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APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

APRIL 2025

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

NEWS DAILY @ CUJ ONLINE

VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 04

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

Drug bust leads to arrests on the reservation CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ

BUST CONTINUED PAGE 13

WHO'S BAAD? Co-Ed Head Start teams wrap up the final day of the annual Basketball Against Alcohol & Drugs tournament March 28 in Mission. See related story Page B10. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

CTUIR makes elder, veterans housing priority CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – As the tribe looks to move forward with several different housing projects on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, tribal officials say they are prioritizing homes for elders and veterans as the goal to address first.

In recent years, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees (BOT) voted to begin the planning process for four housing projects – homes for veterans and elders, an assisted living facility for elders with higher care needs, a second neighborhood subdivision and a neighborhood services project within the Nixyáawii subdivision development – on the reservation as the tribe seeks to relieve a housing shortage.

Tribal officials and contractors

CTUIR 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

MISSION – Recent drug arrests on the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR) have led to felony charges for two residents and have prompted some in the community to push for the tribe to target so-called drug houses.

On March 12, a narcotics investigation led tribal police to execute a search warrant at a home – where some tribal members have raised concerns about what they believed to be regular drug use and distribution – on the reservation at 708 Lodgepole Loop, where Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) Chief Tim Addleman said officers found what they suspected to be 30 grams of cocaine and 17 fentanyl pills.

The resident of the home, James D. Sproed, 55, was arrested, alongside another person in the home, Tehya R. Halfmoon, after the search.

Sproed is not a tribal member, while Halfmoon, 24, is enrolled CTUIR. Umatilla County prosecutors have charged Sproed in Umatilla County Circuit Court with a felony for unlawful possession of cocaine and two misdemeanors for possession of methamphetamine and for frequenting a place where controlled substances are used.

Tribal prosecutor Kyle Daley didn’t respond to a request for information on Halfmoon. If prosecuted, Halfmoon’s case would be adjudicated through the Umatilla Tribal Court.

Sproed’s home has been a source of concern about alleged

managing the initial steps of the projects told BOT members on March 13 that first pursuing a housing development for elders and military veterans was their preferred strategy – saying the need was clear, planning the furthest along and they believed they could soon unlock government funding to help pay for the homes.

“That’s probably the fastest moving along of all four,” said Bill Tovey, CTUIR’s Economic and Community Development director. “The hot iron is the veterans and elders.”

At its March 24 meeting, the BOT approved the near $110,000 in spending requested to continue developing plans for those homes.

Initial concepts for that project envision a village of 18 cottagestyle homes for elders and veterans to be located in the Nixyáawii neighborhood, the

subdivision just to the south of the Nixyáawii Community School and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center the tribe completed in 2024 to spur home ownership among tribal members.

Tribal staff are also finalizing a state grant application for funding from the Oregon Housing and Community Services agency and are hopeful they will receive money to advance the project.

If the tribe is awarded grant funding, Tovey said the tribe could quickly finalize a proposed design and begin construction as soon as 2026, if approved by the BOT. Meantime, tribal officials and contractors told the BOT that they’ll continue to look for ways to move ahead with other housing projects on the reservation by completing feasibility studies, HOUSING CONTINUED PAGE 12

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

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BOT hears recommendations for opioid fund use CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is close to finalizing a plan for how to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars from lawsuit settlements to help treat or prevent opioid abuse.

J.D. Tovey, CTUIR executive director and other tribal officials briefed the Board of Trustees (BOT) in a March 26 work session on a proposed plan to use nearly $840,000 in lawsuit settlement funds on 11 projects and initiatives to help reduce the consequences of opioid abuse on the reservation and among tribal members.

The recommendations ranged from projects to increase availability of drugs on the reservation to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose to funding a new Tribal Court program that would allow tribal members to complete substance abuse and mental health treatment instead of facing criminal punishments for committing drug-related offenses.

Also included in the plan was a proposal from Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center to construct a new mental health clinic.

“The purpose of this plan is

Included in the opioid settlement spending plan is a proposal by Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center to build a mental health clinic on a plot of land south of the main clinic facility. YELLOWHAWK TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER | COURTESY

to identify potential projects that can have a positive impact on the reduction of opioid use, treatment and prevention,” said Tovey.

The BOT wasn’t asked to act on the plan at its meeting, but Tovey said a proposed resolution to adopt the spending plan for tribal leaders to consider should be finalized by March 31.

BOT members did, however, vote 5-1 to spend $100,000 of a separate state settlement to allow Yellowhawk to begin the planning process for the new building and to designate a plot of land to the south of the main clinic facility for the potential expansion. The BOT has not yet committed to moving forward with construction.

In 2018, the CTUIR joined other tribes, states, counties and other entities in suing pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors for their role in stimulating a public health crisis of opioid abuse beginning in the late 1990s.

The CTUIR announced that it had settled the lawsuit with some of the prescription drug companies in 2022. Settlement talks with others are ongoing, officials said during the work session.

In the fall of 2024, tribal officials asked CTUIR departments, programs and entities to suggest projects and opportunities that the settlement money could be used on so the tribe and Yellowhawk could begin developing a proposed plan for allocating the funds.

Some of the proposals include allocating some of the money to ongoing events or initiatives, such as funding the new tribal wellness court that is being set up, establishing a new “Hunting for Sobriety” program and increasing funding for the annual Basketball Against Alcohol & Drugs (BAAD) tournament.

Tribal officials have also suggested using the money to provide opioid response equipment and training for first FUND CONTINUED PAGE 11

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ABOUT THE CUJ

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

Publisher: Kaeleen McGuire kaeleenmcguire@ctuir.org Editor: Lisa Hicks Snell lisasnell@ctuir.org Reporter: Chris Aadland christopheraadland@ctuir.org Advertising: M. Moses-Conner cuj@ctuir.org Contributors: Kathy Aney Dallas Dick Annie Fowler Lee Gavin Sammantha McCloud Wil Phinney Travis Snell Aaron Worden CONTACT US Confederated Umatilla Journal 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801 Email: CUJ@ctuir.org Phone: 541-429-7005

EMAIL ADVERTISING, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR & OTHER SUBMISSIONS TO: CUJ@ctuir.org DEADLINE: 20th of the month prior to publication SUBSCRIBE

The CUJ is free to pick up at tribal entities and area businesses.

However, a mailed subscription can be purchased for the price of shipping and handling by contacting the CTUIR Finance Department. Call 541-429-7150 or visit the Finance Department in person at Nixyáawii Governance Center, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton.

One year: $15 • Two years: $28 For more information or daily news, visit the CUJ online at:

www.TheCUJ.org

CORRECTION In the February issue of the CUJ, the article titled “Kannon Weathers picks up junior bull riding title” on Page B12 contained two errors.

In the headline, “Kannon” should have been spelled “Kannan” and the photo shown was not of Kannan Weathers, but of his brother Pistol, who placed 6th in the Challenge of Champions Finale.

State Senate passes bill increasing tribal court jurisdiction on to House CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) wants to take over jurisdiction from state court in civil cases and is pushing legislators to pass legislation this year that would make the process easier.

Currently, the Umatilla Tribal Court administers criminal cases involving Native American perpetrators, family law and juveniles. In some cases, the court also has the authority to prosecute non-tribal citizens accused of domestic violence or sexual misconduct offenses involving Native American victims.

Tribal Court does handle some civil matters but essentially shares authority with state courts in what Tribal Court Director and Judge Matt Johnson called “concurrent jurisdiction.”

That’s because the federal government transferred authority in tribal civil and criminal court matters to some states, including Oregon, in 1953 when it enacted Public Law 280. Warm Springs was the only tribal nation in Oregon that didn’t have jurisdiction transferred to the state.

PL-280 stripped one of the most basic sovereign powers from tribes and had negative consequences for public safety and justice on reservations. Now, lawmakers are working to undo some of the damage.

A proposal being considered by the state Legislature, Senate Bill 1011 would make is easier for Oregon tribes to reclaim jurisdiction – known as retrocession – from the state in criminal and civil court issues.

“This is one step, a process-improvement step, in meeting our obligation to the sovereign tribes who we govern in this great state with,” said one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, in a March 6 hearing.

The CTUIR supports the legislation. Board of Trustees Member-at-Large Corinne Sams and Office of Legal Counsel attorney Martha Izenson testified in favor of the proposal at the March hearing.

If that proposal becomes state law, CTUIR attorneys and Umatilla Tribal Court officials said they plan to assert jurisdiction over civil matters.

Currently, the CTUIR Tribal Court has the authority to address some civil matters, such as debt collection, tenant-landlord disputes, domestic abuse protection orders and lawsuits.

But in many cases, community members who have a civil issue in front of the court often aren’t required to have it handled by the Tribal Court.

They could instead choose to take it to a state court, Johnson said.

While firm details, like when a matter involving a non-Native person would fall under the jurisdiction of Tribal Courts and of what civil retrocession on the reservation would look like, will not be discussed until the proposal becomes law, Johnson said the outcome would have a major impact to tribal members as jurisdiction would return to the tribe.

“For Indian people on the reservation, there would be no other choice but to go to Tribal Court,” he said.

Since the Tribal Court already handles some civil matters, the change wouldn’t likely lead to a massive increase in caseloads, with probate cases likely being the primary type of issue the court would see an increase in addressing, Johnson said.

Last year, the Tribal Court handled 39 civil cases, according to data provided by Johnson.

Termination-era law PL-280 was enacted as part of a federal government push to terminate its recognition and relationship with tribal nations and assimilate Native Americans

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees Member-at-Large Corinne Sams testified March 6 in support of legislation increasing the jurisdiction of the Umatilla Tribal Court. AMANDA HESS | COURTESY

into mainstream American society. Many Oregon tribes were terminated, though they eventually regained federal recognition.

“It’s a stain on our country’s history, it’s a stain on Oregon’s history,” Broadman, who is also an attorney and partner at an Indigenous rights law firm, said Stripping tribes of jurisdiction in criminal and civil issues was one of numerous “affronts” to tribal sovereignty and created an “unfunded mandate on state courts” to oversee public safety and justice in Indian Country, Sams said.

The federal government changed its stance toward termination in the 1960s and also amended PL-280 in 1968 to allow states to return, or retrocede, jurisdiction on tribal lands.

The CTUIR successfully reclaimed its criminal jurisdiction in many criminal matters in the 1980s.

Since then, the Tribal Court has become one of the most respected across Indian Country.

But since there is no clear process for Oregon tribes seeking criminal or civil retrocession, success hinges on the governor’s discretion and political goodwill, according to information the CTUIR shared with lawmakers.

“One of the most basic and sovereign powers of any nation is to make its own laws and be ruled by them, and to perpetuate the fair administration of justice via the sovereign’s own courts,” Sams told lawmakers in March. “A state statutory process is important to both tribes and the state to ensure a clear and consistent approach when a tribe requests retrocession. Neither should have to rely on an ad hoc and undefined process, nor be dependent on shifting political dynamics or individual decisionmakers for retrocession to occur.”

If passed by the Oregon Legislature and signed

by Gov. Tina Kotek, the legislation would establish such a procedure, as well as providing clarity, consistency and transparency, Sams said.

