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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1994)
June 1994 Page 2 EDITORIAL AND OPINION Smoke Signals Input is vital in determining Give a great gift to our youth - tribal values Tribe's future The Tribal Council is ready to move into another stage of progress with the strategic plan that is being developed. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde has had an anniversary, the 10th year since the tribes w ere restored. Much has happened since then: - A tribal organization was designed and is working effectively. - Programs have been established to provide needed services to tribal members. - Long-term endowments have been developed for operations and services. - A community center was born, and grew in Grand Ronde. Now the Council wants to determine how growth should be directed and services expanded to tribal members. The gaming facility is nearing final approval, and its potential economic impacts offer new opportunities for the Grand Ronde people. Soon, each tribal household will be mailed a survey questionnaire on the strategic plan. The Tribal Council would like to have your opinions on long-term goals and objectives, the types of facilities and services that you believe the Tribes should provide and your opinion on how resources and benefits should be shared with tribal members. Information gathered in the survey will be important in determining the Tribes' future. Make sure you take the time to carefully consider and answer all of the questions in the survey, and return it by the deadline. The future course of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde depends on your cooperation. Editorial Policy Letters From Our Readers Smoke Signals is a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. We have recently adopted an Editorial Policy that encourages input from readers about stories printed in Smoke Signals as well as other tribal issues. However, all letters from readers must be received at the Newsletter Office no later than the 20th of each month, with the author's signature, address. and phone number in orderto be considered for publication. Letters must be printed or typed, and cannot exceed 300 words. Smoke Signals reserves the right to edit any letter for clai ity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of a letter that may contain libelous statements or personal attacks. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Smoke Signals, tribal employees, or Tribal Council. Mail letters to: SMOKE SIGNALS, 9615 Grand Ronde Rd., Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 ATTN: Tracy Olson Letters Closer watch on spending needed To the Editor: We need to take a strong look at our current operations and management when planning for long-term tribal expansion. In the past, several of our economic enterprises have failed drastically due primarily to lack of direct supervision. The greenery is a good example of poor management decisions. I foresee a lot more money going down the drain unless we can learn to control financially those facilities currently in operation. I understand last month the Grand Ronde Chemical Dependency Program ran out of funds. As a result, management is taking funds from other working programs and the general fund to keep the A&D Program afloat. I believe this decision puts other programs at risk and does not address the managers' failure to stay in budget. The casino project is another example of p r management. The investment of tribal money for construction wiuiout approval from all government agencies was premature and placed those funds at undue risk. I am concerned about our future economic position. If reckless spending continues, where will we be in the next few years? Sincerely, Willie West Gang membership breeds contempt for traditional values, fosters crime and ruins lives. Children should be shown that are they are important and of value to their parents, families, tribe and themselves, that there are alternatives to gang life. Recently, a great movement started towards regainingthe Native American culture, its languages, customs, rituals and arts. Many of us rediscovered our cultural heritage and values. That movement has not diminished. People still bear the shield of cultural reawakening. Is that renewal message reaching our young? Some youths are choosing the gangs instead of the tribes. Today's youth will be running the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde tomorrow. It is time for us, as adults, to become aware and informed on gang activities, how to get involved with our young people and fight gang influences. We should volunteer and spend our time with our youth, share our values and let them know we love and treasure them. They are our future. MOVING? Let us know! NEW Name: OLD Address Cut out and mail to: Smoke Signals 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 Absentee ballot makes voting convenient Tribal Council elections will be held September io at the Grand Ronde Tribal Community Center. If you wish, you may vote by using an absentee ballot, and mailing in your votes. Here are some guidelines for that procedure: 1. You will need to fill out a voter registration card if you are not already registered to vote for Tribal Council. This is done through the Tribe, and is separate from being registered through your state or county. Your registration signature must be notarized. 2. When completing your voter registration, please write your address very clearly 3. When completingyour absentee ballot, please read the instructions very carefully to insure your votes are valid. 4. Return your ballots as early as possible to make sure it is received by election day. No ballot received after the close of voting shall be counted and will be declared void. If you are using an absentee ballot, cut out the form below and send it in today. Next month the 16 candidates will be profiled in the newsletter. Please read their statements carefully, and try to learn as much about them as you can. You have the right to select the candidates who best represent your interests. Whether by absentee ballot or in person, please take the time to vote this year. Your contribution will help determine the leadership of the Grand Ronde Tribe. These leaders will make decisions which will affect your life, no matter where you live. PLEASE USE THIS REQUEST FORM OR A PHOTO COPY OF THIS FORM FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST" TRIBAL ELECTIONS 1994 Absentee Ballot Request 1. , Print Enrolled Name Roll an eligible voter of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon wish to have an absentee ballot sent to me at the following address: Mailing Address City County REQUEST MUST BE SIGNED TO BE VALID: Mail this request to: State Zip Election Committee PO Box 99 Grand Ronde, OR 97347 1 need a Voter Registration mailed to me: ( ) yes Signature ( ) no
