CUJ_OCT_2024

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

O C T OB E R 2 0 2 4

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

NEWS DAILY @ CUJ ONLINE

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 10

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

Disagreements derail solar energy development

By CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – Concerns about potential harms to wildlife have derailed plans for a solar energy farm development on tribal lands that would have brought in nearly $970,000 a year in lease payments to the tribe for decades.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) economic development officials had been working on a proposal to lease about 1,200 of its approximately 4,000 acres of land at the former Umatilla Army Depot to renewable energy developer Navajo Power, which intended to construct a $600 million solar farm project.

But the project was derailed in late September after discussions with tribal leaders revealed a divide between tribal economic development officials, who pitched

the project as way to generate additional revenue for the tribe and advance renewable energy goals, and CTUIR wildlife and natural resource managers concerned that such a large development on land intended to be treated as a wildlife refuge would degrade some of the last stretches of shrub-steppe habitat in the region.

During open meetings on Sept. 5 and before the closed work session on Sept. 26, some tribal leaders and officials asked if the lease proposal could be revisited after disagreements between departments could be resolved, perhaps by scaling back the project’s footprint – which some officials said would likely make the project not profitable enough – or waiting for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to complete wildlife management SOLAR CONTINUED PAGE 13

In 2023, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation agreed to work with Navajo Power to develop a large solar power project on former Umatilla Army Depot lands the tribe had obtained from the Columbia Development Authority. CUJ | STOCK PHOTO

EC to seek community input on election changes, amendments

By CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ

Rights Office (TERO) participated in a Team Oregon Build “Train the Trainer” workshop Sept. 2628 at Eastern Oregon Rentals.

Michelle Bratlie, TERO Apprenticeship Training coordinator, said Team Oregon Build held its fourth professional

MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) tribal election administrators will soon seek community member input as they consider proposing several changes to tribal elections.

The tribe’s Election Commission (EC) has been developing a survey and plans to begin accepting survey responses, likely in December, to gauge tribal member opinions on several tribal election administration questions, such as whether to stagger Board of Trustee (BOT) terms and change term lengths.

Survey responses will be used to

TERO CONTINUED PAGE 12

ELECTION CONTINUED PAGE 14

Representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) participated in a Team Oregon Build “Train the Trainer” workshop Sept. 26-28. JOHN BARKLEY | COURTESY

TERO trains to build transistional housing PENDLETON – In order to teach others how to build cottages for the homeless, representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Tribal Employment

CTUIR 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801

By TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications

Election Commission Vice Chair Michelle Thompson organizes voter materials prior to the 2023 tribal election. CUJ | FILE PHOTO

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

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OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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CTUIR urging, assisting people to register to vote

By TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications MISSION – Elected leaders and officials of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) are urging those who are eligible but not registered to vote in local, state and national elections to get registered before Oregon’s Oct. 15 deadline.

“Our vote is our voice. A voice we did not have until a hundred years ago,” CTUIR Board Member at Large Corinne Sams said. “2024 marks the centennial of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. Many of our relatives fought for this country in the first World War but still did not have the right to vote. The Citizenship Act of 1924 changed the political and social landscape for Native communities. We were finally able to fully participate in government-to-government communication with the federal government and states. This right to vote allows us to determine who best aligns with our priorities as well as our protected treaty reserved rights. We must continue to hold the United States government accountable to their trust responsibilities to tribes. We want to choose our elected leaders not sit idle. I believe every election is important however this 2024 presidential election is the most critical election of our lifetime in my opinion.”

The presidential and statewide election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5. Registration deadlines vary by state, but Oregon’s deadline is set for Tuesday, Oct. 15. To register to vote in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, reside in Oregon and be at least 16 years old. If you are not 18, then you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.

To assist tribal members in registering to vote,

CTUIR Communications and Legislative Affairs staff manned a voter registration booth during the Housing Department’s Community Picnic on Aug. 15 at the July Grounds and is hosting another from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hamley Slick Fork Saloon in Pendleton.

“We are facing so many unprecedented challenges in on our homelands and our nation.

We must ensure our tribal members have an opportunity to register and cast their vote this November,” Sams said. “To foster that initiative, we as a tribal government should play a key role in getting our members to the polls. We should fully engage in our civic duties as citizens of sovereign nations within a nation. To protect our reserved treaty rights, it is our responsibility to make sure our voice and votes are counted by participating in all city, county, state and federal elections.”

In Oregon, registered voters receive a ballot two to three weeks before an election, giving time to research issues and candidates.

Voters also receive an official ballot to complete and insert into the security envelope that is placed in the ballot return envelope and signed by the voter. The ballot return envelope can be stamped and mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state.

If a voter casts a ballot after the Wednesday before an election, the ballot should be left at a drop box site to ensure it's counted.

Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A ballot must be placed in an official ballot box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or mailed and postmarked by Election Day (no stamp needed) to be counted.

To register to vote in a different state other than Oregon, visit https://allintovote.org. Or to submit a change of address or to check to find out what

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Brandie Weaskus puts her arm around newly registered voter Irma Totus at the Housing Department’s annual Community Picnic on Aug. 15 at the July Grounds in Mission. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR

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According to a Native American Rights Fund report, in 2020 there were more than 4.7 million Native Americans who were eligible to vote, but only 66% of them were registered.

“The ability to vote means that I have survived all the creative ways the United States government has attempted to assimilate and terminate tribal people,” Sams said. “We are still here, and that means something to me. I come from a long line of war veterans who have served in the United States military, and I want to honor the sacrifices they made to this country by making sure I exercise my right to vote.”

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

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Early childhood programs facing budget shortfall

By CHRIS AADLAND The 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 cuj@ctuir.org Contributors: Kathy Aney Dallas Dick | Red Elk Images Annie Fowler Lee Gavin Aaron Worden 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

MISSION – Tribal officials are working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) early childhood programs to solve a looming budget crisis that could result in the reversal of a fledgling initiative that has resulted in ramped up services and programming aimed at better serving tribal children and families.

On Sept. 27, the affected programs in question – Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center, Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start, the after school program – alongside Education Department and Department of Children & Family Services officials, met with the Board of Trustees (BOT) to provide an overview of the benefits they provide to tribal children and families.

They detailed how tribal children have benefited from events like the annual culture camp, and the positive impacts two years of expanded services thanks to an infusion of federal investment through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID-19 relief funding has had on achieving the tribe’s goal of better serving its next generation.

But early childhood officials say that progress is in danger of being erased.

At the meeting, they said the

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initiative is facing a dire budget situation because the more than $1 million in federal ARPA funding that allowed the childcare services expansion and improvements expire at the end of the year.

“We are coming to an end on the ARPA funds that were allocated to our early learning plan that allowed for the expanded positions … and the programs themselves to be created,” said early childhood service program manager Jory Spencer.

The meeting, and plea for help came as the BOT and tribal staff work through the process of setting the CTUIR’s annual budget, which tribal officials have warned could be flat or decrease over the next few years.

“That is something we’ve not really experienced in 30 years,” interim Executive Director J.D. Tovey said.

“We have to really be thinking about our resource allocations and prioritizations, and obviously children are the highest.”

Regardless, BOT Member Corinne Sams said “we should only be enhancing our services” involving children because they need to be nurtured so they can successfully carry on the work, such as working to restore salmon populations and protecting First Foods, that tribal leaders are currently engaged in.

“You provided us today with the progress that these programs – this idea – and what it has become,” she

said. “We don’t have the abundance of foods that we once had, so our abundance has to go back into our people to ensure that they can one day can grow up and protect those things the same as we’re doing.”

Nearly 200 tribal children and families are currently served, compared to 94 before the expansion of services and programming, early childhood officials told tribal leaders at the September meeting.

“And that’s on the conservative side,” Spencer said.

In addition, staff pay has increased to improve retention and quality of educators, as well as staffing levels in some programs more than doubled.

Also, the after-school education program didn’t exist before the federal infusion.

Early childhood leaders say they need at least $500,000 to maintain current staff levels, according to material shared during the September meeting.

The BOT didn’t commit to a resolution or motion to resolve the problem at the meeting, but the tribe is working on approval for a thirdparty billing plan that would allow the tribe to seek reimbursement from the state of Oregon for some of the services provided to families, which would help the programs become more self-sustaining.

“We’re close to finding a solution,” Tovey said. “The challenge with the funding is solvable.”

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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Yellowhawk completes health plan, pinpoints concerns

By CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center recently completed a plan aimed at addressing some of the community’s most pressing health concerns, such as obesity and diet, mental health and substance abuse.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) health care entity released a “Community Health Improvement Plan” in September, which established four goals to improve health and related outcomes across four areas – physical activity and diet, behavioral health and community engagement – and plans for how Yellowhawk and CTUIR departments and programs, like Children & Family Services, would work to meet those goals.

The plan, according to the report, was developed by and for the CTUIR community to address “key health issues and social determinants of health” and help Yellowhawk provide better service to its patients.

“The CHIP shows that the health of our community is influenced by more than just our physical health, and it asks all people, programs, and organizations to consider what they can do at multiple levels to positively impact our health,” said Yellowhawk public relations manager Shanna Hamilton.

“For community members this may

mean making a commitment to eat healthier, move more, or seek help when needed. For programs, this means working with the community to offer quality events, activities and opportunities for healthy living. For organizations, it means considering how to build better health into our policies, our funding, and our plans for now and the future.”

The plan – part of a process that is completed every three to five years – was developed after a 2022 Yellowhawk community health assessment survey identified some of the community’s most prominent health-related concerns or needs.

The results provided information about the rates of obesity and diabetes among the community, healthy-eating habits, physical activity levels and alcohol or drug use, among other findings.

Yellowhawk then formed a collaborative group that included representatives from multiple tribal departments and participated in community outreach efforts to further assess tribal heath issues and root causes after the release of the survey before completing the plan.

Physical activity, nutrition and mental health were the three main priorities the community indicated it would like to see addressed, with chemical dependency and social health also being concerns, according to the report.

Other improvements suggested

by the CTUIR community included increasing fitness and nutrition options, offering a wider range of services for substance abuse treatment and strengthening access to care, according to the plan.

Over the next several years, Yellowhawk or relevant tribal departments will begin implementing the plan to meet its objectives and address the health concerns highlighted in the report.

Among the plans: •Increasing physical fitness offerings and classes and paying for Yellowhawk Behavioral Health patients to engage in physical activities to increase the number of people who are physically active at least 150 minutes a week.

•Identifying funding opportunities or solutions to build a community wellness center.

•Assessing community member knowledge and exposure levels to First Foods and increasing First Foods distribution to increase the community’s access and exposure to them.

•Offering healthy cooking classes, collecting better data on food insecurity and nutrition and finding more funding for nutrition education to increase tribal member fruit and vegetable consumption.

•Improving recruiting efforts, helping to pay educational opportunities for tribal students interested in working in social services and cre-

ating additional positions to reduce barriers to behavioral health care and wait lists.

•Hosting community events and other efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking substance or alcohol abuse treatment, as well as providing other educational or awareness campaigns to decrease the number of Yellowhawk patients diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence by 10%.

Implementing the plan shouldn’t initially require any additional resources or funding, Hamilton said.

Although the plan was developed to “fit the resources we and other organizations currently have,” she said unforeseen gaps or needs could emerge in the coming years to accomplish the plan’s goals.

“A CHIP is intended to grow and change each year as we evaluate our performance, and the health priorities the community identified will help guide our decisions about how to focus our funding,” Hamilton said.

It will also require Yellowhawk to collaborate with CTUIR departments, especially Housing, DCFS, Education and Workforce Development, to be successful, she added.

“The plan is an acknowledgment that we all see and understand the health needs of our community — and it will take all of us to address those needs,” Hamilton said.

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

CTUIR to host voter registration drive, community social event Oct. 10 PENDLETON – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) will host a voter registration drive from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Hamley’s Slickfork Saloon, 8 S.E. Court Ave. Along with voter information, the event will feature complimentary food from Hamley’s, live western swing from Eastern Oregon’s own James Dean Kindle, a short performance by YSN – Young Successful Natives – who is Alyric Redcrane and Cole Foy Soaring Eagle, giveaways and the Seahawks game on the big screen.

Scheduled to speak about the voting process and the importance of voting are Umatilla County Elections Department Records Supervisor Stephen Craigen, Umatilla County Democrats Chair Patrick Cahill and Umatilla County Republicans Chair Suni Danforth.

The non-partisan event is open to the public to help register those eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 general election. To register to vote in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, resident of Oregon and at least 16 years old. If you are not 18 years old, you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.

The event will also allow registered voters to check or update their voter status. In Oregon, the last day to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15.

Those who plan to register will need to bring an Oregon driver license, permit or ID card issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor

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If you do not have an Oregon driver license, permit or ID card, you can still use the online voter registration application.

