TRIBE DISAPPOINTED WITH WIND ENERGY DECISION CITING FAILURE OF BOEM TO HONOR ITS OBLIGATIONS TO TRIBE AND IMPACTS TO FISHERIES, CULTURAL RESOURCES, AND HERITAGE
February 13, 2024
For Immediate Release
COOS BAY, OREGON – The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) are extremely disappointed in today’s decision by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) to finalize the Wind Energy Areas for offshore wind development in Oregon. Today’s decision authorizes approximately 195,012 acres for wind energy development, in areas that are within the Tribe’s ancestral territory, contain viewsheds of significant cultural and historic significance to the Tribe, and are important areas for Tribal fishing.
“Despite a federal obligation to consult on a government-to-government, the Tribe learned yesterday of BOEM’s impending decision from officials with the Oregon Governor’s office,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “BOEM had the courtesy to communicate its decision to the State well ahead of its public release and waited until the eleventh hour to send the Tribe an email about its decision. This illustrates well the failure of BOEM to meet its obligations to consult with the Tribe and to meaningfully consider its concerns. We would have at least expected a phone call from BOEM. We appreciate the Governor and her staff in reaching out to us.”
“BOEM’s press release states that it has ‘engaged’ with the Tribe, but that engagement has amounted to listening to the Tribe’s concerns and ignoring them and providing promises that they may be dealt with at some later stage of the process,” said Chair Kneaper. “BOEM has failed to recognize that wind development has impacted the Tribe and has failed to assure that wind energy development will do good and not harm the Tribe, its members, and the greater coastal community. The Tribe will not stand by while a project is developed that causes it more harm than good – this is simply green colonialism.”
In November 2023, the Tribal Council unanimously passed a resolution expressing its opposition to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon Coast. In multiple communications with BOEM, including comments submitted in November, the Tribe has consistently raised concerns about wind energy development. These comments include a request that important, cultural viewsheds be excluded from the WEAs and that wind development avoid areas critical to resident and migratory species, including important areas for fishing.
The Tribe’s concerns echo the concerns of other local governments, including Lane County and Coos County, which has expressed opposition to wind energy development, and resolutions of regional and national tribal organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians, which has called for a halt to the approval process until BOEM develops a process to consider Tribal impacts.
“The Tribe consistently asked BOEM to exclude important fishing areas from wind energy development. Fishing is an important industry on the Coast that employs tribal members and supports tribal businesses. Fish, including salmon, are also an important cultural and subsistence resource to the Tribe. Any impact on fish from wind development is going to harm our local jobs and the Tribe,” said Chair Kneaper. “We also have serious concerns for the environmental impacts that may occur as a result of this development. We simply don’t know yet how extensive those impacts may be. Today’s decision ignores these concerns.”
“The Tribe has called the Coast our home since Time Immemorial,” said Tribal Chief Doug Barrett. “The unique landscape, places of religious significance, viewsheds and traditional resources of our Ocean, bays, upland dunes, forests, archaeological features, cultural resources, and first foods connect us to our tribal ancestors. Our homelands and oceans have been the foundation of our way of life since time immemorial and remain a cornerstone of our Tribe to this day. As a confederation of coastal tribes deeply dependent on the Ocean and its rich resources, we assert a direct interest in the viewshed extending from our shores, encompassing a distance of at least twelve nautical miles beyond the continental shelf. We believe it is our inherent right to have the ability to see across our viewsheds, as this direct connection is integral to our cultural practices and traditional way of life. This connection empowers us to protect and conserve our cultural resources for the prosperity of our future generations. Our religious beliefs, traditional
practices, fishing, first foods, and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the broader Ocean. We are and have been stewards of our ocean and our ecosystems forever! BOEM’s decision today ignores the important cultural concerns consistently expressed by the Tribe, including impacts to our culturally significant viewsheds. We don’t want these places marred by development.”
In an October 31, 2023 letter to BOEM, the Tribe called upon BOEM to halt its process to allow for consideration of impacts of wind energy, including consideration of a congressionally mandated National Academy of Science study on wind energy impacts to fisheries on the West Coast.