The proposal calls for the state to abide by an established timeline after a tribe, if it wishes to do so, initiates the retrocession process. The timeline includes acknowledging the request, meeting with the tribe to discuss retrocession and for issuing a decision.

It does not require the state to approve a tribe’s retrocession request and then petition the federal government to complete the process, according to the proposal’s language.

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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UTFD, UTPD Firefighter and Officer of the Year named TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications PENDLETON – The Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) and Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) recently named their respective Firefighter of the Year and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year recipients.

Capt. Darrell Welch began working for the fire department in 2012 as a paramedic firefighter.

Promoted to captain firefighter paramedic in 2021, he said he was grateful for the recent honor.

“I was very excited to receive the award. Chief (James) Hall had approached me a couple of weeks prior to the Pendleton VFW Police-Firefighter Awards Banquet presentation to inform me that they had nominated me for the Firefighter of the Year award,” Welch said. “Honestly, I was caught off guard when Chief Hall told me and felt surprised and very appreciative. However, I will say even though individual awards are awesome, they can’t be achieved in the fire service without being surrounded by a quality team, so I need to say thanks to the people in the fire department, too.”

Each Umatilla County fire department and law enforcement agency annually select its

individual of the year while the Pendleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 922 sponsors a banquet and provides the honorees with plaques. Welch said he was unable to attend but Hall accepted the award on his behalf.

As captain, Welch’s duties include supervising and directing team members at the UTFD during his shifts as well as during emergency medical and fire ground operations.

Hall said Welch was selected for his dedication to the people the fire department serves.

“He goes above and beyond in his caring nature for serving the public in a time of need,” Hall said. “Darrell extends his expertise on mentoring newly onboarded staff in the field of emergency medical services and fire services. Darrell does an outstanding job at assuring the fire department runs smoothly with its day-to-day operations and long-terms needs.”

As for the UTPD’s recipient, Communications Officer John Bustard began his UTPD service in 2020 and is the first person from the police department’s communications center to receive the award. He received his award during the March 15 banquet at the VFW. “John consistently comes to work with a positive attitude and

Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) Capt. Darrell Welch was named the UTFD’s Firefighter of the Year recipient. UTFD Chief James Hall said Welch was selected for his dedication to the people the fire department serves. CTUIR PHOTO

an energy to accomplish what is ahead for him. He most often works night shift, which as we know, can be when the most unpredictable events occur,” UTPD Chief Tim Addleman said.

“John’s treatment of citizens calling in to the dispatch center is an example to all what customer service is supposed to sound like. He is polite, cordial, and professional. In his nearly five years as a communications officer for the Umatilla Tribal Police he continues to find ways to improve himself and learn from the officers what they need and how to deliver the information.”

Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) Communications Officer John Bustard, right, receives a plaque as the UTPD’s Law Enforcement Office of the Year on March 15 at the Pendleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 922.

CTUIR PHOTO

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Land Development Code Amendment #ZC-25-002 – Applicants, Tribal Planning Office, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton, OR 97801 seek a recommendation from the Land Protection Planning Commission to the CTUIR Board of Trustees to amend the Land Development Code to incorporate changes as required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Endangered Species Act. Land Development Code Amendments are subject to the CTUIR Land Development Code Chapters 9 and 13.

This hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Individuals may attend the meeting in the Walúula and Wanaqit conference rooms at the Nixyáawii Governance Center, virtually, or by phone. Information on joining the meeting online is available at https://ctuir.org/events/lppc-public-hearing-zc-25-002/ or you can scan the QR code with your smart phone for direct access.

Participation in the hearing will also be available by phone at 872242-7793 starting at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The conference ID will be 637 753 409#.

Staff reports and other materials pertaining to the hearing will be available for review at the link above or can be requested from the Tribal Planning Office by calling 541-276-3099.

The public is entitled and encouraged to participate in the hearing and submit testimony regarding the request. Written comments may be sent to tpo@ctuir.org or to the Tribal Planning Office at 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 for receipt by 4:00 p.m. April 7, 2025.

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CTUIR Weather Report: March 2025 Weather information summarizes data taken at Pendleton Weather Station Lat 45 40 N and Lon -118 51 W from March 1 to March 31. Temperature is reported in degrees Fahrenheit and Pacific Standard Time.

The average daily temperature was 58.2 degrees, with a high of 81 degrees on March 25 and a low of 28 degrees on March 6th. The deviation from normal was +4.0 degrees.

Total precipitation in March was 0.93, with the greatest 24-hour average of 0.26 on March 21. Eleven days out of the month had precipitation levels greater than .01 inches, three days greater than 0.10 inches, and zero days greater than 0.50”. There was a deviation of -0.36” from the average for the month of March.

The average wind speed was 9.0 mph, with a sustained max speed of 35.0 mph from the West on March 21. A peak speed of 47 mph occurred from the West on March 21. The dominant wind direction was from the West.

There were 2 Thunderstorms, 13 days out of 31 in which some rain fell. Air Quality Index Values Fluctuated from Green/Healthy to Yellow/Moderate on the EPA’s website AirNow.gov.

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Office of Information Technology Director Marguarite Becenti, Tribal Court Director Matthew Johnson, Higher Education Program Manager Lynette Minthorn, CTUIR Energy and Environmental Sciences Program Manager Mason Murphy, founding Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee Chairman Gene Shippentower and Workforce Development Director Brandie Weaskus stand for a photo March 13 after a presentation recognizing Minthorn and Murphy’s contributions to the tribe’s professional mentorship program. CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

Managers recognized with Wapsúx Sápiskʷat Awards MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Pamáwaluukt Empower Program recently recognized two tribal program managers with their Wapsúx Sápiskʷat [Outstanding Mentorship] Award.

Lynette Minthorn, Higher Education Program manager, and Mason Murphy, CTUIR Energy and Environmental Sciences Program manager, were honored in a March 13 presentation at the Nixyáawii Governance Center for providing “exceptional training materials and input for the Pamáwaluukt Discover Management Experience Training Module.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Pamáwaluukt program and committee for their hard work in developing and strengthening future leaders within the CTUIR. I also want to express my appreciation for (CTUIR Natural Resources Director) Eric Quaempts, whose strong leadership and compelling vision have greatly supported my engagement with Pamáwaluukt and have served as strong examples for creating

high employee engagement,” Murphy said.

Minthorn acknowledged the mentors she herself has had over the years.

“This recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable opportunities, support systems, and lifelong mentors who have guided and strengthened my personal and professional journey,” she said.

The Management Experience Program (Discover) is Chapter 5 of the Pamáwaluukt Empower Plan that was adopted by Resolution No. 12-057 by the Board of Trustees.

Discover was launched in 2017 and has grown each year with additional training opportunities, additional positions and the introduction of the Program Manager Module in 2021.

The Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee currently meets the second Thursday of the month and is composed of CTUIR tribal member employees Matthew Johnson, Marguarite Becenti, Gene Shippentower and Brandie Weaskus with an additional seat belonging to Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center.

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UTFD provides assist in remote search, rescue CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – Two men were rescued after being stranded while shed hunting on a remote stretch of tribal land March 30.

Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) was called to assist Umatilla County Search and Rescue (UMASAR) members when two tribal members called for help at about 6:15 p.m. after the tracked ATV they had been riding while searching for shed antlers had “sheared the lug studs” and stranded them on Blue Kettle Ridge above Little Johnson Creek, according to a Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office press release.

The stranded men, a 54-yearold and his 32-year-old nephew, shared their location coordinates off U.S. Forest Service Road 2136 via a hunting app and told authorities that they had food and water, and had started a fire to keep warm. They were uninjured.

Several UMASAR members responded to the call and joined UTFD Chief James Hall in setting off from Kamela in two tracked utility vehicles.

“There was absolutely no other way of doing it,” Hall said of the

need to reach the men.

Hall and other first responders found the men the next day at about 12 a.m. after travelling for 16 miles across terrain that required navigating slushy snow depths of up to four feet while also encountering strong winds, snow and rain.

Hall said “it took a long time” – about four hours – to reach the men, who were within the boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, adding that the stranded men were in good spirits because they were prepared for the situation.

The sheriff’s office thanked Hall and tribal EMT Alexis Hughes for their “assistance and knowledge of the area” and said the two men were returned to their vehicle in Kamela at about 2:30 p.m.

Hall said this search-and-rescue operation was an example of how good working relationships between different first responder organizations – something he said he’s prioritized developing – helps ensure that responses involving coordination between different agencies goes smoothy.

“It’s not the first or last time we work together,” Hall said.

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responders. They also want to buy a new ambulance for the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department.

The tribe, according to details of the proposed plan shared with the BOT, also wants to increase its stockpile of Naloxone and to place a “rapid response” vending machine stocked with Narcan and other harm-reduction products like condoms, first aid kits and sanitary items at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Naloxone and Narcan are two drugs that are used to treat opioid overdoses.

The plan also proposed funding for community engagement and a conference focused on topics like drug abuse prevention, intervention, and for those in recovery or people affected by others’ use of opioids.

More mental health help So far, the tribe has received more than $884,00 from the companies it sued. Officials said they expect to receive more over the next 10 years as more settlement funds are paid out or finalized, though they said those amounts were expected to be significantly lower.

The money can only be used to support the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and any cooccurring drug abuse or mental health conditions, tribal officials said.

As new funding comes in, Tovey said the CTUIR could bolster the projects in the spending plan or use the money to start new projects.

The state of Oregon, which has been part of the settlements, has also committed 30% of its share of settlement money to tribal nations.

In January, Yellowhawk learned that it would receive a $3.4 million grant from the state’s settlement fund, said Yellowhawk CEO Aaron Hines.

While Yellowhawk recently completed an expansion project, which included the addition of a new medical wing and elders’ entrance, the clinic still doesn’t have enough space to meet the demand for its services, Hines said. Yellowhawk wants to use that money, and additional settlement payments from Oregon, to build a 25,000 square-foot clinic just to the south and across the street from the clinic’s main building.

“I think if we had more funds that we would’ve tried to address some of the other areas in the clinic, but we weren’t able to,” he said. “Behavioral Health is one that is currently busting at the seams.”

Yellowhawk has experienced an increased demand for mental health and chemical dependency services over the last six years

and already lacks the space to adequately meet the need, according to the clinic.

The new building, Hines says, would allow it to meet the demand – which is expected to continue to rise – by hiring more mental health providers and offering additional outpatient services.

Preliminary cost estimates put the price of the potential expansion at more than $33.8 million, according to information shared with tribal leaders at the BOT work session.

The $100,000 allocation the BOT approved on March 24 will allow Yellowhawk to complete a feasibility study, which Hines said should be completed in the fall.

If the BOT ultimately decides to reject the proposed project, he said Yellowhawk would be able to take the money from the state’s settlement fund and apply it to the clinic’s mental health and chemical dependency services.

Alcohol remains top problem The opioid epidemic has led to a lot of suffering across Indian County, Hines said.

But the negative effects have been unevenly felt, he said, adding that the CTUIR has been relatively unaffected – at least compared to harder-hit tribal nations in states like Oklahoma and Washington.

For the CTUIR, alcohol abuse among tribal members continues to be the most pressing public health concern, officials said at the meeting.

“The data that we put together, painted this picture that we don’t have a severe problem like what others are seeing,” Hines said, pointing to clinic data, and public health surveys and reports.

“Alcohol is still our number one issue.”

