2 DECEMBER 1 5, 2008
Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, Dec. 17 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 (tentative) 4 p.m.
Please note that these times and dates are subject to change if needed. Call Dakota
Whitecloud, Tribal Council Relations Coordinator, at 503-879-1309 to confirm.
Tribal Committee and Special
Event Board vacancies
Culture Committee 1 vacancy
Education Committee 2 vacancies
Fish & Wildlife Committee 2 vacancies
Powwow SEB 2 vacancies
Rodeo SEB 4 vacancies
Veterans SEB 2 vacancies
Social Services Committee 1 vacancy
Dear Tribal Members:
I recently received an e-mail notifying me that in the month of No
vember, employees at the Tribe will have six (6) administrative days
off. These are paid days without reporting to work.
In the past I have joked, laughed and taken it light-heartedly, not to
mention a bit of jealousy as well.
This year, I find myself not taking it quite so light-heartedly. In
these difficult times, dealing with budgets (at both the Tribe and the
casino), people concerned about cutbacks, layoffs, health insurance
and the economy as a whole, I am left with the question as to how this
could be allowed.
I took a moment to figure that if all 395 Tribal employees made an
annual salary of $40,000, the total paid to those employees for the six
administrative days would be more than $250,000. This figure only
includes the month of November. However, administrative leave is
granted periodically throughout the entire year.
Obviously, not everyone makes $40,000 a year; some make much
less, some much more.
This concerns me. It should concern all Tribal members. Is this really
a good business decision?
This letter was written strictly to voice my concern and I apologize
to anyone who may have taken offense.
Joann Mercier
Roll 546
Dear Smoke Signals:
I want to congratulate the Smoke Signals staff for the excellent
25th Restoration Commemorative Issue you published for the anni
versary. The extensive history it contains is fascinating and invaluable, and
hopefully Tribal members will save copies for their children and grand
children. A job well done!
Chuck Williams
Roll 1799
Tribal offices will be closing on Wednesday, Dec 24, at noon and closed on
Thursday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas.
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5Q5-IMD-C211
General Council meeting
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009
Monarch Hotel & Conference Center,
12566 S.E. 93rd Ave., Clackamas, OR 97015
Exit 14 Sunnyside RdJSunnybrook Blvd., off of 1-205
NOTE START TIME IS 10 A.M.
PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
961 5 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
1-800-422-0232, FAX: 503-879-2173
Web site: www.grandronde.orgnews
E-mail: newsgrandronde.org
SIOBHAN TAYLOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR
503-879-1920
stoMun.uyfcxpindroiKte.of
SCARLETT HOLTZ
PUBLICATIONS
SECRETARY
503-879-1453
KariettJMjutiandrondtorg
GEORGE VALDEZ
GRAPHIC DESIGN
SPECIALIST
503-879-1416
gcorge. vahfc. i Q i jndiondv.org
CARLA ROBERTS
CENTRAL PHONES
503-879-1447
cjftaJobtniQ p JuAoiNit .orf
KRISTEN RAVIA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECRETARY
503-879-1418
hi tanu jvliOv andronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PAGE DESIGNER
503-879-2199
luulninMpspandi onde.org
MICHELLE ALAIMO
PHOTOJOURNALIST
503-879-1961
nil twit. jlalinuOti Jiidronde.org
DEADLINE DATE
DEAN RHODES
PUBLICATIONS
COORDINATOR
503-879-1463
dejn.ihtnh.iQgi amlrondt.oi g
RON KARTEN
STAFF WRITER
503-879-4663
ronJuftenQgijndiundt.uig
SHELLY KENT
CENTRAL PHONES
503 879-5211
sfceByJamgi Jndrowdt.org
ISSUE DATE
Friday, Dec. 19 JAN 1, 2009
Monday, Jan. 5 JAN. 15
SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Com
munity 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 e-mail address
must be included for verification purposes. Full addresses and phone numbers will not
be published unless requested.
SMOKE SIGNALS reserves the right to edit letters and to refuse letters that are determined
to contain libelous statements or personal attacks on Individuals, staff, Tribal administration
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 Journalists Association
The Associated Press
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association
Ad created by George Vakfef
2008-09 Tribal Council
1-800-422-0232 councilgrandronde.org
O Cheryle A. Kennedy D Chris Mercier
Tribal Chairwoman ext. 2305
ext. 2352 chris.merciergrandronde.org
cheryle.kennedygrandronde.ori n Sodcrbrg
D Reyn Leno ext. 1 444
Tribal Vice Chair wlnk.soderberggrandronde.org
ext. 2399 n Mttn Tom
reyn.knograndronde.org exj 1777
Jack GifTen Jr. kathleen.tomgrarKlronde.org
Tribal Secretary n june $ell-$herer
ext. 2306 ext. 2300
Mck.glfTengrandronde.org un.jherrgrandrond.org
D Steve Bobb Sr. n VaIorle Sheker
ext. 2353 ext. 2355
Jteve.bobbgrandronde.org val.jhckergrandronde.org