May, 2013 - Coquille Indian Tribe
Transcription
May, 2013 - Coquille Indian Tribe
What’s inside May, 2013 Road closures on Empire property from June to October, pg. 2 Family Camp registration information (forms mailed with newsletter), pg. 3 Tsut Dah Yah Weth-Tit cultural workshops June 15-19, pg. 3 Coquille Head Start recruiting students for 2013-14 school year, pg. 4 K’wen ‘inish-ha Have you heard the news? Newsletter of the Coquille Indian Tribe May, 2013 Volume 21, Issue 5 Notice of Bylaws: Amendment of Education Committee, pg. 5 Coquille Indian Tribe Restoration Celebration Don Ivy receives 2013 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award, pg. 6 Matthew Kelly and Chano Johnsen help with salmon acclimation project, pg. 6 Schedule of events June 28-30, 2013 Friday, June 28 6 p.m. Lighting of the Fires: Please join us at the Community Plankhouse fire pit. Teen Group meeting every Thursday at Community Center, pg. 7 Summer program at the Community Center includes cultural activities, pg. 7 6:30 p.m. Potluck: Hosted by the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Culture Committee. Please join us and bring a salad or dessert Higher Education program applications due July 1, pg. 8 Shells and Cedar multi-tribal event at Champoeg State Park on July 20, pg. 9 ORCA Communications achieves SBA 8(a) status, pg. 10 Saturday, June 29 8:30 a.m. Salmon Ceremony: At Bullard’s Beach State Park north of Bandon, Oregon. •Please turn to ‘Restoration’, pg. 10 Coquelle Trails project connects local history with Tribe’s ancestral lands, pg. 11 Attention Coquille Graduates! Summer Youth program at The Mill Casino, pg. 10 Clothing drive at Health Center, pg. 11 Coquille Tribal Police K-9 trains with Coast Guard boarding crews, pg. 12 Look for us on the web: www.coquilletribe.org Chairperson Report May, 2013 Dear Tribal Members and Families, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally invite all Tribal members and their families to our 24th Annual Coquille Restoration Day Celebration the weekend of June 28-30, 2013 with most of the activities being held at our Coquille Community Plankhouse. Our first scheduled event begins Friday at 6 p.m. with the Lighting of the Fires followed by a potluck. Saturday will begin with the Salmon Ceremony and continue back at the Plankhouse at 11 a.m. with refreshments, kid’s activities, Tribal vendors, raffles and much more. The Traditional Salmon Bake Dinner will begin at approximately 12 noon. During the day there will be recognition of our students who will someday be our future leaders. In addition there will be Stick Games for you to participate in. On Sunday there will be a Traditional Gourmet Food Feast along with other cultural activities to enjoy. • Please turn to ‘Chair’, pg. 12 The Coquille Indian Tribe community includes Tribal members, family members, friends, and employees of the Tribe. On Monday, May 12, members of the Tribe’s community got together to prepare hundreds of pounds of Cole River Fish Hatchery salmon for the 2013 Restoration Celebration and Salmon Bake. A Summer Celebration Please join us at the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Community Plankhouse to Celebrate Summer Solstice In Traditional Dance on Friday, June 21 The Dance will begin at Dusk There will be a potluck dinner before the celebration begins. Please bring a salad or dessert to share with friends and family. Any questions? Please contact Brenda Meade at 541-297-8803 or 1-800-622-5869 Do you want to learn how our ancestors did it? The week before the Solstice Dance a series of instructional workshops and demonstrations on traditional technologies sponsored by the Tribe’s Cultural Resources Program will be held at the Plankhouse. Please turn to page 3 of this month’s newsletter to learn more. Get your CIT Logo Blanket and be honored for your academic achievement The Coquille Indian Tribe and the Tribe’s Education Department will be gifting CIT Logo Pendleton Blankets to this year’s Tribal member graduates. Tribal members who have earned a high school diploma or G.E.D., earned a degree from a college or university (including Associates, Doctorate, Bachelor or Masters degree), or have completed a Vocational School program and received their certification will receive a CIT Logo Pendleton Blanket as recognition from the Tribe for their accomplishment. The Tribe has honored its graduates during the Restoration Celebration for the last seven years. Graduates who are able to attend the 2013 Restoration Celebration and Salmon Bake on Saturday, June 29 will be introduced and awarded a blanket during a special ceremony. Don’t worry if you can’t attend the Celebration. The Education Department will ship a blanket to you if you are unable to attend. Please contact the Education Department and let them know that you’ve earned your diploma, degree and/ or certification. Rhonda Ferguson @ 541-756-0904; 1-800-622-5869; email: [email protected] Page 2K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 A Coquille Elder talks some lore Inspired by the traditional food gatherings for the Restoration Celebration. As all the Volunteers gather together for our sharing of seafood, I’m reminded of my Elders telling the story about the mud flat at “Stinky Holler*” (Cape Arago Hwy. and CSD Pump House #5) and the one big worn down rock in the middle of the flat. Notice of Road Construction Periodic Road Closures on Tribe’s South Empire Property during construction projects from June to October The Coquille Indian Tribe will be performing road construction activities on three main gravel roads on the South Empire Property. Miluk Extension road from the electronic gate near the shop compound to the North reservation boundary. Centuries ago a Coquille Grandmother took her two grandchildren down to gather shells on summer low tide. Tarheel Loop Road from Cape Arago Highway to the intersection of Miluk Extension Road. Tragically the grandchildren mysteriously disappeared. That big worn down rock is their Grandmother waiting and watching for their return. Upper 4th Creek Road from the intersection on Miluk Extension Road to the Cemetery. *The nickname given to that mud flat area because it’s an appropriate one on warm summer days when the tide is out. Respectfully, Ginger Murphy Coquille Indian Tribe: Administration office: 3050 Tremont Blvd. North Bend, OR. 97459 Phone: (541) 756-0904, 1-800-622-5869 Fax: (541)-756-0847 Email: Front Desk: [email protected] Library: [email protected] Education: [email protected] Tribal Member Services: [email protected] CIT Tribal Council: Chairperson — Brenda Meade 2674 Mexeye Lp. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 541-297-8803 [email protected] Vice-Chair — Toni Ann Brend PO Box 5877 Charleston, OR. 97420 541-297-1279 [email protected] Chief—Kenneth Tanner 1296 Iowa Street Ashland, OR 97520 541-991-6041 [email protected] Secretary-Treasurer—Joan Metcalf PO Box 3274 Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-756-6861 [email protected] Representatives: Kippy Robbins 2241 N. 14th St. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 1-541-297-9876 [email protected] Sharon Parrish 2635 Mexeye Lp. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 541-297-5609 [email protected] Eric Metcalf Eric Metcalf 927 Inlet Lp. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 541-808-7413 [email protected] During construction these roads will be closed for vehicular and pedestrian traffic at various times starting in June 2013 and ending in October 2013. Signs will be posted to notify the public of these closures. If you have any questions please contact Todd Tripp at 541-756-0904 CIT Administration: Executive Director—George Smith; Human Resources—Larry Scarborough; PCRES—Todd Tripp; CFO—Mark Gagnon; Tribal Member Services—Jon Ivy; Education Program Director—Bridgett Wheeler; Tribal Historic Preservation Office/Cultural Resources--Nicole Norris; LRES—Jason Robison; Librarian—Chris Tanner; Court: Tribal Court Judge—Donald Costello; MIS Coordinator: Robert Goldrick; GIS—Zeb DeOs Office/Business Addresses: Coquille Tribal Police 2602 Mexeye Lp. