Ken’s honor dinner happy, yet emotional event
The pride, respect and admiration for Ken Smith was almost
overwhelming at his Welcome Home and send-off dinner
Saturday, May 9. Nearly 600 people jammed the Community
Center gym to congratulate him and to wish him well in his new
job as the Interior Department’s Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs. His uncle, Alvis Smith, Sr. emceed the event.
Special tribute was paid to Ken’s grandmother Annie Smith,
98, who raised him. Councilman Olney Patt, Sr. gave
“honorable mention to Annie Smith who did a real good job
teaching Ken the basics right at the home level.” She did a
wonderful*job, he said.
Rudy Clements noted in his statement that Wesley and
Annie raised Ken is such a way as to instill those qualities that
make Ken special to so many people. “He’s cool-headed, values
good ideas, listens, respects different points of view — yet won’t
be pushed around, and honesty.
One of Ken’s rare qualities is that “he has always maintained
respect among fellow workers, both professionally and
personally,” said his sister, Rosella Phillips. Councilman Mike
Clements said, “I have no more admiration for any man than
Ken Smith. Ken has never stepped around any rules, and I
respect him for that.”
Many were moved to tears with pride and at the thought of
Ken leaving for four years. Ken is only “on loan” — we still
want him back, many stressed. Matilda Mitchell, with Sylvia
Wallulatum translating, said, “We really love this young man.
We have deep respect for him because he respects us.”
“We sure hate to see him leave this reservation. We knew it
was well taken care of when he was here,” she continued. Marie
George, who made the trip from Snoqualmie, said she
“remembers this young man when he was in school.” At that
time she felt, “One day he’s going to be a smart man. I’m really
proud of him. I know Annie and his mother are proud of him,
too.”
Tribal Council chairman Delbert Frank, Sr. asked, “How
many people on other reservations feel this way about their
managers?” He added, “Let’s not put Kenny up there then
shoot him down. Let’s support him.”
Delbert then presented Ken with a diamond-studded gold
watch from the Council. It bears the inscription, “May the
wisdom of our ancestors go with you -1981.”
Ken s proud grandmother, Annie, honored him with a Wasco hymn
that he remembered from childhood. His face lit up in surprise.
Story and Photos
by
Sandy Rangila
Wasco songs and dances provided a traditional
Maggie Wewa offered warm, cheerful words and congratulations to touch. The Lord’s Prayer in top photo was
Ken and his wife Jeannie during the special honor dinner.
done in both Wasco and Warm Springs.