2 FEBRUARY 1, 2003
Smoke Signals
SB
Dear Smoke Signals,
I have been meaning to write this letter for more than four years. I guess I
was afraid that when I finally acknowledge everyone and thank everyone for
their help, that it meant that my family was really gone.
I realize that the time has come. I must thank Grand Ronde, without them,
my family would have suffered even more. The Grand Ronde Tribe stepped up
to the plate, and helped lay our father to rest...
I wasn't ready to say good-bye, which is why this letter is late in coming. We
laid my grandmother to rest, again we thank Grand Ronde, they helped us lay
her to rest too.
I finally was able to let go, when we called on Grand Ronde again to lay our
mother to rest. Like before, they did so without so much as batting an eye. The
funds were there, and we never were made to file a million papers, the Tribe just
helped us out in a silent way. Thank you so very much, you were appreciated
then, and now.
Thanks
Rena J. Alvarado
Roll 4182
The Parazoo family and the Anderson family
Dear Tribal members,
I would like to thank the Education Department for their help this last 5
years. With their help, I graduated from Chemeketa last June with a
Business Degree in Real Estate Science. Education staff is always avail
able and works hard to make sure that Tribal members get every avail
able benefit.
Also, our Smoke Signals has been honored with 14 national awards this
last three years we are so proud of the publication, its national recogni
tion has brought the entire Tribe respect and notoriety. The Editor, Brent
Merrill, received several awards. Brent and his staff work extremely hard
to make sure that our paper is the best it can be with accurate, interest
ing reporting.
Cultural Resources has developed in the last couple of years and pro
vides valuable services to the Tribe. The protection of our culture is a very
important issue; June Olson, Connie Shultz, and Perri McDaniel all take
it very seriously and are committed to their jobs. The Chinook Jargon
Classes have helped out a great deal. Tony Johnson and his staff often
work long hours to facilitate all the classes. The entire department staff
and the Cultural Committee are working to help protect and restore the
Tribes' culture. After all, the Tribal Government represents us here today
and our ancestors. So, I think that it is important that we continue to
honor and respect the old ways, remembering where we came from.
There are many others who work hard for the Tribe, I'm sorry that I
can't include them all in this letter. As a Tribal member, I just wanted to
say thank you and express gratitude to be Grand Ronde. Many point out
how diverse we are, that's true, but it is our blood that is the common bond
that makes us strong. As a Tribe we are more than a government we
are a people, we are family, we are all related.
Jan Michael Reibach
Roll 3227
In Loving Memory...
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Arvella Houck
(Granny)
You have left me with so many memories I will always cherish.
The sound of your voice, your smile, not only your laugh but the
way you could always make us laugh too. The tremendous amount
of love you had for each and everyone of us. These are just a few of
the things I will really miss.
I know you have moved on to a better place full of reunions with
all the people we have missed all these years. Your journey has just
begun. I know I will see you again one day too. Until then, just
know I love you very much and I am very proud to be your great
grandaughter. Love always,
Tina Dizick
Dear Smoke Signals,
I wanted to write and say thank you for the wonderful article your staff wrote
about my Hatfield appointment. You guys do such a great job of showcasing
our community, something I think everyone back at home takes for granted at
times and myself included.
Things here in D.C. are going well My family is still trying to acclimate
ourselves to this large city and all the details that come with living in a me
tropolis. I have moved from Congressman Wu's office to the National Congress
of American Indians. Deciding to make this move was difficult, but I had
wonderful guidance from Angie and other community members. NCAI pro
vides such a wonderful opportunity to really learn about Indian Country on a
national level. From legislation to program development, I could not turndown
this opportunity!
Here at NCAI, I will be working on various issues, most notably I will be
providing administrative support on the trust reform efforts, a great opportu
nity to learn about the largest issue facing Indian Country today. The exposure
to Indian Country's strongest leaders and outspoken activists is worth the switch
itself. Anyways Brent.... I wanted to say thank you and I hope you pass my
sentiments on to your great staff!!!!!
With regards,
Kevin Simmons
Roll 3179
wjimtMiir.iiHiiiHVAiii 3&
Correction - In the last issue, we misidentified Tina Dizick. We apolo
gize sincerely for this error.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
1-800-422-0232 FAX: 503-879-2173
www.grandronde.org
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Printed on recycled paper.
TV
,m v
BRENT MERRILL
PUBLIC INFORMATION
COORDINATOREDITOR
503-879-2321
brent.merrillgrandronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
S03-879-2190
justin.phillipsgrandronde.org
WILLIAM MERGER
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
PETATINDA
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
503-879-1416
peta.tindagrandronde.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
author, an address must be given and a phone number or email address must be included for
verification purposes. Full addresses and phone numbers will not be published unless re
quested. SMOKE SIGNALS reserves the right to edit letters and to refuse letters that are deter
mined to contain libelous statements or personal attacks on individuals, staff, Tribal administra
tion or Tribal Council. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Letters to the
editor are the opinions and views of the writer. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS, Tribal staff, Tribal administration or Tribal Council.
Members of: Native American Journalist Association
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