2 DECEMBER 1, 2002
Smoke Signals
IMlitai lSHHU!lEl!FtiWY
Dear Editor and people of Grand Ronde,
On October 29, 2002, a new sweat lodge was constructed at the Cultural
site. It was with great love and joy to participate in this project. I have
been praying at this site for over a year. In May of this year, I have made
a faithful effort to devote every Saturday to the Lodge. The diversity of
people has been inspirational.
The diversity has allowed each persons unique gifts from the Creator to
be shared in the most humble and loving ways. I am proud that my
children have learned songs in many languages, they have heard prayers
in many languages. They have prayed in times of joy and sorrow, sick
ness and passing, for healing and helping. They pray to "Thank the Cre
ator for Loving us ALL."
I wish to thank the Creator first, the people of Grand Ronde, for this
beautiful site. I wish to thank Michael "Standing Elk" Reibach for bring
ing me here. I wish to thank Bobby Mercier, Jan Michael Reibach, Lenny,
Bill Moorland, Sonny, and Bobby Bear Claw for all their hard work and
time. To their families every blessing the Creator can give.
Our children helped cut the willow for this Lodge. They worked very
hard. It was an honor to teach them to pray to the willow, the water, the
stones and the fire. To these children I give thanks for their prayers and
beautiful energy. Thank you, Shane Reibach, 8, Josh Kneeland, 13, Todd
Pitman, 13, Cathy Slonecker, 7 and Carly Slonecker, 7.
With Greatest Respect and Love,
Sue Slonecker
Dear Brent and Ron,
Thanks for including me in that working artists feature. I think you did
a great job of reminding people there is a serious art tradition in American
and locally among Native Americans. I was certainly honored to be in
cluded in the piece with so many distinguished artists and collectors. I
have always felt a great kinship with Native Americans and in my heart
always admired Sitting Bull more than Kit Carsen.
Keep up the good work. I particularly liked the way you portrayed me.
Ken McCormack
Dear Editor,
I have recently completed a survey of the Health & Wellness Center
services, but prefer to write my comments here. I can remember the years
without medical or dental insurance for many of the members of this com
munity prior to Tribal Restoration. As we celebrate 19 years of being a
restored Tribe, I know that many of the services provided by the Health &
Wellness Center have changed my physical and spiritual being. I am so
greatful for the medical clinic. My illness's have been treated by caring
professionals and I have received direct care and follow-up by the clinic
staff. I have to thank the pharmacy staff for their extra effort in filling
my prescriptions and staying until 6 p.m. to fill my prescription on two
occasions. I always receive friendly and informative service. The physical
medicine that is available has been a blessing. Good job to all of their
team. The Dental group's hard work provides a healthy smile for the
coward in me. Thank-you Dental group. I have used the Behavioral
group while my mom was dying, their program was such a comfort. The
talking circle I attended re-enforced my commitment to stay sober, and
helped me focus on my mom, the person, not the illness. As I celebrate my
10th sober anniversary, I thank NARA and the Grand Ronde A & D staff
for all the help and encouragement that was given to me and my family.
I'm grateful for the sweat lodges in the community and all staff members
behind the scenes for making it possible for folks like me to live a healthier
life. May the Creator bless you all.
Margo Mercier
Roll 885
Dear Peta TindaBrent Merrill,
Congratulations on being part of the Grand Ronde Tribe's Annual Con
test Pow-wow. I received the Smoke Signals newspaper showing some of
the fantastic photos you both took of the pow-wow. Being a part of the
Native American traditional spiritual group here in this area, I often share
the paper with everyone.
There was a thought of trying to laminate the pow-wow pictures in the
paper, but it didn't work, there was hope to place them on our bulletin
board here for all to share.
The Smoke Signals coverage of the pow-wow was indeed fantastic and
greatly appreciated by those of us down here living in this part of the
country.
Daniel "Raymond" Caldwell
Buena Vista, Colorado
IN THE TRIBAL COURT FOR THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES
OF THE GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY OF OREGON
Case No.: C-02-11-001
That the name of the Petitioner be changed from Jill MaireRyan to Jillian
Marie Carson :
Petitioner in such form as to indicate that his name is Jillian Marie Carson.
Dated this 19th day of November . 2002.
Gasman.
1
Work on the Tribes new 36-unit family housing complex continues ahead
of schedule. It is expected to be complete in June 2003, three months
sooner than originally planned.
mm
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
1-800-422-0232 FAX: 503-879-2173
DEADLINE DATE ISSUE DATE
Thurs., Dec. 5 DEC. 15
Mon., Dec. 16 JAN. 1
New Deadline Schedule
For 2003 Coming
December 15 Issue
f Printed on recycled paper.
SMOKE SIGNALS
ONLINE:
www.grandronde.org
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PETATINDA
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
503-879-1416
peta.tindagrandronde.org
BRENT MERRILL
PUBLIC INFORMATION
COORDINATOREDITOR
503-879-2321
brent.merrillgrandronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
503-879-2190
justin.phillipsgrandronde.org
WILLIAM MERCIER
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
503-879-2254
willie.merciergrandronde.org
RON KARTEN
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
503-879-4663
ron.kartengrandronde.org
DIANA ROBERTSON
NEWS ASSISTANT
503-879-1453
diana.robertsongrandronde.org
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
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opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS, Tribal staff, Tribal administration or Tribal Council.
fe:rrjj Members of:
I Native American Journalist Association
I The Associated Press