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 Tribal Police Department—(541) 888-0189; Emergencies: 911. Chief: Scott Lafevre; Officers: Matthew Parrish; Brian Dubray; Rob Scoville Nasomah Health Group: Rod Cook PO Box 921 North Bend, OR. 97459 Phone: 541-751-0940; Fax: 541-756-4714 Community Health Center: Kelle Little 600 Miluk Dr. (PO Box 3190) Coos Bay, OR. 97420 541-888-9494 or 1-800-344-8583 Contract Health: 541-888-4405; 1-866-8627506; Fax: (541) 888-3431 Housing Authority: Anne Cook 2678 Mexeye Lp. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 Phone: (541) 888-6501; 1-800-988-6501; Fax: (541) 888-8266 CEDCO: Cal Mukumoto 3201 Tremont St. North Bend, OR. 97459 Phone: 866-442-3326 Gaming Commission: Terry Springer 3201 Tremont St. North Bend, OR. 97459 (541)-756-5664; 1-800-953-4800; Fax (541) 756-5478 Final Restoration Celebration Gathering Trip Meet on Saturday June 8 at 8 a.m. at the Coquille Community Plankhouse. Please bring a pointed shovel or digging stick, gloves, a bucket, and sunscreen. Transportation and lunch will be provided so please RSVP if you plan on joining us. Camas gatherers will be shuttled drive down to dig camas. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, know that the gravel road is not always in the best condition. Lunch will be made available on the hill where the camas will be harvested. Following lunch the group will return Plankhouse around 3 p.m. *PLEASE NOTE ANYONE UNDER 18 YEARS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT FAMILY MEMBER. Letters to Editor Policy... “K’wen ‘inish-ha” is the publication of the Coquille Indian Tribe. We have established an editorial policy to encourage input from readers about families, news, stories, or Tribal issues. Letters must be printed or typed and cannot exceed 1000 words. K’wen ‘inish-ha reserves the right to edit any letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or part of a letter that may contain libelous statements, personal attacks, or has profane language. The Coquille Tribal Newsletter and Tribal Government accept no responsibility for statements made in the Letters to the Editor. The opinions expressed are solely those of individuals writing in. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do not necessarily reflect opinions of the K’wen ‘inish-ha employees or Tribal Council. All letters must include your name, address and signature. Send your letter to: K’wen ‘inish-ha Coquille Indian Tribe 3050 Tremont Blvd. North Bend, OR 97459 Drumming at the CIT Community Plankhouse every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Community Calendar • Cultural Adventures. Wednesday, May 29. 4 to 6 p.m. Community Plankhouse. • Zumba at the Community Center. Zumba classes are scheduled for May 30, June 6 and June 13 (all Thursdays). 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CIT Community Center. • Head Start Graduation. Tuesday, June 4. 6:30 p.m. CIT Community Center. • Tribal Council meeting and workshops. Thursday, June 6. 1 p.m. CIT main office. Workshops scheduled on Wednesday, June 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Restoration Celebration Gathering: Camas. Saturday, June 8. 8 a.m. Please meet at the Plankhouse at 8 a.m. More information to the left. • Elders Committee meeting. Monday, June 10. 3 p.m. CITCHC conference room. • Child Care Assistance Program meeting. Wednesday, June 12. 5:30 p.m. CITCHC conference room. Please turn to pg. 3 for more information. • Small Berry Craft class. Friday, June 14. 6 p.m. CIHA main office. • Adult Fundraiser Golf Tournament. Saturday, June 15. Watson Ranch Golf Course. Please contact the CIT Community Center for more information. • Fish and Wildlife Committee meeting. Monday, June 17. CIHA main office. • Tsut Dah Yah Weth-Tit cultural workshops: Saturday, June 15 to Wednesday, June 19. Please turn to pg. 3 for more information. • Solstice Dance and Celebration. Friday, June 21. Potluck dinner with dancing starting at dusk. • Youth Golf Clinic. Thursday, June 27. Bandon Dunes Practice Facility. Please contact the CIT Community Center for more information. • Health Advisory Board meeting. Friday, June 28. 9 a.m. CITCHC Conference room. • Restoration Day. Friday, June 28. Anniversary of the June 28, 1989 signing of the Coquille Restoration Act by President George H.W. Bush. • Restoration Celebration and Salmon Bake. Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30. Multiple activities scheduled throughout the weekend. • General Council meeting. Saturday, June 29. 2 p.m. (following salmon bake meal). CIT Community Plankhouse. The next Health Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 2013 at the CIT Community Health Center Conference Room starting at 9 a.m. Page 3 K'wen ‘inish-ha Tsut Dah Yah Weth-Tit “Long ago he learned it” Saturday June 15th– Wednesday 19th The Cultural Resources Program will be hosting several workshops and demonstrations at the Plankhouse. Come learn, watch and enjoy the company of many talented Traditional Specialists. Canoe carving Demonstration Regalia Making Basket Weaving Flint Knapping Atlatl Throwing For more Information Contact Denni Hockema @ 541-756-0904 ext. 10239 Family Camp Registration Registration information for Family Camp 2013 will be mailed out to all Head of Households on May 26, 2013. REGISTRATIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE TRIBAL NEWSLETTER MAILING If you do not receive your information by May 31st, please contact the Health Center at: 800-344-8583 or 541-888-9494 Toni at ext: 20211 - Margaret at ext: 20212 [email protected] or [email protected] DEADLINE for Family Camp registration will be June 21, 2013 Volume 21 Issue 5 Head Start Graduation!!! You are cordially invited to our 13th Annual Head Start Graduation on Tuesday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments and cake will be served. COQUILLE INDIAN TRIBE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER CHILD CARE PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING We will be hosting a meeting for our Current Child Care Assistance Program Join us to learn about any changes, ask questions, or discuss the program WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 5:30 p.m. WHERE: CIT Community Health Center Conference Room Refreshments will be provided PLEASE CALL TO RSVP or questions: Kara Towner 1-800-344-8583 541-888-9494 ext: 20205 [email protected] Adult Golf Clinic The Coquille Indian Tribe is looking to partner with Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to organize an Adult Golf Clinic, if we have enough interest from Tribal members. You could use the wellness portion of the Adult Education & Enrichment Program to pay for the clinic. If this is something you would be interested in, please contact me at [email protected] or 541-888-7724. Thank You Luke Clark, Activities Director Page 4 K'wen ‘inish-ha GRAND RONDE PHARMACY NEWS The feedback from Tribal Members regarding the use of the Grand Ronde pharmacy for mail order medications has been extremely positive. The pharmacy’s staff have been described as considerate, efficient and prompt in mailing out medication requests. As a reminder, there are two numbers you can use to call in your medications; 1-800-775-0095, press the number 2 twice, and 503879-2342, press the number 1, then 0. Please let the staff in your Contract Health Department know of any concerns you may have with the pharmacy. DIABETES We have heard how “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. We will be teaching a class on the Benefits of Breakfast. The class will teach choosing healthy cereals, drawing attention to fiber and sodium content, non-traditional breakfast items, taste testing and a cooking presentation. Come join in on the fun. For attending this class everyone will receive a special gift along with a chance to win prizes. This class will be held on June 18 at 12 noon or 5:30 p.m. The classes will be held at the Coquille Health Clinic in the Conference Room. Please RSVP to Gail Accinelli if you will be attending this class. 