WALLA WALLA
A LL AT I U M
watuy
SE
CONFEDERATED UMATILLA JOURNAL
wát̓ uy náx̣š (first section, page one) U AY
January 2022 - Confederated Umatilla Journal
Volume 30, Issue 1
C
CUJ
January 6th, 2022
The official publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
STEPPING INTO POWER Sams sworn in at Lincoln Memorial; CTUIR member receives Tribal recognition prior to departing for D.C.
I looked and I want my people to know that we are in good hands with the Biden-Harris Administration, who respects the diversity that we are as Americans and wants to bring our voices to the table. And I look forward to ensuring strong consultation happens not only with my Tribe, but with all the Tribes of the United States.”
BY CARY ROSENBAUM CUJ Editor
One December day Chuck Sams was in a suit and tie in front of the Lincoln Memorial, shaking hands with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland after being sworn in as National Park Service Director. Days later, he’s in a NPS Ranger uniform being celebrated by his Tribal nation with an honor song. As of early January, the CTUIR member — and first-ever American Indian to serve as National Park Service Director — is off and running. “We’ve been working very hard and the staff there are magnificent,” he said. “National Park Service, I think, is truly blessed to have some of the most dedicated employees in service to the United States. They’ve been very welcoming in having me join them. They have provided a number of briefings and understandings of how the National Park Service works, internally. “They’re also open to new changes and new direction and new strategy,” Sams added. “Unfortunately, they’ve been without a director for five years. And I think there have been a number of issues around that. You really do need somebody who is presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed to be ultimately their advocate on the votes within the Administration. But more importantly, I think, also with Congress to ensure that the resources are there and the budgets are met so they can do the important work they do for the American people.” On Dec. 16, Sams stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, having selected the location after accepting a suggestion from Haaland to perform the swearing in at the National Mall. In a powerful moment, Haaland told Sams to look down. He was standing on a location inscribed as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, “I have a dream” speech location. “We took a moment to reflect and look out on the National Mall, and (Haaland) said, ‘You’re being entrusted with these monuments, memorials, parks on behalf of the American people.’ But I want you to look at your feet. I was standing on (Dr. King’s mark),” Sams recalled. “And (Haaland) said that we are now the embodiment of Dr. King’s dream.
Haaland said, ‘You’re being entrusted with these monuments, memorials, parks on behalf of the American people.’ -CHUCK SAMS ABOVE: CTUIR member Chuck Sams’ official National Park Service Director photo. BELOW: Sams received recognition from the CTUIR, including BOT Chair Kat Brigham, during a send-off on Dec. 24. BOTTOM: Sams was sworn in on Dec. 16 by Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Wikipedia, Dallas Dick, DOI photos
Sams also wanted it at the Lincoln Memorial due to the former President’s second inaugural speech inscribed on the wall. “It really talks about the importance that the union will only last as long as we want it to as Americans,” he said. “It was pointing at that everyone was at fault for the Civil War, and we will only be at fault with each other if we don’t figure out how to build a stronger union. I’m greatly appreciative of the President and his appointment to become the 19th National Parks Service Director and really believe in the Biden-Harris Administration’s push to form that more perfect union. I think that being part of the National Park Service where we hold those common grounds are key to continuing on to tell our stories as Americans and continue building a more perfect union.” Before he left, the CTUIR celebrated him at the Tribal Longhouse, where drums, singing and dancing culminated with the presentation of a Pendleton blanket to Sams, who gave a brief farewell speech. “I’m very pleased and honored and humbled by the Tribe wanting to do a recognition before we leave our homelands once again to venture east,” he said. “But I’m also comforted by the Biden-Harris administration and the number of Natives that are See SAMS STARTS on uylɨ́xs (6)
INSIDE THE CUJ Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation 46411 Timine Way Pendleton, OR 97801
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Pendleton, OR Permit #100