Tribal officials also shared other data during the BOT work session to support that finding.

For example, a review of 18 months of Umatilla Tribal Police Department data showed that most substance abuse call responses were alcohol related, said tribal attorney Dan Hester.

The analysis did not include response data from the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department.

Of those call responses for illegal drug issues, most involved methamphetamine, though Hester said eight were related to opioids.

“It’s a fairly small number, which isn’t to say that it’s insignificant for the families that are experiencing it,” he said of opioid-related calls to tribal police.

Given the scale of the opioid problem for the community, officials said much of the settlement allocation plan calls for spending to go toward harm reduction efforts instead of prevention strategies.

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

HOUSING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

meeting with tribal committees and commissions and identifying funding opportunities – though Tovey said federal funding for housing projects could become scarce with the Trump administration’s moves to cut government spending.

The Nixyáawii neighborhood services project is likely the furthest away from breaking ground, officials and contractors told tribal leaders in March, because they want to wait for more tribal members to purchase and build homes in the subdivision and for the community to help identify what the neighborhood's needs are.

Officials have suggested a two– or three-story building that could house tribal memberowned businesses, and a postal service office or coffee shop, with space above for apartments or community gathering areas.

A tribal member is nearly ready to begin building a house in the neighborhood, Tovey said.

Making it the second home in the neighborhood. He added that two or three other tribal members are working through the financing and planning process to build homes there, too.

“Our hope is starting four houses this spring and then four

Officials say a tribal member is nearly ready to begin building a house in the Nixyáawii neighborhood and two or three other members are currently working through the finance and planning process. CHRIS AADLAND | CUJ ARCHIVE

houses later this fall,” Tovey said.

“It’s only a small step, so we got to keep doing that every year.”

The tribe also wants to turn approximately 70 acres the tribe purchased near Interstate 84 off South Market and Tutuilla Church roads into another subdivision, with lots potentially as large as an acre, for members to build homes on.

That project has been paused, however, until the community can help narrow down what the subdivision should look like, until funding becomes available and the tribe has a clearer picture of the scope and cost of utility work that would be needed.

The assisted living facility project, which is being developed with Yellowhawk, has likewise stalled, due to its complicated nature, tribal officials and contractors said in March.

The CTUIR and Yellowhawk have encountered some challenges – such as securing proper licenses and deciding who, or how, the facility would be staffed and operated – that will have to be addressed first.

The tribe would also have to determine whether the facility would operate under a skilled nursing, assisted living or nursing home model.

A feasibility study that would help answer those questions, in addition to other details like project cost, is expected to be completed in the fall. Tribal staff will also start visiting other tribes in the region that have completed assisted living facilities to learn about the steps those tribal nations took, which models they chose and how the facilities operate.

During the meeting, BOT

Member-at-Large Corinne Sams thanked tribal staff for updating the BOT and said she agreed with their plan to move ahead with the elders and veterans project first.

“Our houseless issue is not going away and it’s only going to increase,” she said. “I think this is an excellent stride in the right direction.”

But Sams said she also hopes to see the tribe find a way to simultaneously prioritize advancing the assisted living facility project so elders are able to stay close to family and the reservation as they age and require more specialized care.

“We currently have several tribal members that have to be off the reservation and it’s very difficult and disheartening to see our elders have to be away from their homelands living in those facilities,” she said.

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

BUST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

drug use and trafficking among some tribal members, Addleman said. Those concerns prompted a successful petition for a special General Council meeting to be held April 10.

According to Addleman, there may have been “small scale” dealing at the property, but the amount of drugs tribal police found at the home didn’t indicate that it was the site of a major operation.

“I think there were concerns about trafficking,” Addleman said.

“People were coming and going a

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13 bit.”

Still, the arrests have prompted some community members to call for a more aggressive approach to combating illegal drugs on the reservation.

After the arrest, tribal member Nizhonia Toledo requested a special General Council meeting to discuss the arrest “at a known drug house” and began circulating a petition for signatures.

Petitions must be signed by at least 20 General Council members for a special meeting to be held, according to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) constitution and bylaws.

In the petition, the Toledo wants to discuss cleaning up “drug houses” and banning drug dealers from the reservation, as well as ways to improve the neighborhood watch program.

She also requested that tribal police, the CTUIR Law & Order Commission, Department of Children and Family Services and Housing Department attend the potential meeting.

“Our children, elders, and community have a right to live in peace and safety without the threat of next-door neighbors selling drugs that kill our people,” Toledo wrote in the special General Council meeting petition form.

The petition, according to Addleman and CTUIR Housing Department Director Marcus

Luke, has drawn significant interest among tribal members.

But the tribe will likely be limited, at least in this situation, in how it can address tribal member's calls to clean up drug houses and banish dealers from the reservation.

Addleman said he’s heard from some who incorrectly believe that Sproed’s home, which is on fee land, belongs to the tribe.

When the tribe built that home, the CTUIR utilized a federal “mutual help” program to help pay for the construction, Luke said.

Under that arrangement, the house was essentially classified as a rent-to-own property, which meant that ownership would be transferred to a tribal member occupant – in this case, Sproed’s wife – if they successfully completed a rental period and met other requirements, he said.

Ownership passed to Sproed after she died in 2016, Addleman said.

Sproed has a criminal history which includes misdemeanor convictions for assault, harassment, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, driving under the influence of intoxicants and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

He has been released from the Umatilla County Jail while his case proceeds and has yet to make a plea. The hearing is scheduled for April.

14

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Board of Trustees Gary I. Burke Chairman

Aaron Ashley Vice Chairman

Corinne Sams Member at Large

Raymond Huesties Treasurer

Lisa Ganuelas Member at Large

Roberta J. Wilson Secretary

Toby Patrick Member at Large

Alan Crawford

General Council Chairman

Steven Hart Member at Large

Nixyáawii Governance Center CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-276-3165 the Office of the Executive Director Carryover motion by Paul bot@ctuir.org l ctuir.org JANUARY 13, 2025

Corinne Sams moves to re-appoint Lucas Eastwood by acclamation to to ensure that the Tribal Personnel Rabb, Finance Department. the Land Acquisition Committee Policies Manual is revised, as MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to Ascertainment of Quorum. BOT The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty for a 2-year term. Steven Hart set forth in Section 1.02 of the appropriate Tribal Contingency Present:ofAaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance seconds. Discussion. Question.

Tribal Personnel Policies Manual, Funds for a budget set aside Roberta the Wilson, Secretary; Tobyguaranteed under federal law. reserved treaty rights Motion carries 6-0-0. and that such annual review and for operating shortfalls in the Patrick, Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Law & Order Committee. 2 revision process be completed by Tribal Organization Budget from Member; Corinne Sams, Member; positions advertised with 2 December every three years; AND 2025-2033 in the amount of Steve Hart, BOT Member and, applications received MOTION: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the $20,566,098.

Toby Patrick seconds.

Alan Crawford General Council Lisa Ganuelas moves to re-appoint Board of Trustees hereby approves Discussion. Question. Motion Chairman. Gary Burke, BOT Patty Hall, term ending 12/3/26 revisions to the Tribal Personnel carries 4 for (Corinne Sams, Toby Chairman and Raymond Huesties, and Shanna Treloar, term ending Policies Manual, attached to this Patrick, Alan Crawford and Steven Treasurer on travel status. Quorum 10/3/26. Roberta Wilson seconds.

Resolution as Exhibit 1, and that Hart) - 1 against (Roberta Wilson)- I present.

Discussion. Question. Motion the Board of Trustees reviewed the abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas). carries 6-0-0. changes in the above-mentioned Agenda Review. Due to death of Wildhorse Foundation. 1 vacancy work session; AND BE IT FURTHER Branding Guide motion by Kaeleen CTUIR Tribal member action items for tribal member and 1 vacancy RESOLVED, that the Board of McGuire, Communications. only will be reviewed. Roberta for Umatilla County. Received 2 Trustees hereby directs the CTUIR 2024 Branding Guide was Wilson has one deferment, item applications, 1 for each position.

Executive Director to work with the reviewed and suggested edits 6.1.iii. Housing resolution does not MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to Finance Department to distribute have been updated from the BOT have Exhibit, so it will be deferred. reappoint Deb Croswell to Position payroll funds to any employee WS on 1/9/2025. The guide and Paul Rabb received request from 3 and BOT reviewed and confirms with an accrued compensatory templates are ready for use and Brent Hall for ED Communications the recommendation from Umatilla leave balance in an amount equal will be included on the CTUIR and will add item to the folder.

County to reappoint John Shafer to to the value of the employee's shared drive. MOTION: Corinne MOTION: Corinne Sams moves position 5. Steven Hart seconds. accrued compensatory leave; Sams moves to approve the CTUIR to approve agenda as amended.

Discussion. Question. Motion AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 2024 Branding Guide.

Toby Patrick Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. carries 6-0-0. that the revised Tribal Personnel seconds. Discussion. Question.

Question. Motion carries 5-0-0.

Terms Expiring and to advertise Policies Manual that is approved by Motion carries 4 for (Corinne positions on the Public Notice: this Resolution shall go into effect Sams, Toby Patrick, Steven Hart New Business: Proposed Maurice Bronson, CTUIR Culture immediately; AND BE IT FINALLY and Alan Crawford) - 1 against (Lisa Resolutions: Number 25-002: Topic: Coalition (expires 1/31/25); Denise RESOLVED, that the Board of Ganuelas)-1 abstaining (Roberta STIF Plan adoption. RESOLVED, the Wickert, Health Commission Trustees hereby directs the Office Wilson).

Commission/Committee Board of Trustees approves the (expires 2/1/25); Dara Williamsof the Executive Director and the Update by Roberta Wilson, BOT proposed Statewide Transportation Worden, Health Commission Human Resources Director to Secretary.

Improvement Fund Plan attached (expires 2/4/2025); Iosefa Taula, ensure that the appropriate action as Exhibit 1, and directs staff to Land Acquisition Committee is taken to inform Tribal government Election Commission 2 positions submit the Plan to the Oregon (expires 2/8/25); Lorena Thompson, employees of the revisions to the advertised, and 2 applications Transportation Commission for Law & Order Committee (expires Tribal personnel policies referred received. MOTION: Corinne Sams review and approval; MOTION: moves to appoint Delise Guerrero 2/6/2025); and Robert J. Vanpelt, to in the Tribal Personnel Policies Corinne Sams moves to adopt to Position 6 and Aaronessa Frank Tiicham Conservation District Manual, and that such revisions Resolution 25-002. Steven Hart to Position 8, for 4-year terms on (expires 2/7/25). MOTION: Corinne are readily available to employees; seconds. Discussion. Question. the Election Commission.

Steven Sams moves to approve advertising MOTION: Corinne Sams moves Motion carries 6-0-0.

Hart seconds. Discussion. Question. vacant positions for Commission/ to adopt Resolution 25-003.

Motion carries 6-0-0.

Committee. Toby Patrick seconds.

Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion.

Resolution 25-003: Topic: Tribal Land Acquisition Committee.

Discussion. Question. Motion Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0.

Personnel Policies Manual 1 position advertised and 1 carries 6-0-0.