541-888-9494, ex 20216 If you are NATIVE AMERICAN AND A DIABETIC you are eligible for a pair of N7 Nike Shoes. We have a small amount of money dedicated to our Diabetics and are offering them N7 shoes. You must be over 18 years of age and Diabetic. Please call Gail at 541-888-9494, ex 20216. WHAT’S YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBER? Your blood pressure numbers show how hard your blood is pushing against the sides of your blood vessels as it travels around your body. It is a set of two numbers. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the force of your heart beating. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the relaxation between beats. The higher the strain on your blood vessels the more likely it is that you will have health problems in the future because of the strain this pressure puts on your heart. SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM 2013 PUBLIC RELEASE The Coquille Indian Tribe announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Program for eligible applicants at the Community Center. Breakfasts and lunches will be made available Monday through Thursday free to all children residing on the reservation 18 years of age and under. Meals will be served at the Tribal Community Center beginning on June 17, 2013 and meal times will be 8:30 a.m. for Breakfast and 11:30 a.m. for Lunch. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help monitor meals, please contact Jane Metcalf, Sandi Belletto, Laura Angulo, or Sue Duvall at 888-9494. If you would like to try ZUMBA, zoom on down to the Coquille Indian Tribe Community Center and give it a shot. We will be offering classes for kindergarten aged children through adult every Thursday until June 13 (May 30, June 6 & June 13). Classes will run from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Children need to be registered participants of the Community Center After-school Program. We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Luke Clark directly at 541-888-7724. *If your child does not attend any of the Community Center Youth Programs, they will need to register with the Community Center prior to the class. COQUILLE INDIAN TRIBE HEAD START PROGRAM Your child may be eligible for enrollment in the Coquille Indian Tribal Head Start if they are: High blood pressure is also called hypertension. You have high blood • Low Income Enrolled Coquille Tribal Member • Low Income Enrolled Native American. (Nonpressure when you have repeated readings of 140 over 90, or 130 Coquille) over 80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Pre-hypertension is • Low income child living in the service area the term given to readings from 120 to 139 over 80 to 89. • Homeless child living in the service area High blood pressure is considered a “silent killer” because often • Enrolled Coquille Tribal Member there are no symptoms, but over time, high blood pressure can cause • Enrolled Native American. (Non-Coquille) stroke, kidney disease, or heart disease. The longer you have un• Child with a Disability treated hypertension, the more irreversible damage you are likely to • Children who reside on the Coquille Indian Reserdo to your blood vessels. vation Although we cannot control risk factors such as age or family history, • Biological, legal step or adopted child three to five we can make lifestyle changes to be healthier. Exercise and a diet years of age living in a Coquille Tribal home that is high in fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich dairy foods can • Child placed in a Coquille Tribal Home through the help lower your blood pressure. Coquille Tribal Court • Child of parents who are full time employees of the For some people, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower blood Coquille Indian Tribe/CEDCO/Mill Casino pressure. Luckily, high blood pressure can be treated very success• Other (but, not limited to referral from South Coast fully with long-term medication. Your health care provider should Head Start, AFS, Children’s Services, ESD & check your blood pressure at every visit and, if necessary, help you other) make decisions about what you can do to ensure you have a long and healthy life by keeping your blood pressure at a safe number. Please call Deb Sensenbach, RN, Contract Health Case Manager, for any questions about your blood pressure at 541-888-9494 ext. 20204. Volume 21 Issue 5 The Coquille Tribal Head Start is a family-based program for Early Childhood Education designed especially to target Native American families. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. The Head Start staff recognizes that, as parents, you are the first and most important teacher of your children. The staff welcomes your involvement in Head Start activities and will work as partners with you to help your child progress. If you have any questions, please contact Head Start staff at 541-888-9494 or pick up an application at the Coquille Tribal Community Center located at 591 Miluk Dr, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 Our Head Start program offers assistance to low income families that have transportation needs to participate in parent activities after the hours of Head Start. Assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis and will need to be pre-approved. Please contact Jane Metcalf or Tanya Clark for assistance. The Coquille Indian Tribe is an equal opportunity provider. Page 5K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 Notice of Bylaws: Amendment of Education Committee The Coquille Indian Tribal Council has approved the following Amendment to the Education Committee bylaws and is hereby providing notice of its availability and comment period. These bylaws do not take effect until this comment period ends and Tribal Council considers all comments received. Please note that comments received may be made available to the public. Proposed Amendment: The proposed amendment brings the bylaws in line with the Education Policy adopted in February 2009 regarding the procedure for grievances with decisions made by the Education Department. Availability of Bylaws: The proposed bylaws are available for viewing at the Tribal Administrative Offices at 3050 Tremont Street, North Bend, Oregon during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are also available on the Tribal Portal https://portal. coquilletribe.org. Copies of the proposed bylaws revision can be obtained by calling the Tribal Attorney at the CIT main office at 1–800-622-5869 or 541-756-0904 during normal business hours or by writing to the address below. Tribal Attorney Coquille Indian Tribe 3050 Tremont North Bend, Oregon 97459 [email protected] Comments: Tribal members who have comments on the proposed bylaws amendments may submit them in writing: Tribal Attorney Coquille Indian Tribe 3050 Tremont North Bend, Oregon 97459 [email protected] Closing Date for Comments: All comments must be received by July 8, 2013. Camp Ta Nae 2013 Save the Dates! Camp Ta Nae is for kids ages 8 to 18. Mark your calendar for August 13 through August 17. This year we will be having our kid’s camp at Camp Myrtlewood located near Bridge, OR. We are also looking for any 14 to 18 year olds interested in being camp counselors or anyone with lifeguard certification. Counselors will be coming a day before Camp for counselor training. Look for Camp forms in your mailbox around mid-June. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the CIT Education Department. 