Three Rivers Foundation Boosts Oregon’s Economy with Over $720,000 Grants to 9 Local Nonprofits
Media Contact:
Rich Colton, Director of Marketing
rcolton@threeriverscasino.com
Florence, Ore. — Three Rivers Foundation, established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians as the charitable arm of the Three Rivers Casino Resort, proudly announced the award of over $720,000 to support the missions of 95 nonprofit organizations across Oregon.
Demonstrating its commitment to community enrichment, the Three Rivers Foundation distributed funds to a diverse range of nonprofits in sectors ranging from healthcare and education to combating food insecurities and enriching the lives of children.
“It makes my heart feel good. It’s just awesome that we can help these folks make an impact on
their organizations and their communities,” said Chief Doug Barrett, Confederated Tribes of
Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians Nonprofits in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Harney, and Multnomah counties were awarded funding. Each received between $5,000 and $40,000 to continue providing services for Oregonians.
“We provide peer support services for new, expectant and grieving families or anything that a family might need to heal and recover from postpartum depression, loss of their pregnancy or infant and infertility,” said Lyndsie Leech, WellMama Executive Director. “This grant is particularly meaningful for us because we are trying to expand these services into some of the more rural areas. We recognize that the more isolated you are, the more you need those in-person services.”
“We got a $10,000 check for our Natural Resource program at Siuslaw High School for drones,” said Amy Tregoning, Siuslaw High School teacher. We are teaching kids how to use them because they are being used increasingly in the natural resource field—think wildfires and population densities. We hope to train our students and get them to take their pilot’s license before they leave high school so that they can start a career a bit further ahead of everyone else.”
“It’s massive; the amount that Three Rivers Foundation can contribute to everyone in the local community is immense. We couldn’t get nearly as much done as we have without these types of contributions,” said Stephen Beale, Florence Food Share Operations Manager. The Florence Food Share was granted $10,000.
“One in two families can’t afford enough to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy. There is no state or governmental assistance for diaper support, so $10,000 goes a long way in our small nonprofit,” said Teresa Baur, Lane County Diaper Bank Founder On Friday, May 10, all organizations gathered for a luncheon at Three Rivers Casino in Florence, where they were awarded their grants.
The North Bend Police Department was a first-time grant recipient. “We are purchasing individual first aid kits for any type of emergency, anywhere from a traumatic crash or active shooter. It’s going to get them prepared now that we have the money from the foundation,” said Captain Ed Perry, North Bend Police Department.
“On our project, we are trying to expand our technology in our electives and social-emotional learning classes,” said Cece Howell, Business Manager at Siuslaw School District. “This grant will go to our podcasting team.”
The foundation requests applications at the beginning of each year and will continue to award impactful grants each year.
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 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. For more information, visit threeriverscasino.com.
About the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, & Siuslaw Indians
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are made up of 3 tribes (4 Bands): 2 bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos (Coos Proper), Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe; and Siuslaw Tribe. The tribes trace their ancestry back to the aboriginal inhabitants of the South-Central coast of Oregon. For more information, visit ctclusi.org.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Three Rivers Health Center Grand Opening Celebration – June 1
Join the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians for the Three Rivers Health Center Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 1 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Three Rivers Health Center is located at 150 S. Wall Street, Coos Bay, Oregon, 97420.
Open to Tribal Members Monday, May 20th
Open to the public Monday, July 1st
Visit Three Rivers Health Center for more information today.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Scholarships Now Open
The deadline to submit these scholarship applications is Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 11:59pm. pst
Please reach out to Jemiah Wassman, Director of Education at jwassman@ctclusi.org, or Morgan Cloud, Higher Education Specialist at mcloud@ctclusi.org with questions.
visit our Education page for even more information https://ctclusi.org/education/
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Notice of Proposed Code Amendment Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Management Code
Posted: April 1, 2024
NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
The following proposed Code was passed for First Reading by Tribal Council on: March 10, 2024
TITLE: 10 – NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIORNMENT
Chapter 10-2 TRIBAL FOREST RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CODE
The Tribal Council has approved the draft language to establish Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Code for First Reading; and
CLUSITC Chapter 10-2, In accordance with the foregoing Tribal and Federal authorities and the Tribe’s retention of the full spectrum of sovereign powers, the Tribal Council has the authority, desires to and does hereby establish this Tribal Forest Resources Management Code for the following purpose:
(1) To establish formal Tribal government direction, standards and procedures for management of Tribal trust forest lands;
(2) To strengthen Tribal sovereignty and advance the principles of self governance in carrying out forest management activities; and
(3) To fully exercise Tribal authority in carrying out forest management activities as authorized by Tribal law and provided for in the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (“ITARA”) (P.L. 114 178), the NIFRMA, the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (“ISDEA”) (P.L. 93 638) and other applicable Federal
law.
