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.…
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…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ WASHINGTON, D.C. – CTUIR member Chuck Sams continued on his trek to make history as the first Native American to serve as National Park Service Director Nov. 2, as his nomination unanimously moved forward in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. One last step awaits: Approval by the Senate. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)…
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…
MISSION – The Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) recently took action by way of motion to honor Chief Judge William Johnson of the Umatilla Tribal Court as the recent recipient of the President’s Special Award of Appreciation. This award will be formally conveyed by David Wade, President of the Oregon State Bar,…
MISSION, OR – The Board of Trustees, the elected leaders for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, today approved a resolution to end the Public Health Emergency declaration on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The primary effects of this resolution are to dissolve the current Incident Command Team that had been formed to respond to the outbreak of cases…
by Miranda Vega Rector of the CUJ – It’s not usual for Happy Canyon Princesses to reign for two years, but Mary Rivera and Clarise (Clair) Huesties are not your typical Princesses. Rivera and Huesties were announced the 2020 Happy Canyon Princesses in Dec. 2019. They were both very excited, especially Rivera being that it was her third time competing…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – Tac Maywii Nixyaawii! (Good Morning Nixyaawii!) was named the second-ranking news cast or podcast in Indian country by the Native American Journalists Association. KCUW’s show, which features BOT members Jill-Marie Gavin-Harvey and Boots Pond earned runner up in General Excellence as part of the 2021 NAJA Awards. “There was many laughs to…
By Cary Rosenbaum of the CUJ MISSION – Nixyaawii Community Financial Services held its grand opening in August, allowing for tours, souvenirs, food and a DJ. The event — which was postponed from July due to the record heat — was also a reuniting moment for the seven-person staff. “We certainly heard so many positive compliments,” Tovey said. “I cannot…
by Miranda Vega Rector of the CUJ MISSION – When everything shut down in 2020, including day cares and schools, parents like Adrienne Berry and Christopher Sampson, parents of five, were put in a difficult situation – who watches the kids? With not many options available, Berry chose to resign from her five year career as the Community Gardener of…