CUJ_MAY 2024

Kotek visits for ceremonial signing, consultations

Gov. Tina Kotek holds up a ceremonially signed copy of Senate Bill 1567 while members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees and elected state officials applaud on Thursday, April 25, outside of the Nixyáawii Governance Center in Mission. SB 1567 or the Walla Wall 2050 Strategic Plan calls for cooperative water management between Oregon and Washington in the Walla Walla Basin to help restore salmon. Standing from left to right are Board Member at Large Lisa Ganuelas, Rep. Bobbie Levy, Sen. Bill Hansell, Board Members at Large Steven Hart and Corinne Sams, Chairman Gary I. Burke, General Council Chairman Alan Crawford and Board Vice Chairman Aaron Ashley. LEE GAVIN | CTUIR PHOTO

CTUIR executive director resigns

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) leaders will begin searching for a new executive director in the coming weeks after accepting the resignation of Don Sampson on April 29.

Board of Trustees (BOT) members voted unanimously to accept the resignation, which takes effect May 10.

In his resignation letter, Sampson

CONTINUED PAGE 4

By CHRIS AADLAND and LISA SNELL

MISSION – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek spent April 25 on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, learning about Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) priorities and culture in a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two.

CTUIR leaders took Kotek, along with First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, to several reservation sites to discuss issues such as a long-delayed bridge replacement project the tribe has no control over, a water resource management facility and First Foods preservation.

The visit was part of a commitment from Kotek to meet with each of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes. It also came on the heels of two days of meetings with the tribe’s new federal lobbyists, Oregon and Washington state lobbyists and tribal officials to discuss priorities.

Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Burke said the visit showed Kotek

CONTINUED PAGE 16

CTUIR honors first salmon of 2024

By TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) held a First Fish Ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, at the Nixyáawii Community School to celebrate the return of the first spring Chinook salmon of 2024.

The CTUIR annually celebrates the fish’s return to the reservation with songs and prayers as part of

the tribes’ covenant to protect and enhance their First Foods.

“We know we’ve got to give thanks. It’s important to keep the songs and honor the ones that bring these songs and who remember what we are supposed to do every year,” CTUIR

Chairman Gary I. Burke said. “I’m proud of our reservation, proud of our leadership, proud of our next generation. These are our gifts that

SALMON CONTINUED PAGE 11

Jerimiah Bonifer, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Fisheries Program manager, carries the first spring Chinook salmon of 2024 for CTUIR members to observe during a First Fish Ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, at the Nixyáawii Community School. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR

Court taking steps to incorporate ‘tribal wellness court’

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – Community members facing charges involving drugs or alcohol could soon be offered a chance to resolve their cases and avoid incarceration or other consequences of the criminal justice system by successfully completing a program that is focused less on punishment and more on healing and support.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Tribal Court is preparing to file an application for grant funding that would be used to plan and implement a wellness court, which would hopefully reduce relapses through an intensive program that would provide a level of resources and support – including cultural programming – that isn’t typically offered to people facing charges in a mainstream criminal or tribal court.

“We’re trying to help people as opposed to punishing them,” said Tribal Court Director and Associate Judge Matt Johnson.

The courts, which are also called tribal healing to wellness courts, would target people facing drug and alcohol-related offenses, or cases where substances are a factor. Johnson said those cases make up a significant portion of the tribal court’s caseload.

Successful participants would avoid jail, prison or other consequences related to criminal charges or a conviction while also working to address factors that led to the situation with the help of a team of people supporting them at every step.

The desired outcome, Johnson said, is for participants who have completed the program to remain clean or sober, have stable housing and be spending time with children or family, or at least be on the path to achieving that.

The Board of Trustees has discussed potential outside funding options, and after being briefed on the purpose of a wellness court, most board members voiced their support for the concept. It was also recently endorsed by the CTUIR Law and Order Committee. The CTUIR Health Commission has yet to review the idea.

Johnson said the court was hoping to submit an application for a Department of Justice grant in early May and was considering other grant funding options.

He added it’s unclear when the tribe would find out if it was successful or when the money would arrive to allow the tribe to finish the planning process and begin implementation. Regardless, he said it’ll likely be at least a year before a wellness court is operational.

As of 2020, 105 tribes – including

two in Oregon – had established a healing and wellness court, according to a 2022 National Drug Court Resource Center report. Overall, about 400 tribes have a tribal justice system.

Tribal healing to wellness courts allow tribes to incorporate practices to help address historical trauma that has led to Indigenous peoples’ overrepresentation in criminal justice statistics and the high rates drugs and alcohol that are a factor in Native Americans’ criminal court cases, according to the 2022 report.

Unlike drug or treatment courts that are common today, the tribal healing to wellness court concept also emphasizes participation in cultural activities with each program aligning its methods and values to cultural and traditional practices or concepts of justice and healing, the report said. The use of incentives and providing wraparound services is also an important element. While a lack of data and research has made it difficult to assess the

TATTOOS, FEMICIDE & BOARDING SCHOOLS:

NATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN & GIRLS

Last day to see “Portraits in Red: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls” Painting Project (We're closed on May 5.)

FREE FIRST FRIDAY!

FREE admission all day at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.

May 3

10am-5pm

FREE admission all day at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. View the exhibit Portraits in Red: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls. Enjoy Indian Tacos and Frybread from 11am-2pm at Kinship Cafe. Shop the Museum Store for spring and summer merchandise!

2024

ArtWORKz Junior Art Show & Competition

Submissions are being accepted through May 10.Open to artists 18 years and younger. No fee to enter! Lots of prizes! For guidelines and entry form, go to tamastslikt.org/events/. For questions, contact Jesse Bird at 541.429.7723 or email jesse.bird@tamastslikt.org or Daisy Minthorn at 541.429.7749 or email daisy.minthorn@tamastslikt.org. Free admission

NEW SPRING & SUMMER MERCHANDISE ARRIVING!

Check out our new seasonal merchandise for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, birthdays, or treat yourself!

Comparing the Cultural Genocide of the Indigenous Armenians & Native Americans

Thursday, May 2, 4:30pm Free Admission

Author Elyse Semerdjian speaks on her most recent book, Remnants: Embodied Archives of the Armenian Genocide (2023) During World War I, the Ottoman government deported, murdered, and culturally assimilated women and children from the indigenous Armenian community of Asia Minor. The Armenian Genocide, as with all genocides was informed by a deep understanding of gender and patriarchy. Foremost among the images of the Armenian Genocide are the blue tribal tattoos that covered face and bodies of Armenian women assimilated into rural Muslim households. Western humanitarians sought to rescue Armenian women and children but objectified the tribal tattoos they bore as signs of racial corruption, colonial attitudes they brought with them from the colonization of America. Semerdjian will trouble these colonial assumptions about tattoos and share how new historical approaches, informed by indigenous studies, have documented the cross-pollination of genocidal methods from the Americas to the Ottoman Empire. Among these new findings is how the Indian boarding school model was adopted by the Ottomans.

Pepsi Primetime @ the Museum

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Tribal Court is preparing to file an application for grant funding that would be used to plan and implement a wellness court, which would hopefully reduce relapses through an intensive program that would provide a level of resources and support.

CUJ

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 more information or daily news, visit the CUJ online at: https://cuj.ctuir.org

RESIGNS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

stated he resigned due to personal reasons.

“A big factor in my decision is my goal to spend more time with my mom and family, improve my health, reduce the day-to-day stress of my work and enjoy life each day,” he wrote.

The tribe issued an announcement on April 29 after the BOT accepted the resignation, stating Deputy Executive Director J.D. Tovey was named interim executive director until a permanent replacement is chosen.

In the announcement, Tovey said he was eager to work with tribal staff to complete current projects and priorities until leaders fill the position permanently.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and Mr. Sampson to provide a smooth transition,” he said.

Tovey started as deputy executive director in October after nearly nine years as the CTUIR’s Planning director.

Officials didn’t say when they hope to hire a new executive director but that they would form a committee in the coming weeks to advertising the vacancy and select applicants for the BOT to consider.

As the tribe’s top stafflevel position, the executive director oversees the daily operation and management of CTUIR government and administrative functions and

ensures tribal member access to services and programs.

The executive director is also responsible for implementing BOT directives but doesn’t oversee tribal entities such as Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Sampson’s last day will mark the end of his second turn as the CTUIR’s executive director.

A tribal member and hereditary chief, Sampson previously served as executive director between 2003 and 2010. The BOT hired him for his current stint in late 2021.

In addition, Sampson served as BOT chair for two terms from 1993 to 1997 and had served as the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s executive director.

When tribal leaders hired him again in 2021, they said his experience, knowledge and familiarity with tribal government and the CTUIR community were factors that contributed to his selection.

At the time, Sampson said providing excellent services to tribal citizens, protecting treaty rights, restoring natural resources, revitalizing language and cultural traditions, and making the CTUIR community more resilient to a changing climate were among his priorities.

In his resignation letter, Sampson thanked BOT members and CTUIR employees for their hard work during his tenure – adding that that he would support the tribe, BOT and community in any way possible in the future.

“I am proud of the work each of the Department Directors, Program Managers and all CTUIR staff do day in and day out on behalf of our community,” Sampson wrote.

Chairman Gary I. Burke said Sampson had kept CTUIR departments “performing at a high level” and played an important role in tribal successes, like the adoption of the Climate Adaptation Plan and ongoing housing projects.

“We thank Don for all his time and service he dedicated to the CTUIR and its people, Burke said. “We wish Don nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Don Sampson

J.D. Tovey

CTUIR Tribal Court honors new judges with ceremony

MISSION – Three associate judges of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) received a ceremonial oath of office and presentation of robes on Wednesday, April 17 inside the Tribal Court chamber.

CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson ceremoniously swore in Naomi Stacy, Louisa Allman and Matthew Johnson before he and Associate Judges Doug Nash and David Gallagher gave custom CTUIR-inspired stoles to the trio.

Chief Judge Johnson told attendees that the expanded bench is an expression of the CTUIR’s sovereignty and demonstrates that “we are here; we are Indian people tied to this land and we’re going to be here for a long time.”

The Tribal Court, he said, is important because – unlike state and federal courts – CTUIR customs and traditions have an important role in decision making and “preserves the way we want to live, which is our old ways and our new ways.”

“We want to do it ourselves and we want to do it our way,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that the support and guidance of elders like Raymond “Popcorn” Burke, who was the court’s founding judge and former Chief Judge, has been vital to the Tribal Court’s development. He said he hopes Burke’s “kindness, mercy and wisdom pours out” in the court’s decisions and serves as a guide for

the new judges.