The information you enter will display on a voter registration card (PDF document) that you will need to print, sign and deliver to your county elections office to complete your registration.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act. Passed June 2, 1924, Congress granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States.

However, Congress deferred to state governments on who was eligible to vote, and many states continued to bar Native Americans from voting.

Perry named new Planning director MISSION – Meet the new director of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Planning Department – Patty Perry. If she looks familiar, it’s because she served as the department’s interim director for nearly a year.

Perry was officially named the full-time director on Aug. 16 after serving as interim director since Oct. 2, 2023. However, getting interim removed from her title doesn’t mean she’ll change her work ethic or style.

“Business as usual since. I had been interim close to a year prior to accepting the director position,” she said. “I have been appointed interim director multiple times throughout my 17 years with CTUIR. I am someone who has been very focused on and motivated by how much I can accomplish to make a difference here rather than on personal career goals.”

She added that when she was named interim director, her focus was to build and strengthen the department, which includes programs such as Kayak Public Transit, Environmental Health & Safety and other Inspection Services

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Patty Perry

and Comprehensive Planning.

“CTUIR Planning is involved with and plays a regulatory role with the ongoing CTUIR economic growth, implementation of Board (of Trustees) priorities and coordinates internally with other departments and programs,” Perry said. “This is to ensure implementation and achievement of adopted policies and objectives established in the CTUIR Comprehensive Plan and other functional plans as well as CTUIR statutes.”

Perry has nearly 30 years of experience in the planning profession and has been with the CTUIR since 2007.

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CNS aids residents with laptops, digital skills training MISSION – Cayuse Native Solutions (CNS) is starting its third and final year of offering free, oneon-one assistance with technology for all residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Leo Wallahee leads the CNS Digital Inclusion program, focused on helping people acquire free laptop computers or tablets, improving their digital skills, and accessing affordable internet.

Since January 2023, the program has assisted 146 community members. Of those, 110 needed a device, 70 needed help with digital skills (how to access email, software, websites, online forms), 44 wanted help with internet connectivity, and 35 needed support with using a device. The majority of the program’s clients are age 30-54, followed by elders age 55 and older.

Learn more or sign up for services by completing the online intake form at the CNS website https://www. cayusenativesolutions.com/digitalinclusion-program or by calling Wallahee at 541-278-3516. Social media users can find his Facebook page by searching for “Leo Wallahee DN”.

Wallahee is available throughout the month at multiple locations on the Reservation for drop-in visits, including the Nixyáawii Governance Center, Mission Senior Center, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and Nixyáawii Community

Financial Services.

CNS Executive Managing Director Debra Croswell notes that the Digital Inclusion effort supports other initiatives of the CTUIR that are designed to help tribal community members gain necessary skills to work towards their employment and educational goals.

“We’re happy to take referrals from tribal departments who have clients that need a laptop computer or other device, or who need some one-onone guidance on how to use those items,” said Croswell. “We have the resources now to help community members so I hope folks will take advantage of the program while we have it available.”

Cayuse began delivering digital inclusion services to the community in early 2023 with funding support from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). The funding will end in the early fall of 2025. NDIA selected Cayuse Native Solutions as one of 18 organizations to make up the National Digital Navigator Corps with $10 million of support from Google.org, the giving division of Google. CNS is using its award to for a digital navigator, to purchase laptop computers and tablets to distribute to eligible community members and provide essential digital services to Umatilla Indian Reservation residents.

Cayuse Native Solutions is a subsidiary of Cayuse Holdings,

Leo Wallahee is available throughout the month at multiple locations on the Reservation for drop-in visits, including the Nixyaawii Governance Center, Mission Senior Center, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services. Wallahee offers one-on-one guidance on how to use various digital devices. CAYUSE NATIVE SOLUTIONS | COURTESY

which is wholly owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. CNS serves tribal governments, tribal entities, and Native American owned businesses with technology and communication services, including Camp Crier mobile app, convention apps, graphic design, website development, social media management, IT hardware and custom software programming.

National Digital Inclusion Week is Oct. 7-11 and Cayuse Native Solutions is celebrating by offering an opportunity for reservation residents to win a set of Raycon wireless headphones. Digital Navigator Leo Wallahee will be at the Nixyáawii Governance Center on the afternoon of Oct. 7 to provide info about the program and help community members enter the incentive drawing.

Details will be provided on the CNS Digital Inclusion web page and social media.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

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Experts urge vaccinations as respiratory virus season begins PORTLAND – As the 2024-25 respiratory virus season gets under way, statewide infectious disease experts urge everyone in Oregon to “Risk Less. Do More.” in alignment with a US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) national vaccination campaign.

Risk Less. Do More. aims to increase awareness of vaccines that reduce serious illness from influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV ) in high-risk populations and to limit the spread of these viruses.

“These immunizations act as our best defense against severe disease which can affect anyone,” said Melissa Sutton, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) medical director for respiratory viral pathogens.

Sutton, Sarah Laiosa, public health officer for Malheur and Harney counties, and Richard Bruno, health officer for Multnomah County, said RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States, with up to 3% of all infants younger than 6 months hospitalized each year. Most of these infants, Bruno said, have no underlying medical conditions.

Similarly, about half of children hospitalized with COVID-19 have no underlying medical conditions.

“As a physician, I care for patients with these infections in the community, as well as patients who require hospitalization. And I

know that many people in Oregon have questions about vaccines.

It is important that people seek information directly from a health care provider they trust before deciding what is best for them,” said Laiosa.

The physicians also reminded people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection and influenza to talk to their health care provider about what to do if they get sick.

People at increased risk for severe COVID-19 infection include older adults, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.

People at increased risk for severe influenza infection include those same groups, as well as children younger than 5.

“Compared with other states, we have among the lowest number of hospital beds per person in the nation. That means that any increase in respiratory diseases can quickly fill our emergency rooms and hospitals, slowing care for all and putting incredible pressure on our dedicated frontline healthcare workers,” Laiosa said.

“Specifically, in rural areas like mine, access to care can include additional challenges such as extreme weather events, prolonged road closures, long distances to the nearest health care provider and limited emergency medical resources. Preventing severe illness through vaccines and early treatment

People can get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or a federally qualified health center. Oregonians can also search for a clinic by ZIP code at vaccinefinder.org, by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org. CUJ STOCK PHOTO

is essential,” she added.

In addition to recommending vaccinations, Bruno said Oregon is experiencing measles and pertussis outbreaks. Vaccines for both diseases are widely available and free to all children through the Vaccines for Children program.

“There have been 31 measles cases reported during the current outbreak – Oregon’s highest number of cases since 1991,” he said. “All cases have occurred in unvaccinated people and two have developed severe disease requiring hospitalization. The good news is that the most recent measles case was confirmed in mid-August and we may be nearing the end of this outbreak.”

“Oregon has fallen below the 95%

threshold for herd immunity in school-age children,” Bruno added.

During the 2023-24 school year, he said, only 91.2% of kindergartners in Oregon were fully vaccinated against measles.

OHA is urging health care providers to use the Risk Less. Do More. campaign, which offers a range of resources to share with patients, including handouts, digital banners for websites and social media messages. The agency is calling on all providers to order and offer immunizations to all eligible patients at each visit and familiarize themselves with COVID-19 and influenza antiviral treatments, which, like immunizations, reduce the risk of severe disease.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

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October 2024 Domestic Violence Month Awareness Activities Information Table and Mask Painting th • 8 NGC Rotunda 11 am-2 pm th • 9 Yellowhawk 11 am-2 pm th • 14 Nixyaawii Community School TBD Candlelight Vigil and Wear Purple Day th • 17 Misson Market 5:45pm-6:30 All masks will be displayed at Nixyaawii Governance Center the week of October 21, 2024.

Information Table rd • 23 Mission Market 11 am-2 pm th • 29 BYOL TedX Jackson Katz NGC L203A 11:30 am-12:30 pm

CTUIR Family Violence Services, Department of Public Safety For more information 541-429-7410 or 541-429-7414

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in cooperation with the Nez Perce Tribe and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Tucannon River Multi-Use Assessment on WT Wooten Wildlife Area

Workshop participants were hands-on, dividing into teams and building sheds and transitional housing to be donated to the community. COURTESY PHOTO

TERO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

development workshop this year in Eastern Oregon to assist teachers and instructors who are building or planning to build sheds and transitional housing cottages for their respective communities.

She said the workshop divided 36 participants, including four from CTUIR, into four groups. Three groups built 8-foot-by-8-foot shed kits while the other group built an 8-foot-by-16-foot transitional cottage, all to be donated to the community.

“In addition to building these units, a collaboration of information on classroom training, education and apprenticeships was a big part to share what is working to engage students and young adults in career development,” Bratlie said.

She added that TERO was expected to receive an 8-foot-by-8foot shed kit and an 8-foot-by-16foot shed kit to train local middle and high school students.

“This workshop turned out great, getting to meet many interested people with energy to get young people trained and offer these units for those in need,” TERO Program Manager John Barkley said. “We will engage youth in the middle school and the Nixyáawii Charter School to construct these units.”

Barkley added that TERO was invited last year to participate in the training, and that it follows TERO’s Ready For Oregon grant and Bureau of Labor and Industries curriculum used in pre-apprenticeship construction training. Representatives from CTUIR’s Workforce Development and BOLSTER also took part in the professional development to help bring the opportunity of learning, training and leadership to assist and engage students. TERO, Workforce and BOLSTER are the CTUIR’s frontline programs working and

engaging with people daily to give back to the community.

“CTUIR got involved by invitation to be a partner to introduce youth, young adults and those who want to get involved to help serve their community while expanding their own knowledge in career and technical education,” Bratlie said.

She added that TERO will connect with local middle and high schools to explore how, when and where to complete the sheds with students and that maybe some students will consider a career path in construction. “The idea is to reach out to as many students as possible that would like to be involved. It would be great to have a space at Nixyáawii Community School to be able to build sheds and cottages and at any other school that would want to join in on giving back to the community.”

Besides the different school representatives and CTUIR, representatives from Pivot Architecture, Klamath Community College, Lane Workforce, Eastern Oregon Workforce Board, Oregon Department of Education, Southern Oregon Education Service District, Lane Education Service District and Mid-Willamette Education Consortium also attended the workshop.

“The sheds are the real deal,” Bratlie said. “The measurements must be correct, if there is a mistake, it must be corrected. The most important thing to remember when building these sheds whether you are newly learning or are a pro at building sheds is that people are using these sheds and cottages. If it happens to be someone’s new home, we want to remember to build it with care.”

According to its website, Team Oregon Build empowers youth to serve Oregon’s communities through service-based construction projects. By merging skills training with community service, it shapes a brighter future for all.

Attention Tucannon Tribal Fishers: The Tucannon spring Chinook season has been closed since 2015, because of low adult returns.

The Co-Managers are kicking off a multi-use assessment to determine the effects of existing floodplain infrastructure on Tucannon River spring Chinook.

Degraded River Health and Salmon: The river has been squeezed and straightened from lakes, roads, and network of levees. Salmon and trout are suffering. The river needs room to change and support fish habitat.

Recreation and Fishing Need Some Love: Lakes have silted in, reducing fishing opportunities. A goal of the W.T. Wooten Floodplain Management Plan is to enhance recreational opportunities.

Lakes are in Disrepair: Since their construction in the 1950s, the lakes have had inadequate funding for maintenance. Each of these lakes is 75-years-old and is in need of upgrades and repairs.

The assessment will focus on the floodplain areas of the Wildlife Area, including the Tucannon River, lakes, campgrounds, roads, powerlines, and other associated facilities. The assessment will include a big picture look at overall floodplain health and identify negative effects on endangered spring Chinook spawning and rearing. Once the assessment is complete, conceptual restoration designs for the 10-mile reach will be generated using the information from the assessment as well as input from the Co-Managers to assist with future floodplain restoration planning.

Your participation in this survey stating the importance of Tribal spring Chinook fishing, will help co-manager’s as they gather public input and suggestions area visitors and recreational users. Survey responses will inform the nature of use and potential opportunities for improvement.

The online survey will be open over the fall-winter of 2024-2025. Individual responses are anonymous, except when users share their contact information. Respondents who share their contact information will be notified of future public meetings and other opportunities for input. Contact information will not be shared.

To participate in the survey, go to the CTUIR Tucannon website (https://tucannonriver.org/tucannon-pa5-15-assessment/), or contact Kris Fischer, CTUIR Tucannon Basin Fish Habitat Enhancement Project Leader at 541-429-7547.

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

SOLAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

plans that lease supporters say was supposed to have been completed months ago.

The disagreement between departments – and different tribal committees and commissions involved in the lease negotiation process – culminated on Sept. 26 during what was initially advertised as a closed Board of Trustees (BOT) work session.

