December 31, 2009 edition

Spilyay file photo

Sissiley Scott was reigning Miss Warm Springs of 2009.

Fish passage, IHS, settlement big news of 2009

By Dave McMechan

Spilyay Tymoo

Early in 2009, Sissiley Scott began her reign as Miss Warm Springs, and over the course of the year she served as ambassador of tribes at powwows across the Northwest and beyond.

In business news: Early in 2009, the Nathans of Nathans Business Services purchased the former Deschutes Crossing Restaurant, now Eagle Crossing, and began an extensive remodeling.

In 2009 the Confederated Tribes and Oregon State University marked their 50-year anniversary of cooperation and planning, dating back to the time of the loss of Celilo Falls.

The past year saw the realignment of Shitike Creek as it runs through Warm Springs.

The Mid Oregon Credit Union and the tribes in 2009 came to a partnership agreement, with the credit union establishing its presence at the tribal Credit Enterprise building.

In 2009 Celilo Village saw major restoration work and the completion of the Celilo Restoration Project.

And there were many other noteworthy events. The following is a review of top news events of the past year.

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Several years ago, the tribes and Portland General Electric began planning the construction of a major fish-passage facility at Round Butte dam on the Deschutes River.

The year 2009 saw a major setback for the project in the summer, and then a major victory in early December, as the first juvenile fish were captured at the facility.

"This is the beginning of a new era," said Jim Manion, manager of Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises.

The new era will see migrating fish spawning above the Round Butte dams for the first time in decades.

Operation of this system reopens 226 upstream miles to salmon and steelhead migration, which has been blocked since 1972.

Cost of the project is $108 million. The tribes are paying a third of the cost, through revenue generated by Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises. The tribes and Portland General Electric are co-owners and managers of the dams, which are partly on the reservation.

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The Confederated Tribes and Indian Health Services had been in serious disagreement for a few years about health care on the reservation.

The tribes had filed a lawsuit against the HIS, and the matter ended up in mediation before a federal judge.

In 2009 the sides came to an agreement that is a landmark in the way that health care is provided on the reservation.

The agreement created a seven-member Joint Health Commission that oversees health care services, as provided by the tribes and IHS.

The commission consists of the tribal secretary-treasurer and the health care director, and at-large positions.

"I commend the Tribal Council for getting us here," secretary-treasurer Jody Calica said at the signing ceremony in May.

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The tribes and the federal government settled a long-standing breach-of-trust lawsuit.

The lawsuit claimed the government breached its trust duties in regard to management of non-monetary tribal assets, and the settlement was for $68 million. Some of the settlement money is earmarked for restoration projects, while the rest is for use at the discretion of the tribes.

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The Confederated Tribes in May hosted a two-day Oregon 150 festival at Celilo and The Dalles.

The event, marking the state’s 150th anniversary, saw a great turnout of tribal members and guests.

The festival included a canoe arrival and salmon bake at Celilo Park, and a powwow and parade at The Dalles. Nearly 100 tribal members rode and walked in the parade.

For its uniqueness, and because of the success of the gathering, the event was among the most memorable of 2009.

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The tribes gave full support to a proposed state law to declare the Metolius River basin an Area of Critical State Concern.

The designation, also supported by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, would prohibit large-scale development projects, such as destination resorts in the basin.

Development interests opposed the Critical State Concern designation, but the law passed the Oregon Senate and the House, narrowly, and was signed into law in July.

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At the end of 2009, a proposed $3.4 billion settlement agreement was announced in the long-running class action lawsuit, Cobell V. Salazar, which claims that the federal government mismanaged individual Indians’ trust accounts.

Possibly as many as 2,000 members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs may qualify to participate in the settlement, and may receive some compensation.

(FOR MORE ABOUT 2009 EVENTS, GO TO THE MENU ON THE TOP LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE AND CLICK ON THE "FEATURES") 

Terri Harber/Spilyay Tymoo

This poster will be displayed around the Warm Springs reservation during the month of January as part of Stalking Awareness Month.Stalking isn’t a joke, especially to the victim

Awareness month is January

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

In United States’ popular culture, stalking has devolved from being a crime to being a joke and common entertainment fodder:

Loveable Loser talks about little else than an object of affection. Loser sits outside the person’s house all night, every night. Telephones incessantly. Sends cards, letters and presents. Even dedicates love songs to the object on the local radio station.

The beloved one doesn’t want anything to do with Loser. Or only sees Loser as a friend. Suddenly, Loser does something noble or heroic, becomes a winner, and gets the attention of that person.

The two get together, perhaps even live happily ever after.

The End.

Not in the script

This is not the case in real life—especially for Indian women. Native American women are twice as likely to be stalking victims than women of all other races across the U.S., a rate of nearly 17 percent compared to 8 percent, according to the national Violence Against Women Survey.

Experts can only speculate about why Native American women are more likely to be victimized this way. But what is known: Many stalkers are trying to make a twisted fantasy become a reality and see their persistence as a show of their love, a victim’s advocate said.

Aurel Stinson, victims’ advocate for Victims of Crime Services in Warm Springs, said a contributing factor might be that Indian girls are taught from an early age always to be nice to others.

"In our culture, women aren’t supposed to be assertive," Stinson said. "A stalker is looking for a sign of hope … a smile, a look. Be clear and be firm when you say no."

She’s not saying it’s the victim’s fault; she’s saying immediate directness sometimes shuts down people prone to stalking behavior.

The constant worry and fear that comes from being repeatedly monitored, pestered and pursued can make the victim physically ill. Stinson herself was a stalking victim at one point in her life. The episodes made her feel sick. "He would not take no for an answer, to the point where it was affecting my health," she remembered.

Not all stalking victims are women. Men can be targeted as well, Stinson said.

There are two types of stalkers: Domestic partners and others. It can occur during a relationship or after it ends. It can also happen when there is no relationship – only an unreal connection the stalker wants to believe exists.