Revision. RESOLVED, that the application received. MOTION: All applications due on January 27 Other Board Action Items: Board of Trustees hereby directs

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

15

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued by 4 pm, with BOT work session January 31 and appointments made February 3, 2025. End of report.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve travel report. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 5-0-0. [Steven Hart not present for vote] BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Corinne Sams, poll to attend virtual meeting on 1/10 from 8 to 10 am with 6 Sovereigns and White House officials on Columbia Basin Restoration Agreement.

Lisa Ganuelas, personal leave on Feb. 7 all day. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve leave requests. Steven Hart seconds.

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

FEBRUARY 10, 2025 Ascertainment of Quorum.

BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Corinne Sams, Member;

Steven Hart, BOT Member and, Alan Crawford General Council Chairman. Full quorum present.

Agenda Review: Today's meeting will address action items only, out of respect for passing of elder veteran and family.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve agenda as amended. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Resolution number 25-012: Topic: Renewal of Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Membership Dues. RESOLVED, that the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). authorizes the payment of dues for Indian Gaming Association (IGA) of $25,000 from the Board of Trustees budget and Wildhorse Resort and Casino (WRC) will reimburse half, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby appoints the following as representatives to IGA. Gary I. Burke, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chairman; Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta J. Wilson, Secretary; Corinne Sams, Member; Toby Patrick, Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Steven Hart, Member; Alan Crawford, General

Council Chairman Ex -Officio; Gary E. George, Wildhorse Resort & Casino CEO; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that these appointments will remain in effect through December 1, 2026 and/or until the Board of Trustees reappoint or replace our representatives.

MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-012. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Deferred.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Gary Burke, 2/20-22 to attend Four Chairs meeting at Kah-Nee-Ta. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve travel request. Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

FEBRUARY 24, 2025 BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, Secretary; Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Corinne Sams, Member and, Alan Crawford General Council Chairman. Steven Hart, BOT Member and Toby Patrick, BOT Member both on personal leave. Quorum present.

Agenda Review: Correction to Agenda to be Resolution number 25-013.

MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve the agenda as corrected. Aaron Ashley seconds.

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

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Resolution number is 25-013: Topic: Gala Floor Systems Agreement. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the A141-2014 Agreement between the Confederated Tribes d/b/a Wildhorse Resort and Casino and Gala System, Inc. for the design, construction and installation of the Gala Floor System in the new Wildhorse convention center, which Agreement and exhibits are attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1C; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Wildhorse Chief Executive Officer to execute the attached A141-2014 Agreement between the Confederated Tribes d/b/a Wildhorse Resort and Casino and Gala System, Inc. for the design, construction and installation of the Gala Floor System, or an Agreement containing substantially similar terms, and to take such further

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

16

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued action and to execute documents that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-013.

Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 3 for - 2 against (Lisa Ganuelas and Corinne Sams)1 abstaining (Roberta Wilson).

Resolution 25-014: Topic: Bryson Picard Grading and Excavating, LLC Lease Agreement.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves Lease Agreement and Loan Agreement between the Confederated Tribes and Bryson Picard Grading and Excavating, LLC (BP Grading) attached to this Resolution as Exhibits 1C and 2C, respectively; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman to execute the attached Lease Agreement and Loan Agreement, or documents containing substantially similar terms; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby waives the requirement that BP Grading be required to post a performance bond as permitted at 25 CFR §162.434(f); AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees approves of

the lease payments that have been negotiated as being in the best interest of the Confederated Tribes and waives the valuation of the Leased Premises as provided in 25 CFR §162.420(a) and any periodic review for valuation or lease adjustment as provided in 25 CFR §162.428; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman and Executive Director to take such further action and to execute documents that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 25-014.

Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0.

Resolution 25-015: Topic: NCFS Food Truck Park Lease Agreement RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves Lease Agreement between the Confederated Tribes and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services (NCFS) attached to this Resolution as Exhibit lC; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman to execute the attached Lease Agreement, or one containing substantially similar terms; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby waives the

requirement that NCFS be required to post a performance bond as permitted at 25 CFR §162.434(±); AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees approves of the lease payments as set forth in the Lease Agreement that have been negotiated as being in the best interest of the Confederated Tribes and waives the valuation of the Leased Premises as provided in 25 CFR §162.420(a) and any periodic review for valuation or lease adjustment as provided in 25 CFR §162.428; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman and Executive Director to take such further action and to execute documents that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-015. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0.

Resolution 25-016: Topic: Washington Dept. of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) MOA RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes the Chairman to execute the attached Memorandum of Agreement between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the State of Washington Department of

Veterans Affairs, attached hereto as Exhibit 1, which outlines the policies and procedures for Tribal Veterans Service Representatives to be federally accredited to provide tribal member veterans with preparation, presentation, and claim prosecution services before the United States Veterans Affairs claims process; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-016. Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6-0-0.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Raymond Huesties four trip reports: 12/11/24 attended Transit ribbon cutting ceremony with BOT Chairman at Richland.

1/12-13/25 at Salem for OR Governors State address and reception with BOT Chair. 1/1416 at Olympia, WA to attend State Address with BOT Chairman. 1/1416 attended ATNI Convention at Portland.

Roberta Wilson, 1/26-27 at Portland to attend meeting with U SACE and BIA/NWRO for Revised Village Development Plan for Columbia River Housing.

Corinne Sams stated she had technical problems with computer and asked to give report on 3 trips she has taken. MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to approve travel

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APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

17

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued reports. Lisa Ganuelas seconds.

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

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Gary Burke, Portland to attend Union Pacific meeting on Feb. 25.

Lisa Ganuelas, personal leave 3/25 from 7:30 am to 1 pm. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve leave requests. Aaron Ashley seconds.

Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

MARCH 3, 2025 BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Aaron Ashley, Vice-Chair; Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Corinne Sams, Member; Steve Hart, BOT Member and, Alan Crawford General Council Chairman. Full quorum present.

Agenda Review: Action items only.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve agenda as amended.

Steven Hart seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0 New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Resolution number is 25-018: Topic: Workforce Development Building 131 Office Renovation Funding Change.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Executive Director to execute necessary contracts to complete work consistent with the scope of work and do not exceed the budget set forth in Exhibit 1C; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby appropriates contingency funds in the amount set forth in Exhibit 1C for purposes of renovating building 131 to provide the Workforce Development Department a furnished office space, computer lab, and training space; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees directs the Office of Executive Director to review other sources of funding to be used in place of the contingency funds such as the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program funds, Bureau of lndian Affairs Regional carry-over funding, and other such grant sources as available; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman and the Executive Director to execute the documents and to take such further action as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Resolution and to complete the building 131 scope of work; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-018.

Steven Hart seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-019: Topic: IHS 638 Agreement PO-21-N29 Wastewater System Upgrades.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Public Law 93-638, Title V Construction Project Agreement between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Indian Health Service, Project Summary, and Sample Report Template for the Mission Community Wastewater System Upgrades Project attached to this Resolution as Exhibits 1C, 2C, and 3C, respectively, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman to execute the attached Public Law 93-638, Title V Construction Project Agreement or a document containing substantially similar terms, to receive Indian Health Service funding for the Mission Community Wastewater System upgrades; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman and Executive Director to take further action and execute documents, within the approved project budget necessary to carry out the purpose of this Resolution; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 25-019. Raymond

Huesties seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-020: Topic: Arrowhead Travel Plaza Alcohol Sales Referendum. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby directs that the Tribal Election Commission shall include a referendum on the Tribal General Election ballot on November 11, 2025 regarding the proposed sale of alcohol at the Arrowhead Travel Plaza as an Authorized Liquor Business as defined in the Tribal Liquor Code, provided that such liquor sales are limited to beer, wine, hard cider and seltzer; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees does hereby approve the referendum ballot attached as Exhibit 1 to this Resolution that shall be used at the Tribal General Election; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees shall determine whether to permit Arrowhead alcohol sales based on the results of the referendum vote; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees hereby directs that the Wildhorse Chief Executive Officer and Arrowhead Manager shall take no action to offer alcohol sales at Arrowhead until and unless the Board of Trustees takes official action to permit alcohol sales after

18

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued the referendum vote. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-020. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-021: Topic: Fish & Wildlife Code Amendments.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approve the amendments to the Fish & Wildlife Code, attached hereto as Exhibit 1; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the amended Fish & Wildlife Code shall take effect immediately.

MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-021.

Steven Hart seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-022: Topic: STIF Plan Amendment. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees approves the proposed Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Plan as amended, attached as Exhibit 1, and directs staff to submit the Plan to the Oregon Transportation Commission for review and approval; MOTION: Lisa Ganuelas moves to adopt Resolution 25-022 with correction. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7 for - 0 against -1 abstaining (Roberta Wilson).

Resolution 25-023: Topic: IHS PO-

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11-L34 Wastewater Collections Facilities Transfer. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Transfer Agreement between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Indian Health Service, for the Mission Community Wastewater Collection System Repair, Phase II Project attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1C, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman to execute the attached Transfer Agreement or a document containing substantially similar terms, to receive the transfer of the wastewater collections facilities; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman and Executive Director to take further action and execute documents necessary to carry out the purpose of this Resolution; MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to adopt Resolution 25-023. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-024: Topic: Local Road Safety Plan Update.

RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees adopts the Local Road Safety Plan, now titled the Transportation Safety Plan; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees

authorizes the Tribal Planning Office to update the 2023 Transportation System Plan to cross-reference the newly renamed Transportation Safety Plan; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes the transmission of that updated plan to the Tribal Transportation Program for approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Highway Administration; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0 .

Resolution 25-025: Topic: Fred L. Mitchell Collection Acquisition.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Executive Director to sign the Letter of Intent and the Chairman to sign the subsequent Acquisition Agreement to acquire the Fred L. Mitchell Collection; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the acquisition of the Fred L. Mitchell Collection as an asset of the Confederated Tribes to be managed

by Tamastslikt Cultural Institute; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the appropriation of funds from the Contingency Fund for the acquisition of the Fred L. Mitchell Collection will benefit citizens of

the Confederated Tribes and other Columbia River Plateau Tribes who may see their heritage represented in the fine handcrafted art and technology of their ancestors, will ensure this important and exceptional Collection remains in the region and intact, and will assist Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in fulfilling its mission; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-025. Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

Resolution 25-026: Topic: Bhupinder Singh Truck Wash Lease. RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves Lease Agreement between the Confederated Tribes and Bhupinder Singh Truck Wash attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1C; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes its Chairman to execute the attached Lease Agreement, or a lease containing substantially similar terms; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby waives the requirement that Bhupinder Singh be required to post a performance bond as permitted at 25 CFR §162.434(f); AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees approves of the lease

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

19

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued payments that have been negotiated as being in the best interest of the Confederated Tribes and waives the valuation of the Leased Premises as provided in 25 CFR §162.420(a) and any FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chairman and Executive Director to take such further action and to execute documents that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution ; MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 25-025. Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 6 for - 1 against (Lisa Ganuelas) - 1 abstaining (Roberta Wilson) Other Board Action Items: Commission/Committee Update

by Roberta Wilson, BOT Secretary Old Business- Tiicham Conservation District. 1 position and 1 application from Micheal Minthorn. MOTON: Raymond Huesties moves to appoint Micheal Minthorn by acclamation to the Tiicham Conservation District for a 2-year term. Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

Advertise Positions: MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to advertise the vacant position: 2 for CTUIR Cultural Coalition, 1 for Cultural Resources Committee,

1 for Economic & Community Development Committee, 1 for Education & Training Committee and 1 for Science & Technology Committee. Corinne Sams seconds.

