Tribe adopts resolution calling for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to protect cultural resources
News Release
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Last week, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) submitted comments to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) expressing significant concern about proposed development of offshore wind energy off the Oregon Coast in areas designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as the Coos Bay and Florence Call Areas.
“The tribe supports any green economic development project that follows the law and does not harm our environment or tribal cultural resources. Given this, the Tribal Council takes the decision to submit these comments seriously,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “These comments follow the passage of a Tribal Council resolution earlier this month that calls upon the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to engage in meaningful government-to government consultation with the tribe and to take action to ensure that offshore wind energy development in any area of interest to the tribe avoids or mitigates impacts to tribal cultural resources to the satisfaction of the tribe.”
In multiple communications with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the tribe raised a number of concerns to BOEM about wind energy development. These comments include a request that important, cultural viewsheds be excluded from the Call Areas, that wind development, including necessary infrastructure such as transmission lines, not impact areas designated as a Traditional Cultural Property (Q’alya ta Kukwis shichdii me)(located in Coos Bay comprised of the estuary features and adjacent shoreline resources), that development not occur in areas containing cultural features located on submerged landforms, and that wind development avoid areas critical to resident and migratory species, including important areas for fishing.
The tribe has called the coast our home since Time Immemorial. The archaeological record of Oregon tribal nations spans more than 11,000 years. Our religious beliefs, traditional practices, fishing, first foods and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the greater Ocean. This claim honors our obligations to uphold our sovereignty, perpetuate our unique cultural identity, and promote the intergenerational transference of knowledge. The tribe consistently advocates that any projects, on land or offshore, avoid impacts to sites of traditional and religious significance to the tribe, including the TCP features and other sites, such as viewsheds, resources, and submerged landforms that possess associations with the cultural practices, traditions, beliefs, lifeways, art, crafts, or social institutions of our living community.
“The federal government must engage with the tribe to address our concerns. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has stated that it worked closely with tribe. While there has been engagement with the tribe, this engagement has been a one-way conversation with BOEM providing information to the tribe. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has been nonresponsive to addressing our concerns or requests to date. For example, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management solicited for tribes to provide input on environmental studies, however, BOEM did not invite further conversations with the tribe when we provided study concepts, but we did learn recently that the Bureau met with the State of Oregon extensively to identify prior studies for funding,” said Chair Kneaper.
“The tribe initially asks the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to exclude areas of significant cultural importance to the tribe in a January letter, but BOEM included these areas anyway without engaging in government-to-government consultation with the tribe,” said Chair Kneaper. “Our comments and resolution reiterate that expectation that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management uphold its trust obligation to protect tribal resources and exclude those areas. If BOEM does not, the tribe will need to look at all opportunities to ensure that wind energy development avoid impacts to resources that are important to the tribe.”
“The tribe remains open to working with the the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to resolve the issues raised in our comments,” said Chair Kneaper.
*This CTCLUSI Press Release was also featured on Indian Country Today online at https://indiancountrytoday.com/the-press-pool/tribe-adopts-resolution-calling-for-bureau-of-ocean-energy-management-to-protect-cultural-resources
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Oregon Tribal Student Grant
Funding is now available for undergraduate and graduate student college costs for enrolled members of:
• Burns Paiute Tribe
• Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
• Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
• Coquille Indian Tribe
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
• Klamath Tribes
Eligibility
The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is available to new and existing students. Eligibility requirements are:
• Must be an enrolled member of an Oregon federally recognized tribe
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an Oregon college or university
• Working towards earning first associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree
Application
• Complete a grant application
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)
• Priority consideration for applications and FAFSA/ORSAAs received by August 1st at 5pm
• See website for additional information
Funding is available for the 2022-2023 academic year for undergraduate and graduate students. Grant renewal is dependent on funding being allocated for the 2023-2024 academic year by the Oregon State Legislature.
Awards
The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is expected to pay for most or all public college-related expenses not covered by other grants for students pursuing their first Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree. Award amounts will vary depending on where the student attends school and the degree pursuing.
Undergraduate Public Colleges or Universities:
Award will be calculated based on the Average Cost of Attendance (COA) reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Undergraduate Private Universities:
Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public university reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Undergraduate Other Private Institutions:
Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public community college reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Graduate Student Awards:
Award will be calculated based on the average undergraduate COA at the highest cost public institution reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Award amounts cannot exceed the student’s actual cost of attendance.