After taking their oath of office, the three new judges briefly spoke to attendees, acknowledging the support of family members over the years, thanking the more senior tribal court judges for their mentorship, and expressing how meaningful it was to them be serving their own people.

“It’s a great honor to be in this position,” Allman said. “These three other judges (William Johnson, Nash and Gallagher) have been my mentors since I was 15. And who knew me being a little volunteer student clerk would have reached this? I appreciate all they have contributed to my career And I’m thankful for the honor the tribe has

Pre-law Summer Institute teaching assistant, tribal prosecutor, natural resource policy analyst, tribal attorney, lobbyist, hearing officer and mediator.

Stacy and Allman are only the second and third women to serve as CTUIR judges. Lynn W. Hampton served as a CTUIR appellate judge before being appointed as a Circuit Court judge for Umatilla and Morrow counties in 2011 by thenGov. Ted Kulongoski.

Matthew Johnson shared some humor about initially trying on his robe during his remarks.

bestowed upon me to serve as an associate judge.”

Stacy thanked her parents and others who supported her legal dreams.

“I’m so grateful for this day and the path that led me here. I want to thank my mother Susan Lubrin, my father Emory Stacy and the countless people who have helped me along the way,” she said. “I can’t think of many people who weren’t supportive, who weren’t helpful and helped teach me on this journey, and I’m so grateful.”

William Johnson appointed Stacy as judge pro tem in May 2023. In the past 27 years, her employment and training include juvenile justice advocate, American Indian Law

“I tried on my robe for the first time this morning, and my daughter told me I looked like a pilgrim,” he said. “I’m still getting used to it, but what is really hard to express is how honored I feel by the Board for putting this trust in me, putting this trust in us, to continue on the high standard of integrity and fairness that these judges have shown all these years. I hope to just live up to a little bit of the model and standards that they have set.”

The Tribal Court has sole criminal jurisdiction over Indian people on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and criminal jurisdiction over nonIndians who have been charged with domestic violence offenses under the Violence Against Women Act. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with Oregon for civil issues within the reservation.

From left to right are Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Judges Matthew Johnson, Doug Nash, William Johnson, David Gallagher, Louisa Allman and Naomi Stacy. Matthew Johnson, Allman and Stacy received a ceremonial oath of office and presentation of robes on April 17 in the CTUIR Tribal Court. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR PHOTO

Bioplastic cutlery first step in Longhouse sustainability

By LISA SNELL Editor

MISSION – “Remember to bring your own cutlery,” the flier read. Some did, some didn’t, and some complained. Regardless, everyone got to sit down and eat during the annual Nixyáawíí Root Feast April 21 at the Longhouse. Everyone, except perhaps those slogging away in the dish pit.

“It’s a small step everyone can do towards Longhouse sustainability,” said Althea Wolf, acting manager of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) First Foods Policy Program (FFPP). “We handed out reusable bioplastic utensil kits last year and they were used for the first time at Huckleberry Feast.”

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc. Bioplastic cutlery can be washed, sanitized and reused repeatedly. They can even go in the dishwasher, said Wolf.

Wolf said the small blue kits handed out for tribal members’ use are made from wheat stalk, the part of the wheat that usually gets dried into straw bedding.

“We just want people to remember we can always do more for our environment and rejecting singleuse plastics, like cutlery, is an easy thoughtful step in the right direction,” she said.

Wolf keeps a set in her car. It’s just a cutlery swap, she said. Paper plates, cups and napkins can be sustainably purchased relatively easily and are compostable.

“But the cutlery, if you’re getting single-use plastic cutlery, every step of that process emits carbon. It’s extremely carbon intensive to produce plastic utensils. They’re wasteful, not compostable, and end up in the landfill,” said Colleen Sanders, Climate Adaptation planner for the FFPP.

According to the National Institute of Health, plastic takes up a growing

percentage of municipal solid waste streams and poses environmental challenges because of its lack of biodegradability. Petroleum based plastic materials take about 100 to 1,000 years to degrade when used in landfills besides polluting air and water around.

“We generate a lot of dirty dishes at the Longhouse. The dishes will still have to be done, but when people bring their own cutlery, it lightens the load on the cooks. You

an elder back to enjoy the meal.

“Auntie Jan came back to help me and I told her to go sit down, that I had it under control. She was like, ‘Wow, I actually get to go and enjoy the feast!’ and that felt really good to be able to take that burden from an elder who really should be out there enjoying their time,” Sanders said.

Responding to and addressing climate change has been a Board of Trustees priority, Wolf said. “There’s a government response, a community response and an individual response.”

Both women stress that community members are not required to bring their own cutlery to participate in feasts or gatherings and know that what you’re going to eat with is the last thing on your mind as you head out the door to the Longhouse for a memorial, funeral, or even a feast.

“We understand this can be an inconvenient request, but convenience is often, unfortunately, wasteful, and it is future generations who will pay for the costs of our conveniences,” Wolf said. “Ultimately, we’re here to unite the community in a good way. Feast is one of the rare times you get to go to the Longhouse in celebration and bring your joy.”

And if you remember to, please bring your cutlery.

wipe them off, put them away and wash up at home. It’s a simple way to help out at a feast and contribute to Longhouse sustainability. You’re also helping save water and lighten the load on the Longhouse dishwashers,” Sanders said.

“Bringing and reusing your own cutlery is an easy way to give to our community. You’re helping us save water,” Wolf said.

Sanders recalled during a recent feast, she was at the dish pit and sent

Boxes of bioplastic cutlery have been distributed to the Longhouse and other programs throughout the year.

LISA SNELL |CUJ PHOTO

Michelle Spencer, left, proudly shows Althea Wolf that she brought her bioplastic cutlery with her for the April 21 Root Feast. Wolf’s department has been giving out boxes of reusable bioplastic cutlery since March of last year for personal use. COURTESY PHOTO

MISSION – Kayak Public Transit is now offering 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 Waev Gem E6 EVs in February 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. She said the shuttle service runs from the Kayak Transit Hub to Nixyáawii Education Center, Timíne North Apartments, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and the Nixyáawii Governance Center.

“It runs from 7:10 in the morning

till 5:25 In the evening, Monday through Friday. And then we will also utilize anytime there’s a sports event at the school. We’ll utilize the shuttles for parking and excess overflow parking,” Croes said. “Everyone is welcome to use the shuttle service. 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.

Eric Smith, Kayak transit fleet and safety manager, said Kayak got the EVs because they are environmentally friendly, and they will make for better campus transportation.

“We want to support more green initiatives. That’s important to everybody; it’s important to the tribe,” Smith said. “Also, these are going to be a pretty handy tool for here on campus, you know, for our elders that are going to appointments, our kids down here at school. These are going to be a big benefit for those two issues right there.”

Chairman Gary I. Burke takes a ride in one of Kayak’s new EVs. CTUIR PHOTO

THERE TO LEARN?

•

approach’s effectiveness, the National Drug Court Resource Center report said the limited outcome data that is available suggest the courts reduce participant recidivism and lead to reduced costs for tribal justice systems.

Plans for a CTUIR wellness court began after a recent Bureau of Indian Affairs assessment, requested by the tribe in 2022, suggested the addition. Johnson said the recent expansion of the court’s capacity with new judges has also allowed it to consider adding the new program.

Since the BIA report, tribal court officials have been visiting tribal wellness courts like the Tulalip Tribes’ and working with other CTUIR programs or entities, like Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, that would be involved in providing support or resources, Johnson said.

A wellness court would likely mean an increased need for treatment beds and more demand for tribal health, behavioral and social services, though a more detailed estimate has yet to be determined, Johnson said.

Other details, like who would be eligible to participate and what offenses would qualify, would also be identified during the implementation planning process that the grant funding would pay for.

The Tribal Court would also like to someday add a juvenile wellness court, but Johnson said that addition

“We’re trying to help people as opposed to punishing them,” said Tribal Court Director and Associate Judge Matt Johnson. The courts, which are also called tribal healing to wellness courts, would target people facing drug and alcoholrelated offenses, or cases where substances are a factor. Johnson said those cases make up a significant portion of the tribal court’s caseload.

CUJ |FILE PHOTO

is not part of current plans.

The wellness court would likely be an intensive 18-to-24-month program with several steps to complete to avoid charges for alleged crimes involving drugs and alcohol or have those charges dismissed.

Requirements would likely include completing a drug or alcohol treatment program, passing regular tests for drugs and alcohol, and attending meetings with counselors and service providers, among others. Wraparound services, like transportation to meetings and appointments or housing assistance, could also be part of the program.

An important emphasis of the

wellness court, Johnson said, is participation in cultural activities, which could include participation in language classes or other traditional practices.

The level of support provided in wellness courts also differs from traditional drug or treatment courts, he said. In those cases, participants are largely left to complete courtordered requirements without any additional support or guidance, increasing their chances of failure, Johnson added.

Although the wellness court program would be an intensive process for participants, a support team of probation officers, social

service providers and counselors would be there to ensure participants are successful.

“Wellness court is meant to be easy to get into, hard to get out of,” CTUIR Tribal Court Community Service Coordinator Donyale Jackson told BOT members during an April 24 work session. “We want them to get into it and we want them to succeed.”

At the BOT work session, where the resolution supporting the concept was discussed, board members said the idea seemed promising.

“This is a breath of fresh for me to hear this because there was nothing like this for me when I was growing up,” said BOT Member at Large Steven Hart. “This is what we actually need for people.”

BOT Member at Large Corinne Sams, said she hoped a wellness court could grow to include larger incentives for successful completion like court record expungement or allowing tribal members with drug convictions into tribal housing.

Sams said that she and the Law and Order Committee were concerned that housing, or a lack of access to it, would be a barrier to many participants being successful.

Still, she said she was pleased with how the program had been framed so far and how providing wraparound services, making it “kind of a one stop shop,” was an important element.

“The exciting thing about this new program is that it brings everybody together,” Sams said. “I can really see this program expanding.”

We’re Celebrating Mothers!

May 8–9

Earn and Get Great Gifts for Mom

Earn 900 points and get a fabulous purse!

Earn 600 slot based points on May 8 and 900 slot based points on May 9, 10am–10pm. Voucher must be redeemed at Club Wild by 11:59pm the day points are earned. One redemption per person, per day. While supplies last.

MOTHER’S DAY • SUNDAY, MAY 12

Enjoy Bingo with Mom

Moms Love Brunch

Moms Golf for Free

Earn 600 points and get a dazzling necklace or stylish clutch!