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

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Deferred. BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports. Deferred.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Aaron Ashley, personal leave on 2/21 for 4.5 hours.

Alan Crawford 2 travel requests: Lincoln City for Health Retreat from March 4 to 7.Northern Quest for ATNI from May 5 to 11.

Corinne Sams: Polled personal leave from Feb. 11 to 21 Polled travel to Portland, speaker for Mighty Columbia Symposium Feb. 26 to 28. Polled travel to attend John Day tour with State Dept. regarding CRT, Feb. 26.

Steven Hart, polled personal leave from Feb. 21 from 12:30 to 4 pm.

MOTION: Aaron Ashley moves to approve leave requests. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

[Steven Hart and Toby Patrick not present for vote]

MARCH 10, 2025 BOT Present: Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, Secretary; Toby Patrick , Member; Lisa Ganuelas, Member ; Corinne Sams, Member; Steve Hart, BOT Member and, Alan Crawford General Council Chairman. Gary Burke, BOT Chairman on travel.

Aaron Ashley, BOT Vice­Chairman on personal leave. Quorum present.

Special General Council Agenda

Agenda Review: MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve agenda as amended. Toby Patrick seconds.

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

1. Call to Order

April 10, 2025 - 2:00 PM Hybrid: In-person & Virtual via Zoom

2. Invocation 3. Ascertainment of Quorum

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

a. General Council Officers

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Aaron Ashley, travel request to San Diego, CA from 3/31 to 4/3.

Corinne Sames, polled travel Lisa Ganuelas, PL MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve leave requests. Toby Patrick seconds.

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

4. Approval of Agenda

b. Board of Trustees c. General CouncilMembers 5. New Business a. Substance Abuse Issues within Community – Nizhoni Toledo 6. Adjournment NOTE: Only enrolled CTUIR Tribal Members permitted to attend. Contact Shawna Gavin at ShawnaGavin@CTUIR.org for ZOOM meeting ID and Passcode.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

46411 Timíne Way | Pendleton, OR 97801

General Council

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

General Council Draft Agenda April 17, 2025 @ 2:00 PM Hybrid: In-person & Virtual via Zoom

1.

Call to Order 2.

Invocation 3.

Ascertainment of Quorum

a. General Council Officers

b. Board of Trustees

c. General Council Members 4.

Approval of Agenda

5.

Approval of Executive Summary - March 20, 2025

6.

Old Business

7.

New Business a. Board of Trustees Secretary Report Roberta Wilson, BOT Secretary b. Housing Department Annual Report Marcus Luke II, Housing Department Director c. Housing Commission Annual Report Melinda Alexander, Housing Commission Chair

8.

9.

Announcements/Notes Adjournment

Only enrolled CTUIR Tribal Members permitted to attend. Email Shawna Gavin, ShawnaGavin@ctuir.org, for zoom meeting ID & passcode.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

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APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Community A P RI L 2 0 25 | VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 04

WWCC signs free tuition pledge with CTUIR CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – Tribal members will be able to attend an area community college for free after the institution signed an agreement with Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) leaders in March.

The free tuition pledge was part of a larger agreement Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) signed with the CTUIR that’s meant to increase access to higher education for CTUIR tribal members and improve the educational experience and retention of Indigenous students.

College leaders met with the Board of Trustees and tribal officials to sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on March 14.

“We’re going above and beyond,” said Chad Hickox, WWCC president. “I’m very excited to be able to extend that offer and hope people will be taking advantage of that.”

Under the agreement, the college would provide a scholarship to cover any TUITION CONTINUED PAGE 7

Acosia Red Elk, with scissors, and business partner Wendy Hinkle perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new wellness studio with the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce. CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

Red Elk launches local wellness space CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ PENDLETON – A new tribal member-owned business in Pendleton hopes to improve the wellbeing of area residents through dance, yoga and other forms of exercise.

Acosia Red Elk, an enrolled

member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and her business partner, Wendy Hinkle, celebrated the opening of 7Gen Wellness with a ribbon cutting event hosted by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce at 7Gen’s downtown building – a longvacant bank on the corner of

Main Street and Dorion Avenue, on March 20.

The goal, Red Elk said, is to provide a space where tribal and non-Native community members alike can pick up a new hobby and participate in activities to improve their mental and RED ELK CONTINUED PAGE 4

Creator’s game: Lacrosse clinic deemed successful fun for all ANNIE FOWLER The CUJ

Jolyne Salt attempts to get past Whitman College women’s lacrosse head coach on March 26, 2025, during one of the Robby Bill Memorial Kalish Lacrosse Spring Break Clinics in Mission. Members of the Whitman lacrosse team ran the clinic.

KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

MISSION — When Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky was in the fifth grade, she was part of a handful of children who learned to play lacrosse on a grassy field in Mission under the guidance of Robby Bill and Lindsey Watchman.

Now a junior at Whitman College, Pasena-Littlesky and her teammates and coaches returned to her childhood playground to share the game with the youth of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) as part of the Robby Bill Memorial Spring Break Lacrosse Clinic on March 24, 26 and 29.

“It was just amazing,” said Pasena-Littlesky, a graduate of Hermiston High School. “No words to describe the feeling of

being out there, playing just how I used to play. No boundaries, no pads. It was nice to play with people of all ages. We call ourselves the OG lacrosse players.

I’m in college, others are parents or just living their lives. They took time out of their day to play.

It was great to gather again.”

The clinic, which was organized

by Watchman and PasenaLittlesky, taught the children skills for two days, and March 29, there was a memorial for Bill, and more lacrosse, with the help of the Whitman team and Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse.

“Robby Bill, who brought the game to the community, passed away a year ago (Jan. 16, 2024),” Watchman said. “It was a club program and it became a guiding light. He and I started to go to GAME CONTINUED PAGE 13

2 Community

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

Community 3

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

O’Daniel retires from CTUIR after 28 years TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications

Geographic Information Systems manager Stacy Schumacher holds a cake congratulating Office of Information Technology research geographer Scott O’Daniel on his retirement from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) after 28-plus years. His last day at the CTUIR was March 31. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR

As for his life after the CTUIR, he plans to hang out by the river. “What else does anybody want to do?” he said.

Along with several people, GIS Program Manager Stacy Schumacher thanked O’Daniel for his time.

“Thank you for leading the charge for many years and seeing us through many projects and many efforts, and all the numerous grants you did, and collaborations with the federal agencies. It’s just been wonderful to follow along,” she said.

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PANEL PRESENTATION: Métis Life in the Walla Walla Valley Thursday, April 24, 5:30pm

Join family historians as they bring to life the content of our current exhibit, Picturing Family: Métis life in the Walla Walla Valley, created in collaboration with Whitman College staff. Panelists include family historians Judith Fortney, Sam Pambrun, and Joseph Lavadour. The conversation will be moderated by Sarah Hurlburt, professor of French and Francophone Studies at Whitman College. Refreshments will be served.

Admission is free and open to the public.

day at FREE FIRST allTamástslikt Cultural FRIDAY! Institute.

FREE admission

2025 ArtWORKZ JUNIOR ART SHOW & COMPETITION All young artists under the age of 18 are invited to submit their art in this popular competition. There is no fee to enter.

All submissions will be displayed for six weeks in the Temporary Exhibit Gallery at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and awards will be presented on June 14. The deadline for submissions is May 3. More information at www.tamastslikt.org.

April 4, 10am-5pm

FREE admission all day. Dine inside at Kinship Cafe or order take-out. Enjoy Indian Tacos ($10.50), Frybread ($5), and Smoked Salmon Corn Chowder from 11am-2pm. Shop the Museum Store for your Pendleton beach towels at a huge discount this month only.

Visit our newest exhibit, Picturing Family: Metis Life in the Walla Walla Valley.

www.tamastslikt.org • 541.429.7700 • 47106 Wildhorse Blvd. Pendleton, OR 97801 Exhibits, Museum Store Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm • Kinship Cafe Open Tues-Sat 11am-2pm First Fridays are FREE!

EAT. SHOP. EXPLORE. APRIL 2025

MISSION – With more than two dozen people saying their goodbyes, Office of Information Technology (OIT) research geographer Scott O’Daniel retired from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) on March 31 after 28-plus years.

O’Daniel, 57, said he moved from the Chicago area after high school, attending college and living in the West. He said he was residing in California when he took a job at the CTUIR in the late 1990s.

He started at CTUIR on April 1, 1997, as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) manager, but demoted himself after about three years.

“I wasn’t good at managing people,” O’Daniel said about moving to research geographer.

In that role, he said he experienced his perfect job and will miss it and the CTUIR community.

“This has been the greatest place for me. I’ve loved working here. I think I’ve gotten opportunities, perspectives and experiences that I could not have dreamed,” O’Daniel said. “It has been a great pleasure to work here…the experience of working with this organization, being able to do any kind of work for this community and getting to know to know the people at the other end of the work is very parallel that I would think of as a perfect job.

And in a lot of ways, if you do have a perfect job, the tendency is to never leave because there is always a well of ideas to explore. I appreciate this place a lot, and it’s a bittersweet thing to leave here.”

When asked during his retirement party why he wasn’t going for 30 years, he said he likes “leaving the party when it’s at its peak.”

“It seems like a good time. I don’t need a round number,” O’Daniel said.

2025_AprilCUJ_ad_PRINT.pdf 9.75 x 7.625 3/21/2025 1:22:59 PM

4 Community

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

RED ELK

Now officially open, the business hopes to fill out its programming and build community recognition.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The large, open building with high ceilings will have plenty of space for the types of activities Red Elk and Hinkle envision hosting – including yoga, dance classes, fitness and group workouts, and meditation.

Red Elk and Hinkle said they also envision it serving as a community gathering center for arts and crafting or music events, retreats and parties. Already, they said the space has been rented Acosia Red Elk out for a birthday party over the weekend. physical health.

“We’ve been talking about Red Elk, a distinguished jingle dress dancer and yoga teacher, this for years,” Hinkle, who is a said they chose the name 7Gen personal trainer, told attendees Wellness to encourage people to during the grand opening. take care of themselves as if they “We’ve got a little something for lived according to an Indigenous everybody and we hope that you principle of taking action that can find your safe space here.”

Ultimately, Red Elk said she will positively affect future hopes the business also functions generations.

“We want to be around a long as a collaborative space where the time. We want to make it to area’s diverse Indigenous and noneldership so that we can share all tribal population can converge of our experiences and the things and develop deeper relationships.

“We have so much to offer one that we’ve been gathering with our next generations,” she said. “And another, so much to learn from if we don’t take care of our body one another,” she said. “We really and our mind, sometimes we don’t want people to build community get the chance to make it that far.” in here.”

Hinkle said they are in the The ribbon-cutting event process of launching a website but featured a blessing, jingle dress dance demonstration featuring that anyone interested in classes area dancers, refreshments and or events can check 7Gen’s social information about the purpose media pages or use the GloFox app 2025_AprilCUJ_artworkz_ad_PRINT.pdf 9.75 x 7.625 3/21/2025 1:26:57 PM for more information. and offerings of 7Gen.

