S """N MAY 15, 2002
V "" A Publication of the Grand Ronde Tribe - www.grandronde.org
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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
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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."