CUJ_March 2024

Ceremonial signing celebrates historic agreement

On Feb. 23 in Washington, D.C., Corinne Sams, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Member at Large and chair of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, signs an agreement between the Biden-Harris administration and the CTUIR, Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Yakama Nation and states of Oregon and Washington. The agreement lays the groundwork for the federal government and the Six Sovereigns to protect and restore salmon, steelhead and native fish to the Columbia River Basin.

TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR COMMUNICATIONS

BOT sets priorities for next 2 years

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – The Board of Trustees (BOT) has been working to finalize a list of about four dozen projects or issues – some new and some old – it plans to focus on during the rest of its twoyear term.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) elected governing body in February meetings discussed a list of projects or goals it would like to focus on, which address topics ranging from cultural heritage and treaty rights protection to transportation.

About half of the list included new priorities, like re-assessing the tribe’s Language Program and emphasizing language revitalization in schools, addressing options for elder housing and care needs, and developing a drought management code.

The BOT decided to continue focusing on work started by previous boards for the remaining priorities. Examples include finishing Wildhorse Resort & Casino expansion plans, continuing to increase housing availability on the reservation

BOT CONTINUED PAGE 14

By TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications Office

WASHINGTON – Delegates representing the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) visited the White House on Feb. 23 for a ceremonial signing of the Columbia River Basin Agreement between the U.S. government and the Six Sovereigns.

This historic accord, which was announced Dec. 14, lays the groundwork for the federal government to work with the CTUIR, Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and the states of Oregon and Washington to protect and restore salmon, steelhead and native fish to the Columbia River Basin (CRB).

Representing the CTUIR were Board of Trustees Member at Large Corinne Sams and Garrett Brown of the Office of Legal Counsel.

“My heart is big today. This is a historical moment for all of us, not

just the tribes or the sovereigns, but the United States government and all Americans in the Pacific Northwest. We are Wykanish-Pum, the Salmon People, and in our creation story Salmon gave up himself so we can have nourishment. And in return, we promised to speak on behalf of our resources,” Sams said at the ceremony. “Since time immemorial, our people have relied on this fish population. In 1855 we signed a treaty with the United States government, and we secured the exclusive right to fish in our usual and accustomed areas in perpetuity. In the early days, our historic runs were over 20 million. Now its estimated run this year is 124,000. We are on the brink of extinction, and the status quo is unacceptable. This work isn’t new. All we are doing is collaborating and partnering, which we should have been doing all along. So I thank the United States government. I thank all of you here today because it’s going to take all of us to implement and ensure we restore our salmon to healthy and abundant levels.”

CTUIR celebrates return of spawning salmon to McKay

By LISA SNELL Editor

PENDLETON – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced evidence heralding the return of salmon to McKay Creek in their #FishPassageFriday social media post Feb. 22.

Recent Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) surveys counted 72 salmon-cleared egg pits, or redds, along the 6 miles below the McKay Reservoir Dam – the result of fall chinook and coho spawning. This marks the first time salmon have spawned in McKay Creek since a weir blocking fish passage was installed across the creek in 1995 and fisheries managers are optimistic for the return of summer steelhead this spring.

“We could definitely see a higher number of salmon and steelhead returning to the Umatilla basin in the

upcoming years because of this now available habitat in McKay Creek,” said Taylor McCroskey, ODFW Umatilla/Walla Walla district fish biologist. “Again, it’s the first time adult salmon and steelhead will be able to spawn in McKay Creek since the adult barrier went in back in the 1990s.”

The adult weir was installed at the mouth of the creek to keep anadromous species, fish that spend

Recent surveys counted 72 salmoncleared egg pits, or redds, along the 6 miles below the McKay Reservoir Dam. KEVIN BELCHER | COURTESY

By ERIK NEWMANN Jefferson Public Radio

HORNBROOK, Calif. – Hundreds of thousands of juvenile salmon (salmon fry) are believed to have died over the past week after being released into the Klamath River from the Fall Creek Fish Hatchery on Feb. 26, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fall Creek is a tributary of the Klamath River.

The fish were believed to have been killed as a result of gas bubble disease while passing through a tunnel at the base of Iron Gate Dam, the lowest of four dams being removed on the river. The chinook salmon fry died, according to monitoring data downstream of the dam.

Gas bubble disease occurs because of “environmental or physical trauma often associated with severe pressure change,” according to a press release from CDFW on March 2. The agency said the mortality does not appear to be related to turbidity or dissolved oxygen water quality conditions in the river, brought on by decades of sediment washing downstream after the dams were breached. Both turbidity and dissolved oxygen were recorded at “suitable levels” before the fish were released. Other healthy coho and Chinook salmon were documented downstream of the

dam, the agency said.

“The problems associated with the Iron Gate Dam tunnel are temporary and yet another sad reminder of how the Klamath River dams have harmed salmon runs for generations,” reads the CDFW press release.

The Klamath River was once the third largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. Dubbed the largest dam removal in U.S. history, the project on the Klamath River is taking place largely to improve salmon populations which have plummeted since the dams were first built. So far, one dam has been fully removed and three more will be deconstructed over the course of 2024.

The fish mortality incident comes at a sensitive time in the dam removal process. The recent drawdown of three large reservoirs behind the dams have exposed vast stretches of sticky mud that led to a number of deer being trapped, some of which were euthanized by CDFW. Large numbers of mostly non-native fish have also been documented dead on the shores of the river after

the reservoirs were drained. Both incidents caused outcry from local residents.

According to CDFW, the 830,000 juvenile salmon killed over the past week can be buffered by the 3.27 million healthy fall-run chinook salmon that are still at Fall Creek Fish Hatchery. The new $35 million CDFW hatchery was built as part of the long-term plan to help restore

salmon runs on an undammed Klamath River. The additional fallrun chinook “will help offset losses experienced with the initial release of fry,” the CDFW statement reads. To avoid future problems, the agency says salmon releases from the hatchery will take place below Iron Gate Dam until after the dam infrastructure is removed later this year.

Army Corps increasing Columbia River spill to aid fish

PORTLAND, Ore. – As part of an agreement between the Six Sovereigns and the U.S. government, federal water managers said March 1 they will spill more water over basin dams this spring than previous years for better fish passage.

Representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Yakama Nation and the states of Oregon and Washington (Six Sovereigns) signed the agreement Feb. 23 along with Biden administration officials in Washington, D.C.

Per the agreement, Columbia River Basin litigation has been put on hold for up to 10 years, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to spill more water over spillways instead of through turbines during its annual “spring spill” operations at dams on the lower Snake and Columbia rivers as well as expanding spill in the fall and early spring.

“The implementation of the Six Sovereigns Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative is a sciencebased comprehensive and durable strategy to restore salmon, and other native fish populations to healthy and abundant levels,” Corinne Sams, CTUIR Board of Trustees Member

at Large and Columbia River InterTribal Fishing Commission chair, said. “These operational changes to the hydro systems will benefit some salmon species, and we are pleased to see them happen. This action by the USACE is a bridge to a longterm solution but is not sustainable if long-term solutions are delayed or deferred. This is just one component of the overall restoration actions necessary to recover the entirety of the listed salmon and steelhead populations in the basin. We are committed to working closely alongside our federal partners to protect, restore and enhance our first foods in the Columbia River Basin.” USACE officials said more spill water over basin dams allows for better, non-turbine passage for juvenile fish downstream and improved upstream passage for adult fish. They also forecast this spring’s returning chinook adults at 200,000, up from last year’s 190,000 and 50,000 higher than the 10-year average.

Spill operations targeting juvenile salmon and steelhead generally start April 3 on the lower Snake River and April 10 on the lower Columbia River. USACE uses these operations to decrease the time it takes juvenile salmon and steelhead to move through the dams to the Pacific Ocean as well as provide another

x 7.625” 2/21/2024 9:26:23 AM

non-turbine passage route. Many dams also have alternative ways for fish to move past them.

This year four projects on the lower Snake River and McNary Dam on the Columbia River will also begin spilling four hours each day through surface passage routes to aid adult steelhead starting March 1.

Beginning March 21, those projects, plus John Day Dam on the Columbia River, will begin spilling through surface passage routes 24 hours each day until regular spring spill begins with the goal of providing additional benefits for juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead.

The agreement specifies the

following spill operations to benefit salmon and steelhead passage:

• Bonneville, McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental and Lower Granite dams will spill up to the 125% total dissolved gas (TDG) level 24 hours per day.

• The Dalles Dam will spill 40% of the river over the spillway.

• John Day Dam will spill 40% of the river over the spillway during the day and up to 125% TDG at night.

• Little Goose will also spill 16 hours per day up to 125% TDG and reduce spill for eight hours to performance standard spill levels, or 30% of the river.

PORTRAITS IN RED

Missing

and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Painting Project

by

Nayana LaFond

LaFond's painting project began on May 5, 2020 with one painting, "Lauraina in RED," created for the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls.

Nayana LaFond put out an open call, saying she would paint a couple more portraits if people sent information on subjects. She received more than 25 the first day with stories and photos, and decided to dedicate herself to painting all she receives. Each portrait is of someone who is missing, was murdered, survived, their family member or friend, or an activist/hero fighting for the cause. Through her work LaFond hopes to make sure the missing and dead are never forgotten, to raise awareness about this serious issue, and to provide help with healing to the families with whom she works.

25% OFF BAGS, TOTES, WALLETS, PURSES

March 1-30

Check out all the beautiful and functional bags, totes, wallets, and purses that are on sale through the end of the month. 25% o ! O er may not be combined with other o ers/discounts.

MURDERED AND MISSING INDIGENOUS PERSONS AND THE UMATILLA RESERVATION

Thursday, March 14 6pm

Admission is free!

Listen as our panelists Mildred Quaempts and Cissy Reyes, family members of victims; Willa Wallace, independent MMIP advocate; Matt Johnson, CTUIR Tribal Court Director/Judicial Assistant; and representatives from Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center share their stories, describe access to resources, identify systemic barriers as well as preventative actions to bring awareness to this deplorable epidemic of unnecessary death and disruption.

Kinship Café

Open for lunch

11am-2pm

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

March 1, 10am-5pm

FREE admission all day at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. View the new exhibit "Portraits in Red: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Painting Project by Nayana LaFond. Enjoy Indian Tacos and Frybread from 11am-2pm at Kinship Cafe. Shop the Museum Store and receive 25% OFF bags, totes, wallets, and purses!

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 monecemoses@ctuir.org

Contributing Photographers:

Dallas Dick dallasdick@ctuir.org

Lee Gavin leegavin@ctuir.org

CONTACT US

Confederated Umatilla Journal 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

Email: CUJ@ctuir.org

Phone: 541-429-7005

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

The CUJ prints on the first Thursday of each month.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

• Limit to 300 words or less

• Information found to be inaccurate/libelous will not be published.

• Letters containing profanity will not be published.

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

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

EMAIL ADVERTISING, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR & OTHER SUBMISSIONS TO: CUJ@ctuir.org

DEADLINE: 20th of the month prior to publication

For

CTUIR gets grant to improve data management

MISSION – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded $300,000 to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) to install a centralized data management system (CDMS).

The funding will allow the CTUIR to own, develop and support a CDMS that it, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warms Spring Reservation and the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) will use to house data regarding fisheries and water quality.