541-756-0904, 1-800-622-5869. n e e b u o y e v Ha l a t c e r o l o c r o f d e n e e r c s cancer?? We are looking for individuals who have been through the colorectal cancer screening process who might be willing to share their story. **This is a great opportunity to be an advocate for the health of our Tribe** Your story could help someone make the step to get screened, and even save a life!! There are several options to sharing your story. You can visit: www.thecanceryoucanprevent.org to write about your experience– it can even be anonymous! If you’d like help sharing your story, please contact: Jessica Conner, Health Programs Coordinator at: (541) 888-9494 ext. 20238 or Deb Sensenbach at: (541) 888-9494 ext. 20204 More deaths are caused each year Dangers of by tobacco Smokeless use than by all HIV, drug Tobacco use, alcohol, motor vehicle accidents, suicides and murders COMBINED!! A smokeless tobacco user runs the same risk of gum disease, heart disease, and addiction as cigarette smokers, but have INCREASED risks of oral cancer. There are at least 28 chemicals found in smokeless tobacco that cause cancer. QUESTIONS?? Please call Jessica Conner, Health Programs Coordinator at: (541)888-9494 ext. 20238 WANT TO QUIT?? THERE’S HELP! Call the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at: 1-800-QUIT-NOW Or go to: www.quitnow.net/oregon/ Page 6 K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 A Big thanks to all our Gatherers! A BIG thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday April 27th and last weekend May 11th and 12th for our annual Restoration Celebration Gathering Trips! We got a ton of clams, mussels and cockles for this year’s event feast. There is another Gathering day coming up on Saturday, June 8th for Camas digging. If you missed out, mark your calendars for this one. A special thanks to Laura Angulo, Lisa Lemmons, Lyman Meade, Tom Younker, and Geoff Ogle for helping wrangle kids and teaching our youth how to dig and clean clams. Sincerely, Sarah Garland Coquille member Don Ivy was a recent recipient of a 2013 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award in recognition for his outstanding leadership and the work he performed to increase understanding, appreciation and perpetuation of traditional cultures and culturally important sites throughout Oregon. Posing with Don are (l-r) Kate Brown, Secretary of State; Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director Oregon Historical Society; and Jan Mitchell, Chair of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Oregon Heritage Awards recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations for outstanding efforts on behalf of Oregon heritage, drawing public attention to these efforts, and raising the quality of heritage-oriented activities. The awards were presented at the 2013 Oregon Heritage Conference in Portland by the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, which Oregon Heritage is a part of. This Department is also home to the Oregon Heritage Commission and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. Don’s nomination was submitted and supported by some of the local and state leaders he worked with while serving as the Tribe’s Cultural Resource Program Director. Accomplishments cited in the nomination include his work with state agencies heightening increased awareness and the need for preservation of culturally significant sites in Oregon, his efforts with the development and construction of the Tribe’s Plankhouse, his contribution to the development of the fourth grade education program that teaches students about the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (and other aspects of southwest Oregon history), and work with the Bandon Marsh expansion and the restoration of the Ni-les’tun marsh area including assuring that archaeological sites in that area were protected during the project. The Excellence Award honors those that have made the most of available resources and skills and are given for exceptional and meritorious work by organizations, businesses and/ or individuals. Action over and above the ordinary call of duty is an award perquisite. Another of the accomplishments Don was recognized for is the Coquelle Trails Project, an online database of early historical roads and trails located in the traditional and ancestral lands of the Coquille Indian Tribe between 1826 to 1875. Turn to page 11 of this month’s newsletter to learn more. Left: On May 7 and 8 Coquille members Matthew Kelly and Chano Johnsen were at the Bandon Fish Hatchery helping fin clip Chinook pre-smolts for the Coos and Coquille river systems. Some of the marked fish were delivered to the 4th Creek Acclimation pond on Monday, May 13. These young men did a great job. Above: Shianne Meyers with shovel and bucket ready heads out on the South Slough mud flats to help harvest clams for the Tribe’s Restoration Celebration and Salmon Bake. Left: Anne Niblett and family volunteered for the gathering trip and had a whole lot of fun while doing it. The gathering trips focus on collecting traditional foods of the Coquille Indian Tribe which are served during the traditional foods feast held on Sunday during the Restoration Celebration. Left: Daniel Garrett and Daniel Daggett help an unidentified third youth with the clam digging. People of all ages who wanted to help the Tribe celebrate the anniversary of June 28, 1989 signing of the Coquille Restoration Act participated in the clam dig. Page 7 K'wen ‘inish-ha HEY TEENS! Please join us for TEEN GROUP When – Every Thursday 5:30- 7:30 PM Where – Coquille Indian Tribe Community Center Who – All teens ages 12-18 years Dinner and transportation provided! Contact Lisa or Laura at the community center for more information #541-888-9494 After School Program Summer Attention all Parents and KIDS!! Do you need something to do this summer? Stop by the Community Center and join in on the fun at the After School Program! Games and Sports, Swimming, Arts and Crafts, Cultural Activities, and Field Trips. Tribal Youth, Kilkich Residents ages 5-18 are WELCOME!!! Please contact the Prevention Team if you have any questions: Jennifer, Laura, or Lisa @ 541-888-9494 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – RESTORATION DAY CELEBRATION On June 28, 2012 the After School Program traveled to Bandon to visit Face Rock. Youth enjoyed storytelling and playing at the beach! It was a great way to spend some time talking about the Tribe and its rich history. This is just one the many activities you can expect to participate in at the 2013 After School Summer Program. Volume 21 Issue 5 The Wonders of Weaving! The After School Program would like to thank Jesse Davis for teaching us about weaving. We had a great time using the looms and practicing our skills. We think you will agree that we have some very talented kids…and future weavers! Page 8 K'wen ‘inish-ha Higher Education Applications due July 1, 2013! Don’t Wait! If you are a Coquille member attending college this fall and are planning to access funding from the Tribe’s Higher Education Program, you should have your application ready to submit to the Education Department right now if you haven’t already done so. The Higher Education Application form is available on the Education Department web page at: www.coquilletribe.org/HigherEdSummary.htm. You can also pick one up at the Education Center & Library located at 2611 Mexeye Lp. on Kilkich Tribal Lands in Coos Bay or one can be mailed to you. Please Note: Don’t wait until the last minute! Tribal dollars for higher education are limited and the number of students applying for funding is at an all-time high. We currently expect more than 50 students to be attending school this year. Fall funding comes at the end of our budget cycle so by submitting your application in a timely manner we are better able to manage available funds and prepare your scholarship award. Applications that are submitted by July 1 have a better chance of getting funded with fewer complications. Questions: Bridgett Wheeler or Rhonda Ferguson, 1-800-62-5869; 541-756-0904; 2611 Mexeye Loop, Coos Bay, OR 97420 Volume 21 Issue 5 Tutoring Assistance Program available in summer! Help Combat Summer Learning Loss in Your Child Research shows that all students experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. On average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during the summer months. All students are equally affected, regardless of socio-economic background. Low-income children and youth experience greater summer learning losses than their higher income peers. Studies show that out-of-school time is a dangerous time for unsupervised children and youth. The purpose of the Tutoring Assistance Program is to help Coquille youth achieve academic goals through the added benefit of individualized