Warm Springs
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Warm Springs; a nation where the sun shines
most every day and time turns to the pace of a
culture thousands of years in the making.
It is the land of the Warm Springs, Wasco and
Paiute Tribes.
It is approximately 578,000 acres of land;
stretching from the snowcapped summit of
the Cascade Mountains to the palisade
cliffs of the Deschutes River in Central
Oregon.
Population is at approx. 4,500
people (with approx. 85% being tribal
members and the other 15% being
other Indian and non Indian).
Approximately 20% of those living
on the reservation have a significant
disability.
June 25,1855 is when Warm Springs
signed a Treaty with United States
Government.
The Treaty of 1855 defined the area of the
Reservation, and allowed the Tribes to keep their rights
to harvest fish, game, and other foods on accustomed
lands outside the reservation boundaries.
The Declaration of Sovereignty of June 25, 1992
declared the sovereign authority of the Tribes to
determine our destiny and control all persons, land,
water, resources, and activities free from outside
interference.
Warm Springs Tribe
is operated through
the leadership of our
Tribal Council
members.
“2007” Warm Springs Tribal
Council
Ron Suppah Aurolyn Stywer
(Chairman) (Vice Chairwoman)
“2007” Warm Springs Tribal
Council
Rafael Queahpama Bernice Mitchell Wilson Wewa, Jr.
(Member) (Member) (Member)
“2007” Warm Springs Tribal
Council
Wendell Jim Stanley “Buck” Smith Austin Greene
(Member) (Member) (Member)
Agreement No. 110520
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT between
THE STATE OF OREGON DEPARTMENT
OF HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
SERVICES and THE CONFEDERATED
TRIBES OF THE WARM SPRINGS
II. DEFINITIONS
The State and the Confederated Tribes agree
on the following definitions for the purposes
of this Agreement:
A. American Indian: An individual who is a
member of and enrolled in a federally
recognized tribe, i.e., Federal or State Indian
Band, Rancheria, Pueblo, Colony and
Community including any Alaskan Native
Village or Regional Village Corporation
D. Enrolled Member: Any individual who is
enrolled as a member of the Warm Springs
Confederated Tribes or any other federally
recognized American Indian Tribe.
E. Indian Tribe or Tribe: Any Federally
recognized American Indian Band, Rancheria,
Pueblo, Colony, Community or Regional
Village
L. Reservation: The Warm Springs Reservation.
M. Tribal Governing Body: Those duly elected or
appointed representatives of the Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs. The representatives
must have the authority to enter into contracts,
agreements, and grants on behalf of their
constituency.
N. WSVRP: A vocational rehabilitation program as
authorized in Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act
(amended 1998) and established within the Human
Services Division of the Confederated Tribes of
Warm Springs known as the Warm Springs
Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
III. PURPOSE
To implement and maintain a cooperative
system for providing vocational rehabilitation
services to enrolled members of the
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon, members living off the
reservation, and other American Indians with
disabilities who reside within the service
boundaries of the Warm Springs Reservation.
This Agreement is implemented for:
1)the purpose of enhancing, to the greatest extent
possible, the ability to provide efficient and effective
vocational rehabilitation services to eligible enrolled
American Indians residing within the service
boundaries of the Warm Springs Reservation;
2)to facilitate cultural awareness and improve
professional skills among staff; and
3) to establish the working relationship between the
Confederated Tribes and the State in the
implementation of WSVRP services.
V. ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT
A. Both Parties agree that:
1. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs is a
federally recognized Indian Tribe. The Warm
Springs Reservation was established by the 1855
Treaty of Middle Oregon, federal 12 statute 963.
2. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Governing
Body of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs is the Tribal Council AND the individual (s)
signing this Agreement certify that they have been
granted the authority to act on behalf of the
Confederated Tribes by the Governing Body.
3. The State has the responsibility to
serve eligible residents of the State of
Oregon. For the purposes of this
Agreement, the Confederated Tribes will
provide vocational rehabilitation services
to eligible American Indians living within
the service boundaries of the Warm
Springs Reservation who are members of
any federally recognized tribe.
The State has primary responsibility to serve
individuals living within the Reservation who
are not enrolled members of a federally
recognized tribe or American Indians who are
members of a federally recognized tribe living
outside the service boundaries of the
Confederated Tribes.
Any individuals for whom the State does not
have primary responsibility under this
Agreement may still choose to seek services
from the State instead of the Confederated
Tribes.
4. The State and the Confederated Tribes
may concurrently provide vocational
rehabilitation services to any American
Indian who is a member of any federally
recognized tribe within the service
boundaries of the Warm Springs
Reservation or whose primary residence
is within the State of Oregon, as the State
and the Confederated Tribes mutually
deem appropriate.
