A fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation spread to an estimated 6,200 acres at the start of the week. The S-503 fire was first spotted on Friday, June 18; by Saturday morning it had spread to an estimated 250 acres and grew rapidly over the hot and windy day. By the end of Saturday Warm […]
warm springs
Three New COVID-19 Deaths in Central Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority reported early Friday that two people from Deschutes County died from COVID-19. In addition, the first death in Jefferson County was reported by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs late Thursday night. In all, the OHA reported nine new COVID-19 deaths in the state Friday, raising Oregon’s total to 282. Among the […]
Their Own Drum Beat
As of Monday, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reported a total of 15 COVID-19 positive cases within the boundaries of the Warm Springs tribal lands near Madras. Last week, as cases kept climbing, the CTWSโ Tribal Council approved a number of safety measures, including social distancing and wearing masks, and extended the closure of […]
From The Fire
Atribal member from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Scott Kalama is best known for his rapping skillsโwhich you might have heard under the moniker, Blue Flamez. He’s an award-winning artist making strides for Native Americans, bringing positivity to his roots. Through his music, Kalama showcases an inside perspective to living life as an indigenous […]
Sunday Update: Eclipse Traffic Light; Fires Still Burning
What will the skies look like for Eclipse Monday? That’s the question a lot of people want to know. For now, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management says traffic was lighter than expected on Saturdayโat least in part due to people heeding the suggestion to get where they’re going early. Still, Monday traffic is expected […]
Fire Updates: Milli Fire Gets Bigger; Nena Fire prompts evacuations
Noticing all that smoke in Central Oregon right now? That could be a good sign or a bad one, depending on how you look at it. In some cases, it’s an indication that firefighters are putting those fires outโbut it also means that homes and wildlife are still in danger. Update: Milli Fire near Sisters […]
On the Water, for the Water
When Warm Springs tribal member Jefferson Greene arrived at the Standing Rock Reservation this September, he was struck by the presence of the 100+ flags representing tribal nations from across North America and from nations around the world. To him, it was a testament to the fact that over the centuries, indigenous people have come […]
Feds Back Down on Cannabis Prosecution of Warm Springs Man
Last week, Smoke Signals shared the story of Devontre Thomas, a 19-year old member of the Warm Springs Tribe. Last year, Thomas was a student at Chemawa Indian School in Salem when one of his classmates alleged that a very small amount of cannabis found in his backpack was supplied by Thomas. After hearing the […]
Think a Pot Prosecution Can’t Happen to You? Think Again.
Cannabis prosecutions of two Warm Springs tribal members shed light on a double standard in the state. Native Americans have been subject to centuries of discrimination and mistreatment in the United States—and unfortunately, that legacy lives on in today’s cannabis laws. Cases in point: two recent prosecutions of Central Oregon tribal members. According to federal […]
The Economic Beat of Warm Springs
Located a little more than an hour north of Bend, The Warm Springs Reservation consists of approximately 1,000 square miles of land. The area is serene, with the Deschutes River running through the middle—a perfect tranquil setting. But life hasn’t always been easy here. With an estimated 6,500 people living on the reservation—and fewer than […]