In that meeting, interim Executive Director J.D. Tovey said in an email that the “Board chose to not move forward with consideration of the lease at this time.”

Competing interests The debate whether the tribe should approve the lease, which would allow Navajo Power to begin the process of moving the project approval process forward, was a rare example of tribal leaders having to make a decision that would benefit one tribal priority while harming the other, J.D. Tovey said during the Sept. 25 work session.

“There’s a conflict between the policies and conflict between everyone’s areas of interest and what is most important and how we weigh that,” he said.

When the federal government transferred thousands of acres of the former Umatilla Army Depot in 2023 to the Columbia Development

Authority, an intergovernmental entity that included the CTUIR, about 4,000 acres were set aside to be transferred back to the tribe, which had indicated that it intended to manage the land as a wildlife refuge.

The land is made up of a rare expanse of remaining Columbia River Basin shrub-steppe habitat that the tribe wanted to protect and restore so wildlife – like burrowing owls, mule deer and badgers could thrive – and for tribal members to have another area to gather First Foods.

In 2023, the tribe agreed to work with Navajo Power to develop a large solar power project on the land, though the tribe had been working with Navajo Power for several years prior to identify potential opportunities to partner on large solar energy projects.

The CTUIR Department of Economic & Community Development spearheaded the tribe’s work with Navajo Power and in negotiating the lease proposal.

The lease payments, according to supporters, would’ve helped offset costs associated with managing those lands at the site as a wildlife conservation area.

That would’ve been helpful to rely on as the tribe faces a challenging budget situation over the next few years and possibly “devastating” revenue losses stemming from potential new casino competition in the Tri-Cities, Board Treasurer Raymond Huesties said.

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13 to pay for this stuff,” he said on Sept.

25. “I don’t want to put my owls in danger … but, like it or not, we’ve got to think of our finances.”

If the lease had been approved as proposed, Navajo Power would’ve paid the tribe about $120,000 a year for two to five years while the company worked through the final approval steps and about $617,000 during the construction phase, DECD Director Bill Tovey said on Sept. 25.

When the project was operational, lease payments would total about $972,000 a year over a 25-to-40-year window when the solar farm would generate power. The tribe would receive another $50,000 a year during the decommissioning phase.

Additionally, Bill Tovey said earlier in September that Navajo Power had offered returns of 7.5% if CTUIR invested in the project.

Tribal officials – responding to BOT member questions about whether the CTUIR could partner with the company in the project and what the projected profits were – said it was premature to discuss revenue projections because the developer first needed to obtain a lease so it could begin negotiating a power purchase agreement with the federal government and begin completing other approval steps and feasibility studies as well as obtaining project financing.

Supporters said the project would lead to 150 to 200 jobs during construction and 15 longterm jobs when completed. BOT member and Economic Community Development Committee Ex-Officio member Steven Hart said Navajo Power had committed to hiring tribal members.

The project, and proposed lease, was supported by the ECDC and Cultural Resources Committee.

Representatives from the two committees told tribal leaders that the project balanced wildlife habitat protection needs with tribal renewable energy and economic diversification goals, that there were adequate protections, and a thorough approval process remaining, to ensure that wildlife and natural resources weren’t impaired.

“We firmly believe that this energy initiative holds the potential for numerous long-term benefits for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, serving as both an economic asset and a source of meaningful employment within our community,” ECDC Chair Pat Walters said, reading from a letter to the BOT endorsing the project.

But in two BOT work sessions in the weeks leading up to the Board declining to move forward with a lease proposal, questions about a lack of details and concerns about potential consequences for wildlife at the site emerged.

For tribal wildlife managers, the Native-owned company’s proposal threatened to diminish the impact of the tribe’s wildlife habitat conservation and rehabilitation work at the site.

“In our view, when you take a 4,000-acre wildlife area, develop over 1,200 acres of it, you’re negatively impacting the primary purpose for which it was created,” DNR Director Eric Quaempts told the BOT on Sept. 5.

However, Bill Tovey said the majority of the project would be built in between the property’s bunker structures, which had previously held chemical weapons, that dot the landscape. He added that the project’s footprint had already been reduced twice to minimize impact to “undisturbed ground” and be within the already-disturbed, bunkered areas.

“Where this is going to be, it’s not pristine shrub-steppe habitat,” he said on Sept. 5.

The tribe’s Fish & Wildlife Commission also opposed the proposed lease and urged the BOT not to move forward.

The commission said it wasn’t given enough time to thoroughly review the proposal and that the project was “too extensive and too intensive” and “would negatively impact wildlife habitat and other First Food resources.”

Fish & Wildlife Commission Chair and BOT Member Corinne Sams said it was important to support renewable energy development and to prosper economically as a tribe but said the process for resolving disagreements over proposals like this needs to be improved.

As a tribal leader who had been deeply involved in pushing back development proposals from companies or government actions that negatively affected land important to the tribe and its First Foods or cultural resources, Sams said she was frustrated to be “having the same discussion within my own government.”

“These are mitigation lands that have been incredibly impacted,” she said. “So now, here we are, going to get those lands back and now we want to impact them more?”

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CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

ELECTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

help the commission draft proposed constitutional amendments that tribal members would then be asked to vote on in 2025, said EC Vice Chair Michelle Thompson.

“We want to set this up as a package of constitutional amendments,” she said. “We’ve been throwing this around for a while.”

EC members say the primary issue they are looking to address is whether to stagger BOT member terms. Currently, the tribe’s entire nine-member governing body is elected every two years.

Other issues the commission wants input on include whether to establish primary elections to narrow down voter options for elected positions, if the tribe should have a waiting period before tribal members who relinquished citizenship in a different tribe and enrolled with the CTUIR can run for a BOT position, and whether to clarify that a person can’t serve as chair of the BOT and General Council at the same time.

According to EC members, many of the potential changes address unresolved questions or recommendations made by outside consultants that had been tasked with reviewing CTUIR election administration. Others are extensions of previous electionrelated constitutional change

discussions, such as questions about residency requirements.

Commissioners added that it was important to them to involve tribal members throughout the process of developing constitutional amendment question proposals.

“We don’t have all the answers,” said EC member and former BOT Chair Kat Brigham. “We have our own personal opinions, but we all agree that we need input from tribal members as to what approach to take.”

What – if any – issues are proposed as constitutional amendments depends on what tribal members surveyed say they want to see, according to commission members.

“If everybody says three-year terms, then we’ll start working on a three-year term package and if they say four, then we’ll work on a fouryear term,” Brigham said. “But if they say no, then we’re status quo.”

The BOT would need to approve of any constitutional amendment questions being placed on the 2025 tribal election ballot.

Tribal members will be able to complete the survey online and possibly through a paper version, according to the Election Commission.

Commission members also said they planned to launch outreach efforts to ensure tribal members are aware of the survey, know where to find it and how to complete it, and why it is being conducted.

Congratulations to our

Employee of the Month

September Employees of the Month!

Samantha Dipman

Maria Clark

Joanne Rodgers

Commercial Team

Support Team

Government Team

Workplace ESS ACSC Supervisor

Accounts Payable Clerk

Communications Marketing Manager

Join our team! We have dozens of jobs open, including:

Chief Finance Officer (Remote), Director of Recruiting (Remote), Senior Desktop Analyst (Remote), Strategic Planner (Remote), Tier 1.0 Helpdesk Specialist (OR), Director of Business Development (HI).

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

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OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

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Op-Ed: Gov. Kotek demonstrates resolve, collaborative problem-solving in Columbia Basin restoration effort

By CORINNE SAMS, LIZ HAMILTON and NANCY HIRSH Imagine a not-so-distant future in which the Snake and Columbia River Basins are again home to healthy and abundant populations of salmon and steelhead, and clean energy is also abundant, reliable and affordable.

This vision of a healthy and flourishing Pacific Northwest is worth fighting for – and closer than ever before to becoming reality.

The three of us come from different perspectives and places – we are a Tribal leader, a sportfishing advocate and a clean energy champion – but together we share admiration for the courage and leadership shown

by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Columbia Basin restoration. Gov. Kotek this week (Sept. 30) signed Executive Order 24-28 directing the state’s natural resources agencies to do all they can to restore abundant salmon, steelhead and other native fisheries to the Pacific Northwest.

The State of Oregon has long demonstrated a commitment to restoring abundant salmon and steelhead populations to the Pacific Northwest – and now with the governor’s order we’re entering a new era of optimism, solutions and action backed by state and federal commitments.

Gov. Kotek’s order will be implemented alongside President Biden’s 2023 Presidential

Memorandum that acknowledged a long history of inequities to Tribes and directed federal agencies to use all their authorities and available resources to restore healthy and abundant native fish populations to honor Tribal treaty obligations. The Presidential Memorandum further directs federal agencies to help advance a clean and resilient energy future for the region, support local agriculture and invest in updates to Columbia River System Operations to prepare for climate change.

Oregon’s order, like the Presidential Memorandum, supports the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI), a comprehensive blueprint for basin-wide recovery developed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe and the states of Oregon and Washington.

Governor Kotek’s order aligns Oregon’s natural resource agencies’ policies and programs with the CBRI and U.S. government commitments in the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement signed last year by federal agencies, the states of Oregon and Washington, Tribes and nongovernmental organizations.

With salmon on the brink of extinction and Columbia Basin rivers showing increasing signs of ecological distress with more

LETTER Dear Oregon Voters It’s very important to vote this year. I will be voting for Will Lathrop for Oregon’s Attorney General.

I had the pleasure of seeing Will speak on three different occasions.

He impressed me every time.

Mr. Lathrop will concentrate on protecting children from abuse & exploitation and reduce crime & hold drug traffickers accountable.

We as voters must protect the most vulnerable of the population. Will’s background includes prosecuting child sex abuse cases while in Marion County. He then went to work internationally in Africa. He worked with a global human rights organization, International Justice Mission (IJM). Drugs are a problem in Oregon, we need an attorney general that will hold these criminals accountable. I as a resident of the reservation would like to keep illegal drugs from being a major problem.

Please join me in voting for Will Lathrop for Oregon’s Attorney General. He will protect our children and get the criminals prosecuted for their crimes.

Thank you, Leigh Pinkham-Johnston

Letters are published on a space available basis, in order of receipt.

• 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. Personal campaigning is not allowed.

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

Email letters to CUJ@ctuir.org

CORRECTION In the article "CTUIR Public Safety offers first youth hunter's education course" on Page B15 of the September issue of the Confederated Umatilla Journal, the animal harvested for the hunting and processing demonstrations was incorrectly identified as an elk. It was a mule deer.

frequent toxic algal blooms and other problems, this new path forward is both a necessity and an enormous opportunity for our region. The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement included federal commitments totaling $1 billion in federal funding. And now Oregon is pledging to do its part too.

Gov. Kotek understands the power of addressing the region’s failing fisheries, a reliable clean energy future and climate change together in a comprehensive manner that positions the Pacific Northwest for success. Her problem-solving approach is reflected in how she combined natural resource agencies with climate and energy policy into one cabinet that is better able to address these complex problems jointly.

Climate change is already affecting the reliability of energy and water resources in the Pacific Northwest, and Gov Kotek has committed the state of Oregon to building a modern and resilient energy, transportation and irrigation future that includes salmon abundance that meets Tribal treaty rights and supports salmon dependent communities hurting today.

This work could not be more important or serious. We’re literally fighting off the extinction of salmon and other aquatic species, as we also address energy, transportation and irrigation infrastructure in need of modernization. The loss of salmon

and our fisheries has long taken a toll on Northwest Tribes, as detailed in a recent federal report, and has cost our region billions of dollars in lost economic opportunities.

The CBRI calls for a comprehensive approach to restoring salmon, steelhead and other native fisheries that includes breaching the lower Snake River dams. As we investigate how to feasibly replace the services of these four dams, we have an opportunity to not only save salmon, but to make infrastructure upgrades using federal investments.

These modernization efforts will benefit diverse stakeholders across the entire Columbia Basin region without costs being borne solely by utility customers or river users.

Solutions and enormous opportunities exist – if we work together. We’re ready for a different vision to guide our relationship with salmon – one guided by science, solutions and the deep wisdom of Tribal nations who have lived with salmon as relations since time immemorial.

-Corinne Sams is a member at large of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees and former chair of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Liz Hamilton is policy director of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. Nancy Hirsh is executive director of the NW Energy Coalition.

Draft CTUIR 2025 budget to be presented during Gen. Council MISSION – The 2025 budget for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is under development. The draft budget will be presented at the 2 p.m. General Council meeting Oct. 24.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) will be conducting work sessions in October to review the target budgets and draft annual work plans from the departments and enterprises.

