A Lasting Legacy of Service

By Michael Rondeau, Tribal CEO

With deep gratitude and sadness, we remember two very prominent figures not only in the modern history of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians but also strong advocates of Native American rights.

Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham, Tribal Historian, and Dennis J. Whittlesey, former long-time Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Attorney, both passed away exactly one month apart this fall. Their work is responsible for spurring several significant chapters in modern Cow Creek Umpqua history and as a result, will continue to affect the lives of the generations of our Tribal citizens who benefit from their dedication.

“The two of them together made a formidable team,” said Mary Howren, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Elder. “One without the other, and we wouldn’t be here.”

Dennis J. Whittlesey

November 26, 1942 – September 10, 2026

Dennis played a vital role in the effort to restore our Tribe’s federal recognition. In the late 1970’s, Dennis was hired as the Cow Creek Umpqua’s Washington, D.C. Attorney. In 1979, he, along with Tribal leaders, helped shepherd the Cow Creek Umpqua’s first legislative efforts to allow the Tribe to file suit against the U.S. government regarding unfulfilled treaty land claims. On May 26, 1980, the effort was successful with the passage of PL 96-251. Concurrently, Dennis worked tirelessly on introduction of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians’ federal recognition bill, which was introduced June 14, 1982 by U.S. Congressman Jim Weaver from Oregon’s 4th District. That legislation was signed into law on December 29, 1982 by President Ronald Reagan.

Whittlesley’s commitment continued for many years after federal recognition. As the Tribe’s attorney, Dennis helped us navigate the challenges of rebuilding and strengthening our government. He also played an important part in developing the first Tribal-state gaming compact with the State of Oregon, helping lay the foundation for economic opportunities that would support our members and benefit surrounding communities.

For those of us who understand the long struggle behind our restoration, Dennis’s contributions carry a meaning far beyond legal documents or legislative accomplishments. His work is woven into the story of our Tribe’s renewed relationship with the United States and the opportunities we have been able to build for our children and grandchildren.

While most of his career was centered on Indian Law in Washington, D.C., he was connected to the Pacific Northwest and particularly Oregon through his service on Lewis & Clark Law School’s Board of Visitors, lending his expertise to the education of future attorneys.

Dennis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over 10 years ago and was cared for in his home by his wife, Judy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him. We remember Dennis with respect and appreciation. He helped us secure a future that earlier generations fought to preserve, and his place in Cow Creek Umpqua history will not be forgotten.

Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham

August 31, 1941 – October 10, 2026

For nearly 50 years, Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham assisted and supported the Cow Creek Umpqua people with his extensive knowledge and tireless research. His work to research and document the Native Tribes living in Southwest Oregon the in the 1970’s and 80’s was an essential component that helped restore and secure our Tribe’s future. Through his work on Tribal genealogy and research on Cow Creek Umpqua history, he expertly positioned our leaders with the historical justification for the United States to restore federal recognition to our Tribe. His legacy goes far beyond his books, articles and essays that earned him a distinguished reputations as one of the foremost, if not the leading historian in the Pacific Northwest on Native American history. His work is an essential part of our Tribe’s modern history, from the fight for recognition to the critical task of preserving our Tribal history and protecting our ancestral connections to the past.

Dr. Beckham provided the historical expertise in all legislative efforts to promote the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians from the Court of Claims Case in 1980, Federal Recognition in 1982, Judgement Fund Act of 1987 and the Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act of 2018 that restored 17,000 acres of the Tribe’s ancestral territory. Congressional hearing materials identify him as the historical and anthropological expert retained to assist in preparing that claim and record his testimony before Congress. His research brought historical evidence into a process in which Tribal leaders and families were seeking justice and acknowledgment of longstanding obligations.

Dr. Beckham’s work didn’t stop there. He was a founding member of the Umpqua Indian Development Corporation (the business arm of the Tribe) and provided advice and assistance for several years on that board. He also wrote countless essays, position papers and letters of support on a variety of issues that helped further protect and promote the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe. He was a frequent speaker at Tribal General Council meetings and played a part in narrating and telling the story of historical happenings in our area for people all over the region.

The passing of these two men is a tremendous loss to the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe. It is important to note that they did a tremendous amount of work without always knowing when they would be paid for it. They showed great faith and belief in our cause, knowing that ultimately the Tribe would never let a debt go unpaid. It is difficult to fully express the significance of their contributions to the Tribe and its members, and the lasting impact they made on our community. Their dedication and service will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt and sincere sympathies to their families for their loss and ours.