CCDF Fiscal Year 2023-2025 New Plan Public Hearing
Please join me via ZOOM, for the CCDF Fiscal Year 2023-2025 New Plan Public Hearing!
Monday, February 6, 2023, from 4p-5p PST.
Please contact Meagan Davenport at 541-888-7509 or mdavenport@ctclusi.org
for any questions prior to the meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84069646049?pwd=Zm9ZcXJabVRwT0RtQXVPcjladWlMZz09
Meeting ID: 840 6964 6049
Passcode: 606848
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
4th Annual Winter Storytelling
geluu, basaq’/hechit’ (winter storytelling!)
Join us for a traditional meal and winter storytelling.
Tribal Hall, Saturday, February 10, 2023
Doors Open 5:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m.
Storytelling at 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Cultural Coalition
Sponsored by the Oregon Cultural Trust and Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82138336162
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
PRC 2023 Application for Health Care Services
Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program for FY2023. You must submit a new
application each year for each PRC-eligible Tribal member in your household.
This year, the deadline for applications is Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
If an application is received after January 31, 2023, PRC will only pay claims 90 days prior to the date the application was submitted for that calendar year.
Please be sure to upload the front and back of your insurance card to ensure we have the most current information.
You must complete a separate form for each PRC-eligible family member.
Please call PRC at (541) 888-4873 or (800) 227-0392 to have a hard-copy application mailed to you or with any questions.
Original post date: November 1, 2022 at 5:38 p.m.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Council Election 2023
Next Tribal Council Election will be held on April 9, 2023.
Each Council member shall be elected for a four (4) year term at the appropriate General Council meeting in the year of the expired term. Council Positions #1, #3, and #5 shall be elected in odd-numbered years. Positions #2, #4 and #6 shall be elected in even-numbered years.
7-3-23 Candidate Eligibility
According to the Tribal Constitution (Article VIII, Section 4(a)), in order to be eligible for election to a Tribal Council position, candidates shall meet the following qualifications:
(a) Be a duly enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes;
(b) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(c) Never have been previously removed from office for good cause after
the date the Tribal Constitution was ratified. (May 23, 1987).
7-3-24 Candidacy Procedures
(a) Statements of Candidacy
(1) Candidates shall file Statements of Candidacy no later than thirty (30) days before the scheduled date of the election. CLUSI Const. Art. VIII, Section 4(c).
(2) Statements of Candidacy must be filed with the Election Board either by mail, hand delivered to the Tribal Administrative offices, or delivered to the Election Board Chairperson. In order to verify timeliness of filing, a candidate may request a statement of receipt of said Statement of Candidacy from whoever receives the statement. The statement shall state, at a minimum, the name of the person accepting the statement, name, roll number and signature of the person presenting the statement, and date and time of the transaction.
(3) Each candidate shall indicate the position for which he or she is filing. Once a person has filed for a position, he or she will not be allowed to change positions or to withdraw and refile for the same election.
(4) Candidates may request that additional materials be mailed, at the candidate’s expense, to all eligible voters. The additional materials shall be provided to the Election Clerk with return addresses and proper postage affixed. The Election Clerk will affix mailing labels and submit to the post office for mailing.
For a complete Election Code please see Tribal Code, Ch 7-3 Elections.
Deadline to Submit a Statement of Candidacy: March 10, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
Current Declared Candidates
Tribal Council Election April 9, 2023
For Positions #1, #3 and #5
Posted in the order received by position as of 2/2/2023
| Position Number | Candidate | Declared Date |
| Position #1 | Debbie Bossley | 1-26-2023 |
| Position #1 | Enna Helms | 1-30-2023 |
| Position #3 | Julie Siestreem | 1-10-2023 |
| Position #3 | Jeremy Petrie | 1-26-2023 |
| Position #5 | Iliana Montiel | 1-27-2023 |
| Position #5 | Henry (Kip) Brainard | 2-1-2023 |
Candidates who have submitted a Position Statement will have their names appear below in a teal button. Click the buttons below to open and read candidate statements.
Candidate Forum Information
Candidates are not required to participate; however, there will be an opportunity for any candidate to meet with the membership and have a question/answer session.
Saturday, March 11, 2023
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location in Person: The Community Center in Coos Bay.