“We’ve been continuously developing the CDMS system since 2011 and it’s great to have it recognized as a system worth investing in,” Geo Information Systems Manager Stacy Schumacher said. “We are hoping to provide more opportunities for tribal government to utilize databases and web-based technology to improve data management.”

Schumacher said the CDMS was first envisioned in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2011 that the CTUIR Department of Natural Resources and Office of Information Technology developed a data management system for centralized storage of fisheries data.

The three tribes and CRITFC requested the EPA funds to update aging software libraries as well as develop tools for uploading,

data sharing through shared and reusable services.

The CTUIR also seeks to manage data to guide DNR’s First Foods and River Vision policies.

The CDMS will help protect, restore and enhance First Foods – water, salmon, deer, cous and huckleberry – for the CTUIR’s cultural, economic and sovereign benefit. It will do this by using traditional ecological and cultural knowledge and science to inform population and habitat management goals and actions, as well as natural resource policies and regulatory mechanisms.

This includes River Vision policies because the Umatilla basin requires a healthy river capable of providing First Foods that sustain the continuity of the tribe’s culture.

or daily

visit the CUJ online at: https://cuj.ctuir.org

querying, exporting and visualizing data. The goal is to support tribal sovereignty through data ownership and management by reducing the data management burdens and increasing data quality for decision makers; increasing data access through discovery, publishing and analytical services; and facilitating

“It is critical for tribal communities to have all the technological tools they need to protect natural resources, stay connected, and keep growing stronger for the future,” Sen. Jeff. Merkley said. “This federal funding for the CTUIR to own and operate their own centralized data system will allow them to transform their aging IT and data management software into a modern system that better houses critical fish and water quality data. This will benefit the CTUIR and other tribal communities who use the system for environmental protection for generations to come.”

Wenix Red Elk holds a bag filled with cous, a First Food, May 8, 2023, during the CTUIR’s annual Children’s Root Feast. Gathering First Foods is a protected right to harvest for tribal members on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The CDMS will help in protecting, restoring and enhancing the tribe’s First Foods. LEE GAVIN | CUJ PHOTO

CTUIR hires manager for legislative affairs

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has hired tribal member Brandie Weaskus to lead work to advance the tribe’s priorities at the state and federal level.

Weaskus, who has worked for the CTUIR for nearly 20 years and currently is its Higher Education manager and liaison, was announced as the tribe’s new Legislative Affairs manager Feb. 28.

Her first day directing CTUIR’s lobbying efforts will be March 18, said CTUIR Communications Director Kaeleen McGuire.

As Legislative Affairs manager, Weaskus will be responsible for developing and recommending legislative strategies and advancing policy priorities at the federal, state and local levels. She’ll also oversee the tribe’s state and federal lobbyists.

MISSION – Kayak Public Transit will soon offer shuttle service around the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Nixyáawii campus thanks to two electric vehicles it recently received.

Vicki Croes, CTUIR Public Transit general manager, said Kayak received two Polaris Gem E6 EVs on Dec. 11 as part of a Federal Transit Administration grant. Each EV has six doors, six seats and a storage pod in the rear for bags and small items.

“Once branded, we anticipate running the Nixyáawii campus shuttles that will circle from Kayak Transit Hub to Nixyáawii Educational Center, Timíne North, Nixyáawii Community Park, YellowHawk Tribal Health Center and the Nixyáawii Governance Center,” Croes said.

Hours of shuttle service are still being worked out, she added, but it will likely be between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on regular business days as well as after hours for overflow parking during athletic events at Nixyáawii Educational Center.

“Everyone is welcome to use the shuttle service,” Croes said. “If we have a passenger with limited mobility or confined to a mobility device, we will respond with a paratransit van that has a lift and is

parked here at the Kayak Hub.”

The two EVs are street legal with a top speed of 25 mph and battery range between 75 and 80 miles, depending on temperature, grade and payload. Kayak got the EVs to provide safe and reliable transportation for movement of tribal members and employees around the campus without using their private vehicles.

Croes said she anticipates starting the Nixyáawii campus service in late January or early February. “We

are still working on graphics. Once they are determined, it is typically a couple weeks after they are ordered.”

Kayak provides free and accessible transportation for the public in 19 rural communities in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. All its buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bicycle racks. The transit program is funded through a combination of federal and state grants and CTUIR general funds.

Brandie Weaskus

CTUIR makes successful push for water legislation

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

SALEM –

Legislation prioritized by tribal leaders that would require the state to begin working with the tribe and state of Washington to address longstanding concerns over water availability and habitat health in the Walla Walla River Basin is soon headed for the governor’s desk.

On Feb. 13, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees member Lisa Ganuelas spoke on behalf of the tribe at a state Senate committee meeting, where she called on Oregon lawmakers to pass a proposal – Senate Bill 1567 – that would direct the state’s Water Resources Department to begin working with the tribe and state of Washington to carry out solutions meant to address water supply problems and habitat degradation worsened by more than a century of over-allocating the basin’s water.

“In our language, Walla Walla means land of many waters. This refers to the abundant streams that once flowed through the Walla Walla valley, where the tribes gathered to fish for the bountiful runs of salmon that once returned to the basin,”

Ganuelas told legislators. “These salmon and the water that supports them, and us, are two of the tribe’s most important first foods, but they are nearly gone from the Walla Walla today.”

The legislation passed the House with only one vote opposing it on Feb. 21. Oregon’s Senate unanimously voted to pass the measure on March 4. It now must clear minor procedural hurdles and be signed by Gov. Tina Kotek before officially becoming law.

The 1,760 square-mile watershed is divided between Oregon and Washington and is within CTUIR ancestral homelands.

A lack of a coordinated strategy to reverse the basin’s woes, coupled with expected decreases in annual snowpack and increasing droughts that would put more pressure on already dwindling water supplies, led to the tribes and other groups with a stake in the basin’s water resources to develop a comprehensive plan in recent years meant safeguard future water supplies and boost fisheries.

But the lack of a legislative mandate directing Oregon to help coordinate management efforts has hindered work to address watershed’s poor condition.

The legislation seeks to eliminate that barrier by setting a policy and legal framework for the state to cooperate with others, like the tribe and state of Washington, in making future management decisions.

“This political boundary has prevented the management of the Walla Walla’s water resources in

a cooperative, holistic manner,” Ganuelas said during her testimony. “It has rendered the basin unable to solve the problems facing both instream flows and water uses alike, despite our shared desire to do so.”

In 2021, CTUIR and other stakeholders, like state agencies and local governments, released a 30year management plan for the basin. Other groups who participated in developing the plan included industry organizations and individuals, like winery owners, farmers, and conservation and outdoor recreation groups.

The Walla Walla Water 2050 Strategic Plan outlines management strategies and solutions to eliminate the overallocation of the basin’s water, ensure that those who rely on the basin’s water have access into the future and improve habitat health so species, like salmon, can rebound.

A cost estimate for implementing all measures included in the strategic plan wasn’t given, considering its 30-year lifespan and the many variables that could affect the cost of implementing different parts of the plan.

At least half of the costs, however, will be paid by the federal government and other non-governmental sources, like private entities that will benefit from its projects, according to the text of SB 1567.

The CTUIR has already spent more than $100 million to help address water issues and to help salmon –which have been extinct in the basin for more than a century – populations

in the basin recover. Those efforts include opening a new fish hatchery on the south fork of the Walla Walla River in 2021.

The first runs of salmon released from that hatchery are expected to return to the river in 2025, making it more urgent that lawmakers approve legislation enabling the state and other partners to begin implementing projects in the Walla Walla 2050 plan, Ganuelas said during the Feb. 13 hearing.

A previous version of SB 1567 stalled in the Oregon Legislature last year, while Washington lawmakers approved that state’s own version of the proposal last year committing to the Walla Walla watershed strategic plan.

Conservation and outdoor recreation groups, organizations that advocate for irrigators, and family farmers have submitted public comments in favor of the bill.

Not enacting the proposal would mean that strategic plan would never be fully implemented or would result in duplicated or counterproductive management solutions because of a lack of cooperation, said Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, one of the bill’s sponsors. He added that the proposal was drafted with input or support from all groups with a stake in the basin’s water resources.

“The Walla Walla River Basin is unique in that it is shared between the two states and the CTUIR,” Hansell said. “We must have coordination on these efforts in order for our shared basin to reach its potential.”

The 1,760 square-mile Walla Walla River Basin watershed is divided between the states of Oregon and Washington and is within Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s ancestral homelands. CTUIR FILE PHOTO

Lisa Ganuelas

Gaming Commission hosting human trafficking training March

MISSION – In collaboration with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Oregon State Police Tribal Gaming Section (OSP TGS), the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Gaming Commission will host a human trafficking prevention training March 20-21 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Although geared toward law enforcement, first responders, transportation providers, public assistance providers, health care providers and educators, the free training is open to “all those who believe they could benefit from it,” CTUIR Gaming Commission Gaming Inspector Brad Spencer said. “I have interest from the Pendleton School District, local police departments and tribal governments.”

Spencer said the Gaming Commission is hosting the event because part of its operation is to ensure the physical safety of patrons and employees, as well as protect the resort’s patrons, employees and property from illegal activity.

The training will focus on human trafficking general awareness, detection and prevention. It tentatively includes sessions about working collectively to address human trafficking and partnering with local agencies to identify and respond to survivors.

Tentative panel discussions include

officials from the FBI, CTUIR, ODOT, Anti-Trafficking Alliance of Central Oregon and Oregon Businesses Against Trafficking. Scheduled keynote speaker Amanda Swanson, ODOT human trafficking intervention coordinator, will discuss understanding and addressing sex trafficking.

The same subject matter will be offered on both days for those who may have scheduling conflicts.

To RSVP, visit https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLScvmx7Q5UvX4usRcJ6uudQ1OyLtliN6niQtTwM0YX-q7ckQ/viewform.

CTUIR to build walking paths around NGC

MISSION – Construction crews are about a month away from breaking ground on a walking paths project near the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Nixyáawii Governance Center.

Dani Schulte, CTUIR transportation planner, said the $1.5 million project consists of building two walkways – a Safe Routes to School Path sidewalk and a Community Paths trail.

The walkways will serve Nixyáawii Community School (NCS) students and staff as well as Head Start participants. They will also provide foot and bicycle access to the governance center and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center.

The Safe Routes concrete sidewalk will stretch 1,200 feet south from Mission Road along Highway 331 to Timíne Way, the governance center’s entry road. The Community Paths asphalt trail will diverge from the Safe Routes path after about 475 feet and connect with an existing path on the governance center’s north side.

Combined the two walkways will cover approximately 1,700 linear feet while adding wheelchair accessible ramps and lighting. Crosswalks will also be marked at three of the four corners of the Mission and South Market roads intersection. The unmarked crosswalk will be on the intersection’s northwest corner where there are no residences or businesses.

“The tribal Planning Office conducted outreach prior to submitting (Oregon Department of Transportation) grant applications in 2020, and the four-corners intersection was identified as a location that needs attention,” Schulte said. “We also noticed a lot of comments during the update of the 20-year Transportation Plan requesting more safe paths for walking, biking and horse riding, rather than leaving travelers on the shoulder of high-speed roads. This is one piece of the puzzle to make the Umatilla Indian Reservation safer for travelers who don’t have personal vehicles.”

Schulte said ODOT grants are providing approximately $1.44 million, while the CTUIR is allocating $65,000 from its Capital Improvements Fund.