instruction. Families may hire their own tutor to work with their children through the age of 18. Payment through this program can be made directly to the tutor or as a reimbursement. Applications are required on an annual basis and tutors must submit a monthly time sheet and progress report signed by themselves and a parent prior to payment. Funding is limited to $250/ month per child with an annual cap of $2,000. What you can do: Enroll your child in the Tribe’s Tutoring Assistance Program provided through the Education Department if you are out of the local area. Contact the Education Department, Bridgett Wheeler: 1-800-622-5869; 541-7560904, [email protected] for more information. Online classes through Southwestern Oregon Community College’s new partnership with ed2go New web page offers complete list of accredited colleges and universities with online and distance learning programs Looking for innovative, affordable noncredit online education? Southwestern Oregon Community College is now partnering with ed2go, the world’s leading provider of online courses for adults. There are over 300 fully interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet. The courses include Creating Web Pages, Accounting Fundamentals, Speed Spanish to Grant Writing and Real Estate Investing to name just a few. The courses include expert instructors. Search the online catalog to see the variety of courses to choose from. Through ed2go, Southwestern Oregon Community College offers a wide range of interactive courses you can take entirely over the Internet. All the courses include expert instructors. The online courses are affordable, fun, fast, convenient and geared for the student. Register at www.ed2go.com/socc. Tuition is $90 per class. AccreditedOnlineColleges.org (www. accreditedonlinecolleges.org) provides future students a guide to searching for online education options made available through accredited colleges and universities. Community Education courses include Medical Coding, Veterinary Assistant and Creating Web Pages AccreditedOnlineColleges.org is one of the Internet’s best sites for finding accredited online colleges around the U.S. School accreditation is vital to ensuring a quality education. Determining if an online program is accredited can be difficult and this web page serves as an excellent A few examples of the ed2go’s online classes: guide. AccreditedOnlineColleges.org uses a variety of Introduction to QuickBooks 2013: In 12 lessons, you will master the tools you need to set up a chart of accounts; search criteria to let users search through countless reconcile your checking account; create and print invoices, receipts, and statements; track your payables, inventory, colleges and universities to find the accredited school that and receivables; create estimates; and generate reports. Other QuickBooks classes offered by ed2go include best meets their needs. Intermediate QuickBooks 2013 and Performing Payroll in QuickBooks 2013. Potential students not planning to use online programs Become a Veterinary Assistant: Do you like animals? Would you like to prepare for a career as a veterinary can still use this page to find information on most, if not assistant? This course, taught by a practicing veterinarian and college instructor, will give you the information you all, schools that provide online programs in addition to need to counsel veterinary clients on pet nutrition, vaccinations, worms, fleas, first aid, euthanasia, and alternative traditional on-campus academic programs. medicine. You will also get a taste of how a veterinary hospital ticks as a small business by focusing on billing, What is Accreditation? Accreditation is a process by which workplace safety, and marketing through client education programs. colleges, universities and other institutions of higher Medical Coding: Take your first step toward a lucrative career as a medical coder! In this course, you’ll learn how education are reviewed by outside experts. When these to find medical codes for any disease, condition, treatment, or surgical procedure. We’ll discuss how medical coding reviewers report their findings and approve the school’s works in the real world, and then we’ll go over the different types of codes you’ll need to understand to describe application for accreditation, the school can officially every aspect of a patient’s visit and report that information to an insurance company. From there, you’ll be ready to claim to be accredited by that accrediting body. The begin putting it all into practice. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to find your way through both the CPT accreditation of the school where a student receives their manual and the ICD-9-CM manual, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a medical coder. degree or certification from comes into play when the Creating Web Pages: Learn how to design, create, and post your very own web page on the Internet’s World Wide graduate begins looking for a job. Accreditation is very important for online schools as it clarifies to employers Web using HTML. Discover low-cost marketing techniques and search engine strategies. that the online school’s degree programs are just as Register at www.ed2go.com/socc. Tuition is $90 per class (Coquille members can use the Adult Education rigorous as their traditional college counterparts. and Enrichment program to pay for tuition). This directory offers a way to find a list of online Also at Southwestern: Traffic Control Flagger Training accredited colleges that meet the specific needs of the Flagger Certification is a one-day ODOT approved safety training course covering the requirements for traffic con- potential student. The information provided by the database includes the accreditation status of the school, trol flaggers that teaches approved techniques for moving traffic cautiously and consistently through work zones. Students who successfully complete the course receive an ODOT credential for flaggers that is valid for three years. the degrees they offer online, the size of the student Students must be 18 years of age or older to receive certification. Class fees cover all materials. Pre-registration and body, graduation rates and many others. As an example, a student using this directory’s search tools could find payment is required. schools where at least 70% of the student body graduates Cost: $85 each class Dates: July 13, August 3 & September 7 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or limit their search to schools with a student population Southwestern’s entire 2013 summer schedule is available online at less than 10,000. Visit www.accreditedonlinecolleges.org www.socc.edu/academics/pgs/bm~doc/swocc_summer-2013-schedule_coos.pdf to learn more. Page 9K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 Northwest Shells and Cedar Summer Event at Champoeg State Heritage Park 2013 “Gathering of Oregon’s First Nations” Northwest Shells & Cedar Summer Event FRY BREAD VENDOR APPLICATION Saturday, July 20 Open to the Public: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Champoeg State Heritage Park, 7679 Champoeg Rd NE, St. Paul, OR 97137 On Saturday, July 20 The Four Western Tribes, a coalition of western Oregon Indian Tribes, will host Northwest Shells and Cedar, a multi-tribal outdoor event that will feature a variety of events and activities including cultural demonstrations, traditional music, traditional children’s games, flint-knapping and opportunities to learn and practice basketry. During the event, Canoe Families from Oregon who are participating in the 2013 Canoe Journey Paddle to Quinault will put in at Salem and make their first landing/overnight stop at Champoeg State Heritage Park. Fry Bread Booths: Venders are requested for managing Fry Bread booths at this event. Proceeds from the sales of these fry-bread booths will be used to support this event at the 2014 Gathering of First Nations Powwow. Two venders will be randomly selected from applicants. Venders will be compensated for their time and work. Fry bread batter, toppings, beverages and utensils will be provided. Please read