SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $5.61 billion revenue surplus in the 2021-2023 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2023 tax year. The surplus—the largest in state history—will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The…
Month: October 2023
NWPB presents free area screenings of Ken Burns documentary, The American Buffalo
PULLMAN, Wash. – Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB) presents The American Buffalo: A Screening and Conversation. A special preview of the latest documentary from Ken Burns and exclusive content from NWPB developed in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Yakama Nation will be shown at three free screenings: • October 10 | Washington State University…
Done with ‘Native-inspired’
Northwest Native Fashion Show highlights the real deal By CHRIS AADLAND MISSION, Ore. – Indigenous designers and models hit the runway Wednesday on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in an all-Native night of glitz and glamour. For the second year, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation and Nixyaawii Community Financial Services hosted the Norwest Native Fashion Show at…
TERO workers enjoy profitable construction season, choice of more than 20 projects on and off reservation
CTUIR Tribal Employment Rights Office Submission TERO workers Wilbur Oatman and Suzane Bonifer have been working on TERO Constructions Projects for the last several months. Both have been enjoying good working hours and are making great wages. Oatman, a Umatilla Tribal Member, has been working for Virgil Bates Flagging Company, an Indian Owned Subcontractor to Nelson Construction (Walla Walla, WA)…
Things to know about the Klamath River dam removal project
By ADAM BEAMAssociated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – The largest dam removal project in United States history is underway along the California-Oregon border. The project will remove four dams on the Klamath River. Work has already begun on removing the smallest of the four dams. The other three will come down next year. The project is part of a larger…
US’ only bison roundup rustles up hundreds to maintain health of the species
By SUMMER BALLENTINEAssociated Press South Dakota cowboys and cowgirls rounded up a herd of more than 1,500 bison Friday as part of an annual effort to maintain the health of the species, which has rebounded from near-extinction. Visitors from across the world cheered from behind wire fencing as whooping horseback riders chased the thundering, wooly giants across hills and grasslands…
Man who faked Native American heritage to sell his art in Seattle sentenced to probation
SEATTLE (AP) – A Washington state man who falsely claimed Native American heritage to sell his artwork at downtown Seattle galleries was sentenced Wednesday to federal probation and community service. The U.S. attorney’s office said Lewis Rath, of Maple Falls, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to two years probation and 200 hours of community service. He was charged in 2021…
Muscogee Nation judge rules in favor of citizenship for slave descendants known as freedmen
By SEAN MURPHYAssociated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A judge for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma ruled in favor of citizenship for two descendants of Black slaves once owned by tribal members, potentially paving the way for hundreds of other descendants known as freedmen. District Judge Denette Mouser, based in the tribe’s headquarters in Okmulgee, ruled late Wednesday in favor of two…
Colleges should step up diversity efforts after affirmative action ruling, the government says
By COLLIN BINKLEYAP Education Writer WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration is asking America’s colleges to renew their efforts to make campuses more racially diverse, urging schools to boost scholarships and minority recruiting and to place “meaningful emphasis” on the adversity students face because of their race or finances. The Education Department issued a report Thursday promoting strategies to increase…
Leaders recall man who ‘led the charge’
By CHRIS AADLAND Reporter MISSION, Ore. — Leslie “Les” Minthorn, the longtime tribal leader and dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty who played a prominent role in spearheading many efforts, like bringing gaming to the reservation, that have transformed the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, died on September 21. He was 89. A prosperous tribal gaming enterprise. A powerful…