Based on the current projected revenues the Raymond Huesties 2025 draft budget presented to General Council in October will include a 3% cost of living adjustment and merit increase in salaries, a 4.32% increase in fringe, and maintain all other Tribally-funded government services at their existing 2024 levels while also striving to maintain levels of service to the community.

The CTUIR uses a retro-budgeting process for its gaming funds, meaning that the money earned in one calendar year is used to fund CTUIR programs in the following year (i.e., funds earned in 2024 are spent in 2025). CTUIR Treasurer Raymond Huesties says the retrobudgeting process helps the CTUIR as it allows the BOT to make budget and spending adjustments in the following year, not in the current year.

The draft 2025 budget will be available to General Council members at the Oct. 24 General Council meeting. To obtain a copy after the meeting call the CTUIR Finance Office at 541-429-7150.

Comments on the draft budget can be submitted in writing or by email to the BOT Treasurer, Raymond Huesties, by Nov. 1 (RaymondHuesties@ ctuir.org). The BOT anticipates adopting the budget at the Nov. 4 BOT meeting.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

16

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Board of Trustees Gary I. Burke Chairman

Aaron Ashley Vice Chairman

Corinne Sams Member at Large

Raymond Huesties Treasurer

Lisa Ganuelas Member at Large

Roberta J. Wilson Secretary

Toby Patrick Member at Large

Alan Crawford

General Council Chairman

Steven Hart Member at Large

Nixyáawii Governance Center CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes 46411 Timíne Way Pendleton, OR 97801 541-276-3165 JULY 15, 2024 tribal/state compact, nor to Raymond Huesties seconds. bot@ctuir.org l ctuir.org

and to take such further action advocate for the adoption of Discussion. Question. Motion and to execute documents that Ascertainment of Quorum. Oregon State tax legislation carries 7 for – 0 against - 1 may be necessary to carry out The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty BOT Present: Gary Burke, BOT essential to the success of abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas). the purposes of this Resolution. 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 Chairman; Aaron Ashley, Vicea retail business; MOTION: MOTION: Alan Crawford moves the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.

Chair; Raymond Huesties, Raymond Huesties moves to Resolution 24-057: Topic: to adopt Resolution 24-057.

Treasurer; Roberta Wilson, adopt Resolution 24-055. Alan Wildhorse Courtyard Hotel Raymond Huesties seconds.

Secretary; Toby Patrick, Member; Crawford seconds. Discussion. Demolition.

RESOLVED, that Discussion. Question. Motion Lisa Ganuelas, Member; Corinne Question. Motion carries 5 for – the Board of Trustees hereby carries 6 for – 0 against – 2 Sams, Member; Steve Hart, 0 against – 3 abstaining (Corinne authorizes the Wildhorse Chief abstaining (Corinne Sams and Member; and Alan Crawford Sams, Toby Patrick and Lisa Executive Officer to proceed Lisa Ganuelas).

General Council Chairman. Full Ganuelas). with the demolition and disposal quorum present. of the existing Courtyard Resolution No. 24-058 Topic: Resolution 24-056: Topic: Hotel and associated sitework 2024 GRAP Amendments Agenda Review: Roberta Surface Grazing Lease (Courtyard Project) as described RESOLVED, that the Board of Wilson made correction to Authorization 2024. RESOLVED, in the Courtyard Project Trustees does hereby approve the remove agenda item 9. Review that the Board of Trustees hereby Guaranteed Maximum Proposal 2024 Amended Gaming Revenue July 15 BOT Minutes. MOTION: authorizes the Superintendent – Amendment #001 attached as Allocation Plan (the “2024 Raymond Huesties moves to to advertise for competitive Exhibit 1C; AND BE IT FURTHER Amended GRAP”) attached to approve agenda as amended. public sale to the highest bidder, RESOLVED, that the Board this Resolution as Exhibit 1; AND Corinne Sams seconds. taking into account the Tribal of Trustees hereby approves BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Discussion. Question. Motion Member Preference Stipulations, the funding for the Courtyard the Board of Trustees authorizes carries 8-0-0. the grazing privileges as stated Project and hereby appropriates its Chair to submit the attached in Exhibit 1, for Tribal lands from the Contingency Fund the 2024 Amended GRAP to the Old Business: None for a 10-year term; AND BE amount of the Total Construction Department of the Interior for IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cost set forth on page 9 of the approval as required by Federal New Business: Proposed such advertisement shall, at attached Exhibit 1C to pay for law, and further authorizes its Resolutions: Resolution 24-055: a minimum, be published in the Courtyard Project; AND BE Chair to approve any revisions Topic: Cannabis Project Update the Confederated Umatilla IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that to the 2024 Amended GRAP and Hemp Code Revision. Journal and distributed on the the Guaranteed Maximum that may be required to secure RESOLVED, the Confederated Confederated Tribes’ public Price Amendment to the Lydig Secretary of the Interior approval Tribes hereby revoke the Hemp website and social media Construction Agreement for, and so long as the revisions do not Code adopted in Resolution 23- channels; AND BE IT FINALLY the loan agreement documents materially change the 2024 060. Staff is instructed not to RESOLVED, that the Approving to finance, the new Wildhorse Amended GRAP; AND BE IT pursue a hemp business at this Officer (Superintendent) is hotel tower, convention center FURTHER RESOLVED, that the time due to its lack of profitability; authorized to correct minor and restaurant (the 2024 2024 Amended GRAP shall not NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY errors and omissions in the Project), shall be subject to be effective until approved by RESOLVED, the development advertisement without referral to Board of Trustees approval; AND the Secretary of the Interior, of a marijuana retail business the Board of Trustees, provided BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that or designee, and the timing of is postponed indefinitely, and that such corrections do not the Board of Trustees hereby changes may be further delayed staff is instructed not to pursue materially alter the form and authorizes the Wildhorse Chief or implemented in phases such efforts, including continued substance of the advertisement. Executive Officer to execute as reasonably necessary to negotiation with the State of MOTION: Corinne Sams moves the attached Guaranteed Price coordinate the establishment Oregon for a potential future to adopt Resolution 24-056. Proposal – Amendment #001 of policies, procedures and

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

17

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Continued trusts to implement the 2024 Amended GRAP, as well as to ensure reasonable time to notify affected Tribal members, to complete required forms and procedures, and to coordinate future guidance under the General Welfare Exclusion Act; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2023 Amended GRAP shall remain in force effective as of the Secretary’s May 2, 2024 letter until replaced upon approval of the 2024 Amended GRAP, provided that the timing of changes added by the 2023 Amended GRAP may continue to be delayed or implemented in phases as reasonably necessary to coordinate the establishment of policies, procedures and trusts, as well as to ensure reasonable time to notify affected Tribal members, to complete required forms and procedures, and to coordinate future guidance under the General Welfare Exclusion Act; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby confirms and clarifies that references to “dividends” or “Tribal dividends” for purposes of garnishments, court orders

or security interests authorized

by Confederated Tribes’ law, has been and shall continue to include both per capita payments and general welfare distributions as contemplated herein; AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Executive Director is authorized to develop such additional documents, forms, policies and procedures as may be necessary to implement the 2024 Amended GRAP referred to herein; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 24-058. Toby Patrick seconds.

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

Resolution No. 24-059 Topic: Observation Wells at T2010.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the drilling of two observation wells for groundwater-level monitoring at the northwest corner of the Horse Arena Property (T2010), as identified in Exhibit 1; MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 24-059. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7 for – 0 against-1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas).

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

46411 Timíne Way | Pendleton, OR 97801

General Council

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

General Council Draft Agenda October 24, 2024 @ 2:00 PM Hybrid: In-person & Virtual via Zoom

1.

Call to Order 2.

Invocation 3.

Ascertainment of Quorum

a. General Council Officers

b. Board of Trustees

c. General Council Members 4.

Approval of Agenda

5.

Approval of Executive Summary - September 19, 2024

6.

Old Business a. Celebration Committee Report Kellen Joseph, Celebration Committee Chairman

7.

New Business a. CTUIR 2025 Budget Presentation Raymond Huesties, BOT Treasurer

8.

9.

Announcements/Notes Adjournment

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

Other Board Action Items: None.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports. Aaron Ashley, 6/1720 to Temecula, CA to attend Tribal Economic Development Conference at Pechanga Resort.

Steven Hart also attended the Conference. Three trip reports from Corinne Sams:6/10-12 at PDX to attend pre-CRT meeting.

6/12 at PDX to meet with RCVA new Task Force Executive Director, Nic Blosser. 6/18 virtual - Washington DC for 6 Sovereigns check in with John Podesta.

Raymond Huesties, 6/22 at Ukiah to attend 3rd Annual Celebration for First Responders.

Also attending were GC Chairman, GC Vice Chairman and GC EA. Gary Burke verbal report on Hanford call. Also attending was Audie Huber, Mason Murphy and Bambi Rodiquez.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve travel reports including verbal report from BOT Chairman on Hanford call.

Raymond Huesties seconds.

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

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Corinne Sams 3 reports: 6/26-27 Columbia River tour with Judge Beackerman. 6/27 Hood River to attend CRITFC Law Enforcement meeting.

6/28 Bradford Island for USAOE changing of guard ceremony.

Raymond Huesties, 7/12 to Walla Walla to attend COE Change of Command. MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to approve travel reports. Roberta Wilson seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Aaron Ashley, 8/12-16 polled travel to AZ to attend Enrollment Conference.

Alan Crawford, 7/22-25 polled travel to Canyonville to attend State-Tribal G2G Summit.

Corinne Sams 3 travel requests: 7/9-10 polled travel to Tacoma to attend dinner with WA legislators.

7/22-24 attend State-Tribal G2G Summit at Canyonville. 7/24-27 CRTIFC Meeting.

18

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes Roberta Wilson, Steven Hart, 7/23-25 to attend Tribal-State G2G Summit at Canyonville.

Toby Patrick, 7/8 polled birthday leave.

MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to ratify and approve leave requests with corrections.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

JULY 29, 2024 Ascertainment of Quorum.

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

Agenda Review: Aaron Ashley item 1 misspelled Whitman.

MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve agenda as corrected.

Corinne Sams seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Old Business: None.

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is Resolution 24-062: Topic: Investment Portfolio – Authorize Additional Investment in Independent Access Partners Opportunistic Real Estate Fund, t h a t LLC. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes additional investment as set forth in Exhibit 1C in Independent Access Partners Opportunistic Real Estate Fund LLC, a limited liability company, in the Perpetual Funds portfolio, Working Capital Reserve and Rabbi Trust portfolios based on

original allocations, AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the Executive Director or his authorized designee, is authorized to take all actions necessary to implement the above-named investments, including execution of all appropriate documents; MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to adopt Resolution 24-062 as corrected. Aaron Ashley seconds.

Discussion: hereby misspelled in first Resolved. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resolution 24-064: Topic: Investment Policies-Adopt Amendments to Investment Policy Statements for CTUIR Investment Portfolios that Investment RESOLVED, Policy Statements for the Perpetual, Working Capital, Minors’ and Protected Persons’ Trust and Custodial Trust portfolios, attached hereto as Exhibit 1C, are hereby approved and adopted, effective as of the date of this resolution, AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director are authorized to take all actions necessary to implement policy changes adopted by this resolution.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to adopt Resolution 24-064. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Tiicham Conservation District, 2 vacancies with 1 application from Mary Halfmoon. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to appoint Mary Halfmoon to the Tiicham Conservation District for the remaining term ending in October 2024.

Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Other Board Action Items: Whitman College Memorandum of Agreement by Jeanine Gordon. A BOT work session held on Wednesday, July 24 to review the MOA with Jeanine Gordon, Jeanine summarized the redline version with changes made at the work session. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve Whitman College MOA. Lisa Ganuelas seconds. Discussion.

Action: Will advertise the following position: 2 for CTUIR Culture Coalition, to fill three-year term, meets as needed.

1 for Economic & Community Development, meets 1 & 3rd Tues. at 1 pm.

1 for Education & Training Committee, meets 1 & 3rd Tues. at 1:30 pm.

1 for Farm Committee, meets

Commission/Committee Update by Roberta Wilson, BOT Secretary. CTUIR Culture Coalition, 3 vacancies, 1 application from James Halfmoon Fasthorse. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to appoint James Halfmoon Fasthorse to CTUIR Culture Coalition for a threeyear term. Steven Hart seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Resignations: Education and Training Committee: Robin Bitrick resigned on July 15.

Tribal Farm Committee: Paula Wallis resigned on July 23.

Upcoming Terms Expiring: Law & Order Committee: Jiselle Halfmoon term expires July 31.

Economic & Community Development Committee: Donald Williams term expires August 6.

2nd & 4th Tues at 2:30 pm.

1 for Tiicham Conservation District, fill two-term, meets 2nd & 4th Tues at 1:30 pm.

