Burke, Aug. 13 meeting with Mayor of Portland and two boat tours. 4) Jeremy Wolf, Aug. 6 tour of Walla Walla Basin. 5) Kat Brigham, Aug. 10-11 at U of O as presenter at ATNI Youth Changing Current Conference. Aug. 11-17 at Funner, Calf. for Symposium on the Settlement of Indian Reserved Water Rights Claim. MOTION: Rosenda Shippentower moves to approve trip reports. Aaron Ashley seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0. BOT Leave and Travel Requests. 1) Gary Burke, personal leave Sept. 10, 11, 12 and 16 with birthday leave on Sept. 20. Travel to TNT meeting at Portland on Sept. 23 and in The Basin on Sept. 24 & 25. Travel to ATNI Convention from Oct. 6-10 at Suquamish, WA. Travel to NCAI Fall Convention from Oct. 19-26 at Albuquerque, NM. 2) Jeremy Wolf, travel to Portland Zoo as invited speaker to Portland Zoo Lamprey exhibit, Sept. 28-29. Personal leave all day on Aug. 23. 3) Kat Brigham, personal leave Sept. 24 all day. Travel to Portland Zoo to attend Lamprey exhibit, Sept. 28-29. 4) Rosenda Shippentower, local to attend Community Postvention Training at Yellowhawk, Aug 22-23. MOTION: Jeremy Wolf moves to approve BOT leave requests. Aaron Ashley seconds. Motion carries 5-0-0.
VOTE Gary Burke BOT Chairman
DATE: August 19, 2019
BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Jeremy Wolf, Vice Chairman; Doris Wheeler, Treasurer; Kathryn Brigham, Secretary; Rosenda Shippentower, Member; and Aaron Ashley, Member. Woodrow Star, Member and William Sigo IV, General Council Chairman both on travel. Quorum present. Old Business. None Resolution 19-053: Topic: USDA ReConnect Grant. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees hereby approves the preparation and submission of the USDA ReConnect Program application for funding to construct the broadband network to serve the Confederated Tribes and the Tribal community; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby designates Jody Deardorff within the Tribal Finance Department to serve in the assigned RepresentativeSignature-Certify security role on behalf of the Confederated Tribes, who shall be responsible for entering/updating an application, providing signatures, authorizing certifications, submitting the application for consideration and assigning access to new users in USDA’s ReConnect Program Online Application System; AND BE IT FURHTER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby designates Ryan DeGrofft within the
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Completed CTUIR Projects: • •
• • • •
Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, completed 2018 Tribal Education Facility - To house education programs and Nixyaawii Community School, completed August 2019 Mission Market Fuel islands, completed 2019 Community gym remodel, completed 2019 Wildhorse Golf Course Clubhouse, completed 2019 Wildhorse Expansion project, broke ground 2019
Larger ongoing BOT Chair Objectives: • •
•
Completing Water Rights Settlement for Umatilla River Basin Securing congressional approval of “Oliphant fix” which will restor Tribal criminal jurisdiction of nonIndians Completing research and restoration of rightful East Boundary
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Pumpkin Run planned for Oct. 19 MISSION – A Pumpkin Run will take place on Oct. 19 from 12:30-4 p.m. at the July Grounds on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is hosting this fun and festive event. Free lunch and entertainment immediately following the races. Registration is free and awards are given for first through third places. The run also features a Halloween costume contest, dog costume contest, pumpkin painting and a bounce house. For more information, contact Anna Harris at 541-240-8435.
CUJ Photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
Ready, set, build! Members of the Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation were invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion currently underway at Wildhorse Resort & Casino Sept. 5. While parking has been rearranged, the Lydig construction company has begun work on the new bowling alley, food court and family entertainment centers set to open in fall of 2020. Extended parking is expected to be completed earlier in the year. In the meantime, Wildhorse patrons have been using the free valet service at the resort and a shuttle service from the back parking lot areas. From left is BOT Secretary Kat Brigham, Treasurer Doris Wheeler, member Rosenda Shippentower, member Aaron Ashley, Vice Chair Jeremy Wolf and Chair Gary Burke. After the groundbreaking ceremony, members of the Board were invited back to a reception for updates from the construction, architecture and management firms and Wildhorse sta, including Wildhorse CEO Gary George, overseeing the construction.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
2019 Round-Up Special The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ~ Pendleton, Oregon
Section
C
October 2019
CUJ photo/Phinney
The race is on
Chazz Racin, yellow shirt, riding for the Carlson Relay Team from Browning, Montana, holds the lead in the Chief’s Race Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at the Pendleton Round-Up. At left, Francis Gould, from Fort Hall, Idaho, rides for Umatilla Express, and at right, Jon Marc Skunkcap from Fort Hall, Idaho rides for Cedar Ridge. Racin won the Chief’s Race and the next day rode three horses to the relay race championship for Carlson Relay. Molly Minthorn hides her face with a feather fan as women enter the dance floor at Roy Raley Park. At far left is Sophia Suppah from Priest Rapids and second from right is Rena Penney from Mission. CUJ photo/Megan Van Pelt
Cathy Sampson Kruse leads dancers back through the line shaking hands after competition was completed. Much more inside this special RoundUp photo section.
