Smoke Signals
April 1993
Page 1 1
Who Named This Road?
Many Indians say the name of Dead Indian Road in Ashland, Oregon
evokes images of genocide and it's time to change it.
ASHLAND (AP) Controversy over the name ofDead Indian Road isn't new, but this month
it resurfaced with the discovery that someone had chopped down two road signs carrying the
name.
"The history is important, but the historical perspective is important too," said
George Fence of the American Indian Cultural Center in Talent.
The road linking Ashland with highway 140 near Lake of the Woods was named
for two dead Indians found by white settlers.
, "I start feeling ashamed whenever I hear that name, "said Toni Escarcega as she
sewed beads on leather at the American Indian Cultural Center.
Fence and other Indian would like the name of the road changed to Indian Memorial
Road. A community meeting was held March 6.
"Overwhelmingly we oppose the sign, and we want to know if it resonates within
the larger community, and if it docs can't we change this," Fence said.
The issue arose in 1983, when 260 signatures were collected in favor of changing
the name. Residents ofDead Indian Road started their own petition to keep the name. The
two sides agreed to raise money for a memorial, but it was never built.
County officials asked in 1990 to build a historical marker, but said they couldn't
afford it.
"Part of white karma, I believe, is to understand and come to terms with our
history that justified Indian slaughter and genocide," wrote Kevin Preister, director of
Peace House. "Changing the name ofDead Indian Road has seemed one small way to
take care of our historical business."
County Commissioner Ric Holt said a memorial plaque explaining the meaning
of the name and the local history of Native Americans would be a better solution than
changing the name.
County Commissioner Hank Henry said the county isn't about to foot the bill, at $22
a sign plus installation.
USDA Update
By Margo Norton, USDA Director
The USDA Food Commodities Program staff has been re-vamping the commodities
program. We were one of only nine tribes out of the Western region to receive a nutrition
education grant. With this money I will be creating work stations in our Salem and Silctz
locations. This will enable us to have more food demonstrations and food testing. Also with
this grant we will be purchasing information flyers and recipe books for our participants. We
also will be holding an exercise class in Siletz. I have spoken with the instructor and we
are thinking about creating a video on Elders exercises which would be on loan and available
to any Elder free of charge.
I attended the Western Regionals for USDA this year and received a lot of
information that I will be handing out to our participants in the next couple of months. Look
out everyone, I've got lots of new ideas!
We are also one of the few tribes being considered for a pilot project. USDA is
considering fresh frozen ground beef for distribution. I will keep you updated as to the status
of this project. It looks like USDA is listening to the tribes more closely.
If any of you have any questions about the USDA Commodities Program I am very
open to hear from you. My staff and I would like to better serve you. Distribution dates for
April are: 13, 14, & 15 at the Salem warehouse and 20, 21, & 22 at Siletz.
If you are unable to receive your commodities during these times please contact us
and we can make other arrangements. Please remember we also have night appointments
in each location one time during the month. And please bring back your boxes. We always
seem to run out in each location.
GalligherCook Wedding
On March 6, 1993, Mark Cook and Tammy Galligher were married at Good
Shcpard Catholic Church in Sheridan, Oregon. Parents of the Groom arc Howard and
Ivanctta Cook of Grand Rondc. Richard and Lconette Galligher of Bcavcrton arc the parents
of the Bride. Both the Bride and Groom are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon. Mark is employed in the Grand Rondc Tribal Wellness
program. Tammy istheBusincss Development Assistant for the SpiritMountain Development
Corporation.
The wedding party included ushers Patrick Galligher and Pat Cook. Mike Cook,
twin brother of the Groom, was Best Man. The Maid of Honor was Sherry Chandler, cousin
of the Bride, and Cindy Aylcsworth, of Hcrmosa Beach, California is the Bride's best friend
and was Maid of Honor.
The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer, both cousins
to the Bride, were Heather Chandler and Kayla
Leno.
Special guests in attendance were
Leonard and Marge Vivcttc, of White Swan,
Washington, and Erma Galligher of Kcizer,
grandparents of the Bride, Arlene Wilbcr, great
aunt of the Bride, of Wapato, Washington, and
Don and Marianne Hale of Mcdford, Oregon,
great aunt and uncle of the Bride. Sr. Kateri
Petite, cousin of the Groom, and Melody
McKinnon, aunt of the Bride were readers. All
the Groom's brothers and their families attended
as did Pam Smith, sister of the Groom.
A cake reception was held in the parish hall, Shelley Hanson and Violet Zimbrick
were the coordinators. After the cake cutting, the dinner and dancing reception was held at
the Shilo Inn in Lincoln City. A good time was had by all. Mark and Tammy honeymooned
in Disneyland and Las Vegas.
Tammy, Mark, and the wedding party. The couple celebrated at the
Shilo Inn in Lincoln City with their family and friends, then went on
to honeymoon in Las Vegas and Disneyland They will reside in the
"Cook, Hansen, and Leno Condo" in the Grand Ronde area.