When the State and the WSVRP
concurrently provide vocational
rehabilitation services, each case file shall
contain the IPE of both the State and the
WSVRP. Concurrent provision of services
shall be based upon evidence that
substantial non-duplicated service (s)
from both agencies are necessary to
achieve a successful outcome.
5. When the State and the Confederated Tribes
provide vocational rehabilitation services concurrently,
in accordance with paragraph 4 above:
a. The State and the Confederated Tribes will make
independent determinations of eligibility for their
respective vocational rehabilitation programs.
b. Concurrent IPEs shall be cooperatively developed
and recorded with each agency. IPE amendments may
be made by either agency so long as it is shared and
does not duplicate the services being provided by the
other agency.
c. In developing an IPE, the counselor (s) of record
may consider cultural issues based on information
provided by persons who are recognized by the
Confederated Tribes as knowledgeable in Tribal
Customs of the American Indian client’s Tribe.
d. The counselors of record for both the State and the
Confederated Tribes will confer on a regular basis to
review each case for the purpose of ensuring that IPE
goals are being met and services are being
coordinated to the benefit of the client.
e. When a service/action is being performed by one
counselor of record, that counselor will ensure that
the other counselor of record is notified in a timely
manner.
B. The Confederated Tribes Agrees to:
1.Consult with the State VR agencies on the
State Plan and on the development of new
State policies and procedures.
2. Refer to the State Vocational Rehabilitation
agencies those persons who live within the
Warm Springs Reservation boundaries, are
not American Indians, and desire vocational
rehabilitation services.
3. Refer to the State VR agencies all
American Indians who claim to have
disabilities, living within the Warm Springs
Reservation, who wish to receive services
from the State VR agencies rather than the
Confederated Tribes or who wish to
receive concurrent services from the State
and the Confederated Tribes.
4. Refer to the State VR agencies American
Indians who claim to have disabilities and who
are living near the Reservation, as they
become known to WSVRP.
5. Meet with the State to coordinate and
resolve any jurisdictional issues that may
arise.
6. Assume primary responsibility for the case
management for eligible American Indians
residing within the Warm Springs Reservation.
C. The State Agrees To:
2. Cooperate in the provision of vocational
rehabilitation services to all eligible American
Indians who are members of any federally
recognized tribe and live within the Warm
Springs Reservation.
3. Inform all American Indians who are
members of any federally recognized tribe
and live within the Warm Springs Reservation
of the services available from WSVRP and
offer to refer them to that program.
E. Indemnity:
The Confederated Tribes shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the State of
Oregon and its Department of Human
Services, its officers, agents, and
employees, from all claims, suits or
actions of any nature arising out of the
activities of the Confederated Tribes, its
officers, subcontractors, agents or
employees under this Agreement.
To the extent permitted by Article XI,
Section 7 of the Oregon Constitution and
by the Oregon Tort Claims Act, ORS
30.260 to 30.300, the State shall
indemnify the Confederated Tribes, its
officers, divisions and employees against
any liability for damage to life or property
that may arise from the implementation of
this Cooperative Agreement to the extent
of liability arising out of the negligence of
the State.
The State shall not be required to
indemnify or defend the
Confederated Tribes for any liability
arising out of the wrongful act of
officers, employees or agents of the
Confederated Tribes.
“Warm Springs Vocational Rehabilitation”
Mission Statement
We “Invest in Native American people” with
disAbilities, providing quality and culturally
appropriate Voc. Rehab. Services consistent with their
individual strengths, resources, priorities, concerns,
abilities and informed choices, so that they may prepare
for and engage in gainful employment, telecommuting,
and business ownership.
History of Warm Springs
Voc Rehab Program
The Warm Springs Voc Rehab Program has
been in operation since “October 1993” providing
Voc Rehab services to eligible Native American
Indians with Disabilities to obtain employment.
This program is 100% federally funded
under “Section 121” American Indian
Vocational Rehabilitation program and
must compete with other federally
recognized Tribes to obtain funding.
WSVR is currently providing services
from federal funds recently received for
a period of 5 years beginning October
1, 2004 - September 30, 2009.
Program Goals:
Build awareness of the WSVR program to increase
the number of VR customers served.
Increase the skill level of WSVR Staff to continue to
provide optimum VR services.
Provide culturally appropriate VR services for
eligible American Indians by identifying
approximately 100 new customers per year and
successfully rehabilitating 25 customers.
Continue; Program Goals…..
Establish and maintain a WSVR
Advisory Committee.
Evaluate Project to ensure program
services are provided per federal
grant.
5 Eligibility Criteria:
1.Applicant must have a mental or physical
disability (i.e. learning disability, orthopedic
condition, loss of hearing, spinal cord
injuries, etc.) that can be confirmed by a
Professional/Physician.
2.Documented information supports the
Applicant's disability prevents the applicant
from obtaining or keeping a job.
