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JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 34 ISSUE 1 CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL The monthly newspaper of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | Pendleton, Oregon cuj.ctuir.org

Appeals New royalty continues tradition court sides with Tribes 2022 rule change to legal definition of “fish passage” overturned

See COURT RULING, page A5

Happy Canyon princesses MyaLyn Mills, left, and Manaia Wolf, are followed by 2026 Round-Up Court Queen Olivia Corbett, Princesses Cora Habein and Dakota McLoughlin during the grand entry for CTUIR's Christmas Celebration on Dec. 27, 2025 at the Nixyawaii Longhouse in Mission. For more pictures, see page A3 and A9. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

A view from Nixyawaii Longhouse on Dec. 27, 2025, during the CTUIR's Annual Christmas Celebration. DALLAS DICK/The CUJ

Annual Christmas Celebration at Nixywaaii Longhouse brings together friends old and new. See more photos on page A3

CTUIR 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

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

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Arrowhead to begin alcohol sales Travel plaza will sell beer, wine, hard cider and hard seltzer

History of alcohol at ATP ¡ ¢ £ ¤ ¥ ¦ ¡ § ¡ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¢ ¦ ¦ ¨ ¨ ©

An employee looks inside the Arrowhead Travel Plaza’s (ATP) beer cave. The ATP will begin selling packaged beer, wine, hard cider and hard seltzer in early January, officials said. WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO

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EDITOR’S NOTE...Clarification:

PUBLISHER: Kaeleen McGuire kaeleenmcguire@ctuir.org

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.

20th of the month prior to publication. The CUJ prints on the first Thursday of each month.

One Year: $15 Two Years: $28

REPORTER: Vacant

Confederated Umatilla Journal 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 EMAIL: cuj@ctuir.org PHONE: 541-429-7005

ADVERTISING: M. Moses-Conner cuj@ctuir.org

EMAIL ADVERTISING, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS TO:

INTERIM EDITOR: Travis Snell

ABOUT THE CUJ

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.

CONTRIBUTORS: Kathy Aney Dallas Dick Annie Fowler Lee Gavin Wil Phinney Travis Snell Aaron Wooden Sammantha McCloud

cuj@ctuir.org

ADVERTISING DEADLINE:

For more information or daily news, visit the CUJ online at:

cuj.ctuir.org

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A reason to celebrate From left, Tysen Williams, Lawrence Johnson, and Amadeo Tewee get down during the Christmas Celebration on Dec. 27 in Mission, Oregon. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

Bobbie Conner enjoys the festivities with her nephew, Elliot Gottfriedson, who is holding his son at the CTUIR Christmas Celebration on Dec. 27, marking a joyful moment shared across generations. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

From left, Annie Payer, Abby Kordatsky and Luka Worden dance with grace in the teen girls traditional category. DALLAS DICK/CUJ

DANCE COMPETITION RESULTS FRIDAY, DEC. 26 Golden Age Women

1. Carla Timenetwa, Kamiah 2. Patricia Heemsaw, Toppenish 3. Trina Sherwood, Wapato Golden Age Men 1. Samuel Miller, Yakama 2. Carlos Calica, Warm Springs 3. Brian George, Yakama Jingle & Shawl 12 & Under

1. Selin Bisbee, Lewiston 2. Trina Black, Eugene 3. Joleen Spencer, Toppenish FRYBREAD POWER IN 2026! Happy Canyon Princesses Manaia Wolf and MyaLyn Mills share a laugh during a break at the longhouse. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

Fancy & Grass 12 & Under

1. Attii Blackhorn, Navajo 2. Jason John, Umatilla 3. Terry Jones, Umatilla

Junior Traditional Girls 7-12

1. Hailey Heemsaw, Toppenish 2. Adrena McJoe, Yakama 3. Hazel Quaempts, Umatilla

Junior Traditional Boys 7-12

1. Hunter White Wolf, Lapwai 2. Taminah Ellenwood, Umatilla 3. Alex Allen, Lapwai Jingle & Shawl 13 & Older

1. Carol Melting Tallow, Alberta, Canada 2. Vivian Wallsee, Yakama 3. Aurelia Johnson, Umatilla Fancy & Grass 13 & Older ABOVE: Eric Broncheau joins a circle dance after grand entry on Dec. 27. DALLAS DICK/CUJ LEFT: Happy Canyon President, Casey Hunt, speaks during the Christmas celebration at the Longhouse. To the right of Hunt are Happy Canyon Directors Becky Waggoner and Ray Baker. DALLAS DICK/CUJ

