March, 2011 - Coquille Indian Tribe

K’wen ‘inish-ha
Have you heard the news?
Newsletter of the Coquille Indian Tribe
March, 2011
Volume 19, Issue 3
To answer and submit the survey for the
DON’T FORGET
What’s Inside
2011 Summer Interns
2
Volunteer for Restoration Celebration
3
Health Care Working Group Report
3
Shirod Younker learns Maori canoe culture in New Zealand
6
Head Start Fathers Activity
7
PSU Teacher Program
8
CITGO Heating Program taking
applications
9
CEDCO tsunami responses
9
KO-KWEL FISHING DERBY
12
The Survey is IN! The Strategic Plan survey has been mailed and emailed.
Please encourage Coquille Tribal members to answer and submit it.
This letter was mailed to all Tribal members 14 years
and older along with the Strategic Plan survey. Please
encourage other Tribal members you know to respond
to and submit their survey.
Dear Tribal Member,
The Coquille Indian Tribe is updating its Strategic
Plan. The Strategic Plan expresses the vision that
Tribal members have for their Tribe.
Over the past decade, the population of the Tribe has
increases, Tribal businesses have grown and Tribal
government has provided expanded and improved
services to Tribal Members. The Tribe has achieved
many of the goals from the previous Strategic Plan.
Strategic Plan Update
survey online!!!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
LQWNVGP
Tribe works with Port of
Bandon on commemorative
garden honoring Nasomah
While the storm surge was impressive the morning of March 11, 2011, this photo of the Pacific
from Coquille Point in Bandon was taken around three hours before the wave created by the Japan
earthquake reached local shores.
The Coquille Indian Tribe has been meeting
Don’t Belittle Food: A reminder of the risk of tsunamis on
with Bandon City and Port officials to discuss
the southern Oregon coast and the wisdom found in the
the creation of memorial garden and interpretive
center near Old Town Bandon on land owned by
stories of the Coquille and other Pacific Northwest Tribes.
the Port that would tell the story of the people
who lived in the area prior to the arrival of
European settlers. The proposed area is near where In 1700, an earthquake struck off the Pacific Northwest coast. The damage caused by this
archaeological excavations were conducted last
earthquake paled to the damage caused by the resulting tsunami. While the 1700 earthquake
summer during a sidewalk renovation project.
was not the first catastrophic event to hit this area, it was one that was later confirmed via the
simultaneous destruction in other parts of the world. The earthquake and tsunami that struck
At a meeting held last February, the Tribe, Port
here in 1700 sent a devastating tsunami wave to Japan where the destruction was recorded.
of Bandon, and city officials discussed how to
Whether it compares to the catastrophe Japan is facing today remains to be seen. However,
proceed. Tribal member staff representing the
until early this month, it was considered the most devastating tsunami Japan had experienced
Coquille included Don Ivy, Brenda Meade and
in its history. Tribes in the Pacific Northwest also recorded the event via stories that have
Denni Hockema. Attendees talked about how to
been passed down generation to generation.
best tell the story of Nasomah and other aspects
of local history in such a way that the entire
community benefits. All involved parties have
expressed positive interest in the project. Ideas are
still welcome. This garden could possibly tie in
with a long-term plan to create walking trails from
Old Town to the Bandon Marsh preserve which
would benefit the city’s tourist industry.
Last January, the Tribal Council agreed to support
the project following a workshop held with the
Cultural Services Program. The Council would
like the Tribe to be a partner with the Port of
Bandon and other interested groups as a means to
pursue grant funding to pay for its development.
An article on this project was printed in the
March 19 edition of The World newspaper and is
available online at: www.theworldlink.com.
Coquille Indian Tribe Strategic
Plan
The Coquille Indian Tribe and many other tribes from this region tell stories about
earthquakes and “huge floods” from the ocean. These floods inundated coastal areas to the
point were lands were engulfed by water, entire villages were wiped out, geologic features
were permanently changed, and the mind set of survivors forever altered. The stories told
by tribes come in many forms but in the end they tell the same thing—tsunamis are deadly;
this is how you know when one is coming, and this is what you do when it arrives…if you
want to live. These stories have been passed down for generations and have been confirmed
by geological studies and historical accounts recorded in Japan and other parts of the world.
It is important to remember that the 1700 earthquake and resulting tsunami occurred prior to
European contact.
There are many printed and on-line resources available for Tribal members who would like
to learn more (not to mention asking an elder). Pages 5 and 7 of this month’s newsletter
contain excerpts from printed information on Native American stories about tsunamis
striking the Pacific Northwest.
•
Turn to ‘tsunami stories’, pg. 5.
The Tribe is evaluating its services and operations
and developing a new Strategic Plan to help it meet
its commitments stated in the Coquille Indian Tribe
Constitution:
1. Preservation of Coquille Indian Culture and
Tribal Identity.
2. Promotion of social and economic welfare of
Coquille Indians.
3. Enhancement of our common resources.
4. Maintenance of peace and order
5. Safe individual rights of Tribal Members
The Strategic Plan needs Tribal Member involvement.
The purpose of the plan is to ensure that Tribal
government activities meet Tribal Member needs
and the Coquille Indian Tribe’s constitutional goals
efficiently, effectively and with cultural integrity.
This survey is open to all Tribal members 14 and
older. Please encourage your Tribal family members,
Tribal member friends and neighbors to fill out the
survey. All questions are optional and at the end
of the survey you will have an opportunity to be
entered in a drawing to win one of five $50 gift
cards.
Thank you in advance for your participation. We look
forward to your feedback.
Sincerely,
Edward Metcalf, Coquille Indian Tribe
Please fill out and complete the CIT Strategic Plan
Survey and submit/return by May 4, 2011. You may
access the survey by clicking on the link below. This
survey is for Tribal members age 14 years and older.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LQWNVGP
Page 2K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
Call for College Summer 2011 Interns!
If you are a Tribal member currently enrolled in college or you have just graduated, take
advantage of this great opportunity to work for the Tribe this summer in the College Intern
program. This is a great chance for you to earn a good wage, attend Tribal events, learn
about the operations of the Tribe’s organization and spend time with the people who make
up the Coquille Indian Tribe family. If you live out of the area and need a place to stay, the Tribal Council has made available
at no cost, a house owned by the Tribe located near Kilkich Tribal Lands in Empire. It is a
roomy 3 bedroom, 2 bath facility and is fully furnished.
Wages are $10.50 /hr. for a full 40 hour week, M-F. There is some flexibility in
scheduling that can be worked out on an individual basis if needed. We try to match job
placements with your skills and interests and balance those with the needs of the various
Administrative departments.
Applications may be found on the Coquille Indian Tribe’s website at www.coquilletribe.org
under the link for “Human Resources” or one can be mailed to you. For more information
please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail. We look forward to receiving your application for one
of the Summer Intern positions!
Linda Mecum: [email protected]
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:
Chief—Kenneth Tanner
1296 Iowa Street
Ashland, OR 97520
541-991-6041
[email protected]
Chairman—Edward L. Metcalf
PO Box 3117.
Coos Bay, OR. 97420
541-297-0545
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Vice-Chair —Thomas H. Younker
62135 Crown Point Rd.
Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-297-8029
[email protected]
Secretary-Treasurer—Joan Metcalf
PO Box 3274
Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-888-5827
[email protected]
Representatives:
Kippy Robbins
2241 N. 14th St.
Coos Bay, OR. 97420
1-541-269-4606
[email protected]
Sharon Parrish
2635 Mexeye Lp.
Coos Bay, OR. 97420
541-297-5609
[email protected]
Toni Ann Brend
PO Box 5877
Charleston, OR. 97420
541-297-1279
[email protected]
CIT Administration:
Executive Director—George Smith; Human
Resources—Larry Scarborough; Director of
Planning, Community and Real Estate Services—
Todd Tripp; CFO—Mark Gagnon; Tribal Member
Services—Jon Ivy; Education Program Director—Linda Mecum; LRES—Tim Vredenburg;
Librarian—Chris Tanner; Court: Tribal Court
Judge—Donald Costello; MIS Coordinator: Rod
Debban; GIS—Zeb DeOs
Office/Business Addresses:
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS For
the 2011 Women’s
Retreat
May 13 – 15, 2011
Coquille Tribal Police
2602 Mexeye Lp.
Coos Bay, OR. 97420
Tribal Police Department—(541) 888-0189;
Emergencies: 911. Chief: Scott Lafevre; Officers:
Matthew Parrish; Corretta Greybear-Benson;
Brian Dubray
We will be staying at the
Bandon Inn, Bandon, OR.
