JULY 1, 2002
Smoke Signals 11
ie statement:
2002 CANDIDA
June Sell-Sherer continued from page 10
the Grand Ronde Tribe). I serve as Tribal Council liaison on the
Education Sub-Committee. It is very rewarding to see the fruits of
our educational programs when people improve themselves, no mat
ter what level or degree they have achieved.
Since I am a Veteran, I am a strong supporter of our Veterans
Memorial. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Smoke Signals
staff and Veterans Ad-Hoc Committee who has contributed a lot of
time and energy to the Veterans Memorial. Their fundraising ef
forts have included dinners, auctions, raffles, garage sales, and do
nations. The event which really put the memorial in perspective for
me was when a very committed Tribal Veteran made the 265-mile
commemorative walk from Table Rock to Grand Ronde this past
February to honor our ancestors "Trail of Tears" walk of 1855. A
grant from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund will help make
the memorial a reality.
I believe that no matter where our Tribal members live or what
their priorities are; we all share an identity as Tribal members. All
Tribal members should expect equal treatment. It is Tribal Council's
job is to preserve these rights and insure fairness to all Tribal mem
bers. While I have been on Tribal Council I have tried to see that all
members have equal benefits and opportunities. Also, I am not
ashamed to say that I am for Tribal preference, including employ
ment. Tribal Council has recently made some drastic improvements re
garding financial stability. Since I have come on council, we and a
team of dedicated Tribal employees have uncovered serious prob
lems in our investments. We are currently working to ensure that
these things do not happen again.
My experience has led me to understand how important our pro
grams are to our Tribal members; programs such as per capita, Elder's
pension, medical and disability, social services, housing and educa
tion. These benefits can literally mean the difference in the quality
of life for our people. So, as a Tribal member, I am dedicated to
seeing that we work to sustain those programs for generations to
come.
Our local economic development plans include building a Tribally
owned and operated convenience store and gas station. We are also
studying the feasibility of a Tribally owned bank.
I believe that the recently implemented Council Forum is essen
tial in establishing communication with the membership; so that
members everywhere are aware of Tribal affairs. This was brought
about through the membership's appeal for informative and cur
rent updates on Tribal issues.
I will be sending out a letter to address and expand on other is
sues. If you should like to contact me with any concerns or ques
tions, my home phone number is 503-879-8363 and my e-mail ad
dress is: aravenviclink.com
Thank you,
June Sell-Sherer
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Diana George
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Success is a journey not a destination.
Words of inspiration that bring to light our
Tribes continued struggle for self-sufficiency.
It is an ongoing ever-changing journey, but
with continued hard work and commitment
we will prevail.
For those of you who are not familiar, I am
the daughter of the late Alberta E. Riggs
George, the granddaughter of the late Lena
Norwest Riggs Bobb and a direct descendant
of Chief Solomon Riggs.
I am deeply aware that our Tribe faces many areas of concern. As
a council member I will address those issues that Tribal members
consider priority, by open communication and continued follow up.
The following issues keep resurfacing and unfortunately space does
not allow me to address them to any degree at this time.
Enrollment Ordinance
Equitable Distribution of Benefits
B Financial Management
D Cultural preservation
B Tribal Satellite Offices
B Tribal Council Unity
The issues I have listed will be discussed in more detail in future
correspondence that I will be sending out to those on the mailing
list. For others, you may contact me at 503-371-7249, or write 2180
Eola Dr. N.W., Salem Oregon, 97304, or e-mail me at
dianaforcouncilhotmail.org. I would also be happy to attend your
family gatherings upon invitation.
As a council candidate, I am qualified, committed, and have the
experience to be an effective council member. I started my profes
sional career working with our Native people in Indian Country
beginning in:
B 1975: Urban Indian Program, as a counselor working with
Indian people housed in the penal institutions in Salem.
B 1976: State of Oregon, Department of Corrections, as a coun
selor at the OR Women's Correctional Center and the OR State Peni
tentiary, with twenty-plus years until retiring in September of 2000.
B 1995: Began my career, part time with Spirit Mountain Ca
sino, while continuing my full-time employment with the State of
Oregon. I have held the positions of Shift Supervisor-Table Games
department, Executive Casino Host-Table Games department, and
in the fall of 2001 I accepted the position of Guest Services Man
ager, where I remain today.
My education includes an A.S. Degree in Law Enforcement-Corrections,
with continued participation in classes leading to a degree
in American Indian Law.
Tribal involvement includes:
B 1988-1991: Board member CTGR Development Corporation
(nka) Spirit Mountain Development Corporation.
B 1991-1992: Group Leader CTGR Community Health Focus
Group.
B 1999-2001: Secretary and member Board of Commissioners
CTGR Health Authority.
B 2000 - Designated by Tribal Council to organize a task team to
set in place the Tribal Mentorship Program. This program has be
come a reality and is scheduled to be implemented in the near fu
ture. B 2001 - Vice Chair and member of the Spirit Mountain Develop
ment Corporation Board of Directors.
As an active board participant and a member of the management
team at Spirit Mountain Casino, I have gained invaluable knowl
edge and experience in the area of fiscal planning, budgets, rev
enue diversification and economic development.
I am committed to our Tribal membership and as a council mem
ber I would serve honestly, fairly and in the best interest of all.
Mary Mode
V.-
. i, h '! . '
.i
We are a community with a multi-million
dollar business that the nation is looking at
and learning from; we are respected for our
business practices, with Tribes all over the
nation seeking us our for our assistance and
guidance with their Tribal businesses; we have
the premier casino in the Pacific Northwest,
so what's next?
My interests for our Tribe are in the follow
ing areas:
B Pursing employment opportunities for those not college
bound. Those services would include assistance in employment
preparation, employment search, and processes for continued
employment.
B Providing assistance with consumer issues. I see providing
information and assistance to Tribal members who are con
cerned about good credit, who have day-to-day questions re
garding simple consumer transactions; affiliation with or a
Tribal department for consumer credit counseling.
B Affiliation with a professional ConservatorGuardianship
firm. Providing Tribal members with access to a professional
to assist loved-ones with planning for future financial and
health issues.
B Evaluating business opportunities and ensuring that the
Tribe is diversifying and growing the income base to provide
the long-term future of the Community.
My professional background includes over seventeen years in hu
man resources; over five years legal experience with Grand Ronde
Legal Services and over three years experience as a Gaming Com
missioner for the Tribe. I am in the process of completing the re
quirements of the National Indian Gaming Association to become a
Certified Gaming Commissioner.
My family background includes Gertrude Mercier, grandmother
and my mother is Nadine (Brooks) McNutt.
I'm looking forward to serving the Community as a Tribal Council
member.
Mary G. Mode
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