1 for Law & Order Committee, fill two-year term, meets 1st & 3rd Tues. at 2 pm.

Applications due Aug. 26 by 4:00 pm, work session held on Aug. 30 at 8:30 am and appointments made on Sept. 9th.

Public Notice to advertise the vacancies. Advertisement date to be changed to tomorrow.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve Public Notice to be advertised. Raymond Huesties seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

Center for Tribal Nations Advisory Committee.

This is associated with the tribe’s planning to be part of OMSI. This was discussed last Friday’s during the Commission/ Committee work session. It was suggested on opening the position.

Aaron Ashley, BOT Vice-Chairman, expressed interest in being appointed.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to approve Aaron Ashley, BOT Vice-Chairman, as CTUIR delegate to the Center for Tribal Nations Advisory Committee.

Steven Hart seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6 for – 0 against – 1 abstaining (Aaron Ashley).

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Lisa Ganuelas, 7/18-20 at Bend for legislative fundraiser barbeque to meet 3 candidates.

MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to approve travel report. Steven Hart seconds.

Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 5 for – 0 against – 1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas). [Alan Crawford not

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

19

CTUIR Board of Trustees Minutes present for vote] BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Toby Patrick, 3 travel requests: 7/28-29 to Corvallis to attend NAGPRA meeting at OSU. 8/27-29 at Newberg to attend legislator’s golf tournament. 8/7-9 Lincoln City to attend Sen. Anderson golf fundraiser event.

Aaron Ashley, Personal Leave 7/25 from 7:30 to 8:30 am.

Lisa G., Polled Personal Leave for both 7/22 and 7/26. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to ratify and approve leave requests. Steven Hart seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 6-0-0. [Aaron Aashley not present for vote] AUGUST 5, 2024 Ascertainment of Quorum.

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

Agenda Review: MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to approve agenda. Steven Hart seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 8-0-0.

Old Business: None.

New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is 24-064: Topic: Appointment of Hank Humphreys to Cayuse Holdings Board of Directors. RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of Hank Humphreys to the Cayuse Holdings Board of Directors for

a four-year term beginning June 1, 2024 and ending on May 31, 2028. MOTION: Corinne Sams moves to adopt Resolution 24-064. Toby Patrick seconds.

Discussion. Question. Motion carries 7 for - 0 against - 1 abstaining (Lisa Ganuelas).

Toby Patrick, personal leave from 8/19-23. MOTION: Raymond Huesties moves to ratify and approve leave requests. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 7-0-0.

Other Board Action Items: None.

Ascertainment of Quorum.

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

Quorum present.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: Corinne Sams 5 reports: 7/22-23 to Canyonville to attend OR State Tribal Consultation Task Force meeting.

7/24 at Canyonville to attend Governor Kotek's State Tribal Summit.

7/25-26 at Madra to attend CRITFC meeting.

7/26-27 at Fort Dalles Readiness Center to attend CRITFC Fishers Expo.

7/26-28 at Columbia Park Richland, WA attend Water Follies (no travel request for this trip, it was volunteer basis).

Raymond Huesties: 7/26-28 at Kennewick, WA to attend Water Follies.

Toby Patrick, 7/28-29 at Corvallis/Salem attending two events. Prayers for new NAGPRA building and to Salem to meeting Legislators.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to approve travel reports. Toby Patrick seconds. Discussion. Question.

Motion carries 7-0-0.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Alan Crawford, personal leave for 8/23 and 9/10-12.

Lisa Ganuelas and ETC, 8/16 to Walla Walla Whitman College for tour from noon to 4 pm hosted

by Jeanine Gordon. Steven Hart, polled travel to Lincoln City on 8/-9 to attend golf fundraiser.

Their Rights,

Your Voice

Volunteers needed to advocate for residents of long-term care.

Help protect rights, improve care, and promote dignity for your neighbors in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities.

Visit www.oltco.org or call 1-800-522-2602

AUGUST 12, 2024

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

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

Old Business: None New Business: Proposed Resolutions: Next resolution number is 24-065: None.

Other Board Action Items: None.

BOT Travel or External Meeting Reports: None.

BOT Leave and Travel or Outside Meeting Requests: Corinne Sams, polled personal leave, 8/2.

8/8 and 8/9.Corinne Sams, travel request 8/14-16 to Portland to attend US v OR regular meeting.

Corinne Sams, travel request 8/28-30 to Grand Ronde to attend Tribal Consultation Task Force meeting.

Gary Burke, polled personal leave on 8/7 & 8/8. Gary Burke, personal leave on 8/12/ and 8/22. Gary Burke, travel request for 10/14-16 to attend LCIS meeting at Salem.

Lisa Ganuelas polled personal leave for 8/9.

Roberta Wilson polled personal leave for 8/5 and 8/6. Roberta Wilson, request for personal leave 8/13.

MOTION: Alan Crawford moves to ratify and approve the leave requests.

Steven Hart seconds. Discussion.

Question. Motion carries 6-0-0.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

20

CTUIR LandACQUISITION Acquisition Program Office #: 541-429-7485 CTUIR LAND PROGRAM OFFICE #: 541-429-7485

CTUIR Notice to Purchase

Umatilla Enrolled Members: Listed in the tables below are (2) two Estates CTUIR will exercise its Option to Purchase, pursuant to the CTUIR Inheritance Code. Below the tables, is the Inheritance Code Section 1.05(e) Tribal Member Right to Purchase.

Melanie Ellenwood

In the Matter of the Estate of: Probate No: T000186273 Allotment:

C25

1399

Identification No: 182U000398

Legal Description: Section/Township/Range

Aggregate Share:

Equivalent Share Acres: (Share Acres : Total Acres)

33 / 2N / 33E

1/192

0.20 : 40.00

23 / 2N / 35E

1/16

Allotment:

WW21-B WW23-C

Total:

Identification No: 182U001503

Legal Description: Section/Township/Range

Aggregate Share:

Equivalent Share Acres: (Share Acres : Total Acres)

33 / 3N / 34E

6/720

0.33 : 40.00

23 / 3N / 35E

Fair Market Value:

$ 799.17 $ 4,318.75 $ 5,117.92

Francis L Smith

In the Matter of the Estate of: Probate No: T000133314

5.00 : 80.00

Tribe: Nez Perce

6/720

0.51 : 61.00

Total:

Tribe: Nez Perce

Fair Market Value:

$ 907.50 $ 636.67 $ 1,544.17

CTUIR Inheritance Code* Section 1.05(E) – Tribal Member Right to Purchase

Eligibility Requirements: Any member of the Confederated Tribes owning an interest in a trust land parcel where the Confederated Tribes has filed a Notice of Purchase pursuant to Sections 1.05(D)(2), (3) and/or (5) of this code may purchase such lands in the place of the Confederated Tribes if: a. The member of the Confederated Tribes owns an interest in the subject trust parcel on the date of death of the decedent; b. The eligible member of the Confederated Tribes files his/her notice of intent to purchase the interest in the subject trust parcel with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees within 30 days after publication of the purchase by the Confederated Tribes in the Tribal newspaper; and c. The eligible member of the Confederated Tribes’ right to purchase under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements that the fair market value of the interest in trust lands as determined by the Secretary [of the Interior] must be paid as set forth in section 1.05(C)(4) of this code, and shall be subject to the rights of the surviving spouse and Indian lineal descendant set forth in section 1.05(C)(2), (3) and (7). d. The eligible member of the Confederated Tribes deposits payment in the amount equal to the fair market value of the subject trust parcel, of interest therein, with the BIA Umatilla Agency Superintendent which payment shall be accompanied by the identification of the decedent, the probate case number and trust parcel in question.

The eligible member must make the full payment for the subject trust parcel, or interest therein, within 60 days of filing its notice of intent to purchase. In such an event, the eligible member shall be authorized to acquire the interest in the subject parcel in the place of the Confederated Tribes.

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Community O CTOBER 2 0 24 | VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 10

CBYF draws tribal players

By ANNIE FOWLER The CUJ PENDLETON — Mike Somis and his seventh grade football team put their 3-0 record on the line against Richland Green on Saturday, Sept. 28. When the final horn sounded, their record improved to 4-0.

Somnis’ team is one of five Pendleton teams in the Columbia Basin Youth Football league, which includes teams from the Tri-Cities, Hermiston, Yakima, Baker, Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater.

While the younger teams were in the CBYF last year, it’s the first year for the two middle school teams.

“It’s going great,” said Roy Schuening, president of the Pendleton Youth Football program. “The kids are seeing a high level of competition. It’s producing a lot of growth in the program and our numbers have increased. There is a lot of excitement right now.”

Pendleton has teams at the third-fourth grade level, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade and eighth grade, with quite a few tribal kids on the rosters.

“The competition is vast,” Schuening said. “The draw for me was the level of competition for the kids. As a whole, it’s a CBYF CONTINUED PAGE 4

Participants conclude a Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Orange Shirt Day recognition walk outside of the Nixyáawii Governance Center on Sept. 30, 2024. Dozens of community members attended the event to honor Indigenous children who attended Indian boarding schools and the lasting impacts the era had on tribal nations and peoples.

CTUIR marks Orange Shirt Day

By CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ MISSION — Wearing orange shirts, dozens of community members began their Monday morning on a walk around the Nixyáawii Governance Center, some carrying signs that read “We Will Never Forget” or “Every Child Matters,” to honor a painful era for Indian Country and the effects it had on Native children.

During the Sept. 30 ceremony,

those gathered for the walk assembled outside to recognize tribal children who were sent to Indian boarding schools and survived – or didn’t – as part of a coordinated effort by the US government to extinguish tribal identity.

The event was hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Department of Education, Family Violence Services and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center’s Tribal Tobacco Prevention program. It

was held in conjunction with other events across the U.S. and Canada to mark Orange Shirt Day – a day of remembrance, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to recognize the harms of the boarding school era.

Organizers of the CTUIR event, which included a prayer, remarks and a brief walk, said orange shirts symbolize defiance of the boarding school era’s intended harms and ORANGE CONTINUED PAGE 12

Brockie honored during Round-Up PENDLETON — Each year, the Robert and Louise Elk Award honors a tribal youth who exemplifies strong cultural values, appreciation for education achievement and outstanding tribal citizenship.

This year, the award was presented Sept. 13 during the Pendleton Round-Up to Weptas Brockie by Mary and David Liberty, both grandchildren of the award’s namesakes.

He is a senior at Nixyáawii Community School and athlete who excels in basketball.

Brockie has participated in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Youth Leadership Council for six

years and its current chairman.

He is also a frequent volunteer in the community and is active at the Longhouse.

According to family and friends, he is a hunter and an outstanding older brother who always helps with his younger siblings and sets a good example for them.

Brockie is the son of Midnight Brockie and Josh Spencer. His grandparents are Susan Fasthorse, George Koski and Carla Rodriguez.

The Elk Award is presented in memory of Robert and Louise Elk who were active members of the CTUIR. The recipient receives a cash award, a certificate and a Pendleton blanket.

Weptas Brockie poses with his Elk Award and family Sept. 13 at Pendleton RoundUp. From left to right are Josh and Joshua Jr. Spencer, Marilyn Spencer, Brockie and Midnight Brockie. COURTESY PHOTO

2 Community

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

DFVS: Unmasking the silence “Survivors of and those who harm their partner are members of our community.

They really are. They are people we love and care for.

Let’s remove the masks we hide behind and end the silence.”

Submitted by DESIREE COYOTE CTUIR Department of Family Violence Services MISSION — What do we mean when we say, “Unmask the Silence, See Our People? It is a call to action, a plea to break the silence that surrounds domestic violence. This is an issue that’s often swept under the rug, hidden behind closed doors.

But we can’t afford to look away.

At first, the signs are subtle. A cancelled plan with friends, a guilt trip from your partner. It seems harmless, even loving. But these small acts isolate you, chip away at your independence. Before you know it, you’re cut off from the world beyond your relationship.

The control escalates. A pinch, a shove, a shattered vase. Your partner blames you, their temper, their bad day. You make excuses, hide the bruises, tell yourself it won’t happen again. But it does.

The tension is palpable. Your kids, your neighbors, your family - they sense the fear, the sadness. They see the destruction, hear the screams.

But they may not know how to help, how to intervene.

The abuser walks among us, a master of deception. They’re charming, respectful, honorable, a good parent and partner in public.

They may volunteer, attend church or go to longhouse, and to the community appear honorable. But those within the home experience a different person.

We need to unmask the silence.

We need to see the people, hear their whispers for help. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of violence, to heal our families and communities.

The systems meant to protect us - the medical field, the courts, law enforcement, housing services sometimes fail those who need them most. They may know about the abuse, but their responses may not be in the best interest of the survivor.

