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Siletz Celebrates Grand Opening of Kloshe Illahee Haws

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recently celebrated the grand opening of their affordable housing project in Salem, Kloshe Illahee Haws. A Tribal honor song welcomed the Salem community, mayor, City Council members, local and Federal elected officials, and Tribal members to a ribbon-cutting, which celebrated the collaboration, the years of hard work, and the Tribe’s longstanding connection to the land.

The Kloshe Illahee Haws project reflects what’s possible when Tribes, federal agencies, and cities unite to address challenges. From treaties and restoration to today’s partnerships, Siletz has always believed in working together.

The history of the Siletz Tribe and its ancestors dates back to time immemorial, with a particular focus on the Willamette Valley and the Salem area. Today, Salem is home to the second-largest population of Siletz members in the state, behind only Siletz, Oregon. 

“These lands were walked by our ancestors,” said Delores Pigsley, chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “‘Kloshe Illahee Haws’ means ‘Good Valley Homes.’ These were built for our people to be able to provide low-income and affordable housing.” (Underscore Native News)

The project was created in direct response to the growing need for affordable housing in the area. Salem faces a shortage of nearly 2,900 homes, and the metro area is projected to welcome 60,000 new residents by 2035.

To give Salem-area Tribal members and others much-needed relief, the Siletz Tribe secured a Block Grant from the Indian Housing Block Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the project.

About half of the units are strictly designated for residents earning below 80% of the median income. The development includes a mixture of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom houses, a modest community-use facility with staff offices, and space for a cherished outdoor community garden, intended to foster a sense of pride and connection among residents while providing free and healthy food.

While the grand opening marked an important step toward addressing housing needs in Salem, it also honored the longstanding presence of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in the region by providing members with the opportunity to live side by side and form a Native community.

“Moving into Kloshe Illahee Haws means stability. My son will get to stay at the same school, which means a safe home for my brother and me, and it’s close enough to the Tribal offices so I can attend classes and cultural activities,” says Vera Vasquez, an enrolled member of the Siletz Tribe. “This project means we don’t have to choose between staying rooted in Salem and being connected to our Tribe. We can do both.”

The Siletz Tribe remains committed to working with Salem’s city leaders to help mitigate the housing crisis and bring jobs and economic development to the community.

(The Siletz Casino Project is not affiliated with Kloshe Illahee Haws)

Siletz Tribe Releases 2024 Donations – More Than $1.35 Million Donated to Support Local Charitable Organizations

In 2024, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians supported over 188 organizations across the state, counties, and local communities through its Charitable Contribution Fund. Over $1.3 million in grants were awarded to promote programs ranging from cultural activities and education services to healthcare services, public safety organizations, and historic preservation.

Top Charitable Contributions in 2024 by Category

Cultural Activities
Education
Environment & Natural Resource Preservation Health
Historical Preservation
Health
Housing
Prevention
Public Safety
The Arts

These partnerships continue to make a meaningful difference across Native American communities and in communities across Oregon. The Siletz Tribe remains deeply committed to giving back and is honored to support and uplift the communities it is part of.

Since 2001, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund has made quarterly donations to nonprofit groups in the Siletz community, Lincoln County, and the state of Oregon. To date, the Fund has donated more than $18.2 million to 3,521 charitable organizations.

Click here for a complete list of 2024 donation recipients and the official announcement from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Indian Gaming Association Honors Chairman Pigsley at 29th Annual National Indian Women’s Luncheon

Earlier this year, Delores Pigsley, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was honored at the 29th Annual National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” luncheon during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council Winter Summit in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the luncheon recognizes tribal members who have demonstrated strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to defend and protect the sovereignty of Indian nations. It’s no surprise that the NCAI saw those attributes in Chairman Pigsley.

For decades, Chairman Pigsley has dedicated her life to serving and protecting Indian rights while uplifting the Siletz way of life and supporting communities across the nation.

Since her election to the council in 1975, she has been instrumental in the Tribe’s right to reclaim federal recognition. In 1977, Chairman Pigsley led the lobbying of Congress to repeal the Western Oregon Termination Act of 1954. The effort – known as “Restoration” – resulted in the Siletz Tribe becoming the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Vice-Chairman David Bean and Chairman Stevens presented floral tributes to honor Chairman Pigsley during the ceremony.