1. Xavier Melting Tallow, Alberta, Canada; 2. Ian Mitchell, Toppenish 3. Garion McDonald, Umatilla Teen Traditional Girls 13-17

1. Abby Kordatsky, Umatilla 2. Kateri Jackson, White Swan 3. Luka Worden, Umatilla

Teen Traditional Boys 13-17

1. Deandre Thomas, Idaho 2. Richard Starr, Toppenish 3. Hunter White Plume, Lapwai

Adult Traditional Women 18-54

1. Kerri Kordatsky, Umatilla 2. Kola Shippentower-Thompson, Umatilla 3. Abigail White Plume, Lapwai Adult Traditional Men 18-54

1. Sydney John, Wapato 2. Lowell Pierre, Umatilla 3. Wilbur Oatman, Umatilla

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 Golden Age Women:

1. Jackie Barkley, Umatilla 2. Carla Timentwa, Yakama 3. Arleen George, Toppenish Golden Age Men:

1. Bill Timentwa, Lapwai 2. Brian George, Wapato 3. Phill Allen, Lapwai Tiny Tot – Girls:

1. Joleen Spencer, Lapwai 2. Mavis Mata, Umatilla 3. Ivory Picard Tiny Tot – Boys:

1. Tinun Two Moons 2. Courage White Plume 3. Dalton Craig, Umatilla Jingle & Shawl 12 & Under:

1. Celine Bisbee, Lapwai 2. Taylor Van Pelt, Umatilla 3. Adrena McJoe, Yakama

Junior Traditional Boys 7-12:

1. Alex Allen, Lapwai 2. Hunter White Wolf 3. Samuel Shippentower, Umatilla

Jingle & Shawl 13 & Older:

1. Imani Benson-Sherwood, Wapato 2. Ollie Rae Jackson, White Swan 3. Aurelia Johnson, Burns Fancy & Grass 13 & Older:

1. Sunny Walsey, Yakama 2. Ian Mitchell, Toppenish 3. Moses Walsey, Yakama

Teen Traditional Girls 13-17:

1. Candace Whiteplume, Lapwai 2. Kateri Jackson, White Swan, 3. Annie Payer, Goldendale Teen Traditional Boys 13-17:

1. Hiyuum Nowland, Umatilla, 2. Rocky Lloyd, Toppenish 3. Deandre Thomas, Plummer Adult Traditional Women 18-54:

1. Layla Sohappy, Umatilla 2. Tyra Hendrickson, Umatilla 3. Kerry Kordatsky, Umatilla Adult Traditional Men 18-54:

1. Herschel Williamson, Kamiah 2. Brian Adams, Yakama 3. Sage Lone Bear, Lapwai

Fancy & Grass 12 & Under:

Traditional Duck & Dive & Sneak Up Special:

Junior Traditional Girls 7-12:

Pah-tla-pa Dance Ladies Special:

1. Taminah Ellenwood, Umatilla 2. Attii Blackhorn, Eugene 3. Samuel Shippentower, Umatilla 1. Hailey Heemsaw, Toppenish, 2. Hazel Quaempts, Umatilla 3. Adrena McJoe, Yakama

1. Rusty McCloud, Yakama 2. George Meninick Jr., Yakama 3. Elliot Gottfriedson, Umatilla 1. Mildred Quaempts, Umatilla 2. Wilma Walsey, Yakama 3. Cinncee Washakie, Fort Hall

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The General Council values your feedback

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Bates receives Oregon ICWA Warrior Award

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Have your say. THE CUJ WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS AT

cuj@ctuir.org

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Celebration Committee gives thanks

