Language Nest Program YouTube Watch Party for Upcoming Children’s Books Release
Language Nest Spring Update
Our Spring Littles Language classes wrapped up, and we are so inspired by all of the progress our young learners have made across miluk, hanis and sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich! We are watching the littles build confidence in speaking their language, listening to stories about how they are singing songs and carrying words forward into their homes, and connecting with their culture through fun, relevant, and play-based learning.
The Language Nest Program is thriving because of the capacity of our Language Nest Facilitators coming on board helping to build language materials, seeing our Elders Madeline Knowlton (miluk), Tammy Evarts (miluk), iila Kirk (hanis), and Cynthia Hovind (siuslaw) present and speaking language and bringing their wisdom and heart into the learning space, while youth facilitators present and model language with enthusiasm and connection. The Language Nest program is structures to bridge generations and help littles ones see themselves as part pf a living language community. – Enna Helms, miluk, hanis, wa’as Language Teacher
We welcome more Elders and young people to get involved!
miluk sha’la’la (Baby Seagulls) update: sha’la’la miluk Little’s Language class went well this spring term. We covered colors, numbers, family, bugs, and more. Isa Helms, miluk language nest youth facilitator, and Madeline Knowlton, elder, joined our classroom space and brought sport and engagement for our littles. It was so positive to see our littles speaking the language in their homes. – Ashley Vandevort, miluk Language Nest Facilitator
hanis pu’uuk’ (Fawns) update: Language Nest finished Spring 2025 classes on June 14th! hanis had a pretty successful term. We played games, sang songs, colored, and learned basic vocabulary around themes like colors, numbers, and bugs! We had a small class size of 1-3 students each week, and I’d love to have more in the Fall! – Naomi Biesanz, hanis Language Nest Facilitator
wa’as nikanishk’an (Baby Turtles) update: This June we finished up our last class for the Spring Little’s Language Classes and I believe that our nikanishk’an classes this Spring went very smoothly. The kids were picking up and remembering things from the previous weeks, which was amazing and exactly what we were hoping to see! I am excited to watch the kids grow further in their language development in not only sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich, but in all three of our languages.
Language is a huge part of our culture, and I am so glad to be a part of making sure it continues to be passed on. That being said, I encourage all parents to look into classes for your little’s this fall to come and learn your respective language, while also growing with your community. I hope to see you there! – Kris Wing, wa’as Language Nest Facilitator
Language Nest Resources: Our language learning resources are growing, and more are in the works. To date, please check out the following:
Google Classroom
The Language Nest Program posts weekly during our Littles Program. To access, please send us your Gmail address and we can set you up to access language materials and resources.
Book Creator – digital books
1) Download Book Creator App 2) Send us your email account to be added to the library
YouTube Launch
The Tribe has officially launched a YouTube channel for each of the three languages. To access, type in the YouTube URL the following:
@miluk-language @hanis-language @waas-language
YouTube Watch Party
Join us in premier videos of our children books! See below the following times of each video: July 7th (miluk) July 8th (hanis) and July 9th (wa’as)
| Date: July 7th, Premier Time: | miluk | Direct Link to video |
| 2:00 p.m. (pst) | miluk tɬiis kߴellis – miluk Sound Chart – miluk | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGbL21fQyP4 |
| 2:10 p.m. (pst) | tɬə ɬtߴayau dai – The Hello Book – miluk | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaZ8dCE6As |
| 2:15 p.m. (pst) | tahii kiyawas – Garden Bugs – miluk | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtioqnkK3GY |