Both, however, try to control the victim by stalking. The people doing the stalking are unpredictable and should be considered dangerous. Their behavior must be reported to law enforcement, warned Stinson and others who work with crime victims.

It’s behavior that can graduate to physical violence against the victim. National statistics only add to the importance of this message: 3 out of 4 women who are killed by their intimate partner were stalked at some point before the final crime against the victim occurred, according to the National Center for the Victims of Crime.

--Reporting, prosecution of stalking is key

Look for materials around the reservation during January, such as posters and handouts, and take some time to learn more about stalking by contacting the tribe’s Victim of Crime office at 553-2293. Also contact the Stalking Resource Center, The National Center for the Victims of Crime, www.ncvc.org, or 1-800-FYI-CALL for information.

If you are being stalked and believe there is immediate danger, call 911.

Only one or two stalking cases have wended their way through the tribal justice system since a stalking law was added to Warm Springs’ criminal code at the beginning of the decade. And no stalking cases were filed in Warm Springs Tribal Court during the past year, said Walter Langnese, chief prosecutor.

He couldn’t point to a single reason why the law hasn’t been used but believes that it’s hard for people to determine what constitutes stalking.

Instances where the prosecutor has ample evidence to prosecute someone for the crime have been non-existent, Langnese said.

Some stalking cases likely have been considered harassment cases and pursued in that way, said police Det. Sam Williams.

Langnese and Williams also emphasized the need for victims to save evidence, including contents from texts and computers. Learn how to download it and keep it in a safe place.

Even if it’s material that is crude or embarrassing "it’s still evidence and can help with the investigation," Williams added.

And with electronic stalking, it can’t hurt to notify law enforcement officials in the area where the victim lives, where it’s occurring and other potential locations connected to one or more incidents.

Tribal law states that stalking is punishable by up to a year in jail, up to a $5,000 fine, or both. Convicted defendants can receive up to one year of probation and non-tribal members are banned from the reservation.

There is a state law focused on stalking as well. It is a Class A misdemeanor unless the person convicted has a prior conviction for stalking, violating a stalking court order, for examples, and then the crime is classified as a felony, said Mark Matthews, Victims of Crime director and an attorney.

Tribal officials see the value in stalking laws as a preventive measure, not just to hamper the stalking itself but to keep the situation from escalating, to keep the victim from being physically attacked.

Unfortunately, episodes of stalking and harassment often go unreported "until a more serious crime occurs," Williams said.

--Breaking the cycle

Stinson said she’s trying to help young people identify stalking and to know that it’s unacceptable, albeit criminal, behavior. She teaches her children to just say "no" to people. And there are plans to target efforts during this awareness month toward making local teens aware of the damage resulting from stalking.

"It’s as important for youth to feel safe and have power and control as it is for adults," she said.

She also wants to focus on making people aware about the increased use of electronic tools to stalk, such as computer, text messaging and the ever-growing array of cheap and easy-to-use monitoring devices.

"People can use a satellite and zoom into people’s homes … sneak tracking devices into cars or even a child’s toy," she said. "Stalking goes far beyond having someone stand outside your home."

A support meeting this month will highlight stalking, and essential things a victim of this crime should know. It’s from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at the VOC office.

 --Tribal stalking code

"Any Indian who shall knowingly alarm or coerce another person or a member of that person’s immediate family or household by engaging in repeated, unwanted contact with the other person where the repeated and unwanted contact causes the victim reasonable apprehension regarding the personal safety of the victim or a member of the victim’s immediate family or household, shall be deemed guilty of stalking."

— by Terri Harber

(SEE THE OPINION SECTION FOR RELATED MATERIAL. CLICK ON THE "OPINION" SELECTION IN THE MENU, TOP LEFT SECTION OF THE PAGE)

A father's heroic act recognized by Carnegie 

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

A Warm Springs man who died trying to save his young son from a house fire was recognized earlier this month by the Carnegie Hero Fund.

Family members still mourn the man and son – both of whom died in the fire – and are appreciative that the man’s heroism is being acknowledged with a medal of honor, said Dan Martinez, the tribe’s fire and safety director.

"They are a little overwhelmed," Martinez said.

Rolando Campuzano Sr., 26, escaped from a house fire on Jan. 14 in the 1800 block of Kalish Street, along with his wife Edna and all five children in the home.

Or so he thought. Still inside was little Rolando Jr., age 4.

The father resisted police attempts to keep him outside once he realized the boy hadn’t gotten out. So the man broke away from emergency personnel and managed to reenter the burning house to try to save the boy.

It was too unsafe for firefighters to stop the man once he made it back inside. Father and son were found dead of smoke inhalation after the fire was extinguished, Martinez said.

"The flames were too overwhelming," Martinez explained.

The fire was caused accidentally, because of a stove somehow coming open.

Edna and Rolando had two children together, Rolando Jr., 4, and Esminda, age 6.

Edna also has a 9-year-old. Two of the children in the home at the time of the blaze were young relatives staying with the Campuzanos after another fatal event.

Hannah Crowe was shot to death by Julian Wallalatum, who then killed himself, on New Year’s Day 2009 in a Madras residence. Crowe was Edna’s cousin.

A boy and girl, ages 8 and 4, respectively, who had been living with Crowe and Wallalatum, were placed with the Campuzanos by Child Protective Services.

A third child, a toddler, was being care for elsewhere, according to previous reports.

The honoree’s widow, Edna, plans to speak at length about the incident when her period of mourning ends.

"The woman had just lost a cousin and then this has to happen," Martinez said of experiences "too miserable" for anyone to contemplate.

"It’s been tragedy after tragedy. Tragedy all around."

Things have somewhat improved for the mother and her two daughters since the darkest days after the fatal fire.