Doors Open 11am • Warm-Ups 2pm • Main Session 2:30pm Free Light Snacks and Refreshments • Flowers for Moms • Special Prizes

Dine together with mom at Plateau Fine Dining or Traditions. Visit wildhorseresort.com for special Mother’s Day menus.

Moms golf for free when playing with immediate family members after 1pm!

Wildhorse Golf Course • 541.276.5588 for tee times

Golf Course at Birch Creek • 541.966.1655 for tee times

Maximum of one free round per foursome.

SALMON

the Creator gave us.”

The CTUIR’s Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC), along with Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries and General Council Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl, hosted the ceremony after being advised April 21 by fishers on the Columbia River at Cascade Locks to anticipate the first fish on April 22.

After being caught, the fish had a green rope tied to its mouth, and it was set aside so that Fisheries staff members could bring it back to the reservation for the ceremony. Planners for the ceremony usually only have 24-48 hours’ notice.

Following the ceremony, the fish was to be cleaned, packaged and frozen. Because the 2024 spring

Chinook run is estimated at only 122,000 – with the CTUIR’s share being approximately 1,500 – tribal officials must ensure that there is enough fish for ceremonial purposes.

Corinne Sams, CTUIR Board of Trustees Member at Large and FWC chair, said having the ceremony at the school allowed students as well as tribal and community members to attend.

“It’s important for us to continue to live the way of life that we’ve lived since time immemorial. It’s important for all our tribal membership and community to celebrate in the return of our foods,” she said. “We’ve made a lifelong covenant to speak on behalf of our foods. We pray yearly for the health of our fish and the health of our waterways. It truly is the lifeblood of who we are as a people. We are the Wykanish-Pum, the Salmon People.”

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Chairman Gary I. Burke, Board of Trustees Member at Large Corinne Sams, General Council Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl, Language Instructor Damien Totus, Umatilla Master Speaker Fred Hill, Executive Director Donald Sampson, TERO Program Manager John Barkley, tribal member Whyatona Burns and Board of Trustees Member at Large Toby Patrick look on as Sampson speaks during the CTUIR First Fish Ceremony on April 23, at the Nixyáawii Community School.

Dear Editor,

I write this letter to express my grave concerns about recent actions by the Columbia Development Authority. The action by the Port of Umatilla, the Port of Morrow, and Morrow County was collusion to take over what other longstanding partners stood together for over 30 years for a powerful partnership to help shape regional economic development to common benefit. It was a grand vision of regional partnership tossed aside for organizational greed.

I was privileged to have been appointed by former Governor Neil Goldschmidt to the Umatilla Army Depot Task Force in 1991, joining then Umatilla County Commissioner Bill Hansell, Hermiston attorney George Anderson, Echo resident Joyce Rohde, and former and now departed Morrow County Judge Louis Carlson. We worked with the U.S. Army and various State agencies to develop an early site plan with proposed uses that has been relatively consistent over the decades. Fine folks that all had the best intentions and ambitions for our corner of the world and the Depot lands.

Later, it was agreed to become more formal and in 1995, I was appointed by the Tribes’ Board of Trustees to serve on the successor 12-person, multi-jurisdictional organization, the Umatilla Army Depot Local Re-Use Authority (LRA). The Congressionally required process for a local coalition of jurisdictions to request and obtain similar demilitarized military installations at no cost was to form and work through a Local ReUse Authority. The Tribes had 4 members and 2 members each to the two Counties and two Ports. Overall site plans were refined, and a great deal of Army and environmental clean-up had to occur for many years. During these slow and often rather dull years, the collective LRA enjoyed enormous

benefit from the Tribes’ participation, in particular a Tribal staff member with deep environmental regulatory experience, Dr. Rod Skeen. He was like an “interpreter” for the complex findings and analysis by EPA, Oregon DEQ, and Army experts. I later left the area to work for other organizations and upon my return to work again for the Umatilla Tribes in 2011, I was appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve on the LRA and was immediately elected LRA chairman. As we knew that the clean-up plans and standards were in place, it was turning to time to establish a management organization for future development that became the Columbia Development Authority (CDA) with a member from each of the jurisdictional partners. CDA by-laws were crafted that provided for consensus-based decision-making. We then began to advertise for a CDA Executive Director.

The vision I thought we all agreed to is the continuing shared interest of a Local Re-Use Authority with each of the partners being able to market business opportunities for a Depot location. It seemed to work logically as each partner jurisdiction could come to the table with their proposed project for lease or sale of needed acreage or let the CDA assume the deal for collective benefit. We knew that the CDA as the collective could advocate and develop site infrastructure of roads, utilities, and common area maintenance.

Which brings us to today. The conspiratorial effort led by the Ports of Morrow and Umatilla is nothing short of a land grab. Certainly, our Tribes have had nearly 200 years of this treatment. It is nothing short of open greed that the two Ports want to enhance just their own land holdings for valuable industrial and commercial lands and leave nothing or the rest of challenging acreage to the Counties and the Tribes. Without a collective

platform to advocate and secure infrastructure for current and potential development sites, I can see where the Ports would only develop access and infrastructure to current clients resulting in haphazard development. There would be no financing point with a dissolving CDA, as I would guess at least the Port of Umatilla might be past their ability to finance or bond.

The CDA’s Memorandum of Understanding contemplates the transfer of 4,019 acres to the Tribes. From the start, there was a desire to ensure protection of this portion of the Depot given its valuable and rare shrub steppe habitat. Early plans were for overall lease income to help support the management costs but will now be the Tribes’ expense. Again, the erroneous if not condescending notion the Tribes are only interested in conservation rather than development. I seriously object to allusions that only the two Ports know how to do economic development as the Tribes have demonstrated otherwise soundly.

I remain proud that the Umatilla Tribes saw the value in being involved with the various transitions of the Umatilla Army Depot over the last 3 decades. Internally, we balanced the often-equal interests cultural/environmental protection and economic development. I feel we brought great expertise and political capital to the CDA. It was a gathering where key regional leadership would collaborate beyond just Depot matters and leverage expertise of planners, attorneys, environmental expertise that all the partners brought to the table.

In closing, I hate to be this insulting, but sure seems like the babies just want to take what they think are their toys to go off and play by themselves.

Respectfully,

J. David Tovey, Jr.

CTUIR celebrates Week of the Young Child

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and its Early Childhood Department celebrated the Week of the Young Child April 8-12 to honor early learning children, as well as their teachers, families and communities.

Rayne Spencer, Child Development Intervention coordinator, said the CTUIR participated in the weeklong event to show how much goes into a child’s daily development and learning.

“It is important to celebrate Week of the Young Child to highlight how children learn and the parents/caregivers, family members, friends and educators that come together to support them. It truly takes a community to nurture and uplift our future generation,” she said. “What our early childhood programs hope to gain by celebrating is that everyone involved in a young child’s life feels appreciated while educating individuals on what goes into their development and how we foster that learning within our classrooms.”

The Week of the Young Child is celebrated during the first week of April each year with the CTUIR’s events running April 8-12 this year.

The week kicked off with students and faculty parading from the Nixyáawíí Education Center to the Nixyáawíí Governance Center. Tuesday’s event was Tasty Tuesday, in which teachers discussed nutrition and wellness while showing students healthier snacks. Wednesday was a Family Engagement Night & Art Show that allowed children to show their artwork after hours at school. Thursday was Scavenger Hunt & Obstacle Course Day where each classroom completed an age-appropriate scavenger hunt and obstacle course in the Nixyáawii Community School courtyard. And Friday was Family Friday,

in which parents and caregivers were invited to create a family tree with their respective children to be displayed in hallways.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and beyond.

Spencer said the CTUIR has been celebrating Week of the Young Child for more than 20 years,

and it’s geared toward the Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center, Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start and InterMountain Education Service District Early Childhood Special Education classroom, which this year consisted of seven classrooms and 51 students.

“Early childhood is the foundation of the education system. I believe the more community that surrounds these young children, the more effective we will be in raising strong individuals,” she said.

Children hustle through an obstacle course on April 11 at the Nixyáawii Education Center as part of Scavenger Hunt & Obstacle Course Day during the Week of the Young Child. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Early Childhood Department celebrates the annual event to honor early learning children, as well as their teachers, families and communities. LEE GAVIN | CTUIR PHOTO

AIRPORT ANTIQUES & THE FURNITURE LADY

• Antique Furniture

• Depression Glass

• Kitchenware

• Collectibles

• Vintage Art

• Hardware

• Clothing

May Special 15% Off - FLOWER OF ANY COLOR

1816 NW 51st ST • PENDLETON 541-278-0141 • 888-222-2397 www.pendletonfurniturelady.com

• OPEN TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10:30-6:00 • Watch our website and Facebook page for monthly and special sales!

Specializing in furniture repair & restoration

Umatilla basin tour shares CTUIR vision with ODEQ

By KATE ELY Umatilla Basin Hydrologist

PENDLETON – Hundreds of thousands of Spring Chinook and Steelhead smolts were released from four of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) fish acclimation facilities on April 10 and 11, giving attendees of a combined CTUIR and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) Umatilla River field tour the chance to witness releases and see a river teeming with fish.

The two-day Umatilla River Vision tour from headwaters to mouth was hosted by seasoned CTUIR staff for new-to-the-basin ODEQ staff.

The purpose of the tour was twofold: to foster working relationships between the tribe and ODEQ and to discuss with the state agency progress towards, and impediments to, understanding the mechanisms driving water quality and aquatic habitats of the Umatilla River.

Features like river form, water quantity and quality, river connection to floodplain, sediment delivery, gravel bars, vegetation, large woody debris and fish were highlighted as a functioning river system, and described in the Umatilla River Vision, a 2008 CTUIR document that provides management goals and strategies to protect and restore First Foods resources in the basin. A tribal history, cultural values, land use, and evolution of the landscape was shared as well.

The Umatilla River Vision describes a healthy river capable of providing First Foods that sustain CTUIR’s culture. In this vision, the river is dynamic, and shaped by physical and biological processes that are all interconnected. Key considerations are hydrology (water quality and quantity), riparian vegetation, aquatic biota, landform (geomorphology) and connectivity of all processes and habitat, including floodplain groundwater and surface water interaction.

Tour participants observe the Umatilla River from above Horseshoe Bend downstream of Pendleton, April 11, 2024. Scott O’Daniel points to where the Coe Dam formerly existed as Trea Nance, left, and Marty King, right, admire the view. JEREMY WOLF | COURTESY PHOTO

Pamáwaluukt Empower Program celebrating successes

By LORENE BRONCHEAU Pamawàluukt Staffing and Recruitment Specialist

MISSION – The 2024 Discover trainee participants presented their first quarterly reports to the Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee April 11. The Management Experience Program (Discover) is Chapter 5 of the Pamáwaluukt Empower Plan that was adopted by Resolution no. 12-057 by the Board of Trustees (BOT).