“The Safe Routes to School and Community Paths programs have been eager to support tribal communities. However, we were the first tribal recipients of either grant,” Schulte said. “We had to work through a lot of unique hurdles being the first, but I hope that means other Oregon tribes will have an easier time given what Safe Routes has learned, and we will too when we apply for future funding rounds.”

Construction is expected to begin in April and last nearly two months.

Eastern Oregon Contracting in Milton-Freewater will handle the Safe Routes sidewalk, while Bryson Picard Grading & Excavating in Pendleton will build the Community Paths trail.

Schulte said a short period of single-lane closure is anticipated while the Safe Routes sidewalk is constructed. Weather permitting, the paths should be complete before the end of the NCS school year on June 6.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has received about $1.44 million in Oregon Department of Transportation grants to build a Safe Routes to School Path sidewalk (green) and a Community Paths trail (blue) near the CTUIR Nixyáawii Governance Center. Weather permitting, the walkways are expected to be completed in June. CTUIR

The Community Paths asphalt trail will follow the Nixyáawii Governance Center’s north property line to connect with the existing path leading toward Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. LISA SNELL | CUJ

CTUIR awarded $172K USDA grant to reduce food waste

MISSION – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded a $172,000 grant to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Department of Natural Resources for a community food waste reduction project.

The campaign titled “Nixyáawii, Awkú Cáwpam Ák aatta!” or “Nixyáawii, Don’t Throw it Away!” will initiate and expand efforts to improve waste management and food waste diversion from CTUIR facilities while engaging the tribal community on food waste management issues.

CTUIR Climate Adaption Planner Colleen Sanders said beginning this spring the tribe’s First Foods Policy Program (FFPP) will use an anaerobic digester around the Mission Community Center, especially the Nixyáawii Longhouse, as a waste capture mechanism.

FFPP will work with Biowaste Technologies, a CTUIR-owned and -operated company headed by Dearcie Abraham, to understand the types and volume of food waste created by the Mission/Nixyáawii community, and to implement a demonstration of one type of food waste management approach known as anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion uses microorganisms to break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen and reduces greenhouse gases.

“Biowaste Technologies has a

goal to make a tangible difference in the CTUIR community through environmental health and safety while tackling food insecurity,” Abraham said.

Sanders said the project contains three primary goals:

• Work with the Nixyáawii Longhouse, tribal community and other smaller CTUIR facilities to understand the types and volumes of food waste created and create a report.

• Select and establish a small anaerobic digester that is designed to take food waste, digest it within a sealed environment and use the methane to cook and grill as part of the project’s community engagement.

• Develop and offer educational opportunities for the tribal community to build capacity and understanding around not only food waste but other opportunities to reduce materials being sent to landfills.

“When food and other formerly living materials like yard waste are thrown in a landfill, they are covered by other nonbiodegradable garbage to create an environment without oxygen,” Sanders said. “When it decomposes in an environment without oxygen, it transforms into methane, a very potent greenhouse gas. Because of this, preventing the creation of methane by keeping food and yard waste from being disposed of in landfills can effectively reduce carbon emissions.”

Sanders added the project also consists of using the anaerobic digester to potentially generate renewable energy, as well as creating solid and liquid compost that can be used in local gardens.

The CTUIR are a place-based cultures, and seasonal celebrations of culturally important First Foods include food preparation, feasting and cleaning, typically hosted at the Longhouse for the tribal community’s benefit. Food waste is generated as part of these events, therefore improving food waste recapture is a CTUIR priority.

FFPP Manager Althea Huesties-

Wolf said waste recapture at the Longhouse will focus on food left on plates that will no longer go into a landfill. “As a gatherer and someone who serves at the Longhouse, it is so disheartening to throw plate scraps of roots, berries, salmon and deer that individuals do not finish eating into a garbage can. The digester will allow Colleen (Sanders) and Dearcie (Abraham) to work with cooks on new methods for managing food waste at the Longhouse....If it is feasible at the Longhouse, it could be feasible at homes and businesses.”

She added the CTUIR needs to know how much food waste is generated to understand how many digesters could be used in the community.

“We imagine this project will have a snowball effect, by making people aware of their food waste,” HuestiesWolf said. “If the tribe is serious about addressing climate change, we must change our mindset as members of this community.”

In addition to the USDA’s $172,521, the CTUIR will appropriate $57,508 in staff time dedicated to the twoyear project, which the Department of Children and Family Services’ Family Engagement Program will support. Sanders said she hopes the project will continue after the twoyear grant cycle, but that would rely on the tribal community’s support and enthusiasm.

Ermia Butler, a First Foods Policy Program Climate Change intern, assembles renewable utensil cases to promote sustainability at the CTUIR Longhouse. CTUIR PHOTO

SIGNING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Wild salmon, steelhead and other native CRB fish populations are essential to the economies, religions and cultures of tribal nations and Indigenous peoples. Due to the U.S. government’s construction and operation of federal dams, private dam building, population growth and other factors, wild salmon and steelhead species are severely depleted, harming the tribes that rely on them. Climate change is further imperiling fish populations via warming water temperatures, altered stream flows and other stressors. Since the federal dams were constructed, 13 salmon and steelhead stocks have been listed as threatened or endangered.

Representing the U.S. government were Senior Advisor to the

President John Podesta, Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, Deputy Secretary of Interior Laura Daniel Davis, Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Dr. Richard Spinrad and other senior BidenHarris administration officials.

The ceremony provided federal officials and Six Sovereigns representatives an opportunity to galvanize the partnership and uphold tribal treaty obligations in the CRB.

“The United States owes a trust responsibility to the CTUIR through its treaty relationship, and the CTUIR reserves the right to fish at usual and accustomed places throughout the Columbia River Basin,” CTUIR Chairman Gary I. Burke said. “This agreement aims to restore salmon and steelhead populations to healthy and abundant levels so the tribes may continue to exercise their right to fish as they have since time immemorial.”

The Six Sovereigns worked collaboratively to develop its Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative that addresses salmon, climate, energy and tribal justice crises facing the basin. The group welcomes the Biden-Harris administration’s commitments as an integral step in preventing salmon extinction and restoring their population to healthy and abundant levels while addressing the Federal Columbia River Power System’s hydroelectric facilities and creating

a regional roadmap to meet growing electricity demand with clean energy resources.

As part of the agreement, the Biden-Harris administration commits to:

• New Funding for Fish and Wildlife: The Bonneville Power Administration, which is responsible for marketing hydropower under the Energy Department, will invest $300 million over 10 years to restore native fish and their habitats in the CRB, with added measures to increase the autonomy of states and tribes to use these funds. Of this $300 million, $100 million will be provided to the Six Sovereigns for fish restoration projects, and $200 million will be provided for hatchery modernization, upgrades and maintenance.

• Tribally Sponsored Clean Energy: The Energy Department is committing to developing at least one to three gigawatts of tribally sponsored clean energy projects to build energy infrastructure that, if Congress authorizes breach of the Lower Snake River Dams, could help replace power generated by those dams. These resources provide the region options should Congress consider dam breach while still meeting clean energy, energy reliability and other resilience imperatives.

• Increased Flexibility: The BidenHarris administration is committing to adjusting federal hydro system operations to deliver a net-benefit for some fish, while maintaining

grid reliability and upholding health and safety requirements. These adjustments will increase flexibility to deliver power during the summer when it is most needed. The agreement also provides 10 years of predictable operations for the region.

• Studies of Dam Services: The Biden-Harris administration will undertake or help fund studies of how the transportation, irrigation and recreation services provided by the four Lower Snake River dams could be replaced to inform Congress should it consider authorizing dam breach.

The agreement, when combined with other funding the Biden-Harris administration is expected to deliver to the region, will bring more than $1 billion in federal investments to wild fish restoration in the CRB during the next decade and facilitate the build-out of at least one to three gigawatts of tribally sponsored clean energy production.

“This is only the beginning. In a sense, this agreement is really just a handshake – a set of solemn, mutual commitments – ones we worked very hard to create,” Podesta said. “But at the end of the day, it’s a handshake, nonetheless. It will take all of us committing to this partnership now and for years to come to lift the words off the page and bring this agreement to life. I want you know that President (Joe) Biden and Vice President (Kamala) Harris and the whole administration are committed to making that happen.”

Corinne Sams speaks during a ceremony on Feb. 23 in Washington, D.C., to honor an agreement between the United States and Six Sovereigns.

SALMON

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portions of its life cycle in both fresh and salt waters, out of this section due to flows being shut off, in the past, during the winter to store irrigation water in the reservoir. Now that water flows through the lower 6 miles year-round, fishery co-managers, the CTUIR, the ODFW, and the Bureau of Reclamation initiated an experimental study in July 2023 by removing the left-hand side of the weir to determine the effects before fully removing the barrier. Fish can now pass above the weir and the presence of the redds show that they have.

According to the CTUIR and ODFW, this is part of a larger effort working towards fish passage at McKay Creek Reservoir Dam, which is currently the 11th highest fish passage priority in the state.

“McKay Creek restoration efforts represent a successful collaboration between tribal, state, and federal agencies, resulting in real-world results. Seeing the successful spawning of salmon in a reach that

has been blocked for decades is something the entire community should celebrate,” said Jerimiah Bonifer, CTUIR fisheries program manager.

CTUIR Board Member At Large Corinne Sams, who also chairs the tribe’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, agrees.

“We celebrate, along with our comanagers, the return of our salmon and steelhead in the Umatilla Basin. Opening up blocked areas to returning salmon and steelhead heals our watersheds and our community,” Sams said. “We are committed to protecting, restoring and enhancing our first foods – allowing our tribal membership and our community to once again exercise harvest opportunities in these restored areas.”

The available habitat in McKay Creek is the lower 6 miles below the McKay Reservoir Dam, which currently blocks fish passage to 108 miles of habitat and represents 26 miles upstream of the dam.

Summer steelhead usually spawn in April and May, and CTUIR will conduct several surveys this spring to confirm their return to the creek.

BOT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

through various projects and deciding whether to expand tribal education and childcare options.

With a finalized Board of Trustees wish list, CTUIR staff members can now start deciding how to address new priorities and continue work on ongoing projects started under previous boards, said Deputy Executive Director J.D. Tovey.

According to Tovey, the new BOT was especially conscious of ongoing work and didn’t want to burden staff with too many new priorities or force them to abandon current projects in favor of new ones, a decision Tovey said staff appreciates.

“The Board really recognized that there’s a lot of ongoing work,” he said in an interview. “There’s all these old projects that past boards have wanted to see done that we just weren’t able to get to for a thousand different reasons, mostly related to COVID so I think they’re really focused on clearing the deck on the projects we have.”

Top CTUIR staff will begin to strategize how to tackle the priorities during a managerial retreat in this month, Tovey said. Staff will then present more details to the BOT about how to accomplish those goals and what can be completed in the next two years.

BOT members settled on top issues they plan to tackle over several days during a retreat in late January. The

BOT and top tribal staff members worked to finalize the list and address remaining questions during two work sessions in February.

To assemble the list, each Board member ranked the importance of 14 broad topics – like land base restoration, natural resources, and facilities – for themselves and then determined what projects or goals to prioritize under each category.

Overall, approximately 45 different projects, initiatives or goals under the broader topic areas were included in the priorities list, according to a document summarizing the priorities and the process tribal leaders used to determine the rankings.

