Klamath Tribes Meet with USDA and Forest Service

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

CHIIOQUH, OREGON – On October 15, the Klamath Tribes hosted a government relations meeting in Chiloquin, to meet the new Region 6 Tribal Relations Advisor, Waldo Walker, who represents the United States Department of Agriculture/Forest Service for the Pacific Northwest Region.

Will Hatcher, Klamath Natural Resource Director; (l to r) Don Gentry, Klamath Tribes Vice Chairman; Mike Lawrence, USFS; Frank Summers, Klamath Tribal Council; Waldo Walker, USFS; Fred Way, USFS; Amy Gowan, USFS; Jerry Bird, USFS; Gary Frost, Klamath Tribal Chairman; Shayleen Allen, Klamath Tribal Attorney, GeorGene Wright-Nelson, Klamath Tribal Council; Perry Chocktoot, Klamath Culture Director

Introductions and discussions began at the Tribal Administration building, then a healthy lunch was provided to our visitors at the tribally owned and operated Peak-to-Peak restaurant located at Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, where Vice-Chairman Gentry provided small gifts of a hand-made bone necklace and elk jerky to Mr. Walker, compliments of Culture and Heritage Director, Mr. Chocktoot. Following the business luncheon, everyone reconvened at the tribal offices where discussions centered around natural resources, the MOA with the Forest Service, wildlife habitat, fire damage, and tribal perspective regarding the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and other future relations.

At the conclusion of the meeting Mr. Walker provided his input and gave a brief history of his tribe in Nevada. He is a member of the Washo Tribe and former Tribal Chairman there. He discussed his tribal work and his commitment to continuing progressive tribal relations.

Other special guests and representatives at this event included; Jerry Bird-Forest Service Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement Coordinator for Region 5 & 6, Fred Way-Forest Supervisor for the Fremont/Winema National Forest, Mike Lawrence-Forest Service Chiloquin District Ranger, and Amy Gowan-Tribal Relations Coordinator for the Fremont/Winema National Forest.

Everyone is looking forward to building positive government to government relations and working towards a productive future together.

posted October 18, 2012 7:30 am edt