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APRIL 15, 2001
CHASTA
UMPQUA
MOLALLA
KALAPUYA
ROGUE RIVER
MM
MA
503-879-5211
1-800-422-0232
A Publication of the Grand Ronde Tribe
www.grandronde.org
I f
Enrollment Committee Members Retire
Tribal Elders Nora Kimsey,
Ila Dowd and Mabel Gaston
watched the world and
Indian Country change.
By Justin Phillips
They have a combined total of 58 years on the
Tribal Enrollment Committee.
On March 30, three members on the Enrollment
Committee retired.
Tribal Elders Mabel Gaston, 89, Ila Dowd, 92,
and Nora Kimsey, 92, attended a going-away party
for their commitment and hard work during their
years on the committee. , i
The Enrollment Committee now has six mem
bers. The committee meets whenever necessary,
usually once a month to review the applications
for enrollment.
"I enjoyed the years I worked on the commit
tee," said Gaston. BI think the Tribe will grow big
ger in size in the years to come."
"The years working there were good," said Dowd.
"With my age now, I wouldn't like to take any more
responsibility. With the early times, I knew a lot
of the ancestors, and I felt really necessary. I en
joyed the time I have spent with the committee
very much. I appreciate all the attention my
friends gave me during the time of our party."
"My time with the committee was all right," said
Kimsey. "I'm getting old now and I can't think as
fast enough as I used to. I hope whoever they put
lift
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Living Treasures - Tribal Elders Nora Kimsey,
Ila Dowd and Mabel Gaston recently stepped down
from the Tribe's Enrollment Committee after many
years of dedicated service. Their experience and
guidance will never be replaced and their combined wisdom will live on in the committee for years to come.
on the committee now does a good job also."
Dowd and Kimsey both served 22 years on the
committee while Gaston served 14 years. The com
mittee was started in 1979.
The three Elders have seen numerous changes
over the years.
"The Elders were incredible with identifying
ancestors and family members," said Margo Mer
rier, Enrollment and Vital Statistics Coordinator.
"Their interest and knowledge in the field of en
rollment will surely be missed."
"Those are shoes that we probably won't be able
to fill," said Ed Larsen, Tribal Council. "These are
the folks that give me my inspiration."
"That kind of commitment, you could put it all
together and you won't see it for a long time," said
EdPearsall.
"It's just like closing a book in the library be
cause nobody else knows what they know," said
Kathryn Harrison, Tribal Chair. "I hope they en
joy retirement from the Enrollment Committee.
They saw our Tribe grow. I know they had a hard
time denying anybody; they just had so much com
passion for everybody. I know that all Tribal mem
bers would line up for miles just to give them a
hug and shake their hand."
Elders Share Lunch with Preschoolers
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On April 6, the Elders received a visit at lunch
from the preschool children. The students ate lunch
with the Elders and prepared gifts for them. The
Elders presented Easter baskets to the children.
The Elders also meet with Nanitch Sahallie's Youth
regularly.
Tribal Elders Ken Lafferty and Val Grout shake the
hand of young Leonard Logan II.
Upcoming Elders' Events
B "Recognition & Response to Abuse
in the Elder Community" Conference
Saturday, May 5 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Spirit Mountain Casino
D Elder Honor Day
July 20-21 in Grand Ronde
Donations of giveaway items for door prizes and bingo
gifts are needed. Please turn in items you would like
to donate to the Wellness department at the Clinic.
No donations of clothes, please.
For more information call Egypt at 503-879-2078.
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
Community of Oregon
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
Address Service Requested
Serials Dept. - Knisht Library
1299 UNIUERSITY OF OREGON
EUGENE OR 97403-1205
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SALEM, OR
PERMIT NO. 178
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Enjoying the Easter Spirit
Joyce Ham accepts a gift made by Tribal preschoolers
Leann Rogers (in foreground), Cheyanne Fasana and
Kiana Leno.