Packet Information will be
mailed out soon
Nasomah Health Group: Rod Cook
PO Box 921
North Bend, OR. 97459
Phone: 541-751-0940; Fax: 541-756-4714
Letters to Editor Policy...
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; 1-866-862-7506
Fax: (541) 888-3431
Housing Authority: Anne Shane
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
Native drumming at the CIT
Community Plankhouse every
Wednesday evening beginning at
6 p.m.
Community Calendar
•
Siletz Elder Honor Days. Wednesday,
April 6 and April 7. CIT Elders will have
opportunity to travel to this event. Please
contact the CITCHC for more information.
•
Tribal Council meeting. Thursday,
April 7. 1 p.m. CIT main office. Workshops scheduled for Wednesday, April 6
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•
Elders Committee meeting. Tuesday,
April 12. 3 p.m. CIT Community Health
Center. More information on pg. 3.
•
Elders Dinner in Lane County. Thursday, April 14. Time and location TBA.
Please contact the CITCHC for more
information.
•
Elders Dinner in Douglas County.
Tuesday, April 19. Time and location
TBA. Please contact the CITCHC for
more information.
•
Tribal Council meeting. Saturday, April
23. 9 a.m. CIT main office. Workshops
scheduled for Friday, April 22 from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.
•
Elders Dinner in Jackson County.
Tuesday, April 26. Time and location
TBA. Please contact the CITCHC for
more information.
•
Tribal Council meeting. Thursday, May
5. 1 p.m. CIT main office. Workshops
scheduled for Wednesday, May 5 from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 12 noon.
“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
Page 3K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
ELDERS COMMITTEE MEETING: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the CIT Community Health Center.
Please call Brenda at 541-888-9494, ext: 20205 for confirmation.
Health Care Work Group (H.C.W.G) Report
The Health Care Work Group was created in December of 2009 to
provide recommendations to Tribal Council, of how best to maintain the
overall sustainability of the Tribe’s health care programs, specifically
the Nasomah Health Group and Contract Health Services. The work
group is made up of: Don Ivy, Tribal Member at Large; Kippy Robbins,
Tribal Council and Health Advisory Board Representative; Kathy Henry,
Controller; Mark Gagnon, CFO; Rod Cook, Nasomah Health Group
Manager; Pat Dudas, FNP Clinic Manager; Denise Stuntzner, Nasomah
Wellness Program Coordinator;and Kelle Little; Health and Human
Services Administrator.
The work group continues to use a list of health care related “Cost
Savings Ideas” as our primary point of reference to evaluate and develop
proposal(s) for the Tribal Council.
The Health Care Workgroup continues to meet monthly, prepare reports
for the Tribal Council and the CIT Newsletter on a regular basis.
Major Accomplishments to Date
• Drafted and proposed the Health Services Reserve Fund Ordinance
which was adopted by Tribal Council on 2-10-11.
•
•
GATHERING FOR RESTORATION
CELEBRATION: Volunteer opportunities for the 2011
Restoration Celebration
Surf Perch Fishing – Saturday,
May 7
Camas Bulbs – Saturday, May 21
We will meet at the Coquille Community
Plankhouse on Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m.
and then proceed to the beach. Afterwards,
we will return to the Plankhouse and
process our day’s catch. Please bring rubber
boots, a surf fishing rod, and a 5-gallon
bucket. If you are over 14 years of age, you
will need an Oregon fishing license.
Clam Digging – Saturday, June 4
We will provide lunch, your bait, weights,
and the hooks you will need. If you are
planning on joining us, please RSVP by
April 22. If you have never surf-fished
before, now is the time to learn.
Mussel Gathering – Sunday, May 8
We will be meet at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May
8 at the Coquille Community Plankhouse.
This year we will be gathering mussels and
smoking them for the Restoration CelebraPrepared and presented to the Tribal Council a proposal regarding
tion. The gathering area is not an easy
reimbursement of health insurance premiums, for those who are
to access place and you will have to climb
eligible for CHS and Nasomah. This was originally presented to
steep, rocky terrain in order to help gather
Council in August, 2010. A second proposal, of like topic, was
mussels (please no young children). Please
presented to the Tribal Council on 2/25/11. Tribal Council approved
bring your rubber boots, a pointed shovel
this proposal by Tribal Council Resolution, CY 1124 on March 10,
and a 5-gallon bucket. If you are over
2011.
14 years of age, you will need a shellfish
license. The gathering area is not an easily
Evaluated possible pharmaceutical cost savings options that are
accessible place. If you prefer to help clean
available to individuals who use the Tribal Health Center for Primary and prepare the mussels after gathering,
Medical Care. Due to the limited numbers of individuals who would be we will return to the Plankhouse at 12
affected and the need to restrict pharmacy access, the HCWG and the noon. We will be providing lunch for all
volunteers so please RSVP by April 22 if
Health Advisory Board did not recommend moving forward with this
you plan to join us.
proposal.
We will meet on Saturday, May 21 at 7
a.m. at the Coquille Community Plankhouse. You will need a pointed shovel
or digging stick, gloves, and sunscreen.
Transportation and lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP by May 6.
We will meet on Saturday, June 4 at 7 a.m.
at the Coquille Community Plankhouse.
Please bring rubber boots, a pointed shovel
and a 5-gallon bucket. If you are over
14 years of age, you will need a shellfish
license. We will meet at the Plankhouse at
7 a.m. and proceed to clam digging. After
our limits are filled, we will return to the
Plankhouse to process our catch. We will
be providing lunch so please RSVP by
May 26 to confirm that you will be joining
us. Please don’t worry if you have never
dug or processed clams before. We will
have experienced people available to offer
guidance.
PLEASE NOTE ANYONE UNDER 18
YEARS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED
BY A FAMILY MEMBER.
Contact: Brenda Meade, Elders
Coordinator at 800-344-8583 or
541-888-9494 Ext: 20205; E-mail:
[email protected]
• The members of the Health Care Work Group carefully monitor
the progress of Health Care reform implementation through
correspondence with the Tribe’s lobbyist, National Indian Health
Board, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, ATNI, I.H.S. ().
Legislation and regulation that could be of benefit to the provision of
health care by the Coquille Indian Tribe are evaluated by the HCWG.
Peacegiving available at Coquille Tribal Court.
• Both the Nasomah Health Group and its Third Party Administrator
(HealthComp, Inc.) are audited annually by an independent auditor
for accuracy with its medical billing practices. Contract Health
Services is planning an independent audit of CHS business practices,
policies and procedures, and work flow in December 2011.
•
Emphasizes mutual respect, generosity, and creativity
•
Uses restorative justice principles and traditional tribal dispute resolution and
community integration values and practices
•
Provides a safe and peaceable means for the resolution of cases and disputes
•
Ensures for all participants due process and equal protection under Tribal law
•
Helps address the underlying causes of cases and disputes
•
Focuses on restoration, safety and skills-development, and not on punishment
•
Mentors and guides individuals, particularly youngsters
The HCWG is currently in the process of evaluating and monitoring the
possibility of pooling with other self funded insurance groups, accessing
the Federal Employees Benefit Pool and exploring medical tourism.
These projects are in the early evaluation phase and more information if
you have any questions or concerns regarding the HCWG please contact
Rod Cook at [email protected] or 1-866-436-4785 or Kelle Little,
[email protected], 1-800-344-8583.
*Resolution CY1124 directs Contract Health Services to discontinue paying
the employee share of Nasomah medical premiums on behalf of CHS-eligible
employees of the Tribe and The Mill Casino-Hotel. The Council adopted this
Resolution based on the recommendation of the Health Care Working Group.
The first peacegiving case was filed in the Coquille Indian Tribal Court in 2004. Starting
with that case, a wide variety of Coquille Indian Tribal Court cases and other disputes
in the Coquille Tribal community have been resolved with a high level of participant
satisfaction. This is because peacegiving:
Cases or requests for peacegiving may be filed by individuals at the Tribal Court clerk’s
office or referred to the Coquille Indian Tribal Attorney for review and possible filing.
For additional information and filing forms please contact Susan Thornton, Peacegiving
Court Advocate, Coquille Indian Tribal Court, 541/756-0904 or susanthornton@
coquilletribe.org.
