Board of Trustees appoints new Interim Executive Director

MISSION – The Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has named Paul Rabb as the CTUIR’s next Interim Executive Director. The decision came in the wake of Chuck Sams’ resignation following his appointment to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Both the resignation of Mr. Sams and the appointment of Mr. Rabb will…

EDITORIAL: What’s your opinion?

Noticeably absent this issue are letters to the editor. Our question to you is: “Where’s your opinion?” Letters to the editor have been a historic feature of newspapers. In them, you’re allowed to take a stance on an issue, educate readers on happenings, suggest ideas, influence the opinions of the public or even, perhaps, tribal leadership. We’ve seen the power…

Wildhorse Resort & Casino announces upcoming event

Anniversary Fireworks March marks the 26th anniversary of Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Each year, Wildhorse hosts an incredible fireworks display to celebrate the occasion and show appreciation to the community. The event kicks off at Wildhorse on March 6th at 8pm. Wildhorse encourages everyone to enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of their vehicles or to stay in close proximity…

Oregon Health Authority Issues Joint Statement with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation on COVID-19 Data

The Oregon Health Authority reports that the addition of approximately 1,400 COVID-19 laboratory reports from Umatilla County on Saturday, Feb. 20 will not affect the county’s risk level status. The past cases covering a seven-month period had been investigated and had previously not been electronically recorded by the agency. OHA has been receiving weekly data from Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center.…

Vaccinations open to immediate family members of employees at CTUIR enterprises and entities

MISSION – Nearly a week after announcing COVID-19 vaccinations would open to CTUIR employees and Reservation residents, the Tribe announced it is opening up opportunities to immediate family members of employees at Tribal enterprises and entities. “After reviewing ‘Mass Vaccination’ registration numbers with Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, we have determined that we will open up vaccine registration for the CTUIR…

Board approves increases

MISSION – On Feb. 8, Interim Executive Director Chuck Sams announced a pair of increases tribal employees may receive. The Board of Trustees adjusted their 2021 annual budget and approved a 3 percent cost of living adjustment to employee salaries, retroactive to Feb. 1. They also approved Departments be authorized to provide an average of 2 percent merit increases to…

CTUIR supports Rep. Simpson’s Columbia Basin Initiative

Mission, OR – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) supports Congressman Mike Simpson’s newly-announced Columbia Basin Fund initiative. The plan calls for restoring the lower Snake River while making whole all impacted users of the Columbia River and changing the way fish and wildlife restoration, protection and enhancement is done in the Columbia Basin. “Restoring the lower…