Usually an editor’s first column feels like an overview of a resumé: Here’s who I am. Here’s what I’ve done. Here’s what I plan to do. Since landing the job, I can’t stop thinking about Ross. No, not the iconic discount store that provides wardrobe upgrades at a fraction of the cost. I’m talking about Ross Baulne, a friend and…
At the time it did not seem like the calm before the storm. Near the end of February last year, it seemed like the community was heading toward a year with much to look forward to. It was a recovery phase for those who lived by the river after the devastation the floods brought. Tribal members laid out plans to…
I can remember the call on March 2, 2020 informing me that we had a COVID-19 case on the CTUIR. The first act of the Board of Trustees was to put the community’s health and safety as the priority. We temporarily closed Wildhorse Resort and Casino, the Education and Day Care facilities in order to allow all of them to…
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…
By Cary Rosenbaum It doesn’t matter who you are or what political party you align with, you felt something as you watched or read about the Capitol riots that left five dead in Washington, D.C. in early January. It was one of those incidents you know you’re going to be talking about for years — maybe even into your old…
CUJ Opinions & Editorials By Boots Pond, BOT Member The river is a powerful force. Most days when driving by the river it looks calm. There are many memories of being by and in the river. Whether it be from gaffing for salmon or finding the best swimming hole, the river has been a good part of our lifetimes. It’s…
By Kat Brigham 2020 is almost over. It has been a year with mixed emotions. Frustration being one that many of us have felt because we are not able to see this invisible enemy to prevent its spread in the community. Our ancestors had to deal with this and now we are too. But we all know what to do:…
We cautiously enter the holiday season, exhausted due to unprecedented challenges that we’ve all had to confront during the chaotic year of 2020, such as floods, fires, COVID, high unemployment, online education, daycare shortages, tele-work, and even toilet paper scarcity! We also lost some degree of personal liberties, such as to travel afar, to (fully) practice our venerated Tamanwit, and…
It’s appropriate that I’m writing this ‘swan song’ column on deadline. The CUJ is supposed to be out the door on its way to a press in Caldwell, Idaho, in a couple of hours so I’m penning this thing at the last minute. But I’ve always thrived on deadlines. I like the pressure of deadlines. And by now, after 46…
There’s a sight to be seen that connects my tribe and yours. It’s one headstone among thousands at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Lucas White, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, was laid to rest there in 2006 at age 28. I’m one of a handful of Colvilles I know to pay respects in-person.…