Smoke Signals
April 1994
Page 9
Subcommittee Testimony,
Continued
In addition, the IHS budget forecasts private
insurance collections over 4.5 times last year's rate. This
inaccurate forecast, if accepted, most likely would result in
shortfalls to our Tribe and others to make up the uncollected
difference. Also, the budget does not include deferred
services funding. We hope Congress will restore funds for
this area at the 1994 level of $5 million, at a minimum.
The budget does not increase Catastrophic Health
Emergency Funds although 220 cases were not reimbursed
in FY 1992, 257 in FY 1993, and 257 in 1994. We ask
Congress to add $6.5 million to address the shortfall and
adjust for medical inflation.
The 1995 budget requires and absorption of $7.5
million in the Self-Determination Fundfor new and expanded
contracts. The only way to do this is to reduce existing
contracts. The IHS budget does not show contract support
costs for Self-Governance compacts. We ask the Congress
to fully fund Contract Support needs of tribes to maintain
adequate tribal services.
The present Administration is attempting to reduce
the national deficit. Each year, uncertainty grows as federally
funded programs continually get the ax. This is why tribal
leaders travel to Washington D.C.
In the past, the Tribe has received some much
needed support from this Committee in forestry and child
development. Without their support we could not have
provided adequate protection and development of our most
important resources: people and forests. We appreciate the
increases provided to the TribeAgency budget for 1994.
While it does not restore what has been lost over the years to
inflation, it has certainly helped.
Eachyear, tribal leaders must work with the members
of Congress not only for our Oregon delegation, but other
members as well. There are supportive members willing to
ensure that rights of Native Americans are protected.
However, tribes need to voice their concerns in order to be
heard.
Grand Ronde Sanitary
District Receives Funds
Grand Ronde will use a $10,000 grant from the
WaterWastewater Funding program to support the
development of new housing and the creation of new jobs,
according to Economic Development Department Director
Bill Scott.
The Grand Ronde Sanitary District received the
grant to help solve problems with wastewater discharged into
the South Yamhill River.
The district serves the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde. The area has been severely affected by timber issues
and has a high unemployment rate.
Further financial assistance for wastewater and
drinking water system improvements in Grand Ronde will be
needed in the future. The Oregon Economic Development
Departmentandthefederal Rural Developmentand Economic
Development administrations are working to come up with
joint funding packages.
The grant funds will help the district analyze and
find solutions to problems with its wastewater treatment
plant. The district has for the past few years been out of
compliance with its National Pollution Elimination System
Discharge Permit, issued through the department of
Environmental Quality.
The Grand Ronde Tribe is providing both technical
operating expertise and $28,000 in financial assistance to the
district toaddress non-compliance issues, correct the problems
and improve the system capacity.
rrs is a photo of Spirit Mountain looked in 1904, from the Grand Ronde Indian
Reservation. As you can see, it looked a little different ninety years ago.
Shantee Klootchman Turn Turn
Invited To Russia
The members of the Shantee Klootchman Turn
Turn Drum have been invited to , participate in the opening Carmen Mercier, Mychal Childcrs,
ceremonies of the 1994 Goodwill Games m Russia. 71 . . , '
A group of five is anUcipated to represent the andCamdleMemerdrumattheCapitol Budding
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde at this worldly event, in Salem during an artifact dedication to the
At this time fund-raisers to sponsor the drummers Tribe.
are being planned. Any donations would be greatly
appreciated. Please contact Mychal Childcrs at 879-2035 or
Camille Mercier at 879-2901. Thank you.
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