To help in ranking their own priorities, BOT members were asked to consider whether their priority would have a high impact on tribal members, if the tribe had the capacity to the implement desired solutions and whether the community would support it.

The top topic area the Board decided to prioritize was advancing “operational excellence” goals –working to ensure tribal government and its entities are efficient and effective. To advance that goal, the board has prioritized how it communicates with tribal members, tribal entities and other boards, and the community.

Treaty rights, the tribe’s economy, and public safety and emergency management issues were the other broad topic areas BOT members ranked highest.

New or ongoing projects or goals

under those topics included planning how to use a $20 million economic diversification fund, advancing Umatilla River Basin tribal water rights settlement negotiations, and finalizing and implementing plans for a marijuana and hemp pilot project.

BOT Secretary Roberta Wilson said one of the projects she maybe values higher than her colleagues under the top-ranked categories is establishing a tribal small business incubator to support tribal members get business ideas off the ground, whether that’s with help putting together a business plan or securing funding.

“It is important to uplift our tribal membership when they do have ideas,” she said.

Other individual projects or desired outcomes that fell under the other broader categories the BOT ranked lower than the top four included workforce development, housing, education, and climate change adaptation, among others.

Increasing tribal member employment through its new Workforce Development Department, completing a feasibility study on a potential wellness center, and taking the next steps to begin constructing a wastewater treatment facility were some of the priorities listed in the lower-priority categories.

Another of the new priorities BOT members seemed to place importance on, Tovey said, was studying options to address the longterm future of the July Grounds and Longhouse as its 50th anniversary

approaches.

He said whether to renovate, expand or build a new longhouse and how the surrounding land in the future could be best utilized, would likely be part of discussions about addressing potential building improvements and the area’s future.

Some BOT priorities that generated more questions or discussions among members during the Feb. 21 work session than others involved land base restoration, health and human services issues.

Looking at implementing thirdparty billing options to bring in additional revenue to the tribe was one of those priorities, while Board members asked about the possibility of offering health insurance policies to tribal members or what could be done to ensure tribal members who live on and off the reservation have access to quality healthcare.

“You’ve got to get your own people insured,” Chairman Gary Burke said during the meeting.

Continuing to add to the CTUIR’s land base also drew the BOT’s attention during the work session. Addressing fractionated land and reacquiring ancestral and reservation lands has been a frequent topic of discussion among tribal leaders and tribal members.

CTUIR Executive Director Donald Sampson told Board members that the tribe is currently working with the Indian Land Tenure Foundation to develop a plan to address some of those issues.

CTUIR drone training program takes off

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – For Dazon Sigo, it seems like every day at work has brought something new.

Some days he spends in the classroom, teaching students about flying unmanned aerial systems aircraft – also commonly called drones – or travelling across the region meeting with tribal leaders to educate them about the industry he works in and how it could benefit them.

already received funding from the tribe to complete their training and certification requirements.

Tribal member Charles Woods is one of those other grant recipients and is working towards completing a twice-a-week night class to pursue his commercial drone operator licenses.

At first, he thought he would just use the grant and complete the class because he’s “always looking for more tools to put in my belt,” and to maybe get his foot in the door to start working towards a goal of someday becoming a certified manned aircraft pilot.

Others, Sigo – a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) – and his team have been called to assist missing person searches, while others they’ve participated in river surveys using high-tech cameras from high above.

“We do a lot of things, which is really cool,” he said. “It’s not like I’m coming in nine-to-five and I’m doing the same thing every day.”

About 10 months ago, Sigo completed a training course and passed a required federal certification test and was hired to be the first drone pilot for Cayuse Native Solutions to help grow that part of the tribal entity’s service offerings.

CTUIR leaders hope he isn’t the last tribal member to – whether they ultimately work for the tribe or Cayuse or another employer in the fast-growing field – join the trend.

In January, the tribe announced that it had been awarded a threeyear, $2 million grant from the state of Oregon for a drone workforce development initiative in which the tribe, in partnership with Cayuse, would pay the training expenses of CTUIR community members who want to pursue that career path.

Amid greater-than-expected interest, the tribe began the process in February of selecting some of the first recipients to join several other tribal members – like Sigo – who had

growing drone industry, Woods and two other CTUIR tribal members who had already received grants to pay tuition expenses, prepared for a simulated flight.

They sat at computers, and using a complicated simulator program, planned a mission – from takeoff to landing – using a process that included formulating emergency and crash plans that they will replicate for every flight if they become commercial drone pilots.

The class is taught by Sigo and instructors from DelMar Aerospace Corporation’s Volatus Group. DelMar has partnered with Cayuse and the tribe in the training initiative.

After Woods and the rest of his cohort completes the course and passes a Federal Aviation Administration test to become a certified commercial drone pilot, they’ll have the chance to conduct precision agriculture operations, inspect infrastructure and utilities, help fight wildfires or survey natural resources, among others, as a commercial UAS pilot.

Sigo said there are a lot of opportunities to work on drone maintenance, technology support and development, as well.

“The potential is there and it’s nearly limitless,” he said, adding that he especially finds it meaningful to be contributing to opening more career paths for tribal members.

Workforce program.

Awardees chosen by CTUIR will have their training and exam fees, as well as potentially other wraparound services support, like childcare or transportation, paid for.

The students will complete a 160hour course split between classroom instruction and flight instruction taught and will be able to choose between a four-week day course or one-quarter night course taught through Blue Mountain Community College.

Once certified, the CTUIR grant students will also be offered a temporary job at a drone company for more hands-on training. During that time, the student will earn a stipend or can choose to use it to help buy their own drone.

Interest in the training opportunity was higher than expected, CTUIR Workforce Development Department Director Lindsey Watchmen said. Initially, more than 60 people contacted the tribe expressing interest, which meant the tribe would have to be selective in who it chose to receive the financial assistance, he added.

The tribe held two information sessions in February for interested community members to learn more about career opportunities in the field and how to become certified, as well as to begin interviewing applicants.

But after learning about how quickly the industry is growing and the wide variety of ways drones are being used commercially, he said he plans to make it a career.

“This course really opened up my eyes to what the drone industry is,” Woods said.

At a recent classroom session inside a hangar at the Pendleton Airport, which serves as a hub for the area’s

While Cayuse hopes to expand its drone service offerings or hire more operators in the future, the grant is instead meant to open “up a new career path for many community members” in a field with “high growth potential,” said Cayuse Native Solutions Executive Managing Director Debra Croswell.

She said the proximity to the Pendleton UAS range was also a factor in deciding to focus on the drone industry as a tribal workforce development initiative. The grant came from the Future Ready Oregon

Woods, who currently works for Yellowhawk Tribal Health center transporting patients to and from appointments, said he’s still unsure of what type of mission or part of the industry interests him the most, but regardless, there are many exciting options.

And because of the field’s potential, he said he’s already been pitching a nephew who is about to graduate high school about taking advantage of the seemingly endless opportunities in the industry.

“This is the future,” Woods said.

Jeremy Edwards explains the process of becoming a drone pilot to an attendee during a program informational session held Feb. 21 in the General Council Chambers at the Nixyáawii Governance Center. CHRIS AADLAND | CUJ PHOTOS

Dazon Sigo, left, answers a question asked by Charles Woods during a flight simulation exercise.

CTUIR Department Spotlight: Public Works, works

By LISA SNELL Editor

MISSION – It may not sound glamourous, but as Justin Northern jokes, “Without Public Works, nothing works.” Northern, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Public Works director, said his department provides services to all CTUIR departments and programs, going above and beyond maintenance and cleaning.

“We oversee not only tribal facilities, but water and sewer utilities, and the tribal transportation and roads programs,” he said.

Public Works maintains CTUIR buildings and properties, is responsible for tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs roadways and develops and operates water, sanitary and sewer systems for the Mission community. Over the past year, projects have ranged from installing a new firepit at the Longhouse to executing the recent fire station remodel.

“We managed both phases of the fire station remodel,” Northern said. “This project not only brought the facility up to date, but also expanded the space to accommodate more firefighters, additional operations and house more equipment.”

CTUIR Fire Chief James Hall said this was the first work done on the

station since 1995.

“This is a perfect station the way it is now,” Hall said upon the facility’s completion. “It gives us enough apparatus space for what we currently have and most of what’s coming in.”

Public Works has also installed restrooms, bleachers and an announcer’s box at the horse area; provided site excavation and preparations for the new Wetlands Park play structures; and overhauled parking and disability access to the CTUIR Housing office and Senior Center.

“They ripped out all the concrete and framed a new up-to-code sidewalk then painted a new crosswalk, added a new ADA walkup ramp and created more parking spaces,” said Marcus Luke, CTUIR Housing director. “I appreciate Public Works getting this done.”

The department has also dipped into water management the past year, completing a feasibility study for the development of a community wastewater systems improvements project. The project will include the construction of a wastewater treatment facility and wetlands to hold recycled wastewater for irrigation.

“Our utilities program has also upgraded the community’s water system telemetry with a system of software and hardware that allows us to monitor, gather and process usage

data in real-time,” Northern said. The department is currently in the process of requesting proposals for an engineering project that will alleviate using 300-acre feet of ground water for irrigation at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino golf course and for the construction of a wetland holding area to store water during the months when irrigation is not in use. The wetlands will provide habitat, benefit to wildlife, and offer an opportunity to place some interpretive features and walking trail near the resort campus.

“We’re also managing the Safe Routes to School Path and Community Paths trail project that we expect to begin work on in April,” Northern said.

The $1.5 million project consists of building two walkways – a Safe Routes to School Path sidewalk and a Community Paths trail. The walkways will serve Nixyáawii Community School students and staff as well as Head Start participants. They will also provide foot and bicycle access to the governance center and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center.

Public Works managed both phases of the tribe’s fire station remodel, creating more room for firefighters and equipment and modernizing the space.

New play structures fill the Wetlands Park site excavated and prepared by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Public Works Deparment.

Public Works improved access and parking for the CTUIR Housing Department during the fall, finishing before winter weather hit. PUBLIC WORKS PHOTOS

The new Longhouse firepit constructed by Public Works

CTUIR students dress up, present class project

By LISA SNELL Editor

PENDLETON – Several young tribal members recently portrayed personal heroes and interesting historical figures during McKay Elementary School’s fourth grade “Wax Museum” class project.

Wax Museum is a biography assignment with a twist – students not only have to write a biography, but they must dress up as their subject and present themselves as that person to their classmates and community. This involves choosing a famous person from the past that is either deceased or retired, writing a report on that person, preparing poster boards for displaying and finally, the fun part – dressing up and pretending to be a statue in the Wax Museum.

“Over the years, the younger students are like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to

get to fourth grade. That’s when I get to do wax museum!’ They kind of have in their minds who they want to do a biography report on and we try to choose someone who had a positive impact on other people or nature,” said teacher Jill Deutz.

Wahpe Paradise chose the scientist, Albert Einstein.

“I chose Einstein because he was really smart and creative with math,” Paradise said. He also said he enjoyed having people stop and read the information on his poster.

Keaton French was interested in a Hall of Fame baseball player, Rickey Henderson.

“I asked my dad if he knew Rickey Henderson and he said he watched him when he was a kid sometimes,” French said.

Abi Coy choose someone she could personally identify with.

“I chose Sacagawea because I am an Indian just like her,” she said. She

said she also enjoyed dressing up like Sacagawea and holding her props, which included a wooden staff and leather pouch.