“I always look forward to this annual recognition,” said Chairman Stevens. “It provides a profound opportunity to honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our honorees, the true champions of Indian Country, who steadfastly defend our tribal sovereignty and protect our people. For over two decades, the IGA has proudly participated in this remarkable luncheon, recognizing the leadership of many exceptional Native women. It feels like a natural fit for me, having grown up in this industry and had the privilege of working alongside these inspiring women.” (Indian Gaming)

In addition to Chairman Pigsley, the IGA also honored Tracy Stanhoff, former Chairman of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, and Paula Hart, former Director of the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming and an enrolled citizen of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York.

Siletz Tribe’s Opportunity to Empower our Indigenous Students

The accomplishment of higher education is a significant milestone toward career opportunity and growth, and one which uplifts our entire community. Among the contributions and initiatives of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are strides toward increasing opportunity and mitigating challenges Indigenous peoples have faced and, in many cases, continue to face in access to education.

To reduce financial barriers associated with higher education and empower tribal members work toward higher academic achievement, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians offers several scholarship programs for Siletz tribal members pursuing higher education. The tribe’s four scholarship programs cater to tribal members pursuing higher education, including undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical training education.

The tribe-based scholarships are exclusive to Siletz tribal members and cover educational expenses beyond tuition, such as books, fees and supplies. To date, over the last 10 years, the Siletz tribe has awarded 100 students with scholarship funding toward their higher-education journey. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is proud to invest in and empower tribal youth to further their academic achievements and to jumpstart their professional career. Our investment in tribal youth education not only provides advanced career opportunities to tribal members in our community but helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.

To learn more on how The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians contributes to youth and higher education our community or to learn more about other tribal scholarship opportunities, please visit https://ctsi.nsn.us/scholarships/

Siletz Tribe Donates nearly $427,000 to State, Local and County Charitable Organizations

In February, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund distributed nearly $427,000 to 28 state, county, and local organizations. These contributions will support cultural activities, education services, healthcare services, public safety organizations, and historic preservation activities.

Since 2001, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund has made quarterly donations to nonprofit groups in the Siletz community, Lincoln County, and the state of Oregon. To date, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund has donated more than $21.9 million to charitable organizations.

The positive impact of these partnerships continues to resonate throughout the heart of Oregon and Native American communities. The Siletz Tribe is committed to continuing the tradition of giving back and is proud to play a part in supporting and uplifting our community.

For example, last year, the Fund provided two grants to the Arc Achievement Program of Lincoln County. One grant allowed seven people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend day support programs at no cost. Read more about this partnership in the Lincoln County Leader.

Click here for a complete list of February’s recipients and the official press release from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Siletz Tribe Donates More Than $331,000 to State, Local and County Charitable Organizations

In May, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Fund distributed more than $331,000 to 50 diverse state, county, and local organizations. These contributions span a wide range of causes, from supporting cultural activities and education services to healthcare services, public safety organizations, and historic preservation activities.

Highlights of this quarter’s charitable funds include:

Assistance League of Salem-Keizer – supply new clothes, shoes, winter coats, hygiene items, food and laundry vouchers for homeless youth and youth in need.
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation – construct ADA playground as part of phase 1 for a new park.
Volunteers of America Oregon – youth-driven prevention services that encourage peer-to-peer education within Portland Public Schools.
Siletz Valley Fire District – help acquire a new fire district rescue vehicle.

Click here for a complete list of May’s donation recipients and the official press release from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day

Every February 23, on National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, we recognize hospitality workers’ hard work and dedication around the world. First celebrated by Food Service Direct, this appreciation day spotlights these vital yet often overlooked individuals in the hospitality industry.

Spanning diverse fields such as hotels, food service, theme parks, travel, and event planning, the hospitality sector relies heavily on the expertise and commitment of its workers. From the welcoming front desk staff to the thorough housekeepers and from attentive servers to meticulous event coordinators, these individuals form the backbone of the industry, ensuring unparalleled customer experiences.

In Lincoln County, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recognize the invaluable contributions of hospitality workers, particularly through the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, the largest employer in the county with over 1,000 employees, many deeply involved in the hospitality industry.

Looking ahead, the Siletz Casino Project is set to create 1,200 permanent, living-wage jobs, with hospitality professionals playing a crucial role in bringing the project to life. From a sprawling 180,800 square-foot casino to a 4-star full-service hotel offering 500 rooms, a pool, spa, and more, the project provides an array of amenities that hospitality workers will expertly operate.

This National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the integral role played by these professionals in shaping positive customer experiences. Their tireless efforts ensure seamless operations, impacting not just individual establishments but the broader community and economy. As we celebrate this day, let’s take a moment to show gratitude to hospitality professionals and acknowledge their contributions to the economy and our community.