Are you an artist?! Show your art in a real gallery setting, win awards, and be the guest of honor at the Artists Reception!

2025

Create your best work -

a drawing, a painting, a sculpture, blown glass, traditional handwork all forms are accepted.

Win a $500 Gift Certificate for your school!

Open to tribal and non-tribal youth.

VERY IMPORTANT RULES

Submissions accepted: Through May 3, 2025

Public Showing:

May 16 - July 5, 2025

and entry forms available at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute or online at www.tamastslikt.org.

Questions? Contact Jesse Bird at jesse.bird@tamastslikt.org or call 541.429.7723

Artists Reception Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1 pm

Age categories: 10 & Under 11-14 and15-18 No entry fee.

Lots of prizes!

THANK YOU TO ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL AND BLICK ART MATERIALS

www.tamástslikt.org • 541.429.7700 • 47106 Wildhorse Blvd. Pendleton, OR 97801 Exhibits, Museum Store Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm • Kinship Cafe Open Tues-Sat 11am-2pm First Fridays are FREE!

Education 5

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CTUIR signs MOU with WWPS CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ

Edition

During feasts, the First Foods are counted in the following order:

MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) leaders have agreed to collaborate with public schools in Walla Walla to improve the educational experience for the district’s Indigenous students.

According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by tribal leaders during a meeting with Walla Walla Public Schools leaders and officials on March 12, the two will partner to address the educational needs and challenges of the district’s Indigenous students to increase academic achievement and success.

It also commits the district, which is in the CTUIR’s aboriginal title lands boundaries, to educating its students about the tribe’s culture and history.

“It’s a huge step for both the schools and the tribe,” said Jaimie Crane, CTUIR Education director.” It’s a huge value for our kids, the community, the families.”

The CTUIR and school district have been discussing the agreement for several years, Crane said, adding that its scope and goals are like others the tribe has signed with other area school districts, like Pendleton.

Under the MOU, the school district and tribe will work together to identify ways to improve Native American student academic performance, develop programs and curriculum to educate students about the CTUIR, and partner in hosting events – such as during Native American Heritage months – to recognize tribal students and history, and to design and implement culturally specific policies or programs to better support those students.

Walla Walla Public Schools educates students across two high schools, two middle schools, five elementary schools, an early childhood center and an alternative learning program.

Of the district’s 5,500 students, 0.5% identify as American Indian, Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, according to district demographic data. Nearly 4% identify as two or more races.

“We have been working on this for several years, and it is an honor to partner with CTUIR,” stated WWPS Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Christy Krutulis in a March 12 district press release. “This collaboration will allow us to localize Washington State history and incorporate lessons such as ‘Since Time Immemorial,’ enriching our students’ educational experience.”

6 Education

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

NCS school board election April 24 MISSION – Four candidates have applied to vie for two upcoming open seats on the Nixyáawii Community School (NCS) Board.

The positions held by Steven Hart, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees Member-at-Large and Ashley Picard, CTUIR Tribal Environmental Recovery Facility operations manager, are expiring this summer. Hart, who holds a tribal member seat, is not seeking re-election, but Picard is up for re-election to the community member position.

To vote in the school board election, community members must be 18 years of age or older and: • A parent of a child currently enrolled at the school, or • A current employee of the school or CTUIR government, including all tribal enterprises, chartered authorities, or tribally created entities if the employee works on the Reservation, or • A current member of the school board, or • A current resident within the boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation The election will be held April 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at NCS. The new four-year term will begin July 1.

Following is each candidate’s response to the application question, “Please explain why you are interested in being on the Nixyáawii Community School Board.” Responses are unedited and presented as on the candidate’s application.

The candidates are: Ashley Picard (incumbent) “I am passionate about supporting education and ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Fostering a strong community connection and collaboration between students, families, and educators is something that I feel strongly about. Serving on the NCS board has allowed me contribute to the growth and development of the school and advocate for the needs of students and families. Continuing to create an environment that prioritizes academic success, cultural relevance, and student well-being is something that I find rewarding and look forward to.”

Andrea Hall I am interested because I am a parent of a NCS alum, current student and incoming freshman.

I am a NCS Booster Club member.

I believe our students need support, leadership, dedication and someone to communicate with them and their respective parents and/or guardians. I am an invested Community/Tribal member, willing to put my time into the betterment of NCS. Candice Patrick “I’m eager to return to NCS SB because my extensive service & dedication has uniquely positioned me to contribute to our school’s future. Having served on the SB as the chair for 2 years & as a board member for 7 years, I have developed a deep understanding of our community’s education needs & the vital importance of upholding policies & procedures. Currently, as an ETC representative, I continue to work tirelessly to advocate for the best interests for our tribal youth.

My commitment to fostering an environment where our youth can thrive.

Nina Watchman “I currently have two children attending NCS. I have vested interest in the success of our school. I want to serve and support our students and stuff. I feel I can make positive contribution and give valuable input to the board.”

NIXYÁAWII

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION NOTICE One Tribal Member One Community Member

Election:

April 24 Term:

July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029 Eligibility: Employees of a CTUIR entity or Nixyáawii Community School; parents of children currently enrolled in Nixyáawii Community School, a resident within the boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Education 7

TUITION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

remaining tuition and mandatory fees not covered by need-based or other types of financial aid awards, he said.

The scholarship won’t be limited to lowerincome tribal members either, Hickox added. Tribal members who could afford to pursue higher education without needbased financial aid will still be awarded the scholarship to make attendance at WWCC free.

Hickox also said there won’t be a limit on the number of tribal members who take advantage of the offer.

The tribe and college also agreed to work together in areas of mutual benefit to bolster services and experiences for Native American students and to better serve tribal nations, according to the MOA. The agreement comes after the tribe has entered similar partnerships in recent years with other area higher education institutions, like Whitman College and Heritage University, though this is the only one that waives tuition for an unlimited number of CTUIR tribal members.

“This has been in the works for quite some time,” said CTUIR Education Department Director Jaimie Crane.

Currently, WWCC estimates the yearly cost of tuition and mandatory fees for a fulltime course load of 15 credits at $5,130 for Washington residents and $6,519 for students from other states.

The institution operates on a quarter schedule and offers nearly 50 two-year associate’s degrees in career fields that include agriculture and natural resources, business, health care and science, technology,

Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees meet with officials from Walla Walla Community College and agree to work together to bolster services and experiences for Native Americans attending the school. CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

engineering and math.

Those interested in more technical career paths could also choose to enroll in one of its 32 shorter certificate programs. Those programs would train students for jobs as diesel engine or auto mechanics, in commercial truck driving, early childhood education, and barbering and cosmetology, among others.

It also offers bachelor’s degrees in agricultural systems and business management.

Classes are offered at its Walla Walla and Clarkston campuses, with some being available online.

“This is an opportunity for both the tribe and college to participate in making young people grow as individuals and contribute

to themselves and their communities,” BOT Treasurer Raymond Huesties said during the signing ceremony.

The agreement, Hickox said, will strengthen existing partnerships – like coordination on some water, environmental and salmon restoration efforts – between the CTUIR and WWCC and hopefully lead to other ways to work together on mutual priorities, such as First Foods protection.

“I am overwhelmed with this development in our longstanding relationship between our two organizations,” he said. “We’re very committed to exploring other ways that we can deepen our relationship and this [agreement] provides the framework for us to continue to explore new ways to partner.”

8 Health

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

Healthy heart habits help you live longer, better McKAY CREEK ASSISTED LIVING Sponsored Article PENDLETON – For older adults, adopting healthy habits isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it can also help you live longer. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among older adults, but the good news is that simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. Every day is the perfect opportunity to focus on heart health and develop habits that protect your heart and promote longevity.

Heart Disease in Older Adults Understanding the prevalence of heart disease is essential. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides some sobering statistics:

common heart disease is, but the good news is that healthy lifestyle choices can make a significant difference. Here are four key habits to help lower your risk: 1. Exercise Regularly Exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart, but you don’t have to start with an intense routine. Walking is a great first step. Research from the AHA shows that adults who walked 4,500 steps per day had a 77% lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event compared to those walking fewer than 2,000 steps daily. Even small increases in activity can have a big impact on heart health.

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack.

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet Your diet plays a direct role in heart health. Consider swapping red meat for lean proteins like chicken or fish, increasing fruits and vegetables, and reducing foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and salt. Instead of drastic dietary changes, introduce healthier choices gradually for long-term success.

• Among adults aged 60–79, nearly 75% of women and over 77% of men have some form of cardiovascular disease, with more than 67% experiencing high blood pressure.

These numbers highlight how

3. Manage Stress Stress isn’t just a concern for working adults—seniors experience high levels too.

Chronic stress can strain the heart, making stress management essential.

Regular exercise,

• Heart disease and stroke together cause more deaths in the U.S. than all types of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined.

Danni Dearing listens to Megan Hatley’s heart March 20, 2024 at Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. CUJ | ARCHIVE PHOTO

meditation, mindfulness, or staying socially connected can help. Many apps offer stressreduction exercises tailored for older adults.

4. Get Enough Sleep Sleep is just as important for heart health as diet and exercise.

The National Institute on Aging recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for older adults.

To improve sleep quality: • Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule • Avoid long daytime naps • Limit screen time (phones, tablets, TVs) before bed

• Reduce caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening Heart Health at McKay Creek Assisted Living At McKay Creek Assisted Living, we make heart health a priority for our residents.

Our community offers tailored exercise programs, heart-healthy meals, and dedicated support to help residents embrace habits that promote longevity and wellbeing.

To learn more about the McKay Creek growing community and senior care approach, visit mckaycreekal.com or call 541612-8213.

Health 9

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Do you eat a meal in 20 minutes or less? It’s time to slow down MARIA CHENG Associated Press LONDON (AP) — You can have your cake and eat it too — just do it slowly.

Experts tend to focus on the kinds of foods you can eat to improve your health. But the speed at which you devour your dinner matters just as much.

There are risks with eating too fast — think stuck food and the potential to overeat before your brain tells you to stop.

Here are some tips from scientists on how to slow down and take a more mindful approach to consuming your diet.

How fast is too fast?

If you’re the kind of person who can regularly polish off breakfast, lunch or dinner in less than 20-30 minutes, you are eating too fast.

Remembering Relatives Missing, Murdered Family Violence Services (FVS) invites you to help create a memorial display for MMI. Materials: • White or black poster board no bigger than 11”x17” • FVS will have art supplies and boards April 1st.

Stop by any time after that if you need supplies.

Want to make it with FVS? We will be available between 10am and 2pm: • April 14th at Nixyáawii Governance Center • April 16th at Yellowhawk • April 21st at Nixyáawii Governance Center Submissions can include pictures, letter, poem, or artwork.

“It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to communicate to the brain via a whole host of hormonal signals that it’s full,” said Leslie Heinberg, at the Center for Behavioral Health at the Cleveland Clinic. “So when people eat rapidly, they can miss these signals and it’s very easy to eat beyond the point of fullness.”

Why is that a problem?

People who eat quickly are likely to swallow more air, Heinberg said, which could lead to bloating or indigestion. Not chewing your food properly can also compromise digestion, meaning you won’t get all of the nutrients from your food. Unchewed pieces of food also could get stuck in your esophagus.

