These confederated tribes provide many benefits to the people who are members today. The tribe’s number one goal is to improve the education of its people and help them succeed in the modern world.
Education Benefits:
Since Restoration on October 17, 1984, they have made a commitment to help their Tribal members attend Universities around the United States. In the early nineties, approximately 4-6 members were taking advantage of the program. Over the past 10 years they have helped more than 150 Tribal members with educational goals. Today they have over 40 Tribal members attending college full-time.
There are many scholarship opportunities available to the members of these tribes to help with the financial aspects of universities and higher education. While the individual may have to pay for some of their schooling, there is enough support and financial aide available to them that it is a completely possible goal.
For the adults that have not pursued higher education, there is a program set up to help them obtain their GED so that, if they choose, they can continue on to universities or other areas of education.
There is also a program set up for children still in school. The Johnson O’Malley program is designed for students between the ages of three and eighteen. It focuses on education, such as tutoring and summer school. It works directly with the local school districts, helping children with extra-curricular activities and supplying the necessary school equipment. This program also rewards children for staying in school with special activities including Student Recognition Dinners and Back to School parties.
Other Benefits:
The tribe also provides many programs to better the quality of life of its members. There are programs set up to help them find employment, to council them in drug and alcohol related problems, mental health counseling, and a food pantry. The children get support through a school clothing program, childcare reimbursement, and the Tribal Child Welfare Program.
The top picture shows a college graduate receiving a blanket at a student recognition dinner. The bottom picture depicts two young children from the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw.
(All information provided by http://www.ctclusi.org/)