The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs held a General Council meeting Tuesday evening at the Agency Longhouse, drawing 84 tribal members and 9 of 11 Tribal Council members for a session that covered finances, new leadership introductions, and community concerns spanning everything from wages to treaty rights.

Financial Presentation

Chief Financial Officer Pam Douglas opened the evening with a financial presentation. Financial transparency was one of several issues raised by community members during the public comment portion of the meeting.

New Chief Operations Officer

Caroline Cruz, recently hired as the Confederated Tribes' new Chief Operations Officer, introduced herself and outlined her responsibilities to the community. Cruz's oversight includes organizational structure, policies, budgets, program monitoring, the five branches of tribal government, and operations at High Lookee Lodge.

New Governmental Affairs Director

Andrew Hofstetter, the Tribes' new Director of Governmental Affairs, also addressed the General Council for the first time in his new role. Hofstetter oversees a broad portfolio including legislative issues, policy, intergovernmental agreements, planning, land services, and communications.

Hofstetter told attendees he has worked in tribal government affairs for 32 years and previously served on the Warm Springs Gaming Commission. Speaking to the community he now serves in a new capacity, he said it was "an honor to be back home to serve the people."

Community Voices

The public comment portion of the meeting surfaced a range of concerns from tribal members, reflecting the breadth of issues facing the Warm Springs community. Topics raised included:

  • Wages and support services for tribal members
  • Communication and trust between community members and tribal leadership
  • Treaty rights
  • Substance abuse and education programs
  • Financial transparency
  • Balancing cultural traditions with modernization in senior services

The General Council, in which enrolled tribal members can address leadership directly, is one of the primary forums for community accountability in the Warm Springs governance structure.

Plateau Travel Plaza and Enterprise Updates

Progress reports on Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, Indian Head Casino, and the Plateau Travel Plaza were also on the General Council agenda. The Plateau Travel Plaza is targeting a June 15 soft reopening and a July 11 grand opening following a major remodeling and expansion project. The plaza, owned and operated by Warm Springs Casino Enterprises, is currently seeking arts and crafts from tribal members for display during the reopening period — submissions are due by June 3.