“It would be like selling a part of you or a part of our ancestors,” Chiloquin said of his refusal. “This is sacred land where my grandfather lived. His bones are here. I belong here.”
   For 5-1/2 years, he negotiated with government officials to keep 580 acres of then-Winema National Forest land near and along the Sprague River. He and his family and friends maintained a sacred fire to “have the smoke from the fire carry prayers for the land to the Creator.” 

   Chiloquin Act 

   In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed the Chiloquin Act into public law. It wasn’t until April 8, 1985, that boundaries for the Pla-ik-ni Village were finalized. For years Chiloquin hosted public gatherings, school field trips, college groups, people from other tribes, visitors from foreign countries and people who showed interest in cultural activities.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material  herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed  a  prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and  educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml