BY CHRIS AADLAND, Reporter
Veterans will soon have more input in issues affecting them at the tribal level once seats on a recently created advisory committee are filled.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution on Nov. 27 that established a Tribal Veteran’s Committee, which will act as an advisory committee, similar to other CTUIR committees and commissions.
In a Jan. 11 announcement, BOT Secretary Roberta Wilson called for those who are interested in serving on the new committee to apply to fill one of the five open positions. The Board will appoint members after reviewing applications.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 29. BOT members are scheduled to meet on Feb. 2 to review the applications.
When it begins meeting, the committee will help ensure that the issues affecting CTUIR veterans – who, together with the rest of Indian Country, have served, and continue to do so, in the military at rates higher than the rest of the U.S. – will be addressed.
According to the resolution establishing the committee, it will “provide policy advice to the Board of Trustees and CTUIR staff on the development and implementation of policy regarding advocacy for veterans, engagement and outreach with veterans in the community, including working with George St. Denis Post 140, American Legion Oregon whenever possible, and the development of support services for the well-being of veterans.”
The new committee will also work closely with the Department of Children and Family Services’ Veterans Program, according to Wilson.
Meeting days and times have yet to be determined. Board members recently appointed General Council Chair Alan Crawford to fill the BOT position on the committee.
A scheduling conflict led the committee positions not being posted until now, Wilson said.
“Apologies to the community and to our veterans for the delay in advertising,” she said.
Membership isn’t limited to veterans or those living on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Anyone with a strong interest in helping veterans is encouraged to apply, Wilson said in the announcement.
Anyone who is interested or has questions about the new committee is encouraged to call Wilson at 541-429-7372, tribal secretary Cami Lewis at 541-429-7377 or CTUIR Veteran’s Services Manager Sam Spino at 541-429-7389.