They were moved to a new place to live on the reservation and a few individuals and groups have tried to help them financially cope with the ordeal, but more assistance would improve their lives, he said.

Contact Martinez, 553-1634, to arrange for donations to help the Campuzanos.

Martinez nominated Campuzano to the Carnegie prize commission.

"It’s good to see him identified as a hero," Martinez said.

Steel baron Andrew Carnegie started the fund in 1904 after hearing rescue stories from a deadly mine disaster.

Since then, more than 9,300 people have received Carnegie awards for heroism.

A nominee must be a civilian, not a trained professional lifesaver, who voluntarily risked his or her life to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the life of someone else.

Dave McMechan/Spilyay

Theresa Van Pelt, Tribal Council office manager, shows the holiday
greeting card from the president and Mrs. Obama.

Greetings from the White House

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama recently sent signed holiday greetings to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The tribes supported Pres. Obama during the 2008 election. More recently, in early November, Tribal Council Chairman Ron Suppah and other leaders from Indian Country met with the President and top officials in Washington, D.C. Critical discussion topics included public safety and housing, economic development, natural resources, education, health and labor.

December 17, 2009 edition

Warm Spring Christmas Parade

Duran Bobb/Spilyay

The Warm Springs Christmas Lights parade first-place award in the Community division went to this group, representing youth in the community.

Settlement proposed in IIM mismanagement case

By Duran Bobb

Spilyay Tymoo

A $3.4 billion proposed settlement agreement was announced in the long-running class action lawsuit, Cobell V. Salazar, which claims that the federal government mismanaged individual Indians’ trust accounts.

In the settlement, announced early last week, the federal government agrees to create a $1.4 billion Accounting/Trust Administration Fund and a $2 billion Trust Land Consolidation Fund.

Possibly as many as 2,000 members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs may qualify to participate in the settlement, and may receive some compensation.

A tribal member may qualify to participate if the person has an individual trust account, or had an individual trust account in the past.

Some tribal members may have, or have had an account, and may not be aware of its existence. Some members have multiple accounts.

Currently, there is no official list of eligible settlement class members from the Warm Springs Tribes.

Tribal members who qualify to participate in the settlement, or believe they may qualify, must register to participate.

Those who believe that they are eligible to receive settlement money may register at https://cert.tgcginc.com/iim/register.php.

Specific information about the trust fund settlement, and information and directions on how to register to determine eligibility in each class, are available online at CobellSettlement.com, and from the settlement’s toll-free telephone line, 800-961-6109.

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The 13-year legal battle began in June 1996, when Elouise Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana, filed a class action case that included more than 300,000 tribal members with Individual Indian Money accounts, IIMs, at the time.

"Time takes a toll," Cobell commented last week, "especially on elders living in abject poverty. Many of them died as we continued our struggle to settle this suit. Many more would not survive long to see a financial gain, if we had not settled now. This, more than any other factor, motivated me to work toward an agreement now. If I were the only one affected by the egregious behaviors of the federal government in managing my trust account, I’d fight another 100 years, but I did what was best for the people who so badly needed this money."

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The settlement agreement creates two classes of Indians eligible to receive settlement money:· The Historic Accounting Class are Indians alive on September 30, 2009, who had at least one transaction in an open IIM Account between October 25, 1994 and September 30, 2009.· The Trust Administration Class are individual Indian beneficiaries alive on September 30, 2009, who have or had IIM Accounts dating from approximately 1985, as well as individual Indians who as of September 30, 2009, had a recorded or demonstrable interest in land held in trust or restricted status.

The settlement does not include beneficiaries deceased as of September 30, 2009.

Other eligibility conditions and exemptions for each class are detailed in the agreement.

From here, the settlement will go through six steps to finalization.

1. Congress must pass legislation to authorize or confirm specific aspects of the settlement.

2. Parties will ask the court to preliminarily approve the agreement.

3. Notice of the settlement must be given to class members.

4. The court will hold a fairness hearing to decide whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate.

5. If the court approves the settlement, some people or organizations may wish to appeal the court’s order.

6. When all appeals are resolved and finality has been achieved, final approval will be granted and money will be paid to class members as outlined in the settlement agreement. Or, if a higher court asks the trial judge to review certain aspects of the settlement, then additional hearings will be held by the court to try to finalize the settlement. This could take a long time and may result in the settlement not going forward.

Also outlined in the settlement is the creation of an Indian Education Scholarship fund of up to $60 million to improve access to higher education for Indians.

This settlement is believed to be the largest ever against the federal government and dwarfs the combined value of all judgments and settlements of all Indian cases since the founding of the United States.

"This is an historic, positive development for Indian Country and a major step on the road to reconciliation following years of acrimonious litigation between trust beneficiaries and the United States," Secretary Ken Salazar said. "Resolving this issue has been a top priority of President Obama, and this administration has worked in good faith to reach a settlement that is both honorable and responsible. This historic step will allow Interior to move forward and address the educational, law enforcement, and economic development challenges we face in Indian Country."

On a similar note, President Barack Obama said he had heard from many in Indian Country that the Cobell suit remained a stain on the nation-to-nation relationship, which he values so much.

"I pledge my commitment to resolving this issue, and I am proud that my administration has taken this step today," the president said.

Under the settlement, litigation will end regarding the Department of the Interior’s performance of an historical accounting for trust accounts maintained by the U.S. on behalf of more than 300,000 individuals.

Class members are able to exclude themselves from the Trust Administration Class only and keep their rights to file a lawsuit on their own for the same claims, if they wish.

Those who remain in the Trust Administration Class can object to or comment on any aspect of the settlement and have the right to be heard in court.

If class members do not exclude themselves they will no longer be able to sue the U.S. government for the claims settled in this litigation.

The Interior currently manages about 56 million acres of Indian trust land, administering more than 100,000 leases and approximately $3.5 billion in trust funds.

