Opinion | By Kat Brigham, Chair, CTUIR Board of Trustees

I’m now about two months into serving as chair of the CTUIR Board of Trustees (BOT), and it’s been a busy start. A lot of my time has been spent catching up, listening and learning about what’s happening across our departments and programs.

One thing that’s really stood out is how important it is that we talk to each other and work together. For the BOT to make good decisions, we need clear and coordinated information. That means departments communicating with one another and remembering that none of us can do this work alone.

Our elders have always reminded us that everything is connected, and I keep coming back to that teaching. Water is a good example. Among other things, water is tied to our culture, our diet and health, our economy, our history and our future. When our 1855 Treaty is respected and protected, it doesn’t just help CTUIR — it helps everyone who depends on this land and these waters. That’s something we’ll continue to stand firm on.

We’re also working on improving communication in some practical ways. The BOT has asked that resolutions and letters coming forward be clear and well-prepared. That helps keep things moving and makes sure everyone understands what’s being asked and why. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to serve CTUIR members and take care of our reservation.

In February, some of us on the BOT will be heading to the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) convention in Portland. It’s always a good opportunity to hear what other tribes are dealing with, learn what’s coming at the federal and state level, and bring that information back home. Not everything we hear will benefit CTUIR, but we must stay informed.

There are also a few specific updates I want to share.

Because of what we’ve read about and heard about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we are urging Tribal members to update their IDs. Replacements will be free for the next six months. We sure hope we won’t need to show tribal ID to ICE agents, but we want to be prepared just in case.

We’ve also started conversations to learn more about small-reactor nuclear power. We haven’t said yes, and we haven’t said no. Right now, we’re just learning and asking questions. Late last year, the BOT put out a letter that took no position on nuclear power. We’ve decided to at least remain engaged in the process, so we know what’s going on.

Another big step forward is veteran and elder housing. This is something our community has needed for a long time — years, even decades — and work will be starting soon. Taking care of our elders and veterans is something we all agree on, and I’m glad to see movement here.

Finally, as an individual – I’m not speaking for the BOT – I want to lend my support to the Two Cultures, One Community Powwow. TCOC is about building better understanding and communication with the Pendleton community, and it does that in the best way possible — through culture, music, dance and gathering together. The third annual powwow is Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 at the Pendleton Convention Center. 

This role means a lot of engagement with each other here at CTUIR and, when needed, with people and governments outside the tribe whose decisions can affect us. If we stay connected, keep talking and remember that everything is linked, we’ll be in a better place moving forward.

If you have questions or just want to reach out, you can contact me at katbrigham@ctuir.org or 541-975-4877.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for staying engaged.