r
2 JANUARY 15, 2002
Smoke Signals
Dear Editor of Smoke Signals,
A word of thanks to all those
people who decorated for the holi
days, both inside and outside their
offices, stores, streets, and homes.
More so than ever, I noticed there
were many dark places this year,
whether due to financial concerns
or the war in Afghanistan. When
we get to the dark time of the year
(winter), bright lights and decora
tions help to brighten our lives. A
long time ago, this was the time for
campfires and stories to while away
the long dark days. Now we look to
our communities for brightness and
cheerful spirits. Thanks again for
the holiday decorations and have a
Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Claudette Parazoo
Tillicum Elder
Roll 2923
Dear Smoke Signals,
The family of Lonnie Norwest
would like to thank everyone who
helped us through our recent loss.
Thanks to Val Grout and family,
Violet Zimbrick and Carol Nelson
for cooking and serving the dinner.
Thanks to Bobby Mercier and
Richard (Bubba) SoHappy for
drumming.
Thank you to Gene LaBonte and
Russ Leno for all you did to make
things go smoothly.
Thank you to those who brought
food, offered prayers, cards, flow
ers and money, it was greatly ap
preciated. For those of you who shared your
time and special memories, we are
so grateful.
Marce & Sharon Norwest
Thank you
Recently, my purse was taken
from my carport. When it was re
covered I discovered that all my
cash was gone. Tribal Council
member Jan Reibach made an an
nouncement at the January Gen
eral Council meeting about my loss.
Later, I was notified that $315 had
been donated to me through that
meeting.
I would like to graciously thank
Tribal Council and everyone who
helped with donations. And a spe
cial thank you to Jan Reibach.
I am real thankful.
Donna Casey
Roll 829
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in re
sponse to the article in the last
Smoke Signals about our new ca
sino manager and the success of the
casino. In the article you suggested
that certain people were responsible
for our success. I feel you may have
"missed the target" on this subject.
First of all, it was our ancestors
who sacrificed for the sovereignty
that we enjoy today. Without them,
we would not have the casino at all.
Our Tribal Elders who kept the
hope alive for our people and car
ried us this far should be given
some credit too, if not for their cour
age and honor, the Tribe would
have never been restored. So a ca
sino would have been out of the
question.
Secondly, there were many that
supported the casino project, from
what I remember, there were also
those who opposed it. I think we
owe thanks to the general member
ship and the entire Tribal Council.
In addition, the Casino Chair
man, Mike Larsen was not included
in this article. Mike was there from
the beginning and worked very dili
gently, giving his own time with
out asking for anything in return.
Mike's leadership at the casino is
widely known locally.
And finally, the fact is that the
casino is doing far better this year
that ever in the past. We can thank
all the hard working employees and
Michael Moore, casino manager, for
this greater level of success.
I am thankful to be a Grand
Ronde Tribal member and pray that
the creator bless you all.
Michael Standing Elk Reibach
Roll 669
Editor's Note: Michael's letter
brings up a good point in retrospect.
We realize that just by naming some
individuals in the story's set-up we
omitted many individuals who con
tributed to the overall success of the
Tribe's showcase Spirit Mountain
Casino. Mike Larsen is not one of
the casino managers and therefore
was not a subject of this feature. I
do not know anyone who has ever
questioned Mike Larsen's contribu
tions to the success of our casino.
Lastly, I would like to thank you for
reminding all of us Tribal members
that the success of the casino has
given us all many things to be
thankful for.
nixwa ntsayka munk skukam
ntsayka chinuk-wawa.
"Let's work on strengthening our Chinuk Wawa (Jargon). "
Current and future parents of Grand Ronde Preschool and Head Start students,
as well as all other interested individuals, are encouraged to attend an information
and planning meeting regarding the development of a Chinuk Wawa immersion
classroom. The Tribe's language program received an Administration for Native
American's grant last year to fund the revitalization of the Chinuk Wawa language.
The grant focuses on creating a natural learning environment within a classroom
designated for language learning. We need your help in planning and participation
to assure the project's success. Please attend, a meal will be provided. If you have
questions please contact Tony Johnson by phone 503-879-2084 or email at
tony.johnsongrandronde.org
. o., ......... . v . -- ,,. " r " "rm
Lwa VlV i I h I ' 1 I i
n3
"I've graduated!" L to R: Melissa Marr, Donna Wright, Gemma
Benton, Kristin Armitage, Mary Mize, Ken Mize, Jodi Mead, John Bogenoff,
Richard and Sylvia Holliday. The Tribe's Small Business Development de
partment graduated people with 12 business plans in December. Businesses
include a drive-through expresso, independent truck driver, webpage de
sign, real estate agentsecond hand appliance and furniture and a private
investigator. The Small Business Department will start up classes again on
February 27 ending with another graduation of future business owners in
early May.
Changes in the Tribal ODS Health Insurance
As of January 1, 2002 the chiropractic benefit on your Tribal ODS health
plan has been upgraded to include 20 visits per calendar year at a $10 co
pay to any of the following doctors; Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage
Therapy and Alternative Care. There is no referral necessary from your
Primary Care Provider, remember to present your ODS insurance card at
the time of service. Please call Valorie Sheker at 1-800-442-0346 with any
questions.
DEADLINE DATE ISSUE DATE
Fri., January 18 FEBRUARY 1
Tue., February 5 FEBRUARY 15
Tue., February 12 MARCH 1
Tue., March 5 MARCH 15
Wed., March 20 APRIL 1
Fri., April 5 APRIL 15
Fri., April 19 MAY 1
Fri., May 3 MAY 15
Fri., May 17 JUNE1
Wed., June 5 JUNE 15
Thurs., June 20 JULY1
Fri., July 5 JULY 15
Fri., July 19 AUGUST 1
Mon., August 5 AUGUST 15
Tue., August 20 SEPTEMBER 1
Thurs., September 5 SEPTEMBER 15
Thurs., September 19 OCTOBER 1
Fri., October 4 OCTOBER 15
Fri., October 18 NOVEMBER 1
Tue., November 5 NOVEMBER 15
Fri., November 15 DECEMBER 1
Thurs., December 5 DECEMBER 15
Mon., December 16 JANUARY 1
PUBLIC
INFORMATION
OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
www.grandronde.org
1-800-422-0232
FAX: 503-879-2173
BRENT MERRILL
PUBLIC INFORMATION
COORDINATOREDITOR
503-879-2321
brent.merrillgrandronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
503-879-2190
Iustln.phiIlipsigrandronde.org
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SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Commu
nity of Oregon, is published twice a month. No portion of this publication may be reprinted
without permission.
Our editorial policy is intended to encourage input from Tribal members and readers about
stories printed in the Tribal newspaper. However, all letters received must be signed by the
author, an address must be given and a phone number or email address must be included for
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mined to contain libelous statements or personal attacks on individuals, staff, Tribal administra
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editor are the opinions and views of the writer. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS, Tribal staff, Tribal administration or Tribal Council.
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