Virtual: A zoom link will be provided.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
2023 New Years Day Peace Hike
9:30 AM – 1: PM
Picnic Shelter behind the Yachats Commons at 4th-5th Street and Highway 101.
Given the ever-shifting impact of Covid and the absolute need to keep the Peace Hike activities safe, the Yachats Trails Team will continue having the format be a combination of live and virtual experiences. There will be no indoor ceremony but there are a number of ways to manifest and celebrate peace throughout the day, both outdoors and within one’s home or shelter.
The Peace Hike traditionally honors the memory of a blind Native American (Coos) woman named Amanda who was forcibly taken away from her daughter and marched 80 miles with other captives all barefoot through the rocky terrain to the Alsea Sub-agency prison camp in what is now Yachats in 1864.
To truly understand the government sponsored genocidal policies that led to the murder and suffering of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw and Alsea Peoples, watch a video narrated by Patricia Whereat Phillips, Miluk Coos, member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) and Donald Slyter, Chief of the CTCLUSI. www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6D-wkqXGy0
Cedar is a sacred tree for many tribes of the Pacific Northwest. On January 1, anyone interested in exploring Cedar in prayers is invited to take a Cedar sprig from a basket outside the Commons at the Picnic Shelter or at the Bears’ Statue on the Amanda Trail. From there they can take the sprig and walk with it holding their vision of peace and what it means in one’s life.
On New Year’s Day (weather dependent) this year’s Yachats Trails Committee has composed a map of alternative trails that allow everyone to hike or walk where they are most comfortable in addition to those who want to hike to the Amanda Gathering Area. Committee members will be on hand to answer questions and provide maps and guidance at the Lions Picnic Shelter behind the Yachats Commons.
There will be two small ceremonial fires in which to place the Cedar sprigs – one near the picnic shelter and one at the Amanda Gathering Area for those who hike the Amanda Trail.
Schedule
9:30AM – The Yachats Community Drum will be available, and drumming will start at the picnic shelter.
10 AM. Fire will be lit, and the ceremony will begin in part led by Tribal members including the telling of the Amanda story.
10:30 – Participants will walk with their cedar sprig on the trail they have chosen, return to the fire where they will place the Cedar sprig, to add their prayers or visions for the new year.
For those hiking to the Amanda Gathering Area, which is 2.2 miles south from the Commons, there will be several options to park to lessen that distance.
12 PM – There will be a ceremony conducted by Tribal members at the Amanda Gathering area and a fire to which to lay one’s Cedar sprig.
1:00PM – There will be closing of the fires at both locations.
Water, energy bars and delicious cookies prepared and generously donated by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at the Picnic Shelter and the Amanda Gathering Area.
All participants will be given Peace hike buttons.
This year’s Peace Hike button has been beautifully created by artist Loren Dickinson and Bette Perman.
If you have hiked or celebrated peace throughout the day, both outdoors and at home or shelter and were unable to participate directly, you may pick up peace hike buttons at the Yachats Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center located at 2nd Street and Highway 101.
The Yachats Trails Committee wishes you peace and good fortune during this time of many celebrations and in the year to come.
It is through the Tribes’ and community endeavors with the Amanda and Ya’Xaik Trails that many people have become aware of the need to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and to be more conscious of the need to treat people of all cultures throughout the world with honor, dignity and respect.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Three Rivers Foundation Grant Cycle Now Open
visit ThreeRiversFoundation.org for more information and to file a grant application
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Winter Solstice Celebration 2022
Join us for an all day celebration at Tribal Hall in Coos Bay, Oregon.
December 20th: Women’s Sweat at 5:30 p.m.
Ceremonial Fire at midnight
December 21st: Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m.
Storytelling from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. via zoom
Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Sweat and Lamtl’am tournament to follow
Please RSVP for dinner at 1-888-365-7155
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Harvest Shellfish? Take Survey for Chance to Win $50!
Contributed by
Taylor Dodrill, Portland State University and South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Janet Niessner, Environmental Scientist, CTCLUSI
Do you harvest shellfish recreationally? Are you 18 or older? Please take our 10-minute survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local business.
This survey is a part of a study being done by a Portland State University graduate student in collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Department of Culture and Natural Resources, the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The purpose of this study is to understand how shellfish harvesters view their risk of shellfish poisoning caused by harmful algal blooms (HABs), and to understand their preferences for management of fisheries during harmful algal blooms. The results will be used to develop a report that may be published in a scientific journal and to provide guidance to local managers on making coastal communities more resilient to harmful algal blooms.