| 2:20 p.m. (pst) | tɬəx̣ sel tɬə suuweɬije – From Head to Toes – miluk | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bvIko40NqE |
| 2:30 p.m. (pst) | miluk tɬiis hiime kߴellis – miluk Littles Sound Chart | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGnc5a-Z5g |
| Date: July 8th, Premier Time: | hanis | Direct Link to video |
| 2:00 p.m. (pst) | hanis chʼeiɬ tɬʼiiʼiis (hanis sound chart adult) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkRCXdAyASo |
| 2:10 p.m. (pst) | lə schaiyuu dai (hanis hello book) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m-mUAkOgqU |
| 2:15 p.m. (pst) | tɬxanii kiiyawa (hanis garden bugs) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f1e_AWLb3w |
| 2:20 p.m. (pst) | hanis From Head to Toes | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2jy-VEQzfs |
| 2:30 p.m. (pst) | hanis ch’eiɬ tɬ’ii’iis (hanis littles sound chart) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVSt60aixnM |
| Date: July 9th, Premier Time: | wa’as | Direct Link to video |
| 2:00 p.m. (pst) | sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich wa’asishk’in (wa’as Sound Chart-Classroom) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7zgYS5BOSs |
| 2:10 p.m. (pst) | wa’as – niishanax ants kwətsa (Hello Book) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVAowASB-yk |
| 2:15 p.m. (pst) | wa’as – pa’naq t’əmuuxwishk’in (Garden Bugs) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-ypc2sbG38 |
| 2:20 p.m. (pst) | wa’as – qamlisa(s)/xwakaya(q) ants takwach (Head to Toes) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-sqoZmV7io |
| 2:30 p.m. (pst) | wa’as-nikanishk’an wa’asishk’in (Little’s Sound Chart) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHFv604-Yl0 |
| Available NOW | multilingual | Direct Link to Video |
| Available NOW | ASL Language Nest Talking Hands Multilingual | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGjZuTe-p8c&t=3s |
Questions? Want to sign up for language classes or learn more? Contact languag@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
FREE Health Screenings offered by Three Rivers Health Center in Coos Bay and Florence
The Three Rivers Health Center, owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians is hosting FREE Health Screenings for the Coos Bay and Florence Communities!
Vision and hearing checks
ASQs (Ages & Stages Questionnaires) for children
Health info and follow-up support
Early Literacy and School Readiness Screenings
Free Dental Screenings for CTCLUSI Tribal Families
All are welcome—no insurance or appointment needed.
Coos Bay: June 23-26
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Building, 250 Hull Street, Coos Bay, Oregon
Florence: June 27
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CTCLUSI Outreach Office, 3457 Hwy 101, Florence, Oregon
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Notice: Regulated Closure of Tribal Forest, Effective Immediately
Due to increasing fire danger and the potential for loss and damage to Tribal resources from
wildfire, the following Tribal Forest Regulated Closure is issued effective immediately. The
Regulated Closure is implemented at the start of fire season and the Industrial Fire Precaution
Level (IFPL) is declared at Level 1.
- Motorized and non-motorized travel is permitted across the roads listed below for the limited
purpose of accessing private and public lands that remain open to public use. - All Public Access is Prohibited on the Tribal Lands, including parking and recreational
use - Tribal Members and their Families, Employees and Approved Contractors have access to the lands,
but are required to carry basic fire tools that meet the IFPL Level 1 Requirements.
✓ No Fires
✓ 1 round pointed shovel at least 8 inches wide, with a handle at least 26 inches long
✓ 1 axe or Pulaski with 26 inch handle or longer
✓ 1 fire extinguisher not less than 5 pounds rated ABC.
This Regulated Closure shall remain in effect until it is withdrawn by the Forest Lands Manager. In
the Situation where the IFPL is increased to a Higher Status, additional communication will be
distributed.
