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Clockwise from top:
Marvin Kimsey remembers the early days;
mini pow-wow grand entry; tribal mem
bers and their families share celebration
meal prepared by Nanitch Sahallie kitchen
staff and volunteers; tribal members
enjoying the words of guest speakers.
Many attended the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde's 1 4th Restoration Celebration on Novem
ber 22. The festivity was well organized with a wonderful
meal, historical displays, blessing of the Sacred Hide, and
a mini pow-wow.
Council Chair Kathryn Harrison spoke about the first
and past restoration celebrations. Past council member
Marvin Kimsey told the audience about the ten year
struggle to get restored working out of a small office,
volunteering hours of time, and traveling to meet with
officials. Every day was a learning experience with many
frustrations.
Council member Margaret Provost then shared that
the Grand Ronde Royalty Court was created in 1 979
as an avenue to raise money. The first Royalty Court
was Jackie Provost, Jackie (Colton) Whisler, and Margie
(Laferty) Fetchner. The girls raised $2000 which was
used for whatever came up (gas and car repairs to meet
with officials, for example). Margaret said, "If we had a
meeting and someone's car was broke down, the guys
would get together and fix it just so we could all make it to
the meeting."
Although it experiences ups and downs, Royalty is now
a strong Grand Ronde tradition. The Royalty Court and
Veterans Royalty Court are well known throughout the
state, along with the Grand Ronde Veterans' Color Guard,
as they represent the Tribe at many events and parades.
Following the guest speakers, the Twah Sunchako pre
school children sang three songs then the unveiling
and blessing of the Sacred Hide took place.
Throughout the past year the Health Committee has vis
ited numerous tribal health care facilities and many have
sacred hides. From the information gathered Jon George
created a very special and unique hide for Grand Ronde.
Through the Smoke Signals, Jon invited all Elders to send
him a traced hand print of their right hand. The right
hand traditionally known as the "hand of giving." Jon
collected a total of 1 03 Elders' hand prints and creatively
arranged them on the sacred hide. Along the outside
edge is the thumb print of all the Health and Human Ser
vices staff members.
Jon mentioned a few fun facts of the Elders' hand prints:
Velma Mercier is the oldest tribal member that submitted
a hand print, with lla Dowd next. Cherie Butler and Diane
Lane had the longest fingernails. Clarence and Leo Jeffers
have the biggest hand prints, and Arvella Houck has the
smallest. Priscilla Hoffenbredl had the most perfect trace
of her hand. Jon honored and respected the request of
Donna Marie Stronach, having the only left hand print.
This beautiful Sacred Hide will be on display in the up
stairs conference room at the Health and Wellness Cen
ter, which has the biggest wall to hang it. Jon has num
bered each hand print and made a map to identify whose
hand is where. Jon said, "It will be fun, you can find your
grandmother's or grandfather's hand print for years to
come."
Another added attraction to this year's celebration
was the Historical Room. On display was the "El
ders Scroll" which is the original genealogy that created
the Grand Ronde enrollment, the 1 855 treaties, photos
and baskets. Kwelth Tahlkie Board members and Cul
tural Protection staff were there to answer questions and
demonstrate basket making.
Marce Norwest lead the mini pow-wow as Arena Di
rector. Thank you to Bob Tom and the drums that par
ticipated. And a very special thank you to Kathy Tom,
Jon George, and all the volunteers who help make the
1 4th Restoration Celebration a pleasure.
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