the rules and regulations below. Rules and Regulations • Each application will be pre-screened and notified of acceptance or denial. • Vendors must provide their own booth and equipment. • 4 Western Tribes will provide the following: pre-mixed fry bread batter, toppings (sweet and taco), beverages, plates & utensils. Vendor time and effort will be compensated $550. • Two vendors will be randomly selected amongst qualified applicants from other Tribes. Two additional vendors will be selected as alternates. • Set-up on Saturday, July 20: 7 a.m. • Booths must be ready for service by 11 a.m. Sales will begin at 12 noon. • Vendors must provide copies of current food handler’s cards for all workers with a completed application. • Previous experience required, vendors must submit a list of events worked for the past 3 years (event name, date, and vendor organizer contact information) with completed application. • The Four Western Tribes has the right to refuse any vendor application. If you agree of these terms: please sign and send the form on the right with additional information back to The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Attn. Public Affairs Dept., 9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347. If you have any questions, please call 503-879-1418 or email [email protected]. Deadline for applications to be received is June 14, 2013 by 5 p.m. Lead Name: Tribe Affiliation: Tribal Enrollment #: Phone Cell: Home: Current Address: City State: Zip Code: Email: Names of Workers: 1. 2. 3. The Four Western Tribes coalition includes the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. The coalition also organizes the annual Gathering of Oregon’s First Nations Pow-Wow. Private Homeownership Lots Available to Eligible Coquille Tribal Members Applications are currently being accepted for the private residential lots located along Miluk Drive in the Kilkich housing community on Coquille Tribal Lands. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility pursuant to Coquille Indian Tribal Code Chapter 420.100 and entered into a random drawing at the next regular CIHA Board of Commissioners meeting. Each of the applicants selected will have the opportunity to lease a lot and begin the process of building and owning a home on the Tribe’s reservation. Applicants selected will be notified in writing within ten working days following the drawing. Applicants will have 90 days from the date of notification to enter into a lease for their housing lot. If an applicant chooses to not accept a lot, another name will be drawn from the applicant pool at the next regular CIHA Board meeting. New lot holders will have one year from the date of the lease to begin and two years to complete construction of their new home. Applications may be obtained at www.coquilleiha.org or by calling the Coquille Indian Housing Authority at (541) 888-6501 or toll free at (800) 988-6501. Please submit all application materials to the Coquille Indian Housing Authority, 2678 Mexeye Loop, Coos Bay, OR 97420. For more information about the process, please refer to CITC Chapter 420 available online at www.coquilletribe.org/documents/420PrivateHomeownershipLandLeasing.pdf or contact CIHA Housing Programs Coordinator Dale Herring at the address or telephone numbers shown above or by email at [email protected]. The first new home on these lots is nearing completion. For more information about the process of applying for a lot, please refer to CITC Chapter 420 available online at www. coquilletribe.org/documents/420PrivateHomeownershipLandLeasing.pdf or contact CIHA Housing Programs Coordinator Dale Herring at the address or telephone numbers shown in the 2nd paragraph of the above announcement or by email at [email protected]. Page 10 ‘Restoration’, continued 11 a.m. Our Celebration will begin with: • Welcome from Chairperson Brenda Meade • Honoring our people with Chairperson Meade and Chief Tanner Refreshments, kid’s activities, native craft vendors & information booths, giveaway ongoing 12 noon (approx.): TRADITIONAL SALMON DINNER 2 p.m. (approx.): GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING in the Plankhouse following the meal. There will also be stick games going on in the east field for our guests during Saturday’s General Council meeting along with all of the other day’s activities. Sunday, June 30 9 a.m. Poker Walk (please meet at the Community Center) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Join us for a day of learning and sharing. • • • • • Traditional Basket Weaving class Fish Hook Carving (limited space) Tule Reed class Jewelry/Beading class Kid’s Activities-ongoing The Traditional Gourmet Feast will be served at 12 noon. The feast will include: smoked salmon collars, goose, duck, mussels, clams, fish heads, bear, lamprey, camas bulbs, hazelnuts, fish roe, cranberries, fiddlehead ferns & native berry crisp. Summer youth employment offered at The Mill Casino • Hotel A summer job and a chance to gain valuable employment skills are available to Tribal youth through the summer youth program sponsored by CEDCO and The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park. The annual Tribal summer youth program provides work opportunities for Tribal youth between the ages of 14 and 18 as well as students attending college full time. This program opens in mid June and ends in late August. While the program helps the casino fill its extra staffing needs during the busy summer season, it also gives Tribal youth the chance to learn about their Tribe’s hospitality business and earn a paycheck. Since the program began, at least 90 students have worked full or part time in entry level hospitality jobs during summer. “The summer youth program has been one of our most successful training programs,” said Dena Miles, Director of Human Resources. “You will find team members who started out as summer youth employees in many areas of the casino and hotel.” Along with gaining work experience, participants will learn basic employability skills through a cooperative project with the Tribe’s Education Department. Following a successful tryout last year, extra training is designed help youth prepare for life after high school. K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 ORCA Communications achieves SBA 8(a) status ORCA Communications received notice that it has been certified as an 8(a) Socially Disadvantaged Business by the U.S. Small Business Administration. According to Karl Kennedy, president of ORCA Communications, the designation opens opportunities and access to federal contracts that are available specifically to 8(a) businesses. “For ORCA, this means that we now have an opportunity to enter the federal market and seek out government contracts that match our business expertise,” Kennedy said. “This is a great chance for ORCA to expand its markets and its operations beyond our region.” Under the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program, Native American-owned small businesses that achieve 8(a) certification are eligible for federal sole-source contracts. These contracts do not go through the normal bidding process. Terms are negotiated between the business and the federal agency. “This doesn’t mean that these contracts are simply given to 8(a) businesses,” Kennedy said. “You still have to meet all of the requirements of the contract and complete the job at the negotiated rate.” Firms participating in the 8(a) program also may form joint ventures and teams to bid on contracts. This improves access to larger prime contracts and helps individual companies overcome the effects of contract bundling where two or more contracts are combined into one. Kennedy added that this was a lengthy process involving many hours of work by ORCA and CEDCO. “We had our first discussions on this idea in August of 2010 and began actual work on the project a few months later,” Kennedy said. “Now, more than two years later, we can begin the real work of turning this opportunity into profitable projects for the ORCA team and make a greater contribution to the Tribe and the local economy.” Bear Creek Golf in Medford, Oregon