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

COURT RULING continued from Page A1 ¡ £ § ± § ª ¨ § ¥

Jamarr Breazeake-Minthorn, Fisheries Technician, holds a salmon at the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Imtwaha Fish Hatchery in Walla Walla, Washington. In a win for the CTUIR, the Oregon Court of Appeals in late November overturned a state rule that weakened protections for migratory fish such as salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and lamprey. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

“By minimizing the need to handle fish, we minimize the risk of injury, delay, operational and staffing cost, and create a more efficient and effective environment for passage, protection, and restoration efforts.” — JERIMIAH BONIFER, CTUIR Fisheries Program Manager

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BOT Chair thanks voters for support and trust

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Arrest made in burglary at Tamástslikt Israel Rivera Delgado is also suspected of stealing a Bureau of Indian Affairs truck

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WESLEY JONES: No new information on missing elder ¶ ¥ ¦ ¦ ® ¥

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation member Wesley Dixon Jones, shown here with his daughters Twila Jones, left, and Molly Jones, has been missing since Oct. 5.

MOLLY JONES / CONTRIBUTED

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Pizer may have additional victims FBI believes Pizer may have contacted or abused other minors, both on and off the reservation

Aaron Pizer ¦ § ¡ ¡ ¦ ¦ ¦ ®

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Man sentenced for possession and child endangerment Guadalupe Escamilla, 63, was arrested by UTPD at Wildhorse in 2023 ª ¡ ¦

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Man sentenced for role in murder of Rosenda Strong Andrew Norris Zack will serve three years after pleading guilty to accessory after the fact

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Local actress visits home UIR Elaine Miles emcees the CTUIR's Employee Appreciation Banquet

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“Never let people tell you that you can’t do it, because you can. If you have it in your heart you can do anything you want.” ELAINE MILES,

CTUIR member and actress

CTUIR member Elaine Miles kicks off the 2025 Employee Appreciation Banquet on Dec. 12 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Miles returned home to emcee the event and visit family and friends. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Blue is the moment

Sydney John won the adult traditional men's contest Friday, Dec. 26, at the CTUIR Christmas Celebration. DALLAS DICK/CUJ

Julianah Matamoros, one of many participants in the Pah-tia-pa dance ladies special organized by the CTUIR Celebration Committee, takes part in the event at the Longhouse in Mission, Oregon. DALLAS DICK/CUJ

JANUARY 2026

C U LTU R A L I N S T I TUT E

We wish you the best in 2026 and look forward to bringing you more amazing exhibits and interesting events!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 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!

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A10

Enrolled members of New Year, New Credit recognized tribes exempt Credit Repair 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started from SNAP work rules People living on certain waived tribal lands are also exempt, even if they are not an enrolled tribal member or descendant

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What changed £ ¡ ® ¨ ¡¦ ¦ ¦ ¨

What people with ABAWD status must do £ ¨ ¨ £ £ £

What people should do now § ¥ ¨ ¦ ¡ ¦ º £

What Is Credit Repair?

Why Your Credit Score Matters ¯ § ® ® ¼ ¶ ½ ¯ ¾ ½ ½ ½

Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports £ ® ¶ £ ¯ ¶ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½

Step 2: Dispute Inaccuracies ¯ ¶ ½ ½

Step 3: Handle Legitimate Debt Strategically ¶ ½ ½ ½ ½

Step 4: Monitor and Maintain ¯ ¼ ® ¥

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A11

USDA supports project with $25M loan Blue Mountain Flour Mill expected to generate 15-20 jobs on completion

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Construction on the Blue Mountain Flour Mill project continues on Dec. 16 at the Coyote Business Park on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The project is expected to generate 15-20 jobs when completed in late 2026. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

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JANUARY IS FOR KINGS FUN FACT: January manages to honor a civil rights icon and the King of Rock’n Roll in the same month.

Up to $7,500 : 8.50% APR/OAC* (48mo) $7,501—$10k : 8.75% APR/OAC* (60mo) $10,001—$15k : 9.75% APR/OAC* (60mo) $15,001—$20k : 10% APR/OAC* (60mo)

Rates & terms are subject to change without notice

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A12

BISON SEASON UPDATES

You could be the

Lucky Winner! Shop January 1–31 and enter to win a

Valentine’s Date Night at Wildhorse Resort & Casino!

