Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center deals with 323 positives as staff band together during shortage BY CARY ROSENBAUM MISSION – One of the biggest coronavirus case spikes of the entire COVID-19 pandemic hit the CTUIR in January. After dealing with just nine cases in November and 65 in December, a total of 323 positives were documented as of Jan. 27. “This…
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STEPPING INTO POWER: Sams sworn in at NPS
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 —…

Youth vaccinations occur in November as Yellowhawk sees cases drop
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…
Board of Trustees, General Council and CTUIR Youth Council start tenures
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…

CTUIR’s Sams honored, thankful after historic confirmation for National Park Service Director position
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.…
COVID cases down, but one death reported in October
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…

A Tribe in mourning
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – By definition, “átway” is the Umatilla Tribal word used to respectfully name a deceased person. Two átways were added to Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center’s daily report in August, including 39-year-old Michael Gavin — the son of Tribal leader Shawna Gavin and brother of Tribal leader Jill-Marie Gavin-Harvey. Yellowhawk’s Interim CEO Aaron Hines…
Biden Picks Sams
CTUIR member may become first Native American to run National Park Service By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ CTUIR member Chuck Sams III has a knack for making history. Months ago, he received a historic appointment from Gov. Kate Brown to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, becoming only the second Native American to serve in that role. On Aug.…

A Round-Up to Remember
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ PENDLETON – Light, cameras (if you’re a journalist, photographer or spectator), action. After a year without the Pendleton Round-Up, the fun continued — with a level of caution in mid-September. Culture and history were on display throughout the four-day event. And while some declined to attend due to the growing risk of continuing the…