Ruby’s Indian Crafts & Supply soars despite COVID-19 lockdowns

by Miranda Vega Rector of the CUJ MISSION – When Melinda Broncheau invested everything she had into opening Ruby’s Indian Crafts & Supplies on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, a global pandemic was not included in her business plan but still she prevailed. Broncheau, a Tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), has had a passion…

Tribal youth get culture tour by Snake River

By the CUJ Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Colville Tribes and Nez Perce Tribes floated the Snake River in August. “It was an unforgettable three days with pukuunen (Snake River),” Josiah Pinkham said, “visiting cultural sites, learning about the canyon and all its life and splendor, and forming new friendships.” CTUIR youth members present were…

Allman named Pro Tem Judge for Tribal Court

Chief Judge William D. Johnson has appointed Louisa M. Allman, Juvenile Delinquency Specialist, as Pro Tem Judge for the Umatilla Tribal Court. Allman has been employed by the Umatilla Tribal Court since 2018 and is an enrolled member of the CTUIR. She previously served as Paralegal/Victim’s Assistant for the City of Pendleton City Attorney for 19 years, and was employed…

Tribal member appointed Interim Director for Trial Court

Chief Judge William D. Johnson has appointed Martina Gordon, Criminal Justice Records Specialist, as Interim Umatilla Tribal Court Director effective immediately. Gordon has been employed with Umatilla Tribal Court since 2017 and is an enrolled member of CTUIR. She previously served as the Food Programs Coordinator and Manager for CAPECO for six years. She currently serves as Vice-Chair for the…

Nixyaawii neighborhood still in the works for 2022

Press Release Nixyáawii – the 13-acre neighborhood located south of Nixyaawii Education Center and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, was originally, planned for development over the summer of 2021; however, delays from pandemic response and very volatile development market has moved the project to spring of 2022, with lot sales windows occurring in early spring 2022. Nixyáawii will allow CTUIR Tribal…

Vaccine mandate at four Tribal entities

By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – Tribal employees belonging to four CTUIR entities have until Sept. 30 to get fully vaccinated. Though the Tribe has held mass vaccination clinics and given a $50,000 grand prize for a fully vaccinated employee, an estimated 35 employees working at those entities are not vaccinated. The directive was released Aug. 31 by…

Public Hearing Notice

  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Land Protection Planning Commission (LPPC) of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will hold the following public hearing: Comprehensive Plan Amendment #CP-21-001 – Applicant, CTUIR – Tribal Planning Office, 46411 Timíne Way, Pendleton, OR 97801. The application proposes to amend text of the CTUIR 2010 Comprehensive Plan to update 2020 benchmarks…

General Election details released

By the CUJ The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s General Election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9, according to officials. In-person voting will occur from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Nixyáawii Governance Center, 46411 Timíne Way, Pendleton, OR, 97801. Voting room is #102 A/B, Cayuse/Umatilla. The Tribal Election Commission reviewed nomination petitions at 4 p.m. on Aug.…

Justin Quaempts finds art during surgery recovery

By the CUJ CTUIR member Justin Quaempts went from star athlete, to Tribal leader to now being an acclaimed independent freehand spray-paint artist. Just two years into being an artist, he’s got his own collection, which will be on display at the Pendleton Art Center on Oct. 7. “My recent discovery of my artistic skills has opened up a new…