“BOEM is proceeding without seriously considering or understanding the impacts of wind energy development,” said Chair Kneaper. “The Tribe will explore all options to ensure that its concerns are addressed in this process.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Announce Opening of New Three Rivers Health Center
Innovative Health Center to Open in Coos Bay, Oregon in Spring 2024.
NEWS PROVIDED BY Rodel Studios February 01, 2024, 23:07 GMT
COOS BAY, OR, USA, February 1, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) proudly announce the upcoming opening of the Three Rivers Health Center in Spring 2024, located at 150 S Wall Street, Coos Bay, OR 97420. This new healthcare facility represents a significant advancement in the availability of health services for SW Oregon, embodying a model of care that is both innovative and inclusive.
CTCLUSI purchased the old Banner Bank building in Empire in 2022 in hopes of creating a much-needed healthcare facility for the Tribal community and surrounding area. Members of the Tribal Council and staff gathered together at the site on August 8, 2023 for the official groundbreaking ceremony and construction is slated to be completed by the end of March, 2024.
Iliana Montiel, CTCLUSI Council Member and Assistant Director of Health Services, states, “This center has been a long time in the making. There has long been an identified need for extended mental health and primary health services for the area, and I’m just so happy to see that we’re finally getting this center going for our community.”
The new 5,500+ sq. ft. health center is poised to offer a range of healthcare services, integrating traditional and modern practices. Its innovative care model will support body, mind and spirit through medical, behavioral, pharmacy, telehealth and laboratory services, making it a unique and vital resource for the region.
John R. Reeves III, CTCLUSI Health Administrator, states, “The Three Rivers Health Center is not just a medical facility; it is a testament to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. We are integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices to provide a holistic approach to wellness. This center will be a beacon of hope and health for Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. And it will soon become an anchor as we continue to plan and expand services for our members who reside in Lane and Lincoln counties.”
Visit https://threerivers.health to learn more about Three Rivers Health Center and follow the progress as they work towards opening later this spring.
About Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI):
Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with ancestral lands in a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are a federally recognized tribe made up of three tribes: 2 bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos (Coos Proper), Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe; and Siuslaw Tribe. Their legacy is a mosaic of resilience, community and stewardship, embodying a deep connection to their ancestral lands and waters in coastal Oregon. Learn more about CTCLUSI at https://ctclusi.org.
R.J. Benner, Community Information Manager
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
+1 541-435-7175
rbenner@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Pop-up Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinics
Covid-19 and Flu vaccination clinics will be held at Coos Bay Tribal Community Center from 10am-2pm on January 17th, at the Florence Outreach Office from 10am-2pm on January 19th, and at the Eugene Outreach office from 10am-2pm on January 26th.
Clinics are sponsored by CTCLUSI Health Department in partnership with the Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center.
No insurance information needed. No sign-up, first come first serve.
Let’s protect the community from Covid-19 and Flu
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Elders Pension and Tribal Elders’ Supplemental Security Income Program Application Now Required
The CTCLUSI Enrollment Department will now be managing the application process for this Elders benefit. The current funding for each Tribal Elder at age 65 and beyond is $500.00 per month. Tribal Code Chapter 5-10 defines this program in two categories. One way is as an Elders Pension, another way its defined as Supplemental Security Income Program.
Due to the requirements of Tribal Code Chapter 5-10 Tribal Elders Pension and Tribal Elders Supplemental Security Income Program we are sending an application for you to complete and return.
Enrolled members who turn 65 years of age, can begin to receive this benefit the first month following their 65th birthday.
Once you complete your application, your checks will be mailed to the address you provide. There is an option for direct deposit, we ask that you reach out to the Finance Department for this process.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this new application process. Please let me know if you have any questions.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Important Special Election for Tribal Chief – Now Accepting Statements of Candidacy
Election Day: Sunday, February 11, 2024
Polls Open 12:00pm – 4:00pm at Tribal Hall, Coos Bay
Deadline for Position Statements for any Candidates to be included in the January newsletter is December 15, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
FINAL DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS IS: JANUARY 12, 2024
Any Position Statement for the Newsletter and to be included in the Ballot Mailing must be submitted by above deadlines.
Ballots will be mailed to every Registered Voter on January 19, 2024.
Forums for Tribal Chief Candidates: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (if more than one candidate submits)
In person option will be held at the Community Center in Coos Bay, Oregon. A Zoom link will be provided the day of the event here on the homepage of the CTCLUSI website.