Page 4
Tobacco Prevention and
Education Program (T.P.E.P)
Healthy Communities Project
Report
The TPEP and Stakeholders have all been
working hard over the last grant period. The
main work during the first two quarters of
the grant has been the gathering of policies
and ordinances regarding tobacco and health
programs for the Health Administrators
to evaluate. Individuals in different
departments have been working with the
TPEP coordinator to help compile the
information needed to assess what policies
are in place. On February 17, 2011 the
Stakeholders had a meeting to determine
what to do with the Best Objective # 4:
Commercial Tobacco Free Community Health
Center. The Stakeholder recommendation
was to carry this objective over for the next
grant period. It was referred to a Tribal
Council workshop.
The second Best Objective # 1b: Build
Capacity for Healthy Communities is a
required objective. The kick-off for this
objective was on March 7, 2011 with
representation from all Stakeholders as well
as two members from Berk and Associates.
This is a data collection objection which will
help us in obtaining grants in the future.
In addition, we’d like to extend our
appreciation to the members of the Coquille
Indian Tribe’s T.P.E.P. Stakeholders which
requires a good deal of time and energy.
The group includes; Scott LaFevre CIT
Police Chief, Anne Shane CIHA, Executive
Director, Laura Angulo Prevention
Coordinator, Connie Barton Community
Health Representative, Joan Metcalf Tribal
Council Representative, Brenda Meade
Elder’s Coordinator, Denise Hunter Health
Advisory Board Representative, Drew
Adams Assistant Health Administrator and
Kelle Little Health and Human Services
Administrator.
For any questions regarding this report and
grant call 1-800-344-8583 or 541-888-9494.
Respectfully, Connie L Barton, TPEP
Coordinator
We are looking for a Tribal member Elder to be a Stakeholder/member of the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program.
This Elder would be part of an Advisory
Group that helps guide the development of
the Tribal Program Plan. Those interested
should call or email Connie Barton.
K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
My Nurse 24/7 Update
Contract Health Services has an update regarding “My Nurse 24/7”, your 24 hour a day connection to medical
advice by a nurse. The service has been in place since November of 2008, and has been successfully used
by several of our Tribal members and spouses. In fact, the spouse of a Tribal member who used the service
commented that they felt very comfortable talking to “My Nurse 24/7” because the nurse seemed very
concerned and responsive to their needs. This person received a phone call from the nurse a few days after the
contact of the service just to check on their condition and see if they needed more help.
The goal of My Nurse 24/7 is to be able to give you the opportunity to receive medical care that is appropriate,
timely and cost effective. When you are unsure of what do to about a medical concern, the nurse is available
any time during the day or night to help you. The toll – free number for the nurse is 866-500-5922. For your
convenience there are refrigerator magnets with the 24/7 number on them available from Contract Health.
For questions regarding My Nurse 24/7, please call Deb Sensenbach, RN Case Manager in Contract Health
Services at 888-9494 ext # 20204 or email [email protected].
Diabetes Prevention Program:
Forty-one have finished program!
Meet the New Tribal Youth Advocate
We have graduated a total of 41 participants from our
Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)! All participants
were very successful. They have decreased their blood
sugars to within normal limits. They have on average
decreased their cholesterol by 40 points. All participants
are continuing to incorporate healthy eating and
exercise in their daily routine.
After graduation from the 16-week DPP, all participants
move into the After-Core phase of the project which
continues for the project’s duration. The After-Core
phase allows the participants to ease out of the
intensive, highly personally-supported weekly program
activities while continuing to receive a less intensive
monthly program to encourage their continued progress
towards goals and maintaining health changes they
have already achieved. This portion of the program
includes ongoing individual monthly lifestyle coaching
visits and the opportunity to attend additional classes
or other activities to reinforce what they have learned.
The Lifestyle Coach maintains a relationship with the
DPP participants through this kind of ongoing support.
Some of the additional classes and activities we have
held include:
• DPP Picnic: A celebration for all Consortium
graduated participants to recognize their successes
in the program.
• Strive For Five: Set-up goals to eat five servings of
fruits and vegetables daily and exercise five out of
seven days a week.
Hello, my name is Lisa Lemmons and I was recently
hired as the Tribal Youth Advocate.
I have lived in the Coos Bay area pretty much
my entire life. I worked for the Department of
Human Services, Self Sufficiency Programs office
for the past 15 years and have a lot of experience in
connecting families with community resources and
prevention services.
I am very excited to have this opportunity and look
forward to working at CIT Community Center.
Please contact me if you have any questions or
would like information about the Tribe’s Youth
Programs at 541-888-9494 Ext 20248.
SCINT representative at Community Night
The CIT Community Center held an Education
• Cooking Class: Healthy cooking on a budget was the Night on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Our presenter
was Detective Scott Moore who is part of the South
focus on this class.
Coast Interagency Narcotics Team. Det. Moore
• Circuit Training: Ongoing strength and aerobic
spoke about the status of Coos County regarding
classes
the war on drugs, specifically methamphetamine.
• Diabetes Walk: To further encourage exercise and to He answered many questions from the audience.
Participants enjoyed dinner and door prizes. We enlearn about the risk of diabetes
courage Tribal members, Kilkich residents, and all
We are now recruiting in Jackson, Lane and Coos
staff to attend future Education Nights. It’s a great
Counties for the next group with pre-diabetes to
way to bring the community together!
participate in DPP. Please contact Gail Accinelli for
more information at 541-888-9494, ext: 20216 or 1-800- Respectfully submitted,
344-8583.
Laura D. Angulo, Prevention Coordinator
Page 5K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
‘Tsunami Stories’, continued (another tsunami story on pg. 7)
These excerpts are from of John P. Harrington, an anthropologist recorded the languages and historical
information of many individuals from Oregon coastal Tribes. I found these excerpts when perusing Tribal
member George Wasson’s paper titled Oral Traditions of the Earliest Humans on the Oregon Coast: A
comparison of Ethnohistorical and Archaeological Records which is included in the publication Changing
Landscapes: Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Coquille Cultural Preservation Conference, 1999. The three
volume Changing Landscapes series includes a wide range of writings covering many aspects of the
Don’t Belittle Food
. This story is taken from Melville Jacobs, a
linguist and anthropologist who interviewed and recorded the histories, songs, and
stories of several ancestors of the Coos and Coquille Tribes. The story describes
a huge flood raging upriver after some young men make fun of salmon. A
connection between making fun of the food that keeps you alive and catastrophic
events? Think about that before you criticize your fry-bread.
Coquille Indian Tribe.
Salmon Did Ill to Boys
“Creation of the World” (A story from the people at Coos Bay)
The Young fellows went away
The young fellows were going to spear fish
They went up a creek
There they were going to catch things
The earth is flat and floating on water which is underneath land on all sides. Every so often the earth rocks
up and down and tips a little, and this is the cause of the tides. When the creator made the earth, the water
came all over the earth at every high tide. To make land appear the Creator obtained ‘Blue earth’ and laid
down a layer of it. Some old people believe it came from the blue clay at a place now called “Cook’s
Chasm” just north of the Sea Lion Caves. (John P. Harrington, unpublished field notes)
But it was not enough because the water still covered it all over. The Creator placed a second layer of ‘blue
earth’ down, so that the water went over most of it though it was no longer completely covered. When he
put down a third layer, it was all right; it worked well. Still each time the earth tipped, the water ran too
far inland. Then the people placed strips of basketry along the whole length of the ocean shore. The water
ran through the basketry and back out and it came no farther inland than where the basketry was placed.
The basketry is now the sand along the beaches. The blue earth can still be seen under the ocean water. The
people did not say what made the land tip. (Harrington 1943, 1981)
This next story is included in Wasson’s work from Changing Landscapes. It is a creation story told by
Charles Depoe, a man who was born at the mouth of the Rogue River and lived on the Siletz Reservation
after the forced removal of coastal tribes in the late 1850s. Depoe’s telling of the story is included in
Stephen Dow Beckham’s 1977 book The Indians of Western Oregon: This Land Was Theirs.
Origin Myths and Legends of Floods and Earthquakes
“How the World Was Created” (A story from the people at the mouth of Rogue River)
It became evening
The young fellows had quantities of salmon
Now they sang and danced
And one of the young fellows (said)
“Come Play”
“Don’t annoy me, I’m so sleepy” (retorted one fellow)
“Come come don’t be so lazy”
Oh don’t bother me, I’m awfully sleepy.”
