Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2001)
78 .06 CHASTA ij&6 UMPQUA -igj MOLALLA MARCH 15, 2001 mm MOCC . i KALAPUYA ! ROGUE RIVER 503-879-5211 1-800422-0232 A Publication of the Grand Ronde Tribe mm, www.grandronde.org Tribal Leaders Convene in the Nation's Capital First National Congress of American Indians Conference for 2001 held in Washington, D.C. MANY NATIONS, ONE FAMILY" ...... JM!! 1 v -Z I 1 House On the Hill - The Na tional Congress of American Indians Conference, the largest and oldest gathering of Tribal leaders, chose Washington, D.C. as the setting for their first meeting of the year 2001. This was also the first gathering of Tribal leaders since newly elected Republican President George Bush took control of the oval office. Na tive people called on each other for a renewed sense of togetherness as we address the issues most impor tant to Indian Country in the years ahead. Silent Sentry - The Washington Monument (right), one of America's most famous landmarks, stands guard over the Capital Mall and the nearby White House in Washington, D.C By Brent Merrill WASHINGTON, D.C. - The theme of this year's National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) winter ses sion in Washington, D.C. was Many. Nations,- One Family. The message from Tribal leaders to Tribal TeaotenTwas "that although we'are" from many different walks of life, we share a common bond and now is the time to pull together and face the is sues most important to Indian Coun try together. The mission of this year's meeting I . - . - - - . ' :: H . V -" : I ' , of Tribal leaders was establishing an overall legislative strategy for the year 2001. The backdrop was the fast pace and bright lights of the nation's capital. Despite the conference mission, the main thrust of this year's gathering was the continuing importance of education in Indian Country. Newly appointed head of the IJ.S. Department of the Interior Gale Norton, used the NCAI platform to talk about her goals for improving educational opportunities and giving attention to the physical needs of Indian schools. She said her goals for education are the same as Presi dent George Bush's recently an nounced education plans. Norton said she plans to try to build bridges between her office and Tribal leaders. She said strong manage ment skills are the key. Norton said she has always placed importance on her ability to exercise cooperation and communication in her relationships with Tribal leaders and Tribal governments. She said she wants to pursue creative problem solv ing as a way to improve Indian self determination in self-governance. "I take very seriously, my respon sibility as the trustee for Indian lands," said Norton. "Our depart-' ment must make sure that strong management skills are in place. As I choose the management team for my . department that is one of the key things that I will be looking to do so J ' 1 la. Gale Norton Newly appointed Department of Interior Secretary Gale Norton addressed the meeting of Tribal leaders at the NCAI Confer ence. Norton, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate 75 to 24, spoke about the importance of our children. that we have the ability to provide the services that we need to provide." The complexity of all the issues surrounding modern day Indian Country have garnered Norton's at tention. And, education is foremost on her mind. "It has been a monumental task to begin to understand all of the issues that we face within the department," said Norton. "One of my challenges will be to learn which programs best serve Indian Country. One of the priorities that President Bush ad dressed during this campaign was education including Indian edu cation and school facilities. I see that as one of my top priorities. There is no more important priority than our children. A good education is a key continued on page 4 Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 Address Service Requested Serials Dept. - Khi9ht Library 1299 university. of Oregon eugene or $7403-1205 PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALEM, OR PERMIT NO. 178 Dinner & Auction Friday, March 30 VV VFWHallinWillamina tesi Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. g University of Oregon Library Auction will start at 7:30 p.m. 1 Received on: 03-15-01 Dinner tickets are $7.50 k Sioke signals The memorial will honor ! men and women Veterans from i Grand Ronde, Willamina and Sheridan, hi Contact: Tribal Public Information office at 503-879-2321 or VFW Hall at 503-876-4540. '