Chief Gary Burke, left, and Chief Don Sampson, share words during an inter-tribal dance.
CUJ photo/Phinney
CUJ photo/Phinney
Little Eli Azure looks for some lessons from hand drummers, from left, Ben Dave, Jason Buck, Rodney Totus, Joe Totus, and Frank Totus. The Totus brothers and Dave are from the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Buck is from Priest Rapids. Photo by Robert McLean
Woolen Mills sponsors dancing in R-U arena Dances are dedicated to the spirit and mutual trust and friendship between Tribal forebearers and the Bishop brothers of the Pendleton Woolen Mills, who present blankets as prizes. The association dates from 1910 when the Round-Up began and the dance from 1927. Indian judges were selected from different reservations. Many people who passed this year were recognized, including Gilbert Onepennee and Hot Dog Stwurie. The results of the dance competition with winners and blanket presenters include: Girls 7 and under – 1, Abby Kordatzky, McKay Creek. 2, Dazha Joseph, Pendleton. 3, Aurora Ward, Yakama. Presenters – Round-Up Princess Robbie Davis, Happy Pat Heemsah was a swan dancer on Canyon Princess Kaia Saturday morning in the Round-Up John, Cathy Sampsonarena. Kruse. Photo by Robert McLean Boys 7 and under – 1, Keanu Fasthorse Begay, Satus/Warm Springs. 2, Truman Brown, Pendleton. 3, Loren Sampson, Tutuilla. Presenters – Happy Canyon Director Ben Maney, Round-Up Director Harper Jones. Girls 8-12 – 1, Leona Smith, Lapwai, Idaho. 2, Kamiya Jackson, White Swan, Washington. 3, Savanah Shippentower, Toppenish, Washington. Presenters – Katrina Miller, Happy Canyon Princess Kayla Fossek, Round-Up Princess Raelin Davis.
Lejlanki Onepennee Arhi, 19-months, learns with her mother, Mariah Onepennee, while Cameron Onepennee, 3, holds the drum up while his auntie, Jackie Andrews, sings with the Onepennee Drum from Yakama. CUJ photo/Phinney Boys 8-12 – 1, Sheldon Joseph, Pendleton. 2, Kaizer Sklam, Wapato, Washington. 3, Rex Buck IV, Priest Rapids, Washington. Presenters – Round-Up Court Director Justin Terry, David Filkins, Steve Ludeman. Girls 13-18 – 1, Katrina Buck, Priest Rapids. 2, Heaven Walsey, Satus, Washington. 3, Jordan Heemsah, Toppenish. Presenters – Kaleigh White, Portland Rose Queen Mya Brazile, Mildred Quaempts. Boys 13-18 – 1, Eli Buer, Pendleton. 2, Pietro Rivera, Yakama. 3, Macallister Selam, Wapato. Presenters – Kathyryn Rebagliati, Jay Wilt, Dan Breene. Ladies 19 and older – 1, Katrina Miller, Pendleton. 2, Sunnie Altana, Arizona. 3, Cece Walsey Begay, Satus. Presenters – Round-Up Princess Addie Kilgore, Jamie McLeod Skinner,
Judge Curtis Bearchum selects a young winner during the Saturday morning ceremonial dancing sponsored by the Pendleton Woolen Mills. Photo by Robert McLean