Current IFPL & Public Use Restriction levels can be determined by calling the appropriate number as
listed below, or by visiting: http://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html
| Tribal Forest Area | Fire Protection Responsibility | Fire Protection | Contact for Latest IFPL Level |
| Lake Tract | ODF — Western Lane District | WT-1 | (541) 935-2222 |
| Smith Tract | ODF — Western Lane District | WT-1 | (541) 935-2222 |
| Tioga Tract | Coos Fire Protection Association | CS-2 | (541) 267-1789 |
| Macy Tract | Coos Fire Protection Association | CS-1 | (541) 267-1789 |
| Umpqua Eden | Coos Fire Protection Association | CS-1 | (541) 267-1789 |
| Coos Head | Coos Fire Protection Association | CS-1 | (541) 267-1789 |
| Talbot Tract | Coos Fire Protection Association | CS-1 | (541) 267-1789 |
Affected Areas include:
- Lake Creek Road (Lake Tract)
- Prairie Mountain Road (Lake Tract)
- Mill Pond Road (Lake Tract)
- East Fork Spencer Creek Road (Smith Tract)
- Coon Creek Ridge Road (Smith Tract)
- Johnson Creek Ridge Road (Smith Tract)
- Burnt Creek Ridge Road (Tioga Tract)
- Bastendorf Beach Road (Coos Head)
- Coos Head Road (Coos Head)
- Coos Head Loop (Coos Head)
- Chicken Loop Road (Coos Head)
- The Forest Lands Manager may issue waivers to this closure order. Such waivers shall only be
valid if they are in writing, dated, and carried by the person(s) having been granted the waiver.
Waivers shall expire at the end of fire season, unless a shorter term is specified in the waiver.
Waivers are revocable at any time.
Thank you for helping to protect CTCLUSI’s Tribal Forest. Please contact the Lead Forester, Ryan
Bronson, at (541) 530-9038 or rbronson@ctclusi.org if you have any questions or concerns.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Back-to-School Support Application Now Open!
The CTLUSI Language Back-to-School Clothing Program Application is Now Open. To be eligible, there must be at least one enrolled CLUSI Tribal member in the household. All K–12 youth living in that household are eligible to receive clothing. Only parents or legal guardians of eligible youth are permitted to complete this form. Submissions from individuals who do not meet this requirement will not be processed.
Please complete one entry per child.
Please double-check your email to ensure you receive your ordering code.
For questions or assistance, contact Amanda Craig at acraig@ctclusi.org
Applications Now Closed
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Three Rivers Foundation Awards $720,000 in Grants to Empower Oregon Nonprofits and Strengthen Communities
Florence, Ore. — The Three Rivers Foundation, the charitable arm of Three Rivers Casino Resort, awarded
$720,000 in grants in 2025 to 60 organizations across Oregon. From rural fire departments to food pantries, youth advocacy programs to mental health services, the Foundation’s annual grants continue to create a lasting impact.
The Foundation was established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians to give back to communities across Oregon. Each year, funds generated through casino revenue are reinvested in the region through grants to nonprofits.
“Giving is at the heart of who we are as the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw
Indians,” said Tribal Chief Doug Barrett. “This year, we’re proud to give nearly three-quarters of a million
dollars to nonprofits that support families, equip first responders, and care for our children. The need is great not just in our community, but across the region and we’re honored to share our resources in the spirit of giving that defines our people.”
A wide range of community organizations across southwestern Oregon received grant support to strengthen emergency services, youth programs, and essential needs. Fire departments from North Bend to Winchester Bay are acquiring new equipment, receiving training, and gaining volunteer support, while youth-focused groups such as CASA of Lane County, Creswell Clubhouse, and Safe Shelter for Siuslaw Students are expanding their services to support children and families in need.
At a luncheon held on June 3 at the Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence, representatives from all the
nonprofits gathered to receive their checks.
“Thanks to support from the Three Rivers Foundation, we can provide essentials like bunk beds and car seat items that often go unmet, to over 60 children in foster care. This funding helps ensure kids have a safe place to sleep and makes it possible to keep siblings together in loving homes,” said Jennifer Brown, Director of Generosity and Investment, Every Child Lane County. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Three Rivers Foundation for their $15,000 grant, which will help us provide meals to more than 230 homebound seniors in Roseburg and Winchester,” said Victory Webber, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Roseburg. “As demand continues to grow and funding becomes harder to secure, support like this is so great. For many of our clients, their Meals on Wheels driver may be the only person they see all day. Being able to support all those nonprofits is just a huge blessing for everybody.”
