Coastal Land to be Returned to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

In 1855, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians ceded much of their ancestral land as the U.S. ratified treaties across Oregon and drove Native people onto smaller parcels.

But now, a 6.82 acre area called Rocky Shores, located south of Yachats in an undisclosed area will be returned to the CTSI.

“This was part of our ancestral territories, and it was also part of the coast reservation,” CTSI Natural Resources Director Angela Sondenaa explained. “There was 100 miles of the central Oregon coast that was included in that reservation through treaty. And those promises were broken.”

The Siletz tribe won’t open up Rocky Shores to the public, a decision meant to protect its ecosystem from traffic. But some CTSI officials said they might hold organized events there for invited guests soon.

With lands returning to Native peoples, we can have hope that even more of the hierarchies that have dominated this country will be broken down, and in whatever ways possible, groups such as Native people can regain some of what was lost in the past. 

https://www.klcc.org/environment/2026-10-05/siletz-tribe-land-back-rocky-shores-yachats?fbclid=IwY2xjawUyni9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMWlMY2VVSHlQTUU5Um80SGhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEebpXi5fXyZDkxUDwVG2Ij_3W5VpLuuDmGUo535cCjHtf3te-dh5cqolQyOEY_aem_BsRCg85R4Hkf-BWWSnV15g

Minneapolis - Turns Warehouse into 100 Tiny Homes

Taking seriously how our hierarchies favoring the wealthy are harming many of our citizens, Avivo Village was created in Minneapolis. designed to be a dignified, safe, and COVID-aware alternative to outdoor encampments, housing people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The tiny homes were built in a warehouse. 

Since opening December 2020, and through July, 2026, Avivo Village’s success is measured by:

• 873 total individuals served since opening in December 2020
• 339 individuals moved on to safe, permanent housing
• 261 overdoses have been reversed
• 21 babies were born to Avivo Village residents
• 41% of people housed identify as Native American
• 49 veterans served
• 73 pets (dogs and cats) have lived with residents

https://avivomn.org/avivovillage/

Six Men with Down Syndrome Serve at Mass with Pope

Pope Leo XIV has confirmed the place for people with disabilities in the Roman Catholic Church. 

Six young men with Down syndrome served at Pope Leo XIV’s Mass at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on September 28.

A letter signed by the six young men asked for the privilege of serving at the Pope’s Mass during his visit to Paris.

Their participation highlighted the important contribution that people with Down syndrome can make to the life of the Church when given the opportunity to serve.

In our hierarchical society, we often disregard people who aren't high on the abilities hierarchy, and believe they can't contribute. Obviously, that assumption is incorrect.

https://catholicconnect.in/news/six-young-men-with-down-syndrome-serve-pope-leo-xivs-mass-in-paris