By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ One December day Chuck Sams was in a suit and tie in front of the Lincoln Memorial, shaking hands with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland after being sworn in as National Park Service Director. Days later, he’s in a NPS Ranger uniform being celebrated by his Tribal nation with an honor song. The…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ How many times can you link the word “history” with Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III? First, the nomination for National Park Service Director as the first Native American candidate. Then, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approval. And now, the Senate vote to confirm his role. He’s in — by unanimous confirmation —…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – Things have continued to slow down for Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center regarding the battle against COVID-19. November saw a total of five positive cases, up from October’s total of four — which was a major fall off from the 85 positives just 60 days earlier. It’s good news, “but,” Interim Yellowhawk CEO…
MISSION – The culmination of an election season that saw three changes to the Board of Trustees occurred with a swearing-in ceremony Dec. 1 in the rotunda of the Nixyaawii Governance Center. The 2021-23 BOT includes Chair Kat Brigham, Vice Chair Aaron Ashley, Treasurer Sandra Sampson, Secretary Sally Kosey, and At Large Members Cor Sams, Boots Pond, Lisa Ganuelas and…
MISSION – The Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) approved the selection of Donald Sampson to be the Tribe’s Executive Director. His official start will be the week of Jan. 17. Mr. Sampson, who is a hereditary chief of the Walúulapam (‘Walla Walla people’), previously served as Executive Director from 2003 to 2010.…
History was made Nov. 18 as CTUIR member Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate by voice vote as the 19th Director of the National Park Service. Sams, upon being sworn in, will become the first Native American ever to lead the agency in its 105-year existence after being nominated in August by President Biden.…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – Sixty Tribal members — including 14 in-person attendees — signed in Oct. 26 for the first hybrid General Council meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic ended regular in-person gatherings. “Funny, they all sat in the back of the room,” General Council Chair Lindsey Watchman said, “except to come to the front table, for…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ WASHINGTON, D.C. – CTUIR member Chuck Sams continued on his trek to make history as the first Native American to serve as National Park Service Director Nov. 2, as his nomination unanimously moved forward in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. One last step awaits: Approval by the Senate. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)…
MISSION – As of Oct. 31, there were no new COVID-19 cases on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, according to Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. Active cases at this time last month were listed at 85. Now, they’re at just four. That doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet, Yellowhawk Interim CEO Aaron Hines said. “YTHC is actively asking our…
MISSION – The Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) recently took action by way of motion to honor Chief Judge William Johnson of the Umatilla Tribal Court as the recent recipient of the President’s Special Award of Appreciation. This award will be formally conveyed by David Wade, President of the Oregon State Bar,…