Due to staff schedule conflicts and other unforeseen events, some items discussed in this recording have already happened. However, because of the importance of other topics included in this podcast and member requests, we feel it should still be posted for our listeners.
Andy
Hello everyone. My name is Andrea Taylor, and I’m the public relations assistant for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. And today we have Kurtis Barker back. Kurtis, how are you?
Kurtis
Good. How are you?
Andy
I’m well. So, Kurtis, let’s, get into what we’re doing. What are we going to talk about today?
Kurtis
Well, I think we have a number of things on our, short little agenda here. And I just wanted to thank, our podcast listeners. And those that are providing feedback on the topics that they want to hear on a monthly basis. So appreciate that. The first thing that I think we wanted to provide the membership and update on is a lot of the major projects that we have going on.
Kurtis
We’re right in the middle of, a big construction season. The first update that we have is the new pharmacy that’s located in downtown. So that’s, we’ve received a lot of feedback from the community on how big the building is. it doesn’t quite look like it’s how it how it’s going to be in the end.
Kurtis
There will be siding on the building, but, that project is moving along very nicely. we anticipate that, facility opening probably in November. So right now we’re working on a staffing budget and operational budget and, the clinic is also working on, the final designs for a mural that will be on the north side of the building.
Andy
And when the pharmacy moves, what’s going to go where the pharmacy is currently? Do we have a plan?
Kurtis
We do. So there’s the clinic is expanding. And, there’s already a lot of staff that are doubled up in offices. So we’re already sort of outgrowing that facility. But the plan right now is that the business office will move down into the pharmacy so that they have more so that tribal members have more access to the business office.
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
It’s kind of secluded and upstairs in a corner right now. So the business office will be moving down into the pharmacy.
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
The second project that we wanted to provide an update on is the Lincoln City Clinic. This is also, a big expansion for health services for tribal members. Again, this facility is in Lincoln City. It will provide services and medical, dental and behavioral health. Expanded to that Lincoln City area and be able to provide services to members and to employees at the casino.
Kurtis
So we’re excited about that. That project is also moving along nicely. And it was should we’re anticipating it opening also in November, possibly December.
Andy
Of this year.
Kurtis
Yes.
Andy
Perfect.
Kurtis
So again, we’re working on a staffing plan and budget for council to consider. We’ll hopefully have some more updates on that, in the next couple of months. We also have, a brief update on the rec center. For those in Siletz, I’m sure you’ve seen the constant truckloads of dirt. And I think that taken hundreds and hundreds of truckloads of dirt out of the site.
Kurtis
That’s going to house the new recreation center. And also hundreds and hundreds of truckloads of gravel that’s been coming into town. So, we anticipate, the foundation of that building to start here in the next couple of weeks. so, we do have contractors on board. The staff are working very diligently with the design team on final aspects of what that building will look like.
Kurtis
We’re doing some design engineering right now, but, the project is moving along very nicely and a little bit ahead of schedule. I think the last project that the membership has had a lot of interest in is the new museum. We just we’re wrapping up phase two of this project, which is the road realignment, and adding a new parking lot and that project.
Kurtis
I think if you’ve been up there for Culture Camp, you’ve seen that the paving has all been done. The walking paths have been done, and the final stage of paving is going to be either this week or next week. So that that project is wrapped up before we have powwow up there.
Andy
So there will be parking.
Kurtis
There should be parking. Yes. By by power, additional parking.
Andy
And the parallel parking is specifically for senior and disabled disability, parking. And everybody else shuttles or walks over to the grounds? Correct?
Kurtis
Yes. There is very limited elder parking up there and some parking, I think, for vendors. And we still have to have room for the shuttle busses and, deliveries that go up there. But yeah, everyone’s encouraged to park on the back backlot that’s up by housing or park anywhere downtown. And then we’ll have shuttles, available to take people up and take people back down.
Andy
Yes. All right. And I think that’s a really good segue in getting ready for powwow.
Kurtis
Yes. The staff are really excited. Things are moving along nicely. We were really nervous about the road project and having it completed in time. But we’ve had some good news and some updates on that recently, so that shouldn’t be an issue. But basically the staff are prepared. Everything’s lined up and we’re ready to go.
Andy
And powwow is from August 9th to 11th.
Kurtis
Yes. And then, just so that everybody is aware, tribal offices will be closing at noon on August 9th. So that staff can participate in, powwow on the ninth. And a lot of staff work the powwow, and help participate. So that’s another reason that the offices will be closing early that day.
Andy
Yeah. Yeah. If they’re not dancing in it, they’re working it.
Kurtis
Yes. It takes it takes a whole team. It takes multiple departments to put it on. And we’re just grateful that everyone’s, ready and excited for it. But any other updates that will have will be posted on the website under the culture tab. So if you need any information such as the agenda, I think the dance categories and or any other information, we should also have information on the parade, which is Saturday morning.
Kurtis
That should also be available on the website.
Andy
All right. And do you want to talk about the powwow hiring day coming up to cheer?
Kurtis
Pow-wow hiring, I believe, is going to be at the community center. If we have to move it. Just because of all the activity that’s happening up there, just watch the Facebook page, the official travel Facebook page to see if where that location is going to be, but it’s most likely going to be at the community center.
