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Smoke Signals
November 15, 1998
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Koch.
The Tribe's Grants Writer, Bob McElderry; Pub-
ties Manager, Mike Larsen and Maintenance Su
pervisor, Curtis Rentsch were also awarded for the
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Friends and leaders join in building dedication,
continued from front page
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The event was also an opportunity for tribal offi- that we have here today the spirit, vision, and
cials to thank the many people who helped design history of the Grand Ronde people.
and build the new governance center.
Honorary awards were given to HGE Inc. Ar
chitects, Joe Slack and Tom Stark; Elliot Sheets
Construction contractor, Joe Sheets; and Interior
"Across the country the name of Grand Ronde
stands for something," she added. :
Summing up early restoration efforts, AuCoin
proudly pointed out that, "this day, we stand again
Architect and owner of Wokas Design, Simone on your land."
The former Congressman and self-acclaimed
"recovering politician" said their were two things
lie Works Manager, John Mercier; Property Man- he learned from working with the Tribe in those
agers, Philip Adams and Rebecca Crocker; Facili- days.
Recalling the adverse effects of being terminated
in the 1950's and the Tribe's journey to restora-
contributions made by them and their divisions to tion he said he learned "the amazing capacity that
help get the building up and running.
In addition to honoring those who helped make
the new building possible, the event was punctu
ated by reflections on the Tribe's fight for restora
tion and resources as well as many thanks to those
who helped along the way.
U.S. House Representative, Elizabeth Furse and
Former Oregon Congressman, Les AuCoin were
also present to receive gifts and thanks for their
roles in promoting the restoration of the Grand
Ronde Tribe.
Like many others, Furse compared the humble
cemetery building that was the Tribe's office dur
ing the early years of the fight for restoration to
the new Governance Center. She noted that, "that
little building
hold everything
human beings have to afflict pain on others."
"The other thing I saw was the courage of a small
group of Grand Ronde members who walked into
the jaws of some of the most bigoted people I've
ever seen. These gifts aren't needed to reward me
for what we have done together. I am overwhelmed
by the friendship and love this Tribe has shown
my family and me," AuCoin said.
In expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Council
member Leon 'Chip' Tom summed up the past tri
umphs, present pride and future hope symbolized
in the Grand Ronde Tribe's new Governance Cen
ter. "I thank our leadership through the years and
the members for establishing this difficult task,"
said Tom. "I also thank the Creator for making
this possible for our future generations."
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Travis Benoist blessed the Governance Center the morning of
the dedication; Eagle Beak Drum performed Flag and Honor
songs; both Grand Ronde Royalty and Veterans' Royalty girls
were present; an outside view of the Governance Center; Les
AuCoin and Elizabeth Furse shake hands with Grand Ronde
Veterans' Color Guard, who posted the flags; tribal members,
staff and friends share in the dedication ceremony.
A few facts...
The Grand Ronde Governance Center was completed in Octo
ber after 14 months of construction.
The two story 40,000 square foot building is comprised of 95
offices, eight open work areas, five conference rooms, an em
ployee lunch room, exercise room and 1 3 restrooms.
The space also includes a law library, culture library and more
than 1 ,000 square feet of storage space.
The central main lobby serves as the focal point for the building
with the flexibility to enhance the lobby into a unique ceremonial
area. It is adjacent to the new Council chambers which seats 48
to 60 people. The two rooms are separated by a partition which
when removed increases standing room for the entire ceremonial
area from 200 to 300 persons.
The Governance Center cost $4.9 million to build and furnish.
Tribal funds account for $1 .5 million of the sum and the remaining
$3.4 million is funded through a bond.
HGE Inc., a Coos Bay architectural firm designed the building
and the projects general contractor was Elliot-Sheets.
The landscaping for the site is being completed by Harold M.
Miller Landscape Nursery. Wokas Design was a major consult
ant on the interior architecture.
The overall design of the building was a balance between the
natural wood and stone look common to the "Northwest Architec
ture" style and a look that would culturally represent the Tribe
without becoming a "cultural cliche," according to HGE Architect,
Tom Stark. He says he also enjoyed the rare opportunity to work
on such a large-scale creative project.
"We typically don't do office suites that are 40,000 square foot,"
said Stark. "This project has been one of the most satisfying
personally because of my interest in Native American culture on
the West Coast."
Interior Architect and owner of Wokas Design, Simone Koch,
said that when working on the inside look and feel of the building
she was also trying to strike a balance between the Northwest
Architectural and Grand Ronde cultural theme.
Koch said as a tribal member she has a vested interest in the
building and that it was this delicate balance, combined with the
already defined space she had to work with, which helped her
determine the layout of the railings that over look the ceremonial
area as well as the designs for the circular windows on the
building's face.
As an example, she points out that in addition to the tribal logo
being etched into the center window, the two circular windows
over the east and west wings are comprised of "Grand Ronde
basket designs."
She says the next step is to find appropriate art to enhance the
interior of the building and, in keeping with the interior design,
Grand Ronde artists are on the top of the priority list.
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