To learn about HABs and the health risks associated, go to EPA.gov/cyanohabs. For any questions regarding this project and survey please contact Taylor Dodrill at tdodrill@pdx.edu.
All survey answers are anonymous, and the combined results will be made public after all survey data have been analyzed. We plan to use this information to improve safety information provided to shellfish harvesters.
You can find the survey at: https://forms.office.com/g/M3Ja7apBsR
Original post date: August 10, 2022
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Office Halloween Treats
This Halloween, the Tribal Offices and the Housing Department will be offering Halloween goodie bags to youth of Tribal families. From 3:00 to 5:00 pm (PST) on All Hallows Eve, stop by any Tribal government office near you to receive a Halloween goodie bag. Participating offices are the Main CTCLUSI Government Office & the Housing Office in Coos Bay, Florence Outreach Office, & the Eugene Outreach Office. k’ele/luuwii/iisha/hiisa (Thank you) to those who put together these amazing goodie bags. We can’t wait to see everyone in their ghoultastic costumes from 3:00-5:00pm (PST) on Halloween.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Hunting, (Trapping) Fishing and Gathering Special Election Results Are In
October 22, 2022 Special Election Results
Yes vote 338
No Vote 1
Special Election timeline
July, August and September 2022 The Voice of CLUSI, Tribal Newsletters offered full detailed articles each month, giving membership information about recent agreements that have been made with other Tribes in Oregon and Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) specifically.
On September 8, 2022: A detailed information packet was mailed out to every member 18 years of age and older.
On September 11, 2022: Tribal Council passed a Resolution to call the Election Board to facilitate a Special Election.
On September 12, 2022: The Election Board met and set the date of October 22, 2022 for the Special Election to be held.
On September 14, 2022: A postcard mailing was sent to every household providing official notice of the upcoming Special Election on October 22, 2022 and Public Comment Zoom Meeting Question and Answer Forum to be held September 22, 2022.
On September 20, 2022: An auto dialer phone message went to all members 18 years of age and older with working phone numbers, reminding them of the Public Comment Zoom Meeting Question and Answer Forum to be held September 22, 2022.
On September 22, 2022: A Public Comment Zoom Meeting Question and Answer Forum was held for all the General Council to participate.
On September 28, 2022: At a Tribal Council Business Meeting, the Council approved the final draft of the ‘Question’ after receiving input from the General Council. If you have any questions about this Special Election, please contact Enrollment, enrollment@ctclusi.org or call 541-888-9577 and ask for the Election Clerk.
On October 22, 2022: Special Election Day. Polls open for in person voting at Tribal Hall in Coos Bay, Oregon from 12 (noon) to 4:00 p.m.
VOTER EDUCATION GUIDE
What will a YES or NO vote mean?
Voting “YES” for this issue will authorize the Tribal Council to negotiate and adopt an agreement with the State of Oregon for hunting, trapping and fishing, that would be regulated by the Tribe and not the State. Under the agreement, the Tribe, the State, and other Oregon Tribes would jointly develop annual harvest limits designed to conserve and protect species. The method of hunt and other regulations would be set solely by the Tribe and the Tribe would issue any required permits and tags to its members. The vote would also allow the Tribal Council to work with federal and state land management agencies, local governments, and private landowners to develop agreements increasing Tribal member opportunities to gather under Tribal permits and regulations and free from any other permitting requirements. Agreements allowed by this vote would set a precedent for the recognition of these rights and make it clear that regulation is subject to Tribal and not state or federal permitting requirements.
Voting “NO” maintains the status quo and would not allow the Tribe to enter into agreements that provide for expansion, enhancement, and protection of hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering opportunities. Without these agreements, Tribal members could be subject to efforts of state, federal, or local entities to continue to enforce their regulations, fees, and permitting requirements.
Why have this vote now?
The Oregon Governor and the current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Director are supportive of entering into an agreement with the Tribe. The State has already entered into a similar agreement with the Coquille Tribe, our closest neighboring Tribe. Our Governor leaves office at the end of the year and we simply do not know who the governor will be and how they view this issue. Time is of the essence to get these agreements in place.