Movie Passes and Concessions for Two $100 Dining Two-Night Hotel Stay (Sunday–Thursday)

Drawing Monday, February 2 Winner announced on Arrowhead’s Facebook page.

SAVE 5¢ WITH ARROWHEAD’S REWARDS ON THE REZ PROGRAM!

FILE PHOTO CUJ

Bison Hunt Season Reminders

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KCUW 104.1 FM

541.276.8080 • PENDLETON, OR • I - 84, Exit 216

NEXT TO WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO Must be 18 or older to enter drawing. Management reserves the right to alter, suspend or withdraw offer/promotion at any time. Owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

CAT16015-2

Good radio lives here.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A13

CTUIR awarded state funds for development of housing for tribal veterans and elders Approximately $4.9 million will be used to build 17 units in the Nixyáawii Neighborhood

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“Securing this first-time state funding positions us to deliver 17 new lowincome housing units for our veterans and elders, something our community has needed for a long time.” MARCUS LUKE, Housing Department director

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A14

Deadline looms for national CTUIR co-hosts Northwest Fish Culture Concepts meeting blanket design contest Submissions must be received by Jan. 15

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“Each student’s design is a reflection of personal story and heritage, and we are grateful to play a part in honoring their artistry and supporting their lasting legacy.” BOB CHRISTNACHT, Pendleton Woolen Mills

Merkle Kirk, an education and outreach assistant with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Wenix Red Elk, DNR public education and outreach specialist, man the CTUIR First Foods table while talking to two attendees of the Northwest Fish Culture Concepts (NWFCC) meeting Dec. 9-11 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. SAMMANTHA MCCLOUD/CUJ

NWFCC focuses on advancing fish culture practices, conservation and collaboration © ¶«« « « £ § ¶ ¸ ¼ ¸ ¶ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

A15

Wildhorse Foundation gives grant to falls trust The grant will help strengthen tribal outreach for future public access at Willamette Falls.

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Shown are the Willamette Falls near Oregon City. The Wildhorse Foundation in December gave the Willamette Falls Trust a $5,000 grant to support tribal outreach across the Pacific Northwest. TRAVIS SNELL/CUJ

Cayuse Holdings welcomes Hamilton to Board of Directors

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GOT NEWS? EMAIL:

cuj@ctuir.org

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A16

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 34 ISSUE 1

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Students learn deer processing DNR employees show Sunridge middle-schoolers how to skin, gut, cut and cook a mule deer

Andrew Wildbill, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Program manager, begins cutting a mule deer on Dec. 11 at the Nixyáawii Longhouse. Watching him are students from Sunridge Middle School as they learned how to process a deer. At left is Ira Ashley, Wildlife Program technician who assisted with the project. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

See STUDENTS, page B6

Hawtmi to serve as honor drum at TCOC Powwow Third annual event planned for Feb. 27-28 and March 1 in Pendleton

Singers from the Hawtmi drum group at the 2025 Two Cultures One Community Powwow in February at the Pendleton Convention Center. TERRI CARNES/CONTRIBUTED

“We hope and pray we can teach them the right way, praying they take these songs and teachings farther than we did.” — MATT FARROW, Hawtmi singer

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See HAWTMI, page B8

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Youth Councils sworn into office

Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Senior and Junior Youth Leadership Councils take their oaths of office on Dec. 3 at the Nixyáawii Governance Center. The councils teach area CTUIR youth about tribal governance, offer them a voice in the CTUIR government and to network with their peers as well as develop leadership skills.

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TRAVIS SNELL/CUJ

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Tribes, scientists and conservationists gather for lamprey Conference focused on passage behavior, monitoring techniques and restoration efforts

“This is important for increasing awareness of Pacific lamprey and restoration needs throughout their range and converting the awareness into on the ground actions to support restoration.”

