Thursday Sep. 17, 2026 from the KWSO Newsroom

The Museum at Warm Springs is calling for submissions for its 33rd Annual Tribal Member Art Exhibit, featuring work from adult and youth tribal members. The exhibition opens November 18th and runs through February 20th. Adult artists submitting work for judging and a chance at prize money must enter by Tuesday, October 20th at 5 p.m., while display-only submissions are due October 27th. Applications are available at the museum, and free art supplies will be provided for youth participants during the November 18th opening reception.

Joy Harjo—the historic first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate—is in Central Oregon to serve as the keynote speaker for the 12th Annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony at the High Desert Museum in Bend. Last night at the Wyam Youth Center in Warm Springs, Harjo read from her latest poetry collection, Cloud Runner, and reflected on the power of creative expression. “Everybody’s story is important,” Harjo said. “Just remember that you came in at this point because you have gifts that you—particularly you—are bringing in that the story needs.”

Warm Springs Community Radio, KWSO, is celebrating 40 years of service with two upcoming community events. On Friday, September 18th, KWSO will host an Open House at the Warm Springs Media Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring tours, snacks, and commemorative T-shirts. Later this month, on Wednesday, September 30th, KWSO will host a free public screening of the documentary Bad Press at 4 p.m. at the Madras Performing Arts Center, followed by a panel discussion.

Health officials across Central Oregon are reminding families to ensure children are up to date on required back-to-school vaccines, including Tdap boosters for incoming seventh graders. Vaccinations are available through local health providers, IHS Clinics, county health departments, school-based health centers, and Warm Springs Community Health. Officials also encourage families to check dates for flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of the fall respiratory season.

According to The Imprint, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has reassumed immediate operations of the Red Lake Nation’s child and family services in northern Minnesota following an FBI search of the agency’s headquarters. The BIA stated the takeover was executed under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to ensure child safety and maintain service continuity. The Red Lake Nation Tribal Council has offered few details regarding the federal search, and no arrests have been reported.

Oregon tribal college students have until September 30th to meet the priority deadline for the 2026-27 Oregon Tribal Student Grant. Available to enrolled members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes, the state grant helps cover the average cost of attendance at eligible colleges. Applicants must submit the state grant application, a 2026-27 FAFSA or ORSAA, and tribal enrollment verification through Oregon Student Aid.

A joint report by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service shows tree damage in Oregon forests dropped significantly to 181,000 acres in 2025, well below the 10-year average. Meanwhile, State Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer reports that while Oregon’s unemployment rate dipped slightly in August, manufacturing continues to drive job losses. “There has been weakness across several areas of the manufacturing sector in Oregon,” Krumenauer noted, though recent figures suggest the decline may be leveling off. Separately, voters have until October 13th to register for the November 3rd general election.

Idaho agricultural officials report that targeted copper treatments in the mid-Snake River have reduced young invasive quagga mussels by 77% compared to last year. Nic Zurfluh with the Idaho Department of Agriculture called the monitoring and treatment approach aggressive “by design” as state and federal agencies work to prevent the destructive pests from reaching the Columbia River basin. Additionally, the Columbia River treaty tribal commercial gillnet fishery opens in Zone 6 from 6 a.m. Monday, September 21st, through 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 23rd. Nearby, Jefferson Public Radio reports the Port of Bandon voted to transfer ownership of the historic Nasomah Memorial site to the Coquille Indian Tribe.