Additional funding is helping to combat food insecurity through programs like Florence Food Share, while
groups such as NAMI Lane County and Our Community Birth Center are improving access to mental and
maternal health care, while support for SquareOne Villages addresses housing needs.
“The Three Rivers Foundation awarded us $33,250 for five Flock cameras and two years of service,” said
Florence Police Chief John Pitcher. “This technology is a major benefit to public safety and the safety of our community. It helps us track stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and support investigations. Even the one camera we tested has already made a real impact.”
“The Three Rivers Foundation has been so generous, and because of the funding, we will be bringing the
Siuslaw Area Resource Center, a multi-agency resource and community center to Florence,” said Bob Teter, executive director of Siuslaw Outreach Services. “Their $76,000 grant is a huge boost, helping make our five year dream a reality by supporting cultural education and self-sufficiency programs like financial literacy, tenant rights, and safety planning. We’re also honoring the Siuslaw Tribe by incorporating their language and history into the center’s signage and digital materials.”
About the Three Rivers Foundation
The Three Rivers Foundation is a nonprofit established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians and supported by revenue from Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence and Coos Bay, Oregon. The Foundation’s goal is to improve the quality of life for Oregonians by funding initiatives that support health, education, public safety, environmental preservation, and cultural enrichment.
Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars throughout Oregon, establishing itself as a reliable partner to grassroots organizations and local governments alike.
Media Contact:
Rich Colton, Director of Marketing
rcolton@threeriverscasino.com
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Hands-of-Harvest Coos Bay Farmer’s Market Voucher Program
The Hands of Harvest Voucher Program 2025 is available at the Coos Bay Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 9:00AM to 2:00PM from May 16th – October 20th, 2025. The program is to give tribal households opportunities to buy healthy foods like organic beef and poultry, local seafood, vegetables and fruits, vegetable plant starts, mushroom kits, and other eligible items through the Spring to Fall 2025 Season with locally grown and produced items. These vouchers are valid ONLY at the Coos Bay Farmer’s Market between May 16th – October 20th, 2025
Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
WHERE:
Coos Bay Farmer’s Market
320 Central Ave.
Coos Bay, OR 97420
WHEN:
Wednesdays
9:00AM- 2:00PM
May 16th – October 20th, 2025
**(NO CASH VALUE) **
Program Eligibility: FUNDING IS LIMITED- FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE
*Enrolled tribal member household or parental guardian of enrolled tribal member within household, may request vouchers.
*TRIBAL ENROLLMENT NUMBER *NO INCOME REQUIREMENT
*CURRENT ADDRESS ON FILE WITH ENROLLMENT DEPARTMENT
*ONE (1) PER ENROLLED TRIBAL MEMBER HOUSEHOLD
*Single Persons/Family Households eligible
*Enrolled tribal members may submit a request for one (1) alternate to pick-up their voucher. As an alternate they may only be assigned to one (1) enrolled tribal member household per season.
* Vouchers may be picked up OR sent as certified mail only. If request is to be mailed the enrolled tribal member or parental guardian of an enrolled tribal member’s CURRENT ADDRESS will be required to be on file with the Enrollment Department or the request may be denied.
* CTCLUSI holds no responsibility for lost or stolen vouchers and vouchers will not be redistributed or replaced.
*Pick-up for REQUESTED vouchers will be at the Coos Bay Administration building reception desk (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM, excluding closed dates) and will require a signature from the enrolled tribal member/parental guardian of an enrolled tribal member or requested alternate.
PICK- UP:
Coos Bay Administration Building (Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00PM)
1245 Fulton Ave. Coos Bay, OR 97420
June 9th, July 25th, and September 12th are the three (3) distribution dates for requested and approved vouchers for the 2025 Season. Requests are subject to the deadline dates listed below with no exceptions. Each distribution date REQUIRES a newly submitted Laserfiche form and participation in the online prevention materials.