Kurtis
And, what do you do? We have that power. Hiring is August 7th. And just a reminder for everybody that’s interested. And we have a lot of positions available. I think the last two years we’ve been short on staff. So, just a reminder to bring your, valid ID and Social Security card. And then if you have any other questions.
Kurtis
AJ Warren is our, new point of contact, and his phone number is (541) 444-8244.
Andy
Awesome.
Kurtis
And I believe power hiring is, from 10 to 4. I’d have to double check that time, but we’ll post some announcements on the Facebook page coming up here in the next couple of days.
Andy
It I think the flier has been posted. Oh, has it. Yes.
Kurtis
Okay.
Andy
Yeah. So you can find it now and apply if you want to.
Kurtis
Yes. We definitely need to help.
Andy
All right. Is there any updates from manners meetings or tribal council meetings?
Kurtis
Yeah. We can provide some updates on, First, the within the administration, we have managers meetings twice a month. One before the council meeting and one after, the latest managers meeting. We primarily focused on some upcoming leadership development opportunities that, we are providing to our management team. So starting in September, we’re going to have two different cohorts of, middle managers that will be going through leadership development and also the executive team.
Kurtis
Going through leadership development with a consultant. Just to help us with communication, trust, working on some goals and objectives. Personally and professionally. And that should go through December. So it’s, it’s a quite a lengthy process, but the management team has been really excited and open to this opportunity. It’s not something that we’ve been able to do for quite some time.
Kurtis
And we have a lot of new managers on our team, new managers and directors. So it’s just a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better and be able to communicate and provide that support to our staff.
Andy
Good. I’m glad that that opportunity is presenting itself.
Kurtis
The other updates that we have, it was a very productive council meeting. On July 19th, and I can provide some updates on, some exciting things that happened. The tribal council accepted a grant from the natural Resources Department. This grant was provided on behalf of the wild salmon Center. In an effort to, the organization is partnering with the tribe to, continue floodplain restoration efforts on a five mile creek basin on our tribal property.
Kurtis
And that grant was 500,000. So that will provide a lot of support to the natural resources department. In that effort. Another exciting announcement is that the Head Start program has updated their selection criteria. So there was some late, some changes at the federal level that allows the tribes to, disregard income in the process for Head Start selection.
Kurtis
So, you’ll be seeing some announcements about that, I’m assuming, in the next couple of weeks as those policies get updated on our end. But that’s a huge update and a huge benefit for families in the area that use Head Start. And then lastly, the education department also received an update from the state of Oregon or received a grant from the state of Oregon.
Kurtis
Via the Early Learning Division. We received a grant of just over 69,000 for early learning projects. So we should be seeing, some projects roll out soon from that effort.
Andy
What is an early learning project? Is that specifically, again, toward a head start, or is that just all children in general, community based.
Kurtis
That I believe that Grant supports the literacy nights?
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
So hopefully those continue those literacy nights have been very popular.
Andy
Oh, yes.
Kurtis
And all four areas, the area offices have really engaged tribal members in that area. And so that’s to, to make those, monthly events very popular. So that Grant, I believe, supports that effort. The tribe also approved a new mission statement, which is really exciting. the staff worked together during an all staff meeting in December of 23 to come up with some ideas, and we spent the last six months refining that language and making a proposal to council that they approved at the July meeting.
Kurtis
And if you’d like, I can provide that mission statement.
Andy
Yeah, let’s hear it.
Kurtis
Okay. So the new mission statement, for the tribe and the administration is the following. It’s to honor our ancestors and ensure a vibrant future for all generations. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are committed to one stewardship, protecting our sacred relationship with the natural world and ensuring its health for future generations. To sovereignty, upholding our inherent rights and traditions, preserving our unique identity as a tribal community.
Kurtis
Three wellbeing empowering our members through education, health care, economic opportunities, and cultural revitalization, and for respect, fostering collaboration and understanding within our community and beyond. And five sustainability and building a secure and prosperous future based on responsible resource management and cultural preservation.
Andy
That’s pretty powerful. I like that.
Kurtis
Yeah, the staff did a really good job at, coming up with that. It’s a long mission statement, but it allows the programs and departments to sort of build upon that and use that mission statement to tailor their individual mission statements for the services that they provide.
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
I think that’s probably it. From the council meeting. Again, those are live streamed on the, Facebook page and our Facebook page. Those are live streamed on the, tribal website.
Andy
Correct. On the member side.
Kurtis
Yes, on the member side, for anybody interested in watching those live.
Andy
All right. So we have a couple things we should talk about coming up. We have the salmon distribution.
Kurtis
We do. The natural resources department is, gearing up for salmon distribution in August. We don’t have a specific date yet, but we’re encouraging everybody to watch out for that postcard that gets mailed to every household. And, we’ll also have announcements. I’m sure the area offices will have announcements on their, individualized Facebook pages. So keep an eye out for that.
Kurtis
Because that will be coming up in August.
Andy
That’s right. Don’t miss that. And then let’s talk about head start because you talked about head start in the programs. In expanding expansion. Head start is taking applications right now.