“Don’t annoy him. Let him sleep then.”
“Ha! Lay a salmon there, and let that be his wife!”
They thought no more of it again.
Then they returned home.
Another year, and then the salmon camp up river again
Now they heard something jingling
Everybody went outside and watched it
Ho! Quantities of salmon are coming
But out in front a baby was being held aloft,
And its decorations were what was jingling
In the beginning there was no land. There was nothing but the sky, some fog, and water. The
water was still; there were no breakers. A sweat house stood on the water, and in it there
You should not watch a thing like that
lived two men-Owalaci and his Companion. Owalaci’s Companion had tobacco. He usually
So some of them indeed did not go outside (to look)
stayed outside watching, while Owalaci remained in the sweat house.
Now water (a tidal wave) rushed in,
And thus all of those people drifted away (with the flood)
One day it seemed to the watcher as if daylight were coming. He went inside and told
Pretty nearly all the people were gone
Owalaci that he saw something strange coming. Soon there appeared something that looked
like land, and on it two trees were growing. The man kept on looking and was soon able to
That is how it is not a good think when the children do all sorts of tricky things
distinguish that the object was white land.
You are not to do such things
You should not belittle food
Then the ocean began to move, bringing the land nearer. The distant side of the land was
Because the people die from that
dark. The land kept on moving until it struck the sweat house where it stopped. The land
You should not perpetrate all sorts of tricks
was white like snow. There was no grass on it. As the men watched the land began to expand
like the waves of the ocean. Then the fog lifted and the Companion could look far away.
Melville Jacobs, Coos Ethnological and Narrative Texts
When the Companion came into the sweat house, Owalaci asked’ “Is the land solid?”
Beverly Ward wrote and published her biography White Moccasins in 1986. Her
life story has been quoted by several academics whose thesis work focused on the Coquille
“Not quite,” the Companion replied. Then Owalaci took some tobacco and began to smoke. He Indian Tribe. As you can see, Ms. Ward directly references the 1700 tsunami in her book as a
blew the smoke on the land and the land became motionless,
historical fact she learned from her elders.
Only two trees were growing at that time redwood to the south and ash to the north. Five
times Owalaci smoked while discussing with his companion various means of creating the
world and the people. Then night came. After that daylight appeared again. Four days
Owalaci worked. The trees began to bud and fell like drops of water upon the ground. Grass
came up and leaves appeared on the trees. Owalaci walked around the piece of land that had
stopped near his sweat house and commanded the ocean to withdraw and to be calm. Owalaci
made five cakes of mud. He threw three cakes of mud into the water and the land rose under
the water until his Companion shouted: “It looks as if breakers are coming!” Owalaci was
glad because he knew now that the land was coming up from the bottom of the ocean. After
the sixth wave receded, Owalaci scattered tobacco all over. Sand appeared. Thus the land
and the world were created. When Owalaci stepped on the new land it became hard. Looking
at the sand, Owalaci saw a man’s tracks. They came across the land and disappeared into the
water. Owalaci wondered what this could mean and was very worried. Five times he ordered
the water to rise up and overflow the new land which he had created out of the cakes of mud,
but each time when he looked at the sand he saw human footprints. At last Owalaci became
discouraged and said: “This is going to make trouble in the future!” And since then there has
always been trouble in the world (Beckham 1977:2-4).
“most winters were mild, but sometimes a big storm struck and snow fell. Indians said there
was a big flood shortly before the white man’s time, and the Indians had many stories about
a huge tidal wave that struck the Oregon Coast not too far back in time, for some old Indians
said they saw people who were crippled in the tidal wave.
Indians said the rains came down and the rivers rose; then the ocean rose and huge waves
swept and surged across the land. Trees were uprooted and villages were swept away. Indians
said they tied their canoes to the tope of the trees, and some canoes were torn loose and swept
away. Some ran back in the hills, and climbed trees. When the waves receded, some fell out
of the trees and got hurt. After the tidal wave, the Indians told of tree tops filled with limbs
and trash and of finding strange canoes in the woods.
The Indians said the big flood and the tidal wave tore up the land and changed the rivers.
Nobody knows how many Indians died.
Beverly Ward, White Moccasins
Page 6
K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
PNW Tribal Delegation represented at Waitangi Day
Celebration in New Zealand
Tribal member Shirod Younker submitted this report on his recent travel to New Zealand where he was
one of several representatives of Pacific Northwest Tribes invited to attend the Waitangi Treaty Day
Celebration. Shirod is one of several Coquille Tribal members who participate in the annual Canoe
Journey, an annual inter-tribal canoe paddle event hosted by Tribes located in the Puget Sound area of
Washington. Last year, several Maori were invited to pull in the 2010 Canoe Journey: Paddle to Makah.
Dai S’la Miluk/Coquille family and friends,
My family and I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part
of a small delegation of tribal representatives from the Pacific
Northwest to attend the Waitangi Treaty Day Celebration* in
New Zealand on February 6th, 2011. With the financial help of
family, friends and the Coquille Tribe; my wife, daughter and I
flew over to Aotearoa (“Land of the Long White cloud”) a week
before the celebration to help our Maori host family to prepare
and witness the big event. The Toi Maori Arts organization
and Maori chiefs and Waka captains invited representatives
from Suquamish, Grand Ronde, Chinook, Coquille and the
Netherlands.
*Waitangi Day is a New Zealand National Holiday celebrating
the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840. Over 500 Maori Chiefs and
women signed the treaty, which recognizes Maori ownership of
their lands, but also gave the Maori the same rights as British
subjects. It was largely ignored by the courts and parliament
until the 1970s, but the Maori people have used this treaty to
uphold rights and to seek remedies for its’ indigenous people.
In 2009 and 2010 a Maori delegation of Waka (canoe) paddlers
have been coming to the Pacific Northwest to participate in the
“Tribal Canoe Journeys” annual celebration. While on their
travels a Maori representative offered an invitation to select
representatives from Grand Ronde, Suquamish, Coquille and
Chinook to participate in their Waitangi Treaty Day in New
Zealand. They event has a waka (canoe) pageant which the
Maori people paddle their wakas (canoes) and share their culture
with the many visitors and dignitaries on shore.
Although our trip was short I thought that I’d share with you
some of the things we learned and saw while in New Zealand. If
you type in the URL’s listed below you’ll be able to learn more
about the some of the things we saw.
Auckland
While in New Zealand (our first day) our guide Francis took
us to the Auckland Nautical Museum to show us “Te Aurere” a
traditional double hulled sailing canoe that the Maori use to travel
to other Polynesian islands in the Pacific. According to navigator
Stanley Conrad, the Te Aurere has travelled over 40,000 miles
to such places as the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Easter
Island. (http://teaurere.org.nz/)
Maori Protocol and Waka Taua (War Canoe)
While traveling to Waitangi we were had great discussion with
our Maori hosts on what to expect when entering the “Marae”
(Maori communal grounds). As guests we were required to
partake in “Powhiri”, a welcoming ceremony. Visitors are never
allowed to enter the marae without this being performed. Our
Maori hosts guided us in to the grounds, where the warriors of
the marae performed a “haka” (challenge). Three select Maori
warriors placed objects at the three delegates feet. By picking
up the object we demonstrated to our hosts that we had come
in peace. They led us to an area for a formal oration from both
visitors and hosts, each sitting on opposite sides. Our Maori
hosts spoke in the Maori language. We had a translator next to
us to help explain who they were, their honor to host us and
expectations of us while in there care. Multiple Maori Chiefs
spoke and after they were finished their words were confirmed
with a traditional Maori song. The floor was given to us to
speak on why we were coming to visit as well as talk about our
“Whakapapa” (ancestral lineage) so that their ancestors would
know who we were as well. After we spoke, we a reciprocated
a traditional song to confirm our spoken words. After the
formalities were done, we had some tea and ate dinner. I should
point out that hardly anybody drinks coffee in New Zealand and
tea is the drink of choice.