Sequoia Conner. Men 19 and older – 1, Jorden Yazzie, Yakama. 2, Logan Quaempts, Mission. 3, Rex Buck III, Priest Rapids. Presenters – Armand Minthorn, Judge Rob Collins, Pendleton Woolen Mills President John Bishop. Swan dance – Malaya Stanger, Lora Lee Stanger, Cella Stanger, all from Pendleton, and Kamiya Jackson, White Swan. Presenters – Round-Up Princess Mallory Walters, Mary Lange Bishop, Suzanne Bishop, Harriet Bakken. Oldest woman – Wilma Smartlowit Wahsise, Yakama, 70. Presenter – Round-Up Queen Sydney Jones. Oldest man – Chief Jesse Jones, McKay Creek, 77. Presenter – Former Round-Up Indian Director Ron Paul. Oldest veteran – Soy Red Thunder, Nespelum, Washington, U.S. Army, Vietnam. Presenter – Mort Bishop III. Youngest veteran – Joe Mitchell, Warm Springs, U.S. Navy, Operation Enduring Freedom. Presenter – Harper Jones. Whipman – Terence CUJ photo/Megan Van Pelt Cowapoo. Two girls share conversation between Whipwoman – Lona dances at Roy Raley Park. Pond. Judges – Curtis Bearchum, David Wolf, Roy Bilagody (Mildred Quaempts for Swan Dance). Chiefs – Cayuse Chief Jesse Jones, Walla Walla Chief Donald Sampson, Umatilla Chief Gary Burke. (Walla Walla Chief Bill Burke was unable to attend.) Woolen Mills presentation to retiring Chief Jesse Jones was made by Bob Christnacht, John Bishop and Mort Bishop.
Jessica George, 19, Toppenish, shows her neice, 3-year-old Hailey Heemsah, the direction she needs to go during an inter-tribal dance in the Round-Up arena Saturday.
Richard Sam passes the lead to the next drummer at the Saturday dancing.
Charles Dick was among well over 100 dancers and drummers competing and performing on Saturday morning.
CUJ photo/Megan Van Pelt
CUJ photos/Phinney
Photo by Robert McLean
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Logan Quaempts from the Umatilla Indian Reservation took first place in the men’s competition at Roy Raley Park. The three days of dancing gave observers an intimate view of the dancing and regalia that makes the Pendleton Round-Up unique. Jesse Bevis, also from the Umatilla Tribes, was second, with Owen Danzuka, pictured center right, taking third. CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
Katrina Miller leads a group of dancers on the grass floor at Roy Raley Park. Miller, who works for Nixyaawwii Community School as a Sahaptian Language Resource Developer, won best dressed in the arena on Thursday. CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
Dancing in the Park CUJ photo/Phinney
Edwina Morning Owl from the Umatilla Indian Reservation won the women’s competition of the Dancing in the Park competition. Dancing took place Thursday and Friday after the Round-Up action and on Saturday morning before the final rodeo action. Second place went to Destiny Buck with Katrina Miller third. CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
Earl Old Person, 90, was a guest judge at the Dancing in the Park competition. Old Person was the chair of the Blackfeet Nation Council in 1954. He remembered coming to the Round-Up decades ago and riding in the hide-race aboard a horse loaned to him by the Minthorn family. CUJ photo/Phinney
Owen Danzuka from Warm Springs took third at Dancing in the Park.
