The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw Tribes are mourning the loss of Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter who walked on this past Saturday, November 4, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of the southern coast of Oregon, Chief Slyter served as tribal chairman for various terms. Chief Slyter was 72.
His passing was announced on the Tribes’ website in a statement by his two sons, Tyler and Scott.
“After a long battle, Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter has left this world to rejoin the Creator. He passed at home surrounded by his family.
“His lifelong perseverance, up until the very end, would certainly make our ancestral Warriors proud. Never one to back down or admit defeat, he fought for what he believed was right.”
Brad Kneaper, chair of the Tribal Council said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart and expressed sadness to learn of the passing of our beloved Chief Doc Slyter. Chief was a great man, a mentor and a friend to me and many others. I have known him for nearly 20 years and since I came to work for the Tribe back in 2004, he always had a word of wisdom for me. I have enjoyed working with him and will miss the talks and interaction as he was very instrumental in our decision-making process.
Chief Slyter’s lifelong dedication and involvement with the Tribe gave him the opportunity to witness the passage of federal legislation in 1984 that federally recognizes the Tribes.
Chief Slyter served as the Chair of the Tribal Council beginning in 1984 until 1987. Later, in April 2015, he was overwhelmingly elected to the Tribal Council. He was elected for a second term in April 2019. In May 2019, he was once again elected as Chairman. He remained in office in that elected position until he decided to run and was elected in April 2020 to serve as Tribal Chief, a position in which he served until his death.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (December 22, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Washington Post Reports Indian School Deaths are Three Times What the Federal Governement Reported
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.