In this exclusive interview, Justin Stiefel, CEO of Heritage Distilling Co, discusses the steps taken to establish Oregon’s first tribally-owned distillery. He highlights the importance of overturning the 1834 law that restricted tribal involvement in distilling and shares how the Tribal Beverage Network (TBN) is creating economic opportunities, empowering Native American communities and setting the stage for greater diversity and inclusion in the spirits industry.
Category: Recent News
Aquatic Safety Programs receive boost from Coquille Tribe
The Curry County Board of Commissioners has approved a $6,000 grant from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund to bolster the county’s Aquatic Safety Program.
The funding will be used specifically for the purchase of Personal Watercraft (PWC), essential equipment for the program’s operations. The program, which plays a crucial role in water safety initiatives within the county, is already partially supported by grants from other regional partners.
Oregon makes history with first tribal distillery
After more than two years of planning, a distillery will open on Tribal land in Oregon, in which both Heritage and Coquille-branded spirits will be produced and bottled. These products will then be sold in the bars, restaurants and retail outlets of The Mill Casino-Hotel in Coos Bay, Oregon.
The project is expected to open to the public by the end of the year.
“After more than two years of planning, negotiating with the state of Oregon, and completing design work, we are thrilled to have broken ground on this historic project,” said Margaret Simpson, CEO of CEDCO, which operates The Mill Casino-Hotel & RV Park.
South Sound – February 4, 2025
Coquille Tribe Gets Green Light to Build Medford Casino
The Coquille Indian Tribe recently received federal permission to build a casino off the interstate in Medford, a cap to a rocky 13-year public process.
The Department of the Interior signed a record of decision in the matter Jan. 10, the Oregon Journalism Project reported.
Oregon Business – January 21, 2025
Rogue Valley Times – January 15, 2025
How Cultures of Reciprocity Can Create More Just Communities
Today, cultures of reciprocity are central among many Indigenous communities, including among the Coquille Indian Tribe, in Southwest Oregon, whose members say that the custom of potlatch is evident in almost every aspect of life.
Oregon allows government-run insurance programs to cover Native American healing practices
In October, the Biden Administration expanded both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for practices including sweat lodges and drumming in Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Jen Procter Andrews is Vice Chair for the Coquille Tribe based in Coastal Oregon, and a member of the Portland Area Indian Health Board.
She says this is a fantastic development which will address issues specific to Native communities.
Coquille Tribe and State of Oregon come together for emergency preparedness exercise
Tribal, county, state and local partners gathered for an emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration. These partners worked together to set up components of an Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP). An EAP is a short-term, designated location used after emergencies like the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. It serves as a staging area where people can gather while emergency responders work to access impacted regions and facilitate evacuation.
Oregon Department of Human Services newsroom – November 21, 2024
The World Newspaper – December 8, 2024
Coquille Tribe retains Chair, welcomes Rep
The Coquille Indian Tribe has voted to retain its chairman and secretary/treasurer, while welcoming a new representative following a recent election.
Chair Brenda Meade, who has served in that position since 2012, was sworn-in to a new three-year term on Oct. 25. Jackie Chambers, who has served as secretary-treasurer since 2021, and new
Representative Shelley Estes, were also sworn-in by Vice Chair Jen Procter Andrews on the same day.
Meade will continue heading the seven-member Tribal Council, which oversees all of the Tribe’s governmental and business activities. Over the past 12 years, she has remained passionately engaged in state, regional and national organizations that work on Native American issues, including serving as chair of the Oregon Legislative Commission on Indian Services.
Some of her other leadership roles have been with the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Gaming Association, the Governor’s Task Force on Oregon Tribal Cultural Items, and the University of Oregon’s Native American Advisory Committee.
“We have much more work to do,” Meade said. “Working to protect our sovereignty and create opportunities for self-sufficiency for our Tribe and Tribal citizens is something that requires constant effort but is worth it. A healthy and vibrant Coquille Tribe can only add to a healthy and vibrant community.”
Estes, who has been serving as chair of the Elders Advisory Council among other roles with the Tribe, takes the seat that had been held by Laurabeth Barton who did not run for reelection.
Native American students and supporters gather at UO to celebrate resiliency of Indigenous culture
Monday across the U.S., Native Americans observed Indigenous Peoples Day. This included an event at the University of Oregon.
About a hundred people gathered at the EMU Amphitheater to watch Native American dancing, and hear speakers talk about Indigenous culture, history, and issues including the Land Back movement and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
Jason Younker also attended. He’s the Coquille Tribe’s Chief and UO presidential advisor on sovereign government to government relations. He said this is the tenth year that there’s been a ceremony to replace the tribal flags on campus.