FLORENCE, Ore. – Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence and Three Rivers Coos Bay is demonstrating its
unwavering commitment to the community through its 20th Annual Toy and Food Drive. This year’s drive collected 1,993 pounds of food for Florence Food Share while filling three pallets with toys. They also donated 30 bicycles to families in need. The team collected 1,609 pounds of food in Coos Bay and several dozen toys.

The annual drive started in November and ran through December 15. Guests generously donated toys and food and were even offered $5 in free slot play for each new, unwrapped toy or three cans of food donated.

“Guests come to the casino with an arm full of toys. Every time I look in our toy drop-off box, my heart makes a big smile,” said Marguerite Morgan, Promotions Supervisor at Three Rivers Casino. “The best part is when I call up our police station and say we’re on our way and have three crates full of toys and 30 bikes. The officers are coming out to greet us and take the toys to Santa’s station. I’m so grateful to the community for making a child’s Christmas merry.”

There’s no greater joy than knowing these toys will bring smiles to local families in need of a gift. That truly gives back,” said Lieutenant Larson, Florence Police Department.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a significant rise in new clients, including many seniors on fixed incomes. The food collected during this drive helps fill our shelves with essentials and ensures no one has to choose between rent and a meal during the holidays. Three Rivers Casino Resort’s support is invaluable, and we appreciate their generosity,” said Colin Morgan, executive director of Florence Food Share

This year’s drive aided families and strengthened the bonds between local organizations, volunteers, and the community. Officers from the Florence Police Department joined the effort to deliver toys to children and their families.

For more information, visit threeriverscasino.com

Three Rivers Casino Resort
Owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, Three Rivers Casino Resort has strong ties to the surrounding community along the Central Oregon Coast. As one of the largest employers in the area, Three Rivers provides resources and opportunities for both tribal and non-tribal members of the region. In addition to providing local jobs, Three Rivers sponsors local arts programs for both professional and children’s theater and donates to dozens of local and regional nonprofit organizations. It has become a pillar of community support; the philanthropic spirit of Three Rivers Casino is felt deeply on the Central Oregon Coast and statewide.

Media Contact:
Rich Colton, Director of Marketing
rcolton@threeriverscasino.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Yachats, OR – The 15th Annual Peace Hike: A Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance

On New Year’s Day, Yachats, Oregon will host the 15th Annual Peace Hike, a meaningful event that honors the legacy of the indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies during the 19th century.

The Peace Hike commemorates the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency (1860–1875), highlighting the story of Amanda, a blind Native American (Coos) woman who was forcibly separated from her daughter and marched barefoot with other captives over 80 miles of rugged terrain to the Alsea Subagency prison camp in Yachats in 1864. This annual gathering serves as a solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives and a celebration of the resilience of their descendants, many of whom participate in the event each year.

A Time for Reflection and Education
The Peace Hike invites participants to reflect on the atrocities faced by the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea Peoples and to deepen their understanding of this painful history. To support learning and reflection, participants are encouraged to:

• Watch the video “The Genocide of the Alsea Subagency”, narrated by Patricia Whereat Phillips, Miluk Coos, and the late Chief Donald Slyter of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6D-wkqXGy0.
• Explore the detailed Amanda’s Trail Curriculum, created by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians: https://ctsi.nsn.us/sb-13-curriculum/#7th-grade.

Schedule of Events
The day will be filled with ceremonies, reflections, and guided trail walks designed to honor the past and bring the community together:

• 9:30 AM – The Yachats Community Drum will be available at the Yachats Commons (441 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 94798), and drumming will begin.
• 10:00 AM – A fire will be lit at the Commons, marking the start of the opening ceremony, which will include storytelling by Tribal members and the recounting of Amanda’s story.
• 10:30 AM – Trail walks commence. Participants may choose from several trail options indicated on a map designed by the Yachats Trails Committee and available at the Commons. Those hiking to the Amanda Gathering Area (2.2 miles south of the Commons) will have parking options available for those not wishing to hike the full distance. Volunteers at the Commons will provide instructions. A ceremonial fire will be lit both at the Amanda Gathering Area and the Commons, where participants can place cedar sprigs.
• 12:00 PM – A special ceremony, led by Tribal members, will take place at the Amanda Gathering Area.
• 1:00 PM – Both the Amanda Gathering Area and the Commons will hold closing ceremonies. Participants are invited to place their cedar sprigs in the ceremonial fires, which will then be respectfully closed.

Water, energy bars, and cookies generously prepared by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at both the Commons and the Amanda Gathering Area.

Additional Highlights

• All participants will receive a beautifully crafted Peace Hike button designed by artist Morgan Gaines, Quuiich (Lower Umpqua), of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.
• Committee members will be on hand at the Yachats Commons to provide guidance, maps, and answer any questions.

Acknowledging Our Sponsors

This year’s Peace Hike is made possible through the generous support of:

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Yachats Gem of the Oregon Coast, The Oregon Coast, Yachats Ladies Club, View the Future, Visit Yachats Oregon, Oregon State Parks.

Join the Community in Honoring the Past The Peace Hike is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to remember and learn from the past. Everyone is welcome to join this meaningful event in Yachats, a community dedicated to honoring its history while fostering healing and unity for the future.

For more information, please contact:   joannekittel@viewthefuture.org or yachatstrails@gmail.com  

*program application now closed

Deadline was September 27th!

Greetings from the Education Department. We are excited to announce that we will be able to fund students for the Dress for Success Scholarship. This program offers $250 per enrolled CTCLUSI K – 12 student in a tribal household or eligible higher education student. The Dress for Success program provides financial support to tribal students K-12 and higher education students aged 24 or younger to help them prepare for academic success through a $250 payment per student. The tribe’s education department offers this program to ensure tribal students have the necessary resources for their education.

Dress for Success Scholarship Criteria:

Students K-12th Grade that are enrolled CTCLUSI Tribal Members.
Kindergarten age students must have turned 5 by September 1st, 2024 to qualify
Higher Education Students up to 24 years of age, that were still 24 by September 1st, 2024. These students must have been actively enrolled, and have attended a higher education program during the 2023-2024 academic year, and are also signed up to attend for Fall 2024-2025.

Deadline has passed and we are no longer taking applications at this time.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the education staff at education@ctclusi.org or 541-888-1318

Congratulations to all students who are graduating or progressing in their education this year! The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians are proud to honor your achievements and invite you to participate in our Annual Graduation Celebration on August 10th, 2024.

Student Recognition will be held in person at the CTCLUSI Community Center at 338 Wallace Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420. Event begins at 11:00 a.m.

For more information please contact Morgan Cloud at 541-888-1319 or email mcloud@ctclusi.org

Please RSVP by filling out the online form using the link provided.