Why is it so hard for survivors to come forward? Shame, fear and love for their abuser hold them back. They’ve been conditioned to believe it’s their fault, that they deserve the abuse. Family and relatives may say things like “you asked for it; it is your own fault because you keep going back; why don’t you just leave!” The threat of not being believed, of being blamed or arrested, is real. They may not want to get their partner in trouble with law enforcement, courts, or feel they may cause the partner to lose their job. And for those with children, the fear of losing them to the system is overwhelming. They

may keep silent because of fear of involving DCFS or DHS which is a generational experience.

When survivors do reach out, they’re often met with suspicion and judgment. They may be related to someone in the medical department or be afraid the staff will talk to others.

Their behavior may be erratic, angry, despondent or impatient and medical staff may blame their erratic behavior on anything but the abuse.

Any one of these behaviors may be directly related to the trauma they’ve experienced, or it may be due to past negative experiences with medical personnel. It may also come down to issues of trust. Can they trust the person they are sharing about the domestic violence? Can they trust them to help?

The courts put the burden of proof on the victim, forcing them to relive their trauma in a courtroom.

Victims are the ones that must “prove” that they are in fear of harm and are afraid of further abuse by the offender. This may be difficult for the victim when they are scared to be in the courtroom or are in fear of retaliation by the offender. They may fear not having the “right” words to convey their fears which puts them at risk of being denied the protection order. They then give up and many times return to the abusive relationship feeling powerless.

When the violence happens again, as we know it does, a victim may choose silence. And if they do secure a protection order, the courts may grant a “dismissal” too readily when a victim may be coerced.

This is why silence feels safer. But silence kills. It’s only by unmasking the truth, by seeing and believing survivors, that we can hope to break the cycle.

Families, friends, and neighbors can truly help a survivor by asking “how can I help” or stating “I believe you.” Let them know you care for them and their wellbeing.

Sometimes, it’s just listening quietly.

Provide the 24/7 confidential advocate number as an option.

Family Violence Services staff is confidential and can help weigh options so survivors can make their own choices. This can include a change of locks, vehicle fuel, rental assistance, protection orders, walking through the court process, or just a visit to learn about options.

And, they will meet you where you are comfortable - be it the office, home, park or at grandma’s.

Survivors of and those who harm their partner are members of our community. They really are. They are people we love and care for. Let’s remove the masks we hide behind and end the silence. Let us work together to end domestic violence.

A Family Violence Services, Department of Public Safety 24/7 confidential advocate may be reached by calling 541-240-4171.

Community 3

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CTUIR hosts annual Elders Honor Day Luncheon “For the most part it is a way for each tribe to honor our elders by assisting them in getting together and just enjoying the visiting of old friends and relatives and meeting new people and relatives. As we are all related,” Elliott said. “Although we live in a small community, there are times when we do not see our relatives as often as we would like to. When you attend this event or any of the other Elders Honor Day Luncheons in the PNW, all you see are smiles and you hear the best laughter ever. It is such good medicine for our elders and our people in general.”

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) hosted hundreds of elders from various tribes for fun and food at its annual Elders Honor Day Luncheon on Sept. 6 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Kathleen Elliott, Local Food Purchase Assistance Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Food Distribution coordinator with CTUIR’s Children and Family Services, said historically Pacific Northwest tribes gathered at Celilo Tribal elders at least 55 years old Falls to trade, have ceremonies and may attend, as well as their caretakers celebrate the spring. if they have one.

“Since the burial of our Celilo Elliott said DCFS has hosted the Falls our people have continued meal for the past 12 years, but prior the celebration of spring by coming to that Yellowhawk Tribal Health together at different reservations,” Center held the event. She added Elliott said. “I am not sure about when that the agenda normally pertains the Elders Honor Day Luncheons to the meal’s theme. This year’s began but this is a continuation of theme was “Continuing the Circle,” the tribes from the PNW getting and the agenda included vendors, together and celebrating our a continental breakfast, music and accomplishments and losses as well. singing, contests and giveaways and These trips begin in the spring and lunch. go through October and are held at most of the tribes throughout the Elliott said although the luncheon Pacific Northwest.” isn’t an official Pendleton RoundShe said along with the CTUIR, Up event, many visiting elders stay other tribes host annual honor meals for the Dress Up Parade, which was for elders too, including neighboring held Sept. 7 this year, to gather with tribes like Yakama, Colville, Warm family and friends. Others stay the 2024_OctoberCUJ_ad_PRINT.pdf 9.75 x 7.625 9/22/2024 11:36:12 AM Springs and Nez Perce Nation. entire Round-Up week, she added.

CULTURAL INSTITUTE

LIMITED EDITION. LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Souvenir items featuring beadwork images from our current exhibit.

Check out the limited edition selection of items featuring images of the amazing beadwork in the current exhibit, "Extraordinary Elk – Beaded Big Game Icons from the Fred L. Mitchell Collection". This special line of merchandise is available for a short time only so be sure to stop by early.

Offer may not be combined with other discounts or offers.

Kinship Café Open for lunch 11am-2pm Tuesday through Saturday!

Great lunch options, weekly specials, and tasty huckleberry treats!

Hundreds of tribal elders from across the area enjoy the annual luncheon hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation at Wildhorse Resort & Casino Sept. 6 . TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR COMMUNICATIONS

St. Anthony Hospital

EXTRAORDINARY ELK Beaded Big Game Icons from the Fred L. Mitchell Collection Free Admission on Opening Day, August 2

Another incredible exhibit from the Fred L. Mitchell Collection, this time featuring nearly 100 vests, bags, gauntlets, cuffs and more with expertly beaded impressions of elk and deer. This collection offers an up close view of Plateau beadwork at its finest!

FREE FIRST FRIDAY!

FREE admission all day at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.

October 4 10am-5pm

See the beautiful beadwork exhibit, "Extraordinary Elk – Beaded Big Game Icons from the Fred L. Mitchell Collection" presented by St. Anthony Hospital. FREE admission all day. Dine inside at Kinship Cafe or order take-out. Enjoy Indian Tacos ($10.50) and Frybread ($5) from 11am-2pm. Shop the Museum Store for limited edition notepads, bags, mouse pads, and more featuring Extraordinary Elk beadwork images.

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

EAT. SHOP. EXPLORE. OCTOBER 2024

By TRAVIS SNELL CTUIR Communications

4 Sports

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

CBYF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

great opportunity for the kids. It will help them get better, and help them battle through adversity. It’s exciting, for sure.”

Schuening coaches the thirdfourth grade team, and the fifth grade team. His son, Shad, plays on the offensive and defensive lines for the third-fourth grade team.

The five Pendleton teams bring together players from all the grade schools and Sunridge Middle School.

The number of tribal kids last year numbered less than 10. This season, that number is more than 40 spread throughout the teams.

“After last season, my big focus was to get the word out, especially with the Native kids,” Schuening said.

“Last year, we had four or five Native

Pendleton Youth Football assistant coach Ryan Sams talks to some players on Sept. 28 at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

kids. We saw it as a big opportunity.

This year, we have way more. We are excited and looking forward to continued growth. It’s a potential opportunity for the kids down the

Pendleton Youth Football players huddle up while playing Richland on Sept. 28 at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

road to possibly continue to play in high school and college.”

Somnis, who is the athletic director at Pendleton High School, said the CBYF program is a good connection for tribal and Pendleton students, who all attend Sunridge Middle School.

“What’s great is this benefits our co-op for football with Nixyáawii,” Somnis said. “That will be around for a long time. All of these kids, when they get to high school whether it be Nixyáawii or Pendleton, will have played together. They also play basketball and baseball together.”

Somnis is assisted by Ryan Sams and Karl Farber, and all three have sons on the team.

Clay Somnis is an offensive guard and middle linebacker, Quincy Sams is the team’s quarterback and a defensive end, and Ryan Farber is an offensive guard and defensive tackle.

One tribal member playing his first year of football for the seventh grade team is running back Michael Manta, who has been turning heads this season.

“He’s going to be a good one,” Somnis said.

Adding to the size on the line is Calvin Van Pelt, a nephew to Nixyáawii senior Landon Van Pelt, who is a standout two-way lineman for the Bucks.

“We have some good-sized Native kids,” Sams said. “It’s good for them to play more than one sport.”

Somnis and Sams have players on their team that have played everything from football to

basketball to baseball together.

“We have a group of kids and parents. A lot of these kids have been playing together on basketball, baseball and wrestling teams. They all know each other really well. It’s a lot of fun.”

While football is predominantly a sport for boys, Schuening said girls are welcome to play.

Fallon Jones is on Schuening’s fifth grade team.

“She is awesome,” he said. “She is probably our best defensive player.

This is her second year playing. She was on our fourth-grade team last year. She plays fast and physical and is fun to watch. Some of the boys are afraid of her. She is definitely leaving her mark.”

Pendleton seventh grader Michael Manta runs the football while playing Richland on Sept. 28 at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Sports 5

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Youth Football Teams & Rosters

Third-Fourth Grade Team

Eighth Grade Team Players — Jamison Bartell, Drake Breshears, Judah Britt, Tucker Caswell, Aiden Cox, Gabe Degrofft, Mason Eekoopew, Casey farrow, Reid Furstenberg, Casey Gaines, Caleb Hunter, Oakley James, Westin Loiland, Brance McKay, Myloe Miller, Jacob Post, Andrew Simpson, Alexander Speedis, Cooper Stratton, Keagan Turk, Kellen Villers, Riley Williams, Garrett Willingham.

Coaches —Jamy Bartell, Jerrad Templin, Jason Villers.

Pendleton Youth Football quarterback Quincy Sams looks for a receiver while playing Richland on Sept. 28.

Fifth Grade Team

Players — Jacob Adelman, Maddux Arroyo, Deven Bennese, Jeffrey Bevan, Layton Bodewig, Bodi Bowen, Tucker Breshears, Judah Brunette, Gabriel Chavez, Finley Christy, Brohdy Fulton, Xavier Galvan, Jacob Goad, Everett Hall, Kellen Herrera, Brayden Jones, Noah Knight, Rhett Majors, Gunner Mitchell, Landen Murdock, Cyrus Ostlund, Kelton Palm, Shad Schuening, Henry Smith, Jacob Uskoski, Jalen Uskoski, Lucas Van Cleave, Carter Van Pelt, Tucker Watkin, Andrew Williams. Coaches — Roy Schuening, Drew Van Cleave, Steven Breshears, Rex Knight.

Pendleton seventh grader Michael Manta kicks off while playing Richland on Sept. 28 at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Players — Omar Abdikadir, Keaton Alexander, Carter Allgood, Orin Anderson, Waylon Breazeale, Nixon Bulloch, Gavin Coleman, Ryland Cox, Jakey Hatcher, Deacon Hawkins, Caden Johlke, Fallon Jones, Jake Keeler, Luke Kelty, Christopher Ladensack, Harbour Maletich, Jace Marchand, Brayen Marsh, Adrian Masters, David Minthorn, Elijah Moore, Cole Morris, Tipiyelehne Wildbill. Coaches — Roy Schuening, Drew Van Cleave, Casey Allgood, Dustin Bulloch.

Seventh Grade Team

Sixth Grade Team

Players — Dean Arthur, Lucas Bentley, Landon Bodewig, Bradley Breazeale, Graysen Cain, Nathan Dorman-Browning, Miles Duplantis, Jesus Escamilla, Ryan Farber, Jaxson Givens, Jordan Heath, Meacham Hoisington, Hank Jarvie, Logan Jordan, Zakariya Karhout, Sam Lieuallen, Michael Manta, Wyatt Marquez, Ethan Marsh, Zander Masters, Kacen Red Crane, Cohen Reese, Cooper Rittenbach, Quincy Sams, Harley Schofield, Joshua Selam, Clay Somnis, Preston Steers, Calvin Van Pelt, Austin Woolsey. Coaches — Mike Somnis, Ryan Sams, Karl Farber.

Players — Jamal Abdikadir, Jude Banica, Carter Beers, Kayden Bird, Danner Boodt, Brody Bosworth, Noah Brunette, Maeson Collins, Treson Farrow, Keeshond Frank, Adrian Garcia, Austin Hungerford, William Hunt, Benjamin Ladensack, Solomon Malumaleumu, Robert Manta, Kale McKay, Braulio Medrano, Michael Moses, Preston Olson, Seamus Padgett, Chandler Perkins, Brody Peters, Anthony Rosas, Gary Sims, Aiden Speer, Xavier Strock, Austin Surber, Merrick Tarter, Duane Wells. Coaches — Casey Hunt, Chris Peters, Kenny Melton, Craig Perkins, Fotu Malumaleumu.

Pendleton seventh grader Calvin Van Pelt lines up for a play.