“Tent City” is what they called the waka camp. The camp housed
the several hundred Maori youth and adults who were there to
work in an official capacity representing the Maori Waka (Canoe)
Culture. The Camp also housed the tribal delegates as well as the
delegation from the Netherlands. As visitors we were expected
to fully participate in all of the event’s drills and work that the
others were in. We practiced multiple “hakas” and “paddle”
drills in preparation to the event as well as helped paddle and
move wakas to the canoe grounds. Moving wakas was much
more difficult than most would think. Maori wakas are much
larger and heavier than our tribal canoes. The largest of wakas is
“Ngatokimatawhauroa”. It is 117 feet long, holds 80 paddlers,
50 other passengers and weighs 12 tons. So moving him from
the canoe shed to the water is quite an event in itself. The largest
of canoes are Waka Taua (War Canoes) are only for men. The
women had their own canoes. In addition to the largest we also
had to transport 7 other wakas from where they were stored to
Waitangi beach. The canoes are so large that you need massive
numbers of paddlers just to get them to move in the water. Our
camp would practice land and water protocol each day getting
ready for the event. Land protocol consisted of hakas and paddle
drills. Our water protocol consisted of multiple paddle salutes,
timing calls and paddle songs and chants. http://en.wikipedia
.org/wiki/Ngatokimatawhaorua
Feb. 6th, 2011 Waitangi Day (http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/
category/tid/133)
The New Zealand government sent the vice Prime Minister and
England sent the Lt. Governor to give discuss the importance of
the treaty and to dialogue with the Maori Representatives. Our
new “Waka Whanau” (Canoe Family) was in charge of security
around the official Waitangi Marae and Wharenui (Big House).
We formed a single file line and surrounded the grounds side
by side with our “hoes” (paddles). We were a deterrent for any
protesters who would try to get onto the grounds to assault the
dignitaries and their families. Select warriors performed the
hakas and Powhiri ceremony to the visitors while we stood guard.
On Youtube.com type in: Waitangi Day Haka or Waitangi Day
2011 to see videos of the Waitangi day events. If you look close
enough you might see me in the background.
Cape Reinga and “Pipi” digging
We were excused one day from Waka protocol so our Maori
host could show us the most northern tip of New Zealand. Cape
Reinga, is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, it is
also a place of great importance. After a Maori passes on, it is
believed that the spirit travels to Cape Reinga where it finally
departs across the ocean to Hawaiki, the land from which the
Maori people originally came from.
We also had the chance to dig “pipis”, or clams very similar to
our littleneck clams. We had missed the tide by a half hour but
we knew we needed to bring clams back to tent city to help feed
the camp so we clammed in the surf. The water is considerably
warmer than the cool ocean currents on our shores. However,
digging clams were much easier. We stood in the surf and the
water rushing out would dig out the sand near our feet. We reach
down and dig with our hands and pull out a few clams at a time.
In less than two hours we had dug 900 clams.
Tuohoe
After the Waitangi events were over, I had an obligation to meet
with our Toi Maori Arts representative in his iwi (tribal) lands
in Tuohoe (near Rotorua). Tuohoe is considered the heart of the
New Zealand in the middle of the island and is in the mountains
and considered the bush. The Tuohoe people are the only
Maori tribe that did not sign the Treaty of Waitangi, and are in
negotiations to have tribal lands transferred back in their control.
After an eight-hour car ride into the hills of New Zealand, we
arrived at one of the 11 Tuohoe maraes. We were allowed to
sleep in their “Big House” and were formally welcomed into the
community with another powhiri ceremony. While in Tuohoe our
guide took us to Lake Waikaremoana (“sea of rippling waters”)
in Te Urewera National Park. It is a massive lake and from what
I was told there are eels that have been know to be 9 meters long
and well over 100 lbs! Despite the stories of the eels…we went
for a quick swim. I made sure I was close to shore!
Coming Home
Our stay in New Zealand was short and very busy…but the
hospitality of the Maori people left an indelible impression that
we’ll never forget. Their struggles with their government, the
incredible hard work to retain their language and culture is very
similar to our own tribal issues here in the states. Hopefully
at some point we will be able to host a delegation in the same
manner in which they hosted me. I look forward to them sending
a new group of paddlers over this summer for the “Paddle to
Swinomish”. I hope that they will have an opportunity to camp
and paddle with us.
Waga K’yele and Tsu Tsi Wes!
Shirod Younker
Coquille pullers are greeted as they arrive after paddling across the
Coquille River during the 2009 Restoration Celebration. This picture
is included to showcase the similarities between the canoe cultures of
this region with those of the Maori of New Zealand.
Page 7
K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 3 Issue 19
Head Start Fatherhood Program
This final story is from Annie Miner Peterson and is taken from one of the notebooks of
On Saturday, March 12, 2011 the Head Start Fatherhood
Program held a “Date with Daddy” function at North Bend
Lanes Bowling Alley. All fathers of Head Start children
were invited to come and bowl and have lunch with their
children. Six dads and one grandfather were able to attend
with thirteen children. The function was a great success
as all parties had a great time and dads left with happy,
smiling kids.
The water got high
Melville Jacobs. Tribal member Troy Anderson was working on digitizing this story which is written in
English with phonetic translation into Miluk (as you know, there was no written form of Miluk). You can
view Troy’s work in Miluk online at: https://sites.google.com/a/miluk.org/milluk/Milluk/results/tsunamistory
tƚə‿há•p! hɛ•́ wi
kwi‿i´ƚ‿du•‿gik&tƚá•u tƚə‿tƚgú•s má•tsi‿du•‿há‿n•a•bánt’,
Long long ago there was (once) a
continuous rain, moss and dirt. án‿wá• i´l•ɢ̣ɛs,
just hung from them there tƚɛ‿hɛ•́ •niyɛ gu•s‿mi´n i´l•ɛ•́ q,
hán•a•bánt’‿ič ƛʼdá•yá•s.
Their paddles not large raindrops, tƚi‿iƚdəƛʼɛh
́ɛ
fine small raindrops. máʰ‿x‿̣
wɛ•́ n mi´l•ɛ•́ t’i
ɛ•č’i´li‿i´l•ɢ̣ɛs.
wherever they (the canoes) had dropped
(when
It rained a long long time. the waters receded). Above: Bill Beaudry celebrates an outstanding round of bowling
with his daughters Ava and Mckenzie. Below: Duke Summers
and Ryan Scott enjoy snacks with their children Kake Summers,
Tripp Scott and Kaydence Scott.
hɛ•́ •niyɛ i´l•ɛq́ •
idʒáu‿dá• tƚə‿túwitə́n•ya.
yu‿kwi•‿bi•´nát’s tƚə‿há•p! hám•siya tƚə‿dik’i´u,
They
Then the ocean became higher, never learned what had become of. wi´‿án‿k’wɛ•’ni•´m dʒi´‿a‿yadzu´ttsəm.
hɛi‿má•tsi báldi•´məs phwi•´lá•t’,
That is the way the people tell about it. and the waters rose. x‿̣ wɛ•́ n i´ƚ‿du laɢ̣áwiyat’a•na’ya tƚɛ‿x̣‿k’áʰ.
wɛń ‿kwi‿hɛ•́ wi tƚə‿há•p!.
My grandfather saw one The people who had canoes got into them
wi´‿tƚə‿’nəx̣‿tsqúƚq!wč
there, of the old women (survivors) who
i´‿n0tƚgwə́lsɛ•‿k’áʰ wi´‿ɢ̣ɛ`́ ‿iƚxƛ̯ ʼú•təm,
had been left alive. all the people dashed towards
wi•´‿hič’i´‿hamáq! tƚə‿tə́m•‿a‿dƚɛ´wɛ
their canoes, hu´mik̯ʼ.
gú•s‿k’áʰ tƚgwə́licdʒa’iƚdə‿yaɢ ̣áda
She had been hung up on a tree, and those people who were still running
nək’wi•´n’ič tsá•‿ɢ̣ɛq!di´n•u,
afoot and the limbs of that
wi•´‿tƚə‿k’áʰ‿čá•č‿nəqɛ•qɛi
tree were too high up. were all caught by the water (and
wi´‿hɛƚt’‿hɛ‿ɢ̣wá•n‿dɛhɛl•ɛḱw tƚə‿ni´k̯ʼin.
drowned). So she took her pack line and tied it to a
wi•´‿gu•s‿há•p!‿kwi•‿ɢ̣álám.
limb, When the water went back wi•´‿kwi•‿hɛƚ•ɛ•́
gwədʒɛ
then
it returned slowly. and
when she wanted to go
down that way, she fell,
wi´‿xq̣ !ɛ•́ l‿bi•´‿nát’s.
wi•´‿x̣‿kwi´’‿yu‿dúha’ya‿pq!áu,
Then many people were saved. she was just a girl when she fell from it. wi‿ɢ̣á•ƚ‿k’á‿gwi•´du.
wi•´‿má•tsi‿tú•ya‿tƚə‿t’əḿa‿gwɛ’́
When the water lowered it fell slowly. ɛk& tƚə‿kwi•‿tú•ya.
wi´‿yu‿kwi‿tú•ya‿tƚə‿há•p! xq!ɛĺ ‿tú•ya.
