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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 1998)
& 01mwm lift my (dmiiiwrtft' mm? OR.COLL. n ;S V U . Li viJ LiX t. i i i ii 1 1 i 1Q98-2000 "-PrA V l-u mu.... WJM ,..,,,, I--" Mil f Member Benefit Trust Fund questions answered The 1 997 Members Benefits Trust Fund program is in its second year. In 1 997 Tribal Council awarded a distribution of $1,000 in Trust Land revenues to Members Benefit or Minor's Trust Accounts for tribal members enrolled and living as of October 1, 1997. The Member Benefit Fund Ordinance, adopted August 28, 1996, governs this year's distribution. All policies outlined in the Ordinance, includ ing age limitations and withdrawal dates will apply to this year's distribution. To assist tribal members, here are the most frequently asked questions about the Members Ben efits Trust program: QUESTION 1: Who is eligible for the Members Benefits Trust Fund? ANSWER: Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Com munity of Oregon members, who are enrolled and living as of October 1, 1996 and for those enrolled in 1997 as of October 1,1997. QUESTION 2: Can we expect this money every year? ANSWER: That depends on the availability of funds. Tribal Council prepares a budget every year. In their bud geting process, Council will identify if revenue is avail able to fund the Members Benefit Trust Fund program. QUESTION 3: Is this money taxable? ANSWER: The initial $ 1 ,000 is non-taxable, as it is gener ated from tribal trust revenues. Any interest earned as a result of leaving funds in your account would be taxable. QUESTION 4: Will we receive a statement on the interest earned? ANSWER: Yes. At the end of each year the Tribe will be sending out 1 099 forms that will show any interest earned for the year. You will use the 1099 to report interest in come on your taxes. QUESTION 5: Do we need to identify a Beneficiary? ANSWER: Yes. According to the Members Benefit Trust Fund Ordinance the fund is only available to those indi viduals who have identified a Beneficiary during the year the fund is awarded. To notify the Tribe of your Benefi ciary, you must complete an Application Form, Benefi ciary Form, and submit it into the Members Benefits Trust Fund program. QUESTION 6: Does my Beneficiary have to be a tribal member? ANSWER: No. Your Beneficiary can be anyone you choose, including non-tribal members, non-relatives and minors. QUESTION 7: Can parents withdraw funds from their children's accounts? ANSWER: No. In fact, accounts for members under the age of 18 cannot be accessed by anyone, for any reason. QUESTION 8: Can tribal members contribute to the Trust Fund? ANSWER: No. At this time, you cannot add to the Invest ment Trust Fund. That may be an option in the future. If it does become available, tribal members will be notified in the tribal newspaper (Smoke Signals) and by mail. QUESTION 9: Myself and my children are newly enrolled members, are we automatically enrolled in the Members continued on page 3 &Uc6& placed io aectton o$ tni&al c'jtc:'Mn& ill ii.t'--.. V -VV v . ... "k. t i X X . v - X "X' X i ... m . ..-" . s ' 1 v m X The landscape is taking shape outside of the new Health and Wellness Clinic. Over 200 memory bricks have been carefully laid into place. Memory bricks, a Health Committee fund-raiser, were purchased by people to honor living and deceased family members. '7 As the new year is upon us, it is a time to pause and to appreciate the good will of others.. The Tribal Council and Staff would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your family throughout 1998! i K jH v I A (nninai mmgli mmfmui tit) ig) &i Tt)