Additional information can be found on our website:
OregonStudentAid.gov/Oregon-Tribal-Student.aspx
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Youth Camping Kits
*Thank you for your interest. Supplies were limited and application has been closed. (6/21/22).
Reconnect with the Land Through Youth Camping Kits.
Through additional CCDF funds and other resources, we are able to offer Tribal Family youth ages 0-17 camping kits.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Summer Solstice Kits
*Thank you for your interest. Supplies were limited and application has been closed. (6/21/22).
COVID-19 is still limiting our ability to gather together, the Tribe would like to offer Summer Solstice Kits for interested CTCLUSI Enrolled Tribal Members. Summer Solstice Kits are limited, so they will be available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
***Posted 6/2/22
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Student Recognition Dinner
Please RSVP online for the Saturday, June 18, 2022 Student Recognition Dinner.
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2022 4-7pm
CTCLUSI Community Center
Coos Bay, Oregon
Please join us as we celebrate our students achievements and accomplishments.
Contact Karen Porter to RSVP
541-888-1315
kporter@ctclusi.org
education@ctclusi.org
OR
If you would like to attend this event virtually please contact Josh Davies, Education director for a zoom link to the event. Call 541-888-1314 or email jdavies@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Three Rivers Coos Bay Celebrates Milestone
Press Release:
May 23, 2022
Media Contact:
Rich Colton, Director of Marketing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Three Rivers Coos Bay Resort Celebrates Milestone
Coos Bay, Ore. – Three Rivers Casino Coos Bay resort is excited to celebrate its seventh anniversary. Since its opening, Three Rivers Coos Bay resort has employed nearly 100 employees yearly, filling roles as bartenders, cage cashiers, security personnel, and slot technicians.
“The first thing I discovered when I began was the incredible friendliness of the crew,” said LaShawn Ferdig, longtime Three Rivers team member. “I discovered how invested the Tribe was in its history and the willingness to share it. I found a family, a career, and a place to call my own. Coming to work is a joy.”
Job creation and investing in the local economy is very important to Three Rivers Coos Bay Resort. Over the years, these positions have translated into a $14 million investment in Coos County.
“In my line of work, you come in and make a casino great,” said Chuck Baker, Three Rivers Casino Resort Casino Manager. “Three Rivers Casino Coos Bay is no exception and has exceeded my expectations because of the hardworking and dedicated team members. This team has a lot of heart and a ton of grit, creating a fun environment. I’m honored to work with my team and work for such a wonderful organization.”
“The biggest change I have noticed in my time here is the culture. We have become a team/company that wants employees to be engaged and successful,” added Rachel Dean, Three Rivers team member. “I love working here because of the family/work-life balance as well as working with a team that is like family.”
The casino features more than 250 games on a 15,000 square foot casino floor and a full-service on-site restaurant.
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. 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
CTCLUSI Summer School Application Now Available
July 5th – 15th, 2022
This camp is for students entering Kindergarten through 12th Grade or students who are 5 through 18 years of age. We are offering camp to Tribal Enrolled students, step/foster/adopted children, and children of other federally recognized Tribes.
The Education Department will be following protocols put in place by Tribal Council in regards to Covid-19 pandemic. We will keep participants up to date with information as it comes available.
Please sign up for Summer School using the Laserfiche link at:
Deadline to sign up is June 16th, 2021 at 11:59pm
Once signed up for Summer School, a confirmation email will be sent.
Email will include Summer School Zoom information, mandatory parent/camper meeting, along with additional important camp material.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Council Election – Results 2022
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.
Tribal Code 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.
For a complete Election Code please see www.ctclusi.org Tribal Code, Ch 7-3 Elections.
Tribal Council Election Results – April 10, 2022
Candidates for Tribal Election, April 10, 2022.
| Position # 2 | Position # 4 | Position # 6 |
| Brad Kneaper – submitted 1/10/2022 | Teresa Spangler – submitted 1/10/2022 | Michael Romine – submitted 1/10/2022 |
| David Petrie – submitted 1/14/2022 | Joshua Davies – submitted 1/14/2022 | Doug Barrett – submitted 1/14/2022 |
| Debbie Bossley – submitted 1/14/2022 | Vicki Faciane – submitted 3/2/2022 | |
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.
