Judge Owen Panner named Earle Chiles Award winner
The High Desert Museum has selected the Honorable Owen M. Panner as the 32nd annual Earle A. Chiles Award winner.
Judge Panner is being honored for his thoughtful and considered advocacy on behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Through his service to the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Judge Panner has significantly contributed to the High Desert region’s awareness and respect for the Tribes’ sovereignty, culture and place within the region.
“The Museum is pleased to honor Judge Panner’s long-standing commitment and contribution to the High Desert’s awareness of and respect for the Conferated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation,” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dr. Dana Whitelaw.
A private practice trial lawyer in Bend from 1950-1980, Panner represented the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for more than 20 years. He received the Museum of Warm Springs’ annual TWANAT award in 2005, for his considerable efforts on behalf of Native Americans.
Nominated by President Jimmy Carter for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in 1979, Judge Banner was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 20, 1980. He served as Chief Judge from 1984-1990, became a senior judge in 1992 and, as of 2014, sits in on federal Court of Appeals cases. Currently residing in Medford, Panner also serves on the Museum of Warm Springs’ Board of Regents.
The award celebration will be held on Friday, December 11, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the High Desert Museum and include light refreshments and a hosted bar. Seating is limited so RSVP at highdesertmuseum.org/rsvp. For more information, contact Director of Development Heather Vihstadt at 541-382-4754 ext. 248 or heatherv@highdesertmuseum.org.
About the Award
The Earl A. Chiles Award is a $15,000 cash prize presented annually by the Trustees of the High Desert Museum and the Earle A. Chiles Award Committee. The Award recognizes an individual for either accomplishments in promoting thoughtful management of the High Desert region’s natural and cultural resources, or for the resolution of conflicts involving these resources.
The Earle A. Chiles Award was established in 1983 in honor of Earle A. Chiles, Oregonian, businessman and philanthropist. It is funded by the Chiles Foundation and administered by the High Desert Museum. The Chiles award committee reviews nominations from Museum trustees, peer institutions and the public.
