Yesterday, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson kicked off a commitment to visit Oregon’s nine federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations in 2024 by spending the day with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI).

“It was an honor to spend a day with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, deepening our understanding of their history and rich heritage, and getting to know and appreciate the services and programs that serve CTSI members and the broader community,” Governor Kotek said. “I am immensely grateful for Chair Pigsley and the Tribal Council’s leadership and for the opportunity to build stronger relationships with the Siletz. These conversations will inform the state’s efforts to develop more comprehensive and transparent government-to-government consultation with Oregon’s federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations.”

“The day was spent sharing program information as well as our history and culture with Governor Kotek and her staff,” said Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley. “It was a special day; the Tribe very much appreciated the all-day visit and looks forward to working with the governor and her staff.”

The Governor, the First Lady, and Governor’s Office staff started their day in Siletz with a morning reception with members of the Tribal Council and CTSI staff in the Tribal Council chambers. They then traveled with the Council and staff to the Tribe’s Siletz Community Health Clinic for a conversation about behavioral health needs of the Tribe and the community at large, the impact the fentanyl crisis is having in their community and the comprehensive approach they are taking to address urgent health needs.

The group then toured the nearby Garden Program, the health clinic’s farm program that seeks to improve the health of the community and Siletz Tribal members by providing access to clean organic produce, outdoor recreation, and culturally congruent activities in a safe space. Next, over lunch, there were presentations and discussions at the Tribal Community Center about housing, education, and natural resource issues.

Following lunch, after a tour of the CTSI museum repository, the Governor and the First Lady were privileged to learn more about Siletz history and culture, including a demonstration of a traditional feather dance by CTSI youth in the Tribes’ Dance House and the efforts behind the creation of the Dance House.

The day wrapped up in Lincoln City at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, which is owned and operated by CTSI.