3.Applicant is a Tribal Member of a federally
recognized tribe.
Continue: 5 Eligibility Criteria's
4.Applicant must reside on the Reservation
or within a 65-mile radius of the
Reservation boundaries at the time of
application.
5.There must be a reasonable expectation
that the provision of VR services will lead
to employment.
Types of services offered by the WSVR
Services that are needed to find employment
Training or education, if needed, to help clients
find employment
Special equipment or technology which may
help consumers hold a job (e.g. tools or special
work clothing)
Vocational counseling and guidance to assist
clients in
selecting an employment goal
Evaluations, if necessary, to determine their
job skills or interests
Transportation to their training or job sites
(e.g. fuel vouchers, taxi service, bus passes,
etc.)
On-the-job training, job search assistance, or
job interview skills development to help
consumer get that important job Assistive
devices Rehabilitation Technology and
assistance
Incorporate our Culture, Values and
Custom of Native Peoples into service
delivery; making service delivery more
effective.
WSVR’s service delivery is more
hands on providing personalized
service
Incorporate Traditional Practices into
service we provide. Here are a few
listed examples that are practiced on
Warm Springs.
Longhouse:
On Sundays people gather at the longhouse for
prayer services. The Longhouse leader, in charge;
rings the bell and there are 7 drummers. all sing
Washut’ songs, and so do the people in the
audition. Dancers, females on one side and the
males on the other side; dance to the Washut’
songs and drums. This is one way of healing
oneself, through the songs, drumming and dancing.
Washut services are not only done on Sundays but
are also conducted during one’s Funeral. People
from the community show up and pay respect for
the family, who have lost a family member.
Longhouse Religion: Washat’ Services
Simnasho Longhouse
Sweathouse/lodge:
This is structure which generates hot moist
air, similar to a Finnish sauna. It is used for
rituals of spiritual healing, prayers and
cleansing / purification. A sweat house comes
in various size structures; made of a frame of
thick willow branches, canvas and/or blankets.
A hole is dug, either in the center or to the
right side of the doorway entry, in which hot
rocks are placed/positioned. Water is thrown
on the rocks to create steam. Depend on the
size of the sweathouse; as many as a three –
a dozen people can be accommodated in
some sweathouses.
Traditional Healing Practice
For Alcohol and Drug Treatment.
For more information refer to “When the River ran
Wild” by George Aguilar, Sr. from Warm Springs
Traditional practices can and should be written into
an I.P.E. by request of a Native American Client
Who chooses to benefits such services.
Expectations of the Applicant:
Participate fully, be flexible and willing to try new
things,
Comply with all doctor's or counselors treatment
recommendations,
Keep all scheduled appointments,
Communicate openly and honestly with the VR
Counselor,
Share medical information with the VR Counselor
Program Orientation
Scheduled bi-weekly orientations, which are
on Mondays at 3:00 pm in Warm Springs
located at the Industrial Park, 4217 Holiday
Street.
Special Orientation presentations may be
arranged for large groups representing
other departments of CTWS or individuals
located in areas within the WSVR service
delivery area; which may be scheduled.
People of Warm Springs
Kahneeta Resort Registration Desk
Kahneeta’s Restaurant Kitchen
Warm Springs’ Eagle Tech’s Deli
Warm Springs Eagle Tech Computer Lab
Warm Springs Eagle Tech’s
Public Access to Computer-Internet
WSVR Director: “Zeus”
David Conroy
Tribal News paper: Spilyay Tymoo
Tribal Radio Station:
KWSO FM 91.9
Warm Springs Plaza
Warm Springs Plaza
Indian Head Casino
Kah~nee~ta Resort
Kahneeta Village
Kahneeta Village
SIMNASHO’S 3 WARRIORS STORE
Simnasho’s 3 Warriors Store
Other Businesses in
Warm Springs
Warm Springs Market, employs 20-25 people.
Warm Springs Fire & Safety, employs 20-30.
Warm Springs Tribal Court, employs 20-30,
Warm Springs Post Office, employs 3-7
Warm Springs Police Department,
employs 20-30
How can Tribal VR Programs assist State
VR Programs working with Native
American Clients?
Consultation regarding mutual clients.
Orientation / Training for VR Employees
who want increase their effectiveness
working with Native Clients.
Strategic Program Planning.
Assisting VR Counselors to incorporate
traditional practices into client IPE’s.
WSVR Staff:
David Conroy, Program Director
dconroy@wstribes.org
Dixon L. Polk, Sr., VR Counselor
dpolk@wstribes.org
Andrea Smith, VR Secretary
andrea.smith@wstribes.org
P.O. Box C
4217 Holiday Street
Warm Springs, Oregon 97761
Phone: (541) 553-4952
Fax: (541) 553-3367
WSVR Picture of Staff