For Election related questions please contact Jeannie Miller, Election Clerk at 541-888-7506 or jmiller@ctclusi.org
Term of Office for Chief: April 12, 2020 – April 14, 2030
Declared Candidates for Tribal Chief
| Candidate Name | Declared Date |
| Doug Barrett | 12-14-23 |
| Ashley Russell | 12-14-23 |
| Beaver Bowen | 12-15-23 |
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
TRIBE APPLAUDS OSU DECISION TO CONTINUE WORKINGTO ADDRESS TRIBAL CONCERNS REGARDING THEFUTURE OF THE ELLIOTT STATE FOREST
November 15, 2023, Coos Bay, Oregon – The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) applauds an announcement earlier this week from OSU President Jayathi Murthy recognizing that significant changes must be made to the proposed management direction for the Elliott State Research Forest. OSU’s announcement follows an October 20 letter from the Tribe to OSU that voiced serious concerns regarding the viability and ecological integrity of the proposed management direction for the Elliott.
The Tribe’s letter expressed concern that the proposed management direction would put the majority of the Elliott into no-touch reserves, where a sustainable and ecologically appropriate approach to stewardship would be precluded. Under the current proposal, approximately two-thirds of the Elliott would be designated as reserves where no harvest – not even selective harvest methods such as thinning – would be allowed following an initial treatment. This approach stands in contrast to a Tribal approach, which favors active stewardship to promote an ecologically diverse and resilient landscape.
“OSU’s decision demonstrates that it values its partnerships with the original inhabitants and stewards of these lands. We believe that putting the majority of the Elliott into reserves is misguided,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “Doing so ignores the fact that these forests have been stewarded by Tribal people since time immemorial. We traditionally used fire, pruning, harvesting, and planting to create a healthy and diverse landscape. As a result of this Tribal stewardship, the forest was not simply a closed-canopy forest. It included open areas such as meadows, and it included young as well as old trees. The forest was healthy, and helped to provide the Tribe with the culturally important species such as deer and elk, salmon and lamprey, berries, and cedar on which our people and our culture thrived.”
While reserves are promoted by some as a way to protect imperiled species that depend on old forests with large trees, the Tribe questions this approach. “Over time, these no-touch reserves will grow into an uninterrupted expanse of dark closed-canopy forest,” said Chair Kneaper. “These overgrown conditions lack diversity. They provide very little in terms of habitat for threatened species. They’re also prone to catastrophic, unnatural wildfire. These forests depend on human stewardship to maintain more open and diverse forest conditions, which benefits plans and animals as well as people.”
The Tribe’s letter also expressed concern over the operational and financial viability of the forest, both of which the Department of State Lands had promised would be cornerstones of any management plan for the Elliott. “The current proposal for the Elliott simply isn’t operationally or financially viable,” said Colin Beck, Director of Forest Management for the Tribe. “Lots of little compromises were made during the process of developing the current management direction for the Elliott. In the aggregate, those compromises would put us in a box where we have very little room to actually implement management projects.
In addition, anticipated management and research costs fall well short of projected revenues. This is one of the most productive forests in the world. It once generated millions of dollars annually for the Common School Fund. Management of the Elliott should serve as a model for other forests to follow, demonstrating that we can manage forests in a holistic and balanced way that also provides a level of economic output. An Elliott State Research Forest that can’t even break even would be seen as a failure, and it certainly wouldn’t be a model that others would want to emulate.”
OSU’s decision to delay final action on the Elliott and continue to work with the Tribe and stakeholder groups to address these concerns is a positive step in the right direction, and will prevent further damage to our Eco System. Unfortunately, a November 14 letter from DSL Director Vicki Walker sent in response to OSU’s decision reaffirms DSL’s commitment to moving forward with the current Research Proposal, Forest Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan.