Discover has grown each year since impletmentaion in 2017, adding training opportunities, an additional position, implantation of the Program Manager Module in 2021, and the continued growth and improvement of the Management Experience Program.

Catherine Barkley, program manager trainee for 2024, shared a colorful presentation to the Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee on her Discover experience to date. Her rotations include Human Resources, Housing Department and Tribal Court. Barkley discussed the successes and challenges identified in each department, as well as highlights and details related to her current position. While in Discover, she has completed Tribal Human Resources Professional II (THRP II) Certification Training and said she has enjoyed connecting to employees on a professional level, building rapport, learning the department and program challenges and successes, goals and ideas, being able to observe department staff on day-today operations and learning individual’s goals and career paths that have assisted their success within tribal government.

Barkley said she would like for departments to provide a structured agenda for each program to provide participants with expectations and an opportunity to build a foundation to better prepare

before the rotations. The access to each department or program has given her the opportunity to meet many employees, which she said will benefit her greatly as the new HR business partner for Human Resources.

Clarise Huesties is the supervisory trainee for 2024. Huesties is the language developer within the Education Department. Her presentation gave clear direction of her goals with the Discover Program and her career path. She is interested in gaining leadership skills and understanding the organizational structure of the tribal government. She would also like to obtain her degree to remove that as a roadblock in the future. Huesties completed rotations with Human Resources, Tribal Court and the Umatilla Reservation Housing Department. Her next rotation wil be in the Department of Natural Resources.

So far, Huesties said she has enjoyed meeting people, having new experiences, receiving advice

from staff members and the guidance being offered to her. Some of the challenges she has faced in the first quarter of rotations include time management with extra duties on top of her position with time away from her department, little to no background in some departments, which can make going into departments challenging, and a lack of experience. She is hopeful that this program will be a positive addition to her ability to obtain some experience.

A few key pointers have stuck with her already. “1. Communication is key, understanding your communication style as well as the individuals you supervise. This is very important. 2. Provide resources and trainings needed for staff to be successful; their success is your success. Understanding and supporting their goals is vital for employee morale,” she said.

“The Discover Program continues to grow each year and the quarterly presentations to Pamáwaluukt by this year’s two participants really illustrated that continued development. Both Clarise and Cat presented information on their experiences with the program so far and they both did so in very concise and polished ways,” said Matthew Johnson, Tribal Court Director and Judicial Assistant who is also the chairperson for the Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee.

The Pamáwaluukt Empower Committee meets the second Thursday of the month and is composed of CTUIR tribal member employees including: Matthew Johnson, Marguarite Becenti, Gene Shippentower, Brandie Weaskus with an additional seat belonging to Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. The Pamáwaluukt Empower Program is facilitated by the Office of Human Resources under the oversight and guidance of the Committee.

Catherine Barkley, Lorene Broncheau and Clarise Huesties relay their experiences in the Pamáwaluukt Empower Plan to the program’s oversight committee.

EMPOWER | COURTESY PHOTO

SIGNING

was serious about fulfilling a promise to respect and learn about Oregon tribes and expressed gratitude to her and her staff.

“We thank Gov. Kotek, the First Lady and her staff for taking the time to learn more about the Confederated Tribes, our tribal sovereignty, our treaty rights and the work we are doing here in Eastern Oregon and throughout our traditional use areas,” he said.

After beginning the day with a public reception at the Nixyáawíí Governance Center that included a video greeting from young tribal members, leaders met privately with Kotek to discuss CTUIR priorities, such as housing, internet access, water and treaty rights, and health care.

During a tour of Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, health care workers and officials briefed Kotek on the public health issues and mental health needs of the tribe and how the state can help meet treatment goals.

“We had a good conversation about behavioral health, mostly, but other health-related issues too. There is a lot of synergy there about what the state’s interests are and what is going on on the ground here – similar issues, success, but also challenges – especially around workforce issues and making sure we have the workforce on the behavioral health side,” Kotek said.

Kotek then joined tribal leaders at the site of the stalled Thorn Hollow Bridge replacement project, where officials detailed why the crucial connection for community members and emergency services still hadn’t been replaced after the recordbreaking floods in 2020 destroyed the bridge.

“It is frustrating to know that here we are four years later and we still don’t have that bridge fixed,” Kotek said. “It’s helpful for me to know what I need to do to go back and talk with the agencies about what we can

do to expedite this, if anything.”

While funding to fix the bridge is available, the bridge is Umatilla County’s responsibility, tribal officials told Kotek, who said she would inquire about the project’s status.

“We will definitely look into it,” she said.

Afterwards, the group headed to the CTUIR Immeques Fisheries Acclimation Facility, where teachings about reciprocity and the tribe’s First Foods – water, fish, big game, roots and berries – were included with lunch.

“The First Lady and I were very impressed and just very excited about the First Foods conversation,” Kotek said. “Hearing the conversation of the connection to the land through the lens of First Foods and what that means was really helpful for us to just understand what it means culturally and spiritually to be the stewards of the land here. And then we tasted things we’ve never tasted before which was great.”

Later, a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 1567, which included

Oregon Sen. Bill Hansell and Rep. Bobbie Levy, was held.

“Today is a new beginning in the Walla Walla Basin,” said Kotek in her address before the signing.

“The roadmap for collective water management has been laid and it’s up to us to follow it. Through the Water Resource Department, Oregon will work hand-in-hand with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the State of Washington, municipalities, water users and other stakeholders to solve our water issues together and restore native fish to our waterways.”

The legislation, a top tribal legislative priority, allows the CTUIR, states of Oregon and Washington and other partners the ability to collaborate to restore salmon in the impaired Walla Walla River Basin.

“We look forward to many more occasions like this one,” Board Member at Large Lisa Ganuelas said. “This commitment to collaboration and cooperation is what has made this a role model for basins across the region.”

Now that the legislation has been

signed, the tribe and two states that share the basin can begin more effectively co-managing the basin’s water and implementing the 30year strategic plan the tribe helped develop that was designed to help salmon once again thrive in its waterways while preserving access for others who rely on the resource.

“The roadmap for collective water management has been laid and it’s up to us to follow it,” Kotek told the ceremony’s attendees.

Kotek and the First Lady also visited the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute for a tour and took in its featured exhibit “Portraits in Red: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Painting Project” before ending the day with dinner at Wildhorse Resort & Casino with Board members.

Thanking tribal leaders for their hospitality, Kotek said the visit was educational and thanked the Board and community for the hospitality.

“The tribe is working on some exciting, innovative initiatives and the state of Oregon is ready to support the good work of CTUIR however we can,”

said.

Kotek

Gov. Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson listen to Wenix Red Elk, a public outreach/education specialist with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Department of Natural Resources, speak about the tribe’s First Foods during a luncheon on Thursday, April 25, near Gibbon. Kotek and the First Lady visited the CTUIR as part of the governor’s promise to visit each of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon in 2024. To the left is Teara Farrow Ferman, DNR Cultural Resources Protection Program manager. COURTESY PHOTO

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Chairman Gary I. Burke chats with Gov. Tina Kotek shortly before a welcome reception on Thursday, April 25, at the CTUIR Nixyáawii Governance Center. The governor and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day visiting the CTUIR. LEE GAVIN | CTUIR PHOTO

Gov. Tina Kotek takes a test ride in one of Kayak Public Transit’s new EV vehicles. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR PHOTO

CTUIR HR hosting career fair

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Office of Human Resources is gearing up for the 2024 CTUIR Career Fair scheduled for May 15, at the Nixyáawíí Governance Center.

The inaugural career fair held last year was a success and employees of the staffing and recruitment team have been meeting biweekly anticipating an even more successful second event.

The event will be split into two sections; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be for high school students to attend and experience a hands-on approach meeting with department staff and viewing displays. The general public is invited to attend from 12 - 2:00 p.m.

This in-person outreach effort will give CTUIR departments and programs an opportunity to explain education requirements, experience needed, day-to-today operations and goals for success.

“I do believe this is one of the best ways for our employees to demonstrate what they do. Many people never get to see behind closed doors or lobby areas and have no idea the amount of work that is generated here,” said Lorene Broncheau, Pamáwaluukt Staffing and Recruitment specialist.

The Office of Information Technology, Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries Program, Public

Works, Workforce Development Drone Program, Bolster Program, Public Safety, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, Office of Human Resources, Tribal Farming, Oregon Department of Revenue, Cayuse Holdings, Wildhorse Resort and Casino, Marathon Pipeline LLC, and Yellowhawk are some of the participants visitors will be able to speak with.

Recruiting teams from colleges and universities will also be on site for interested students including Oregon State University, Blue Mountain Community College, Portland State University, Whitman, Walla Walla Community College, Lewis and Clark Community College and Eastern Oregon University.

CTUIR Human Resources took into consideration suggestions from last year and has worked diligently to identify improvements for this year.

“We are hoping to create and deliver a long-lasting imprint on students, college students and the public with our event this year. We are providing lunches for the students who let us know ahead of time that they will be attending, providing lunches for the table presenters, bingo games for the students and raffle items for the table presenters. It should be a fun-filled, informative day that will create new pathways for all parties involved,” said Jordan Bronson, an event organizer.

All welcome at the WWCC Return to the River Festival

WALLA WALLA, WASH. –

The entire community is invited to celebrate the return of salmon to the Walla Walla River Basin on Saturday, May 18, during the annual Return to the River Salmon Festival.

The free community event will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Walla Walla Community College campus near the WWCC ballfields on Tausick Way. Parking is available in the main WWCC campus lot. This event is co-hosted by the William A. Grant Water & Environmental Center at WWCC and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The day will feature many handson opportunities for families including interactive displays, obstacle courses, relay races, painting and drawing and water testing experiments. There will be 40 vendors on site, including WWCC’s Wine Country Culinary Institute food truck.

Lamprey and native fish species will be on display. The release of salmon fingerlings will occur at 12:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. with the assistance of staff from the Tri-State Steelheaders.

“This is a great opportunity for the

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

General Council www.ctuir.org

email: generalcouncil@ctuir.org

Phone & Fax: 541-429-7378

people living in the valley to see and learn about the conservation work going on locally, especially related to the reintroduction of salmon to our Basin,” said Drew TrogstadIsaacson, Interim Director of the Water & Environmental Center. Those interested in volunteering are invited to email: wec@wwcc. edu. For more information call the Water & Environmental Center at 509-527-4250.