Tribal Council Election Forum Recording
A Tribal Council Election Forum was held on March 12, 2022. View the recorded zoom session below to hear candidates responses to questions from Tribal membership.
CANDIDATE FORUM VIDEO DISCLAIMER
The contents of this recorded video of the Tribal Council Candidate Forum contain the opinions of each Tribal Council Candidate. The Tribe as a whole, including the Election Board, take no responsibility nor endorse opinions on any statements within, including the accuracy of any content made by the Candidates. Some information has been omitted that had direct reference to personnel.
CANDIDATE FORUM VIDEO DISCLAIMER
The contents of this recorded video of the Tribal Council Candidate Forum contain the opinions of each Tribal Council Candidate. The Tribe as a whole, including the Election Board, take no responsibility nor endorse opinions on any statements within, including the accuracy of any content made by the Candidates. Some information has been omitted that had direct reference to personnel.
Candidate Forum Video time stamps:
Election Forum 4:39:23
Opening Statements
David Petrie – 5:57
Doug Barrett – 9:07
Debbie Bossley – 10:55
Josh Davies – 13:21
Teresa Spangler – 14:54
Vicki Faciane – 17:39
Michael Romine – 19:55
Brad Kneaper – 21.27
Questions:
- Kip Brainard – 28:33 – “…what are your positions on double dipping?”
- Bill Ingersoll – 36:30 – “…please line out how you plan to work together to exercise, to bring in additional revenue outside of just our casinos in the next four years.”
- Morgan Gaines – 50:30 – “…what is your personal view on the matter of Council compensation…what specific guidelines or policies have been put in place to ensure transparency and/or what guidelines would you like to see put in place?”
- Colin Benson – 1:07:33 – “…Do you have any ideas on how to increase Tribal member engagement, especially from Tribal members who live outside of Coos County and even outside of the state?”
- Dennis Rankin – 1:25:13 – “…do you support the development and expansion of the Three Rivers Hotel and Casino, including an RV park, solar power, and other opportunities?”
- Charlotte Kennedy – 1:36:04– “…I was wondering if anybody had any plans to revitalize and protect our local ecosystem, our waterways…I wonder what direction and ideas you have to revitalize our ecosystem?”
- Devynne Krossman – 1:58:04 – “…how do each of you feel about Tribal Council engaging with Tribal administration staff daily?”
- Amanda Craig – 2:09:58 – “…considering our communities history with devastating infectious diseases and the reality that Covid-19 isn’t going anywhere, leaving your personal beliefs aside, how do you feel we should proceed with Tribal gatherings and events in a way to protect our most vulnerable people?”
- Courtney Krossman – 2:25:36 – “…how will you as an elected member of Council manage any potential conflict of interest that might arise through your decision making on Council. Be that through your job at Tribal admin, casino, or the private sector?”
- Kip Brainard – 2:36:58 – “…now that we’re going to pay the Council positions, do you believe that this has a stand to make a lifetime job…or that our ancestors would prefer to have say a term limit…?”
- Roseanna Perry – 2:52:19 – “…what is your stance on purchasing housing for Tribal members versus non-tribal members, example to hire staff, directors, and admin?”
- Ayuthea LaPier (question posted in chat and read aloud by Mark Petrie) – 3:09:00 – “…I would like to know [from] each of you what your intentions are for our recent purchased lands and what opportunities you see there for Tribal members.”
- Morgan Gaines – 3:24:27 – “…how do you plan to support remaining employees or ensure the retention of…employees and how do you plan to minimize the disruption of the services to membership because of the number of employees that we’ve lost since June of 2020?”
- Dennis Rankin – 3:43:03 – “…how important do you feel the cultural history and education is for the Tribal membership and the future?”
- Bill Ingersoll – 3:57:15 – “…I’d like to know how you plan on supporting Blue Earth going forward.”
Closing Statements
Vicki Faciane – 4:13:09
Josh Davies – 4:15:11
David Petrie – 4:17:04
Michael Romine – 4:19:23
Brad Kneaper – 4:25:14
Debbie Bossley – 4:27:31
Doug Barrett – 4:29:51
Teresa Spangler – 4:31:58
CTCLUSI Enrollment Code 7-3
7-3-50 Initiation of a Political Mailing Submission
(a) An individual Tribal Member may initiate the process for a Political Mailing Submission by completing, in full, a Request for Political Mailing Form provided by the Enrollment Coordinator. This Form shall require a copy of the information to be mailed and the signature of the Political Mailing Author. The Political Mailing Author shall also be required to execute a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement releasing the Tribe and its actors and agents from any and all damages or claims relating to the Political Mailing Submission.
