Rafael Queahpama was sworn in as Warm Springs Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council on Wednesday, May 20, at a ceremony held at the Tribal Administration Building in Warm Springs.
Queahpama holds a lifetime seat on the Tribal Council — a distinction of the traditional governance structure of the Confederated Tribes, which encompasses the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples of the Warm Springs Reservation in Jefferson County.
A traditional installation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at the Simnasho Longhouse. The Simnasho community is located in the northern portion of the reservation and holds deep cultural and ceremonial significance for the Warm Springs people.
General Council Meeting Set for May 26
Members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are also encouraged to attend a General Council meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at the Tribal Administration Building.
The Tribal Council’s revised agenda for the meeting is focused on tribal operations and enterprises, including:
- A Financial Update
- Progress reports from the Chief Operations Officer and Governmental Affairs Director
- Updates on Indian Head Casino operations
- Updates on Plateau Travel Plaza
- Report on Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort
Dinner for General Council members begins at 6:00 PM, with the formal meeting following at 7:00 PM.
About the Tribal Council
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council governs the 640,000-acre Warm Springs Reservation, home to approximately 4,500 enrolled tribal members. The Council includes both elected members and traditional Chiefs who hold lifetime appointments under the Tribes’ constitution.
The Warm Springs Reservation borders Jefferson County to the west and north, and the Tribes play a significant role in the cultural, economic, and civic life of the broader Jefferson County region. Tribal enterprises including Indian Head Casino, the Plateau Travel Plaza, and the Kah-Nee-Ta resort provide both employment and revenue for tribal programs.
The Madras Bulletin congratulates Chief Queahpama on his installation and wishes the Confederated Tribes well as new leadership takes shape.