Smoke Signals 5
DECEMBER 1, 2009
Tribal member Justine Colton elected to lead student body
By Scarlett Holtz
Smoke Signals contributing writer
Tribal member Justine Colton, 17,
daughter of Tribal member Mike and
Daphney Colton of Grand Ronde, is
a leader in the making, having been
elected Student Body president at
Willamina High School.
"I take this responsibility very
seriously," Justine says.
The opportunity to be a leader for
young people means having to set a
good example for everyone.
"I feel that it is my responsibility
as a leader of the youth of today
to advocate for the young people,"
Justine says.
"Teaching them to speak out on
issues that are important to them,
as well as being involved in every
area of their educational experi
ence. Being a confidante, listening
to what they have to say and help
ing them put their thoughts and
ideas into action. This is what I feel
my responsibility is."
Justine says her dreams include
finishing her education at Willami
na High School and then attending
the University of Oregon, where
she plans to obtain a law degree.
With her law degree in hand, Jus
tine says her desire is to return
home and work for the Tribe.
"It is wonderful that Justine is
pursuing her dreams of becom
ing a lawyer," says Tribal Youth
Education Program Manager Molly
Matthews. "I think she will make a
fabulous lawyer."
Justine attended the American
Museum of Natural History con
ference in New York City earlier
this year with the Youth Education
Program, Matthews says. She gave
an inspiring presentation on the
Tribe's Restoration.
"It so reminded me of her grand
mother Jackie Whisler," says Mat
thews. The material Justine shared
in her presentation was informa
tion that she had learned over the
years from time spent with her late
grandmother.
"My greatest inspiration was my
grandmother, Jackie," says Justine.
She was a very strong woman who
knew exactly what she wanted and
she went for it, she says.
Whisler, a former Tribal Council
secretary, Tribal Council member,
contract health clerk and pre-school
Chinuk Wawa teacher, was a sig
nificant contributor to the Tribal
Restoration effort. She walked on
Dec. 3, 2007.
"My philosophy," Justine says,
"is never procrastinate. If you want
something, do everything in your
power to get it.
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Photo by Michelle Alaimo
Tribal member Justine Colton, a senior at Willamina High School, was elected
Student Body president for the 2009-1 0 school year.
"One thing I have learned is, just
because you haven't made it yet
does not mean you will not. Don't
let anyone hold you back from your
dreams.
"It's OK to be selfish when you are
reaching for your goal. Everything
I do is not just an opportunity for
me. The opportunity to succeed is
available to everyone. They just
have to reach out and take it.
"I am not a perfect student. I push
myself hard and I do not allow my
imperfections to hold me back." B
Check distribution day: Friday, Dec. 1 1
The quarterly per capita and timber checks for December 2009 will
be available for pick-up at the Tribal Adult Education Building (located
right next to the gymnasium) on Friday, Dec. 1 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Checks not picked up, will be mailed on Dec. 11 to the address Member
Services has on file for you. If you are picking up a check for someone other
than yourself, please provide notarized documentation. You will need to
have photo ID to pick up checks. REDW can no longer accept changes for
addresses, direct deposit or tax elections on either of the December 2009
checks. If you are not able to pick up your check and were not able to
update your address with Member Services by Nov. 30 you may submit
a forwarding address with your post office.
All enrolled members 21 years of age by the distribution date will receive
a timber check. For members under the age of 21, the timber check will
be directed into the trust.
Any other questions or concerns you may contact Liz Leno at 603-879-2082
or Hollie Mercier at 503-879-2490. D
'X
Photo by Michelle Alaimo
Solomon George, left, Tribal member and housekeeper for the
Tribe, grabs his turkey from Tribal member David Holmes during the
employee turkey distribution in front of the Governance Center on
Thursday, Nov. 19. A total of 4S0 turkeys were distributed to employees
and committee members.
Feeding the hungry
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Photo by Dean Rhodes
Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority Homeownership Coordinator
Nancy Holmes, president of the Grand Ronde Community Resource
Center (Grand Ronde Food Bank), accepts two $25,000 checks from the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Spirit Mountain Casino from
Tribal Chairwoman Cheryie A. Kennedy on Friday, Nov. 20. Holmes
said the money will help feed the needy families and individuals in the
Grand Ronde area. The Tribe has done so much for the community,'
Holmes said. "You don't know how proud I am to be part of this
organization." Watching the presentation, from left, were Tribal Council
Secretary Kathleen Tom, Tribal Council member Wink Soderberg, Tribal
Senior Human Resources Coordinator and Community Resource Center
Board member Connie Holmes, and Tribal Council members Steve Bobb
Sr., Toby McOary, Chris Mercier and June Sell-Sherer.
Reibach seeks video extras
Tribal member Jnn Michael Looking Wolf Kcibnch in seeking
extras to appear in n music video being filmed Saturday, Dec. 5, nt
the Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High Street N.K., Snlem.
Reibach, the Tribe's Land Manager and this year's Native
American Music Awards Artist of the Year, is shooting a music
video for"Hreakin Free," an upcoming DVD for Native youth drug
and alcohol prevention.
Volunteer extras should be at the Historic Grand Theatre at 1:30
p.m. D