Smoke Signals
December 1994
Page 2
Editorial and Opinion
Thanksgiving and Christmas:
A time to be grateful, to give
The word for our national holiday of Thanksgiving was coined in the early beginnings of our
country.
The word and the event were not new. For untold centuries, our ancestors gave thanks in
ceremonies to the forests, fields and animals that gave sustenance to our tribes.
It is ironic that Europeans get credit for inventing the holiday.
Regardless, it is the thought and idea behind Thanksgiving that is important.
We give thanks to our Creator for the bounty that has been heaped before us.
When we say our prayers of thanks before the Christmas holiday, it would be appropriate for
us to remember those less fortunate. That remembrance can be demonstrated by sharing with
others.
Sharing reminds us that for the Grace of our Creator, we could be in more unfortunate '
circumstances. We have much to be grateful for.
Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that is appropriate: "You can't keep it unless you give
it away." We can learn from that.
We share our hopes, progress and bounty we also keep our way of life - by giving it away.
Grand Ronde planning pays off
News of the Siletz Tribes plan to build a gambling casino in Lincoln City came as no surprise
to the leaders of the Confederate Tribes of the Grand Ronde.
According to articles in the Statesman Journal and the Oregonian Nov. 16, the news sent
shock waves through Lincoln County.
Reaction was mixed. Some community leaders see the casino as a welcome economic
development. Others are concerned because of the threat of increased traffic and other
problems.
The Grand Ronde Tribes should not be worried about the development Economic studies
show that the market for our gaming center will draw mainly from the Willamette Valley.
The Spirit Mountain Development Corporation has not encountered major problems in
acceptance of the Grand Ronde gaming facility.
That is due mainly to the planning and public participation efforts of the Spirit Mountain
leaders. Public meetings were held in all of the surrounding communities to inform people of
what was being planned.
That effort continues.
Another community meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Community Center.
Holiday safety tips for your
Christmas tree and lights
Whether you have a natural or artificial tree, many decorations
or very few, everyone can benefit from having a safer home during
the holiday season, in order to prevent accidents.
NATURAL TREES'
Always select a fresh tree that is deep green in color, has a strong
pine scent, a sticky tree trunk, and secure needles that do not easily
.fall off. ...
Keep yourtree in a water-holding stand, and keep it full of water.
If the tree is not going into the house immediately after purchase,
it should be stored in a bucket of cool water on a porch or patio,
away from wind and sun.
It is very important to water your tree dai ly. An average tree may
consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
Also, keep your tree away from heat sources and traffic patterns
in a room.
ARTIFICIAL TREES
Buy only an artificial tree that has a safety-approved label. Never
use electrical decorations on a metallic tree, and keep safely away
from open flame.
LIGHTING
Discard any lights that have a worn or frayed cord, broken or
cracked sockets, loose connections, or bare wires.
Never use indoor lights outdoors, and keep young children away
from electrical lights and decorations.
Never place presents too close to the lights of your tree, and
always turn them off when you leave the house or go to be at night.
OTHER FIRE SAFETY TIPS
. Never allow smoking near trees or decorations.
Safely dispose of Christmas wrappings after opening gifts, and
never burn Christmas wrappings in the fireplace.
Be extra careful when wearing long, loose clothing near a
fireplace, open flame, or stove.
Never leave a lighted candle in a room by itself.
Never burn any part of your Christmas tree in a wood stove or
fireplace. . 1
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
order to be considered for publication.
Letters must be printed or typed, and cannot exceed 300 words.
SmokeSignals reserves the right to editany 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, 9615 Grand Ronde Rd., Grand Ronde, Oregon
97347 ATTN: Tracy Olson
Chairman-s Report
Well, another year is nearing it's ;
end, the holidays are coming up- At
our November General Council
meeting, the Tribal Council gave
the Calendar Year 1995 Budget
Presentation to its membership. -
In Octoberof each year, the Tribe
publishes the proposed budget, and
designates a -deadline November
18, for written comments. Shortly
thereafter, the Tribal Council then
takes into consideration any written
comments, and the verbal
comments from tribal members at
the November budget hearing.
For 1995, the Tribal Council will
, include, our strategic planning in
the budget process. As the Tribe
proceeds with housing
development, we will need to budget
funds accordingly, since money will
be required for water, sewer, roads,
electricity, and other necessary
utilities. None of these infrastructure
items are cheap. Some funds may
be available in the form of grants
, and other governmental sources.
Since 1992, the Tribal Council
has put some timber1 revenue into
investments.' This has resulted in
the Tribe making substantial
earnings. Some will go for
education, health, and housing.
Some other funds will go towards
economic development Given the
results of the Nov. 8 election,
feds v-
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funding may become considerably
tighter. Therefore, it is important
that the Tribe continue to bui Id these
funds up.
No doubt, Tribal Council will
make, some changes to the budget
before it is formally adopted.
Council will adopt the 1995 budget
prior to the new year.