News Stories for Thu., May 24, 2018

Tribal communities face unique challenges in meeting the challenge of drug abuse and addiction.  The nine Oregon tribes will meet in June at Kah-Nee-Ta to discuss the problem, and strategies to battle the epidemic.  The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Health and Human Services branch will host the Oregon Tribal Summit on Opioids and Other Drugs, June 5^th and 6th.  The nine tribes will be there, with the Native American Youth Association (NAYA), law enforcement, social services, medical providers, spiritual and cultural leaders, courts, prosecution, youth services, and others.  Historical and intergenerational trauma— associated with increased rates of depression, drug use and addiction—are additional issues facing Native American communities in dealing with the drug epidemic and will be discussed at the summit.  You can learn more on page 2 of this week’s Spilyay Tymoo.

The Oregon Health Authority issued a health advisory yesterday for Detroit Lake, located 46 miles southeast of Salem. The lake spans both Linn and Marion counties.  Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae and the toxins they produce in Detroit Lake. These toxin concentrations can be harmful to humans and animals.  The advisory will be lifted when the concern no longer exists.

The Trump administration is going to consult tribes about a controversial reorganization at the Department of the Interior with the first session scheduled in less than two weeks, the Bureau of Indian Affairs announced yesterday.  The first session takes place on June 3 in Kansas City, Missouri, where the National Congress of American Indians is holding its mid-year conference. It is to be followed by eight tribal consultations.  As part of its outreach to Indian Country, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding one listening session and eight consultations on the reorganization.  The Northwest meeting is June 21st in Billings Montana. Draft maps posted by the department show how the BIA’s existing 12 regions would be undergoing dramatic change.  Written comments can also be submitted through August 15.

Madras White Buffalo baseball moves on in the OSAA 4A State Championship after an extra inning win yesterday against Astoria – in Astoria.  The Number 10 ranked Buffs erupted for four runs in the top of the 11^th inning and Number 7 Astoria couldn’t come back – giving Madras the 13-9 victory.  Kanim Smith had 5 hits and 4 RBIs in the victory.  He also pitched the final six innings and had 6 strike outs.  Kody Zemke contributed 3 hits and 4 RBIs with Brandon Desjardins Driving in two runs for Madras.  Up next in quarterfinal play – Madras will face North Marion on the road tomorrow.