The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs held a General Council meeting Tuesday evening at the Agency Longhouse, drawing roughly 84 community members and nine of the 11-member Tribal Council.

The meeting covered a range of administrative and community topics, opening with a financial presentation from CTWS Chief Financial Officer Pam Douglas. New Chief Operations Officer Caroline Cruz also introduced herself, outlining her responsibilities including organizational structure, policies, budgets, monitoring, the five branches of tribal government, and operations at High Lookee Lodge.

New Director of Governmental Affairs

Andrew Hofstetter, the tribe’s new Director of Governmental Affairs, also introduced himself at the meeting. Hofstetter oversees legislative issues, policy, interagency agreements, planning, land services, and communications. He described 32 years working in tribal government affairs and previously served on the Warm Springs Gaming Commission.

“It is an honor to be back home to serve the people.” — Andrew Hofstetter

Community Voices

Community members who spoke during the meeting raised concerns touching on several persistent issues:

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

These themes reflect ongoing tensions that have characterized community conversations at Warm Springs in recent years as the tribe navigates economic development, self-governance, and the needs of an aging and sometimes struggling population.

KWSO Launches ‘What’s Up This Week’

Also announced at the meeting: KWSO, the tribal radio station, is launching a new weekly community information video project called “What’s Up This Week.” Short video updates will be shared online, through the KWSO app, and on public screens in the community, including a planned test screen at the Family Resource Center.

The General Council is the full-membership governing body of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and meets periodically to allow direct community participation in tribal governance.