2 JUNE 1,2009
Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, June 3 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17 5 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.
2009 Tribal Council nominations
Sunday, June 28, 2009 11 a.m.
Special General Council meeting
Tribal Community Center
Dear Smoke Signals:
We have been told that a people can never truly lose their culture as long
as we remember how to listen to our ancestors. Many of these teachings will
lay waiting for as long as it takes for the people to be ready for them.
I think that some of these things have been shown to us lately and it is
truly amazing to see it happen. Our children are speaking in the language
of their ancestors, dancing, singing their songs and asking for more.
In the tradition of the great houses that our people once lived in, the
first plankhouse to be built in Grand Ronde is now under construction.
The land and the trees, our ancestors, are asking for it. This house wants
to be built, to help the people here to heal and strengthen our community.
I have seen the faces of all who have participated in its building: young,
old, Tribal and nonTribal people working to create something that they
feel is much larger than themselves. Everything happens for a reason,
and in it's time.
Our hunters are exercising their right to provide for the Tribe through
subsistent hunting and fishing rights that were granted to us by our El
ders. We are also carving the first canoe to be produced in Grand Ronde in
over 100 years.
The perseverance of our people and culture continues to show itself. It
is important that we all listen and take notice. Our ancestors are telling
us something.
It is the culture and integrity of our ancestors that defines who we are
today; our songs, stories, our children. As long as we embrace these gifts
that we have been given, we will always be a truly wealthy people.
These things cannot be taken away from us, as long as we nurture and
care for them. The only way to lose who we are is through the degradation
of the wisdom and work ethic of our Elders. This is their home.
Let's all take the opportunity that we are being given to listen, feel and
hold ourselves accountable.
Hayu masi.
Travis Mercier
Roll 1416 ' -
See page 10 for more letters.
BuooiaO Gsxsinietfte
i?edlafltiniru mike
Effective June 1, burial benefits for nonTribal members will decrease.
Currently, the benefit available to all enrolled Tribal members and their
immediate family members is $5,500 to be paid directly to a funeral es
tablishment of choice. There is also a $300 reception benefit which is paid
directly to a family member.
Regretfully, due to budgetary reasons, and with the best interest of the
Tribe in mind. Tribal Council made a difficult decision to reduce the burial
benefit for nonTribal members. This benefit will continue as is for Tribal
members, but will decrease to $2,500 for nonTribal members not including
the $300 reception benefit.
Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery plots are still available at no cost to Tribal
members, their spouses and children. B
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PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
1-800-422-0232, FAX: 503-879-2173
Web site: www.grandronde.orgncws
E-mail: newsgrandronde.org
SIOBHAN TAYLOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR
503-879-1920
doMun.uyfot9trandrondt.orf
SCARLETT HOLTZ
PUBLICATIONS
SECRETARY
503-879-1453
mrtett.holug andiuode.oii
GEORGE VALDEZ
GRAPHIC DESIGN
SPECIALIST
503-879-1416
ort.yjfdeKfrmJravk.ort
CARLA ROBERTS
CENTRAL PHONES
503-879-1447
cjfU.ratwnQrnondt.ort
KRISTIN RAVIA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECRETARY
503-879-1418
fafcun.ravliQmiKlrendt.arf
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PAGE DESIGNER
503-879-2190
lunln.phlMpttrwdrondt.ort
DEAN RHODES
PUBLICATIONS
COORDINATOR
503-879-1463
dtaiLrhodci&frandronde.ort
RON KARTEN
STAFF WRITER
503-879-4663
ron.luntn&pindrondt.ort
MICHELLE ALAIMO
PHOTOJOURNALIST
503-879-1961
intchette jtakitoyaiwlrondeors
SHELLY KENT
CENTRAL PHONES
503-875211
DEADLINE DATE ISSUE PATE
Friday, JuneS JUNE 15
Friday, June 19 JULY 1
Monday, July 6 JULY 15
Monday, Jury 20 AUG. 1
Wednesday, Aug. 5 AUG. I S
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
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2009 Tribal Council
1-800-422-0232 councilgrandronde.org
D Cheryle A. Kennedy
Tribal Chairwoman
ext. 2352
cheryle.kenncdygrandronde.org
D Reyn Leno
Tribal Vice Chair
ext. 2399
reyn.lenograndronde.org
D )ack Ciffen Jr.
Tribal Secretary
ext. 2306
Lxk.glfTengrandronde.org
Steve Bobb Sr.
-ext. 2353
steve.bobbgrandronde.org
D Chris Mercier
- ext. 2305
chrls.merclergrandronde.org
Wink Soderberg
- ext. 1444
wlnk.soderberggrandronde.org
D Kathleen Tom
-ext. 1777
kathleen.tomgrandronde.org
June Sell-Sherer
- ext. 2300
lune.sherergrandronde.org
O Valorie Sheker
-ext. 2355
val.shekergrandronde.org