Warm Springs chief Delvis Heath Sr. dies at 87
Delvis Heath Sr, a hereditary chief since 1984, died March 29, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs said, marking the loss of a cultural leader
Warm Springs Chief Delvis Heath Sr. died March 29, according to a statement from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. He served as the Warm Springs people’s hereditary chief for 42 years and took on the role in 1984.
Heath was a ceremonial leader, Sahaptin language speaker and longtime participant in Longhouse traditions, including dancing, drumming and singing, according to the statement. He also served as Board Member Emeritus for the Museum at Warm Springs and worked as a liaison with federal and state governments during his time on Tribal Council. Heath advocated for tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resources, fishing rights and health issues. He was born Sept. 26, 1938, near Simnasho and married Shirley Stahi in 1960.