Paxton Warner chose another woman from history – Annie Sullivan, the woman who helped teach the famous Helen Keller. Sullivan herself was blind in one eye. Warner said her favorite part of the project was dressing up and pretending to be made of wax.

“I chose Kobe Byrant because he inspires me to play basketball,” said Jayden McDougall. “Also, the LA Lakers are my favorite team.”

“The families helped with the costumes and props and in getting their child ready. It’s a great program for everybody,” said Deutz.

“I think we probably had 500-600 people attend. That number includes the student body. Some families came for all three viewings.”

Toastmaster’s public speaking series off to successful start

By HOLLY ANDERSON

MISSION – The Cay-UmaWa Toastmasters held their first “Speechcraft” session at the Nixyaawii Governance Center Jan. 24. Six participants have enrolled in the six-session course which highlights important aspects of public speaking at each session. The participants are Lindsey Watchman, Lynette Minthorn, Leah Harris, Kellen Joseph, Gilberta GottfriedsonBaker and Aqil Karhout.

On alternating weeks, several regular members of the club including Leigh Pinkham-Johnston, Louis Halfmoon and Michelle Bratlie also participate in the program. Each week has educational presentations and opportunities to practice speaking, introducing other speakers and speech evaluations.

All participants successfully completed their initial “ice-breaker” speech and are busy working on successive speeches that focus on speech organization, speech purpose,

body language and vocal variety.

Cay-Uma-Wa club coach Jackie Graybil and Vice President of Education, Holly Anderson helped organize the series, along with President Jan Taylor and Treasurer Roy Jones. The goal of Speechcraft is make available the valuable skills gained through Toastmasters to a wider group.

The Cay-Uma-Wa club meets weekly on Wednesdays at noon in the Waluula Conference Room at the Nixyaawii Governance Center and online via Zoom. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about Toastmasters, visit the club website at www.1089523. toastmastersclubs. org, talk to any of the club officers, or drop by for one of the meetings.

Keaton French poses as baseball player Rickey Henderson Feb. 8 during Wax Museum at McKay Elementary School in Pendleton.

Paxton Warner as Annie Sullivan Wahpe Paradise as Albert Einstein Jayden McDougall as Kobi Bryant Abi Coy as Sacagawea

Aqil Karhout, Lynette Minthorn, Leah Harris, Lindsay Watchman and Kellen Joseph show off their prize of Ice Breaker mints after completing an “ice breaker” exercise during a recent Toastmaster’s session.

Louis Halfmoon, Michelle Bratlie and Leigh Pinkham-Johnston celebrate completing their initial ice-breaker speech. CAY-UMA-WA TOASTMASTERS COURTESY PHOTOS

Native organizations call on Oregon Legislature to advance Indigenous community priorities

By JARRETTE WERK Underscore News

SALEM – Inside the wood paneled walls of the state Capitol on Monday, Feb. 12, a balcony was lined with Indigenous people proudly wearing ribbon skirts, beaded earrings, cedar hats and hair in fresh braids. From the floor of the House chambers, Rep. Tawna Sanchez and Rep. Annessa Hartman, the only two Native American women to currently serve in Oregon, waved up at the row of familiar faces.

With a whack, the sound of the wooden gavel echoed and the chatter stopped.

“The House is now in session,” House Speaker Dan Rayfield announced.

Sitting with dozens of community members along the balcony was William Miller, Blackfeet and Cherokee, government affairs manager at the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and executive director of the NAYA Action Fund. Miller wore a navy blue suit with a pink tie. His blue Eighth Generation socks added the finishing touch to his look as he held a folder titled “Native Advocate in Action.”

“We bring staff and community down to the Capitol to advocate on critical issues impacting the Native community,” Miller said. “From substance use disorder to housing stabilization to health equity, and really everything in between.”

“It’s really important to have the Native community’s voice at the table, making sure that they’re advocating for these really important programs, these really important budget requests, and legislative asks,” added Oscar Arana, NAYA’s interim CEO.

The Feb. 12 Legislative Day of Action was organized by NAYA and Future Generations Collaborative to bring Indigenous community members to Oregon’s state Capitol for conversations with policymakers on critical issues impacting their communities, such as safe and affordable housing, access to child care and economic equity.

“We’re trying to demystify, or trying to remove this feeling of it being hard or scary, really trying to make it more approachable for folks to participate and have their voice heard,” Arana said.

Natalyn Begay, NAYA Health Equity Coordinator and Policy Mode lead for Future Generations Collaborative echoed Arana on the importance of showing up.

“Some of these bills and policies really do impact their everyday life,” Begay, a citizen of the Navajo Nation said. She came prepared to advocate for early childhood education, mental health, housing and more.

Each legislative session, NAYA Action Fund’s leadership adopts a

legislative agenda to advance policies that benefit the communities they serve.

“It’s a model that serves as an opportunity to advance the issues and concerns of our people,” Miller said.

The work Miller does today is deeply personal and directly tied to how he was raised around NAYA. He said he was able to give back to the organization now, because of what it has given him over the years.

“I grew up going to NAYA receiving services ever since I was 10 years old,” Miller said. “So me as a return

NAYA and Future Generations Collaborative on Feb. 12 was an increase in funding for the Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP) that passed the Oregon Legislature two years ago.

In 2022, the legislature allocated $15 million under the EEIP to build economic stability among disadvantaged people, families, businesses and communities in four key areas: ownership of land and property, entrepreneurship and business development, workforce and intergenerational wealth building.

“Native communities and

on investment, in my life, is living proof of the importance of services that NAYA provides.”

Miller, Blackfeet and Cherokee, said he remembers his family utilizing NAYA’s services, including housing, rental support, energy assistance, food boxes, after school programming and summer camps.

“NAYA is not just a wraparound organization, it is literally a family,” Miller said. “We’re stepping in the fight every day to literally and radically change lives for the better. And I think that being part of that is so beautiful.”

Miller says that his vision with policy and narrative change work is to bring more folks into these avenues of advocacy, from as early as infancy and all the way to the elderly, in ways that it benefits everyone.

“That creates that generational impact where folks are understanding how to navigate these systems of colonization in a way that is beneficial to the Native community,” Miller said.

‘Native communities and communities of color have been disenfranchised’

At the top of the agenda for

economic advancement for Native communities,” Miller said.

‘Set them up for success’

Another bill on the agenda was HB4082, which would establish a $50 million summer learning grant program to fund and immediately expand high-quality, culturally responsive summer enrichment opportunities. The goal is to boost youth engagement and support college and career readiness for Oregon students.

“The summer learning grant program was really funding our summer programming, and helping our youth have activities during the summer to learn more about science, math and technology and just getting them into a space where they could set them up for success,” Begay said.

Paying for childcare is extremely costly, especially for single parents. In some cases, Begay said, childcare can take up the majority of a parent’s paychecks.

“We want to make sure that our community can have a job, make a living wage, and also be able to know that their kid is taken care of,” Begay said.

Addressing education disparities through increased summer and afterschool learning opportunities is vital with the current education system in Oregon, she added.

“That definitely needs to continue,” Begay said. “So we’re asking for support for establishing the $50 million learning grant program.”

‘Housing is the crisis of our lifetime next to climate change’

communities of color have been disenfranchised and have not had access to these types of resources in the past,” Arana said, stressing the importance of the legislature allocating these funds over many years.

“You’re not going to solve economic inequalities in one year,” Arana said. “It’s really important that we continue to have these dedicated sources of funding that are meant to uplift the Native community and communities of color.”

In 2022, NAYA was a recipient of $900,000 in EEIP funds, and saw firsthand the benefits the program has on the Native community, Miller said. NAYA used those funds to help families with down payment assistance to purchase a new home or to make critical home repairs in current homes. The organization is currently working to acquire land for development of affordable housing and additional homeownership.

“We see the impact, and the value of the program is so profound on our community,” Miller said. “So a $30 million ask is really the next step in terms of continuing to safeguard and provide opportunities for

The final issue, and the only legislation that Gov. Tina Kotek is introducing in 2024, is Senate Bill 1537, a $500 million investment package aimed at solving the housing crisis in Oregon and creating affordable housing for Oregonians who struggle to make the state’s skyrocketing rents and mortgage payments.

“Housing in Oregon is under production, so this bill really is in an effort to produce more affordable housing,” Miller said.

The bill would create the Housing Accountability and Production Office with the overall goal to support housing production and address issues from local governments and developers over compliance with state housing laws. One downside to this bill, according to Miller, is a one-time tool for cities to add land for housing to their urban growth boundary.

“There’s some concerns attached to that, just given the environmental impact,” Miller said, “But we also need to realize that housing is a human right, and we have to work in a way that creates that right for all folks in our community.”

“Housing is the crisis of our lifetime next to climate change,” Miller added.

Oscar Arana, NAYA’s interim CEO, reads over talking points on bills that would impact Indigenous communities before the group broke into teams to meet with policymakers. JARRETTE WERK | UNDERSCORE NEWS PHOTO

Two Cultures One Community Powwow exceeds expectations

“It was a major competition powwow and that’s what we had envisioned as a goal,” said Fred Hill.

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

PENDLETON – If you enjoyed the inaugural Two Cultures One Community Powwow, organizers want you to block off Feb. 28 through March 2 on your 2025 calendar.

When Marvel calls

By LISA SNELL Editor

MISSION – She thought it was a phishing scheme. Perhaps a joke. It’s not like she had Marvel Studios in her address book or anything.

“I ignored the email because I honestly didn’t believe that it was legit,” Acosia Red Elk said.

Red Elk, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and champion jingle dress dancer, initially blew off an inquiry from an agent casting roles in Marvel’s then upcoming series, Echo. But he tried once more.

“He emailed again to check in and I responded that I didn’t think it was real,” Red Elk said with a laugh.

It got real when he forwarded a non-disclosure agreement and assured her it was legitimate. A casting scout had seen her Indigenous Enterprise dance

That’s because the powwow committee said it’s chosen those days for next year’s event and intend to make it bigger and better by making the most of having extra months to plan.

Organizers said they were expecting no more than 6,000 to attend the inaugural powwow, but nearly 11,000 people poured into the Pendleton Convention Center Feb. 23-25 for a weekend of dancing and drums.

In addition to local dancers,

community members, and visitors who were in town for other events happening over the weekend, the powwow drew hundreds of dancers and drummers plus a few dozen vendors from faraway places like Saskatchewan, Minnesota and Arizona.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) tribal member Fred Hill, one of the event’s organizers, said the powwow achieved one of its goals of rivaling some of the more well-

known regional competitions on the powwow trail.

“It was a major competition powwow and that’s what we had envisioned as a goal,” he said. “We had said amongst ourselves that we’re going to set the bar.”

But the event also achieved its other goal of bringing together diverse groups of people to educate them about Indigenous culture.

Pat Beard, another one of the

Golden Eagles place 2nd in state tournament

Boys fall just short of championship; young girls team gains experience

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

BAKER CITY – The Nixyáawii Community School boys basketball team fell one game short of winning

another state championship after losing to top-ranked Crane on March 2 in front of a sold-out crowd in Baker City.

