06/28/2025
Thank for sharing. He is still missed. 😭🩷
Lewis “Louie” Selam is a lifelong tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation. Louie is of Nez Perce, Umatilla, and Yakama descent. He is an elder of our Warm Springs community. His immediate family includes his wife Sylvia McCabe-Selam, children Angela Smith (her husband Carlos Smith), Kenny Selam and Alyssa Selam. He is grandfather to Yancy and Killian Smith. His siblings are Loretta Selam-White, William Selam, Ernest Selam, and late Victor Selam, and Johnnie Selam. He is the eldest of his siblings. Last but not least, his loyal companion and four-legged friend, Thor Selam.
He has devoted decades of his life working at the Warm Springs Forest Products Mill, mostly as a commercial kiln operator. He was a workhorse and often got phoned in on his days off. When he came home for the night, he loved to recall the day’s work and recite the next day’s plans. If the mill hadn’t closed, certainly his endless dedication to drying and processing lumber would still be going strong!
Being an introverted and private person, Louie decompressed and found tranquility in his walks. In his newfound freedom from work, he and his wife Sylvia went on nature walks with their dogs. Throughout his life Louie loved to explore the outdoors of Warm Springs. If you did see him out and about, you probably caught a glimpse of his layered and quirky outfits. His go-to combo being unhemmed blue jeans with a long sleeve button up work shirt layered on top of his hoodie. Often, he stuffed his hoodie under his hats and wore yellow safety goggles in place of sunglasses. A questionable choice to most, it was his trademark outfit. If Louie wasn’t outdoors, he was at home solving crossword puzzles or reading. He showed a keen interest in Native American history and politics. Louie also enjoyed stand-up style comedy and watching professional sports.
Louie Selam was last seen on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, leaving Bi-Mart in Madras, Oregon. His locked car was found days later stuck on a snowdrift near Peter's Pasture, recently purchased dog food and soda still in the car. As of March 31st, the Warm Springs Tribal Police have ceased their search, citing a lack of resources and no substantial evidence to move forward with the investigation of a missing elderly Tribal member. Our search spans the Mt. Jefferson wilderness near Peter’s Pasture/Culture Camp. We will also check log jams and catches in the Sh*tike Creek. Our family continues searching for our father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend.
In a time of such distress, it is very difficult to process information, let alone organize thoughts and feelings. Whether intentional or not, we felt questioned with an undertone of blame from the local authorities. One of the standout moments for us, as a family, was when we had a meetup with Rez-Action Coalition. This was an opportunity for us to put together a timeline as best to our ability. Most importantly, it was the first time we felt HEARD, listened to.
After experiencing the efforts it took to report a missing person, it has become abundantly clear that an action plan needs to be developed and implemented in order to protect the people of Warm Springs. Rez-Action Coalition is bringing much needed awareness to this issue within our community. Their focus on being proactive rather than reactive, while practicing cultural sensitivity has made communication efforts easier for our family. They have shown up at the lowest points of our searching efforts and provided us with information and practical search gear!
Unfortunately, countless other Native American families have gone through and continue to go through the same circumstance as us. This issue is often referred to as, Missing Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) awareness and exists on other reservations, nationwide. The lack of response and action have detrimental consequences to Native American people. Accountability needs to be pushed onto the authorities that are sworn to protect and serve Tribal communities. Trust needs to be rebuilt between authorities and tribal members.
Everywhere we glance in Warm Springs there are many memories of Louie attached. The Sh*tike Creek area he likes to walk along. His pile of solved crossword magazines. Stacks of newspapers saved with articles that he deems important. His favorite Sq**rt soda still sitting in the fridge untouched. Long stray hairs of his still clinging to his clothes. A cluster of work boots that have seen better days. The largest reminder of all, Mt. Jefferson. Loss is inevitable for every human, but it feels unfair without any resolve.
Right now, all we wish for is some sort of answer. Frequently our minds wander and try to make solutions to what may have occurred. Aimless speculation has left everyone involved, emotionally and mentally drained. With search gear provided from Rez-Action Coalition, and fundraising efforts we are continuing our physical search, regardless of ceased assistance from authorities. Ultimately, we hope to bring Louie home soon.
We would like to thank Rez-Action Coalition for raising awareness of MMIP through community efforts. Additionally, many thanks to The Yarrow Project and those who have shown up to search. Our greatest gratitude to all family, friends, strangers who have donated time, money or emotional support and well wishes during this challenging time.
Please continue spreading the word of our beloved Louie and awareness for all MMIP.
