KWSO News 8/15/19

Yesterday afternoon, August 14th, just past 4 – the Boil Water Notice for the Warm Springs Water Treatment Plant was lifted so normal consumption of treated water can resume. The notice was in effect since May 30th as a result of low pressure in the system due to a mainline break. Since that date, numerous improvements have been made in the water distribution system including the repair of the Shitike Creek water main crossing and replacement of pressure reducing valves in 5 stations throughout the Agency water distribution system. Additional construction will occur in the coming month in 2 more stations in the system.

Tribal utilities water and wastewater staff completed two rounds of testing for bacterial contamination with all results returning negative. This information was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the process to lift the boil water notice.

The Warm Springs Water Treatment Plant serves the Agency Area including Kah-nee-ta, Wolfe Point, Sunnyside, Upper Dry Creek, Miller Heights, Campus area, West Hills, Tenino Valley, Tenino Apartments, Elliott Heights, Senior Housing, Trailer Courts, and Greeley Heights. It also serves tribal enterprises including Indian Head Casino, Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs Composites, Warm Springs Ventures, Warm Springs Telecom, Warm Springs Credit, Warm Springs Housing Authority, and High Lookee Lodge. The Bureau of Indians Affairs offices, as well as the Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center, are also served by this system.

Last night at the 9 Tribes Youth Prevention Conference Pow Wow at the Agency Longhouse MC Carlos Calica announced the end to the water boil notice and those in attendance let out a collective cheer. The conference continues today with visiting youth and chaperones are camping out and participating in activities on the grounds of the Warm Springs Community Center.

Warm Springs Early Childhood Education is holding a Child Care Development Fund Public Hearing next Monday, Aug. 19th at noon in their Conference Room 2E. You can learn about The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act and the Child Care Development Fund which exists to provide financial assistance to low-income families to access child care so they can work or attend a job training or educational program. ECE will go over the Tribal funding available for eligible families. A draft of the 2020 CCDF Plan will be available for the public. Contact ECE if you have questions. (541-553-3241)

Just weeks after closing the comment period on a controversial proposal affecting one of Indian Country’s most sacred figures, the Trump administration announced a major change for obtaining eagle feathers and eagle parts. In an article posted on Indianz dor com.(https://www.indianz.com/News/2019/08/13/trump-administration-announces-change-to.asp) according to the updated policy, announced on Tuesday (8/13/19), federally recognized tribes will be able to keep bald and golden eagle remains found in Indian Country under certain conditions. Previously, such remains had to be turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or to other authorities. But so long as the tribe reports the remains to the agency and applies for a permit at no cost, the remains can stay in the community following confirmation by law enforcement. Federal officials described the new Tribal Eagle Retention Policy as a way to respect and honor Indigenous traditions.