For fiscal year 2009, funds from leases, use permits, land sales and income from financial assets, totaling about $298 million were collected for more than 384,000 open IIM accounts and $566 million was collected for about 2,700 tribal accounts for more than 250 tribes.

Since 1996, the U.S. government has collected over $10.4 billion from individual and tribal trust assets and disbursed more than $9.5 billion to individual account holders and tribal governments.

Clinic has H1N1 shots

Limits lifted on who can get Swine flu vaccine

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

Tribal health officials have removed restrictions on who can receive vaccinations against the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine flu.

Their decision follows suit with the state of Oregon and other government health departments because the number of cases across the United States has decreased while the number of vaccine doses available increased.

The Warm Springs clinic is still providing H1N1 flu immunization to specific segments of the local population who could suffer dangerous health complications if they contract H1N1. 

"We really want people in the target groups to come in and get immunized," said Juanita Majel, a tribal health department public information officer. "But everyone is welcome."

Traditionally, the number of flu cases spikes as the holidays approach and continues to rise through February.

U.S. health officials say American Indians and Alaska Natives have died from H1N1 at a rate four times greater than other Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study of flu-related deaths in 12 states, one of which is Oregon.

Forty-two Native Americans in the 12 states died of H1N1 or its complications—almost four out of every 100,000 people.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have higher rates of diabetes, asthma and other conditions that make them more vulnerable to H1N1. Poverty and delayed access to care are other reasons highlighted.

People who are urged to obtain a flu shot:

A child at least six months old; pregnant women; people who live with a child younger than 6 months old; young people between the ages of 5 and 24; and people ages 25-64 with an underlying medical condition, such as disorders involving the lungs, heart, kidneys, blood, or liver, or diabetes, asthma or arthritis.

In Warm Springs, Community Health RNs are immunizing people in Pod A, Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.

People also can make an appointment at the clinic for a different time or go to the Pharmacy.

Courtesy Michael Gauvin

The first two fish, spring chinook, captured at the new water intake system at Round Butte dam.

The beginning of a new era

The first fish were captured on Dec. 1 at the new water intake system at the Round Butte dam on the Deschutes River.

"This is the beginning of a new era," said Jim Manion, manager of Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises.

The new era will see migrating fish spawning above the Round Butte dams for the first time in decades.

The Round Butte dam in the 1960s created Lake Billy Chinook, which until very recently had no downstream surface current for juvenile fish to follow.

The new water intake system creates a surface current, guiding the fish downstream, where they can be captured and then released below the dams.

Some of the fish eventually will make it to the ocean, and will then return again to the Deschutes in a few years for spawning.

The intake system, featuring a 273-foot tall underwater tower and fish collection system, took a few years to build, and was completed earlier this fall.

Operation of this system reopens 226 upstream miles to salmon and steelhead migration, which has been blocked since 1972.

Total cost of the fish passage project is $108 million. The tribes are paying a third of the cost, through revenue generated by Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises. The tribes and Portland General Electric are co-owners and managers of the dams, which are partly on the reservation. The fish passage facility is part of the 50-year Pelton-Round Butte relicensing agreement, approved a few years ago by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Courtesy Greg Leo/The Leo Co.

Tribal members enjoy ski day at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area on Dec. 12.

Lots of snow for ski day at Mt. Hood Meadows

By Greg Leo

For the Spilyay Tymoo

Mt. Hood Meadow’s ski bus rolled out the Warm Springs Community Center parking lot with 45 kids and parents, headed up for an action-packed day on the mountain on Dec. 12. In total, there were 65 tribal members there this first ski day of the season.

For most kids, Saturday is a great day to sleep in, but for these kids, waking up early enough to get on a bus at 7:30 a.m. was worth it. With a 50-inch base and about 2 inches of fresh snow falling throughout the day, conditions were excellent for first-timers and experienced skiers alike.

It was very cold, but coming in for hot cocoa breaks warmed and motivated members to go back out for more instruction by Mt. Hood Meadows’ ski instructors.

"These ski days are a very positive activity for the young tribal members who participate, and also the adults who are able to come along as chaperones," said Sue Matters, KWSO station manager, who has helped coordinate the ski days since the program began 6 years ago.

The tribal ski day builds good will between the tribes and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area, which has been a good steward of the Mt. Hood National Forest, part of the tribes’ ceded lands.

Matthew Drake, who has been CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows since 2005, says he "grew up on the mountain," skiing with his family on Mt. Hood since he was 3. Drake was there to welcome tribal members at lunch that day, and tell them how much he appreciates the opportunity to have tribal members up to ski and snowboard at Meadows.

"We have a great partnership between Mt. Hood Meadows and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We look forward to our continued cooperation on the Tribal Ski Days in the winter and the Huckleberry Picking event in the summer," Drake said.

 "We love to see the enthusiasm of kids, especially those who have never been up here before," says Heidi Logosz, sustainability coordinator of Mt. Hood Meadows. "It is such a great opportunity for them, and really, for everyone involved. I know our instructors look forward to these events every year to get to know the Warm Springs kids."

Logosz also explained to tribal members how Meadows is working hard to be sustainable, and have a lighter footprint on the environment. Besides recycling and reducing waste, "Meadows is working on several initiatives to maintain water quality for fish-bearing streams and other important aspects of the fragile alpine environment," she said.

Will "The Wilman" Robbins, KWSO news director, was on the scene to capture comments and also make a few turns on the mountain himself.

"Things ran really smoothly, and I had a great time at the mountain except for my trip to the clinic with a twisted ankle," he said. "It was an awesome day on the mountain. I look forward to helping out with future ski days."

Robbins also commented that it was great to see some new kids on this trip who had never skied before, as well as many of the regulars who have come up to ski and snowboard at every opportunity during the past few years.

In addition to lift tickets, ski and snowboard equipment, and lessons from professional ski and snowboard instructors, kids enjoyed a pizza lunch.