Tribal Council hereby approves the establishment of Chapter 10-2 Tribal Forest Resources Management Code and hereby approves for first reading draft be posting for a twenty-eight (28) day period. Draft language as set out in the attached Exhibit A (deleted text is red and stricken and new text is blue and underlined),
DATE OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING AT WHICH THE PROPOSED CODE IS EXPECTED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SECOND READING FINAL PASSAGE:
May 11, 2022
The notice of the proposed amendment/creation of Code/Ordinance shall be published in the Tribal Newsletter and the text will be posted for public comment for twenty-eight (28) days in the Administration Building, Tribal Hall, Outreach Offices, on the Tribes’ website and at Three Rivers Casino (Office of the Gaming Commission). Written comments should be sent to the Tribal Council in care of Jeannie Miller, CTCLUSI, 1245 Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay OR 97420 or email: jmiller@ctclusi.org.
Tribal Members: To view proposed code amendments please login to the Citizen Portal
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Announce Leadership Team For New Three Rivers Health Center
Coos Bay, OR, March 18, 2024 – Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians CTCLUSI) are excited to announce the exceptional leaders who will join the journey toward revolutionizing healthcare at Three Rivers Health Center (TRHC) opening late Spring 2024.
This milestone is not just about opening doors to a new facility; it’s about redefining care, connection, and community wellness. John R. Reeves III, CTCLUSI Health Administrator, states “we want to create an environment where the essence is the people, focusing on unconditional acceptance and non-judgment so that each individual can shine as the best version of themselves.” This vision aligns with CTCLUSI’s goal to foster a space of safety and innovation, where patients and staff alike can thrive.
Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer. He brings a holistic vision to healthcare that perfectly aligns with TRHC’s values of treating the body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Nag shares, “what we’re trying to do is address what we know – that while 20% of a human’s life may be determined by medical actions within the clinic, 80% is everything else happening in their lives. Our goal is to reach beyond the clinic walls, supporting the other 80% through a holistic approach that integrates the best of modern medicine with our traditional healing practices.” This approach underscores TRHC’s commitment to providing comprehensive care that honors each individual’s journey.
Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins as Behavioral Health Director. He emphasizes a compassionate approach to mental health, understanding the deep-rooted connections within the community. His vision to create a space where “each individual feels seen, heard, and supported” mirrors TRHC’s mission to offer care that is holistic and deeply empathetic. Dr. Velez shares his enthusiasm for building a new institution from scratch, noting, “it’s a rare opportunity to start something that truly reflects our values and aspirations. We’re creating a place where innovation is the norm and all feel welcome and supported.”
CTCLUSI is inviting passionate individuals to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nag and Dr. Velez, they’re cultivating an environment where innovation and empathy are at the heart of everything they do. They’re looking for individuals who resonate with their vision of a supportive, innovative workplace and are hiring for the following roles at the new Three Rivers Health Center in Coos Bay, OR.
- Advanced Practice Provider – Medical
- Behavioral Health Therapist
- Care Concierge
- Clinic Coordinator
- Front Office Assistant
- Licensed Practice Nurse – Primary Care
- Medical Assistant – Behavioral Health
- Medical Assistant – Primary Care
- Registered Nurse – Medical & Behavioral Health
For more details and to apply, please visit Three Rivers Health Center careers page at: https://threerivers.health/careers.
About Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI):
Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are one of the 9 Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. CTCLUSI is comprised of 3 Tribes (4 Bands): 2 bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe (Quuiich); and Siuslaw Tribe. Learn more about CTCLUSI at https://ctclusi.org.
For more information, contact: R.J. Benner Community Information Manager Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Phone: 541-435-7175 Email: rbenner@ctclusi.org
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Media
Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer. Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Behavioral Health Director.
