Smoke Signals
November 1993
Page 4
A BECABE OF PROGRESS..
As the Tribe celebrates its tenth anniversary of
restoration, many have turned their attention to the things
the Tribe has accomplished during the last decade, and what
will be achieved in the future.
Timber revenue has enabled the Tribe to purchase
more property to build more facilities and enhance programs.
As Small Business Development seeks to promote
Native American entrepreneurs and services, Spirit Mountain
Development Corporation moves ahead with the construction
of a gaming facility in Grand Ronde.
Now, ten years after restoration, people who have
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Council member Andy Jenness, with members
of Council andSMDC, helps "break ground"
on the location of the planned gaming facility.
lived their lives in Grand Ronde are able to witness the
transformation from ten years ago to today. Tribal members
who have dreamed of a better life for their children and
grandchildren can now visit a Grand Ronde Tribe which
provides an abundance of human, financial, and educational
services to its membership.
People are beginning to appreciate the Grand Ronde
Tribe, and realize" its belonging in Oregon, and the Pacific
Northwest.
People are beginning to realize this is a Tribe rooted
in tradition, but its members are not afraid to consider the
future of their children and elders.
Two years ago, the Tribal Community Service
Center was completed, and a day hasn't gone by when it
hasn't been used. It houses the Tribal Dental Clinic, now
complete with orthodontic services. It is the Elders' Mealsite,
and location for General Meetings. Friday night bingo is
located there, conferences, family reunions, and youth
activities like last month's Halloween party.
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Dental Qinic Staff: MyraBielby, Pant Wilson,
and Lydia Mathena (sitting).
The health and human services the Tribe provides
includes not only physical health care, but mental health as
well. In the six-county service area, more and more tribal
members have been able to receive treatment when they
become injured or sick.
Social Services has provided effective family crisis
assistance to tribal members and their children. They have
the means to find solutions to family problems, and help
tribal members change their lives for the better.
The Tribe's Alcohol and Drug program has
provided assistance to tribal members in recovery and the
help they need. The Wellness and Prevention Components
promote healthy life-styles for tribal youth and families. By
providing alternative activities to using drugs and alcohol,
tribal children in the community are learning they have a
choice about the decisions they have in life, as well as having
pride in their Tribe and their heritage.
Nanitch Sahallie Youth TreatmentFacility, located
in Salem, received a CARF accreditation last this year, and
Tee-shirts are still available from Nanitch
Sahallie's First Annual Fun-Run. They
are $6.
have given chemically-dependent adolescents from many
different tribes the tools they need to lead a sober life.
The Tribal Education department is providing
assistance to more students than ever before, and many tribal
members have expressed interest in not only furthering their
education, but also working for the Tribe. There are tribal
members attending universities all over Oregon.
In short, the Tribe is providing inspiration to its
members. Inspiration to begin a new business, inspiration
to live a healthy life, inspiration to get an education, or
inspiration to be proud of who we are, and what we've
accomplished.
The Grand Ronde Restoration Celebration to be
held on Saturday, November 20, will be for many people a
time of remembrance, as well as a time to look ahead at the
opportunities the future may hold.
New Year of Head Start
As manyofyouknow, school isbackin session!
Head Start classes started back up on September 2 1 , and
are now in full swing. For those of you that don't know,
Head Start is a half day preschool program that is open
to eligible community members and tribal staff who live :
outside the commuiuty, as long as they demonstrate
eligibility.
Angie Bedortha, Head Start teacher, and her
assistant, Shari Shell, would like to extend an invitation
to all staff and community members to visit the classroom.
All are welcome to just take a peek around or stay for an
hour or so. If you would like to spend time in the Head
Start classroom, call 879-228 1 to set up a time.
Not much advance notice is required, and the
Head Start staff would be glad to have visitors any
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 A.M. to
1:30 P.M. They especially need people who have
culturally-related information they would like to share
with the children. If anyone who knows jargon or Indian
legend stories, and would be interested in sharing them
with the class, they would be more than welcome.
The Head Start programisbeginningits second
year in the Grand Ronde Community, Thestaffbelieves
in the importance of preserving and promoting cultural
identity, especially for the young children.
They are also askingfordonationsof culturally
related items such as regalia, cradle boards, jewelry,
tools, or anything that would be appropriatefor a child's
use. Your assistance and support of tlie Head Start
program is greatly appreciated.