The Crane Mustangs took control of the game right away and never

trailed, beating the No. 2 Golden Eagles 65-51 for the Oregon School Activities Association Class 1A championship. It was Crane’s third

The Nixyáawii Golden Eagles post-game with their coaches and tournament hardware. WIL PHINNEY | CUJ PHOTO

Dancers take to the floor for grand entry during the final day of the inaugural Two Cultures One Community Powwow Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Pendleton Convention Center. Event organizers said 600 dancers were on the floor at one point. DALLAS DICK | CUJ PHOTO

POWWOW

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

event’s organizers, said it showed that there is an appetite in the area for more cultural exchange opportunities that the committee will be looking to include next year or establish as separate opportunities.

“It was the right event at the right time,” Beard, who is also the convention center’s manager, said. “There’s so many good things spinning out of it.”

The three-day event featured Grammy Award-winning Northern Cree as the host drum and numerous vendors selling a variety of products, from homemade goods to art and beadwork.

For those competing, adult dance contest winners were paid between $800 and $200, with youth winners being paid less. A handful of CTUIR tribal members and area residents were among the winners and top finishers.

Payouts for drum contest winners ranged from $6,000 to $1,000.

Organizers have said the idea for the powwow sprung from a state convention for city and county managers held at the Pendleton Convention Center last July. During that event, CTUIR dancers and singers performed for the convention attendees, who later said the cultural experience was their favorite part of the event.

Feedback has overwhelmingly been positive or constructive, organizers said, while also thanking the powwow’s sponsors, partners, volunteers, donors and others who contributed to the event.

The powwow’s organizers met with CTUIR’s Board of Trustees on Monday, March 4, where it received praise from tribal leaders, to recap the event, thank the tribe for its support and discuss plans for next year and how the two can improve their partnership next year.

Organizers said they hope to make next year’s powwow bigger than the first given its turnout and community interest this year and the reputation it established.

One of the challenges for next year, Beard said, will be finding space for everybody, though a new equine facility at Blue Mountain Community College should be available and able to help somehow.

According to Beard, the convention center’s 3,500 seats were often filled throughout the weekend. At one point, 600 dancers were on the floor at the same time, he said.

“You might want to build a bigger convention center,” CTUIR Board of Trustees Vice Chair Aaron Ashley jokingly told organizers during the March 4 meeting.

CONTEST RESULTS

Women Golden Ages 4th, Thomiscita Mountain Sheep, Pocatello, ID 3rd, Cece Walsey Begay, Granger, WA 2nd, Audrey Olney, White Swan, WA 1st, Leah McGurk Brown, Sacramento, CA

Men Golden Age 4th, Reggie Walsey, Toppenish, WA 3rd, John Meninick, Lapwai, ID 2nd, Jeff Downing, Regina, SK 1st, Peter Jo Olney, White Swan, WA

Tiny Tot Boys 4th, Rylan Caye, Toppenish, WA 3rd, Thunder Bad Warrior, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Timinah Ellenwood, Pendleton, OR 1st, Ezekiel Charles, Port Angelas, WA

Tiny Tot Girls 4th, Waptasvi Heemsah 3rd, Humble Coby, Blackfoot, ID 2nd, Stakymi Andrew, Goldendale, WA 1st, Karen Meninick, Harrah, WA

Happy Canyon Princesses Lauren Gould and Layla Sohappy lead in visiting royalty. Powwow emcee Ruben Little Head sports his signature top hat.

Whip Woman Judy Farrow

Whip Man Andrew Wildbill

Drum group Northern Cree rocking a packed house, Saturday night, Feb. 24.

PHOTOS BY DALLAS DICK, WIL PHINNEY, LISA SNELL AND AARON WORDEN

Jr Girls Fancy

4th, Abi Kordatzky, Pendleton, OR 3rd, Raine Williams, White Swan, WA 2nd, Emma J. EagleSpeaker, Yelm, WA 1st, Jocelynn Phoenix, Rosemead, CA

Jr Girls Jingle

4th, Melody Waskahat, Wellpinit, WA 3rd, Nila Mayfield, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Alimae Jackson, White Swan, WA 1st, Dazha Joseph, Pendleton, OR

Jr Girls Traditional

4th, Elizabeth Bevis, Pendleton, OR 3rd, Tiara Price, White Swan, WA 2nd, Ramona WhitePlume, Lapwai, ID 1st, Katera Jackson, White Swan, WA

Jr Boys Fancy

4th, JJ Meninick Jr., Lapwai, ID 3rd, Jacoby Scabbyrobe Johnson, Worley, ID 2nd, Jeremiah Wahchumwah, Tacoma, WA 1st, Nabahe Piikani Shebala, Coeur d’Alene

Jr Boys Grass

4th, A Blackthone, Eugene, OR 3rd, Cameron Onepennee, White Swan, WA 2nd, Meninick Sena, Toppenish, WA 1st, Jayden Walsey, Toppenish, WA

Jr Boys Traditional

4th, Hunter Whiteplume, Lapwai, ID 3rd, Dravus Coin, Seattle, WA 2nd, Darryl Whiteplume, Lapwai, ID 1st, Blake Lloyd, Toppenish, WA

Teen Girls Fancy

4th, Acozjah Dion, Boise, ID 3rd, Shandiin Shebala, Coeur d’Alene, ID 2nd, Valerie Scabbyrobe, White Swan, WA 1st, Lennon Paskemin

Teen Boys Fancy

4th, Sonny Walsey, Toppenish, WA 3rd, Garian McDonald, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Rolyn Atkins, Owyhee, NV 1st, Liam Beebe, Toppenish, WA

Sonya and Stuart Jim from White Swan, Washington, stole the show during the swing dance special held Saturday night, Feb. 24.

Acosia Red Elk places third in Jingle.

Louis Halfmoon

Tyera Hendrickson stuns in her basket hat and wins third in her category.

Powwow committee members Fred Hill, left, and Pat Beard, right

Logan Quaempts takes third in the Jr. Chicken Dance category.

Damon Danzuka

Teen Boys Grass

4th, Ian Mitchell, Toppenish, WA 3rd, Sunhawk Barney, Portland, OR 2nd, Rico Bruno, Maskwacis, Canada 1st, Christopher Beebe, Toppenish, WA

Teen Boys Traditional

4th, Elias Nelson, Toppenish, WA 3rd, Skye’d Beasley, Blackfoot, ID 2nd, Hiyuum Nowland, Pendleton, OR 1st, Bryson Wallahee, Puyallup, WA

Sr Women Traditional

4th, Stephanie Townsend, Auburn, WA 3rd, Marie Jackson, White Swan, WA 2nd, Tilda Walsey, Toppenish, WA 1st, Violet Olney, White Swan, WA

Sr Women Basket Hat

4th, Rebekah Adolph, Coulee Dam, WA 3rd, Dolly Heemsah, Wapato, WA 2nd, Katrina Miller, Pendleton, OR 1st, Sonya Jim, Goldendale, WA

Sr Women Jingle

4th, Tonia Jo Hall, Bismark, ND 3rd, Acosia Red Elk, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Paula Shebala, Coeur d’Alene, ID 1st, Bridget EagleSpeaker, Yelm, WA

Sr Women Fancy

4th, Josette Scholfield, Redding, CA 3rd, LaVerna Benally, Salt Lake City, UT 2nd, Denelle Stanley, Seattle, WA 1st, Carol Melting Tullow, Standoff Alberta

Sr Men Traditional 4th, Todd Beebe, Wapato, Wa 3rd, Buck Wallahee, Toppenish, WA 2nd, George Meninick Jr., Toppenish, WA 1st, Sheldon Shebala, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Sr Chicken

4th, Jarvis Stwyer, Warm Springs, OR 3rd, Eric Broncheau, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Owen Danzuka Jr., Warm Springs, OR 1st, Alex Meninick, Harrah, WA

Sr Men Grass

4th, Joel Wood, Bismark, ND 3rd, Robert Tewawina, Lapwai, ID 2nd, Ron Kickingwoman Sr., Browning, MT 1st, Randall Paskemin, West Valley City, UT

Marily and Swatas Spencer

A young boy goes all-in during Tiny Tots.

Visiting royalty from around the Pacific Northwest and the Denver March Powwow lines up during a break in the action Saturday, Feb. 24.

Basket Hat dancers prepare to take the floor.

Young dancers merge onto the floor during Grand Entry.

Sr Men Fancy

4th, Gary Olney, White Swan, WA 3rd, Kenny Pratt Jr., Yakima, WA 2nd, Douglas Scholfield, Mayette, KS 1st, JJ Meninick, Lapwai, ID

Jr Women Traditional

4th, Simsin HeavyRunner, Lapwai, ID 3rd, Jonae Nomee, Granger, WA 2nd, Mariah Beebe, Wapato, WA 1st, Heaven Walsey, Granger, WA

Jr Women Basket Hat

4th, Ida Adams, Wapato, Wa

3rd, Tyera Hendrickson, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Katrina Blackwolf, Yakima, WA 1st, Lydia Skahan, Lapwai, ID

Jr Women Jingle

4th, Ser’rae Running Eagle, Pocatello, ID 3rd, Sophia Turning Robe, Spokane, WA 2nd, Kenya EagleSpeaker Scabbyrobe, Tacoma 1st, Natalie LaFontaine, Lynnwood, WA

Jr Women Fancy

4th, Shaneesha Crue, Pocatello, ID 3rd, Kesawin Washburn, Goldendale, WA 2nd, Siliye Pete, Arlee, MT 1st, Oketwisha Roberts, Atwood, OK

Jr Men Traditional

4th, Trevor Jay Street, Lapwai, ID 3rd, Bryon Adams, Wapato, WA 2nd, Cory Williams, White Swan, WA 1st, Nataes, Wapato, WA

Jr Chicken

4th, Dorian Antone Tappo Jr., Minot, ND 3rd, Logan Quaempts, Pendleton, OR 2nd, Sage Casas, New Town, ID 1st, Jordan Yazzie, Tacoma, WA

Jr Men Grass

4th, Manny Hawley, Fife, WA 3rd, Therien Paskemin, West Valley City, UT 2nd, RedSky Chimburas, Lewiston, ID 1st, Dakota Madera, Spokane, WA

Jr Men Fancy

4th, Daniel Scholfield, Redding, CA 3rd, Keaven Brown, Sacramento, CA 2nd, Jonathon Nomee, Worley, ID 1st, Xavier Littlehead, Lawrence, KS

Round Bustle Special 4th, Reggie Walsey, Toppenish, WA 3rd, Terry Heemsah, Toppenish, WA 2nd, Brian George, Toppenish, WA 1st, Owen Danzuka Jr., Warm Springs, OR

Women’s Short Fringe Special 3rd, Wilma Buck, White Swan, WA 2nd, Irene OnePenney, Wapato, WA 1st, Patricia Heemsah, Toppenish, WA

Western/Native Swing Special 3rd, Casey/Bixie Wallahee, White Swan, WA 2nd, Peter Jo/Audrey Olney, White Swan, WA 1st, Sonya/Stuart Jim, White Swan, WA

Timinah Ellenwood places second in Tiny Tots.

A tiny tot rocks a cowboy hat during Grand Entry.

Ladies joke and laugh during Grand Entry opening night, Friday, Feb. 23.

David Wolf, left, stands with a visitor from Yakama during the presenting of the colors, Friday night, Feb. 23.

Aurora WhiskeyJack leaps into the air during the Teen Fancy competition.

PHOTOS BY DALLAS DICK, WIL PHINNEY, LISA SNELL AND AARON WORDEN

Montia Raboin circles the floor during Grand Entry, Friday evening, Feb. 23

MARVEL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

troupe performance at the Joyce Theatre in New York City.

