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Director's Message
October 29, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
Working Government to Government
The State of Oregon's relationship with the nine federally recognized Oregon tribes is unique. This is not just another constituent group; these tribes are sovereign nations, governments equal in power, stature, and responsibilities. This month, I attended a series of meetings in Pendleton relating to our department's partnerships and collaboration with tribal governments in a variety of areas including Indian child welfare, health care, mental health, and drug and alcohol addiction issues. These meetings brought the Governor and all major parts of Oregon state government together with the tribes to share our common issues.
Oregon, and DHS, have a long-standing commitment to tribal-state relations and we can be proud of the direction our collaboration is heading. Past governors' executive orders and legislative actions have set the framework for these positive relationships.
For example, Oregon has entered into five Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) agreements and other related understandings on issues like relative foster care and others. In some states, ICWA compliance has not been so positive.
Building Effective Relationships
What we've done in DHS to establish solid relationships is to name tribal liaisons in each departmental cluster, an overall DHS tribal liaison, and an Indian Child Welfare Manager. Quarterly meetings are held with the tribes and the Director's Office and we also hold quarterly Indian Child Welfare Tribal/State Advisory meetings.
But we can always do better. I was reminded this week that we need to continue to be mindful of that fact, since in Oregon we are dealing with nine different sovereign nations. "If you've met with one tribe, you've met with one tribe," was part of the message shared.
We need to continue down the path we've started at DHS with our tribal relations, an effort based around walking our talk. It is only through our continued collaborative actions that we will keep showing our commitment as an agency to the best interests of Indian children, families, and the tribes of Oregon.
Disability Awareness
October is recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month but we should remember to be aware of the contributions and needs of colleagues and clients with disabilities throughout the entire year, not just for these 31 days.
To help meet our diversity goal for creating a welcome environment for people with disabilities, the department is distributing a "WorkAbility" poster for display in DHS offices.
The poster has been developed and printed with funding from a federal grant. It will be distributed to offices and sections throughout DHS. If you would like additional copies, please contact Joe Hesting, DHS Office of Human Resources, (503) 945-6610 or joseph.hesting@state.or.us
This poster is just a small part of our ongoing efforts here at DHS to increase awareness and change attitudes about the employment of people with disabilities.
Food for Thought
"Let's put our minds together and see what kind of life we can build for our children."
Sitting Bull
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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