KLAMATH TRIBES PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2002

CONTACT:
Allen Foreman, Tribal Chairman, 541-783-2219
Doug Barber, The Ulum Group, 541-434-7023
Carl Ullman, Klamath Tribes Water Attorney,
(work) 541-783-3081
(cell) 541-892-0410

KLAMATH TRIBES SUPPORT PLEA
BY CHILOQUIN SHOOTERS

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Three men who terrorized the predominantly Indian community of Chiloquin,Ore., by shooting guns and threatening Indian people pleaded guilty today to several crimes, including conspiracy and race-based intimidation. On Dec.1, 2001, the men drove a pickup truck through Chiloquin singling out Indian residents, including children, for harassment. "This is one of the most terrifying episodes in our town¹s history," said Klamath Tribal Chairman Allen Foreman. "We trust the sentences for these men will make clear the seriousness of these crimes and that they will discourage similar behavior in the future. We believe the guilty pleas give a clear message that the Klamath County authorities do not tolerate this kind of behavior."

The episode apparently stemmed from the shooters¹ anger over water issues in the Klamath Basin. Last year, water deliveries to many farms were restricted for the first time in history in order to preserve water for endangered fisheries on which several Indian tribes depend. Klamath Tribal fisheries have been closed for 16 years due to declining fish populations.³It was unfortunate that some farms went without water last year, but the Tribes have been suffering much longer,² Foreman said. "Blaming us for the water shortage is unfair and attacking our community is vicious and inexcusable."

Sentencing of the men is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2002, in Klamath Falls
Circuit Court.