The Tribe hopes that DSL will reevaluate this position and will continue to work with the Tribe rather than move forward against the opposition of the Tribe. “Our people have been here and have managed the Elliott since time immemorial. We have thousands of years of experience managing what we now call the Elliott,” said Chair Kneaper. “We hope that DSL will join OSU in recognize the value of this Indigenous Knowledge, and recommit to working with the Tribe to reach a solution that better meets the needs of wildlife, the Tribe, and the community as a whole.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
TRIBE PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, CITING IMPACTS TO FISHERIES, CULTURAL RESOURCES, AND HERITAGE
November 8, 2023, COOS BAY, OREGON – The Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) unanimously passed a resolution expressing its opposition to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon Coast. The resolution corresponds with the deadline for comments on the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) two draft Wind Energy Areas (“WEAs”) for development of wind energy in areas near Florence and Brookings.
“After meetings with the Director of BOEM, it was apparent to the Tribe that its concerns regarding offshore wind development’s impacts to fisheries and cultural resources were not going to be addressed in a meaningful way,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “The Tribe has not taken a position for offshore wind, but rather, we are at the table to learn about the impacts. We recognize that all energy development has impacts and BOEM has failed to provide assurance that wind energy development will do good and not harm the Tribe, its members, and the greater coastal community.”
In multiple communications with BOEM, including comments submitted this week on the WEAs, the Tribe has consistently raised concerns about wind energy development. These comments include a request that important, cultural viewsheds be excluded from the WEAs and that wind development avoid areas critical to resident and migratory species, including important areas for fishing.
“The Tribe also has consistently asked BOEM to exclude important fishing areas from wind energy development. Fishing is an important industry on the Coast that employs tribal members and supports tribal businesses. Fish, including salmon, are also an important cultural and subsistence resource to the Tribe. Any impact to fish from wind development is going to harm our local jobs and the Tribe,” said Chair Kneaper.
“Standards for green infrastructure should not be less than other energy development,” said Vice Chair Doug Barret. “Green infrastructure must not trump the federal government’s obligations to protect tribal resources. That is simply green colonialism. Because an energy is renewable is not justification enough to rush a process, to ignore or minimize adverse impacts to our community, environment, or cultural resources.”
“The Tribe remains open to working with the BOEM to resolve the issues raised in our comments,” said Chair Kneaper. “We plan to provide comments to BOEM on the WEAs, to provide testimony at the public hearings, and to coordinate with our local and state partners to address our concerns.”
“BOEM has demonstrated it is not serious about listening to the concerns of the Tribe or of our coastal communities,” said Chair Kneaper. “During a recent meeting, BOEM failed to follow through on a public testimony held in Coos Bay, and we repeatedly hear from our local government partners that BOEM has failed to connect or provide information about the impacts of wind energy development.”
The Tribe’s resolution echoes the concerns of other local governments, including Lane County and Coos County, which has expressed opposition to wind energy development, and resolutions of regional and national tribal organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians, which has called for a halt to the approval process until BOEM develops a process to consider Tribal impacts.
“This process is running roughshod over Tribal concerns, the concerns of commercial fishing, and local government. The Biden’s Administration of 30 gigawatts of wind energy by 2030, while an admirable goal, should not provide a blank check for BOEM to disregard the coastal resources that we hold dear,” said Chair Kneaper.
“The Tribe has called the Coast our home since Time Immemorial,” said Vice Chair Barrett. “The unique landscape, places of religious significance, viewsheds and traditional resources of our Ocean, bays, upland dunes, forests, archaeological features, cultural resources, and first foods connect us to our tribal ancestors. Our homelands and Ocean have been the foundation of our way of life since time immemorial and remains a cornerstone of our Tribe to this day. As a confederation of coastal tribes deeply dependent on the Ocean and its rich resources, we assert a direct interest in the viewshed extending from our shores, encompassing a distance of at least twelve nautical miles beyond the continental shelf. We believe it is our inherent right to have the ability to see across our viewsheds, as this direct connection is integral to our cultural practices and traditional way of life. This connection empowers us to protect and conserve our cultural resources for the prosperity of our future generations. Our religious beliefs, traditional practices, fishing, first foods and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the broader Ocean.”
In its October 31, 2023 comments to BOEM, the Tribe called upon BOEM to halt its process to allow for consideration of impacts of wind energy, including consideration of a congressionally mandated National Academy of Science study on wind energy impacts to fisheries on the West Coast.
The Resolution passed by the Tribal Council makes it clear that the Tribe will take all necessary action to oppose BOEM’s actions or otherwise ensure that invaluable natural and cultural resources are protected.