“I’m not an actor,” Red Elk said, “but they liked the way I moved in

my yoga videos on YouTube and Instagram.”

The series, which debuted on the streaming channels Disney + and Hulu Jan. 9, centers on the origin story of the title character Echo (Maya Lopez, played by Alaqua Cox, Menominee), who is Choctaw.

Marvel worked with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma on the series and wove the tribe’s origin story into tale. The Choctaw descend from the “clay people” and Echo is a direct descendant of Chafa, the first of the clay people to become human.

Red Elk originally auditioned for the role of Chafa, but was chosen to play one of the other 12 clay ancestors. She is part of the opening scene of the series and in scenes throughout four of the five episodes.

“Our main scene is set in a cave,” Red Elk said. “The clay people emerge from the caves; the clay dries out and cracks open to expose their skin. That’s when they became The People.”

She said the costuming was a real long process. It began with a trip to Atlanta, a laser scan of her body and the testing of different types of clay makeup.

“We spent six hours in hair and makeup and then nine hours or more filming – practically naked and covered in clay all day. Then it took over three hours to get the clay off our bodies and out of our hair,” she said. “It was really uncomfortable but so much fun experiencing being on the set of a Marvel series.”

Red Elk flew to Georgia for filming

and Indigenous teachings with yoga to create what she calls “powwow yoga” and “seven generations yoga.”

three times. She was flown first class and picked up in a limousine each time. “It was funny getting picked up on the rez in a limo,” she said laughingly.

Nearly all the roles were filled by Native actors, some Red Elk was already acquainted with, and the series boasted nearly all Native writers, directors and producers.

“It was an honor to be chosen to be part of this series,” Red Elk said. “Native peoples are entering all these new spaces proving their talents and sharing knowledge that is important for society to witness and learn from. We have a responsibility to do things with honor to show the world what we are capable of; and that everything we do is done with intention and care. What a time to be alive!”

Acosia Red Elk awaits her scene on the Marvel set of Echo, shot in Fayetteville, Georgia. COURTESY PHOTOS

Acosia Red Elk has spent years on the powwow circuit as a world-champion jingle dancer. She has also combined different powwow dance styles

Congratulations to the sixth grade Lady Bucks on their third place finish in the state basketball championship March 2. Back row left-right are Coach Marissa Winterton, Elliyah Bowers, Luka Worden, Lillie Lehneis, Dazha Joseph, Coach Austin Samuels, Kendall Mattesen, and front row, left-right are Gabriella Calvillo, Fallyn Plume, Abi Kordatzky and Jessenia Hetanke. AARON WORDEN | COURTESY PHOTO

Taylor Quaempts, second from left, poses with her family on Senior Night at Weston McEwen Feb. 2. DALLAS DICK | CUJ PHOTO

Anthony Nix, holding a poster, poses with his family before playing the Enterprise Outlaws on Feb 2 during Weston McEwin’s Senior Night. DALLAS DICK | CUJ PHOTO

Amariana Willingham and Ella Stewart were honored during the Nixyáawii Golden Eagles’s Senior Night Feb. 9.

The Nixyáawii Golden Eagles celebrated Senior Night Feb. 9, honoring left to right, JohnJohn Withers, Baron Moses, Landon Picard and Sky Smith COURTESY PHOTOS

STATE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

state title in a row and third win of the season against Nixyáawii.

“It was a tough one,” Nixyáawii coach Jeremy Barkley said. “We had a great season and the kids played hard all year.”

Despite the disappointing

outcome, Barkley said it was still a successful season for the team, which was among the top-ranked teams in the state all year.

Led by league player of the year Baron Moses, who eclipsed 1,500 career points during the season, Nixyáawii finished 23-5 and won the Old Oregon League championship. Juniors Rylan Bronson and Symon Picard were also named to AllLeague first team alongside Moses.

But during the Saturday game, the Golden Eagles struggled during the first half and didn’t take advantage of opportunities to erase Crane’s lead. At one point, they were within four points of tying it up, but ended the first half with only 15 points – a season low after the first half, Barkley said.

Nixyáawii rallied, bringing their score within nine points heading into the fourth quarter but fell further behind early in and couldn’t threaten Crane again.

Picard led the Golden Eagles in scoring during the March 2 loss, finishing with 21 points. Moses finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while junior Weptas Brockie had eight points and seven rebounds.

Moses was named to the AllTournament first team. Brockie made the second team.

After the game, the school – as well as Barkley – thanked the fans for their support during the season. Barkley also thanked the players for their commitment throughout the season.

“I’m super proud of the kids,” he said. “We just fell a little short.”

Still, he said next year’s returning players gained valuable experience. He said they expect to compete for another title next year and said the outcome won’t discourage them from getting back into the gym right away and working to improve their game.

The Nixyáawii boys have qualified for the state tournament every year since 2018, winning the championship in 2019 and 2021.

“They always have high expectations,” Barkley said. “They want to win, and they are going to be disappointed when they don’t.”

The Nixyáawii girls team, meanwhile, ended the season short of the state playoffs.

Still, coach Aaron Noisey said there was much to be proud of – and plenty to look forward to for next season. The team was remarkably young and comprised of mostly freshmen and sophomores with only two seniors and one junior.

The inexperience showed at times, Noisey said, but showed improvements that culminated in a come-from-behind upset victory over the No. 5 team in the state during the league tournament.

The girls Golden Eagles finished with a 10-14 record. They were led by seniors Ella Stewart, who was named to the Old Oregon League’s All-League first team, and Amariana Willingham, who made the AllLeague second team.

Although the team may not have been as successful as they wanted,

and will miss the experience and skill Stewart and Willingham brought, Noisey said the season served as a valuable learning experience for the younger players’ coming seasons.

Looking forward to next year, he said he’s excited to see that growth continue and hopefully translate to a push for a state tournament berth and a win to mark their first 1A title since 2017.

Rylen Bronson shoots a jumper during the state championship game March 2 in Baker City. WIL PHINNEY | CUJ

Bear Moses looks for a teammate to pass to during the state championship game March 2 in Baker City.

WIL PHINNEY | CUJ

Baron Moses capped his high school career on Saturday, March 2, during the OSAA Class 1A state championship by scoring 13 points and six rebounds and being named to the first All-Tournament team. Playing small forward, Moses led the team in scoring this year and last year, eclipsing an impressive 1,500 career points near the end of the season during a second-round playoff victory against Valor Christion. He was also named the Old Oregon League Player of the Year after helping the Golden Eagles win the 1A conference title during the league tournament. SAMANTHA McCLOUD | CUJ PHOTO

BAAD back on the rez March 22-29

MISSION – Registration is open for the 34th annual Basketball Against Alcohol and Drugs (BAAD) Tournament which will return to the Umatilla Indian Reservation March 22-29, 2024.

The tournament will kick off Friday evening with a dinner and special guest at the Nixyáawii Community School Gym. This year’s tournament will start with the boys and girls 1518 age division March 22-24, 2024. The 12-14 boys and girls division follow on March 25-26. The 9-11 boys and girls division will be March 27-28 and the 6-8 co-ed division plays March 28 -29.

Each age bracket will be limited to eight teams, with ten players per roster. The registration deadline for entry fees is Friday, March 8, 2024. The tournament committee reminds all coaches and players that full payment must be received to secure their team’s spot. Entrants must include team information along with money order payment, including the team’s name, address, a contact phone number and email. Personal checks will not be accepted.

“The BAAD Tournament Committee is looking forward to bringing back this healthy event for our youth during spring break,” said Department of Children and Family Services Director Julie Taylor. “It is a community effort, and we appreciate the collaborations and support we have already received.”

All money orders should be paid to CTUIR DCFS, Attn: BAAD Tournament, 46411 Timíne Way, Pendleton, OR 97801. Each player must submit proof of age. The tournament committee will accept the following forms of proof: 1) birth certificate 2) tribal enrollment card 3) state driver’s license or permit.

Teams much bring age verification to check in.

For security purposes, the tournament committee does not store personal information from players. For more information or questions, email BAADTourney@ctuir.org.

Quincy Sams blocks to maintain control of the ball during the 2023 BAAD Tournament. CUJ FILE PHOTO

BOT approves guidelines for opioid settlement fund uses

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – Millions of dollars in lawsuit settlement funds are closer to flowing into tribal programs and initiatives to combat opioid abuse after the Board of Trustees (BOT) approved spending rules for money it began receiving last year as part of a landmark legal settlement.

The policies, approved by the BOT on Feb. 12, established reporting requirements for a fund created with settlement money to combat the opioid epidemic among the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). It also established a list of broad prevention and recovery approaches the money could be used on.

More detailed plans for the fund weren’t part of the BOT’s action, but with the guidelines now established, the tribe can begin deciding how, and where, the money will be distributed to address effects the opioid epidemic has had on the CTUIR community.

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and the tribe will coordinate the planning process together. CTUIR programs and departments, like the Department of Children and Family Services, Housing, Tribal Court and police department, are expected to play roles in that process.

‘Our next step is to figure out how best to spend these funds,” said Aaron Hines, Yellowhawk’s CEO. “There are approved uses for these funds and they’re fairly broad.”

Allowable uses for the fund, according to the policy resolution and accompanying documents, could include substance abuse treatment services or expanding access to it; first responder, social services, and treatment provider workforce training; and the development of

educational prevention materials or campaigns.

The fund could also be used to support programs that provide tribal members in recovery with wraparound services - such as childcare, housing or job training - or assistance dealing with the criminal justice system, among many acceptable uses.

Cultural and traditional practices or strategies that can aid in recovery, prevention or help strengthening cultural identity would also be eligible for funding.

Discussions about finalizing plans for what the money could be used for, and when, are expected to begin during an upcoming CTUIR managerial meeting, Hines said.

Addressing substance abuse, including opioid addiction, and the costs associated with it, was also recently listed as one of the BOT’s priorities for the remainder of its two-year term.

In 2018, the CTUIR and several other tribes nationwide sued 14 opioid medication manufacturers, distributors and retailers, alleging that they recklessly fueled an opioid abuse epidemic in Indian Country that burdened tribal governments with considerable costs related to healthcare, social services, law enforcement and other services involved in responding to the crisis.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relief

medications such as oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, as well as the synthetic opioid fentanyl and the illegal street drug, heroin.

The tribe announced in 2022 that it would receive part of the $590 million settlement and got its first disbursement in August 2023. The CTUIR will receive payments over the next decade to help address opioid abuse and its consequences.

Tribal nations have been among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic.

Nationwide, and in Oregon, American Indian and Alaska Natives are killed by opioid overdoses at rates – which have been steadily rising in recent years – higher than any other racial or ethnic group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although consequences of the opioid crisis haven’t affected the CTUIR as severely as many other tribes, Hines said the money will allow the tribe to be proactive in its substance abuse education and prevention efforts and focus extra attention on strategies “to help keep our cases low,” Hines said.

“That doesn’t mean that we don’t have an issue with it here,” he said. “And it doesn’t mean that we don’t do anything. It just means that we’re in a different position than other tribes are.”

Yellowhawk breaks ground on expansion

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center recently broke ground on an expansion project to make the clinic more accessible for elders and to provide more exam rooms.

The medical wing’s size will increase when the project is completed, turning former storage areas into additional hallways and exam rooms that will allow the clinic to increase appointment availability and service offerings. A new storage wing will be built to replace the lost storage area.