6 Sports

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

Locals win at 35th annual Cay-Uma-Wa Golf Tourney

MORE FUN MORE OFTEN! BIGGEST BINGO OF THE YEAR!

Paper & Machine Special

Nathan Dick, left, won the men’s flight with a shot total of 138 during 35th Annual Cay-Uma-Wa Golf Tournament held Sept. 24-25 at Wildhorse.

Wildhorse Club Champion Megan George, right, fired scores of 68 and 67 for a two day score of 135 to win the ladies’ round.

Championship Flight Field low gross: Nate Dick 1st low gross: Jon Beaver 2nd low gross: Leighton Pennington 3rd low gross: Justin Hernandez 4th low gross: Jayson Montoya 1st low net: Lakoda Smokey 2nd low net: Tandy Charley 3rd low net: Cory Saddleback 4th low net: Sam Garthune

138 147 149 151 152 144 146 147 148

Mission OR Willmar MN Mission OR Lagrande OR Albuquerque NM Carson City NV Taholah WA Samson Cree Nation Minneapolis MN

Ladies 1st low gross: 2nd low gross 3rd low gross 4th low gross tie 1st/2nd low net 3rd low net 4th low net

Megan George Skyesong Alexis Alyssa Lane Sharon Jack Laurie Ann Cloud Loni Grant Monica Revey Joy Heemsah

144 146 164 184 145 145 148 154

Mission OR Nakota Sioux Nation Lummi WA West Bank BC Canada Lapwai ID Browning MT Lummi WA Toppenish WA

1st Flight 1st low gross Tie 2nd low gross 4th low gross Tie 1st/2nd low net 3rd low net 4th low net

James Bobb Jamin Feist Roman Smokey Aaron Martin Andrew Flores Kyler Kensler Mike Bisbee Sarain Lafond

161 162 162 165 137 137 138 144

LaConner WA Oliver BC Canada Carson City NV Penticton Canada Tulalip WA Klamath Falls OR Lapwai ID Fort Qu’Appelle Canada

2nd flight 1st low gross 2nd low gross 3rd low gross 4th low gross 1st low net 2nd low net 3rd low net Tie 4th low net Tie 4th low net

Hunter Escamilla Aaron Blackburn Frank Daniels Travis Brockie JR DJ Fish Sonny Dixey Kole Fitzpatrick TJ Adams Clarence Madera

171 173 175 178 136 139 141 146 146

Wells NV Taholah WA Browning MT Lummi WA Browning MT Ft. Hall ID Browning MT Lummi WA Lummi WA

Seniors 1st Flight 1st low gross Zeke Domebo Low gross Elton Loy Tie 2nd/3rd Foster Kenton 4th low gross Shannon Wheeler 5th low gross Rennie Genaille 1st low net David Gordon 2nd low net Gary Altsisi 3rd low net Sean White Tie 4th low net Dion Cloud Tie 4th low net Phil Kensler

147 154 154 156 161 139 144 146 147 147

Lapwai ID Pleasant Grove UT Carson City NV Lapwai ID Vernon BC Canada Browning MT Flagstaff AZ Boise ID Lapwai ID Klamath Falls ID

$1,000

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Early–Bird Session 2pm • Main Session 2:30pm Cash Bar Available

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PLAYSTATION 5 GIVEAWAY EACH DAY! Every entrant will receive a ticket!

October 19 & 20 Tickets on sale now!

For tickets, visit the Wildhorse App or wildhorseresort.com Management reserves all rights to alter, suspend, or withdraw promotions/offers at any time.

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Community 7

8 Community

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

learn! more

First Foods Festival Celebrating culture, environmental stewardship and advocacy Activities include: • Tule Mat Weaving Workshop • Screening of “Fish War” Documentary • First Food Samples

S AT U R D AY, N O V E M B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

1 0 A . M . T O 5 P. M . A T C O R D I N E R H A L L See more details at whitman.edu/nativeamerican

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation show some love to Mo Brings Plenty, one of the stars of the hit television series Yellowstone, before Pendleton Round-Up events began Sept. 11. Interim Executive Director, J.D. Tovey, the CTUIR Communications Department and tribal members presented Brings Plenty with a CTUIR saddle blanket and welcomed him to Pendleton. From Left to Right: Sammantha McCloud, Rani Williams, J.D. Tovey, Mo Brings Plenty, Kaeleen McGuire, Sydelle Harrison, Blake Ashley, Kai Ashley, Lee Gavin and Thomas Morning Owl. TRAVIS SNELL | CTUIR

Round -Up 9

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

AARON WORDEN | COURTESY

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

AARON WORDEN | COURTESY

AARON WORDEN | COURTESY

10 Round -Up

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

LEE GAVIN | CTUIR PHOTOS

Is your Medicare plan being terminated or changed?

2025 will see the largest change to the Federal Medicare program since 2003. If you do nothing, you could be left without important coverages Jan 1, 2025!

Don’t get lost in the Maze of Medicare! Contact our office to be paired with a LOCAL, licensed insurance agent, who specializes in Medicare Insurance plans, for a NO COST, NO OBLIGATION consultation.

Medicare Annual Election: October 15th – December 7th Talk to a LOCAL Agent: Robert Mulcare, RSSA® Insurance Advisor

541-276-2302

225 SW 5th Street Pendleton, Oregon

Calling the phone number above will connect you to a licensed insurance agent. Not affiliated or endorsed by the Government or Federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan in your area. Any information we provide will be limited to those plans we do offer. For information on all your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program. This is a solicitation for insurance.

Let ‘er Buck! 11

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

CTUIR VETERANS | COURTESY

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

LISA SNELL | THE CUJ

12 Community

ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

recognizes the generational loss of family, language, culture, parenting and self-esteem that resulted from Indigenous children being separated from their communities.

“Today is not just a day of recognition but also a day of healing,” said Jay Stanley, Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program Coordinator at Yellowhawk.

The ceremony also comes as the federal government has acknowledged that it deliberately set up the boarding school system to “isolate children from their families, deny them their identities, and steal from them the languages, cultures and connections that are foundational to Native people,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a July statement.

For more than 150 years, these schools operated with the aim of disrupting tribal culture by separating Native children from their families and tribe and forcibly assimilating them. That often included forcibly converting children to Christianity and prohibiting students from speaking their native language or practicing their cultures and traditions – often under terrible and abusive living conditions.

After three years of research and visits to tribal nations, the Department of the Interior (DOI) released two reports that detailed the federal boarding school system

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024 as part of its effort to “chart a path to healing and redress,” according to a July 30 DOI press release. To help tribes heal from the intergenerational trauma caused by the boarding school system, the DOI has called for billions in federal funding.

In the most recent report, the federal government said nearly 1,000 Indigenous children had died at more than 400 schools across 37 states in the federal boarding school system from 1833 to 1969.

That total included one CTUIR student of Cayuse and Liksiyu descent, though the report didn’t provide any other details.

The report also didn’t include any data about deaths at boarding schools that were operated by religious or other private entities.

During the Sept. 30 event, tribal member Kola Shippentower said although the day was to “remember the ones that are still working their way home,” it was also important to honor those in the community who attended a boarding school and who are still alive and an important part of the community because of their experiences.

“Remember the ones that we do have here in the community, what they do for us, the strength that they carry,” she said. “Check on them today.”

To close the ceremony, CTUIR language instructor Fred Hill said he was honored to be remembering CTUIR descendants who suffered some of the hardships associated with boarding schools and how ultimately

Children and teachers from the Early Learning Center walk in rememberance and honor for the survivors and lost of the Indian Boarding School era.

tribal culture survived, sharing how one of his family members retained his language despite speaking it being prohibited. That family member passed the language to Hill’s mother, who passed it down to him.

“That’s why some of us, such as my sister and I, are able to still speak it,” he said. “We still have our language.

We still have our lives to be able to do what we’re doing today.”

Tribal member Kola Shippentower speaks during Orange Shirt Day, Sept.

30 in front of the Nixyáawii Governance Center. CHRIS AADLAND | THE CUJ

Education13

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Head Start off Harrison named Regional Teacher of the Year to good start

By CHRIS AADLAND The CUJ

By LLOYD COMMANDER Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start MISSION — As of Sept. 20, 40 children and their families are enrolled in Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start, which is amazing. We are also pleased to report we have a full staff of nine great employees for this school year.

Parent orientation was held Sept. 5 in the Nixyáawii Commons and was well attended, with 66 in attendance. It was a great opportunity to greet returning children and their parents and meet all the newly enrolled children and their families. We had a great meal prepared by Kim Minthorn, handed out calendars for the year, held policy council voting by ballots, handed out free books and Parent Handbooks, and did a lot of visiting.

We look forward to a great year of teaching and learning at CayUma-Wa Head Start. If you did not enroll your child, please fill out an application, as we are building a waitlist. Sometimes, parents move away and we use this waitlist to fill those vacancies.

Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start children and staff wish you all well.

MISSION — For Nixyáawii Community School (NCS) teacher Niccole Harrison, becoming a teacher was “just kind of a lucky coincidence.”

Harrison, who teaches language arts at NCS, was originally pursuing a career in social services before taking an unplanned elective course on early elementary education at Eastern Oregon University that set her down a different path.

“I really liked it,” she said of her experiences during that course. “I enjoyed making lesson plans and working with kids.”

Now, in her fourth year as an educator – all spent at NCS – Harrison has been recognized as one of the top teachers in Oregon.

On Sept. 19, Harrison was named a Regional Teacher of the Year, one of 18 educators across the state recognized for their work as part of the annual Oregon Teacher of the Year competition.

The program – a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Lottery, with the state’s Education Service Districts helping facilitate the nomination, application and selection process – honors some of the state’s most innovative, dedicated and masterful pre-K through secondary public school teachers.

Harrison was selected because she is known as “being exceptionally caring and understanding” and for creating a positive learning environment that makes all her students feel like they belong at Nixyáawii, said Michelle McKenzie, Oregon Lottery account manager for the region, during an award ceremony in the school’s gym.

The embargoed announcement released by the Oregon Lottery and InterMountain Education Service District officials was made in front of NCS staff and students and was a surprise to Harrison.

“I feel so honored, and I feel really blessed to be here with all of you,” she said after the announcement.

“You give my job meaning. And not a lot of people can say that their job has meaning for them.”

Harrison was among approximately 900 teachers across the state nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members for the award this year.

In Harrison’s case, it was some of her students who nominated her for the honor, lottery officials said.

As one of her students said in nominating Harrison, according to a Thursday press releasing announcing the award, her classroom “has always been a place of comfort for me, and she has made it a welcoming setting where I always feel heard, safe, and seen. She has done an excellent job

Niccole Harrison

of making her classroom a place where students want to learn. Her whole room is engaging and full of educational opportunities.”

Harrison said she knew she had been nominated by some of her students. She just didn’t know which ones and she hadn’t been told about being selected.

“It blows me away,” Harrison said in a brief interview after the award ceremony, adding that she teaches language arts because she enjoys writing and gets satisfaction from witnessing her students improve as writers. “It’s really meaningful to be nominated by my students.

The award included a $1,000 check and chance at the Oregon Teacher of the Year title and the $10,000 cash prize that comes with it.

The winner of the statewide award will be announced in October.

14 Education

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

Students share summer experience

By KIESHA LaMERE, BREYON MINTHORN and MARCELLUS SCOTT Nixyáawii Community School New Media Class MISSION — On June 23, a group of six students and teachers from Nixyáawii Community School got the pleasure of experiencing a weeklong trip to Mt. Rainier.

Mt. Rainier is located southeast of Tacoma, Washington. This trip was chaperoned by Weyekin Wildbill and Micah Reading. The group included Anthony Greene, Myalyn Mills, Noah Pierson and Marcellus Scott. They got to experience many cultural and environmental activities including hiking up Mt. Rainier, touring museums and fishing. They also explored downtown Seattle and even got to see the Seattle Mariners play against the Minnesota Twins. The purpose of this trip was to explore and learn about the environment.

According to Wildbill, they experienced a hike on Mt. Rainier’s Skyline Trail Loop.

“The hike consisted of 6 miles in length while reaching a peak of nearly 7,000 feet in elevation,” Wildbill said. “The nature, wildlife and the views were incredible.”

“Me, Mr. Reading, and the rest of the students got to sled down the slopes of Mt. Rainier with just the

Nixyáawii Community School students and staff stand for a photo at the Skyline Loop Trail on Mount Rainier during a June educational excursion. From left to right are Weyekin Wildbill, Myalyn Mills, Anthony Greene, Noah Pierson, Marcellus Scott and Micah Reading. NCS NEW MEDIA CLASS | COURTESY

clothes on our back since the hike down Mt. Rainier was so steep,” he added.

