Daii, Niishanax (Hello)

On Saturday, August 4, 2018, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) held a historical Land Bill Ceremony at Gregory Point, Coos Bay, Oregon in recognition of the Western Oregon Fairness Act having been signed into Public Law on January 8, 2018. The Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act cedes 14,742 acres to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and 17,519 acres of federal land to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians. The bill also amends the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Restoration Act to require the Interior Department to manage their forest lands in the same manner as other Tribal forests. Chief Warren Brainard shared in his opening remarks that “This day has been long in coming. For these many years after the Federal restoration of the Tribe, we have sought a land base that would provide for the economic, social and economic revitalization of our community.” Tribal Chairman Mark Ingersoll welcomed Tribal membership and a number of honored guests. “I would like to recognize and thank those from our delegation: Senator Wyden, Senator Merkley and Congressman DeFazio or their representatives. The delegation championed our cause for many years… I would also like to other state and federal partners who helped us along the way. The Bureau of Land Management and Indian Affairs who worked with us on the selection, mapping of the land, the many other administrative details that have led us to this day. Thank you also to our State and Local Representatives who are here today. We have appreciated your support over the years.” Bodie Shaw, Deputy Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Jamie Connell, Oregon and Washington State Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and Amy Amrhein, Field Representative on behalf of Senator Merkley, all spoke during the ceremony and shared similar sentiments of congratulations and encouragement for the Tribe moving forward. The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians is extremely grateful to members of Tribal Council, both current and past, as well as to the countless Tribal Government staff, and community partners, Senators, and Representatives who have aided in seeing this bill pass through the Senate. Due to the hard work, dedications, and determination of so many, the Tribe is seeing some restitution from the federal government. A thank you to all who have helped us achieve this goal of once again becoming stewards of our home lands, and building a sustainable future for the next seven generations. Hiis Haiyach (With a Good Heart)

Photograph taken by Morgan Gaines