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A FUTURE OF HOPI
Smoke Signals November 1993
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Red Threads Designs: A Vision For Tomorrow
RedThreads
Designs is a new,
different kind of
business that is
blossoming in Grand
Ronde. Owned and I
operated by tribal
member Michael Ifjy j J
Reibach and Simone L UJA
upiey, nis mate, it is s s . v
dedicated to the
promotionof wellness
ana recovery. i n
Red Threads
is a line of unique Simone Copley and Mike Reibach display some
apparel, designed items from Red Threads Designs.
and sewn by Simone, while Michael is responsible for business maintenance. It is a
partnership.
Simone, who is from the Tsalagi Cherokee tribe, has made her home in Grand
Ronde, and has a vision of unity for this Tribe.
"Just like the Sacred Circle in our Indian tradition, each one of us has a place. But
our circle has been pushed apart by fear. I vzntRed Threads Designs to promote the spiritual
aspects of life, by using money and financial gain in a positive way," she explained. "By
believing in people and cooperation with each other."
Michael and Simone had a booth at the Pow-wow last summer, where Simone's
sister gave Governor Roberts a Red Threads t-shirt. For now, the money they earn from the
business goes right back into buying more supplies and other bills.
They have an idea for a youth entrepreneurial program that would allow tribal youth
to work and learn about design production. Simone has recently begun silk-screening many
of her designs, and feels that would be a creative outlet for young people. They could develop
a talent and also make some money which would enable them to feel good about themselves.
She said, "Thiscouldbe a prevention tool. It could be acreative alternative to hitting
the streets."
Michael, who works in the tribal Natural Resources Division, is excited by the
concept.
"Red Threads' spiritual base come partly from asking ourselves, How can I help
myself and others at the same time? The business is successful if we can be of service to the
Indian community," he said.
Red Threads Designs are available in Grand Ronde. The business phone is 879
5490. They will also be shown in the Native American gallery, Rainy Days, located in
Portland on December 5.
Planning Ahead:
Future Search Conference
During the days of October 7, 8, and 9, the Tribe sponsored a special workshop
called, "Future Search Conference: Discovering Common Ground". It was held at the
Tribal Community Center and more than sixty people participated.
They included tribal employees, tribal members, community members, and
representatives from agencies who work with the Tribe and have an interest in its future.
The three-day conference consisted of several different work groups which
discussed the future of different tribal programs and projects such as education, health,
and gaming.
Guests from outside businesses and agencies included Gary Simms, from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, John Anderson, Polk County Commissioner, Steve Nokclby,
Assistant to Mike Kopclski, Jerry Leslie of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Terry Moore of ECO Northwest, Connie Green of Chemeketa Community
College, Ann Berblinger of the Economic Development Administration, and Dave
Bishop from the Oregon Department of Transportation just to name a few.
The conference was facilitated by employees of the Northwest Institute of
Chemeketa Community College: Vicki Willis, Sara Dinsdale, and Jill Ward. The
Northwest Institute assists large organizations in planning and needs assessment. The
conference format is based on the popular book "Discovering Common Ground", by
Marvin Weisbord.
Said Personnel Director Kit Devine, "This conference brings the stakeholders
of the organization together to build a consensus. It was an opportunity to apply an
innovative approach to planning. We achieved six months worth of planning in three
days. It was amazing how common our vision was."
The Future Search Conference was designed to include all human elements of
the Tribe: its employees, members, clients, and outside constituents. Many participants
were surprised to learn they shared the same goal for the Tribe. Said Dave Bishop, former
Yamhill County Commissioner, "The Native American has a unique spiritual message
that the larger society needs to hear. Participating in the process of rebuilding the Grand
Ronde Native community to enable it to communicate that message is truly an exciting
and humbling experience. This is terribly important work."
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Grand Ronde Tribal Princesses Emma Leno and Valerie Holler Dance to the drum ofShcntee
Klootchman Turn Turn at the Oregon Hops Festival in Salem, The Hops Festival celebrated
the Oregon crop as being the best in the world, and the history it has with Native American
people. The Festival was held at the Old Mission Mill near the Marion County Historical
Society.
The Historical Society is currently featuring a Kalapuyan Indian exhibit complete with
information and cultural history of the Kalapuyan people.
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