City of Bend, Warm Springs plan to discuss, water land use and the economy

The city of Bend plans to host an intergovernmental meeting with the tribal council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on Wednesday.

The meeting, the first of its kind for Bend and the Warm Springs tribes, will take place at Bend’s city council chambers at 710 NW Wall St.

November marks the start of National Native American American Heritage Month, which celebrates the traditions, language and culture of Native Americans.

In a joint statement, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said she plans to maintain a “strong relationship” with the Warm Springs tribes as the people of Bend care for their ceded lands.

Warm Springs Tribal Council Chairman Jonathan Smith Sr. said he looks forward to advancing the welfare of the two connected communities.

Planned topics of discussion include shared use of water in the Deschutes River basin, land use and economic development opportunities between Bend and Warm Springs.