They also took another tour which was a guided ATV tour from the south part of Mt. Rainier back to the north side of Mt. Rainier. On this tour the students learned that Cowlitz, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Yakama and Coast Salish are all people that resided on Mt. Rainier. Over half the guided tour shared traditional oral stories of Indigenous people and how they lived off of Mt. Rainier’s resources for generations.

On the last couple of days of the trip, they packed up and headed to Emerald City, otherwise known

as Seattle, which is located in the northwestern part of the state. In Seattle, they got to paddle board, explore the Duwamish longhouse and shop at the Westlake Shopping Center. Overall, this trip was an unforgettable adventure, full of beautiful landscapes, fun moments and lasting memories. Learning about the tribes near Mt. Rainier increased our students’ appreciation of cultures. It provided the students with opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the environment firsthand and build stronger bonds with their peers. The breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the handson experiences made learning both fun and impactful.

Education 15

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Experiencing the Athabascan culture in Alaska

By RYLEN BRONSON, BRYANT CLEMENTE PAZ and SACAS WILDBILL Nixyáawii Community School New Media Class MISSION — Have you ever been to Alaska? Well, this summer from June 24 to July 1, a group of seven students that attend Nixyáawii Community School had the pleasure of taking a trip to Alaska.

The students that got to fly out to Alaska were Sacas Wildill, Symon Picard, Evan Minthorn, Rylen Bronson, Emma Star-Nez and Annalise Watchman. The students were chaperoned by Aaron Noisey, Principal Ryan Henrich, Ryan Sams and Louisa Allman.

During this once in a lifetime trip the students got to learn about the Athabascan culture and different ways to fish. A while after they got back from the trip, we got to sit down and talk with them about their experience and what they did while in Alaska.

The students and chaperones flew into Anchorage arriving there around 10 a.m. Right then, the first part of their trip started as they drove to the University of Alaska to get a tour. There the students learned about all the different degrees and opportunities; academic and extracurricular. The group then traveled to talk and learn about

Nixyáawii students and chaperones show off their catch at Angry Lady Beach on the Kasilof River in Alaska. From left to right are Louisa Allman, Ryan Sams, Quincy Sams, Aaron Noisey, Annalise Watchman, Emma Star-Nez, Evan Minthorn, Rylen Bronson, Symon Picard, Sacas Wildbill and Ryan Heinrich. NCS NEW MEDIA CLASS | COURTESY

the Athabascan culture with the Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated (CIRI). CIRI is one of 12 regional corporations established in Alaska by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. There the students learned how the tribes or “organizations” of Alaska work.

The second day in Alaska, they went fishing on the Kasilof about 20 minutes from Soldotna with Cooper Landing Guides. The group was fishing for sockeye salmon. For these fish, you have a special type of way of catching them. You do not use bait or any fly that the fish tries to bite. They use a method they call flossing because you just run your line through the water and floss the

fish - that’s how you hook them. The next day, students went fishing out of Holmer with Inlet Charters. They went about 26 miles offshore to their spot that was good for halibut.

For halibut, the group was fishing in about 300 feet deep water which may not seem like a lot, but when you have to reel in a fish that far, it is a little difficult, but Sacas Wildbill said it was “very fun.”

While they were fishing for halibut, the group also reeled in a few other species of fish; a dog shark, a sculpin, a stingray, and as Annalise Watchman called them, the “scary ones,” which were lingcod.

The boat they went on when

they went fishing for halibut was a 40-foot charter boat that had a big cab with plenty of seating. The boat they were on while fishing on the Kasilof was a 14-foot drift boat, it had a kicker motor on it and would push the boat to go about 10 miles an hour.

This trip benefited the students by giving them a new perspective of a different culture. This was also a good experience because they got to connect more outside of school and build on their friendships. This benefited the school because the school has never done anything like this before and we were fortunate enough to get the grants and funding to go on this trip.

16 Announcements

In Memoriam Joyce Marie (Hoptowit) Mardel “Wats-wi-po” July 15, 1941 – August 26, 2024

Joyce was born in Yakima, WA to Anthony Hoptowit and Lillian Kanine Hoptowit on July 15, 1941. Joyce was an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Walla Walla band, her great grandfather was Chief Jim Kanine, she was also of Yakama descent.

Joyce attended several schools growing up as her parents fished on the Columbia River in their family sites and moved when it was fishing season, she attended schools in Spearfish, Weston McEwen, and graduated from Pendleton High School.

Joyce’s family has long been involved in Indian Beauty Pageants, her grandmother Rosaline Wilson Kanine Tashwick, won the American Indian Beauty Contest as well as Happy Canyon Princess, her mother Lillian Kanine Hoptowit won the American Indian Beauty Contest and held the Happy Canyon Princess title. Joyce following her family tradition winning the American Indian Beauty Contest in 1957 and was a Happy Canyon Princess in 1958. Joyce’s sisters Belva and Sharon were also American Indian Beauty Contest winners and Sharon a Happy Canyon Princess, and many more family members and following generations have participated and won the pageants.

After high school, Joyce moved to California to live with her sister, Belva and ended up meeting her future husband, Ron Mardel. Both Ron and Joyce worked in the photography industry taking professional pictures, developing and processing for Kodak contracted companies.

Ron and Joyce had three children, Redfern, Rosebud, and Radcliff – they moved from California to the Wapato area in 1977 to be closer to Joyce’s family as family was always very important to both.

Joyce was employed by the Yakama Nation as a Tribal Court Clerk, and eventually with the Maternal Child Health Program, in both places she made an immediate impact with clients and coworkers with her kind and compassionate personality, she met some wonderful lifelong friends.

Ron and Joyce eventually opened their family print shop and were known for their excellent, professional and quick turn around time for all the local sports tournaments, pow wows, and rodeo programs, raffle tickets, and posters – it was a different time back then when everything was done by hand and machines including graphics and not on computers. This was a fantastic and memorable time with some great memories of our family being able to work together for many years.

Joyce found great joy in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always having a smile and tickle for them, she had a special bond with Disney, Dayton and Kylo who always brightened her days and brought a huge smile to her face. Joyce enjoyed attending and cheering on the many sporting events from basketball, volleyball, football, and softball over the many years for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joyce last attended basketball tournaments in March in Spokane (Disney) and in April in Warm Springs (Rosebud Jr.), always enjoying watching and being in the basketball atmosphere (and yes, occasionally, she did not agree with the refs but did not say anything except to us)!

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Rosebud (Bernie) Guthrie, son Radcliff (Theresa) Mardel, adopted daughter Karen (Scott) Schwartz, daughter-in-law Bernadine Mardel - grandchildren: Rondelle (JD), Rosebud (Alix), Raveign (Christian), Latonia, Garrick (Tanara), Jacob (Lakoma), Jocelyn, Nathaniel, Michael, Chase, Makayla - great grandchildren: Disney, Dayton, Kylo, Leia, Zeriah & Allister - Siblings: Tony Hoptowit, Elaine Hoptowit, Valerie Juan, Kathy Batin, Debbie (Eric) Lewis, James Hoptowit, & John (Vera) Hoptowit and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Ron Mardel, her son Redfern Mardel, her parents Anthony & Lillian Hoptowit, and her sisters: Shirley Iman, Belva Hoptowit, Faith Kahclamat, Sharon John & Lydia Hoptowit.

There will be a memorial dinner honoring Joyce on October 6th at 2:00pm at the Mt. Adams Center in Zillah (512 Second Avenue) please bring your smiles and/or memories and share some time honoring Joyce with us.

Juanita Marie (Jones) Cox

October 3, 1935 – September 9, 2024 Juanita Marie Cox passed away Monday September 9th at St. Anthony hospital in Pendleton. She was 88 yrs old. Juanita was born October 3, 1935 in Pendleton, Oregon to Jesse and Jeanette McKay Jones.

Services were held at Tutuilla Church followed by a graveside service at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon, Oregon.

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

Josephine Joy Thompson “Xaslu ilaatxsha” Dancing Star May 11, 2016 – September 4, 2024

Josephine was born on May 11, 2016 to Josiah Thompson & Emily Seideman in Pendleton. She passed away on September 4, 2024 in Portland.

Josephine enjoyed school, she just started 3rd grade at Washington Elementary. She received a number of awards & certificates in 1st & 2nd Grade. She enjoyed attending the CTUIR After School Program.

Josephine loved her Little Brothers & Baby Sister. She loved to hold them close to her. She was a remarkable sweet girl with a beautiful soul who loved Jesus. She was kind, calm & caring. She was also meticulous in her ways. She was an extremely talented artist, she was quiet but her art spoke loudly. She loved to draw & took great joy in her artwork & penmanship. She loved Hello Kitty, Stitch and IKEA. She loved to wear bows in her hair. She was a delight to all who knew her. She loved adventures and spoke what was on her mind.

She had a smile that would light up the room and her laughter was contagious.

Josephine had a curiosity that could not be cured. She was truly a blessing to be around. She also enjoyed being a Lil Cheerleader at Pendleton High School, making fry bread, playing on their tablet. Josephine taught herself to Jingle Dress dance in 2022, she was a beautiful dancer.

Josephine was Baptized in May 2023 at the Bethel Assembly of God by Pastor Tim VanCleave. She previously attended Sunday School taught by Merna VanCleave.

Josephine is survived by her Mom Emily Rose Seideman, - she loved her Mom with all her heart; brothers Jevon George Thompson, Ezekiel Jackson Boise; and sister Mountain Flower Katherine Boise.

Josephine lived with paternal grandmother Sarah Frank, brother Jevon Thompson & uncles Bavis Thompson & Kanet Wolfe Jr in Mission.

She had Family from the Umatilla, Warm Springs, Nez Perce, Yakama & Couer D’A lene Indian Reservations including: maternal grandmother Katherine Minthorn, uncle Jerome Minthorn, aunt Shannon Galloway & cousin Miles Minthorn; Uncle Marcus Muldrow & aunt Raven Lawson; paternal grandfather Curtis Thompson Sr; and uncles Curtis Thompson Jr & Devon Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Josiah Thompson in 2021; aunts Keisha & Mountain Flower Lawson; and grandparents Leland & Deanna Thompson and Elvis Frank & Carol Burke.

Pendleton Pioneer Chapel attended to her. Dressing services was held at the Mission Agency Longhouse on September 9th. Burial was at Mission Agency Cemetery on September 10, 2024.

We will miss you so much Sweetie, thank you for bringing Joy into our hearts & lives...

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

Birthdays: 1st: Hunter Thompson-Red Elk 3rd: Dalton Dave 5th: Jenz Kash Kash 7th: Anthony Crawford 9th: Sophie Van Pelt and Brooklyn Quaempts 10th: Michael Van Pelt 15th: Mike Hussey 19th: Petr Lebedev 26th: Paula Powaukee 29th: Bryson Bronson 31st: Francis Marsh

Anniversaries: 1st: Brittney & Michael Eickstaedt 24th: Aaron & Brooklyn Quaempts 26th: Logan & Sierra Quaempts - Unintentionally overlooked Happy 1st Anniversary to Louie & Dolores Quaempts September 16th

Announcements 17

18 Announcements

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

Hay for Sale Tribal Farming To Purchase, contact Tami at (541) 276-8957 Check the prices on the website at Ctuir.org or scan the QR code.

ID# d006-Sept-vs3. File name, “CUJ September - Hay Ad 2024” Out to proof date: August 16, 2024

OCTOBER 2024 | CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL

JOIN THE CAYUSE HOLDINGS TEAM! We have dozens of jobs open each month. Work remotely from your home, on the Reservation, across the US or overseas.

Tribal Hiring Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Current Cayuse Holdings job opportunities include: Chief Finance Officer (Remote), Business Intelligence Analyst (Remote), Translator (CA/ AZ), Interpreters (CA/AZ), American Sign Language Interpreter (CA, AZ), Senior Network and Computer Admin (LA), Tier 1.0 Helpdesk Specialist (OR).

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

Employment 19

CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024

20

We're giving away up to

$13,000 Cash & Prizes EVERY WEEK!

Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday 6–9pm

Fall into

$10,000 Cash!

SEMI-GRAND PRIZE DRAWING Saturday, October 26 9:30pm

Actual model and color may vary.

Keep playing through November and earn entries to win a new Kia Telluride!

Saturday, November 23

DOWNLOAD, PLAY & WIN!

PLAY DAILY ON THE WILDHORSE APP! Now–November 21

WIN YOUR SHARE OF $1,000 FREEPLAY! Every Sunday • 4–7pm

Visit wildhorseresort.com or the Wildhorse App for more details.

CASINO • HOTEL • GOLF • RV • DINING • FUNPLEX 800.654.9453 • PENDLETON, OR • I-84, EXIT 216 • wildhorseresort.com • Owned and operated by CTUIR Management reserves all rights to alter, suspend or withdraw promotions/offers at any time.

CAT14515-2

®