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