The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are holding all three of their district meetings this week, culminating tonight — Wednesday, May 13 — with the Agency District Meeting at the Agency Longhouse. Dinners begin at 6 p.m., with meetings following at 7 p.m.

The Seekseequa District met Monday, May 11, and the Simnasho District met Tuesday, May 12. Together, the three meetings represent an opportunity for tribal members from across the reservation to engage directly with tribal government ahead of a busy civic calendar.

Tonight's Agency District agenda includes economic development, fee lands and trust properties, and Ordinance 94, according to the KWSO community calendar.

Voter Outreach Underway

The district meetings come as a community outreach organization is running an active voter education campaign aimed at tribal members and Central Oregon residents ahead of the May 19 primary.

Earlier this week, a voter outreach event was held outside the Macy's Market on the Warm Springs Reservation, organized by a local group focused on engaging underrepresented populations. The event used a creative format — ten labeled jars, each representing a different community issue — to invite attendees to weigh in on topics they want addressed at future educational events.

Topics on the jars included dam removals, the Doctrine of Discovery, land back, environmental stability, and the history of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Klamath, and Burns tribes.

Jolene Pitt, one of the event organizers, spoke about the group's mission of ensuring that Native voices are heard in civic processes. The outreach campaign continued with an event in Madras on May 16, targeting the area's Latino population, before expanding to Redmond, Bend, and other communities.

Those interested in participating or learning more can contact organizers at wexvotes@gmail.com or by calling 541-475-4451.

Oregon Education Director Visit

Also on the horizon for the Warm Springs community: Dr. Williams, Director of Oregon State Education and Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be attending a Meet and Greet at the Community Center Social Hall on May 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Williams brings 30 years of experience in public education and is notably the first Black woman in Oregon history to be appointed to the role.

A General Council Meeting for the Confederated Tribes has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.