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Displaced fish and people ¡ ª ® ª

LAURIE PORTER, Lac Courte Oreilles/Ojibwe Members of the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative (PLCI) planning committee hold a Pacific lamprey cloth replica provided by the Oregon Metro as a display and example of interactive tools for outreach. J. GAVIN/CRITFIC

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Reconnection to place part of repairing ecosystems § § ¯ ª

Cultural significance

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Four TigerScots named to BMC first team

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Congratulations to our

Employee of the Month

December Employees of the Month!

Weston-McEwen’s A’Tish Williams, Cason Pettyjohn, Colby Perkins and Jace Dunlap were named to the Blue Mountain Conference first team. Photo courtesy of Weston-McEwen Booster Club

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BLUE MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE DEFENSE

OFFENSE

Defensive back — Osmin Barrera, sr. Riverside; Colby Perkins, jr., WestonMcEwen; Tripp Stewart, jr., Heppner; Baryon Huerta, sr., Grant Union.

Receiver — Quentin Arellano, jr., Enterprise; Colby Crowell, sr., Riverside; Tripp Stewart, jr., Heppner.

FIRST TEAM

Linebacker — Nate Cameron, jr., Enterprise; A’Tish Williams, sr., Weston-McEwen; Alakae Rodriguez, jr., Heppner; Caleb George, sr., Heppner. Defensive line — Ryder Tomasini, sr., Enterprise; Jace Dunlap, sr., WestonMcEwen; Landon McMahon, sr., Heppner; Ryan Haugen, sr., Heppner. Punter— Landyn Beil, jr., Grant Union.

SECOND TEAM Defensive back — Luke Patterson, jr., Enterprise; Brody Parrish, jr., Irrigon.

Virginia Woodbury

Brion Childs

Strategic Communications Manager

Service Desk Agent

Support Team

Government Team

Join our team Wishing you a

Linebacker — Colton Akers, jr., Irrigon; Colby Crowell, sr., Riverside; Jonathan Leighty, jr., Weston-McEwen; Keaton Coiner, jr., Heppner; Landyn Beil, jr., Grant Union. Defensive line — Hunter Martin, sr., Enterprise; Dylan Harper-Kestler, sr., Irrigon; Cason Pettyjohn, sr., WestonMcEwen; Owen Guerra, sr., Heppner. Punter — Jace Dunlap, sr., WestonMcEwen.

HONORABLE MENTION Linebacker — Cody Johnson, so., Irrigon; Michael White, jr., WestonMcEwen; Fletcher Grove, jr., Grant Union; Wyatt Harris, sr., Stanfield. Defensive line — Jayden Weller, sr., Enterprise; Everett Vardanega, jr., Grant Union.

CTUIR Enrolled Members, please email jobs@cayusess.com and indicate you are a CTUIR citizen to be considered for current and upcoming jobs.

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Punter — Alakae Rodriguez, jr., Heppner; Colton Akers, jr., Irrigon.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Isaac Bedard, jr., Enterprise. Offensive line — Henry Stagily, sr., Enterprise; Carlos Mendoza, jr., Irrigon; Cason Pettyjohn, sr., Weston-McEwen; Landon McMahon, sr., Heppner; Owen Guerra, sr., Heppner; Taylor Thomas, sr., Grant Union. Running back — Nate Cameron, jr., Enterprise; Alakae Rodriguez, jr., Heppner; Caleb George, sr., Heppner. Kicker — Landyn Beil, jr., Grant Union.

SECOND TEAM Receiver — Jayden Weller, sr., Enterprise; Michael White, jr., WestonMcEwen; Keaton Coiner, jr., Heppner. Quarterback — Caylan Proudfoot, jr., Heppner. Offensive line — Dylan Harper-Kestler, sr., Irrigon; Fernando Medina, sr., Riverside. Running back — Jace Dunlap, sr., Weston-McEwen; A’Tish Williams, sr., Weston-McEwen; Osmin Barrera, sr., Riverside. Kicker — Alakae Rodriguez, jr., Heppner.