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Dr. Pratip K. Nag, MD, PhD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Information Officer.
<https://threerivers.health/wp-content/uploads/Nag_Pratip.png>
Dr. Alfredo Velez, MD, joins Three Rivers Health Center as Behavioral Health Director.
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Three Rivers Health Center Logo.
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- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA AND SIUSLAWINDIANS SIGN CO-STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTWITH SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST
Joint News Release CTCLUSI and USFS For Immediate Release, February 20, 2024
Contact:
Confederated Tribes R.J. Benner, (541) 435-7175, rbenner@ctclusi.org
US Forest Service Siuslaw Joanie Schmidgall, (541) 259-9804, joan.schmidgall@usda.gov
COOS BAY, OREGON- The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) and the Siuslaw National Forest are pleased to announce the signing of a Programmatic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tribal co-stewardship on Siuslaw National Forest lands. This agreement emphasizes the shared goals of the Tribe and the Forest Service regarding the use and management of natural and cultural resources on the forest, while acknowledging the unique management expertise of the Tribe gained though millennia of stewarding these lands. It addresses the need for proactive stewardship to promote the ecological health, diversity, and resiliency of the forest.
“The lands that we now know as the Siuslaw National Forest have been stewarded by Tribal People since time immemorial,” said Brad Kneaper, Tribal Council Chair for the CTCLUSI. “For thousands of years we practiced a holistic approach to stewardship that provided for clean air and water, resilient and diverse forests, robust salmon runs, bountiful deer and elk, and an abundance of the plants that we used for food and medicine. We stewarded a forest that provided for the local human community, and also provided for all of our plant and animal relatives with whom we share these lands. This agreement will allow us to begin returning some of these stewardship practices to the landscape.”
“The MOU provides a framework for the future implementation of activities that would meet both parties’ goals of restoring Siuslaw National Forest lands,” said Siuslaw National Forest Supervisor Rebecca Brooke. “It also establishes an intergovernmental relationship between the Tribe and the Forest that will provide opportunities for increased Tribal involvement in the planning and implementation of sustainable forest stewardship activities.
”The MOU outlines a comprehensive set of forest management goals that include improving and protecting the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems; promoting cultural resources of importance to Tribal people; providing a diversity of habitat for fish and wildlife species; protecting air and water quality; and providing economic opportunities for local communities. The MOU anticipates that these goals will be achieved through the use of traditional stewardship practices such as the use of cultural fire as well as contemporary management practices such as selective harvest and mechanical fuels treatment.
In addition to recognizing the value that people can provide to the forest through active stewardship, the MOU also recognizes the important values that the forest can provide for people. Towards that end, the MOU emphasizes a need to explore market-based solutions for hazardous fuel reduction, promotes the generation of renewable energy using forest biomass, and seeks economic opportunities for local economically depressed areas. The MOU also recognizes the need to sustain the economic vitality of the existing forest products industry, and to provide for the ecologically sustainable use of timber and other commercial forest products while also supporting non-commercial cultural uses. The MOU highlights the commitment of both the Siuslaw National Forest and the Tribe to promoting a holistic, balanced, and sustainable approach to co-stewardship.
“Our goal is to restore an Indigenous approach to stewardship on the Siuslaw National Forest,”
said Colin Beck, the Tribe’s Director of Forest Management. “Indigenous People have always
recognized that humans are a part of this landscape, and that humans play a crucial role in
stewarding for a diverse and resilient landscape that meets the needs of humans as well as all of
the other diverse species that call this place home. By entering into this MOU, the Forest Service
is recognizing the value of this Indigenous approach and recognizing that there is a need to
restore proactive stewardship to the landscape.”
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Headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon with a five-county service area including Coos, Curry, Lincoln,
Douglas and Lane Counties, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are
one of the 9 Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. CTCLUSI is comprised of 3 Tribes (4 Bands): 2
bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe (Quuiich); and Siuslaw Tribe.
The Siuslaw National Forest encompasses 630,000 acres along Oregon’s coastal region, reaching from
the north Oregon Coast, just south of Tillamook, to the central coast north of Coos Bay. This diverse
and productive forestland is bordered to the east by the Willamette Valley and the west by the Pacific
Ocean.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
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