KWSO News Tue., Nov. 27, 2018

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Board of Trustees (BOT) has hired an Executive Director for Tribal government last week.  Dr. Ted Wright, enrolled Tlingit and Haida Indian, will begin on Dec. 3. The Executive Director is responsible for the management, oversight and supervision for all aspects of Tribal government and administration. Dr. Wright earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Ph.D. in Education Theory and Policy from Penn State University.  His doctoral studies focused on tribal political dynamics and economic development.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving. Giving Tuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a movement to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity and about bringing people together to focus on causes you believe in. Help others through the gift of your time, donations, goods or your voice. Www.givingtuesday.org is the official website of the movement and there are some really great ideas there on the many ways you can give.

After more than a year of obstacles, the federal government will resume a project to fulfill an 80-year-old promise. The Trump administration halted work in October last year on a plan to build a village for tribal members who fished the Columbia River for millennia, but last week, money reappeared in the budget. Charles Hudson, intergovernmental affairs director for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission told the Oregonian that they are “delighted by the White House’s decision to restore and direct funds to the Columbia River tribal housing initiative.” He added that there was “a lot of scratching and clawing to keep this project active after a year of lapsed funding.” Leaders from the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla and Nez Perce tribes have lobbied along with Congressional officials from Oregon and Washington to find a way to circumvent the barriers the Trump administration put in the way. Starting with the Bonneville Dam in the 1930s, the federal government flooded villages where tribal members lived. The federal government said it would replace the flooded homes, but never did.

The Warm Springs K8 Eagles Boys Basketball teams are in action today with home games vs. Obsidian Middle School starting at 3:30. They will play at JCMS on Thursday.

Madras White Buffalo Basketball is back and tomorrow it is the Lady Buffs opening the pre-season at home, the boys will travel to Grants Pass. Both programs are facing the Hidden Valley Mustangs. Also back are live broadcasts of all varsity home games on KWSO – tune in just before the 7:00 tip off. This Friday and Saturday is the Girls White Buffalo Classic. The boys will also play on Saturday, taking on Sisters at 7pm. Also this weekend, Madras Wrestlers will go to the Officials Tourney at Bend High. And, the Swim Team is hosting the Madras Invitational Saturday starting at 11:30 at the MAC.