Smoke Signals 11
NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Chinuk Wawa Language Program
Seeks Tribal Member Educators
The Tribe's Cultural Education Program is seeking Grand Ronde Tribal mem
bers to help further the Tribe's successful language revitalization efforts. Over
the years the Tribe has implemented a unique language immersion program for
revitalizing Chinuk Wawa. Chinuk Wawa is the Tribe's community language
and is the only surviving Native American pidgin-creole language.
Three language apprentices are being sought. They will be trained inten
sively in the use of the language. The apprentices will be hired to fill separate
roles in future language programming. Two will be classroom teachers and are
required to have K-8 Teaching Certification by December 2004. The third, a
teacher's aide position, will require having an associates degree or at least 95
credit hours from an institution of higher learning.
This is a great opportunity for Tribal members who want to give back to
their community and become educated themselves in the Tribe's language and
culture," said Tony Johnson, Cultural Education Coordinator.
The opportunity for this funding is made possible by a grant through the
Administration for Native Americans' Languages Program.
Newly hired apprentices will interact daily in the Tribe's preschool immer
sion classroom to ensure a massive exposure to the language. They will also
participate in linguistics trainings and will work to develop curriculum. Ap
prentices will eventually be tested under the Tribe's Chinuk Wawa teacher's
assessment allowing them to qualify for language teacher certification as ap
proved by the Tribe and issued by the State of Oregon's Teacher Standards and
Practices Commission.
Potential applicants should contact the Tribe's Cultural Education Coordina
tor Tony Johnson at 503-879-2084 or for current information.
CHEMEKETA PLACEMENT TEST
If you are a new student pursuing a degree or certificate, you will be
asked to take a free placement test (ASSET) in order to be accepted for
admission. Test results more than five years old are not valid. The pur
pose of the test is to determine your skill levels in reading, writing, and
mathematics so you can select the entry-level classes that are right for
you.
Note: Next testing date is WEDNESDAY, November 10 at 9 a.m.
1 1 a.m. in the Adult Education Building. Please call the Education
Department at 503-879-2275 to reserve your spot.
Portland StudentsVocational
Rehabilitation Clients
Education staff will be available to meet with you on Tuesday, Novem
ber 2 at the new Voc Rehab Portland office from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. If you are
a current or potential student, please stop by to meet with us. We can
answer any questions you may have about admissions, financial aid, Tribal
funding, scholarships, academic advising, etc. Please call 503-879-2275
to reserve a time to meet.
Upcoming Cultural Education Classes
Fall & Winter 2004
The following classes, sponsored by the Tribe's Cultural Education pro
gram, will be offered this fall and winter. They are offered on a first come
first served basis. Please contact Bobby Mercier to register and for further
info at 503-879-2084 or bobby.merciergrandronde.org
Basket Classes: Juncus November 18, 30 and December 2
Beading Class: November 2, 4 and 9
Carving Class: November 23, December 7, 9, 14 and 16
, The following lecture is planned for November 19. Further information
will be available as details are confirmed.
NW Coast Art Appreciation Lecture: November 19
Attention All Higher Education &
Adult Vocational Training Students
If you will be a new or returning student Fall 2005, don't forget to apply for
the 2005-2006 Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications will be
available in December online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and at any college, univer
sity or library. It is a requirement for all Higher Education and Adult Voca
tional Training Program students to apply for the FAFSA.
Remember, never pay to have a FAFSA completed or submitted! It is free. If
you need help filling out your FAFSA, please contact your financial aid office,
high school counselor, or CTGR Education at 1-800-422-0232 ext 2275 or 503-879-2275.
B American Indian Services Scholarship
Full-time or part-time undergraduate students enrolled in a col
lege, university, junior college or technical school can apply to the
American Indian Services Scholarship. Must be enrolled at least 14
Native American blood. Applicant must have no more than 150 se
mester credits, or 210 quarter credits and have a minimum cumula
tive GPA of 2.25. Deadline Nov 15 for classes starting in Jan.
For an application, please contact the American Indian Services at
801-375-1777 or 1902 N. Canyon Road, Suite 100, Provo, UT 84604;
or Luhui Whitebear, CTGR Scholarship Coordinator, 1-800-422-0232
ext. 1345, 503-879-1345, luhui.whitebeargrandronde.org.
B Gates Millennium Scholarship
Applications are available for the 2005 Gates Millennium Scholar
ship (GMS). This scholarship is open to anyone who has not yet
attended college after high school or GED completion, is Pell Grant
eligible, and demonstrates leadership abilities. The GMS is renew
able for up to 9 years! For more information please call the American
Indian Graduate Center at 1-866-884-7007, visit the website at
www.aigc.com or call Luhui Whitebear, CTGR Scholarship Coordi
nator at 1-800-422-0232 ext 1345.
Drum-Making Class, November 4
Youth Education will have a Drum-making class for 6th-12th grad
ers, on November 4 at 10 a.m. Please call Travis Mercier at 503-879-2143
to RSVP. The class is limited to 10 participants.
Youth Leadership Meeting, November 5
On November 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Youth Education Building,
the Youth Leadership meeting will be held. Students from numerous
schools have been invited to attend. If you are a 8th-12th grade stu
dent and are interested in participating in Youth Leadership, please
call Travis Mercier at 503-879-2143, for an application.
Family Night, Wednesday, November 17
Reminder: Family Night is on Wednesday, November 17, from 5:30
p.m.-7:30 p.m. Please come and enjoy cultural activities with your
family. Dinner will be provided and there will be door prizes for par
ents. All youth are required to be with a parent or guardian. If yoi
would like more information, please call Travis Mercier at 503-879-2143.
Parent Committee Meeting, November 18
The Youth Education and K-12 programs will have a Parent Com
mittee meeting on November 18, 12 p.m.-l p.m., in the Youth Educa
tion building. Lunch will be provided. All parents of current or gradu
ating Tribal students are welcome to participate. Your suggestions
are important! For more information and to RSVP, please call Brian
at 503-879-2101.
Library Events For November
Mystery Book Club
Saturday, November 13 12 p.m.
Monday, November 22 5:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome! Bring the mystery you are reading to discuss
with everyone. We are always looking for new authors and want
your suggestions. Coffee & goodies will be served.
Children's Fun Day
Saturday, November 27 12 p.m.
Children ages preschool -12 yrs. This month's theme will be things
we are thankful for. We will have videos, stories, puzzles and crafts.
There will be light healthy snacks available.
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie or Barbara at 503-879-5211
in the Education Department.
SENIOR CONFERENCE DAY
(open to seniors in high school)
Tuesday, November 9
9 a.m.-l p.m. (Lunch provided)
Grand Ronde Education Building and Gymnasium
We will be holding several presentations on college preparation for
seniors in high school including: Financial Aid, Essay Writing for
Scholarships, Attitude is Everything, Goal Setting, OSAC Scholarship
Applications, Academic Advising, etc. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Rich
Shintaku from Oregon State University. Please call Rachel Warner,
CounselorAdvisor if you are interested in attending, 503-879-1478.