Visit the KWSO Web site or Sue’s Face Book page to see photos of past ski days.

With the promise of more powder snow this coming week, the forecast looks good for plenty of snow between now and February, when the next Tribal Ski Day is tentatively planned. Stay tuned to KWSO for details once the date has been set.

This year marks the sixth season of partnership between Warm Springs and Mt. Hood Meadows.

Greg Leo is a member of the Bridge of the Gods Resort Team and coordinator of the Warm Springs Ski days. He and wife Rachel also run the Leo Company.

December 3, 2009 edition

Duran Bobb/Spilyay

Don Howtopat is a frequent passenger of the Warm Springs Transit bus.

Warm Springs Transit to expand services

By Duran Bobb

Spilyay Tymoo

Warm Springs Transit, which has been in operation now for the past four years, will soon undergo major changes, according to Dave Conroy, acting director of tribal Social Services.

"We’re looking at a major expansion of services, both in terms of hours of operation and areas which the transit will cover," said Conroy. "We’ve been working diligently with the Planning Department, our driver Evans Spino, and with the Vocational Rehab Program to make these changes happen."

Funded primarily through the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC), the Warm Springs Transit makes one trip to Madras every Tuesday. However, Conroy has been working with Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and Cascade East Transit to incorporate a schedule that would make a run from Warm Springs to Madras up to three times daily.

"This would be especially helpful to people here on the reservation who don’t have access to safe and reliable transportation," Conroy said. "They’ll have access to transportation when they need to get to medical appointments, do their shopping, or just to use laundry services."

According to Conroy, Madras has become the transportation hub of Central Oregon. "Right now," he said, "we’re very close to expanding our services so that people will be able to not only access employment opportunities, but other opportunities as well throughout the region."

The expansion of services could be available by as soon as the end of December.

 --

About 45 passengers per day take advantage of the current services offered by the Warm Springs Transit.

Passengers who are on business are able to pick up transit tokens at Warm Springs Market, Community Counseling, and Vocational Rehab. The transit fare is fifty-cents; however the elderly and those people with disabilities are typically not charged on the reservation.

As yet, the fare for the Warm Springs-Madras run has not yet been determined.

The route would begin from the Madras DMV parking lot and would end up back on the reservation, Conroy said. Stops on the reservation would include Warm Springs Market, Vocational Rehab, and Kah-Nee-Ta Resort.

This proposed run would begin at 6 a.m., with the last run at 7 p.m.

 --

Typically, the present transit route through Warm Springs takes about an hour. But that schedule is flexible. The transit does make special door pick-ups for the elderly and those who are physically unable to get to the bus stops.

Individuals who require a door pick-up are asked to call Lori Switzler at 553-4952.

"But again," Conroy said, "we want to stress that door pick-up service is only available for the elderly and those who are physically unable to get from the door of their house to the bus stops."

Conroy is also involved with the addition of the new Accessibility Technology Lab, which will have its grand opening within the next two to three months.

The lab, located at Voc Rehab, will be helpful to elders and people who have special needs.

"For example, one of our work stations can be raised or lowered, if a person can’t sit and work for long periods of time," Conroy said. "We also have what’s known as JAWS software, which can blow up job notices for elders who aren’t able to see very well."

Voc Rehab will also be software available for people with mobility issues. This software, called Dragon Naturally Speaking, will type whatever is dictated into the computer.

The Accessibility Technology Center will be mostly funded by Vocational Rehab. The Social Services delivery area is about 65 aerial miles from the reservation boundaries, Conroy says.

The rate of disabilities is about three times what it is in the off-reservation population. Social Services has a current caseload of 170 individuals, compared to 20 a little over two years ago.

"We try to be responsive to areas of concern," Conroy said, "particularly if we are looking at program expansion or route expansion for the transit. We welcome public comments and we’re here to serve the people."

He added, "Especially when we do something right, we like to hear about that, so we can keep doing things right. I know the bus system hasn’t always been perfect but the system as a whole, I think, is beginning to move forward. We are here to serve the people first and foremost, particularly with such a high rate of unemployment on the reservation. We want to assist people in any way we can."

Approximate bus stop times, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 

--

TRANSIT SCHEDULE

Top of the hour: Warm Springs Market 

5 minutes past the hour: Dry Creek

9 minutes past the hour: Warm Springs Market

15 minutes past the hour: Foster and Bray Streets

17 minutes past the hour: Foster and Bray (south end)

20 minutes past the hour: Poosh and West Hills

25 minutes past the hour: Administration building

30 minutes past the hour: IHS building

35 minutes past the hour: Oitz and Kuthup streets

38 minutes past the hour: Senior Center

44 minutes past the hour: Jefferson St. and Quail Trail.

48 minutes past the hour: Deschutes Crossing.

52 minutes past the hour: Warm Springs Plaza.

55 miniutes past the hour: Social Services.

58 minutes past the hour: Counseling Center.

 December 3, 2009

Terri Harber/Spilyay

Tribal member students painted these murals with assistance from students at Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland State University and Clackamas Community College.

Murals are enduring legacy of Native American Heritage Month

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

Though National Native American Heritage Month is over, Warm Springs will benefit from remnants of the celebration.

The Culture and Heritage Center basement is awash in colorful interpretations of Native American culture. Local teens and a group of students from the Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland State University and Clackamas Community College created several murals during last month’s Splish Splash Art Bash.

"Each mural represents the three tribes — our languages, our cultures," said Myra Johnson-Orange, director of the tribe’s Culture and Heritage Department.

The Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Committee and the Confederated Tribes’ Education Branch sponsored the mural project. It has several panels and runs across a long wall.

Many are nature-centered, with depictions of animals — and their places — in Native American values and philosophy. Even water pipes running along the wall were painted to blend in with the designs. Virtually all of the work was done on a Saturday, except for some planning.

