The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are mourning the loss of Paiute Chief Joseph Moses, who passed away Thursday after a lifetime devoted to tribal leadership, Native education, and community service. He had served as Paiute Chief since July 2001 and completed three terms on the Warm Springs Tribal Council over the course of his distinguished career.
Chief Moses was widely respected across Oregon and beyond for his advocacy on behalf of Native American students and educators in public schools. He served on the Sapsik'wala Advisory Council at the University of Oregon — a program dedicated to training Native teachers — and was a consistent voice for expanding educational opportunity for Indigenous youth throughout the region.
His work extended into tribal economic development as well. Chief Moses served on tribal gaming and enterprise boards and was instrumental in efforts to strengthen Warm Springs' economic base and self-determination. Those who worked alongside him described a leader who led by example, combining patience with purpose and never losing sight of the community he served.
Funeral Arrangements
Services for Chief Moses will begin on Monday, August 31 at the Agency Longhouse in Warm Springs:
- 1:30 p.m. — Dressing at the Agency Longhouse
- Following dressing — Open Denomination Services
- 5:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 7:00 p.m. — Washut Services
On Tuesday, September 1, breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m. at the Agency Longhouse. The procession will depart at 9:00 a.m. for burial at Simnasho Cemetery.
The Warm Springs community and all who knew Chief Moses are welcome to attend. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs ask that attendees respect the sacredness of the ceremony and the privacy of the family during this time of mourning.
A Legacy of Service
Chief Moses leaves behind a legacy that touched every corner of the Warm Springs Reservation and reached well into the state's educational and political landscape. His focus on youth development — from early childhood through higher education — reflected a deep belief that the tribe's strength lay in its next generation.
The Madras Bulletin extends its deepest condolences to the Moses family, the Paiute people, and the entire Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs community.