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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2005)
Smoke Signals 7 MARCH 15, 2005 Another Diversity Tree Bearing Fruit The richness of Salem's diversity is seen in an apple tree with many grafts. By Ron Karten The last time somebody had an idea like this, it was 1981, accord ing to Marilyn Johnston, Human Rights and Relations Specialist for the city. Three grafts, represent ing the diversity of the city, are now growing three different kinds of apples on the first "Diversity Tree" in Bush Park. Although nobody seems to know what kind of apples dangle each year from the older tree, the redis covery of that tree prompted Johnston and the city to plant a new one, a Liberty apple tree. "A person in the community called me and asked for the history of that diversity tree. That started the process," said Johnston. The rise in recent hate activity dovetailed with renewed interest in the older tree, she added, particu larly because the older tree was planted during a similar rise in hate activity in the area. Next year, Bush Park Horticul ture Technician Tom Beatty, will graft branches from the older tree on to the new one. Johnston hopes ultimately to have five grafts on the new tree to signify the city's diverse popula tion. "It's not to say that we all are alike, but that our differences make us richer," she said. Meanwhile, the event this month brought together a host diverse cel ebrants, including Grand Ronde Tribal Elder Kathryn Harrison and a Grand Ronde drum group, includ ing Tribal members Bobby Mercier and Travis Mercier, along with Tribal employee Richard Sohappy (Yakama) and Shane Harmon, (Shoshone of Wind-River) as well as an African-Cuban drum group Emaa Da made up of students from the Roberts (alterna tive) School at Chemeketa. "On this historic occasion," said Harrison, "when I look at the trees and things around you, I'm sure it was a harmonious blending of the songs here today with the songs of centuries ago. "We've learned to blend with our neighbors," she added, referring to the his torical Indian experience, "to turn that negative into a positive." "This tree," she said, "is leaving a path, our foot prints, for generations to come. I hope and pray they'll be continuing to cel ebrate then." "Nobody was there during the planting of the first tree," said Johnston, but through the circuitous route of a newspaper ar ticle, one of the members of the city's 1981 Human Rights Commis- Roots A performer from Emaa Da (below), the African-Cuban drum group including players from the Roberts School at Chemeketa. At right, Grand Ronde Tribal Elder Kathryn Harrison helps with the ceremonial planting of the new 'Diversity Tree ' in Salem's Bush Park. Photos by Toby McClary n ii I..!.,., .i i n ill- ii. - a f M tr -v I'M- :FM;, -vi,"''A y-"" , IT Y , 'tv ' : ;. , . A'l about the city's renewed effort, and came forward. Dave Gomberg was that member of the city's 1981 Human Rights Commission, and was on hand last week to talk about it. He said that he has been watching the original diversity tree "bloom and blossom and weather" for years. "It's good to see it continue to stand strong," he said. "The real diversity tree, of course, is all of you." Willamina Boys And Girls Basketball Teams Place At State Tournament Tribal member Meghan Zimbrick earns 2nd Team All-League Honors. By Toby McClary Both varsity basketball squads for Willamina went to the state tournament in Pendleton. jj i I jJ I if J j :V l.-r Team Leader Tribal member Meghan Zimbrick shoots a free throw during a game against Amity. Willamina added Amity to their win list while on their way to finishing the season as the fourth ranked team in the state. On Friday, February 25, the boys beat Oakland, 69-62, in overtime to win a berth in the state finals. The girls beat Blanchet, 52-46, to earn their ride to state on Satur day, February 26. Tribal member Meghan Zimbrick scored for 14 points and had 10 rebounds and four assists in the game against Blanchet. On Thursday, March 3, the No. 4 seed Lady Dawgs faced No. 1 seed Port land Christian in their first game of the 2005 OSAA 2A Girls Bas ketball State Champi onships. Willamina fell to the Royals, 41 25. Then on Friday, Willamina's spirits were lifted again when they defeated Myrtle Point, 38-29. Zimbrick had seven points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. On Saturday, the girls became the fourth ranked team in the state as they beat Colton, 48-37. si Zimbrick had four blocked shots, three steals and 11 re bounds in the game against Colton. Zimbrick, along with Brittni Wilson, earned a spot on the 2nd Team All-West Valley League. Caitlyn and Crislyn Chewning both won 1st Team All-League and Caitlyn went on to win 2nd Team All Tournament in Pendleton. On Wednesday, March 2, the boys beat Vale, 54-44, in their first game of the state tournament, advancing them to the semi-finals. Zack Burdon, starting for ward for the Bull dogs, recorded 18 points against Vale. Willamina lost their next two games, one against Salem Acad emy, 43-48, and one to St. Mary's, 41-51. Burdon won 1st Team All-League, West Valley, and also won 1st Team All-Tournament in Pendleton. 1 .. ... ;.. . a i'atj -.jAi. , -1 All Star First Team AU-League and First Team All-Tournament player Zack Burdon attempts a finger roll in a game against Oakland. The boys beat Oakland which earned them a ride to the state tournament. The boys finished the season with a record of 22-8. Photos by Toby McClary The boys finished the season with an overall record of, 22-8, and the girls finished up their season. 27-3. D
