January 1, 1998
SMOKE SIGNALS
3
Shop with a Sheriff
If you were at the Dallas Wal-Mart on Saturday
morning, December 13 you were probably wonder
ing what all the sheriffs were doing there. They were
shopping with 40 kids chosen to participate from
Grand Ronde Elementary School for the second an
nual "Shop with a Sheriff." This event, sponsored
by the Grand Ronde Service Integration Team, pro
vided an opportunity for children to purchase other
wise unobtainable Christmas gifts for their families.
It also offered the children and the "uniformed" depu
ties the opportunity to interact on a social level, form
ing an early, positive relationship between law en
forcement and children. '
Thank you to all who volunteered their time shop
ping, transportation, and wrapping the gifts.
u 7. -
5)1 & ,f,"J-i
Letter to the Editor.
Dear Editor:
I guess I am one of the few that was brought up to be
thankful for what you get, and was expected to earn that by
helping out since both parents worked for a living.
I also brought up my own children to do the same. Since
the Member Benefit Fund and insurance was created, I have
seen the true side of a lot of people. Mow ugly they can get
(out of greed), the rumors that spread and are blown way out
of proportion.
Please, if you hear these rumors, go to the top to find out
the truth, instead of adding fuel to the fire. I have not always
lived or worked here. But I tell you, I am very thankful for
what is being done for everyone, (all tribal members no mat
ter where they live)! It is a lot more than some other tribes
are able to do for their people. So please don't forget where
we come from. Are we forgetting to thank our Creator?
Sharon Hutton
Roll 1163
Indian law begins January 7
PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION: The class is open to
the public and tuition for this 3 credit hour class is $360.
Oregon State University, in agreement with the Grand
Ronde Tribal Education Division, is offering aNative Ameri
can Law, Treaties Interpretation and U.S. Relations, upper
division (300-400) level class.
This Winter Term 1998 (January through March) class
will be offered at the Education Building in Grand Ronde on
Wednesday evenings starting January 7 from 5:30 to 8:30
p.m., for a 1 0 week period. Text books are available at Jim's
Trading Post in Grand Ronde. Tribal members interested in
enrolling in this class need to complete a Short Term Train
ing application.
Persons interested in signing up for this class should call
Hollie 800-422-0232, ext 2275.
Three Creeks Logging Unit
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD on the pro
posed alternatives for the proposed Three Creeks Logging
Unit located in portions of the S 12, Sec. 17, T5S, R8W,
W.M., Yamhill County, Oregon. AGENCY: The Confeder
ated Tribes of Grand Ronde. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY:
This notice serves to inform interested parties of the com
ment period on the Alternatives offered for the proposed
Three Creeks Logging Unit to be located on the Grand Ronde
Indian Reservation. Maps and other documents are made
available for public review at the Natural Resources offices
located at 47010 S.W. Hebo Road, Grand Ronde.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pete
Wakeland, Forester Natural Resources, (503) 879-2378.
Comments will be received for fifteen ( 1 5) days following
the first day of publication of this notice.
TrUSt Fund questions, continued from page 1
Benefits Trust Fund program?
ANSWER: No. New members must complete an Appli
cation and Beneficiary Fomi and submit it to the Mem
bers Benefits Trust Fund program.
QUESTION 10:1 received my Investment Fund Statement
of Account in October and it did not show the 1997 deposit,
why?
ANSWER: Each Statement of Account is reflective of a
period. Statements are only sent to individuals with funds
in their account. The Statement of Account that was
mailed out in October was for the period beginning Janu
ary 1, 1997 to September 30, 1997 reflecting only your
1996 funds and interest earned.
The 1 997 distribution award was not awarded until Oc
tober 1 , 1 997, after the September 30, 1 997 statement pe
riod. In the next statement, January 1998, it will show any
interest andor remaining 1996 Trust Fund balances plus
the October 1 , 1 997 distribution award, if you did not with
draw all your funds.
QUESTION 11: When can I expect my children's State
ment of Account?
ANSWER: Minors Investment Fund Statement of Ac
counts are annual only. The Statement of Accounts are
mailed out in the month of January for the prior year.
The next Minors Investment Fund will be mailed out
January, 1998.
QUESTION 12: I'm between the ages of 18 - 21, is there
any way I can withdraw my funds?
ANSWER: You are eligible to withdraw your funds be
tween the ages of 1 8-2 1 for two reasons:
1) Education purposes: To be used for college, trade
school or other forms of secondary education. You must
be able to prove that you are enrolled in a school, and that
you have unmet funding needs. This can be accomplished
by getting a copy of your yearly budget from the school's
financial aid office. To be eligible, you must have your
high school diploma or GED; and have gone through the
tribal Education Department (800-422-0232); and still have
an unmet need.
2) Down payment on a home: The funds cannot be used
for rent or security deposits. You must be able to provide
proof of purchase. Payment will be made to the escrow
company as part of the closing costs.
QUESTION 13: Who do I notify of a change of address and
how do I get an application?
ANSWER: For the Members Investment Fund program
all changes of address and requests for Members Ben
efits application must be processed through the:
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Members Benefits Trust Fund Program
Attn: Rebecca Crocker
96 1 5 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
800422-0232 or(503) 879-2214; Fax: (503) 879-2338
Patient's Bill of Rights
Please read this important information from the
Grand Ronde Health and Wellness Center.
PATIENT'S RIGHTS
All patients are treated with dignity and respect.
You have the right to receive care and treatment
that is culturally relevant to meet your needs.
All information that you give is kept confidential.
You have the right to discuss and participate in
your treatment.
You have the right to change your primary care
provider if one is available.
You have the right to discuss alternatives or refuse
any recommended treatment that is offered.
You have the right to appeal if you are dissatis
fied with the service or decision of your health pro
vider through the following steps:
1 . Speak to the supervisor and you will receive a
response within 5 working days.
2. If you are still dissatisfied, submit a written
appeal to the HSD Manager and you will receive
a decision to your appeal.
PATIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
To inform your service provider of medications
you are currently taking.
To follow your prescribed method of treatment.
Be on time for your scheduled appointments.
Notify the front desk of any changes in address
and insurance.
Contact your primary care provider before seek
ing treatment after-hours.
"YOUR OPINION COUNTS" is our way to pro
vide your comments and suggestions for services
that are provided to you and your family in the Health
and Wellness Center. Your comments are individu
ally read if you request a response, one will be
provided to you. We strive to continually provide
you with the best quality services.
For more information on our commentssugges
tions sheets or your rights and responsibilities,
contact Mary Alice Duran, Quality Improvement
Coordinator at (503) 879-2060 or 1 -800-775-0095.
On behalf of the Health and Wellness Center
staff, we wish you and your family a wonderful
new year!