Her back was broken from it After that when the people were out
wi•´‿tƚɢ̣ái‿dzu‿dəhwə́ƛʼhwi.
hunting That is what she told about the raised
wi´‿dá‿qƚəm•ni´yu i‿du•‿ƚə́m•dai‿də́‿k’á’ water. they found canoes that were just nothing
x‿wɛń ‿ƚaɢ̣áwiyat’a•ná’ya
but moss, Page 8K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
Portland State University begins Was that made by an Indian? The Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
recruiting Tribal members for
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act is a piece of legislature designed to protect Native American artists and ensure
products labeled as “Indian” were indeed created by an Indian.
2011-12 Teacher program
PSU Graduate School of Education receives funds to Under the Act, it is unlawful to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that
falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian Tribe. In the
start American Indian Teachers Program
regulations, unqualified use of the terms “Indian” or “Native American,” or the names of particular Indian Tribes
in connection with the sale or display for sale of an art or craft product will be interpreted to mean that the
Portland State University’s Graduate
creator of the item is a member of an Indian Tribe (federally and/or state recognized), a member of the specific
School of Education (GSE) is recruiting
tribe named, or is certified by an Indian Tribe as a non-member artisan. For artwork to be sold as Indian,
student candidates for its new project: the
Native American, or as the product of a particular Indian Tribe, it must be produced by an enrolled member
American Indian Urban Teachers Program.
of a federally or officially State recognized Tribe, or by an individual who has been formally certified as a nonThis program is being funded by the U.S.
member Indian artisan by the federally or officially State recognized Tribe of their descent. Violations of the Act
Department of Education’s Office of Indian
carry civil and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 in fines, imprisonment up to five years, or both.
Education.
The university applied for a four-year
development grant in consortia with several
Oregon Tribes including the Grand Ronde,
Siletz, Warm Springs and Umatilla. The first
group of students will begin classes in July
2011.
Native American students enrolled in the
program will be awarded tuition, fees and
books and a living allowance including
dependent care. The program will train 18
teachers over the next four years to teach in
schools with significant numbers of Native
students enrolled.
Portland State is one of eight colleges and
universities in the nation awarded funding.
To apply or receive a program application,
students should contact Marilyn Quintero
at [email protected] at 503-725-9943. The
link to the GSE website is www.pds.edu/
education. The link for the AIUTP is www.
pdx.edu/aiutp.
Students interested in enrolling in the 2012
Teacher Education Program should
contact the program office to receive an
application as early as possible. The deadline
of December 1, 2011, requires an online
application be submitted to both Portland
State and the Graduate Teacher Education
Program, as well as the submission of
three letters of recommendation and copies
of transcripts. (Unofficial transcripts are
acceptable until official transcripts are
available.)
While graduate students are not required
to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),
all teachers applying for a state license
are required by the Teachers Standards
and Practices Commission to take either
the CBEST or the Praxis. Each academic
department may also have other testing
requirements prior to admission.
More information on the Act is available online at www.iacb.doi.gov
And why is this in the newsletter?
Ko-kwel Gifts at The Mill Casino features Coquille Tribal Artists
The Ko-kwel Gifts store in The Mill Casino-Hotel has been a great help to Coquille Tribal artists who display
their work for sale at the store.
The store is committed to promoting the artistic work of Coquille Tribal member artists. Considerable space has
been set aside since the opening of the store to display and offer for sale the finished products of Coquille artists
and artisans.
The store features a Tribal member “Artist of the Month” that began in September, 2010. Artists are encouraged
to make personal appearances where they can meet the public in front of the gift shop. The gift shop will provide
a table where the artist can set up displays of their work, meet with the public, and increase their sales. Every
Coquille artist selling their work at the store has a picture of them with a small quote describing what inspired
them to produce their work. This information gives potential customers more background on the artist and has
shown to increase the sales of the Tribal member’s work.
In conjunction with Ko-kwel Gifts, there is an Art Advisory Committee that promotes the sale of artistic works
made by Coquille Tribal members at the store. Artists are encouraged to produce high quality work that reflects
the culture and traditions of the Coquille Indian Tribe. The goal of Committee is to help artists become more
self-reliant and teach them business basics. Once approved, items to be sold should be delivered to Ko-kwel Gifts
where the items will be placed on display. For more information, please contact Laura Fraley at Ko-kwel
Gifts via The Mill Casino-Hotel at 541-756-8800.
Coquille Crafted: Logo certifies hand-crafted products sold by Tribal members.
The Coquille Crafted trademark guarantees products sold were produced by a member of the Coquille Indian
Tribe.
Visit Ko-kwel Gifts at our casino or peruse the kiosks at events like the Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration, and no
doubt you’ve seen some of the incredible hand-crafted items made by Coquille Tribal members. A few years ago,
some Tribal members asked how products could be verified as authentically made by a Coquille. As a response,
the Tribe approved a trademark logo that certifies a product as authentically made by a Coquille. Such official
recognition assures the authenticity of the product and can potentially increase its value.
The Coquille Crafted logo is used to certify a product as made by a member of the Coquille Indian Tribe. It is
a designation of craftsmanship with standards assuring only products of high quality and of authentic Coquille
origin receive this recognition. Restrictions on receiving a label include no items assembled from a kit and that
none of the work involved in producing the item was performed by a non-Tribal member. Currently, spouses
of Tribal members can not receive the designation. CIT Ordinance 250, the Coquille Crafted Ordinance,
provides complete details on the logo policy. Copies are available at the CIT main office on request
and can also be viewed on the Tribe’s Legal Department web page at www.coquilletribe.org.
The logo is issued as a permit to a Tribal member for them to designate their item as “Coquille Crafted”. This
gives them the authority to use the logo as an identification label on the hand-crafted product they are selling.
For more information: Marilyn Quintero, 503- The permit process includes an application and handling charged that can be picked up and submitted at the
725-9943, [email protected]; Maria Tenorio, Tribe’s main office. After a review, and approval, the permit is issued. The permit is valid for two years.
503-725-9925, [email protected]
To learn more about the Coquille Crafted certification process, please contact the main office.
Page 9K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
Tribe taking applications for CITGO Heating Assistance Tsunami warning tests emergency preparedness at
Program
CEDCO businesses
This supplemental heating assistance program only provides a payment
Long before most Oregon coast residents were aware of a tsunami created by
directly to the heating vendor. Due to limited grant resources, the program will the earthquake off the coast of Japan, members of The Mill Casino • Hotel’s
only be available in 2011 to Tribal members living in Oregon
crisis management team were already managing the situation.
The Citizens Programs Corporation assists in providing heating assistance to
low-income households in partnership with CITGO Petroleum Corporations. As
directed by CITGO, the Coquille Indian Tribe has received a grant for heating
assistance for the season of 2011. The amount of the funding was based on the
level of need indicated on the application to CITGO from numbers based of
previous years use.
The explanation of rule change for those Tribal members living outside
of Oregon from the CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program. There have
been significant changes to the way the grant has been distributed and
administered; due to the limited resources CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil
Program will focus on service to the Tribal members who reside within the
State of Oregon.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Todd Tripp or Julie Goff at the
CIT Administration office.
Commonly asked questions
Q: Who can apply?
A. Enrolled Coquille Tribal Members Households within the State of Oregon
B: Contact Todd Tripp or Julie Goff at the Coquille Indian Tribe, for further information and/or
application. (1-800-622-5869)
Q: What is a Coquille Tribal Member Household?
A: Any household in which the Tribal member is; the Head of Household; established continuing
residence in a non-tribal household (Temporary housing is not eligible); or is a minor Tribal child
living under the care of a non-tribal household
Q: How often can I get assistance?
A: Once per season
Q: If I receive money from LIHEAP or another program, can I qualify for fund from this
program?
A: Yes, but your award must be spent by May 30th, 2011. The credit to your fuel provider cannot
carry over past the season ending May 23rd, 2011.
Q: How do you determine an award: Is it based on the amount I owe to my utility company?
