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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 1994)
February 1994 Page 5 Harrison Appointed To NARF Smoke Signals .4 if tm (1 1 'IV immnmmmmm,m Lli Jkmj 1 7 Kathryn Harrison Kathryn Harrison, Tribal Council Vice-Chair, has recently been elected to the Native American Rights Fund Board of Directors. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NARF meets twice per year to discuss specific rights issues concerning Native peoples all over America. NARF has been in existence for 22 years, and has represented people and tribes from almost every state in the union. Established in the 1960s, NARF exists in order to advocate the rights ofNative Americans, especially the poor and disadvantaged. It is set up for people who cannot afford their own legal representation. The Board of Directors is compiled of distinguished and seasoned leaders of tribes from many different states. A national appointment such as this not only reflects well on the Grand Ronde Tribe, but is a proud commentary on Kathryn's contribution, involvement, and dedication to the advancement of tribal people. The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit organization supported by individual, corporate, and tribal contributions, grants, and limited client fees . In recent years, NARF has established five priority areas to focus their work: Preservation of tribal existence Protection of tribal natural resources Promotion of human rights The accountability of government to Native Americans The development of Indian Law If you would like to learn more about the Native American Rights Fund, you may contact their main office: 1506 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80302. JOBS Program Helps Tribal Members LIFE SKILLS INDEPENDENCE SEMINAR If you are planning to enter the job market, or are considering a career change or perhaps returning to school, this four-week seminar is for you. The six-credit seminar is free, and provides intensive training in career planning, job search, personal development, and study skills. Each seminar covers: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT discovery of inner confidence assertiveness stress reduction time management JOB SEARCH resume writing cover letters applications interviewing techniques CAREER PLANNING identify your skills clarify your work values consider your interests explore your career options COLLEGE SUPPORT SERVICES academic advising financial aid information study skills discovering success The seminar will be held at the Church of the Nazerene Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information call the Tribal JOBS Program at 879-2036 or 1-800422-0232. As the Tribe continues to grow and prosper, different departments have been able to adopt new programs or expand existing ones. In 1991, the Social Services Department enacted the JOBS program, patterned after the state program of the same name. The purpose of the JOBS Program is to assist tribal members in finding employment, or develop skills they need to meet future goals. It is targeted at tribal members who are ADC (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) or welfare recipients. The Tribe applied for a grant to fund this program, and as a result, is the only Oregon tribe which offers this service to its members. Said Carmen Mercier, JOBS Coordinator, "We offer helpwithcareerplanning, extended schooling, retraining for a position, or working on getting a GED. Whatever barriers a client is facing, I help that person work through them one step at a time." JOBS is sponsoring a free four-week seminar called Life Skills, which will focus on personal development, career planning, job searches, study skills, and the importance of pursuing personal interests. Carmen maintains that the seminar contains valuable information for anyone who is out of work or returning to school, and wants to pursue their interests. Tmheretooffersupport," said Carmen. "Ifaclient needs assistance with child care, transportation, or books and fees, I can help in those areas." Because Carmen is new in her position, she is looking forward to not only serving many clients, but establishing relationships with the people who assist with the programtrainers, instructors, and state workers. "As the programs grows, I want to be able to offer more trainings like Life Skills," she said. Most of all, Carmen wants to show trust and hope to people who may feel stuck in a situation with few options. "Aperson'sgoalmightrequireseveralsteps. Taking charge of our lives is a big challenge. Change is a challenge. And when we work through our problems, that's how we grow and develop." V" ,' ' , itmv V V. Carmen Mercier, JOBS Coordinator
