CTWS Leadership Loss
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are mourning the loss of Warm Springs Chief Rafael Queahpama.
Chief Queahpama had only recently assumed the lifetime seat on the Tribal Council, having been officially sworn in on May 20th and traditionally installed at the Simnasho Longhouse on May 30th. He had succeeded the late Chief Delvis Heath Senior, who passed away in March.
Prior to becoming Chief, Queahpama served the community for a decade as a Sub Chief, following a traditional ceremony in 2016. The Warm Springs Tribal Council relies on a balance of eight elected district representatives and three permanent, traditional lifetime chiefs representing each of the reservation’s distinct tribes.
Funeral arrangements for Chief Queahpama will begin today (6/17/26). A dressing service will take place this afternoon at 3:00 at the Simnasho Longhouse, followed by All-Denominations and overnight Washut services, including a midnight meal. The burial is scheduled for Thursday morning (6/18/26), with the procession leaving for the Simnasho Cemetery at 7am.