Kurtis
Yes. So, Hopefully we have I believe we’ll have the policies updated for the new selection criteria for this new rollout. So, there’s applications available on the tribal website for all areas. And we’re still recruiting for, the Portland area office so that we can open up that classroom in Portland. But yeah, if you have any questions, you can contact Diane Brown at (541) 444-2450.
Andy
Perfect. And then let’s talk about some youth activities happening as well. I don’t know how many you’re following, but I think that we just nail it every summer for youth activities.
Kurtis
Yeah. I don’t have any, children, so I’m not as involved or. Watch out the, for those announcements as closely as, a lot of our families do. But on the tribal website, there’s a, on the calendar is all of the events that we have, for all of the departments. So I would encourage anybody to check the website for that.
Kurtis
And I think you can also sign up for email alerts, from various departments. I think the education department, you can sign up for email alerts and have to double check on that. But we do have a number of activities coming up, whether it’s provided by the Education department, prevention, behavioral health, the. Yeah, I don’t know if you have any specific activities that you were,
Andy
Yeah, they have swimming and they have. Oh, I’m drawing a blank now. I know that they just went to the theater last week, but I know that the, the youth activities, official Facebook page, the tribal, youth and activities page has a ton of stuff. And then all the area offices as well are updating their individual Facebook pages with what they’re providing in terms of, youth activities through the summer.
Andy
So, you know, Candace over in Eugene will post their calendar for the month. And Sonia over in Salem and Katie over in Portland. And so everyone’s just providing as much as they can and trying to get these kids in some hands on activities.
Kurtis
Yeah. So there’s a lot of engagement and I just have to praise the staff for the amount of programing that they’re able to pull off in these summer months, because there’s something happening every day. There is to Monday through Friday. There’s something happening for the youth. It might not be specifically in your area, but, usually once a week there is something available.
Kurtis
So I would encourage tribal families to, to check either the digital newsletter or the website for those specific updates. And most of those signups are also available through the website.
Andy
That’s correct. All right. So we had a couple of specific requests, asking about the Salem area housing. And I know that that’s a big project. And what information can we provide to our listeners and to our membership on that?
Kurtis
Yeah, Salem Housing is moving along nicely. The council actually just approved at the July meeting a contract so that the construction of the actual, houses can begin. But again, as a reminder, so the Salem housing project is located right next to the Salem area office.
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
On some property that we own. We’re planning for 39 units, and of those units, the plan was to have 12, two bedroom units, 21 three bedroom units, and six four bedroom units.
Andy
Wow. Who’s going to be a big complex?
Kurtis
It is a big complex. It’s taking up several acres. There’s also, a plan for a maintenance building. And then we also have space for, a community space, along with offices. So that will also be on property. We hope to have a specific housing staff located in Salem to serve those that are living in that area.
Kurtis
But, in that community, there will be we plan on having individual housing units, along with Triplexes and some, for plexus.
Andy
Okay.
Kurtis
So that’s exciting. We’re currently in the process of developing some policies on, as this, development progresses on how we’re going to solicit the application process to fill those units. But half of those units are for non-low income households, and then half will be for low income. So that selection process will look different. The application process will likely look different.
Kurtis
But that’s exciting that the tribe has been able to invest, some of our funds into that project so that we can provide non low income housing. It’s a huge barrier. We know that’s a huge gap in the areas that we in the services that we provide. A lot of the stuff that we provide is low income.
Kurtis
So it’s exciting when we can provide services, especially housing for those that are non-low income. And we hope to have the project completed, I believe, by the end of next year. But again, my hope is that within the next couple months, we’re going to add a projects component to the website so that tribal members can access, more real time updates on these projects and we’ll be able to post pictures and, post reports and, provide more up to date information for the membership on all of our projects.
Andy
That’s good.
Kurtis
Yeah. So watch out for that in the next. We’ll provide some announcements when we have that up and ready. But, it would be good for members to be able to go see that progress as its happening.
Andy
And they should I mean, these are great projects. This is important. And then we’re moving forward.
Kurtis
Yes. It’s a lot of work. All at once. Again, I have to praise the staff. We have we have, limited staff that are working on these projects and available to provide this expertise. And it’s a huge workload to have all of these projects come online at the same time. From the planning department to the housing department.
Kurtis
All of them are doing excellent work to ensure that these projects come in on time and on budget. On budget isn’t always, possible in some instances because there’s unforeseen things that happen. In the design and construction phases. But, we’re on track to, have these projects done on time.
Andy
All right. And I think that about wraps up everything that we had on our agenda. Is there anything that you think that we need to discuss before we, bid our listeners a farewell?
Kurtis
Just that I appreciate members listening. And again, if you have anything specific that you would like, the administration or a program director or, service provider to update the membership on, be able to use, be sure to use that, feedback form that’s available on the website. You do watch out for those. And you do let us know what the membership wants.
Kurtis
And then, just that I hope to see everybody at powwow.
Andy
Yes, powwow. It’s coming up.
Kurtis
Yes. August is a good month.
Andy
It is a good month. All right. Thank you. Kurtis. Have a great day.
Kurtis
You too. Thank you so much.