HONORABLE MENTION Receiver — Jeremias Calvillo, jr., Riverside; JJ Phillips, sr., Grant Union; Dan Mendez, sr., Stanfield. Quarterback — Colby Perkins, jr., Weston-McEwen; Rowdy Wilson, jr., Grant Union. Running back — Cody Johnson, so., Irrigon; Landyn Beil, jr., Grant Union; Wyatt Harris, sr., Stanfield; Noah Morton, sr., Stanfield. Kicker — Brody Parrish, jr., Irrigon.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

PSD recognizes Native students

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Rylee Broncheau, Braelyn Thornton, Kinley Jackson and Kezbah Wildbill of Washington Elementary School

Samuel Arthur and Jones Parsons of Sherwood Elementary School

Naveah Moore and Sophie Wilson of Nixyáawii Community School

Henry Corona and Lael Moses of Pendleton Early Learning Center

Kamia Dick and Ella Lamere of Pendleton High School

Photos by Sammantha McCloud

Jesse Bevis, Wyatt Tallek Palek and Dazha Joseph of Sunridge Middle School

Pendleton School District Superintendent Michelle Jensen and McKay Creek Elementary Principal Anne Sokoloski honor McKay student AuryAunna Shining Star with a certificate of achievement on Dec. 8 at Washington Elementary School in Pendleton.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

STUDENTS continued from Page B1

Andrew Wildbill, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Program manager, prepares to slice into a mule deer as Sunridge Middle School students watch and ready themselves to cut into the deer as well.

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Avery Jones, Indian Education coordinator at Sunridge Middle School (SMS), takes pictures of SMS students putting deer meat on a pit at the Nixyáawii Longhouse on Dec. 11 as part of a deer processing instruction in which the school and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation collaborated.

“I want to hunt, so I wanted to participate in this so I can skin a deer and all that stuff. I loved this. I loved cutting the meat, and they let us feel thew bones, too.” JUSTIN ANDERSON, Sunridge Middle School sixth grader

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Photos by Lee Gavin for The CUJ

Sunridge Middle School students put deer meat on a firepit at the Nixyáawii Longhouse on Dec. 11.

CTUIR Board of Trustees

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Kansas Native American tribe embroiled in turmoil over deal to design ICE facilities Prairie Band Potawatomi want to exit contract signed in October

“We know our Indian reservations were the government’s first attempts at detention centers. So we must ask ourselves why we would ever participate in something that mirrors the harm and trauma once done to our people.”

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JOSEPH “ZEKE” RUPNICK, Prairie Band Potawatomi Chair A sign on a road off of US Highway 75 welcomes motorists to the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation, outside Mayetta, Kansas, on Dec. 11, 2025. John Hanna/AP

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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, where residents pursue their passions and explore their interests in a vibrant community. Visit McKayCreekAL.com or call 541-612-8213 to schedule your visit or speak with an advisor today.

1601 Southgate Place Pendleton, OR 97801

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Crow’s Shadow releases new lithographs Cannupa Hanska Luger created new works during residency in 2024

Cannupa Hanska Luger

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“The Illustrated Adventures of Lightning” by Cannupa Hanska Luger at the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts. CONTRIBUTED

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HAWTMI continued from Page B1 ¡ ¡

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TWO CULTURES, ONE COMMUNITY POWWOW ²§ ² §

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

TigerScots are off to a hot start

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CUTLINE. PHOTOGRAPHER / PUBLICATION

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Pacific University the next stop for W-M’s Weseman

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Weston-McEwen’s Tristan Weseman long jumps on April 2, 2025, at the Pendleton Quad Meet. Weseman took fourth with a jump of 18 feet, 8 inches. KATHY ANEY/CUJ FILE PHOTO

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UTPD, DCFS team up for ‘Shop with a Cop’ CTUIR entities help nine tribal families shop for Christmas gifts

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Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) Officer Daniel McGuire follows the child he was paired with for the “Shop with a Cop” event on Dec. 13 at the Pendleton Walmart.

“It’s always a great feeling to see smiles on the faces of these children that are being provided gifts, not only for themselves, but their family members living in the households,” JON LEHMAN, UTPD administrative sergeant

Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) Officer Hans Mueller shops with a family on Dec. 13 at Walmart in Pendleton as part of the annual “Shop with a Cop” event. ¥

All photos contributed by Pendleton Police Department

Lead Investigator Tony Barnett of the Umatilla Tribal Police Department shops with a child at Walmart on Dec. 13 in Pendleton.