A: Your award will be based on total household income, number of people in the household, etc. The
amount that you owe will NOT be used in the calculation.
Q: Can I receive assistance for my electric (primary heating source) and propane/gas/oil
(secondary heating source)?
A: No, the program only allows for payment to the single primary heating source.
Q: Do you provide payments for inactive accounts?
A: No, inactive accounts will not be eligible from this program. The program will not pay for
previous balances, deposits, reconnect, or tax charges
Q: When will I receive notice about my award?
Shortly after receiving a series of text message updates in the first hours of
the morning, Mike Hurd, director of security, arrived at The Mill. Suzann
Anaya, director of hotel operations, already was on the scene after receiving
several calls and hearing about the tsunami warnings on the news.
During the next few hours the team kept an eye on the situation while
preparing for the worst. Anaya created a roster of guests at the hotel and RV
Park. She also checked to see if any special needs guests were staying on the
first floor. Those guests could be moved to higher levels or evacuated first if
necessary.
Meanwhile, Hurd was carefully watching the results from Hawaii, where
the tsunami would hit first. “We put off making an evacuation decision until
we could see what happened in Hawaii,” Hurd said. “If Hawaii had been hit
hard, we would have sent a page to all of the crisis team and would have
begun evacuation procedures.”
Hurd said he had the benefit of additional information from a member of
his security team, Don Manley, who serves on the Charleston Rescue team.
“Don gave us regular updates on the information they were receiving, which
supplemented what we were getting from other sources,” Hurd said.
Human Resources Director Dena Miles, who manages The Mill’s crisis
management program, said the team was in regular contact with North
Bend police and fire officials as well as with Larry Close, The Mill’s
general manager, and Terry Springer, chairman of the Coquille Gaming
Commission. “Everyone agreed that our key consideration was to not create
a panic,” she said.
While The Mill’s team was working through the early morning hours,
another management team was facing similar decisions at Heritage Place.
Because of the time and risks involved in moving residents of the assisted
living facility and the memory care unit, a decision to evacuate must be
made quickly and carefully.
After consultations with local law enforcement and emergency management
officials, the team decided that the expected height of the wave did not
require an evacuation. However, as a precaution, residents were moved to
the third floor where coffee and doughnuts were served.
As the time for the tsunami approached, and with assurances that the
tsunami’s impact would be minimal, Mike Hurd kept an eye on the bay and
on the islands across from The Mill. “I could see the grass on the mud flats
as the tide went out, then it was suddenly covered with water again,” he
said. The tsunami had passed.
A: In 2-3 weeks, you should receive an award letter if you are eligible. Please note: if it is a shutoff,
The morning’s events offered an opportunity to see The Mill’s planning in
we will give the information as soon as the file is processed– this DOES NOT guarantee eligibility or action. Members of The Mill’s crisis management team are reviewing the
payment)
reaction to the tsunami warning to see if refinements to the plan are needed.
Q: What do I do with the letter?
A: Follow the instructions, namely, to call your utility, tell them your award amount, and verify that
they have received a check from the Coquille Indian Tribe/CITGO program
Q: How long are the funds are available?
A: The funds available in this program are based on estimations from the previous year’s usage. The
funds do have a limited amount available, once depleted; will bring an end to the program for this
season.
Q: How long does the program offer assistance?
A: The program time period runs from February through May 30th, 2011. May 23rd, 2011 is the
deadline for applications to be processed, any applications received after 23rd will not be processed.
Page 10
K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
American Idol Taylor Hicks to
perform at The Mill
Two Salmon Room Concerts Scheduled for Friday, May 27
North Bend, Ore. – Members of the “Soul Patrol” rejoice! On
Friday, May 27, The Mill Casino welcomes Alabama’s favorite
son, American Idol winner and certified-platinum selling artist
Taylor Hicks.
Tickets for Taylor Hicks’ 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Salmon Room
performances go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Ko-kwel
Gifts for $25 and just $19.50 with a Millionaire$ Club card. This
concert is for those 21 or older only.
On May 24, 2006, Taylor Hicks made television history when
audiences turned that evening’s American Idol finale into one of
the most watched television programs of the decade. It was an
emotionally uplifting night as 36.4 million viewers tuned in and
63 million votes were cast crowning a gritty, down-home, R&B
singer the Season 5 winner of American Idol.
Hicks, who hails from Birmingham, Alabama was destined for
the musical stage from an early age. Hicks got his start as a
professional musician in his late teens and became a fixture in
the Southeast music scene playing concerts and club dates with
James Brown, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Robert Randolph,
Keb’ Mo’ and Widespread Panic and releasing two independent
albums “In Your Time” and “Under The Radar”. His energetic
stage performances and influences, derived from classic rock,
blues and R&B music earned him a devout following of fans,
dubbed the “Soul Patrol”.
Hicks’ personal twist of fate came when he was in New Orleans,
the night before Hurricane Katrina hit. With his flight cancelled,
he was given a free airplane voucher. Hicks used the ticket
to travel to Las Vegas, where coincidentally, American Idol
auditions were being held. From the start, Hicks’ material and
his unique take on southern soul, R & B, country and blues
set him apart. Hicks passed the audition with the approval of
judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but not Simon Cowell,
who said that Hicks would never make it to the final round. On
Hicks’ first performance for the voting public, Cowell called back
to this quote, admitting he was wrong. The rest, as they say, is
history.
Less than three weeks after his Idol win, Hicks’ debut single,
“Do I Make You Proud,” entered at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100,
Pop 100 and Single Sales charts. His self-titled album, Taylor
Hicks. debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200.
During the annual Grantees Luncheon at The Mill Casino, representatives of some of the non-profits
who received grant awards posed with members of the Coquille Community Fund Boards, Tribal Council and Community Fund Coordinator Julia Willis. Last January, the Coquille Community Fund awarded
over $265,000 in grants to 45 local and regional non-profit organizations.
The Coquille Tribal Community Fund supports non-profit and governmental organizations with projects
in the areas of education, health, public safety, problem gaming, environmental issues, arts and culture
and historic preservation. Funds, derived from a percentage of revenues from The Mill Casino, are managed and distributed by a board of trustees comprised of community leaders, a gubernatorial appointee
and representatives of the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Coquille Economic Development Corporation.
CEDCO/The Mill Casino-Hotel job postings
One of the largest employers in Coos County, The Mill Casino-Hotel is committed to building
a team of employees who provide Million$ 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. Ralph Richmond, our recruitment administrator, is available to answer
questions and provide personal assistance to Tribal applicants at 756-8800 ext. 2292.
Below are summaries of job descriptions you can find in the employment section of the Mill
Casino’s web site. For full job descriptions and information on how to apply, please visit:
http://www.themillcasino.com/about/employment.cfm
•
•
During the last three years, Hicks has seen his debut album
certified platinum, performed with the likes of Earth, Wind &
Fire, The Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson, toured through
Asia, penned a brisk-selling Random House memoir and made
his Broadway debut in Grease.
•
In 2009 Hicks released his second album, The Distance, as well as a
live DVD titled Whomp at the Warfield, a collection of exhilarating
live performances by Hicks and his band at the Warfield Theater in San
Francisco.
•
For ticket information, please contact The Mill Casino
at 541-756-8800 or visit their web page at www.
themillcasino.com
•
•
•
Multi-Game Dealer (2 Full-Time): Efficiently deal the table games as described in established
policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with federal, state and tribal regulations. Must
pass an audition with representatives of the Gaming Commission and the Table Games Department.
Dual Rate Dealer/Supervisor (1 Full-Time): Effectively supervise the daily functions of the Table
Games pit area, specific to assigned games and dealers, and maintain the integrity of our operation
through enforcement of established policies and procedures.
Floor Supervisor (1 Full-Time): Effectively supervise the daily functions of the Table Games pit
area, specific to assigned games and dealers, and maintain the integrity of our operation through
enforcement of established policies and procedures.
IT Security Administrator (1 Full-Time): Responsible for network security, antivirus, span and
patch management for workstations and firewalls. Creates and manages security policy and
procedures for all systems.
Senior Accounting Operations Assistant (1 Full-Time): Responsible for supporting all functions
of the Accounting, Payroll and Revenue Audit positions. Must have an understanding of the entire
general ledger process from auditing through financial statement processing.
PC Tech I (1 Full-Time): Installs, modifies, troubleshoots repairs and tracks personal computers,
printers, peripherals and software systems and provides technical assistance and training to Casino
clients.
