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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 15, 1998)
July 15, 1998 News and Opinion 3 SMOKE SIGNALS 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, Or 97347 EDITOR: TRACY DUGAN (503) 879-2254 REPORTER: OSCAR JOHNSON (503) 879-2321 GRAPHICS SC NEWS COORDINATOR: KIM MUELLER (503) 879-2264 1-800-422-0232 FAX: (503) 879-2263 E-MAIL ADDRESSES: tracynewsmacnet.com kimnewsmacnet.com oscarJohnsonjournalist.com Members of the Native American Journalist Association, the Associated Press, and Society of News Design. SUBMISSIONS FROM OUR READERS: SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, Is pub lished twice a month. We have estab lished an Editorial Policy to encourage Input from readers about stories printed in SMOKE SIGNALS, and other tribal issues. However, all let ters must be received at the newspa per office with author's signature, ad dress, and phone number In order to be considered for publication. 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 con tain libelous statements or personal at tacks. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Pub lished letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS, tribal employees, or Tribal Council. UPCOMING DEADLINES: Monday, July 20, 1998 Wed., August 5, 1998 0 Printed on recycled paper. Dear Editor: We would like to thank everyone who has made it possible for my fam ily and I to own our own home. Donna Both from Valley Home Cen ter in Fruitland, Idaho helped us through the process step-by-step. She said when she spoke with Bryan Lan gley he was very helpful. Also, the Housing Department sent our grant right out to us. So thanks to all, and to Bryan Langley for helping us into our new home. Ken Haller, Roll 224 New Plymouth, Idaho staffing of the Tribe's Portland office, diversifying Smoke Signals' news coverage and acquiring more tribal lands. While the votes showed over whelming support for the Member Benefit Fund, many such as Sharon Hanson, voiced concern that the Tribe continue "spending money wisely." For Hanson that means more than just spending, "it means saving and investing." Hanson's concerns echoed state ments made by several members in all three cities that favored using tribal resources sparingly to ensure future prosperity over paying out larger sums of cash to individuals. Discussions on the topic ranged from Portland members proposing a self-sustaining Member Benefit Fund such as interest or profit sharing which would save the principle bal ance for future use, to those in Salem voicing concern over undue depen dency on the annual disbursements. But Hanson and other members at the June 30 Salem meeting were also worried about something else mem ber participation. "Very few people came that were just ordinary tribal members," Han son noted. Although 25 to 30 mem bers not employed by the Tribe came to cast their votes at each of the Port land and Eugene meetings, only six showed up in Salem. "It's vital for us to have input from people who Dear Editor: I just want to thank the Tribe for helping to make me a first-time home buyer. I couldn't have done it with out the Grand Meadows project and the Down Payment Assistance pro gram. I am very grateful to the Coun cil for having the vision to set up these programs which enable tribal mem bers to become self-sufficient. I am also very grateful to such dedicated employees as Bryan Langley and Terri Easttorp for going beyond the scope of their duties to help make the transition a little easier. In Spirit, Perri McDaniel Special thanks To JILL JEFFERS: The Elders would all like to have you on our trips with us. We all feel safe and cared for. You are cheerful, and make us feel cheerful, too. To LISA ADAMS: We would also like to thank you for being so helpful with us. You are a bit of sunshine... Thank you both, The Elders take the time to come," she added. For conscientious members such as Kristin Senner, however, a chance to give her input at a public forum in her home city of Portland has been long over due. "I'm glad they have these meet ings," says Senner. "We feel that we aren't included in a lot of the deci sion making process." Senner was one of many active par ticipants in a crowd of about 50 mem ber, Council and administrative at tendees of Portland's June 29 meet ing. Her main concerns are about unchecked growth based solely on Casino revenues and adequate mem ber participation in tribal decision making. Since she became an en rolled member of the Grand Ronde Tribe two years ago the concerned constituent says it has been difficult to learn about tribal issues let alone have a say in them. Candidate withdraws Dear tribal members: I am withdrawing my name from the Council election. This decision has not been made in haste or with out extensive consideration. Since accepting the nomination for Coun cil, I have accepted a new position with Spirit Mountain Casino. This position will afford me the opportu nity to learn and grow. The decision to run for Council or to take the posi tion was very difficult. I believe in the long run, that when I do decide to run for Council again, this posi tion will definitely add valuable ex perience, knowledge, and make me a much better candidate. Respectfully, Sanda (Langley) Henny Roll ft 409 August 1 at 11 a.m. Community Center Tribal members who have questions but can not attend, may send their questions in writing to: Valorie Sheker, Election Board, 9615 Grand Ronde Rd, Grand Ronde, OR 97347. "Calling (the tribal office) doesn't work to get information after you get someone on the line you just get shifted from one person to the next," she says. "Forums like this are good. I would like to have them here more often." However, the community meetings are more than just an open forum. For many tribal members living in larger cities outside the Grand Ronde area the meetings are a rare opportu nity to come together as a tribal com munity. Streobel notes that although it was almost 9 p.m. when the Eu gene meeting adjourned, most of the 25 or so members milled about Lane Community College socializing for a good reason. "This is not just a bunch of people getting together," he explains. "This is community. That's why our name is the 'Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon."' WOT - 7 I ... -- . - - Portland: Justin Martin relays current legislative happenings to members. Tribal community meeting results, continued from page 1