The Siletz Housing Department Breaks Ground on Salem Affordable Housing Project, Kloshe Illahee Haws

The history of the Siletz Tribe and its ancestors dates from time immemorial and includes nearly a third of the land in Oregon. The Tribe’s roots in the Willamette Valley remain strong today.

In 2021, the Siletz Tribal Housing Department secured funding for a 40-unit affordable housing development in Salem, known as Kloshe Illahee Haws, that is being built on 8.8 acres of trust land.

Salem’s affordable housing challenge is a symptom of a shortage of nearly 2,900 dwelling units, driving up the cost of existing units. Additionally, the Salem Metro area is projected to welcome 60,000 additional residents by 2035.

The Siletz Tribe sought funding for the new multi-family affordable housing complex to reduce housing burdens for Siletz tribal members and others in the Salem community.

Half of the complex’s 40 units are reserved for residents whose income is below 80% of the median income, with rent payments not exceeding 30% of their household income. The remaining half of the units will be rented at an affordable rate for individuals living above 80% of the median income. These two measures help ensure housing is available to those who need it most, prevent families from being further burdened by rent, and allow residents to save for the future or focus on other financial needs.

Located on the corner of Blossom Drive in Northeast Salem, Kloshe Illahee Haws will feature various living spaces from townhomes and triplexes, a modest community-use facility with staff offices, and an outdoor greenspace. The south end of the property is reserved for a future multi-family apartment complex.

Construction of the infrastructure began with the contract awarded to North Santiam Paving in December 2023, and the remainder of the project is expected to be bid in the second quarter of 2024.

While this project is separate and unique from other endeavors in the Salem community, like the casino project, it serves as an example of how the Siletz Tribe and the City of Salem can work together to identify areas of need and elevate the level of services in the community.

As the Siletz Tribe works to help address the unmet housing needs within the City of Salem, the Siletz Tribe is hopeful the success of Kloshe Illahee Haws will serve as an example of how cooperation between the Siletz Tribe and the City of Salem can benefit the community.

Kloshe Illahee Haws demonstrates the potential for the significant benefits of ongoing cooperation between the Tribe and the City of Salem, including through the Siletz Casino Project and other projects that seek to bring jobs and revenue to the city of Salem. The Siletz Tribe remains committed to working with Salem’s City leaders to help mitigate the housing crisis and bring jobs and economic development to the community.

The Siletz Salem Casino Project Takes Center Stage at Tribal Town Hall

In early November, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians hosted an exclusive town hall for enrolled Tribal members on the progress of the Siletz Salem Casino Project. Chairman Delores Pigsley updated members from the Salem and Keizer communities on the project authorization timeline, the economic benefits of the project, and how casino revenue will help enhance the lives of Siletz Tribal members.

The townhall started with an overview of the Siletz Salem Casino Project, emphasizing its significance as a transformative force for the local economy. The project is a unique opportunity to invest in the local Salem community, and local small businesses will play a significant role. During the two-year construction phase, the project will generate about 2,300 jobs and $141 million in wages, stimulate $492 million in economic impact and produce $54 million in indirect purchases or spending through supply chains in the local economy.

Tribal members expressed overwhelming support for the Siletz Salem Casino Project. According to a survey conducted in April, 66% of the Salem and Keizer communities support the project. Support has grown steadily from 57% in 2017, when we started testing public support.

So, how can you support the project?

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Siletz Tribe Donates nearly $250,000 to State, Local and County Charitable Organizations

Since 2001, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund has made a difference in the lives of our Native American communities and non-profit organizations. To date, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund has contributed more than $21 million to organizations within the Siletz Tribe’s 11-County Service Area in Oregon engaged in education, health and public safety, addiction prevention and treatment, housing, arts, environment and natural resource preservation, cultural activities, historic preservation, and other charitable purposes. We are delighted to play a part in supporting and uplifting our community through these charitable contributions. The positive impact of these partnerships continues to resonate throughout the heart of Oregon and Native American communities.

In 2022, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund supported 112 nonprofit groups across Oregon with grants totaling over $ 800,000. We are proud to continue our tradition of giving back to our community in 2023. In August, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Fund distributed nearly $250,000 to 46 state, county, and local organizations. These contributions supported cultural activities, education services, healthcare services, public safety organizations and historic preservation activities.

For a complete list of recipients and the official press release from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, click here.