Letter (About Censorship) Censored from March, 2025 Siletz News

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1. Archived From April 2025

   RE: Response to Restraining Order – Delores Ann Pigsley vs. Ronald V. Belgard

   To the Honorable Judge this may concern and the Marion County Courts, and The Confederated Tribes os Siletz Indians Oregon;

   I, Ronald V. Belgard, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, submit this legal response in opposition to the protection order filed against me by Delores Ann Pigsley, Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon. I assert that this order is both baseless and an attempt to suppress my right to free speech and advocacy for accountability within our tribal government. Furthermore, this matter constitutes an overreach of state authority into issues that should remain under the jurisdiction of our sovereign tribal governance.

   1. Violation of Tribal Sovereignty.

   The issuance of this protection order infringes upon my rights as an equal member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Tribal sovereignty grants us the right to govern our internal affairs without undue interference from state courts. This attempt to silence me contradicts the fundamental principles of tribal self-determination and sets a dangerous precedent for limiting the voices of tribal members who seek transparency and accountability.

   2. Pattern of Political Suppression and Corruption Allegations.

   For over four decades, Delores Ann Pigsley has maintained an unyielding grip on our tribal government, engaging in practices that have systematically marginalized many of our people while benefiting a select few. Her leadership has been marred by accusations of financial mismanagement, nepotism, and an exclusionary approach to governance that undermines democratic principles within our community. This protection order serves not as a legitimate legal request but as a means to intimidate and deter me from continuing to expose these long-standing injustices.

   3. Retaliatory Nature of the Protection Order.

   The allegations presented by Mrs. Pigsley fail to provide any legitimate basis for a protection order and instead appear to be motivated by a desire to eliminate dissent. Nowhere in the petition does she acknowledge the grievances and suffering endured by my family and others within our tribe who have been adversely affected by her policies and decisions. This court should not allow itself to be a tool for political repression. Furthermore, as a political adversary, my right to freedom of speech and my deeply held concerns regarding this ongoing travesty must be addressed by someone who is willing to listen and uphold their duty rather than entangling me in baseless legal claims.

   Mrs. Pigsley has made several statements regarding her tenure and her family’s continued hold on power, reinforcing the systemic abuses suffered by our tribal members under her administration. I have never threatened her safety, but I have used strong and vulgar language to articulate my frustration and anger over numerous injustices, particularly those impacting my family and our children.

   A glaring example of these injustices includes the failure of our tribal leadership to address illegal child removal as well as, sexual violence, suffered by my niece when she was a ward of the ICWA and Oregon DHS. These abuses occurred under the jurisdiction of the corrupt Indian Child Welfare System under the supposed watch of Our Siletz Tribal Council, and the Oregon Department of Human Services.

   Instead of prioritizing the well-being of our children, Mrs. Pigsley and her administration have perpetuated a system that fails to protect the most vulnerable among us. Additionally, I have been directly targeted by her administrators, who exhibit neither de-escalation skills nor sensitivity to those in distress. And unfortunately most every person in a position of authority is hand picked by Delores exclusively, all to maintain their status quo and silence dissenters as they approach. Delores Pigsley’s abuse has lasted long enough and it is time for reform. And even though it has been extremely difficult to rid ourselves of this illegal dynasty, I must maintain course in order for justice to be kept among us when these people hoard everything for theirselves.

   Our Tribal Casino, and other tribal businesses and all of their profits are not just for those who appoint theirselves as the leaders, it is meant for all duly enrolled members equitably.

   4. Demand for Dismissal with Prejudice

   Given the retaliatory and unconstitutional nature of this protection order, I formally request that this court dismiss the order with prejudice. Any further legal action against me in this regard would constitute an abuse of process and a violation of my inherent rights as a tribal citizen. Furthermore, I urge that this matter be referred to federal authorities for investigation into the longstanding allegations of corruption and misconduct within our tribal government. I appreciate the court’s time in reviewing this matter and respectfully request that this order be set aside in the interest of justice and the protection of tribal sovereignty.

   Sincerely, Ronald V. Belgard

   Enrolled Member,

   Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon

   Enrollment #1360

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