Some previous studies have suggested that people who eat quickly have the highest risk of obesity, while the slowest eaters were the least likely to be obese.

How can you slow down when eating?

Please return to FVS by 4pm on April 28, 2025.

For starters, turn off the TV and put down your phone.

Displays will be featured at various tribal entities.

“If you’re eating while you watch TV, people tend to eat until there’s a commercial or the show is over,” Heinberg said, adding that people are less inclined to pay attention to the body’s own signals that it’s full. “When we do things while we’re eating, we’re eating less mindfully. And that often causes us to eat more.”

We are located second floor, north wing of Nixyáawii Governance Center.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Public Safety Department

Family Violence Services

46411 Timíne Way | Pendleton OR 97801 Phone: 541-429-7410 or 541-429-7412

She said that when people focus exclusively on eating, they tend to enjoy the meal more and eat less.

Heinberg also acknowledged the pace at which you eat is often an ingrained habit, but said change is still possible. She suggested things like using your

Experts say the speed at which you eat matters just as much as the kinds of foods you eat. THE CUJ

non-dominant hand to eat, trying utensils you might not ordinarily use like chopsticks or taking a deliberate break to drink water when your plate is partially empty.

If you have a busy life, it might be unavoidable to eat lunch at a work meeting or snack while running errands. But Sarah Berry, chief scientist at the British nutritional company ZOE, said when possible, “be mindful of what the food tastes and feels like.”

“If we’re not fully present, it’s very easy to eat more quickly and not notice how much we’ve consumed,” Berry said.

Chew your food, just like mom told you to One of the simplest things to do is to increase the number of bites you take, said Helen McCarthy, a clinical psychologist with the British Psychological Society.

“If you chew each mouthful a little bit longer, that will slow down your eating,” she said.

The kind of food you eat may also make a difference, pointing out that it’s much easier to eat ultraprocessed or fast foods quicker, because they typically have a softer texture.

“It’s hard to eat vegetables and protein at the same rate as something that’s highly processed and requires less chewing,” McCarthy said.

Some of her patients also reported an unintentional side effect once they began eating more slowly, referencing one woman who often ate a tube of potato chips every evening.

When McCarthy told her to slow down and eat every single chip individually, her patient told her “it was like having a mouthful of claggy chemicals.”

“She didn’t find (the chips) enjoyable anymore,” McCarthy said.

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

TEAM PHOTOS COURTESY JULIE TAYLOR | DCFS INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS BY KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

BAAD: Bringing together the very best, year after year ANNIE FOWLER The CUJ MISSION — If there’s one thing basketball fans know, it’s that the BAAD Tournament brings together the very best players from ages 6 to 18 for a week of nonstop action.

Nothing has changed in 35 years as the Basketball Against Alcohol & Drugs Tournament held its annual event March 21-28 at Nixyáawii Community School and Mission gym.

In addition to the competitive tournament, the 15-18 boys and girls teams were offered a onehour prevention education class, focusing on fentanyl prevention, while the 12-14 teams had a program focused on tobacco and vaping.

The 9-11 team had a program

on peer pressure and refusing to use drugs, and the 6-8 teams had a class on alcohol and how it affects your eyes.

“They did a really good job of involving the kids,” Big Sky coach Billie Patterson said.

15-18 Boys

The boys 15-18 division featured some of the best players from the 1A classification to Blue Mountain Community College.

War Hammer won the title with a plethora of contributing talent from Nixyáawii to Portland.

Former Nixyáawii player Bryson Bronson coached the team that featured Golden Eagles’ Symon Picard and Rylen Bronson, KJ Klebaum and Chase Koshinsky from Union, Spencer Green of De Sales, D’ryus Dent and Brave Johnson from Jefferson, Aiden

BOYS 15-18 CHAMPS: War Hammer

Adringa of Sunnyside Christian and Oscar Stecklein of Blue Mountain Community College.

War hammer opened the tournament with a 78-48 win over Uncle Drew, followed by a 50-48 win over Wapato. In the semifinals, War Hammer beat Young Gunz 78-40.

War Hammer then beat P-Town 61-51 in the championship game.

P-Town, led by former Nixyáawii player Baron Moses, Raj Singh of Mac-Hi, Cooper Cemore of Riverside, Mike McGee of Umatilla, and Zane Emery of Pendleton, won its first game 76-52 over JLJ, then lost to Young Gunz 64-61.

P-Town dropped into the consolation bracket, where it beat Ball Hoggz 81-63, followed by a 58-53 win over Wapato.

P-Town then beat Young Gunz 82-

52 for a spot in the finals.

“The Union boys had a blast,” said Bobcats coach Odin Miller, who helped coach the team. “It was my first tournament and I was impressed.”

Stecklein, a 6-8 forward from Denver, was named tournament MVP, with teammates Green and Dent named to the alltournament team.

Also named to the alltournament teams were Sun Schimmel and Cashis Bevis of Young Gunz, and Baron Moses and Mike McGee of P-Town.

McGee was named Mr. Hustle.

15-18 Girls

Billie Patterson played in the very first BAAD Tournament, and on the 35th anniversary of the event, she coached her team, Big Sky, to second place.

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APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL GIRLS 15-18 CHAMPS: Dreamerz

“It was a lot of fun,” said Patterson, who grew up on the Yakama Reservation. “We got there Friday, they offered a meal for players and families, which was very welcoming. They really went all out. Give the committee props, that was a lot of work.”

Patterson was on the winning 12-14 girls team in 1988 and won one of the prized jackets.

“I wish I still had my jacket to show the girls, but our house burned down when I was in college and we lost everything,” Patterson said.

Patterson’s Big Sky team featured players on the Big Sky League first-team all-conference team, with two exceptions.

“My daughter (Emma Patterson) was first team all-league for three years,” Patterson said. “She has gotten to know these girls and has played against them for years.

They are rivals, but good friends.

She is the one who put the team together and made the calls.”

The calls went out to Najiah Knight and Victoria De La Torre of Ione/Arlington, Violette Anderson (Trout Lake), Morgan Cole Hand (Spray), Kinsley Lanz (Trout Lake) and Ruby Trujillo from Yakama Valley. Emma Patterson is from Trout Lake.

Big Sky opened the tournament with a 41-38 victory over EO Suns, followed by a 51-33 win over Warm Springs.

In the semifinals, Big Sky beat Surge 53-48 to reach the title game against the Dreamerz.

The Dreamerz, who lost their second game, dropped to the consolation bracket, where they won two games to reach the finals.

In the championship game, Dreamerz beat Big Sky 48-20.

The Dreamerz was a team comprised of players from Nixyáawii (Liana Stewart), Union (Millie Miller), Stanfield (Kahleigha Haney), Echo (Kenzie Hendrix), Clarkston, Washington (Joslyn and Jaylen McCormick), and former Nixyáawii player Ella Stewart, now at BMCC. The team was coached by Brooke McHaffie and Kyella Picard.

Jaylen McCormick was named tournament MVP and was joined

on the all-tournament roster by teammates Joslyn McCormick and Haney. Big Sky’s Cole Hand was named Miss Hustle, with Anderson named to the alltournament team, along with Callie Strong and Manianna Agapith from Surge.

BOYS 12-14 CHAMPS: 541 Hustle

12-14 Girls

Surge won all three of its games by 17 points or more to cruise to the division title.

Surge, led by tournament MVP Ari Moran, had a bye in the first round, then made quick work of Klamath 54-37. They followed with a 53-23 win over Savage AF to land a spot in the finals.

Klamath won three consolation games to rally back for a spot in the championship game, beating the Lady Warriors 44-16, Lapwai 45-20, and finally Savage AF 48-37 for another shot at Surge.

Surge kept its perfect record intact with a 62-44 win over Klamath.

Jocelyn Binles and Kalissa Hamlinston of Surge were named to the all-tournament team, along with Payson Bratcher and Neitili Degarmo of Klamath and Sinaloa Castaway and Julissa Martinez of Savage AF. Degarmo was named Miss Hustle.

12-14 Boys

Keep an eye on this age group.

Some of these players are headed to high school in the fall and could be key players for their teams.

Led by tournament MVP Hayden Vera, 541 Hustle won the division title with a 53-48 victory over the Warriors.

In its first game, 541 Hustle beat the White Swan Warriors 50-47, followed by a 63-25 win over Zone 6. In the semifinals, 541 Hustle beat the Warriors 45-35.

The Warriors dropped into the consolation bracket, where they beat the White Swan Warriors 6256 to reach the title game.

The champions had Daniel Lemus and Jeremiah Chapa named to the all-tournament team, also with Jaykeen Mason and Mathew Humbert of the

BAAD CONTINUED PAGE 12

GIRLS 12-14 CHAMPS: Surge

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BAAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Warriors, and Jacoby Lee and Tyrone Dave of the White Swan Warriors. Mason was named Mr. Hustle.

9-11 Boys

The White Swan Warriors dominated this division, beating the Rez Warriors 55-25 in their opening game, followed by a win over Versatile.

In the semifinals, the Warriors beat the Mission Rams 51-45, then met up with Versatile once more in the championship game.

In the consolation bracket, Versatile beat Warm Springs 4843, then beat Warm Springs Main 48-31. Versatile then beat the Mission Rams 43-35 to reach the finals, where the Warriors posted a 59-45 victory.

Mr. Hustle was Crew Stephens of

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025 Versatile. Stephens and teammate JaQuan Harris were named to the all-tournament, as were Michael Moses and Jace Marchand of the Mission Rams. White Swan had the MVP in Lance Otis Jr., while Isaiah Garcia and McKinley Lee were named to the all-tournament team.

9-11 Girls

The five-team bracket offered impressive play on the court, with the Miss Chiefs walking away with the title.

They opened the tournament with a 31-0 win over the Mission Rams, then topped Raider Nation 51-41.

Raider Nation dropped into the consolation bracket, where it beat Lady Cats 35-10 to earn another shot at Miss Chiefs for the title.

Miss Chiefs ran the table, beating Raider Nation 50-24 for the title and the coveted jackets.

Caysee Eneas of Miss Chiefs was the tournament MVP, with teammates Spencer Green and Arica Rickman named to the alltournament team.

Also on the all-tournament team were Kendall PaKootas and Lainey Chaney of Raider Nation.

Chaney was named Miss Hustle.

The Lady Cats, who finished third, had Peyton Smith and Cairi Williams on the all-tournament team.

6-8 Co-ed

This is where the fun begins.

These are athletes who want to be just as good as the high school players, put in the work, and some have mad skills.

The Little Cats came out on top of this division, never really being challenged until the finals.

They opened with a 37-11 win over Warm Springs, followed by a 38-4 win over the Little Squirts. In

BOYS 9-11 CHAMPS: Warm Springs Warriors

the semifinals, the Little Cats beat the Running Rebels 54-13.

The Running Rebels, who dropped to the consolation bracket, beat Helix 23-11 to advance to the finals, where the Little Cats came out on top 36-28.

Helix, which lost its opening game to the Running Rebels, won two consolation bracket games — 29-13 over the Thunderbirds, and picked up a forfeit from the Weavers — to meet the Rebels once again.

The MVP for the age group was Gio Villacencio of the Little Cats.

