2 AUGUST 15, 2002
Smoke Signals
Letter to the Grand Ronde Community,
I would like to thank the Education department and Scholarship Committee
for support of my education by awarding me a full-time Graduate Scholarship
this year. I was not able to attend the awards ceremony but my family and I
very much appreciate the honor.
Over the past few years I have worked with the Education department on
several issues, in speaking to high school students about the need for a college
education and through proposals to create special scholarships and educational
opportunities for college students. The Education department, especially Marion
Mercier, April Campbell and Kevin Simmons, have been interested, helpful,
receptive and accommodating toward my educational needs. I recommend that
anyone who is in college and needs assistance or who wants to go, to speak with
the staff in education.
During my graduate studies, the past three years, I have been honored to
have the support of my family, community and Tribe. During this time, I have
co-authored a paper on the origins of the word "Oregon" which was published in
the Summer 2001 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly. I also worked as a
coordinator of the Coquille Tribe's Southwest Oregon Research Project where
copies of this valuable collection of Tribal manuscripts were gifted to 18 Tribes,
including Grand Ronde. Additionally, I have worked with members of Smith
River Rancheria to finish my Master's of Arts degree at the University of Or
egon in Cultural Anthropology. In addition, I am using my education in work
ing with the Grand Ronde Culture Committee to plan and build the longhouse
in Grand Ronde. Without the support of my family, community and Tribe, I
would not be able to accomplish all that I have.
My accomplishments and education are supported through a series of scholar
ships from Grand Ronde and the University of Oregon. Because of this, I see
myself as a resource for Native students seeking advice or help in finding fund
ing, or a successful educational experience. Over the past few years I have aided
several Native students by mentoring them though the difficult issues they face
here at the University of Oregon. Many students have begun studying their
Tribal culture and history through the use of the Southwest Oregon Research
Project collection here at the university. There is a great need for more Indian
students to be professionally educated in Cultural Resource Management, Tra
ditional Cultural Properties, and Tribal history. Should anyone seek help or
advice with a college education, please contact me at my office, 541-346-5525,
Suite 252 Condon Hall, University of Oregon, or email me at:
coyotezoregon.uoregon.edu.
Thank you again,
David G. Lewis
Roll 2741
Dear Tribal members
This is the first time I have addressed the Grand Ronde people about any
thing and I have procrastinated the idea for a long time.
Quite frankly, I am fairly selfish with my time and I don't like taking time to
write even the most important letters. However, having said that, I still realize
the importance of passing on my experience to the people who may not know of
a certain benefit the Tribe offers, a very valuable service. So here it is.
About two years ago, I had a situation that caused me an inconvenience and
monetary loss. I contacted the party whom caused me the losses, but they
ignored me. I realized the only way I was going to recoup my loses was to do it
legally. I was aware the Tribe retained lawyer services for Tribal members,
but I had no faith it would do me any good. Particularly, I knew I really did not
have a strong enough case a lawyer would consider. I rely mostly on my com
mon sense and I know a little about most things, including the legal system. I
figured I would be wasting my time contacting the lawyer and in fact I had no
faith in lawyers with only having bad experiences with them from the past.
Knowing my case was weak and having little to no faith in lawyers, I decided
to at least call them.
Next I found out just how wrong I was. The lawyer the Tribe had retained
not only pointed out I did have legal grounds, he went on to win me more
compensation that my losses to begin with.
I was completely shocked when the lawyer was willing to listen and take on
my fairly petty evidence in this weak case. I was equally surprised when he
won the legal battle in a very short period of time.
Since that time, I now have faith there are some attorneys out there that
really will listen and go the extra mile for you.
Later on I again had the misfortune of a company beating me out of a fairly
large sum of money thereby needing my lawyers' services again. At that time
I had no hesitation about calling my same attorney. Again, he took my case
without any reservations. The case is still on-going, but this time I have faith
and knowledge I did not have two years ago. I know my lawyer will go the
distance and I know I can trust him and I believe he will win again.
I want you all to know about this great service the Tribal Council has pro
vided for us.
Tribal members, if you have need for legal advice, you should not hesitate to
call one of our legal aid staff. You may be surprised as I was. You literally
have nothing to loose but your time. My services were provided in Albany, but
there may be an office near you. Finally, I'm glad I was not all that selfish with
my time, it paid off.
Thank you the people of the Grand Ronde Tribe and thank you Tribal Council
people for having the foresight to implement this valuable benefit.
Please Tribal Council, keep on funding this valuable service for Tribal mem
bers. Sincerely,
John Darcy (Chantell)
Roll 1767
Hello,
My name is Fred McGee. I attend all Tribal Council General Sessions and I
take notes at these meetings. After the meeting I compose my notes into a Word
document and send it out to any Tribal members who are interested. I usually
get this document out within 24 hours of the meeting, so you can be informed as
quickly as possible. If you would like to receive my compiled notes from these
meetings please feel free to send me your e-mail address and request to be put on
the mailing list. I am committed to keeping the membership updated on Tribal
issues. Thank you for you time, if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me
at mcgeef87hotmail.com.
Concerned Tribal member,
Fred McGee
Roll 1172
Dear Editor,
Happy birthday to my son Anthony, (August 18) and brother Bruce (August
12). Thank you, Smoke Signals, for the article on my graduation from Portland
State University, June 16, 2002, with a Bachelor Degree in Social Science. I
could not have accomplished this without the help of our Education Dept., the
Tribal Council, Bee Jai Repp, from Portland State University - Salem Campus,
and my co-workers. When one graduates, I assure you there are many, many
people involved in the accomplishment besides the hard work of the student. I
have a GPA of 3.75 at PSU and I am very grateful for all the help I received.
Claudette Velma May Parazoo
Tribal Elder, 2923
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