*Elders can receive help from the Elder’s Coordinators and Community Health Aids to submit requests.
| Laserfiche FormOpen-Close Deadline for Submission | PICK UP date: | |
| 1st Distribution: | May 27th – June 9th | June 10th |
| 2nd Distribution: | June 27th – July 11th | July 25th |
| 3rd Distribution: | August 15th – August 29th | September 12th |
Hands of Harvest Voucher:
Vouchers are exchanged in total amounts ONLY and NO CHANGE will be given back by the vendor. Please try to maximize the vouchers by getting close to $5 and/or $10 increments.
Vouchers are valid through May 16th – October 20th, 2025
Eligible Products:
ONLY: Any variety of fresh, dried, frozen, whole, or juiced- fruits and vegetables, and juice (without added sugar, fats, oil, or salt). Includes fresh and dried herbs, dried beans, mushroom kits, edible plants starts/seeds, nuts, grains, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, honey, bread, pickles, fermented foods, salsa, jam, jellies, cider, and dried tea.
* Disclaimer: If vendors or staff at the Coos Bay Farmer’s Market report incidents of disrespectful behavior or negative interactions from voucher users’, continued participation in the program may be suspended due to this reason. Each Voucher is assigned to the recipient receiving the booklets.
Please always be respectful and act appropriate as a representative of the Hands of Harvest Voucher Program by Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians. This is an amazing opportunity for tribal households and the future of the program will be determined by vendor and market feedback.
*CTCLUSI holds no responsibility for lost or stolen vouchers and vouchers will not be redistributed or replaced.
Contact for questions or concerns:
Nicole Romine
Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist II
541-294-9341
nromine@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Annual Student Recognition Celebration 2025
Honoring the Journey, Celebrating the Future
Annual Student Recognition Celebration 2025
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: CTCLUSI Community Center
Please join us as we celebrate our Tribal graduates. This annual event honors the academic achievements, cultural growth, and leadership of CTCLUSI youth and students.
Food & Refreshments: Catered by Wildflour Café
If you have questions please contact Morgan Cloud at mcloud@ctclusi.org
Please RSVP by clicking the link: https://laserfiche.ctclusi.org/Forms/Graduation-Celebration
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Government Office Closure Notice: Memorial Day Observance
Tribal Government Office Closure Notice for Monday, May 26, 2025. All Tribal Government Offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Remember and Honor the Sacrifices of Our Native American Service Men and Women and All Others this Memorial Day.
hiisa, k’ele, luuwii, thank you for your service.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Public Notice: Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) – Public Input Invited
CTCLUSI Education Department is inviting public input on our Child Care Development Fund, CCDF, which outlines our childcare services for eligible members within our 5-county service area.
This plan focuses on ensuring childcare remains responsive to the needs of tribal families. We want to hear from you—whether you’re a parent, guardian, caregiver, or provider—your feedback helps us strengthen the support we offer.
How to Participate:
• View the Draft Plan: CTCLUSI Website, Citizen Portal
• Submit Comments By: June 20, 2025
• Provide Feedback: education@ctclusi.org
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of childcare services for our member community.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Eugene Outreach Office Has Moved to a New Location
Effective Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the new location of the Tribes’ Eugene Outreach Office will be:
149 W. 12th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401
The phone number will remain the same: 541-744-1334.
The Tribes’ Planning Department, with the direction from Tribal Council, has been searching to locate an office sufficient for the Tribes to purchase in order to alleviate the long-time expenses of leasing and provide more space for programs and services in the Eugene Area. There is ample parking located in the back of the building with ADA access.
This new two-story building will be able to continue to serve the Tribal membership without interruption from dedicated staff for Administrative Support, Elders Program and Services, Health Services, Education, and Social Services. This location will also allow for future expansion of outreach support from the Department of Culture and Natural Resources, Planning Department, Housing Department, and the Health Department.
We hope to see you soon and look forward to serving you at this new location.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News