Spring Rates Coquille Indian Tribe owned Bear Creek Golf in Medford, Oregon announces spring rates Now that spring is finally here, the staff at Bear Creek Golf, the Coquille Indian Tribe owned 9-hole Executive Golf Course in Medford, would like to see you come on down and play! Golf rates for spring, 2013 are: • • • • • Weekday: 9 holes for $11 Weekday: all day play $15 Weekends: 9 holes for $14 Weekends: all day play $18 Twilight: (after 3 p.m.) 7 days a week is 9 holes $10 Bear Creek Golf is located in Medford, Oregon at 2355 S. Pacific Hwy off of Hwy. 99. Please call 541-773-1822 for more information. The course is a 9-hole executive layout nestled along a portion of beautiful Bear Creek in southern Oregon. Bear Creek Golf offers a relaxing, no-pressure atmosphere with services including a full-line pro shop, a covered driving range, two practice greens, and a snack bar. Bear Creek Golf welcomes players of all levels. The course provides mostly short par-3’s to accommodate beginners but also contains challenges for expert players. Lessons are available here with an L.P.G.A. teaching professional, junior programs, men’s and women’s clubs, professional club fittings and annual memberships. Address: 2355 S. Pacific Highway, Medford, OR 97501 Driving Directions: Bear Creek Golf is located on the East side of Hwy 99 (2355 S. Pacific Hwy), near Roxy Ann Bowling and Human Bean Coffee. From I-5 take exit 27, proceed west to Hwy 99 (S. Application information was sent to Tribal households. Applications are also available at Ko-Kwel Gifts and on- Pacific Hwy), turn left (South) on 99, proceed 1/4 mile to Bear Creek Golf Course. We are on the line at www.themillcasino.com. For more information or left (East) side of Hwy 99. If you are going North on Hwy 99 from Ashland, Talent, or Phoenix, the to schedule an interview, contact Kalen Mills, Employee course is on the right side of the Hwy. On the web: http://www.golfbearcreek.com/ Relations Administrator, at 541-765-8800 ext. 2218 or e-mail at [email protected]. Page 11K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 ~IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR~ We’re asking for donations of lightly used clothing and shoes for all ages. Please bring all donations to the CIT Community Health Center Coquelle Trails Project Launches New Website http://www.orww.org/Coquelle_Trails/ When Alexander McLeod first entered the country of Coos and Coquille people in 1826, he had arrived in a land almost completely unknown to the outside world, inhabited by people who spoke unknown languages and kept to themselves. There were no maps, written or verbal accounts, or even known landmarks -- excepting the seacoast -- for the entire region. Then, in June 1851, patterns of travel that had existed for millennia began to change abruptly with the arrival of an American ship at Battle Rock. By July 1856, nearly all native Coos and Coquille Indian families had died, been murdered, or moved to reservations, and their ancient foot trails replaced with pack trails, skid trails, and wagon roads. Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Please, NO undergarments, pajamas, or socks. We would like to say “thank you” to all of those who helped make last year’s clothing drive a big success. For more information, contact Kara Towner, Social Services Caseworker at: 541-888-9494 or 800-344-8583; ext: 20205 or [email protected] CEDCO/The Mill Casino • Hotel job postings for May One of the largest employers in Coos County, The Mill Casino · Hotel is committed to building a team of employees who provide Million$ Service to our guests while working in a fun and friendly environment. We offer opportunities for training and advancement along with a competitive compensation and benefits package. We encourage qualified Tribal members and Spouses to take advantage of the personal growth and advancement possibilities that come with employment at The Mill Casino-Hotel and other CEDCO businesses. Kalen Mills, our employee relations administrator, is available to answer questions and provide personal assistance to Tribal applicants at 541-756-8800 ext. 2218. We currently are seeking applicants for the following positions (fulltime unless noted otherwise). Cage Cage Cashier (P/T) Central Reservations Central Reservations Agent (F/T Temp) Food & Beverage Banquet/Master Cook (P/T) Banquet Prep Cook (P/T) Banquet Captain Banquet Sous Chef Casino Beverage Server Chief Steward Master Cook Plank House Supervisor Prep Cook (P/T) Plank House Server (P/T) Steward (P/T) Timbers Line Cook (P/T temp) Timbers Kitchen Tech (P/T temp) Timbers Server Saw Blade Busser (P/T) Saw Blade Host/Hostess/Cashier (P/T) Saw Blade Server (P/T) Human Resources Training Manager Purchasing & Receiving Receiving Clerk (P/T) Heritage Place Caregiver/Med-aide (varies) Positions open to Tribal Members only: CEDCO CEDCO Summer Intern (F/T temp) ORCA Communications Network Support Technician The Coquille Indian Tribe, Inc., North Bend, Oregon, and Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project, Inc. (ORWW), Philomath, Oregon, are pleased to announce the formal completion and results of a two-year collaborative research project, “Coquelle Trails,” with the simultaneous public release of the project’s final 2-volume report and the launching of its new website: www.ORWW.org/Coquelle_Trails. This project focuses on documenting and mapping the foot trail and canoe routes McLeod found in 1826 -- and on the changes in transportation methods and routes from 1851 - 1875. These changes culminated in the construction of the Coos Bay Military Wagon Road that connected Roseburg, in the Umpqua Valley along the South Road of the old Oregon Trail, to Coos Bay tidewater and seaports. The finished report and “organic” website were completed by the Tribe and by ORWW in collaboration with NW Maps Co. of Cottage Grove, Oregon, and represent a significant level of commitment, cooperation and achievement by the three organizations over the past two years. “Coquelle Trails: Early Historical Roads and Trails of Ancestral Coquille Indian Lands, 1826 - 1875” renewed a project originally started in 2006 to investigate and publish a “cultural geography” of the modern Coquille Indian Tribe: a description of the physical landscape and geographic area occupied or utilized by the Ancestors of the modern Coquille Tribe prior to -- and at the time of -- the earliest reported contacts with Europeans and Euro-Americans. Project co-authors are Dr. Bob Zybach, ORWW Program Manager since its founding in 1996, and Don Ivy, recently retired Manager of the Coquille Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Cultural Resources Program. The report and website are a direct result of Ivy’s original vision, leadership, and project management skills, while Zybach served as principal researcher, lead author, and website designer. Several lasting products were developed during this project, including the report and website: numerous cross-referenced Excel database file indices, hundreds of historical maps and survey notes, highly detailed proprietary Tribal field maps, GIS layers, a number of rare documents, and the “Historic Trails, 1826 – 1856” wall map they all document or reference: www.ORWW.org/Coquelle_Trails/Maps_1826-2012/Study_Area/Map_01_ Historic_Trails.jpg Bob Zybach, NW Maps Co.: “The intended audiences for these materials are the students, teachers and scientific researchers of Oregon history, geography, and culture -- particularly those with an interest in the lives of ancestral Coquille Tribal families and communities. Each of these products is intended to be organic by design: that is, as new information becomes available they can be easily updated, corrected, amended, and/or expanded as needed.” Wayne Giesy, ORWW: “This project fits squarely into the 16-year Mission of Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project to provide local students and teachers with information critical to the management of Oregon’s natural and cultural resources. It is a real credit to the Coquille Tribe that they have taken strong leadership and provided