Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (May 15, 2002)
S """N MAY 15, 2002 V "" A Publication of the Grand Ronde Tribe - www.grandronde.org ffl G2 rmjrTTi 7 C7Jir.f ILllivt-JSU Indian Summit Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber joined representatives of all nine Oregon Tribes for the 5th Annual Govern ment-to-Govemment Summit at the Tribe's Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde on Thursday, May 3. Kitzhaber strengthened the relationship between state government and Indian Country by establishing and implementing the state's executive order, which recognizes Tribes as sovereign nations. Tribal Leaders Meet in Grand Ronde For Government-to-Government Summit All nine Tribes are represented; John Kitzhaber makes final appearance as Governor. By Peta Tinda The 5th Annual Government-to-Govern ment Summit, held at the Grand Ronde Tribe's showcase Spirit Mountain Casino, gave Tribal and State elected officials an oppor tunity to share their views on today's issues and talk about possible opportunities for the future. The stated purpose of the Government-to-Government Summit is to formalize the relationship that exists between Oregon's Indian Tribes and state government. The Government-to-Government program is meant to establish a process that can assist in resolving conflicts, maximize key inter-governmental relations and enhance an exchange of ideas and resources for the greater good of all Oregon's citizens whether Tribal members or not. After a welcome and invocation by Jay Minthorn, of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla and Chair of the Legislative Commission on In dian Services, a panel made up of local and state legislators answered questions posed by the Tribe's Director of Intergovermental Affiars Jus tin Martin. On the panel were Senate Demo cratic Leader Kate Brown and Legislative Com mission on Indian Affairs member, Representa tive Dan Doyle and House Assistant Majority leader and Representative Ben Westlund. The legislators answered questions concern ing past legislation that have affected Oregon Tribes. Governor John A. Kitzhaber expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Tribes for being asked to come to the event. "It's an honor to be here today," said Kitzhaber. "Our Government-to-Government program... has given us a forum in which to discuss our concerns, our interests and ideas. It has given us a process that enables us to work together while recognizing our differences, always with the goal of doing what's best for our people." After Kitzhaber spoke, one by one the Tribal council chairs for all nine Oregon Tribes got up and talked with the i Jm? y .I . . Ambassador To Indian Country - Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said "Six years ago, I issued Executive Order 96-30 because I believed that the state of Oregon needed to develop a sound, prin cipled relationship with your sovereign nations - a re lationship that promotes the best interests of all Or egonians." crowd. The council chairs, including Grand Ronde Tribal Chair Cheryle Kennedy spoke about the need for better communication and cooperation between Tribal and state govern t Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde PRESORTED Community of Oregon FIRST-CLASS MAIL 9615 Grand Ronde Road y g POSTAGE PAID Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 SALEM, OR Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 178 STATE HIST. SOC- NEWS. 316 STATE ST flRDISON WI 53706-141? - J . V . .A..' ,lf" Building Bridges Grand Ronde Tribal Chair Cheryle Kennedy welcomed lead ers from all nine Oregon Tribes and Governor John Kitzhaber to the summit. Kitzhaber said he thinks building bridges to Indian Country is important. "They connect people and ideas. Bridges bring us closer to one another, and that's good."
