Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees take their oaths of office Nov. 29, 2023, at the Nixyáawii Governance Center in Mission. From left are at-large members Lisa Ganuelas and Steven Hart, Vice Chair Aaron Ashley, Treasurer Raymond Huesties, Chair Gary I. Burke and Secretary Roberta J. Wilson.

MISSION — Recently elected members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees and General Council took their oaths of office Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Nixyáawii Governance Center, Mission.

A crowd of approximately 100 people gathered in the center’s rotunda to watch CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson swear in board and General Council members.

The board sets policy, makes final decisions on tribal affairs and takes a lead role in determining priority projects and issues.

Board officers sworn in were Chair Gary I. Burke, Vice Chair Aaron Ashley, Treasurer Raymond Huesties, Secretary Roberta J. Wilson. At-large members Toby Patrick, Corinne Sams, Lisa Ganuelas and Steven Hart all took their oaths.

“We have to recognize and protect what was in the treaty (of 1855),” Burke said. “Constitution and bylaws say the same thing. It’s a big responsibility, and I take it that way. Today, it will be our responsibility to follow through with these words.”

Ganuelas thanked voters for another term, saying she has learned much and is still learning about the tribe’s natural resources.

“After just finishing my first term, I have learned a lot about the process of the CTUIR governing body,” she said. “Hopefully, I will be able to continue my learning in water and farming.”

During her speech, Sams talked about maintaining community and connection among CTUIR members.

“We need to continue that connection to continue to live in community, to support one another, to have empathy and understanding and lift one another up, and understand that each and every one of us hold special and specific skills that we all need for the CTUIR to thrive,” she said.

The General Council elects its officers, whose primary responsibilities include running monthly General Council meetings and moving forward issues. It also hears updates from its chairperson, the board and various working groups. General Council officers taking their oaths were Chair Alan Crawford, Vice Chair Michael R. Johnson, Secretary Martina Gordon and Interpreter Thomas Morning Owl.

“We look forward to doing the best we can for all of you, for the land, for our people, for our čúuš (water) and everything that uses the čúuš,” Crawford said.

All inaugurated officials were elected on Nov. 14 during the tribe’s general election. They will serve in their respective seats for the next two years.

Also taking their oaths were the CTUIR Junior Youth Council and Senior Youth Council.

Junior Youth Council members are Chair Awna’ee “Katty” Najera, Vice Chair Luka Worden, Secretary Eagle Edmiston, Treasurer Brooklyn Jones, Cultural Ambassador Kateri Jones, Publicist Dymond Say, and at-large members Mateni Hutchins, Kelsey Jones, Brees Van Pelt, Abigayle McIntosh, Casey Farrow, Abraham Shippentower and Abigayle Kordatdsky.

Senior Youth Council members are Chair Weptis Brockie, Vice Chair Malaeloa Malumaleumu, Treasurer Ava Jackson, Secretary Meadow Morris, Cultural Ambassador Hiyuum Nowland, Publicist Miracle Edmiston, and at-large members Cody Wahl, Penelope Gavin, Sunhawk Thomas, Garian McDonald, Addison Carey, Sydney Carey, Ayanna Star and Demitri Brockie.