Miss Hustle was Brea Van Pelt of the Little Cats, and Mr. Hustle was Jamison Nunez of the Running Rebels.

Named to the all-tournament team were Joey Zimmerman (Little Cats), Posadion Aleck and Scarlett Shock of the Running Rebels, and Hales Corey and Bailey Peters of Helix, which finished third.

Co-Ed 6-8 CHAMPS: Little Cats

TEAM PHOTOS COURTESY JULIE TAYLOR | DCFS INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS BY KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

GIRLS 9-11 CHAMPS: Miss Chiefs

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GAME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

other reservations to try and kick it off. We just tried to get that going. We both got jobs outside of community and it’s been a few years since we’ve played. After he passed, we decided to pick the sticks back up. To watch Lindsey go from a fifth grader to a twosport athlete (she also plays on the Whitman soccer team) at a prestigious college is wonderful.”

The three-day event drew upwards of 30 people the first couple of days, with that number increasing for the final day.

“We had gone earlier in the week, and that led to Robby’s service and the addition of Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse,” Whitman coach Chris Duncan said. “We always preach lacrosse should be fun. It was all volunteer on the part of the girls since it was spring break. The girls who were here made it. They had fun, and it was fun to see.”

The Whitman women’s program, which is celebrating its 10th season, has helped the CTUIR program from day 1, starting 10 years ago, with coach Kate Robinson.

Pasena-Littlesky said it meant a lot to her that her teammates were willing to help out.

“What’s even more awesome, is that they said it was the most fun they have had playing lacrosse,” said Pasena-Littlesky, who is majoring in politics and environmental studies. “This was the way it was for me growing up. My teammates have done a good job bringing me into modern lacrosse, it has been an exchange of knowledge playing the traditional style. I grew up playing with a wooden shaft and men’s rules. In college, I had to learn to play with a women’s stick and by the women’s rules.”

Lacrosse and Indigenous culture Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports, with roots that date back to the early 12th century, with different variations of the game.

Nicholi Mayfield participates in a drill March 26 during one of the Robby Bill Memorial Kalish Lacrosse Spring Break Clinics in Mission.

Thunder BadWarrior, Timinah Ellenwood and Lael Moses battle for the ball on March 26 during one of the Robby Bill Memorial Kalish Lacrosse Spring Break Clinics in Mission. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

The game has deep spiritual roots that originated with Indigenous peoples. Gifted to them by the Creator, lacrosse is more than just a game.

Some games were to settle inter-tribal disputes, others were to prepare young warriors for battle, some were part of festivals and for religious purposes.

In the 1600s, French missionaries were the first to witness the games and gave it the name lacrosse.

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, played lacrosse in Canada, and his experience with the game influenced the game of basketball.

“That is a reason we gravitated toward it,” Watchman said of the game’s Indigenous ties. “When the Europeans came, they were playing in Canada. It has been a while since we have picked up the sticks. There is a spirit in that stick. It’s hard to explain.”

Duncan said Pasena-Littlesky and fellow Whitman student Adriana Myers (Choctaw) have helped educate the Whitman College Blues lacrosse team on the history of the game.

“We shared our experiences with them,” Pasena-Littlesky

said. “She grew up playing stick ball, [which is] similar to lacrosse with the same teachings. You play with a clear mind. It’s a physical way to connect to your people and the earth. It’s really important that we have a good spirit when we play. That is something that Robby taught me. The stick is an extension of your spirit. I transferred that knowledge to my teammates. We have had such good team play since then.”

Pasena-Littlesky, who is in her third year of playing for the Blues, surpassed the 100-point mark for her career earlier this season.

Jolyne Salt attempts a shot on goal on March 26 during one of the Robby Bill Memorial Kalish Lacrosse Spring Break Clinics in Mission.

“She’s a playmaker,” Duncan said. “She plays with a passion and a purpose.”

Just like she was taught.

Nila Mayfield carries ball in the pocket of her lacrosse stick during one of the Robby Bill Memorial Kalish Lacrosse Spring Break Clinics. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

14 Announcements

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

Embrace Purposeful Living

We believe that every moment counts and every experience matters. Live with meaning and thrive with joy at McKay Creek Assisted Living. Offering assisted living, our residents pursue their passions and explore their interests in a vibrant community.

Experience the joy of our community!

We invite you to dine with our residents and explore our community with a personal tour.

McKayCreekAL.com

Contact our team today.

1601 Southgate Place Pendleton, OR 97801 Tel: 541-276-1987

Announcements 15

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

IN REMEMBERANCE Anthony “Walúulapam” Bonifer March 24, 1992 – March 2, 2025

Anthony “Walúulapam” David Bonifer, a beloved member of the Nixyáawii, Pendleton, and rodeo communities, passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 32.

Anthony is survived by his wife Claudia Bonifer; their children, Ricky and Sophia Bonifer; his parents, Randy and Suzanne Bonifer; his brother, Jerimiah (Mindy) Bonifer; his sister, Cecelia (Nick) Lyon; and his grandfather, Wallace Enos.

Anthony was born on March 24, 1992, in Pendleton, Oregon, to Randy and Suzanne Bonifer. He graduated from Pendleton High School in 2010, showcasing his athletic skill on both the football field and basketball courts.

Anthony treasured his time with family and friends spent on Nch’i-Wána “The Big River” and in the mountains, where he cherished fishing, hunting, and exercising treaty rights.

In 2020, Anthony and Claudia exchanged vows, and in 2014 and 2017, they welcomed their children, Ricky and Sophia, into their lives. Anthony was incredibly proud to be a father and could be seen encouraging Ricky and Sophia in their activities. The whole family spent time fishing and hunting together.

Anthony was a skilled carpenter who dedicated himself to becoming a journeyman carpenter, working on various projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.

He possessed an unwavering passion for everything he undertook. His infectious smile was a con-stant source of joy for those who knew him.

Anthony was deeply passionate about maintaining his fitness, and pursuing bull riding, where he made a significant impact on and with his rodeo family.

Anthony was widely respected for his ability to stay disciplined and focused on his goals, while also actively supporting the aspirations of his peers. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who ever shared a moment with him.

Douglas Eugene Wilson

February 21, 1942 – March12, 2025 Douglas Eugene Wilson, 83, born on February 21, 1942 walked on to be with the Creator March 12, 2025.

He was a Native American artist whose artwork is all over the world.

He was a proud member of the Walla Walla, Cayuse, Umatilla tribe in Pendleton Oregon. He was also proud of his 47 years of sobriety through AA. He loved to ride electric trikes around Marietta and loved our quaint little city with the cobblestone streets. He also loved going to Pow Wows.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie McNutt and their cats – Princess Dirtball, who loved him dearly, along with Butterscotch, Peppy and Little Big Man. Also Jess Archer, Desmond, and Gus; Noah Archer, Brandy and Walter; Tom Archer, Sammy Peng, Clara and Beau. His sister Joan Lane

and Gary and brother David Singh (Cheryl), and several aunts and uncles and cousins on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Pendleton, Oregon.

Doug was proceeded in death by his parents Sherman and Belva Thompson Wilson and brothers Sherman and Donny.

A memorial gathering of friends will take place at a later date. You are welcome to offer prayers and masses or donate to the MOV humane society.

In Loving Memory of Matthew S. Farrow Sr. “Sikam Hiwsáatu”

March 15, 1950 – March 5, 2025 He devoted his whole life to serving his people and his country.

“Matt, Hoss, Sr., Brother, Gramps, Pops” we will never forget you.

To all those that helped with services, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Calvin Dean Jones

March 19, 1956 – February 28, 2025 Calvin Dean Jones, 68, passed away February 28, 2025. He was born March 19, 1956 in Pendleton, Oregon.

Alta Jeanne Brigham Kelley July 18, 1931 – March 22, 2025

Alta Jeanne Brigham Kelley of Milton-Freewater, Oregon passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on March 22,2025 at her home per her request. She was born in LaGrande, Oregon July18, 1931 to John Robert Brigham and Nancy Emily Casteel She was proceeded in death by all her family members.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie, Kathy, Jana, Tricia, Joni, Judi, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, gardening in her flower garden, knitting, crocheting, reading all novel books, volunteering and spending time at the Milton-Freewater Senior Center with dear friends.

A dressing ceremony and viewing was held March 4 at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton. Washat service followed at the Mission Longhouse.

Graveside service was held March 5 followed by interment at Agency Cemetery.

There will be a private invitationonly graveside service. There will be a celebration of Life from 2-5 on April 28 for family and friends at the Milton-Freewater Senior Center. In leu of flowers her wish would be a donation to the Milton-Freewater Senior Center.

She will be deeply missed by everyone.

16 Announcements

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

CTUIR HOUSING STATUTES REMINDER

13.052 VICIOUS DOGS It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, own or maintain a *Vicious Dog, as defined in section 13.010(7) of the CTUIR statutes in the Mission Dog Control Area. Any Vicious Dog found in the Mission Dog Control Area shall be immediately seized and destroyed.

It is not reasonable for Housing Department to allow an unlawful breed of dog to reside within its residential units, which is within the Mission Dog Control Area.

No unlawful breeds are allowed, for any reason.

Housing will enforce its lease agreement and policies, as well as the CTUIR Code, if a tenant is suspected of or is known to have a “vicious breed” dog, by contacting the tenant informing the owner to rehome the dog. This includes any dogs on a previous lease agreement addendum for pets or service animals. *Vicious Dogs means a pure bred or any degree mixed breed Pit Bull, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Wolf hybrids.

It is the sole responsibility of the dog owner to take the most effective and humane action to rehome a dog.

Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS): 541-276-0818

New Hope for Eastern Oregon Animals Baker City: 541-403-2710

Humane Society of Eastern Oregon Hermiston: 541-564-6222

Blue Mountain Humane Society Walla Walla: 509-525-2452

Fuzzball Animal Rescue Hermiston: 541-371-2007

Benton Franklin Humane Society Kennewick: 509-374-4235

This shelter information is not a referral, and does not indicate the ability to assist anyone.

For more information contact the Housing Office at 541-429-7920 or housing@ctuir.org

Announcements 17

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

WE ARE HIRING

www.ctuir.org/career-opportunities/

18 Announcements

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

BIRTHDAYS: 2nd: Jace Morris 3rd: Jakoby Van Pelt 4th: Krew James Meyer - 1st!

5th: KC Picard 6th: Quanah Picard 8th: Chenoah Begay, Abner Quaempts and Akira Wheeler 10th: Jayden Van Pelt 11th: Bambi Rodriguez and Andrew Onefrei 12th: Louie Quaempts, Lisa Marsh and Allis Simmons 15th: Jordyn Lebedev 16th: Michelle Shippentower and Isabella Guitierrez 17th: Luke Anderson 18th: Iosefa Brigham - Sweet 16!

20th: Ezra Squimphen 21st: Peighton Campbell - quarter of a century!

22nd: Michael Eickstaedt 23rd: Kelsey Burns 24th: Robin Marsh, Isaac Kash Kash, Ella Stewart and Jaelyn Rodriguez 26th: DQ, Jr., Marcellus Scott and D’Andre Rodrigues 27th: Caitlyn Gillpatrick 28th: Kathryn Morrison and Raymond Harrison ANNIVERSARY: 21st: Sherry Barrett Anderson & Nate Anderson

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | APRIL 2025