A couple of the murals need minor finishing touches, but all came out very professional for such a tight work schedule, the college students and tribal officials have remarked.

"The idea is to get our kids who are interested in art enthused so they’ll continue," Johnson-Orange said. "We hope they’ll look at art as a skill to be developed."

To reciprocate, the teens will work on an art project with the Oregon art students in Portland.

People are welcome to come to the center and take a look at the murals during operating hours.

Plans are also in the works to continue the movie screenings that were held once a week during the heritage month. It won’t be as frequent, just once a month, but Johnson-Orange expects it to be an offering that catches on.

"It’s been really popular," she said of the movies, shown in the basement of the center. "People really enjoy it."

What is Native American Heritage Month?

A month of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. Events are held throughout the U.S. It is held each November.

The Congress of the American Indian Association formally approved a plan concerning the celebration of an American Indian Day, in 1915. A proclamation declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

Various states set aside a day to celebrate the contributions of Native Americans. The earliest was New York state, 1916. Many states still hold day-long celebrations, often on Columbus Day.

The first official month-long celebration across the U.S. was declared in 1990.

The theme for this year’s heritage month was "Pride in Our Heritage. Honor to Our Ancestors."

(From the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs.)

December 3, 2009

Members discuss Impact Aid with school board

By Duran Bobb

Spilyay Tymoo

The Jefferson County 509-J school district board held the Impact Aid hearing and review in Warm Springs last week.

During the meeting, Louise Katchia, of the Warm Springs Education Committee, presented recommendations on how to use the Impact Aid funds. These included:

Continuation of an activity bus, creating an Indian Club at the middle school and high school, having a Native American advisor available at the high school, middle school tutoring, workshops to aid sixth grade students in the transition to the Madras schools, assistance for tribal members who do not qualify for sports waivers, and an annual report presented to Warm Springs accounting for the use of Impact Aid funds.

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In 1950, the U.S. Department of Education designed the Impact Aid funding program to assist local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property, or areas that have experienced increased expenditures due to the enrollment of federally connected children.

In the 509-J school district, students who fall into this category include children living on the reservation.

The 2010 Application for Impact Aid lists 740 eligible students from Warm Springs (K-12). Another eight eligible students live in the North Unit Irrigation District main canal right-of-way, also tax-exempt.

Currently, Warm Springs students make up about one-third of the student body in the 509-J School District.

In 2008, the school district received just over $1.4 million for Impact Aid. In 2009, the school district received about $2.3 million.

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As the school district prepares to submit its application for Impact Aid for fiscal year 2010, the school board has expressed a desire to work with the Warm Springs community in coming to an understanding what Impact Aid is, what it does, and what the school district will do with the funds.

"I think the way the district looked at Impact Aid was different from the way Warm Springs looked at Impact Aid," said Lyle Rehwinkel, 509-J School Board Member.

"I think as we move through that, we’re going to have to define what it is and what we’re going to do with it. We have to do more communication. We need to come together and figure it out, so that our district can benefit."

The district as a whole should be financially healthy, he said. "If the Warm Springs Community part of that isn’t healthy, then the district isn’t going to be healthy," he said.

 ---

Education Committee member Katchia also said she was concerned that the community service requirement for students transcripts are limited to being performed in Madras only.

The Education Committee strongly insists that students should be allowed to fulfill this requirement in Warm Springs as well, she said.

"One tribal member honor student who was graduating in 2008 was not allowed to perform this requirement in Warm Springs," Katchia said. "That prevented him from being admitted to the National Honor Society."

--Fish facility progress

The Confederated Tribes have joined the other three Columbia River Treaty tribes in forming a corporation that will oversee operation of a fish processing facility at the Columbia.

The $4.5 million facility, located at White Swan, was constructed by the Corps of Engineers, with operation authority at the BIA.

The BIA needs an agreement with a corporation for the future operation of the facility, and the four Columbia treaty tribes have all taken steps toward forming the company, said J.P. Patt, of tribal Natural Resources.

Patt and Bruce Jim, of the Off-Reservation Fish and Wildlife Committee, last month presented the proposal to Tribal Council, which approved the idea.

The hope is to have the fish facility, which includes a flash freezer, cold storage and icemaker, in operation sometime next year, said Patt. Operation details, such as the number of employees and exactly what services will be provided, will be worked out in the coming months, said Patt.

IN PICTURES: Early Childhood Powwow

Dave McMechan/Spilyay

More similar photos in the features section.

WEB EXTRA: A one-of-a-kind event

Marg Sohappy photo

These and other pieces were on display at the Warm Springs Museum on Nov. 28 during a special annual event for museum members. On view were some special and rarely shown items. These items were displayed by Eileen Spino.

November 19, 2009 edition  

Photo by Duran Bobb/Spilyay Tymoo

Officials from the Bonneville Power Administration and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs sign a right of way agreement on November 16, 2009 (from left): BPA Administrator Steve Wright, Council Chairman Ron Suppah and BIA Northwest Regional Office Director Stanley Speaks.

Tribes, BPA meet for historic corridor agreement signing

By Duran Bobb

Spilyay Tymoo

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bonneville Power Administration signed an historic $17 million right of way agreement on Monday. The agreement extends the BPA right of way of a transmission corridor within the reservation.

The terms of the agreement are beneficial to the BPA and to the tribes, said Jody Calica, secretary-treasurer of the Confederated Tribes.

A benefit to the tribes, for example, is an ownership interest in a section of the transmission line. This provides the possibility of patching into the power grid if and when the tribes develop new energy producing ventures.

Through the agreement, the tribes will also secure $100,000 in funding for the First Foods project, which explores restoration and preservation of traditional foods.

The tribal-BPA agreement of 1978 gave certain rights to the BPA, allowing for transmission lines in two different corridors on the reservation, one in the north and one in the south.

It also gave the tribes the potential to ask Bonneville to move one of the transmission lines from the south corridor to the north corridor.

