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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2007)
4 SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 Smoke Signals Goal: Best Clinic In Northwest JOHNSTON continued from front page grants for Coquille's clinic and soon became the assistant ad ministrator for the Tribe's health department. In 2001, Johnston accepted the health director position for the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. Some of his responsibilities included managing the clinic, pre paring budgets and supervising the health and wellness programs. Johnston said that accepting the position with the Grand Ronde Tribe was an easy decision. "This position fit my development and growth," he said. "I've been treated like family since the begin ning and it has been incredible." Johnston was born and raised in Bandon, Ore., and graduated from Bandon High School. After attaining a degree in Texas, he returned to Bandon in 1989. Johnston is currently seek ing a home in the Grand Ronde area. His wife of 21 years, Trina, and two daughters, Amanda and Krissy, still live in Myrtle Point until he can find a residence closer to the Tribal campus. Johnston also said that Krissy was part of the girls' basketball team that beat Willamina in the championship game of the 2006 Oregon 2A State Tournament. "It was one of those once-in- Name: Mark Johnston Age: 40 Born: Bandon, Ore. Tribal job: Director of Grand Ronde Clinic Education: Bachelor's de gree from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth Family: Married to wife, Trina, for 21 years; two daughters Quote: "This is the cream of the crop. This is an incredible place and I'm excited about the opportunity." a-lifetime moments for Myrtle Point," Johnston said. Despite not having the Wil lamina High School Athletic Department's best interests at heart, Johnston seems to have the Tribe's in focus. "I've talked to a lot of people that have expressed their concerns and my goal is to have a clinic that is considered to be the best in the Northwest," Johnston said. "With serious commitment, there is no reason that we can't get there. Hopefully, those pa tients that have elected to go elsewhere will give us another chance." D Employee Appreciation BBQ W L DO, i PI VR rr... r r 2 Human Resources Generalist Steve O'Harra gives out a prize to Social Services ICW Caseworker Kristi Petite during the Employee Appreciation Day Barbecue held on Friday, Aug. 10. Below, Bonnie Mercier (from left), Pearl Mekemson and Darlene Aaron serve food to Tribal employees. J IMafiDW Ameirkain RJnosoc Awards Grand Ronde Tribal flutist up for three awards at Oct. 6 ceremony in Niagara Falls. By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor Tribal member Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach is not only up for three awards at the ninth annual Native American Music Awards on Oct. 6, he is now one of the show's performers. Looking Wolf is nominated as Flutist of the Year for the compact disc "Tribute to the Flute Makers," for best long video for "Introduction and Techniques of the Na tive American Flute" and for debut duogroup for his collaboration with flutistgui tarist Tim Yett (Cherokee) on the release "Breath Maker," which opens with a track en titled "Spirit Mountain." Looking Wolf was informed Aug. 15 that he had been selected to perform during the awards show, which will be held at Seneca Niagara Casino & Motel in Niagara Falls, N.Y. At the show, which will be televised via podcast and later released on international cable networks, Look- X ' 1 f y Tribal member Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach ing Wolf will be performing with Yett and music producer George Noriega, who co-wrote the hit song "Hips Don't Lie" recorded by Shakira. How To Cast A Vote Part of the Native American Music Awards process is a public online vote at www.votenative.com. The public vote counts for 35 percent of the award selection process. To vote for Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach, go to the Web site and the categories will pop up on the screen. He is nominated in the categories Flutist, Debut DuoGroup and Long Video. One vote per computer is allowed. "This is all so surreal," Looking Wolf said. "I'm so thankful to my Tribe and family ... without them none of this would be possible. The music is good and it's a real gift to be able to perform with Tim and George at the NAMMYs, but what really touches my heart is the show ing of support by the Tribe." Looking Wolf has received 11 other national musical recognitions, in cluding two Native American Music Award nominations in 2004 and 2006 and being a best spiritual recording finalist in 2006. His native flute music is based on the principle of One Heart, which recognizes that all people and cultures are of equal value. Looking Wolf, 41, has recorded 14 albums on four record labels and is currently paring down his per formance schedule to spend more time with his family. He works for the Tribe as its acting Tribal Lands Management director. "Every day is a good day to live," Looking Wolf said. "In the sunshine or the rain ... and I'm proud to be Grand Ronde." The Native American Music Awards is the country's leading membership-based Native Ameri can music association and is com posed of industry professionals, musicians, programmers, produc ers, engineers and other musical professionals dedicated to promot ing and preserving Native Ameri can music throughout the United States, fl
