Smoke Signals
November 1994
Page 2
Editorial and Opinion
Casino construction visible
at highway building site
After waiting so long, it is good to sec the bustling building activity at
the gaming center site near Highway 18.
We will continue to see more activity, and the project should be open by
this time next year.
With the activity, and the promise and potential of the gaming facility,
we should reflect with gratitude on how far we have come since the 1983
Restoration, what has to be done, and where we are going.
Our strategic planning process is working towards providing some of
those answers.
A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to bring the gaming
project up to this point - planning, coordination, design, engineering and
financing.
The $18.3 million construction and operations loan from John Hancock
Insurance Co. is a significant achievement Such major financial backing
means that the business world recognizes the economic health and
potential of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.
The gaming center is a concept that started as a dream to improve the
Tribes' economic stability.
That dream is turning into reality.
General Council Meeting
Sunday, November 6, 11:30 a.m.
Meal Provided
All Tribal Members Welcome
Editorial Policy
Letter From Our Reader
Smoka Signal is 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 clarity 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, 9616 Grand Ronde Rd., Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
ATTN: Tracy Olson
MOVING? Let us know!
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NEW
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Cut out and mail to:
Smoke Signals
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
Remember Restoration Day,
Restoration Day, November 22,
is a memorable time for the
Confederated Tribes of the Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon.
It is a day to celebrate the rebirth
and renewal of our tribal culture
and heritage.
The 100-year long Trail of Tears
came to a climax when the Grand
Ronde Tribes were terminated in
1954 Deprivation, disappointment
and destroyed dreams continued,
because of the federal government's
broken promises and ignored
commitments.
Due to the efforts of many
First Indian newspaper honored recently
At their recent Unity '94
conference in Atlanta, Georgia, the
Native American Journalists
Association presented a plaque to
the Cherokee Nation
commemorating the first Native
American newspaper.
Some members of the association
were uneasy about attending the
conference because of Georgia's
infamous record in the treatment of
Native Americans - including the
four-year Trail of Tears in the mid
and late 1830s, when most
Cherokees were forcibly moved west
by the Georgia Militia. It was also
a time when the tribe's printing
office was destroyed.
The plaque, placed at the old
newspaper site reads: "The
Cherokee Phoenix (1828-34). To
Robertson sends
Dear Tribal members:
Hi everyone. Since I missed the
last edition of Smoke Signals, I
would like to take this opportunity
to speak to you. I want to thank
those of you who so generously
gave me their support in
campaigning and voting for me in
the last Council election. I deeply
appreciate it
I send my congratulations to Bob
Haller, Ed Pearsall, and Gene
LaBonte. Also, congratulations to
Ed Larsen who has been elected by
his Council to serve as Council
Secretary. I wish you all the best in
your new positions. To my former
fellow Council members: I think of
dedicated people, tribal status was
re-conferred on Nov. 22, 1983.
Grand Ronde people, other Native
Americans, and non-Indians were
instrumental in getting the
restoration law signed into law.
Much has happened since then:
Tribal government was
established, and is working well.
Health, dental and social services
are provided for tribal members.
A nationally-recognized youth
substance abuse treatment facility,
Nanitch Sahallie, was founded.
The Tribes have over 10,000 acres
of timber resources that provide a
honor the first Native American
newspaper and to celebrate the
founding of Native American
Journalism at this place in 1828.
Erected by the native American
Journalists Association, 1994."
The Phoenix was published in the
Cherokee national capital of New
Echots, now part of Calhoun,
Georgia.
The weekly newspaper was written
in both the English and Cherokee
languages. Cherokee printers also
produced books written in their
'native language.
Books and a newspaper could be
published because the legendary
Sequoia had created a system that
translated language sounds into
written Cherokee language.
About 40 years ago, some Calhoun
best wishes to
you often and miss working with
you.
To all the staff: I really enjoyed
working with you, being there every
day gave me an opportunity to get
to know you better and to see how
hard you work in order to keep the
system running smoothly. We all
learn by trial and error. I was proud
to be a part of the decisions that
were made jointly by the Tribal
Council, administration, staff, and
committees in order to improve our
tribal services for our members.
Our tribal system is growing so
fast, it is important that everyone
believes his or her input is valued
and really important. To all of
November 22
good economic base.
A major gaming facility is under
construction. It will provide jobs
for many tribal members.
We are in the middle of a strategic
planning effort that will provide a
blueprint for tribal growth into the
next century.
Eleven short years have brought a
dramatic change. A bleak future
has changed into one that looks
bright and promising.
We should be grateful that we had
leaders who nurtured that growth
and change.
residents began restoring the site,
that hadfallen into private use after
the Trail of Tears. Many of the
buildings, including the print shop,
have been recreated. Some old lead
type from the Phoenix was
recovered during archeological
excavations. The type was with the
presses that were thrown down a
well.
Healing began at the Unity '94
conference.
Non-native people who worked to
restore the historic site offered their
hand in understanding and
appreciation.
They honored those first Native
Americanjoiirnalists and their work
that has built a strong foundation
fortheNatitAmcricannewspapers
we have today.
new Council
you., .please keep up the good work!
To Matthew, Kristina, and
Claudette, thank you. It's people
like you who really make a
difference.
To my family: I love you and
thank you all for the strength,
support, and love you have shown
throughout my term in office.
Bless you all and take care. I
hope each one of you has a very
healthy and pleasant year.
Sincerely,
Candy Robertson