"Since that time the tribes realized the importance of having certain types of infrastructure available," said Ken Johnston, BPA transmission services account executive.

"And so they decided that it was more important to keep the transmission line on the southern corridor rather than having it moved, because it provided certain capabilities not only for the tribes but for tribal partners."

The tribes conducted an analysis to determine what would be the best use for the land on the southern corridor. It was determined that the existing transmission line had value, and that expanding that corridor at some time to provide for another transmission line would be an excellent use for that land.

The task for the tribes at that time was to extinguish the old transmission line arrangement while putting together a new agreement.

"This is a good and exciting day," said Tribal Council Chairman Ron Suppah. "Today, we’re in hard times. But good things like this that should lift our spirits."

--Future benefit

The undertaking of the last few years, said Johnston, has been to expand the southern corridor with another transmission line, while at the same time diminishing the northern corridor rights.

"So we’ve basically taken one possibility of right of way from the northern corridor and put it on the southern," he said. "And in so doing, the tribe is obviously an active participant in the electric utility industry."

The agreement has benefits for both the present and the future, secretary-treasurer Calica said.

For example, he said, one possibility that has opened up is the building of a tower to improve cell phone coverage on the reservation.

The tribes and BPA signed the new agreement on Monday at the BPA offices in Portland.

At the signing Steve Wright, BPA administrator, said, "We’re going to celebrate this day. But we’re also going to celebrate this relationship that has evolved between the tribes and the agency.

"Four years ago, we sat down with members of the Tribal Council to find a way to solve problems with this transmission agreement. We’ve shown that a group of people can work together to change the course of history."

General councils address 2010 budget

Tribal members in attendance spoke about the local economy, adoptions, suicide prevention, and possible ways to remedy the homeless situation on the reservation.

"We used to have a treatment facility in Warm Springs," Neda Wesley said. "That was in atwai Prunie’s days. We fought for our people… carried that to the fullest. It was very respectful."

The issue of trust funds was also raised. In some cases, Dorthea Smith said, people received half of what they were expecting. Smith asked about the minutes to previous general council meetings. She also asked about affirmative action, training for non-tribal members, employment for the summer youth workers, and the attendance of various departments at budget meetings.

"Everyone keeps asking for that every year," Smith said. "It is our money, we’re here concerned about it… [some departments] are not here."

"Rather than have resolution [to affirmative action]," Council vice-chairwoman Aurolyn Stwyer-Pinkham said, "we want to upgrade to ordinance––the law."

Other tribal members were concerned about the conduct of tribal police officers.

Gerald Smith, chief operations officer, said that anybody concerned over the conduct of tribal police officers should meet with him. The tribes meanwhile are in the process of hiring a general manager of the Public Safety branch, Smith said.

There have been tribal members recently hired in Public Safety, Smtih said, with an addition of two people in the Fish and Game Department.

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Emma Smith asked about the status of the proposed Gorge casino, and the wording of the compact. "Since you’re promising all of these non-Indians 20 cents out of every dollar, shouldn’t you be able to promise us, the tribal members, 20 percent?"

Smith suggested that more consideration be given to economic expansion on highway 26, going to Portland.

"Baby-boomers are concerned about their health," Smith said. "A lot of people in that age category travel the highway on the reservation. We could be targeting that group."

Other issued that were raised by tribal members during the general council meetings included: the December dividend, tribal veterans, the cost of maintaining operations at High Lookee Lodge, issues at Early Childhood Education, and settlement moneys.

Regarding the settlement, tribal secretary-treasurer Jody Calica said, "We’re going through 1401 process. The package has already gone back, and it will sit there for 60 Congressional days... The money won’t be available to us until late January or early February."

Evalnie Patt asked whether or not that would affect the budget.

"It will," Calica said. Council has to make some decisions based on the fact that projected revenue has increased, he said.

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Keith Moody raised the question about water quality on the reservation.

Don Courtney, Public Utilities general manager, said, "My philosophy is that we know what the problem is, and we need to fix it. We could put in a new treatment facility here. That’s the expensive fix. Option two is to look for another water source."

Public Utilities is looking for funding sources to help solve the problem, he said. Examples of such sources, Courtney said, are the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Rural Development, and IHS.

Courntey said he will bring ideas to the community to help decide which option to go with.

At the Simnasho gathering, Councilwoman Stwyer-Pinkham, district representative, distributed a 36-page travel report for January through June, 2009. This report gave dates of travel, the purpose, and a summary of what took place at each meeting.

Kennel sought for loose dogs

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

Dr. Ben Brown was walking around the reservation, between the dental clinic where he works and the market, when he saw someone walking with a pitbull about 18 months ago. The owner and dog were about 40 feet apart and the dog wasn’t on a leash.

"I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to look at dogs," said Brown, a commissioned officer with the public health service. He has worked at Warm Springs for about three years. "The dog took offense."

He discovered a little too late that dogs could interpret direct eye contact with a human as a challenge, not just curiosity.

"I kept looking to see what he would do; he took a bite out of my wrist," he said. "It was just a scrape, he bit mostly into the metal of my watch."

Though Brown’s injury wasn’t serious, it was "frightening nonetheless."

--Kennel project

Nancy Collins, Warm Springs’ sanitarian, wants to see a place established to house the numerous loose dogs running around the reservation.

"It’s a big problem," Collins said. "We see a lot of bites for the size of our population."

Dogs wildly running into the street and in front of vehicles, rummaging through trash, attacking other animals, and biting people are just some of the problems that come with large numbers of free-roaming canines that sometimes travel in packs, tribal officials say.

Collins said she and the tribe intend to obtain grant money by garnering non-profit status for a kennel operation, or partnering with an area agency already considered a non-profit. Either would allow access to grant money from a wider variety of sources. A larger number of available grants would make financing more likely.

