Smoke signals., May 01, 1984, Image 2

INTERIM COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
The Interim Council and staff were involved in a two-day Retreat at the Agate Beach
Hilton, Newport, OR. on March 24 & 25, 1984. Addressing the group the first morning
were: Will Bowker, Assist. Area Dir., Nelsen Witt, Agency Supt., and John Weddei, Tribal
Operations, all of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Speaking on the "ins and outs" of the
political portion was a panel consisting of: Sen. Del Isham; Robert Taylor, aide to U.S.
Rep. Les AuCoin; Gary Forrester, Exec. Dir. NAPOLS; Frank Harrison, Interim councilman
and Kathryn Harrison, Interim Chairperson, Rep. Paul Hanneman was able to attend and
address the group during the last hour of the day's Agenda.
Presentations were made by three consultant groups on the morning of the second
dayand allowing time for questions and answers after each presentation. A dinner was
enjoyed on Saturday night in the Hilton's banquet room where the Council members were
Joined by a few interested tribal members and friends. Everyone returned home feeling
they'd become more knowledgeable as Council -members but, also, that they still have a
long vays to go!
Dr. Stitt, Dir. Indian Health Service, Portland, OR. met with members of the Interim
Council along with Service Unit Director, Jim Edge and another Dr. at the Chemawa Clinic
on March 28, 1984; Jim St. Martin, Exec. Dir. and Don Hudson, Tribal Planner, also attended
Dr. Stitt had called the meeting to introduce himself and explain about the distri
bution of the Equity funds for the Grand Ronde tribal members and the need for a Tribal
Health Plan and Program to be drawn up by the Tribe's Health Committee and Council. A
tentative Plan was discussed and outlined for the Council members to give them an idea
as to what could be used in compiling the final proposal to be presented to Dr. Stitt
by May 11, 1984.
The second annual Native American Finance Officers Association Conference was held
in San Francisco, CA. on April 3,4, and 5, 1984. Those persons attending for the Confed
erated Tribes of Grand Ronde were Kathryn Harrison, Chairperson, Merle Leno, Council-man,
Jim St. Martin, Exec. Dir.; and Alan Wilkenson, Accountant.
Besides Ken Smith, Assist. Sec. of Interior, who was the Key note speaker at the first
day's luncheon, others heard from during the Conference were: Gerald Hicks, of the Inspect
or General's Office; Ted Bryant, Chairman, President's Commission on Reservation Economies;
and tribal leaders and representatives who related their respective tribe's operating pro
cedures, investments, and other matters concerning financial accountability.
The attendance totaled approximately one hundred delegates who represented forty-five
tribes. Grand Ronde Interim Council Chair, Kathryn Harrison, was introduced and invited to
sit at the head table during the luncheons along with the Chairwoman from the CADDO Tribe
of Oklahoma. All four returned with a better understanding of 1 the economy across Indian
Country and how it all comes about, financially.
The Interim Council has been working with Gary Forrester, Dir. of Native American Pro
gram, Oregon Legal Services, Portland, OR. in drafting the first Constitution & By-Laws.
Special meetings are being held regarding this including one for the General membership
as announced on the cover of this Newsletter so all interested members can share in draft
ing this important part of the Constitution that will govern the Grand Ronde 's both present
and future generations. Members of the Interim Council are planning on visiting other Tribe
to study their Constitution's and to watch ottfer Tribal Council's In action; thereby re
turning with a better understanding on the positive and negative portions that can then be
included In ours, the Grand Ronde Tribe's, and then present it again to you.