Termination: The Attempt to Destroy and the Rebuilding of the Siletz Tribes
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The federal policy known as Termination was one of the most destructive policies ever initiated by the United States Congress. Passed in 1953 and signed by President Harry Truman, Termination was intended to end tribal rights as sovereign nations and completely dispossess tribes of their lands. Ed Ben (Siletz) will offer his first-hand account of the reactions and actions of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians as Termination was forced upon them. Our second speaker, Bud Lane (Siletz), will discuss the impacts of Termination and the tribes’ efforts to rebuild itself over 44 years to become a vibrant, culturally-focused sovereign nation once again.
“I loved the open format of an interview; it allowed for more information to be shared than a prepared presentation. Hearing about this from the people experiencing it was impactful and will stick with me more than a presentation.” – Termination Briefing attendee
Recommended resources
Videos
Skookum Tillicum
Recounts the history of the Siletz tribe from the tribe’s point of view. (12:07)
Smithsonian Folklore
Bud Lane teaching students the Siletz Dee-ni dialect of the Athabaskan language, as well as traditional basket weaving and regalia making. Here, Bud speaks about the history of the Siletz people. (4:59)
Oregon State Capitol
Siletz Cultural Resources Director Robert Kentta on making traditional regalia. (3:53)
Indigenous Leadership Awards
Delores Ann “Dee” Pigsley, Siletz Tribal Chairwoman, was a recipient of an Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award in 2011. Pigsley speaks of some of the Siletz Tribe’s greatest accomplishments. (9:10)
Suggested readings
The People Are Dancing Again: The History of the Siletz Tribe of Western Oregon
Charles Wilkinson
This book provides an in-depth look at the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians perseverance, survival and revitalization efforts.
The Rogue River Indian War and its Aftermath, 1850-1980
E. A. Schwartz (2010)
Websites
Our Heritage & Culture
ctsi.nsn.us/heritage
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Our History
ctsi.nsn.us/introduction
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Maps
Siletz Ancestral Land & Language Maps
Making a difference: Native-led nonprofits
Please learn more about and consider financially supporting these Native-led nonprofits:
Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society
Siletz-led nonprofit charged with the planning of a new cultural center in the Siletz community
siletzartsheritage.org
Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association
nnaba.net
About the speakers
A Navy veteran who served in World War II, Ed Ben was actively involved in the Tribes’ restoration efforts after the Termination Act passed and was elected to the first tribal council post-Restoration. Now an elder at age 93, and following in the footsteps of his father, Archie, Mr. Ben continues to pass on his historical, cultural, and language knowledge about the Tribes to younger generations.
Alfred “Bud” Lane III is the current vice-chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Tribal Council, a position he has held off and on since 1987. He is a knowledge holder and teacher of the Athabaskan language and culture bearer of Siletz traditions and basketry. Siletz children and adults are learning the language, songs, and dances of their ancestors through Bud. He is a 2007 ILA Honoree.
Top image: Congressional hearing on the Siletz Restoration Bill in 1976. Pictured from Left to Right: Delores (Lane) Pigsley, Joe Lane Sr., Robert Rilatos Sr., Arthur S. Bensell, Kathryn (Jones) Harrison, Robert “Bob” Tom, Pauline (Bell) Ricks, Alta (Tom) Courville, and Sister Francella Griggs. Courtesy of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Images of the briefings speakers, courtesy of the speakers.