Daily arena awards 2019 Pendleton Round-Up Arena Awards
Whipwoman Judy Farrow and her staff frame the women dancing at Roy Raley Park on Saturday before the final day of the Pendleton Round-Up action. CUJ photo/Phinney
October 2019
Wednesday, Sept. 11 Dance – 1, Sheldon Joseph, Cayuse/Umatilla. 2, James Tone, Shoshone. 3, Charles Dick, Yakama. Best dressed – Kamarin Gleason, Yakama. Thursday, Sept. 12 Dance - 1, Charles Dick, Yakama. 2, Boots Pond, Umatilla. 3, Rex Buck, Wanapum. Best dressed – Katrina Miller, Yakama. Friday, Sept. 13 Dance – 1, Aiden Wolf, Cayuse. 2, Keli Spencer, Umatilla. 3, Jordan Yazzie, Yakama. Best dressed – Lilian Burns. Best dressed in Westward Ho! Parade – Bobbie Conner. Robert and Louise Elk Award – Bryson Redcrane. (Award goes to an outstanding youth who exemplifies strong cultural values, appreciation for education achievement, and outstanding Tribal citizenship.) Oldest Married Couple in Village – Steve and Rose Sohappy. Saturday, Sept. 14 Dance – 1, Skyler Burke, Umatilla. 2, Aiden Wolf, Cayuse. 3, Adrean Jackson, Yakama/ Acoma Pueblo. Best dressed – Molly Minthorn.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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Rodeo fans stay in their seats for relays Oliver Pakootas, riding in black and yellow for the Colville Grizzly Mountain team from Omak, Washington, got a good start and held it to win the relay championship in front of 18,000 screaming fans Saturday at the Pendleton RoundUp. Second place went to Cayuse Express, another Colville team from Nespelem, Washington, with rider Narcis Reevis in turquoise.Third went to lime green Arrow Lakes, a third Colville relay from Inchelium, Washington. CUJ photo/Phinney
Kaelyn Jane Marchand, who is riding third coming around the second turn, won the women’s relay race on Friday. She didn’t catch the other two racers, but they were disqualified because they started in front of the starting line. All the girls were from Colville. CUJ photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
CUJ photo/Phinney Chazz Racine celebrates the Indian Relay Race championship for the Carslon Relay Team from Browning, Montana. Members of Racine’s team included David Boyce, Shane Birdrattler and Jeff Grounds. Racine said they were “hired guns” he needed because his family members had to stay home. Racine, pumped after his team was presented armfulls of gifts including blankets and jackets, said, “I’ve won some big ones, but not like this here.”
Chief Jones’ last year as MC Framed by two head dresses, Chief Jesse Jones shakes hands with Robert Chrsitnacht Pendleton VP of Sales, representing Pendleton Woolen Mills, at the annual ceremonial dancing on Saturday morning in the Pendleton Round-Up arena. It was Jones’ last year as master-of-ceremonies for the event, which draws dancers and drummers from around the Northwest. Jones, 79, passed the microphone over to Chief Don Sampson. Jones was presented with Pendleton blankets and an honor dance led by Whipman Andrew Wildbill with Chiefs Sampson and Gary Burke. CUJ photo/Phinney
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
Mary Harris talks to judges from the Pendleton Woolen Mills on Main Street Friday morning, Sept. 13, before the Westward Ho! Parade. CUJ photos/Phinney
American Indian Beauties
Gabriella Lewis, 21, was chosen as the 2019 American Indian Beauty Pageant winner at the Pendleton Round-Up. Lewis was announced as the winner on the track in front of 18,000 spectators in the Round-Up arena on Saturday afternoon. Lewis, the daughter of Joe and Kathy Lewis of Spokane, is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe with ancestry from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. A 2017 Happy Canyon Princess, Lewis is a senior at Boise State University. Second place went to 20-year-old Sequoia Conner of Pendleton. A 2018 Happy Canyon princess, she is the daughter of Marcus Conner and Terri Carnes. Third went to 17-year-old Marley Johnson of Portland. She is the daughter of Julie Rowell and Micah Johnson, and the grandaughter of Judge Bill Johnson. Fourth went to Mary Harris, 23, of Pendleton. She is the daughter of Stuart and Deborah Harris.
The girls selected by the judges in the top 10 at the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant at the 2019 Pendleton Round-Up included, front row from left, Ava Zamudio (second place) from Mission but lives now in Corvallis, Emi Moses, Hannah Brown, Abby Ford, Tehya Loveann, Vanna Shippentower. And back row from left, Virgilena Walfey-Begay, Adoniah Guillory (first place) from Spokane, Jreenn Haines, Faith Sobotta (third place) from Lapwai. CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
Airyn Farrow gets a waving tip from Happy Canyon Princess Kaia John as she steps in front of the audience - and the cameras - at the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant at Roy Raley Park on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019.
Seventy-five young girls competed in the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant at Roy Raley Park near the Round-Up Grounds Sept. 12, 2019. Posing with Chief Gary Burke are the winners, from left, Faith Sobotta, third place; Adoniah Guillory, first place; and Ava Zamudio, second place. CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
October 2019
CUJ photos/Megan Van Pelt
Junior Beauty Pageant draws contestants from across Northwest region
CUJ photo/Dallas Dick
Lilly Wickert participated in her first Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant.
Confederated Umatilla Journal
Lillian Watchman, 12, in her first Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant.
Azalea Minthorn was all smiles for family, friends and judges at the American Junior Beauty Pageant.
