The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend sat down together on June 30 for a joint government meeting that tribal leadership says was important — but only a starting point.
The session, held under the framework of a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments, brought together newly seated tribal and city officials to discuss shared priorities, including water conservation across the Deschutes Basin, public art in Bend, and the city’s long-range growth planning.
Water at the Center
Water dominated much of the discussion. The two governments reviewed strategies for conserving Deschutes Basin water resources, with a specific focus on mitigating groundwater usage as Central Oregon continues to face compounding drought pressures. The Deschutes River system is a lifeline for both tribal communities on the Warm Springs Reservation and the rapidly growing city of Bend, and tensions over water allocation have intensified in recent years as populations grow and precipitation patterns shift.
The meeting also covered an update on a public art project at the Highway 20 and Cooley Road roundabout, which is set to receive new artwork, and a presentation from the city on its 20-year growth plan — an effort to shape development in Bend through the mid-2040s.
New Faces at the Table
Both governments have seen leadership transitions in recent months, and the meeting was in part an opportunity to build new working relationships. Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO for the Confederated Tribes, said the gathering mattered — but left no doubt that the tribe’s measure of success will be tangible outcomes.
“Both councils have new people at the table, and new relationships need to be built and old ones strengthened now. That is why this meeting mattered,” Henderson said. “But meetings are not the goal. We have sat at many tables over the years. What matters is what happens after we leave them. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will measure this relationship by what is done, not by what is said.”
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler echoed the collaborative spirit, calling the joint session “vital” for addressing regional challenges.
“Together we face challenges and opportunities that are best addressed by working collaboratively,” Kebler said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to listen, learn and continue building a strong relationship that benefits all of our communities.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership
The MOU signed in April 2024 was the first formal intergovernmental agreement of its kind between the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and any city in Central Oregon. It established a rotating annual meeting schedule between the two governments, institutionalizing dialogue on matters of shared concern.
The Warm Springs Reservation, home to members of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples, covers more than 640,000 acres in Jefferson County and is one of the most significant tribal nations in the Pacific Northwest. As Central Oregon continues its rapid growth, the tribe’s interests in water rights, land use, and economic development have taken on increasing regional importance.