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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2008)
Smoke Signals 5 JULY 1,2008 CCemiirDedy welcomes NattiiomiaD D undo ami IKIeacQ Stiairtt sttaffff fto PoErttQairadl comiffeireinice By Ron Karten Smoke Signals staff writer Tribal Council Chair woman Cheryle A. Ken nedy welcomed members of the National Indian Head Start Directors As sociation to their 18th annual Management Training Conference, this year held in Grand Ronde's ceded territory in Portland. Indian Head Start peo ple came from across the country and Canada. "Managing the Cur rents of Change," the con ference theme, included discussions of person nel and organizational changes. Also on the agenda were the issues arising as federal Head Start legislation unfolds across the nation. "I believe in my heart," said Kennedy on Tuesday, June 24, at the Red Lion Inn at Jantzen Beach on the third day of the five day conference, "that children need to be a much higher priority in our families and schools. In doing so, we fulfill the wisdom of the great Creator. "When I think about the hard ships our ancestors went through, I am very humbled. I know we have answers from our ancestors. We just have to seek them out." Kennedy emphasized stories and traditions as ways to teach the "lit- . c, r Photo by Ron Karten Grand Ronde Tribal Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy delivered the welcome address to the National Indian Head Start Directors Association on Tuesday, June 24, at the Red Lion Inn at Jantzen Beach in Portland. The Management Training Conference drew Head Start staff from across the United States and Canada. tie ones," who in the coming years will "take up the banner." State Sen. Kate Brown, who is running for Secretary of State and is the longest serving legislative member of the Legislative Commis sion on Indian Services, keynoted. She said that the commission helped push through nine Tribal friendly bills in the 2007 Legisla ture and killed two bills considered harmful to Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes. Though critics say the Head Start program is not cost effective, Brown said that the program actually pro vides $9 worth of benefits for every $1 spent. On that background, she added that the legislative and executive branches of the federal government have failed to fully fund Head Start in the coming year. "Cuts could reach 15,000 employ ees across the country because of Congress's failure to provide even cost-of-living increases for the coming year," Brown said. The tone of this open ing session was noth ing if not hopeful. "The future will be better and brighter because of your hard work," Brown said. "You will have fulfill ment, joys, great memo ries, devotion and love," Kennedy said. "I applaud you." Grand Ronde's Eagle Beak Drum performed and the Grand Ronde Honor Guard posted the colors. Tribal Council member Chris Mercier also attended the event. The next day Wednesday, June 25 the Tribe hosted a dinner for conference attendees at the Cathlapotle Plank house on the Ridgefield Wildlife Reserve in Washington state. A team from Spirit Moun tain Casino prepared a traditional Northwest Native meal of oysters and clams. Lisa Archuletta of the Port land office assisted Public Affairs Director Siobhan Taylor at the event. The Tribal Canoe Family also entertained in the plank house with drumming, singing and dancing. II nlnglhija grades Graduation Celebration honors 102 Tribal members By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signal editor More than 100 Tribal members were honored at a Graduation Celebration held June 20 in the Tribal gymnasium for graduat ing from high school, obtaining their GED or earning degrees from vocational or postsecond ary institutions. This year's theme was "Lead With Our Hearts: Restoration and Education" and featured as guest speakers Tribal Elder and former Tribal Chairwoman Kathryn Harrison and Tribal members Jack Ham, Matthew Zimbrick and Jade Unger. Tribal Council Vice Chairman Keyn Leno and Tribnl Council members Chris Mercier, Wink Soderbcrg and Steve Bobb Sr. also attended the Graduation Celebration. The celebration recognized .35 Tribal high school graduates, 23 Tribnl members who obtained GEDs, four Tribal members who earned certificate degrees, nine Tribal members who ob tained associate (two-year) college degrees, 25 Tribal members who obtained bachelor's degrees and six Tribal members who earned master's degrees. "It's a wonderful thing to see members accessing educational services more than ever," said Education Division Manager April Campbell. "We are recognizing the value and strength of education. And it gives me a sense of peace as I envision the future of our Tribe." Each master's degree graduate received an eagle feather prepared by Tribal employees Bobby Mercier and Luhui Whitebear. "I personally want to thank Youth Education, Higher Education and the Library staff for organizing this event," Campbell said. "And the Decorating Committee for a beautiful layout." Campbell also cited Continuing Education Coordinator John Harp for gathering photos and informa tion for the slideshow, the Cultural Resources Department for use of historic photos, Tribnl Graphics Design Specialist George Valdez for Photo by Michelle Alalmo Tribal member Aliea Smith holds her daughter Jacty Smith, 4, who it also a Tribal member, after wrapping her in the Pendleton blanket she received during the Graduation Celebration held in the Tribal gymnasium on Friday, June 20. Aliea Smith received the blanket for earning her GED. designing the program cover and poster, Facilities for setting up the gym a day in advance and Coun tryside Catering for the salmon and elk spaghetti served before the celebration. Campbell also thanked Education Committee members Shelby Olson Rogers, Justin Taylor, Terri Dilts, Connie 1 lolmes and Jon George "for their support during the event and throughout the year." "And thank you to our gradu ates and their family and friends for making this yenr's celebra tion n success," Campbell snid. A full list of Tribal graduates will be included in the Educa tion Division's annual special section, which will 1m? published Inter this yenr in Smoke .S7 naltt. B
