Tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gathered Tuesday evening at the Agency Longhouse for a General Council meeting that drew 84 attendees and 9 of 11 Tribal Council members — an unusually high turnout that reflected deep community engagement on a range of pressing issues.

New Leadership Introductions

The meeting opened with a financial presentation from CTWS Chief Financial Officer Pam Douglas. Two newly appointed executives also introduced themselves to the community for the first time.

Caroline Cruz, the new Chief Operations Officer, outlined her portfolio of responsibilities including organizational structure, policies and budgets, monitoring, the five branches of tribal government, and High Lookee Lodge operations.

Andrew Hofstetter, the new Director of Governmental Affairs, described overseeing legislative issues, policy development, agreements with external agencies, planning, land services, and communications. A 32-year veteran of tribal government affairs, Hofstetter previously served on the Warm Springs Gaming Commission. "It is an honor to be back home to serve the people," he told attendees.

Community Priorities on the Floor

Tribal member comments reflected a broad range of concerns that have been building in the community. Key themes that emerged during the open portion of the meeting included:

  • Wages and support services — Members called for better compensation and more robust support systems for tribal employees and community members.
  • Communication and trust — Several speakers expressed a desire for greater transparency and more consistent dialogue between tribal leadership and the broader membership.
  • Treaty rights — Speakers underscored the importance of protecting and asserting the tribe's treaty-protected rights.
  • Substance abuse and education — Community members raised the need for expanded resources addressing addiction and strengthening educational pathways.
  • Financial transparency — Questions about how tribal funds are managed and reported were a recurring thread throughout the discussion.
  • Cultural traditions and senior services — Members called for approaches that honor traditional ways of life while modernizing services, particularly for elders.

Looking Ahead

The meeting highlighted both the complexity of governing a tribal nation and the strength of civic engagement within the Warm Springs community. With new leadership now in place across multiple departments, tribal members used the forum to signal their expectations — and to hold leadership accountable to the community from the outset.

The next General Council meeting date had not been announced as of press time. Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Tribal Council through the CTWS administrative offices.