Security Officer (1 Full-Time): The primary function of this position is to promote a safe and
secure environment for the Mill Casino, its guests, and employees and to provide exemplary guest
service. This position also observes and ensures that overall operations conform to casino policy.
Page 11K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
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April Birthdays
Anita Neiffer
Arnold Tull
Emma Rocha
Shawn Beaudry
Kassidy Duke
Jeromy Short
Kelsey Duke
William Hargis
Thomas Sandberg
Doyle Summers
Victoria Zimmerman
Ryan Heather
Kaitlynn Perkins
Lorraine Snadden
Kaylee Wardlaw
Vanessa Bailey
Evan Dell
Rebecca Cantrell
Audrina Flores-Summers
Raymond Chase Sr.
Lyndon Cox
Raven Harpole
Michael Beaudry
Nicolai Ogier
Angel Pearson
Damon Rodriguez-Chase
Rodney Cannon
Kristy Holden
Craig Huffman
Charles Welter
Nathan Smith
Jake Summers
Kylee Briggs
Marsha Frost
Benjiman Gilkey
Brian Rocha
Ashlyn Briggs
Christina Cox
Carole Easter
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Miguel Angel Meza
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Darrell Resendez Sr.
Margie Shoemaker
Pel’el Branting
Cristina Vitt
Miranda Fenlon
Lon Matheny
Hillary Wasson
Maralee Cannon
Susan Wolgamott
Lyman Meade
Kim Mason
Christina Frasl
Gwen Cantrell
Jasmine Chase
Reagan Graves
Isabella Hanna
Nicole Metcalf
Kelly Canaday
Preston Shea
Gerald Leon
Bruce Sandberg
Abbigail Thomas
Troy Anderson
Jonathan Hockema
Anne Niblett
Leonah Smalley
Austin Ellsworth
Dana Johnson
David Gilkey
Patrick Metcalf
Cora Pomiak
River Scott
Calysta Burns
Joseph Ward Jr.
Rachel Johnson
Jeffrey Severson
Kristina Van Ortwick
The following is not a Native American tsunami story but
a short description of some of the geologic activity that causes the “seismic
events” such as the 1700 earthquake that strike the northwest every 300-500
years.
“The Cascadia Coast lies at the junction of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. Lying under
the ocean, the Juan de Fuca plate is moving eastward toward the continent. Where it
meets the North American continental plate, the Juan de Fuca plate slides underneath
and descends into the earth’s mantle. Although the subduction process is very gradual,
the massive forces that drive the converging plates cause strain to accumulate at the
edge of the North American plate. Over decades this strain causes the edge of the
continental plate to bend and rise in elevation. Periodically the strain releases, and the
edge of the North American plate rapidly drops downward as much as one to two meters
along the coast. The effect is a great earthquake, sudden lowering of the coastline, and
corresponding relative sea level rise. The region affected by these earthquakes is termed
the Cascadia Subduction Zone (Nelson et al. 1995). The strain accumulation process is
known as uplift, and the elevation drop which occurs during an earthquake is termed
subsidence.” – Scott Byram and Robert Witter; Wetland Landscapes and Archaeological
Sites in the Coquille Estuary, Middle Holocene to Recent Times; Changing Landscapes:
Proceedings of the Third Annual Coquille Cultural Preservation Conference, 1999.
PREPARING MAKES SENSE: GET
READY NOW!
In light of the recent catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, it is an opportune time
to remind ourselves of the importance of being prepared should such a crisis arise in our
community. Below are a few simple, but crucial steps to help you take care of yourself and
your loved ones should such an emergency occur.
1) Put together a kit of emergency supplies; enough to last for at least three days.
Recommended supplies to include in a basic kit:
WATER – One gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD – At least a three-day supply.
RADIO– Battery- powered or hand crank with extra batteries..
NOAA WEATHER RADIO – With tone alert and extra batteries .
FLASHLIGHT – With extra batteries.
FIRST AID KIT
WHISTLE – To signal for help.
FILTER MASKS – Or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air.
MOIST TOWELETTES, GARBAGE BAGS, PLASTIC TIES.
WRENCH OR PLIERS – To turn off utilities.
MANUAL CAN OPENER – If your kit contains canned food.
PLASTIC SHEETING AND DUCT TAPE – To shelter in place.
IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS
ITEMS FOR UNIQUE FAMILY NEEDS – Such as daily prescription medications, infant
formula or diapers.
2) Make a plan for what you will do – Know how to contact other family members if you
are separated, you may not be able to use a phone. Watch television, if possible, and
listen to the radio for official instructions.
3) Create a plan to shelter-in-place – It may be necessary to create a barrier between yourself
and contaminated air outside by sealing a room with plastic sheeting.
4) Create a plan to get away – Plan in advance how you will assemble you family and
anticipate where you will go. Know your closest evacuation sites and routes.
You can go to the website www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare in advance for
an emergency or call 1-800-237-3239. Also available to answer your questions: Kelle Little,
Health & Human Services Administrator, 800-344-8583, 541-888-9494 ext: 20217 or Deb
Sensenbach, RN. ext: 20204.
Get a Disaster Kit: General 72-hour survival kits are also an option since most contain the same sup-
plies as earthquake-specific kits. StanSport makes a comprehensive disaster kit available at retailers like
Walmart and Amazon.com. Whatever kit you choose, make certain that the basics — first-aid supplies, nonperishable food, water (at least one gallon per person, per day), flashlights with extra batteries, cash, sturdy
shoes, a can opener, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a wrench or pillars to turn off utilities — are
included. Also ensure that the kit can accommodate the size of your family and special needs like medical
conditions that anyone might have.
Information on helping earthquake and tsunami victims and their
communities:
A Tribal member provided some web page links with information on charitable organizations that are
providing assistance to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami and/or is continuing to help other
countries, such as Haiti, that are still recovering from a natural disaster.
These links provide information on multiple organizations.
•
•
•
•
www.care2.com/causes/environment/blog/five-ways-you-can-help-japan/?z00m=19950098
www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/blogs/how-to-help-japan-now
www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/impact.your.world/
www.petergreenberg.com/2010/01/13/how-to-help-haiti-volunteer-opportunities-and-globalrelief-efforts/
Page 12K'wen ‘inish-ha Volume 19 Issue 3
Fourth Annual Ko-kwel
Fishing Derby

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

                                                                             

                                                                        
                                               



Come join us for LOTS of fun, fishing,
food & prizes!!
Saturday, May 7
Schedule:
Fishing from 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Barbecue Lunch begins at 12:15 p.m.
Awards Ceremony at 1 p.m.
Location: Tarheel Reservoir located on the Coquille Indian
Tribe Reservation
Parking Overflow: Community Center Health Center
All Tribal members and family are welcome to attend
the Tribe’s fourth annual fishing derby held at Tarheel
Reservoir.
The Derby begins at 8 am and is scheduled to end at
noon. At noon, a barbecue lunch will be served to all
Derby participants. Prizes will be handed out at this
time for age group winners, the biggest and smallest
fish caught, and the accumulated weight of fish caught.
There will also a raffle with numerous prizes available
to all Derby participants. Following the lunch, a small
ceremony will be held to thank the fish for their part in
making the event possible.
The Tribe does issue fishing licenses for Tribal
member anglers to fish on Coquille lands. For the
Fishing Derby, no fishing tags or permits will be
necessary. You can show up and go fishing or you can
just take a hike on the many trails surrounding the
reservoir or you can visit with friends and family.
For more information, please contact Clara Gardner at the CIT
main office @ 541-756-0904


                                            


                                                                           
                                 









        
           
                
     

     
           
          
      

Circuit Training Classes
Thursday Night Men’s Basketball
Come on out to the CIT Community
Center for a fun evening of Circuit
Training. By moving to music and lifting light weights you can blast calories
away!
Every Thursday
evening at 5:15 p.m.
until approximately
7:00 p.m., we host
Men’s Basketball Night
at the Coquille Indian Tribe Community
Center. Come join in
the fun while getting
into shape as well. If you have any questions
you can call Luke Clark at 541-888-9494 Ext.
20240.
Classes will be held every Tuesday
evening at 5:15 p.m. starting April 5th
through June 7th. For more information please contact Luke Clark at 541-888-9494 Ext. 20240.