A copy of the Resolution and October 31, 2023 comments to BOEM are included with this press release.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter Walks On
A Celebration of Life to honor our Tribal Chief Donald (Doc) Slyter, will be held On November 18th at 1:00pm at the Community Center & Tribal Hall at 338 Wallace Ave Coos Bay, Oregon
All are welcome to attend.
After a long battle, Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter has left this world to rejoin the Creator. He passed at home surrounded by his family.
His lifelong perseverance, up until the very end, would certainly make our ancestral Warriors proud. Never one to back down or admit defeat, he fought for what he believed was right.
He spent nearly his entire life living on the Southern Oregon Coast. He was married to his wife Debbie for 50 years, yet another testimony of his commitment and determination.
At the time of his passing, Donald Slyter was the acting Chief for The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw. His lifelong involvement with the Confederated Tribes gave him the opportunity to witness their return to Recognized status in 1984, followed by 39 years of growth and success. Never content, Chief Slyter felt an obligation not only to those Tribal Members today, but also those of future generations.
His presence will be missed by many. Without doubt, his Spirit will watch over all friends and family. Additional information on plans to celebrate his life will be shared soon.
Sincerely,
His proud sons- Tyler and Scott Slyter
It is with a heavy heart and expressed sadness to learn of the passing of our beloved Chief Doc Slyter. Chief was a great man, a mentor and a friend to me and many others. I have known him for nearly 20 years and since I came to work for the Tribe back in 2004, he always had a word of wisdom for me. I have enjoyed working with him, and will miss the talks and interaction as he was very instrumental in our decision-making process. We did not always agree, but we always treated each other with respect and came away with a smile. My heart goes out to the family and the Tribal membership. It is never goodbye Chief, but we will see you again. I will provide more information as it becomes available. Please feel free to reach out to Tribal Council during this difficult time for our Tribe.
Brad Kneaper
Tribal Chair
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Fall Harvest Celebration 2023
To All Tribal Members and Families;
Due to the recent loss of our Tribal Chief, The Tribal Council sponsored Fall Harvest Event scheduled for November 18th has been Canceled.
For those who wish to attend :
A Celebration of Life to honor our Tribal Chief Donald (Doc) Slyter, will be held On November 18th at 1:00pm at the Community Center & Tribal Hall at 338 Wallace Ave Coos Bay, Oregon
All are welcome to attend.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Three Rivers Casino Resort Holiday Toy Drive
Media Contact
Rich Colton – 541-999-7942
Three Rivers Casino Resort Announces Holiday Toy Drive to Support Local Families
FLORENCE, Ore. – As the holiday season approaches, Three Rivers Casino is reaching out to its community
to make a difference in the lives of children in need. The Casino’s 19th annual Toy & Food Drive will run
from Nov. 1 to Dec. 6, inviting residents to join in the spirit of giving as the needs continue to grow.
Members of the community are encouraged to contribute by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more or donating three cans of non-perishable food items. Donors will receive $5 in free play at Three Rivers Casino.
“At Three Rivers Casino, we are deeply rooted in our community, and we understand the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season,” said Marguerite Morgan, Promotions Coordinator at Three Rivers. “We live here, we work here, and we want to ensure that children in our area experience the joy and magic of the holidays.”
Florence resident Liberty Kommer knows firsthand the importance of generosity. Having faced a childhood without the opportunity to receive a single toy or experience the warmth of the holiday season, Kommer has made it her personal mission to ensure that Florence-area children don’t go through the same experience.
Since 2020, Kommer has saved up $1,000 annually to purchase toys for local children, including last year’s
generous donation of a truckload of bicycles and helmets to the Toy & Food Drive. “These children need to understand how precious they are, how their lives are so important. We need to show those children we care about their wellbeing. So please, donate Christmas toys and gifts to the children of our community,” said Kommer.
In nearly two decades, the casino has collected thousands of toys for the local community. As the drive
concludes in December, all donated toys will be handed over to the local police station, ensuring that they find their way into the hands of children in Florence, brightening their holiday season.
“Drop a toy off, make a child’s life exciting and fun. It’ll bring joy to everybody here in our community,” said Morgan. Join Three Rivers Casino in making a positive impact this holiday season by participating in the Toy & Food Drive.
For more information, visit www.threeriverscasino.com
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News