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Bryson Bronson, aboard Chinook, carries the American flag down Dorion Street in the Westward Ho! Parade in downtown Pendleton on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Bronson, Chinook, and the American flag are maintstays during the Pendleton Round-Up. Bronson also carries the flag into the arena before the rodeo and brings it into the Happy Canyon Pageant night show. CUJ photo/Casey Brown
Toni Minthorn, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, was the Grand Marshal of the 2019 Westward Ho! Parade. CUJ photos/Phinney
WESTWARD Marie “Butch” Dick waves from one of several wagons hauling Native Americans in the Westward Ho! Parade on Sept. 13 in Pendleton. CUJ photo/Phinney
HO!
CUJ photo/Casey Brown That boarder’s in big trouble if those wheels are made of rubber. The Westward Ho! prides itself on no motors and no rubber tires. A few hand-pulled wagons always sneak in, and maybe this skateboard.
Aurolyn Stwyr and Ron Pond walked again in the Westward Ho! Parade, which wends its way through Pendleton’s main streets. CUJ photos/Casey Brown
CUJ photo/Casey Brown Olivia Wallace waves from Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s float, which featured people in red and a drum circle.
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Wilbur Oatman, center, leads a contingent of Native American walkers in the non-motorized Westward Ho! Parade. Indians from around the Northwest were well represented on foot, on horseback and in wagons. CUJ photo/Casey Brown
Confederated Umatilla Journal
October 2019
A young boy rides bareback though Downtown Pendleton during the Westward Ho! Parade. CUJ photo/Casey Brown
Cassimera Rhoan, 1972 Miss Indian Northwest, waves her feather fan to parade-watchers on a sunny Friday morning during the Westward Ho! Parade as it came through downtown Pendleton. Roberta Kipp is to the right in sunglasses. CUJ photo/Phinney
Peter Walters, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, played saxophone while riding a horse in the Cowboy Round-Up Mounted Band. CUJ photos/Casey Brown
Bryson Red Crane won the Robert & Louise Elk Award and is on the CTUIR Youth Leadership Council. The award goes to an outstanding youth who exemplifies strong cultural values, appreciation for education achievement, and outstanding Tribal citizenship.
Is Sunhawk Thomas floating on air while Miss Boss twirls her way down the street? Taken during the Westward Ho! Parade on Friday, the third day of the Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton. CUJ photo/Phinney
Hazel Quaempts and Kiya Frost tied their hands together to go into the arena. Kamarin Gleason wears a red handprint on her face, which is the symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and Girls movement. An MMIW awareness effort was organized by Enough Iz Enough, a grassroots organization established on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
CUJ photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
October 2019
Lisa Ganuelas and Marvin Patrick found a shady spot for their folding chairs to watch the Westward Ho! Parade Friday, Sept. 13. CUJ photos/Jill-Marie Gavin
CUJ photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
CUJ photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
Confederated Umatilla Journal
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2019 Round-Up snapshots The B-52 arrived late on Saturday afternoon but when it arrived Aaron Worden was ready with his camera.
Thomas Morning Owl, below, waves to the CUJ photographer who was riding in one of the wagons carrying Native Americans in the Westward Ho! Parade. Morning Owl was busy each day helping run the dancing at Roy Raley Park.
Jacob Welch holds his nephew, Ezekial Jones, son of Twila Jones, next to the fence near the Indian seating on the east end of the Round-Up arena on Saturday, the final day of the Pendleton Round-Up. CUJ photo/Phinney Tribal elder Tessie Williams, (green hat) left, explains dance moves to Jamie McLeodSkinner (straw hat), while Happy Canyon Princesses Makayla Fossek and Kaia John look on at the Saturday morning ceremonial dancing in the Round-Up arena. CUJ photo/Phinney
Appolonia Saenz, Layla Sohappy, Brennan Sohappy, and Jaycee Sohappy take selfies in the arena during Indian dancing. CUJ photo/Jill-Marie Gavin
Kohlton Onepennee negotiates with the gatekeeper before the arena dancing on the final day of rodeo action. Onepennee, 6, is from Wapato. CUJ photos/Phinney
Whipwoman Lona Pond introduced herself to Mya Brazile, Portland Rose Festival Queen, who was on hand for the ceremonial dancing sponsored by the Pendleton Woolen Mills in the Round-Up arena on Saturday morning.
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Confederated Umatilla Journal
Jose Garcia, 9, a third grader at Washington Elementary School in Pendleton, waits for the gate to open so he can get to the grassy dance floor of the arena.
October 2019