The day will feature many hands-on opportunities for families including interactive displays, obstacle courses, relay races, painting and drawing and water testing experiments. WWCC | COURTESY PHOTO

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees

APRIL 8, 2024

Ascertainment of Quorum. BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT Chairman; Aaron Ashley, ViceChair; Raymond Huesties, Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Corinne Sams, Member; Steven Hart, BOT Member and, Alan Crawford General Council Chairman. Lisa Ganuelas, Member on Administrative Leave. Quorum present.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to adopt Resolution 24-030. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Nixyáawii Governance Center 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-276-3165 bot@ctuir.org l ctuir.org

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.

ii. Resolution 24-031: Topic: MOA with City of Kennewick, DAHP, Army Corps of Engineers.

Agenda Review. Roberta Wilson, BOT Secretary stated on the agenda she deferred the BOT Minutes for April 1, 2024, since no editing was completed.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to approve agenda. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Old Business: None

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is 24-030:

i. Resolution 24-030: Topic: Amendments to Health Commission Charter and Bylaws RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the amendments to the Health Commission Charter that are attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1 and the Health Commission Bylaws attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 2, which exhibits shows all new language as underlined and all deleted language lined through.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees approves the “Memorandum of Agreement amongst the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Wanapum Band, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the City of Kennewick Regarding the Transfer of 72 Acres of Land Within Columbia Park to the City of Kennewick, Washington” attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (MOA); AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes its Chair to sign all necessary documents to enter into and effectuate this MOA. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 24-031. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0

iii. Resolution 24-032: Topic: Funeral Assistance Code Amendments.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby adopts the amended Funeral Assistance Code, attached hereto as Exhibit 2, which shall take effect immediately; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Board of

Trustees directs the Executive Director to publish the amended Funeral Assistance Code so it may be available to the public; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 24-032. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

iv. Resolution 24-033: Topic: Community Paths Capital Improvements Fund Reallocation. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes the use of the Capital Improvements Contingency Fund allocation under Resolution 21-009 for both match and trail amenities for improved accessibility and safety on the Community Paths trail; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees authorizes the use of the unspent portion of the Capital Improvements Contingency Fund allocation under Resolution 21-009 for costs associated with the attached Safe Routes to School trail to bring the two projects to full completion; MOTION: Toby Patrick moves to adopt Resolution 24-033. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

v. Resolution 24-034: Topic: Payment of CDA Invoice.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the budget attached as Exhibit 1 C and further appropriates $308,000 from the Contingency Fund; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the

Board of Trustees hereby directs the Office of Executive Director to coordinate efforts with the other members of the CDA to obtain an annual operating budget to incorporate an allocation into the Confederated Tribes annual budget process. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to adopt Resolution 24-034. Alan Crawford seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 5 for - 0 against - 2 abstaining (Aaron Ashley and Roberta Wilson). b. Other Board Action Items: None.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports:

Toby Patrick, 4/2-3 to The Dalles as guest speaker on prehistoric times and about the river and our land. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve travel report. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6 for – 0 against - 1 abstaining (Toby Patrick).

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests. Corinne Sams polled personal leave on April 5 from noon to 4 pm. Steven Hart, personal leave on April 5 from 7:30 to 9:30 am. Toby Patrick, travel May 5-10 to attend STGWG Spring meeting at Santa Fe, NM. MOTION: Corinn Sams moves to ratify and approve leave requests. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6 for - 0 against1 abstaining (Toby Patrick).

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes

Gary I. Burke Chairman Aaron Ashley Vice Chairman

Raymond Huesties Treasurer

Roberta J. Wilson Secretary Alan Crawford General Council Chairman

Corinne Sams Member at Large

Lisa Ganuelas Member at Large Toby Patrick Member at Large

Steven Hart Member at Large

CTUIR Veterans Committee Biographies

Edward “Joe” Lewis Veterans- Committee Chair is a descendant of the Umatilla/Nez Perce/Cayuse tribes and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. He is the son of the late Etta Conner and the late Harry Lewis. Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1993 aboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) out of Yokosko, Japan and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) out of Bremerton, WA, being deployed in 1990-91 to Operation Desert Storm War, in the Persian Gulf. Upon completion of his military obligation, 4 years active and 4 years inactive, Joe received an honorable discharge in 1997. For Joe’s U.S. Navy service, he was awarded a National Defense Medal, Sea Service, Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asian Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Joe obtained his associates degree in business from Spokane Community College in 2005, and has 15 years’ experience working with tribal communities providing training, technical assistance, home support services, community outreach, logistical coordination, and data research. Joe is an experienced horse trainer working more extensively over the past six years breaking and training numerous young horses, and successfully trained one 3-year-old Appaloosa for parts in Happy Canyon and Pendleton Round-Up, which he and his family attend every year. Joe formerly served as the vice president of the Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club, Lapwai, ID.

Kipp-Soots-pa-Ouyen Lewis- Veterans Committee Secretary Umatilla and Nez Perce, Son of the late Etta Conner Scott and Harry Lewis went to high school in Dayville and Athena Weston . During his time in the Navy he attained the rank of Petty Officer Third class Aviation Boatswains Mate Fuel form 1988-1996 32nd street Naval Station San Diego CA. USS Tripoli LPH-10 Air Department V-4 Division Aviation Boatswains Mate Fuel (ABF) Sailors are responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship. Specifically, our responsibilities as an ABF: Fueling aircraft and operating and maintaining aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems. Enforcing safety and handling procedures. Refining fuel for quality . Supervising fuel farms and fueling equipment. Training and directing firefighting crews , fire rescue teams, and damage control parties assigned to fuel and lubricating oil spaces. Operating purging and protective systems aboard ships . His awards include: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Commendation, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal ( 2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), Good Conduct Medal.. Lifetime Member VFW Post 922

Ashleigh Wolf Veterans Committee Vice Chair is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and a Marine Corps veteran. She grew up in Umatilla and Morrow counties and graduated from Blue Mt. Community College in 2006 with her transfer degree while working for her tribal government in their Science and Technology department. After committing nearly 10 years to the tribal government, she made a decision to join the Marine Corps. Private First Class Wolf completed boot camp training at Parris Island, SC in June 2012 and immediately started training in North Carolina for her specialty as a CH53E Flightline Mechanic. Working on helicopters, amassing skill sets, climbing ranks and traveling the world, she was ready to commit herself to the Marine Corps for 15-20 years. Four years into her first enlistment, Sergeant Wolf tragically lost 12 brothers in a training accident, then her grandmother, and another young mentee, which changed her path forward. Not sure how to leave the Marine Corps after the series of life-shaking experiences, she reenlisted. During her second enlistment in the Marine Corps, she served as a Marine Security Guard in Bahrain, Chile, and Sierra Leone; working synchronously with the Department of State, providing 24/7 security for mission personnel, classified material, and government property. She achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as the Assistant Detachment Commander, which oversaw the administration, training, operational readiness, logistical support and application of discipline for the Marines and mission accomplishment. In 2018, she continued her higher education through Oregon State University eCampus, working towards a B.S. in Agricultural Science. After the pandemic and an extended stint in West Africa, she was ready to return to family and friends. Ashleigh returned home from nearly 9 years of honorable service in February of 2021. She has since navigated the benefits claim process through the US Veteran Affairs to receive mental health care and support to transition back to a civilian environment. Ashleigh has been elected as the Vice Chair for the CTUIR Veterans Committee.

Alan J. Crawford Veterans Committee Member US Army 1967-1969, US 56934285, Radio operator 05B20 training FT Huachuca, Arizona, basic training FT Lewis, WA. Permanent duty station at Karlshrue, Germany 249th Engineer Battalion. Specialist 4th class rank at discharge on November 18, 1969. Received Honorable Discharge.

David Wolf, Jr. a newly appointed member of the Veterans Committee is currently employed with the Workforce Development Department as the Crew Lead for the BOLSTER program and has worked for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation for 30-years. David served in the 82nd Airborne Division, HSB, 2nd BN 321st FA, during the Viet Nam Era from 1971 to 1974 and was honorably discharged with rank of sergeant.

He is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He’s a descendant of Tilcoax, war chief of the Palouse, whose name he carries. This decadency comes from his father David Wolf, Sr. and paternal Grandfather Rufus Wolf. His paternal Grandmother was Annie Andrews Wolf. His Grandparents on his Mother’s side (Theresa Charley Johnson) are Thomas and Sophie Wilson Charley, who lived near Spear Fish on the Columbia River. His iyat (wife) of 24 years is Celestine Rae Crawford. His siblings are Vivian Wolf DeMary and Lonnie Albert Wolf. His children are Jeremy Red Star Wolf, Adrienne Elise Wolf, Ashleigh Waenako Wolf, Tiona Wolf-Harrison, Jolene Henrietta Wolf, Lacey Rae Wolf (deceased) and Mena Laude. His grandchildren are Aiden Wolf, Manaia Wolf, Stella Wolf, Iosefa Taula-Brigham, Katherine Morrison, Ella Morrison, Charley Morrison, Alissa Wolf-Betzer, and Lillian Mae Heitmanek.

Red Elk awarded prestigious Doris Duke Foundation award

By LISA SNELL Editor

PENDLETON – She’s had tears in her eyes since February. That’s when she got the news she had been named a 2024 Doris Duke Artist Award winner – an award that comes with a life-changing cash investment.

“It’s hard to talk about this without crying,” Acosia Red Elk said. “I was informed the day after the Two Cultures One Community Powwow about this award. I didn’t know anything about it, and I had to keep it a secret until the formal announcement was made.”

The Doris Duke Artist Award is the largest prize in the United States specifically dedicated to individual performing artists. Red Elk, a Umatilla tribal member, is one of six awardees who is being given $525,000 in unrestricted funds and an additional incentive of up to $25,000 to save for retirement.

“The only one who knew was our dog Pilot. When I started crying, Pilot started howling and we cried together,” she said laughingly. She soon told her niece who was home at the time, and a few others, but managed to publicly keep it quiet for a month, which she said was hard to do.

She has no idea who nominated her, only that she was nominated and chosen by her peers.

“They wouldn’t – they couldn’t – tell me who nominated me, but

they told me the amazing things people said and that made me cry,” she said of the Zoom virtual meeting she had representatives of the Doris Duke Foundation, which grants the awards.

She said she was nominated by several people and then vetted by seven panels before she landed in the final cohort of six awardees: two for contemporary dance, two for theater,

and two for jazz.