(b) A Political Mailing Submission shall not be considered for processing if it does not contain the printed full name and signature of the Political Mailing Author.
(c) The Enrollment Coordinator may request, upon receipt of a completed Political Mailing Submission, assurance from the Political Mailing Author that the Author has sufficient basis to pay all necessary postage, prior to the Enrollment Coordinator beginning the process for review of the Political Mailing Submission.
(d) Political Mailing Submissions shall be approved if the Tribes determines, in its discretion, that the Submission relates directly and exclusively to Tribal political or policy issues, contains no inflammatory language or message, contains no profanity or name calling, contains no potentially abusive or libelous communication, contains no commercial message, and otherwise complies with this Code and Tribal law. To the extent a Political Mailing Submission contains, in whole or part, any improper content as defined herein, the Submission shall be returned to the Political Mailing Author.
(e) The Tribal Council reserves the right to review and reject any mailing for failure to comply with the provisions of this Section, or for previous abuse of the provisions of this Section.
(f) Upon approval of a Political Mailing Submission, the Political Mailing Author shall be responsible for submitting to the Enrollment Coordinator the proper number of envelopes for all authorized Political Mailing recipients, the proper postage for each Political Mailing envelope, and the proper number of copies of the Political Mailing. No Political Mailing will be processed until all proper envelopes, postage, and content copies have first been submitted to the Tribes.
(g) The Enrollment Coordinator will facilitate the mailing of political materials to Tribal Members as follows:
(1) The Tribal Member requesting the mailing of political materials to Tribal Members shall provide the Enrollment Coordinator with a sufficient number of copies of the material to be distributed, in sealed envelopes, with first-class postage affixed, and bearing the return address of the Tribal Member.
(2) The Enrollment Coordinator shall affix to the envelope of each Political Mailing, a stamp or statement communicating that the contents of the Mailing are a Tribal Political Mailing, that the Mailing is the sole opinion of the Political Mailing Author, and that the Tribes takes no responsibility nor opinion on the statements within the Mailing, including the accuracy of its content.
(3) The Enrollment Coordinator shall affix mailing labels bearing the names and last known addresses of all Tribal Members age eighteen (18) or older and meeting all other requirements for Tribal voting rights that have not submitted to the Tribe a current request to “opt out” of receiving Tribal Mailings to the provided, sealed and stamped envelopes. The Tribes shall make reasonable efforts to transcribe the proper mailing address for each Tribal Mailing recipient, but will not be responsible for the accuracy or validity of any mailing address affixed to a Political Mailing.
(4) The Enrollment Coordinator shall then place the envelopes directly into the U.S. mail.
(5) A Tribal Member shall be limited to six (6) requests for mailings per calendar year. (6) Except for postage, the cost of the first requested mailing will be borne by the Tribes. The cost of any subsequent request within the year shall be borne by the Tribal Member. The cost shall include indirect and direct cost as determined by the Chief Executive Officer.
***Original post date: 01/01/2022***
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Scholarships
TRIBAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2021-2022
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 22nd, 2022 by 11:59 PST
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CTCLUSI EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN May 22, 2022 BY 11:59 P.M PST, REGARDLESS OF POSTMARK. ONLY SCHOLARSHIP SUBMISSIONS THAT ARRIVE BY THE DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED.
ATTENTION PLEASE!! The selected scholarship winner(s) will receive a scholarship. Scholarships are usually $250.00 to $500.00, but the amount is contingent on scholarship funds.
Be sure to apply to all because you could be awarded more than one!!!!
Awardees will be announced at the Annual Student Dinner.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Spring Equinox Household Kits
***Spring Equinox Kit sign up has ended due to popular demand and limited supplies. Updated 03/04/2022***
Celebrate Spring Through Tribal Care Package Kits
While the Covid-19 pandemic may still be limiting our ability to gather together, we are still thinking of you and your families. In lieu of gathering, we are offering Spring Equinox Kits to Tribal Households.
Kits are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
For more information, please contact Ashley Russell at (541) 888-7511 or arussell@ctclusi.org
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News