Elders will also get a dedicated entrance at the back of the building to give them easier access to the building and closer proximity to the clinic’s medical department.

“The current entrance and the parking lot, for elders to walk in, it’s a long distance,” said Yellowhawk CEO Aaron Hines.

Yellowhawk officials say the clinic, which has grown by more than 40 employees since 2018, has outgrown its footprint. The expansion, they’ve said, will allow Yellowhawk to continue growing while meeting patient needs.

Work is expected to be completed in September, Hines said.

Nationwide, and in Oregon, American Indian and Alaska Natives are killed by opioid overdoses at rates – which have been steadily rising in recent years – higher than any other racial or ethnic group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

STOCK PHOTO

Haskell offering new ag business degree NCS renews principal’s contract

By NATIVE AMERICAN AGRICULTURE FUND

WASHINGTON – The Native American Agriculture Fund and the Bureau of Indian Education Feb. 5 announced a historic investment in a new agriculture business degree program in partnership with Haskell Indian Nations University. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland made the announcement in remarks at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s Annual Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.

The educational effort will be housed within Haskell’s business school, and the program will cover areas such as lending operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, and customer service, encompassing comprehensive fundamental lending principles that will ultimately improve the relationships Native farmers and ranchers have with their financial institutions.

“I am excited to see Haskell implementing innovative programs to foster opportunities for the next generation of Native American farmers and ranchers,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “This new program will help ensure

that Indigenous farming students can build sustainable business models that support them, their families and our traditional food systems by bridging the gap between educational needs and agricultural financial literacy.”

The program will offer students degree and certificate options in both agriculture and finance, ensuring students possess a deep understanding of lending processes specific to Indian Country and the agricultural industry. This represents a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals who understand the unique requirements of Tribal agriculture production and lending and thus empower economic opportunities for Native American farmers and ranchers.

“Through this educational program, the goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the unique lending landscape of Indian Country and address the importance of improving capital access for Native producers,” said NAAF CEO Toni StangerMcLaughlin. “At NAAF, we are proud to support educational entities like Haskell as the stewards of education in our tribal communities and hope the

certificate programs will become a useful tool in educating both students and non-students that serve their tribal communities. This new engagement will build off our work in providing access to capital through Community Development Financial Institutions and the creation of a new Other Financing Institution within the Farm Credit System called Native Agriculture Financial Services.”

The partnership will focus on building bridges between educational needs and the ongoing efforts to improve agricultural financing, which is critical to a long-term sustainable and resilient Native food economy.

“We are excited to create new and exciting opportunities for our students and the communities they come from,” said Mackie Moore, dean of Haskell Indian Nations University College of Business.

This holistic educational program will provide learning experience for students interested in the intersection of business, finance and agriculture. NAAF was created as part of the Keepseagle national class action settlement, which focused on lending practices impacting Native farmers and ranchers.

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – The Nixyaawii Community School Board has renewed the contract of Principal Ryan Heinrich for another two years.

School board members voted unanimously to extend Heinrich’s contract through the 2025-2026 school year during its Feb. 26 meeting. Heinrich came to Nixyaawii in 2013 and has been an educator in Oregon since 1998, teaching at schools in Sweet Home and Pilot Rock before being hired by NCS.

Heinrich said one of his goals for the next two years includes collaborating with the tribe to expand career and technical education offerings, saying he and NCS staff members have great ideas for business classes and for the school’s existing construction class.

He also wants to maintain or increase Nixyaawii’s enrollment numbers – currently about 80 – and continue to improve its graduation rates, which have statistically been higher than the statewide average graduation rates for Indigenous students in recent years.

When he came to Nixyaawii and became its principal, Heinrich said his goal was for a long tenure and to provide stability for the school since several principals had already come and gone in its 10-year history to that point.

“I didn’t want to come here and be a one and done,” he said.

Ryan Heinrich

Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start, more than just a head start on school

By LISA SNELL Editor

MISSION – Studies show that children enrolled in Head Start programs receive innumerable benefits beyond merely being more ready for kindergarten when the time comes. According to the National Head Start Association, not only are Head Start students more ready for school, they have better social skills, impulse control and approaches to learning.

On the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start does more than promote school readiness and competence. The program also works to enhance all aspects of its students’ development and offers support to the entire family.

Family and cultural involvement is key, and the program hosts monthly Family Engagement nights. The February event included food from Mazatlan restaurant and a cultural presentation by CTUIR tribal member Kim Minthorn-Allen.

“Kim talked about our culture, Longhouse etiquette, and about how we are preparing for the children’s root feast in late April or early May,” said Preschool Coordinator Lloyd Commander. “We also talked about the protocols for the children’s first

dig, how we take the entire program, and how much fun gathering our traditional roots was during last year’s outing.”

Attendees also learned of the importance of gathering and preparing the materials to make regalia for their children and heard plans for upcoming Family Engagement nights, the next of which will be “Father’s Night.”

Past activities have included tours and activities at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, celebrating Christmas with donations from the Giving Tree Program and entertaining tribal elders during their annual Christmas banquet.

“We want to thank everyone who donated gifts. Every child received wonderful gifts from loving people with big hearts. Those gifts made our children feel loved and so special, especially at Christmas time,” Commander said.

Currently, 29 children and their families are enrolled in Cay-UmaWa Head Start but the facility still has openings.

“We’d really like to enroll 11 more children and their families as soon as possible,” Commander said. “We are open to any family – not only Native Americans – and we invite any family with a need to join our program.”

Head Start is a federally funded program providing comprehensive child development services to

children ages 3-5 and their families. Families that reside within the boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation or families living in neighboring communities are eligible to apply for admission.

For more information, call or

email Lloyd Commander at 541429-7836 or lloydcommander@ ctuir.org. Applications can be picked up at the Educational Center or accessed online at https://files.ctuir. org/2023-2024 Head Start online application.pdf.

Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start children entertain tribal elders during the annual Elder’s holiday luncheon held at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. CUJ FILE PHOTO

To apply, scan the QR with your smart phone for an online copy of the Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start application

In Memoriam

James Brian Halfmoon Sr.

February 5, 1956 – February 17, 2024

James Brian Halfmoon Sr. of Mission, Oregon, died February 17th, 2024, peacefully in his home surrounded by his children and loved ones.

James was born on February 5th, 1956, to Carolyn Halfmoon at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon. He was raised by his grandmother Mary Joshua Halfmoon and Grandfather Otis Alphonsus Halfmoon on the Umatilla reservation. He attended St. Andrews and St. Joseph’s Academy in Pendleton throughout grade school. He later attended schools St. Johns Indian School in Laveen AZ, Pullman High School, and Pendleton High School.

He was a handy man of various trades such as carpentry, construction, wood cutting, and road work, but his passion was in auto mechanics. James was described as a “damn good mechanic” with a compassionate heart who helped many people regardless of their financial situations.

Later in life, he was a dedicated groundskeeper of St. Andrews cemetery for many years.

A devout catholic, James lived a modest lifestyle with an appreciation for all things nature, his animals, spending time with family and friends.

He was proud of his Indigenous heritage and name. As a natural outdoorsman, his hobbies included hunting, fishing, berry & root picking up in the Blue Mountains and tending to his horse Cayuse, and of course cruising alongside his loyal companion Lowrider.

He was a regular at the senior center, and the local thrift shops.

James took great pride in his home, inside and out. His home was always filled with love and music. His doors were always open to his many friends and visitors. His roaring laugh and warm smile are remembered by many as being “infectious” making everyone around him laugh alongside him.

He was always looking forward and could always make light of the difficult times. A father figure and uncle to many, he was a dedicated and resilient father that always stood by his children’s sides.

He is proceeded into death by his mother Carolyn Halfmoon, Daughter Marsha Lynn Halfmoon, Older brother Michael “Big Mike” Halfmoon, and younger brother Michael “Little Mike” Summers. He is survived by his daughter Tylene Halfmoon of Flagstaff Arizona, son James Halfmoon Jr. and daughter Tehya Halfmoon both of Mission, Oregon. He is also survived by sisters Cindy Halfmoon and Peggy Summers and younger brother Edward Zohn of Athena.

Gerald Willard Nanegos

April 14, 1951 – February 1, 2024

Gerald Willard Nanegos, 72 of Prairie City, Oregon died on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Oregon. Gerry was born in Pendleton, Oregon on April 14, 1951 to Willard Gerald Nanegos and Margaret White. Services were held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Tutuilla Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial followed in the Tutuilla Cemetery.

REGGIE JOHNSON Memorial Service

10AM, MARCH 30, 2024 AT THE LONG HOUSE

Happy Birthday

to our Dad and Papa!

We love you! Your Kids, Grandkids & Great Grandkids

WRC FEBRUARY Employees of the Month

Supervisor of the month: Kanisha Perry, CEC Lead Attendant

“Kanisha is a fantastic asset to the CEC and WRC. She is always looking for ways to help better the CEC and look for ways to make things run smoother. Kanisha steps up anytime it is needed. She will take care of her job duties as well as the managers any time the manager is away. Kanisha is fair with all of the staff she supervises, always keeping an open-door policy with the staff. All of her fellow coworkers enjoy working with Kanisha and the kids like her too. We have kids who have aged out coming into the CEC asking for her just so they can say HI and tell her that they miss her. I am really happy and grateful to have Kanisha part of the CEC team.”

- Nominated by Donna Raph

the month: Donovan Leroue, Cage Cashier

“Donovan is constantly going above & beyond for everyone. He does not hesitate to carry out tasks asked of him under his job description or higher up (leadership). He goes out of his way to show guests where they need to go, even when they don’t ask specifically He always seems to sneak jokes in when helping a guest. Amazing Customer Service!”

- Nominated by Rylea Olsen

Support Employee of the month: Louis Halfmoon, MIS Service Desk Tech

“Louis is always helpful to get any issue that I have had with my computers or getting me set up with the equipment that I need to have available to always conduct my job.”

- Nominated by Camille Williams, Security

Frontline Employee of

JOIN THE CAYUSE HOLDINGS TEAM!

We have dozens of jobs open each month. Work on the Reservation, remotely from your home, across the US or overseas.

TribalHiringPreferenceand EqualOpportunityEmployer.

Current Cayuse Holdings job opportunities include: Desktop Technician Ill (CA), Air Load Planner Course Instructor (CO), Deckhand (Guam), Desktop Technician III (AZ), Tribal Recruiter (Remote), Press Advisor (DC), Service Desk Agent (Remote), Regional Field Tech (TX), Senior Marine Engineer (Guam), Tier 1.0 Helpdesk Specialist (OR), Project Manager (Remote), Director of Business Development (Remote).

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

Entry-Level Wildland Firefighter

Salary: $18-$20 per hour / $27 overtime per hour when authorized

Hazard Pay at 25% increase of base wage when authorized

Department: Bureau of Indian Affairs

Location: Mission, Oregon

Employment Status: Seasonal (3-6 months) Employment period will be no longer than 6 months (1548) hours. Start date for this position will be May 15th or June 1st, lasting to November 1st.

Non-Exempt/Safety Sensitive (subject to random drug testing). Background check required.

Supervised By: BIA Fire Management Officer

Closing Date: Open Until Filled; last review of complete applications on April 12, 2024

https://ctuir.org/career-opportunities

Scan the QR with your smartphone for information and how to apply------------>