Siletz Tribe Celebrates Regaining Hunting And Fishing Rights

Members of the Warrior Society drum group, clockwise from bottom left, Taylor Hawk, Jimmy Williams, J.J. Jackson, Lawney Havranek, George Clements, Henry Rondeau, Plummie Wright, and Ron Butler, perfo

In a jubilant display of culture and tradition, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recently marked a significant milestone at their annual powwow held at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon. The event, which has been a tradition for 47 years, took on added significance this year as the tribe celebrated the lifting of restrictions on their hunting, fishing, and gathering rights.

The Siletz tribe, a confederation of over two dozen bands and tribes, had their federal recognition revoked in the 1950s under the policy of 'termination.' This led to the loss of millions of acres of land and essential federal services. However, after a long and arduous battle, the tribe regained federal recognition in 1977, becoming only the second tribe to do so after the Menominee Tribe in Wisconsin.

Despite this victory, the Siletz tribe had to agree to restrictions on their hunting and fishing rights in order to reclaim a fraction of their original land. This agreement, which limited their access to vital resources, was a source of hardship and frustration for the tribe for decades.

Recently, a federal court recognized the biased nature of these restrictions and lifted them, allowing the tribe to once again exercise their traditional rights to hunt, fish, and gather. This decision was met with joy and relief by tribal members, who see it as a crucial step towards reclaiming their cultural heritage and self-sufficiency.

Restrictions on hunting and fishing rights were lifted by a federal court.

The Siletz tribe regained federal recognition in 1977 after termination policy.

Tribal members celebrated at the annual powwow at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

The Siletz tribe is a confederation of over two dozen bands and tribes.

The lifting of restrictions is a crucial step towards reclaiming cultural heritage.

Tribal leaders hope the younger generation will carry on traditions.

The restoration of rights signifies resilience and determination of the tribe.

Tribal members expressed joy and relief at the court's decision.

The powwow atmosphere was filled with gratitude and unity.

The restoration of rights reaffirms the tribe's identity and connection to ancestors.

Looking towards the future, tribal leaders like Siletz Chairman Delores Pigsley expressed hope that the younger generation would carry on essential traditions and values. The restoration of these rights is seen as a powerful affirmation of the tribe's resilience and determination to preserve their way of life.

As tribal members danced in their regalia and sang songs of celebration, the atmosphere at the powwow was one of gratitude and unity. For individuals like Tiffany Stuart and her daughter, the restoration of rights meant more than just legal victories—it was a reaffirmation of their identity and connection to their ancestors.

With the lifting of restrictions and a renewed sense of empowerment, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are poised to embrace a future where their cultural practices and traditions can flourish once again.