“It really blows my mind that a powwow dancer such as myself was chosen in the category of contemporary dance,” she said. However, she wasn’t chosen solely for her powwow dancing. She said she was ultimately chosen for all the work she’s done during the past 20 years and that artists are chosen

Chuck Sams honored by OHS

By LISA SNELL Editor

PORTLAND – Tribal member

Charles (Chuck) Sams was named one of four Oregon History Makers by the Oregon Historical Society April 3. The award recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture and landscape of Oregon.

Recognized as a tribal and conservation leader, Sams made history when he was sworn in as the 19th National Park Service director in 2021 making him the first Native American to hold that position.

He is an enrolled member of Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) who has spent more than 30 years working in tribal and state government, and in nonprofit natural resource and conservation management fields. Sams has served in many executive capacities for the CTUIR, including stints as interim executive director and communications director.

He is a U.S. Navy veteran and holds a master’s degree in legal studies in Indigenous people law from the University of Oklahoma School of Law.

Kotek stresses tribal partnerships during CTUIR visit

By LISA SNELL Editor

MISSION – The clanging of the bell drew employees into the rotunda of the Nixyáawíí Governance Center as it always does, but on April 25 the girth of the usual invocation circle was widened by the addition of the day’s special guests – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. Their visit to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) was the second of the nine visits to federally recognized tribal nations Kotek has committed to making.

“We visited with the Siletz three, four, weeks ago,” Kotek said. “We have our annual tribal summit this

summer and we’re trying hopefully to visit all the tribes before the summit.”

During the morning’s CTUIR Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting with Kotek, Member at Large Corinne Sams recalled attending Kotek’s January 2023 inauguration.

“She had all nine tribes seated up front. Normally we’re all kind of put in the back. Afterward, her first meeting was with the tribes,” Sams said.

Kotek said she made a commitment to all nine tribes when she was sworn in and had them seated up front as a sign of respect as sovereign government representatives. “They should be front and center in a situation like that,” Kotek said,

adding she would visit each one and each visit would be intentional.

“There should be a good chunk of time where you can actually sit down and talk and listen and hear what’s going on,” she said. “And so that’s why we’re out here today.”

She said her government’s partnership with the tribes is something she’s been working on since day one and acknowledged that every tribe is different.

“There is, I think, commonality in wanting everyone to be successful – in having economic security and health and well-being – and it’s going to look different for each of the tribes,” Kotek said, adding that

Acosia Red Elk was named a 2024 Doris Duke Artist Award winner. DORIS DUKE FOUNDATION | COURTESY PHOTO

SAMS

Chuck Sams

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addresses tribal members and government officials prior to ceremoniously signing a copy of Senate Bill 1567, Thursday, April 25. LISA SNELL | CUJ PHOTO

KOTEK CONTINUED PAGE 14

RED ELK CONTINUED PAGE 5

Cultivating health and wellness: Two decades of the Tlawxmamiyáy Community Garden

By LYNETTE MINTHORN Health Educator

MISSION – Over the past two decades, the Tlawxmamiyáy Community Garden (Tlawxmamiyáy) has blossomed into a symbol of health, education and resilience.

From its modest start in 2005 to its current state of 12,000 square feet, the garden’s growth showcases the commitment of volunteers and the backing of community partners. As the growing seasons have come and gone, Tlawxmamiyáy has evolved from a small project into a vital resource. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, the garden’s journey emphasizes the power of perseverance and community collaboration. With a focus on diabetes prevention and community wellness, Tlawxmamiyáy soon became a key resource for the many health promotion and prevention programs offered by Yellowhawk.

In its early days, Tlawxmamiyáy had dedicated workers at the helm, like Kristi Yunker, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) former wellness coordinator; Teresa Jones, former Special Diabetes Program manager for Yellowhawk; and Alaska Koski, a CTUIR summer youth worker. The vision of a “community garden,” where any and all community members could freely pick produce, guided their work. Despite having a few tribal employees as regular volunteers, the garden faced a challenge that has stuck around like a persistent weed: low engagement and investment from community members.

“We had to get creative,” Yunker said in describing the hustle to get folks from the community involved. They were strategic about it, timing barbeques to coincide with the arrival of neighborhood youth getting off the school bus and the return of their family members after a long day’s work.

Undeterred by challenges, the garden took root. The first growing

season yielded a bounty of raspberries, corn, potatoes and more, showcasing the garden’s potential. Yunker shared words of gratitude regarding her experience working alongside Koski and community volunteers, including Board of Trustees Member Lisa Ganuelas and family, Claudette Enos, Carl Sheeler, Seth and Audrey Thompson, and the late Clarissa Alexander.

As the years progressed, continuous recruitment efforts and collaboration with the CTUIR Education Department and Nixyáawíi Community School (NCS) enriched the garden program. Health education initiatives like “Children’s Garden Days”, “Community Work Days” and healthy cooking classes were introduced. Weekly learning opportunities held at the garden helped foster a sense of ownership and connection to fresh produce among youth. At this time Tlawxmamiyáy was able to continue to flourish through grant funded support from multiple Yellowhawk programs and donations from the Wildhorse Foundation. In 2013, the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country

(GHWIC) grant strengthened the garden’s impact, funding a fulltime gardener to oversee day-to-day operations. Tlawxmamiyáy’s impact soon extended beyond its borders, with satellite locations established at the Nicht-Yow-Way Senior Center (Senior Center) and NCS. Upgrades like the installation of a conservatory greenhouse in the winter of 2015 further solidified Tlawxmamiyáy’s role in promoting food sovereignty and combating food insecurity. As with many community-driven programs nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 interfered with Tlawxmamiyáy’s outreach and engagement efforts. However, it also prompted the exploration of alternative programming solutions, including realistic market-style sustainability approaches.

Throughout its history, the Tlawxmamiyáy has faced other challenges such as incidents of theft, vandalism, and tampering with the irrigation system, resulting in crop loss. In the fall of 2023 the installation of a new fence and implementation of a “lock and key” system for Tlawxmamiyáy was identified as a

necessary and proactive measure to ensure the security and integrity of the garden. This measure not only safeguards the physical assets of the garden but also helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all community members who utilize and enjoy the space.

This year, Yellowhawk and the Tiichám Conservation District are teaming up to ensure the garden’s long-term sustainability. As part of this partnership, Tiichám will lead day-to-day garden operations such as planting, harvesting crops and offering educational workshops. In regard to produce distribution, Tiichám aims to collaborate with existing market channels in the CTUIR community, initially serving vulnerable groups like children and seniors through the education department and the senior center. Additional plans include expanding the garden to a larger land base and establishing a reciprocity program. This will ensure access to fresh produce for all through a sliding-scale community supported agriculture model.

Two community volunteers plant seedlings in a raised bed. YELLOWHAWK TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER | COURTESY

Tamástslikt hosts MMIP panel discussion

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – Several people recently shared their experiences of loss, frustration and healing connected to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people during a panel discussion at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.

On April 11, the panel of six people – victim advocates, service providers, survivors, family members of women who were killed or went missing –told discussion attendees about loved ones who had been murdered, the struggle to get justice, and their own stories of experiencing violence.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) tribal members and staff who work in the criminal justice system or work to address the high rates Indigenous people who face violence, are murdered, or go missing, also participated.

The public discussion was held in conjunction with TCI’s “Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples” exhibit, which includes 40 paintings by Native artist Nayana LaFond that portray Indigenous people who have gone missing and have been murdered, as well as portraits relatives, survivors and advocates. The exhibit concludes May 4.

Panelist Cissy Strong Reyes, spoke

about her sister, Rosenda Sophia Strong – both CTUIR members –and her disappearance in the fall of 2018. She was found murdered outside Toppenish nearly a year later in July. Both are of Yakama descent and are from that reservation.

Although the FBI did get involved, she told attendees that authorities initially didn’t take the disappearance seriously. Those struggles led Strong Reyes to seek justice for her sister on her own by posting missing person fliers, holding vigils and organizing community events to raise awareness about her sister and other missing and murdered Indigenous people.

“I had to keep her visible. I had to keep her in the community’s eye,” she said.

That work has led to her taking a more active role in advocating for families of missing and murdered Indigenous people, pushing for changes, and speaking about the issue and the barriers Native people face.

“I do it because families throughout Indian Country are hurting,” she said. “If I can keep doing what I’m doing, not for myself, but for my sister and others, I will.”

Last year, seven people were indicted in connection with Sophia Strong’s death.

Strong Reyes said she decided to bury her sister on the Umatilla reservation, where their mother’s

side of the family is from.

Matt Johnson, CTUIR Tribal Court associate judge and director, also participated, providing legal and policy perspectives that have led to the MMIP problem, and can hamper efforts to investigate cases or address the problem.

While jurisdictional issues can complicate cases involving Indigenous people or result in them falling through the cracks, there have been advances that have given tribal courts an additional tool to hold perpetrators accountable.

One of those changes – federal legislation that has permitted tribal courts to hand cases of non-Native defendants who commit acts of domestic violence or dating violence, violate certain protection orders, and some other related crimes, on reservations – is used by the CTUIR Tribal Court, Johnson said.

But he said that convicting more perpetrators and jailing them isn’t a viable long-term solution.

Ultimately, long-term impactful solutions will require a lot more resources, like access to housing and education and good job opportunities, Johnson said. Underlying issues, such as the historical trauma that resulted from assimilation and other destructive government policies, that contribute to the MMIP problem can then be more effectively tackled when community members have the basic

resources they need.

“Having people’s basic needs met, in my opinion, is the way to reduce crime, and especially violent crime,” he said. “The underlying issues are not going to go away unless people’s basic needs are met.”

Panelists also highlighted potential solutions, a sample of resources that are currently available and prevention efforts that are underway.

Jayshawn Thompson and another staff member of the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center spoke about the importance of addressing trauma, experienced and historic, to break cycles and prevention efforts. They shared resources available to tribal members, mental health services, like equine therapy, and prevention efforts targeted toward students.

“I have been working at Yellowhawk for nine years and I am one of the youth who needed services, but they weren’t available,” Thompson said.

That includes the Native STAND (Students Together Against Negative Decisions) program at the Nixyáawíí Community School, which all ninth graders go through. Topics include recognizing what healthy – and unhealthy – relationships look like to help prevent them from someday becoming a victim.

“We’re trying to teach our children to be aware, to know the signs and just to take care of themselves,” Thompson said.

based on the level of experience they have, the impact and type of work they do, and the things they advocate for.

Red Elk is well known as a 10time world champion jingle dancer and performing artist. She’s also a popular cultural teacher who teaches powwow dance to tribal youth across country, a yoga instructor who infuses tribal dancing into the practice to create what she calls “powwow yoga” and a well-traveled wellness advocate who brings an Indigenous approach to all her teachings.

