By Tony Fuller, KTVZ.COM
Gov. Ted Kulongoski visited the Warm Springs Indian Reservation Thursday to meet with tribal leaders from Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes.
Flags of the tribes were carried in amid tribal songs to start the State-Tribal Government to Government Summit, begun 10 years ago, which allows tribal leaders to speak one on one with the governor. Hundreds of state leaders and tribal officials met at the Kah-Nee-Tah Resort at an event that opens communication lines for the state government and Indian Country.
"It's a great opportunity for a dialogue with the nine tribes of Oregon ... establishing a relationship, working with the state," said Aurolyn Stywer of the Warm Springs tribe.
Kulongoski was asked about this week's election, and said the results - most notably voters' defeat of Measure 50, to boost cigarette taxes to fund children's health care - will directly affect Indian nations throughout Oregon.
"I don't think that this was the end of the war," he said. "I think this was merely the first round, and I think you're going to see this go on and on, until every one child in this state is covered by health care, and every citizen is covered."
Last year, the Warm Springs tribe was facing opposition from other tribes in Oregon about plans to build the Bridge of the Gods Casino in the Columbia River Gorge. Kulongoski played an important role in mediating talks between the tribes.
"It's a difficult issue for the tribes, I know that," he said. "It will come to pass, and we will all go on with our lives. But I still think it was the right decision, not just for this tribe, but for the people of Oregon."
From health care to economic development to preserving natural resources, Kulongoski believes a relationship with the nine indian nations is important for people across the state.
"In talking to all the governors ... there is no state that has a better state-to-tribal relationship than Oregon does," the governor said. "I don't think you can talk about the history of Oregon without talking about its native people."
Tribal chairs as well as other staff members from eight of the nine tribes attended the summit, begun back when John Kitzhaber was governor.