In the past, Collins has housed dogs picked up by police and other tribal authorities at her home, up to 19 of them at one point, but the problem has become too big and the cost too prohibitive for her to continue, she said.

Tribal police and Environmental Health have picked up several dogs recently. Officials are routinely hard-pressed to find enough time for the task. Other animal service providers either won’t come to the reservation or often don’t have time to pick up dogs here. Sometimes the other agencies don’t have space to hold them.

--15 bites this year

People on the reservation had been suffering fewer dog bites in recent years, but the problem has been again worsening. Dogs have bitten 15 people so far this year, some of them children. Officials estimate the number might reach 20 by year’s end.

Spaying and neutering of dogs has been encouraged on the reservation since the 1980s, but the challenge is "getting people to do it," Collins said.

Sometimes puppies are taken home, but then allowed to run loose around the community. And once they are fully grown, the animals are ignored. Other people see these dogs, feel pity, and feed them but take no other responsibility for the animals.

"If you feed a dog, it’s yours," Collins emphasized.

That means keeping an eye on it, making sure it has been vaccinated and all the other responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

"This is the tip of the iceberg," Collins said.

--Tribal code

Some of the dogs running around the area are further away from their domestic roots than others, and have become wild and predatory. Chief Prosecutor Walter Langnese made note of a pack of dogs attacking a cow this year, and a dog fight.

Authorities used to shoot aggressive dogs on the reservation, he remembered.

"We can’t prosecute the dog," he said. "But if we have a police report, and we’re able to ID them and their owner, then we can prosecute the owner."

Identifying a dog and its owner isn’t easy, especially when dogs don’t have tags, he said.

A kennel would help because it would allow the tribe to hold the dogs and help authorities better enforce the current code, Langnese said.

The tribal codes are currently under review regarding dogs.

"A kennel would be great," he said. "And we really need a dog catcher."

Budget constraints, however, make a dog catcher impossible at this time, he said.

Langnese suggested a lower-cost alternative in the meantime: providing training in dog ownership, especially to children, so they don’t let dogs run loose or tie it up. Neither is an appropriate way to treat dogs, he said.

Langnese and his wife used to breed dogs.

Honoring Our Veterans

Photo By Terri Harber/Spilyay Tymoo

Prosanna Katchia rode in the Veterans Day Parade. Click on the Features button in the menu running down the left side of this page to see other Veterans Day photos.

A variety of events commemorated veterans

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

Residents of Warm Springs commemorated Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a variety of Native American warrior and United States military traditions.

It has been nearly 150 years since the Snake and Modoc wars, earlier events where Native Americans fought bravely, to the current Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Dozens of local Native Americans have lost their lives protecting the United States and the liberty enjoyed by all who live within its borders. Pictures of many of these men and women hung on an Agency Longhouse wall as at least 200 residents paid tribute.

After a ceremony in front of the courthouse, a parade began there and ended at the Longhouse, where the commemoration was completed. There were events earlier in the morning as well.

"Thank you for sacrificing your life so we can have our freedom," said Eliza Brown Jim.

State may revoke Rainbow liquor license

By Terri Harber

Spilyay Tymoo

The owner of Rainbow Market has requested an independent administrative hearing to determine whether her liquor license should be revoked.

The hearing isn’t expected to occur until early next year, possibly January or February, according to the state and the attorney representing Roxanne McInturff, owner of Rainbow Market.

An inspector with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission ticketed the market last month for a "history of serious and persistent problems."

Jefferson County deputies responded to 80 calls at or near the establishment within the past 18 months ending in September.

According to a letter sent by the commission to McInturff and her attorney, Tim Gassner, there have been "50 serious incidents" and "30 less serious incidents" at Rainbow Market since February 2, 2008.

"Incidents have included public drunkenness, fights, altercations, harassment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and unlawful activity. ...Numerous incidents included one or more patrons who were intoxicated. Forty incidents have involved harm or the threat of harm, with feet and fists frequently being used as weapons. Multiple incidents involved guns. Several minors were involved in incidents," the letter stated.

"Many incidents involve people who previously caused problems at the premises, were trespassed from the premises, and were then allowed to return."

Gassner disagrees with the assertion that the market is the site of origin for all of the events. He said incidents aren’t always related to the market itself, just near it.

"It’s the most identifiable location there from the base of the hill to the bridge, even though you have a trailer park, a state park, Riffle," Gassner said. "Anything that goes on there is characterized as in the vicinity of the Rainbow Market."

His client has already implemented a variety of security improvements, Gassner also said. "My client would consider any suggestion that is reasonable," he said.

The business is near the reservation but not within it. It’s in the far north section of Jefferson County. Tourists shop there because it’s on the highway and near the Deschutes River. And transients hang around because the old fixtures of a long-gone gas station provide places to sit, rest, congregate and consume alcohol.

McInturff sold the gas station property next to the market to the tribe several years ago.

Warm Springs residents also frequent the store, which sells groceries and stays open until 10 or 11 p.m. — longer than virtually every other business in or near Warm Springs.

There are some exceptions. Kah-Nee-Ta closes at 2 a.m. during the week and 4 a.m. on weekends. And the Shell gasoline station runs its pumps around the clock.

Rainbow is the only retailer legally selling take-away alcohol near the reservation, however. The only other business licensed by the state to sell liquor is the Kah-Nee-Ta, in Warm Springs but several miles away from most of the homes on the reservation.

If this judge finds McInturff should be stripped of her license, she can continue appealing the decision until it reaches the state appellate court.

Tribal and area law enforcement officials are concerned that people wanting alcohol will be driving to Madras to buy it, which will make Highway 26 more dangerous at night and in the early morning hours for all drivers because of additional traffic and more drunken drivers.

McInturff has owned the business on her own since 1984. She owned it jointly with her then-husband before that.

Rainbow’s license was suspended last year for about three weeks.