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Senators demand answers from ICE on racial profiling, refusal to accept tribal ID cards Letter from Oregon Sens. Wyden and Merkley cites reported abuses of CTUIR member

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Senator Ron Wyden

Senator Jeff Merkley

“We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented.” Letter from Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley

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LAMPREY continued from Page B3 ¡ ¡ ¡

Scientific research and policy discussions ª

“The connections I’ve made and the knowledge I’m bringing back will help others, inside and outside our communities, continue the sacred work the elders began.” — CHRISTINA KALTSUKIS (Yakama), PLCI Tribal Engagement and Relations Coordination Intern

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‘Undammed: Freeing Rivers and Bringing Communities to Life’ Tara Lohan writes about dam removal projects ¢ ª ¢ ®

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‘Investing in regenerative and organic is not a political stance’: Agrifood reacts to USDA’s regen pilot program Responses to USDA’s $700 million program highlight the many nuances involved

²¯ ¡ The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it aims to lower farmer production costs for regenerative practices and “advance” the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS/CONTRIBUTED “The tribe will benefit greatly by protecting water and soil. Building back soils will increase production and lead to lower fertilizer and chemical uses.” — BILL TOVEY, CTUIR Department of Economic and Community Development Director ¥ ‘Faster pathways’ to regen practices for farmers ¡ ® ® ¢ ª ´ ª ® ¡ ¡ ª « « ‘A significant step, but . . .’ ¡ ª ª ¡ ¡ ª ® ¡ Progress is there. « So are chemicals ¢ « ª ¢ ¡ ² ²£

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Employees honored for service

30 YEARS OF SERVICE: Board of Trustees Chair N. Kathryn Brigham, second from left, presented gifts to employees Tami Rochelle, Paul Rabb, Helen Morrison, Eric Quaempts, Becky Burke and Kate Ely.

25 YEARS OF SERVICE, from left: Stacy Schumacher, Richard Lyons, Audie Huber, Ryan Sams and Keysha Ashley. Presenting gifts to them was Trustee Toby Patrick.

20 YEARS OF SERVICE, from left: Brandie Weaskus, Robert Van Pelt, Clifford Stanger, Troy Rodriguez, Stephanie Olsen, Babette Cowapoo and Gary Burke. Board of Trustees Vice Chair Aaron Ashley, far right, presented the employees with their gifts. 15 YEARS OF SERVICE, from left: Randall Minthorn, Gerald Middel, Terri Carnes, Christopher Dennett and Timothy Addleman. General Council Chairman Lindsey X. Watchman, far right, presented their gifts.

10 YEARS OF SERVICE, from left: Mason Murphy, Lyle Morris, Warren Moses, Kristen Conner, Kathryn McKay, Matt Johnson, Damien Totus, Kris Fischer, Lindsay Chiono and Anton Chiono. Presenting them with their gifts was Board of Trustees Treasurer Raymond Huesties, far right.

PHOTOS BY LEE GAVIN

Trustee Lisa Ganuelas, left, congratulates employees who were recognized for five years at the CTUIR. They were, from right of Ganuelas, Chris Rose, Ian Sampson, Irma Totus, Gabriel Jones, Velma Dunfee, Paul Sheoships, Iron Cody, John Bustard, Lowella Perez, Jaimie Crane, Lawanda Bronson and Vice Chair Aaron Ashley.

The CUJ welcomes letters to the editor. cuj@ctuir.org

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026

Ely retires after 30 years with CTUIR

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CTUIR employee wins Wildflower Award Susie Calhoun manages the CTUIR Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Umatilla Basin hydrologist Kate Ely with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Water Resources Program opens a retirement gift from coworkers on Dec. 19 to celebrate her 30 years at the CTUIR. LEE GAVIN/CUJ

Although her last day is officially Jan. 9, hydrologist Kate Ely felt it best to retire before starting another project

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“The root of my being is to protect land and resources, so this job has been really important to me to better understand water resources for the interconnection that exists in nature.” — KATE ELY

Susie Calhoun ¡

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026