Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Pauline Bell-Ricks Papers, 1876-1993
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Bell-Ricks, Pauline
- Title
- Pauline Bell-Ricks Papers
- Dates
- 1876-1993 (inclusive)18761993
1976-1981 (bulk)19761981 - Quantity
- 0.5 cubic feet
- Collection Number
- OrSlTCC Ricks
- Summary
- The collection contains case materials, newspaper clippings, and documents gathered by Pauline Ricks during her years as a Siletz Tribal Council member. The collection's main focuses include the restoration of federal recognition and support for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the establishment of the Siletz Reservation.
- Repository
-
Confederated Tribes of the Siletz, Tribal Cultural Collections
402 Government Hill Rd
Siletz, OR
97380
Telephone: 5414442450
robertk@ctsi.nsn.us - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- Collection materials are in English
- Sponsor
- Funding for preparing this finding aid was provided through a grant rewarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Pauline Bell-Ricks was born and raised on the Siletz Reservation. Following the termination of federal support and recognition of western Oregon tribes, Ricks moved to Springfield, Oregon, becoming an Indian Education Coordinator. Through assemblies and events, Ricks incorporated western Oregon Native American culture into school curriculum in the Springfield area.
In 1973, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz reorganized and elected a tribal council with Pauline Ricks as a member. In 1976, Ricks attended Senate hearings, providing testimony in support of the Siletz Restoration Act. The bill was passed and signed by Jimmy Carter on November 18, 1977, restoring federal recognition and support for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
Satellite tribal offices were established in Salem, Portland, and Springfield to serve tribal members residing in neighboring counties. Ricks remained on the Tribal Council while working at the Springfield Area Office. In 1980, Ricks returned to Washington, D.C. to support the Siletz Reservation Act. A formal transfer ceremony was convened on September 20, 1980 on Government Hill. In 1991, Pauline Ricks was nominated for Vice-Chairperson of the Oregon Indian Council on Aging.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection includes case materials and newspaper clippings documenting the restoration of Siletz tribal status and the establishment of the Siletz Reservation. Materials pertaining to Ricks's involvement in the Oregon Indian Council on Aging and Springfield education are included.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Siletz Indians--Legal status, laws, etc.
- Siletz Indians--Politics and Government
Geographical Names
- Siletz Indian Reservation (Or.)--History
Form or Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Minutes
- Newspaper clippings