Why is there a vote on this? How did the vote go for other Tribes?
The CTCLUSI Constitution requires a vote of the membership in order to negotiate, settle, or diminish hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering rights. This prohibits the Tribal Council from even beginning negotiations until the membership approves this. Other Tribes do not have this restriction in their Constitutions and their Tribal Councils are free to negotiate agreements that will enhance Tribal member rights without a vote.
Does this allow the Tribal Council to give away Tribal rights?
This measure is drafted narrowly to only allow the Tribal Council to enter into agreements that will enhance or expand the hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering rights of Tribal members. This would prohibit the Tribe from giving away or impairing opportunities. The language of the measure also contains language that limits the Tribal Council from giving away any rights – “… provided that Tribal Council shall not be authorized to enter into any agreement that diminishes and waives any hunting, trapping, fishing, or gathering rights of the Tribe.” An agreement that gives away rights would be unlawful and could be struck down by the Tribal Court.
The measure is also narrowly drafted to: (1) allow the Tribal Council to negotiate a hunting, trapping and fishing agreement similar to the Coquille Tribe and (2) allow the Tribal Council to reach agreements with state and federal land management agencies, local government, and private landowners to enhance gathering opportunities and provide Tribal members with legal protection if they are gathering on those lands.
Lastly, Tribal Council will provide an update in the Tribal Newsletter, on the Tribes website and at future Council Meetings as to the status of any negotiation activity.
Where can I get copy of the Coquille Tribe’s agreement with the State? Here is a copy of the complete Coquille Tribe’s agreement with Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
Your participation is vital, no matter where you live in the US. If we don’t have enough participation this will not be a valid election. Please VOTE.
PLEASE REGISTER AND VOTE!
Contact Jeannie McNeil jmcneil@ctclusi.org or call 541-888-9577 for the Election Clerk to be sure you are registered.
Special Election Day: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Polls will be located at the Tribal Hall, Coos Bay, Oregon from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. You may vote in person at the polling place, and register to vote in person if you have not done so.
Ballots will be mailed to every registered voter on September 29, 2022. You must be registered to receive a ballot by mail.
TRIBAL CONSTITUTION / ELECTION INFORMATION
Below are areas of the Constitution that state why this Special Election is necessary. Our Tribal laws require a vote of the membership to grant authority to the Tribe to negotiate and/or enter in to any agreements related to Hunting, Trapping, Fishing and Gathering with any other entity as outlined below.
Article II Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Rights
Nothing in this constitution shall be construed as restricting the exercise of hunting, fishing or gathering rights of members, to the fullest extent permitted by law. No tribal decision affection such hunting, fishing or gathering rights shall be made except by a full vote of Tribal membership.
Article V –Section 1. General Council
(g) Exercise those powers of fundamental changes in the Tribes jurisdiction, reservation lands, or rights specified in Article VI, Section 3(a) ….below.
The VOTE
Article VI, Section 3. General Council Authority
(a) Before taking any action with regards to the following matters, the tribal council shall obtain the approval of three- fourths (3/4) of the membership in a vote in which at least thirty -five (35) percent of the membership of the general council participates, such vote may be taken by mail.
The language of the Tribal Constitution below identifies what is required for participation and the numbers needed to pass in the upcoming vote of the Special Election.
| Current CTCLUSI Membership 18+ Eligible to Vote | Members Registered to VOTE as of TODAY | Minimum Members Needed to Participate to validate this Special Election | Minimum approval needed for to Pass |
| 915 | 596 | 320 | 240 |
ONLY those members REGISTERED will receive a ballot. Election Registrations are valid for 10 years. Some of our Tribal Members registrations have expired and others have never registered to vote.
Participation
We will NEED to receive the required minimum number of ballots listed on the previous page for the Special Election to be considered valid and counted.
Historically, in Tribal Council Elections participation has not reached these number, however Council Elections do not require this specific participation criteria.
YES or NO – Approve or Fail
In order for the ballot initiative to pass in this type of Special Election it is also required special tabulation. It means three fourths (3/4) of the membership must be in favor and vote yes for this to pass.
All CTCLUSI Members 18+ are needed to participate in the upcoming Special Election
For more information please contact Jeannie McNeil 541-888-9577, jmcneil@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News