“With this award, I am now part of the Doris Duke family and they’re going to help me in all I endeavor to do. I now have what I need for the things I want to do and the projects that I’ve always envisioned but didn’t have the resources to make happen,” she said. “The greatest thing about this award is winners are encouraged to take time for rest and restoration –to take time for themselves and do the things they need to get themselves on their feet this is going to make me cry the Doris Duke Foundation proposes to honor and value artists, because when artists thrive, we all thrive,” Red Elk said. “The idea is, they want us to be able to keep being the artist that we can be.”

Slowing down and taking time for

herself may be difficult for Red Elk. She’s been living and moving from gig to gig, traveling, dancing and teaching because it’s what she loves. However, she admits it’s exhausting and she’s tired. She also needs to take time for ankle surgery.

“I have a bone spur and fragments inside my right ankle that are pressing on nerves. It hurts to walk and it hurts to dance. I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m always preaching to people that they need to be sustainable in their practices and in their careers so they can continue to do them for a long time. How can I continue to do what I do in a body that’s hurt, in pain?” she said. “I need to get my ankle fixed.”

Professionally, Red Elk wants to invest in her 7GEN wellness business and open a yoga studio. She also has choreographed theater shows in mind.

“I need props. I need certain objects and regalias for these shows I want to produce. I want to create programs for Native youth to learn how to powwow dance, to create opportunities for them, to create regalia, to go on trips to powwows, to put all of their learnings and

teachings to use,” she said.

Red Elk was in New York City in April for an orientation and award presentation. The financial prize will be distributed over a period of seven years and awardees participated in workshops to learn how to manage their money, invest, handle taxes and how to manage their work and time.

“I’m so emotional, I can’t stop crying,” she said. “We had a huge ad up on one of the screens in Times Square announcing us six winners and it said, ‘when artists thrive, we all thrive,’ and it was pretty amazing.”

She traveled to New Jersey April 30 to join her fellow award winners at Doris Duke Farm, where they were to participate in a retreat alongside past awardees where they will get to network, be inspired by each other, and possibly form collaborations and create new work.

“The Doris Duke Artist Award is more than an award. It is a platform to fight for the future of all performing artists. In illuminating the full range of human possibility, these six remarkable artists show us why that struggle is so important,” Doris Duke Foundation President and CEO Sam Gill said.

CTUIR HOUSING NOTICE

The CTUIR Housing Department is adding security cameras to monitor entrances, streets and pathways to increase security in the community.

After this project is complete there will be a total of 13 cameras from Confederated Way at Umatilla Tribal Fire Department throughout the lower campus.

Housing is also working to add cameras at the Walla Walla Court/Cayuse Drive outdoor playground and basketball court, and to the Lucky 7 and Huckleberry Street developments.

All cameras are operational under Umatilla Tribal Police Department and no other department. Thank you, CTUIR Housing Department

MAY GROCERY SPECIALS

“For 15 years, the Oregon Historical Society has celebrated Oregon’s living leaders, highlighting individuals and businesses who work tirelessly to make our state and our world a better place,” said OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk.

Corinne Sams, CTUIR Board of Trustees Member at Large, is Chuck Sams’ sister.

“Our family is beyond proud of Chuck and his continued accomplishments. Especially his newest accolade as a recipient of the Oregon Historical Society’s History Maker Award. Chuck’s long commitment to his people, community, state, and country began in 1980 when he was 9 years old and received the Cub Scout of the Year award here in Pendleton,” she said. “Since then, Chuck has continued to make history in many different leadership rolls. His strong connection to our homelands, First

Foods and people has gifted him a solid foundation to fully make positive change here on the CTUIR, in the state of Oregon, and within the federal government. We are all extremely proud of him.”

Also being honored are Dr. David Huang of Oregon Health & Science University, who has made a major breakthrough in preventing blindness; Susan Sokol Blosser, who is the co-founder of Sokol Blosser Winery; and Papé Machinery based in Eugene, the west’s leading supplier of heavy equipment.

The awards will be presented at a banquet beginning at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Portland Art Museum. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available by emailing Ally Huffman at ally.huffman@ohs.org or by visiting www.ohs.org.

Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and donations in honor of the History Makers support the Historical Society’s mission to collect, preserve and interpret Oregon’s past in ways that are relevant and accessible to all.

PELC students get hands-on salmon, lamprey education

MISSION – More than 200 students from the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) got a hands-on lesson about salmon and lamprey eels April 3-4 while visiting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Pendleton Acclimation Facility.

Shawndine Jones, PELC Walk to Language teacher, said during the two days of field trips to the facility, approximately 220 kindergarten students learned about salmon and lamprey lifecycles.

“It’s important to collaborate with the tribe,” she said. “And they’ve been very, very generous to offer the field trip for us. And they (students) really learn a lot more when they have handson experience, getting to see the salmon and the lamprey. And they are really excited about it.”

Shaun Montgomery, CTUIR hatchery satellite facilities assistant project manager, said students got to learn while touching and feeding the coho salmon, summer steelhead and lamprey eel that are kept in the facility’s ponds.

“And so they get to see the fish, kind of hear what we’re doing here and why we raised fish and then see lamprey, too, which is kind of unique,” he said.

Approximately 660,000 coho and steelhead, which arrived at the facility in March, were expected to be released later in April after increasing in weight and length.

“We’re trying to get them to smolt where they’re at this transition stage from going from freshwater to the ocean,” Montgomery said. “So there’s kind of these size thresholds that they’ve come up with, this ideal size for getting them to that smolt.”

Students also learned what the CTUIR is doing to preserve salmon and lamprey as well as keep the Umatilla River clean.

“So maybe when they’re going home to their

family they can tell their families how important the salmon are to our ways, our ecosystem in our world, so that when they grow up they can help be advocates for the salmon,” Jones said. “I think that it’s important to keep the Earth clean and keep our rivers clean and protect the salmon. So if they’re starting at a young age, learning about the salmon and the lamprey, they’ll grow up to just be more empathetic about our planet and why it’s important to keep them, preserve them for the future.”

PELC students have visited the facility for the past several years as a way to get out of the classroom and into the community.

“It’s a positive experience for them. A lot of children just love nature and animals, so it allows them a chance to get close with the salmon and the lamprey. I think it’s going great,” Jones said. Montgomery agreed that it’s valuable for students to visit the facility and experience hands-on learning. “It’s really important for them to learn to, you know, this is all part of the (salmon) reintroduction effort that was started. And eventually I would hope that some might be interested to pursue a career in fisheries or continue the restoration . But anytime we can do outreach like this, what we’re doing to get the public support, I think it’s a great thing.”

Kanim Moses-Connor, a lamprey technician with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Department of Natural Resources, holds a lamprey eel while a student from Pendleton Early Learning Center touches it on April 4 at the CTUIR’s Pendleton Acclimation Facility. The facility hosted more than 200 PELC students April 3-4 as students got hands-on learning about salmon and lamprey eels. CTUIR | COURTESY PHOTO

Class of 2024

Nicolas Alexander

Devon Kirby Shippentower

Anthony Crawford

Thearose Larson

Cade Eagleheart

Nathaniel Marsh

Lani Horning

Jessalyn Minthorn

Tommy Moore

Baron Moses

Madison Munoz

Terry Nowland

Landen Picard

Bryson Redcrane

Alexa Sigo

Brandon Treloar

Amariana Willingham

Ella Stewart

Sky Smith

John John Withers

Allen Zamudo

Pendleton Class of 2024

Ike Arthur

Ashley Taryn Sieders

Siddalee Baker

Faylinn Campbell

Brianna Alexia Corona-Rodriguez

Luke Yoiwyma Joseph

Desmond Minthorn

Chaynne Spencer

Persephone Bearchum

Evan Joseph Morris

Thomas Brooks

Araya Edmiston

Alexis Hughes

Rylee Turk

Sunhawk Thomas

Myranda Spicknall

Rianna Townsend

Marie Templin

Colton Robert Turner

Avyn Ray Lee Watchman

Aurora Beautiful Jewels Whiskeyjack

Claire Wildbill

Elsie Jean Wilson

Anthony Nix

Gunnar Weathers

Janie Helfrecht

Kanyin Garcia

Rytta Quaempts-Snively

Taylor Quaempts

Terry Dick

CTUIR signs MOU with Heritage University

By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter

MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) leaders recently signed an agreement with a small university in the region with the goal of forming partnerships and increasing tribal member college enrollment.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Heritage University, a private university on the Yakama Indian Reservation that offers more than 50 associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs, on April 24.

Under the agreement with Heritage, the two pledge to work together to increase tribal member college enrollment and retention, and to identify ways the two can address issues affecting the CTUIR. The university also recently opened a new campus in the Tri-Cities, making it more accessible to CTUIR community members who live on or near the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“We look forward to growing that relationship,” BOT Member at Large Corinne Sams said during the meeting with university leaders. “I look forward to our community and tribal membership having this opportunity for higher education.”

Heritage University President Andrew Sund told the BOT that the partnership is a natural fit for the college, as one of its primary missions is to serve groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education.

Most Heritage students are either Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, making it one of only two higher education institutions in the country that the federal government designates as Hispanic and Native-serving colleges, Sund said.

Nearly 75% of the students are Hispanic or Latino, with 13% being American Indian or Alaska Native. Nearly 850 students were enrolled at Heritage as of the fall of 2022, according to the university’s website.

Maxine Janis, Lakota, Heritage’s Liaison for Native American Affairs, said the school has prioritized meeting with tribal nations to learn about their needs and how to create access points for individuals. She said Heritage is simply carrying on the vision of the two women from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama

Nation who founded the university nearly 50 years ago by making education accessible to all.

But university officials said no CTUIR members were currently enrolled at Heritage.

The agreement aims to fix that. A committee will be formed to ensure both sides are working together and identifying ways Heritage can better serve the tribal community, as well as how the CTUIR can contribute to the university’s goals, such as recruiting and retaining more tribal member students.

Opening the new Tri-Cities campus in Kennewick prompted Heritage officials to begin thinking about how the school could better serve the CTUIR community and increase enrollment of CTUIR members.

“We’re closer now,” Sund said. “We thought that there was definitely an opportunity that we could collaborate in far better and stronger ways.”

Heritage is an accredited university, meaning earned credits can usually be transferred to or from the school. In addition, Heritage has a scholarship fund that can help close attendance costs that remain after students are awarded separate scholarships, grants or need-based aid.