significant resources in developing, directing and completing this important research.” Other key individuals making important contributions to this research and these products were Robin Harkins, GIS and cartography, Jesse Davis, field research assistant, and Nicole Norris, Cultural Resources Program Coordinator, all working under direction of the Coquille Tribe; and Crys Stephens, office research and website assistant, under direction of NW Maps Co. Page 12K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 21 Issue 5 ‘Chair’, continued from pg. 12 Please be sure to check in this month’s K’wen`inish-ha for detailed information on all of the events that are planned for this exciting and special weekend. Also, remember that your help is still needed for the gathering of our traditional foods for Sunday’s feast. Dates for the food gathering events have been listed in the K’wen `inish-ha. The General Council Meeting will be held at the completion of the salmon dinner at approximately 2 p.m. in the Community Plankhouse. Please come to your General Council meeting and participate with your ideas and to help honor those who have helped us achieve our goals. Spring is always a busy time for Tribal Council with several workshops and conferences to attend. Everyday something is being planned for or worked on in addition to many ongoing projects like forest management, managing our fisheries, ATNI, NCAI, gaming issues, the annual Golf Fundraising Tournament, Restoration Celebration, Family Camp, Camp Ta Nae and Tribal members graduating. All of these things are important in assuring opportunities for Tribal members in the future. Meetings in April: on April 12th the Council attended the Tribal Council/CEDCO Board retreat. It was very beneficial for me to be able to ensure that we are all on the same path of success for the Coquille people. April 16th - 17th I was able to welcome the ONABEN Board and their 11th Annual “Trading at the River” Conference which was held at the Mill Casino this year. This event helps to bring education, information and networking connections to Native American owned businesses. On the 17th I was also able to attend part of the Oregon Tribal Gaming Alliance meeting held at the Mill Casino. On April 23rd I met with editors from the Mail Tribune newspaper to offer information to them about our economic development project in Medford. They had a lot of questions and I felt we answered all of them. Our team later met with the Jackson County Commissioners and the Medford City Council to offer them a presentation on the project. I believe that we were able to answer their questions as well as supplying them with a lot of much needed information about the Tribe. I feel we have a lot of work to do to help them understand this long fee-to-trust process. We plan to continue to answer all of their questions and concerns. I would like to share with you that I was so impressed by our amazing team that is working on this project. I feel that they are representing us well! We will continue to update you on this project as we progress forward. Please feel free to call if you have questions as this process is a long one and will have many hurdles. Governor Kitzhaber signs American Indian Week Proclamation In the photo above, Chairperson Brenda Meade stands with elected government representatives from Oregon’s other Federally Recognized Indian Tribes while Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signs a proclamation recognizing American Indian Week during the recent Tribal Government Day in Salem. The Coquille Indian Tribe was well represented at the May 9 event with Tara Bowen who organized the Tribe’s visit, and several Coquille members participating and contributing. Jackie Chambers, Sarah Garland, Margaret Simpson and Denni Hockema assisted at the information booth and answered questions about the Tribe. Jack Lenox represented the Tribe as a member of the color guard that opened the day’s ceremonies and Bridgett Wheeler who attended meetings with the State’s Education department. Tribal Council members attending included Chairperson Meade, Representative Kippy Robbins and Secretary-Treasurer Joan Metcalf. The theme for the 2013 event was “We Are Teaching Our Children.” During the presentations to State legislature and employees, members of the Oregon Tribes stressed the efforts they make to emphasize the importance of education to their young members and the priority they place on assuring education services are available to all members of their respective tribes. On April 26th - 27th we held our Council workshops and Tribal Council Meeting. After the meeting I was able to join Tribal embers in gathering clams for this year’s Restoration Day Celebration. It was a lot of fun seeing all of our young people out there. Thank you to all our amazing staff too for your support of this event! On May 4th I attended our 6th Annual Fishing Derby held at Tarheel Reservoir on Tribal Lands. We had an amazing turn out and the weather was spectacular! We enjoyed great fishing, an amazing barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and also seeing the trophies handed out for the biggest and smallest fish. It was a great day and I thank all of our amazing staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make the Fishing Derby great for so many people! On May 8th I travelled to Salem to attend the Legislative Commission on Indian Services to get updates on State legislation issues, to discuss the upcoming Government to Government summit and to go over the agenda for Tribal Government Day that was held the following day at the State Capital building. Tribal Government Day is an opportunity for the nine Tribes of Oregon to come together with State agency officials to work on relationship building and to recognize our unique Government to Government status that exists. It is also an opportunity for the tribes to insure that we are accessing every opportunity available to address the needs of our Communities here at home. The Coquille Tribe was represented well by our Tribal Council and Tribal member staff. We were able to offer information about the Tribe and answer questions on behalf of the Tribe’s interests. During the event I was also able to meet with Senator Arnie Roblan and Senator Ted Ferrioli both of whom have always supported Oregon’s tribes. Mark your calendar to join us in celebrating Summer Solstice at the Plankhouse on June 21st beginning at dusk. We will be hosting a potluck followed by our traditional Feather Dance. I do hope you can join us in supporting our young people as they represent their families and the revival of our culture and traditions. I look forward to seeing all of you soon. Please remember that you may call me or any of your Tribal Council Representatives if you have any questions or comments that you would like to share. We look forward to hearing from you! The office number is 541-756-0904 or 1-800-622-5689. Sincerely, Brenda Meade, Chairperson Coquille Indian Tribe Coquille Tribe Police train with Coast Guard boarding crew Recently, the Coquille Tribal Police Department’s K-9 team of Officer Rob Scoville and Stormy, participated in a training exercise with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coos Bay Police Department’s K-9 team. The respective K-9 teams worked with Coast Guard boarding teams and conducted simulated boarding and drug searches on a mock commercial fishing vessel. The six-hour training allowed the agencies to learn how to work together when conducting a search for narcotics on a boat or ship. Coast Guard teams learned how a K-9 unit detects and alerts to the presence of suspected illegal drugs and K-9 teams learned the procedures Coast Guard personnel use when boarding a vessel. Since the Tribe’s K-9 program began last summer, Officer and Stormy have assisted neighboring police departments and other agencies with searches for illegal drugs. Recent search and seizure operations conducted with the help of the Coquille Tribal Police include a home near the Tribe’s Reservation where over $13,000 of methamphetamine and stolen hand-guns were recovered.