2 JANUARY 15, 2009
Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, Jan. 28 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.
Dear Smoke Signals:
I was honored to be allowed to participate in the making of the memorial
stones for those members in my family who have passed on. For me, as
well as some of the other members, it almost touched on the sadness of the
time our loved ones departed. It made us realize how much we all deeply
miss those who have passed on. People do get lonely especially when they
are deprived of seeing someone they care about.
The goodness that came out of this was many of us started remembering
what our loved ones were like in life. How they talked, joked, what colors
they liked, their favorite food, how special they were to us.
Conversations were about mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, nieces, neph
ews, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters. We
went to Herculean extent to make these memorial stones special. And
believe me when I say they were all very special. The most authentic
thing about us is the capacity to create, to overcome and endure to be
transformed and be greater than our sufferings.
Much thanks to volunteers Joanne Walkenshaw, Denna Diaz, Cindy
Harper, Shirley Walkhoff, Brenna Stone, Chris Johnston, Brandy Leno,
Dustin, Jon Stepnick (better known as Cutter Guy), Kerri Stepnick (know
as Hey You), Cynthia Lopez (know as Wonder Woman; it was a pleasure to
meet her!) and her daughter, Kaylynn Lopez (known as Little Wonders).
And last, but by all means not least, Denise Harvey who is primarily
responsible for coordinating, orchestrating, pulling, tugging, pushing,
maneuvering, coursing to see that this function went well. And it did!
Thank you, Denise, for the opportunity to participate.
Adrainne N. Llaneza
Roll 1715
Dear Smoke Signals:
I share the sadness of other Tribal members over the unjust disenroll
ment of the 34 Tribal members. My 7-year-old nephew was included in
that group and it is such a painful travesty. I feel ashamed of our Tribe's
actions and especially the Tribal Council members who not only let this
happen, but apparently wanted it to occur.
There are some Tribal Council members who are not representing all
members of the Tribe (as is their job), only their small circle of relatives
and friends. As I have stated before, the only reason I can think of for why
we are not encircling our Tribal arms around all Tribal members and their
children (up to 11 6th blood quantum) is greed. Because true Indians do
not ever act this way toward their own.
There are many of us who are not going to give up on this issue. Ever. My
4-year-old son will join his cousins in being a member of the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde one day. I will work for reversing the balance on
the Tribal Council so that there are enough pro-enrollment justice Tribal
Council members to make a majority instead of the minority that we have
had to endure and suffer from on our council for years.
This issue is alive and will stay alive until the right thing is done.
Lee Ann Huffman
Roll 2933
See page 10 for more letters.
Tribal offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin
Luther King Jr. Day.
iliirtnftui.
-- v
General Council meeting
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 Grand Ronde
Door prizes that were intended for the Tribal
Council's Christmas Party will be handed out during lunch.
NOTE START TIME IS 10 A.M.
Tribal Community Center
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
Uobhjn.tayorindrond.org
SCARLETT HOLTZ
PUBLICATIONS
SECRETARY
503-879-1453
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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503-879-1416
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CARLA ROBERTS
CENTRAL PHONES --503-879-1447
cirtt.roteftipandronde.orf
KRISTEN RAVIA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECRETARY
503-879-1418
kriswn.rjrvUjrandronde.ori
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PAGE DESIGNER
503-879-2190
usrln.pMIHpsgraridronde.orf
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PHOTOJOURNALIST
503-879-1961
irfchcle.aLalrnopandrondt.orf
DEADLINE DATE
DEAN RHODES
PUBLICATIONS
COORDINATOR
503-879-1463
dean.iimoes9grandronde.org
RON KARTEN
STAFF WRITER
503-879-4663
ron.kaften9grafKkonde.org
SHELLY KENT
CENTRAL PHONES
503-879-5211
iheWy.kem9gfandronde.org
ISSUE DATE
Tuesday, Jan. 20 FEB. I
Thursday, Feb. 5 FEB. 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-mall 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.
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2009 Tribal Council
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