While the agreement was originally adopted by the BOT last November, leaders decided to delay a formal signing ceremony until newly elected BOT members could acclimate to their new positions.

“This is the fun part of an agreement, the signing of the MOU,” Sund said. “After that begins the real work of making it happen.”

Tribal leaders signed a similar agreement with Whitman College in Walla Walla in 2017. The BOT and Whitman recently renewed that partnership.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund shakes hands with Chairman Gary I. Burke after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation on April 24 in the Board of Trustees Chambers. LEE GAVIN | CTUIR PHOTO

a priority for her is making sure she understands how her agencies are working directly with tribes so individual tribal issues can be addressed or discussed.

“Having respectful, meaningful dialogue and consultation and conversation is really important. Think about this as a governmentto-government situation. That’s what you want. Each government has different points of view and different needs, but at least you can talk it out and see if you can reach some agreement. If not, at least people [can] understand why things are happening,” Kotek said.

She noted the importance of having a long-term vision and solidifying partnerships with legislation to achieve those goals. For example, the signing of Senate Bill 1567, the Walla Walla 2050 Strategic Plan. This legislation enforces the implementation of cooperative water management between six sovereign governments – the states of Oregon and Washington, CTUIR, Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, and the Yakama Nation.

“When both states have legislation, it really does help keep people on track. [Elected officials] change. You have new people coming and going. But with [legislation] you remember

this commitment made with CTUIR to manage the basin and stay committed. It’s an important approach to making sure you have long term success,” Kotek said. “With water rights out here, we are heavily engaged with the tribes and trying to make sure we can move forward. We’re walking hand-in-hand on that and I’m very committed to it.”

Some bright spots on the tour for Kotek included the welcome video featuring children from the Pendleton Early Learning Center giving her greetings in Umatilla, learning about and tasting the tribe’s First Foods during a lunch presentation and learning of the craft flour mill going up in Coyote Business Park.

“That morning video. Oh my gosh. That was great. First Lady and I were like, that’s a winner,” she said. “I’m a strong believer in making sure we have Indigenous languages saved, treasured and learned. I love that they’re doing that here with the little ones.”

The governor also took note of what she called “the small things.”

“On these trips, whether with the tribes or visiting the counties, there’s always those small things that you notice, that catch your eye, and it just reminds you of the wonderful things that are happening everywhere,” she said.

At CTUIR, it was the photo wall outside the BOT chambers that made Kotek pause.

“They have all the photos of the Youth Advisory Council and I took a moment to look at all those photos because I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for all those young people. I’ve never seen young people with formal photos like that across from the elected leadership, like, this is the now, this is the future. I

Air Quality Permits

Air Quality Permit Applications: https://tinyurl.com/Burn-Permits-2024

Tips for a successful burn

• Have an approved Air Quality Permit

• Call to check if it is a burn day: 541-429-7080

• Daily burn message updated by 9:00 AM

• Leave a message if you need a permit

• Stack materials to burn in a safe area

• Away from buildings

• Away from other dry fuels

• Burn dry, clean yard debris only:

• Full list of approved materials in the Air Quality Permit

• Have water ready and nearby to control the fire

• Burn as a team - have a helper

Spring burning season will end around July 1

Cultural Burning is open year-round

(Contact tribal dispatch at 541-278-0550 for verbal permit based on weather conditions and resource availability)

thought that was very impressive we shouldn’t forget our young people who need these opportunities to mature and grow. It’s a really great future for the community,” she said. She and the First Lady wrapped up their visit with a private tour of Tamástslikt Cultural Institute and a dinner with the BOT.

Gov. Tina Kotek, left, and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson learn about the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) First Foods from Wenix Red Elk, CTUIR Public Outreach & Education specialist, as Board of Trustees Member at Large Lisa Ganuelas, center, listens. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR

PHOTO

WRC FEBRUARY Employees of the Month

Adeline Surface - Supervisor of the Month – Wild Roast

“I would like to nominate Adeline Surface for employee of the month. Whenever I visit Wild Roast, it is always packed with customers. I see that it can be stressful for employees behind the counter at times, but Adeline always displays a calm demeanor no matter how crazy it gets. Her staff works well together to provide fast and friendly service at all times. This is definitely a testament to how well she leads her crew. It is always nice to see Adeline’s smile no matter how many people are standing in line.” - Nominated by Wendy Bill, Warehouse Inventory

Yadira Roman – Frontline Employee of the Month – Slot Floor

“Yadira is easily one of the friendliest employees to work alongside, her ability to connect and laugh with others makes the workplace so much more enjoyable. Her ability to handle guest conflict and resolution is something admirable. The way she answers calls and is always eager to assist her coworkers and guests make her an ideal worker showing unmatched leadership in the slot department. She is quick to answer supervisor calls and handles each situation with the utmost professionalism and care. Watching her connect with guests in such a personal manner that makes the guests really feel heard and valued. Her incredibly sweet gestures that she does for her coworkers, on not only her shift but for other shifts never go unnoticed or unappreciated. Pouring her heart into everything she does and says all while carrying on in her infectious laugh and humor. The amazing asset she has cemented herself as in this casino should be recognized and rewarded. We all love and appreciate her dearly.”

- Nominated by Frankie Ruiz, Slot Floor

Richard Waters – Support Employee of the Month – Travel Plaza

“Richard is a hard working individual who takes pride in his work and it shows when you look around the grounds of Arrowhead Travel Plaza. He will come and ask if I know what the weather is supposed to be today, so that he can plan on power washing either the gas bays or the diesel bays. He will also let the inside attendants know that if he is power washing and doesn’t respond to a call for help because he can’t hear because of the power washer and idling semi trucks, to have someone come out and notify him so he can provide propane service for our guests. He is willing to come into the store and help the inside attendants when his outside duties are completed and they may be short handed. This is a big help when we have waiting lists for showers. He has also been willing to help the merchandise department and/or the cashiers when a customer would like to look at something from the cutlery counter. He is a great team member.”

- Nominated by Yvette Stubbs, ATP

PUBLIC NOTICE

Imeques

Acclimation Facility

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant the Water Code of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Section 3.06, Certification of Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Permits, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a 401 Certification Application submitted by the CTUIR Fisheries Program for the proposed removal of debris deposited annually in front of the facility intake and outfall structures of the Imeques Acclimation facility located on the Umatilla River. This work will ensure maximum water flow through the facility and provide a landing pool for released fish. The Confederated Tribes is qualified, as of October 2001, to administer the provisions of the Clean Water Act pursuant to 33 U.S.C. Section § 1377(e) as the Clean Water Act relates to waters within the exterior boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This application review is intended to assure the proposed activity complies with the Clean Water Act, Tribal Water Quality Standards, and Tribal Stream Zone Alteration Regulations.

The Section 401 Certification Application packet is available for review and comment by all interested parties. The Section 401 Certification Application and supporting documents may be viewed at the CTUIR Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Program in the Nixyáawii Governance Center, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton (Mission), Oregon 97801. Copies of relevant materials may be obtained upon request. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on Monday, June 3, 2024. For further information, please contact Marty King, Water Quality Coordinator, at (541)-429-7272 or martyking@ctuir.org.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

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

Conditional Use File #CU-24-001 – Applicant, Jerad Croswell seeks approval from the Land Protection Planning Commission to construct a homesite with a residential dwelling, access road, well, and septic. The subject property is identified as Umatilla County Tax Lot 2N350400-00800, which is located northeast of the Thornhollow Bridge within the boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The subject property is zoned G-1, Big Game Grazing Forest, where a residential home is listed as a Conditional Use. Conditional Use approvals are subject to the CTUIR Land Development Code Chapters 6 and 13.

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Individuals may attend the meeting in the Walúula and Wanaqit conference rooms at the Nixyáawii Governance Center, virtually, or by phone. Information on joining the meeting online is available at https://ctuir.org/ events/lppc-public-hearing-cu-24-001/. Participation in the hearing will also be available by phone at 872-242-7793 starting at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The conference ID will be 489 280 313#.

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

The public is entitled and encouraged to participate in the hearing and submit testimony regarding the request. Written comments may be sent to tpo@ctuir.org or to the Tribal Planning Office at 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 for receipt by 4:00 p.m. May 13, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FOR SECTION 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION

Thorn Hollow Acclimation Facility

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Water Code of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Section 3.06, Certification of Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Permits, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a Section 401 Certification Application submitted by the CTUIR Fisheries Program for the proposed removal of debris deposited annually in front of the facility intake and outfall structures of the Thorn Hollow Acclimation facility located on the Umatilla River. This work will ensure maximum water flow through the facility and provide a landing pool for released fish. The Confederated Tribes is qualified, as of October 2001, to administer the provisions of the Clean Water Act pursuant to 33 U.S.C. Section § 1377(e) as the Clean Water Act relates to waters within the exterior boundaries of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This review is intended to assure the proposed activity complies with the Clean Water Act, Tribal Water Quality Standards, and Tribal Stream Zone Alteration Regulations.

The Section 401 Certification Application packet is available for review and comment by all interested parties. The Section 401 Certification Application and supporting documents may be viewed at the CTUIR Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Program, in the Nixyáawii Governance Center, 46411 Timine Way, Pendleton (Mission), Oregon 97801. Copies of relevant materials may be obtained upon request. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on Monday, June 3. For further information, please contact Marty King, Water Quality Coordinator, at (541) 429-7272 or martyking@ctuir.org.

Wildland Firefighter

Salary: $22-$25 per hour DOE/DOQ $33 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------------>

Open Positions

Portland Office Positions

• Development Director • $102-112K

• Deputy Manager-Policy Development • $102-150K

• Energy Analyst • $85-111K

• Fishery Technician II/III • $18-24/hour

• Fish Passage Scientist • $85-111K

• Manager- Community Development • $120-128K

• Tribal Food Program Coord. • $53-57K

• Tribal Food Program Assist. • $43-49K

Law Enforcement Positions

(based in Hood River, OR)

• Chief of Police • $111-149K

• Police Officers • $62-71K

• Dispatcher/Comms Officers • $45-52K

• Victim Advocate • $57-61K

Fish Genetics Lab (based in Hagerman, ID)

• Research Intern • $18/hour

Fishing Site Maintenance (based in The Dalles, OR)

• Maintenance Worker • $39-41k

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: Chief Finance Officer (Remote), Business Intelligence Analyst (Remote), Junior Marine Engineer (Guam), HR Specialist (Remote), Program Manager (MD), Journeyman Computer Support Specialist (MO), Deckhand (Guam), Tier 1.0 Helpdesk Support (OR).

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