CTUIR judge reflects on new Oregon law and equal justice

An Oregon law that went into effect in January provides full faith and credit for tribal court judgments. This means that if a judge from a federally recognized tribe requires child support or grants a restraining order, those decisions will be better enforced off reservation as well. Chief Judge William Johnson of the Umatilla Tribal Court has been working toward…

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 —…

BOT selects Sampson to be next Executive Director

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.…

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.…

Virtual Tribal Council? Meetings move to hybrid format

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…