Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, April 7 5 p.ra.
Wednesday, April 21 5p.ro.
Pleat note that then timet and date art tubjeel la change If needed. Call Dakota
Whitecloud, Tribal Council Relation Coordinator, at i03-Sl$-l30i to confirm.
General Council meeting
Sunday, April 11 10 a.m.
Holiday Inn Eugene-North Springfield,
919 Kruso Way, Springfield, Ore.
2 APRIL 1,2010
Dear Smoke Signals:
Our Elders are in the same recession as everyone else. Basic needs like food,
gas and the cost to maintain their homes is being challenged like everyone
else. Some of the Elders are having a very difficult time, in this recession,
like everyone else.
In the past three years, our employees have received Cost-of-Living Allow
ances (COLAs). and last year they received a $500 bonus in lieu of a COLA The
executives at the casino this year received a COLA. Now, I'm not suggesting,
nor implying, the cost-of-living allowance was not merited. I'm asking why
the Elders are not included in these financial questions.
Our Elders went through great hardship, racism and pervasive poverty. Be
cause of our Elders' Buffering and because of their prayers, we share success.
Remember our Elders suffered equally for our success. The hardships they
endured were for all to enjoy equally. Their suffering vindicates our success.
The original plan for a bonus was just the non-working Elders. This violates
our discrimination laws. That would be discriminating against a group. So,
as a result, the qualifications would include any Elder currently receiving an
Elder pension.
By this same discrimination law, our Elders, as a group, have been victims
of discrimination, because as a group the Elders have not been included in
any financial assistance, COLA andor bonuses in the last seven years.
If you, as a working Elder, or an Elder who feels you don't need or want
this bonus, this is a great opportunity to give back. Donate it to the Member
Services Department or to a charity of your choice. Our food bank desperately
needs donations.
The Elders need to know they are valued the same as those who have received
bonuses, COLAs and pay raises. The Elders need relief, in this economy, like
everyone else in the Grand Ronde family.
In conclusion, the Elders have been put on the downside of advantage. They
are relying purely on courage. Some of our Elders are in dire need of help.
They've cut back all they can. Some go to the Elders' lunch for their meal of
the day. On Mondays, they go to the casino to eat. Also, they go to the food
bank to get what they can. This is unacceptable.
ADRAINNE LLANEZA
Roll 1715
Dear Tribal members:
On behalf of the Tribal Council, thank you for responding to the Per Capita
Survey. The survey closed on March 19, and below are the results. If you have
any questions, please contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Dakota Whitecloud, TCRC
503-879-1309 or 1-800-422-0232, ext. 1309
2010 Per Capita Survey
Preference Replies Percentage
Once per year . '. ' 198 23 :'.
Twice per year 1 54 1 8
Four times per year 502 58
Other comments - No selection Q 10
indicated 1 o .
Grand Total 863 100
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503-879-5211
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ftHn.r)iodnjMondvofR
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ihcffy.kiiiterindrondr.arf
' DEADLINE DATE ISSUE PATE
Friday, AprllS April 15
Tuesday, April 20 ......................... May I
. Wednesday,. May 5 May 1 5
Thursday, May 20............. ........ June I
Friday, June I June 1 5
SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Com
munity of Oregon, fs 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.
Members of: Native American Journalists Association
The Associated Press
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association
2010 Tribal Council
1 -800-422-0232 councilgrandronde.org
Cheryle A. Kennedy Chris Mercier
Tribal Chairwoman ext. 2305
ext. 2352 chris.merdergrandronde.org
cheryle.kennedygrandronde.org Q ink $cderberg
O Reyn Leno ext. 1 444
Tribal Vice Chair wink.soderberggrandronde.org
- ext. 2399 q Toby McCIary
reyn.Ienograndronde.org ex 4555
D Kathleen Tom toby.mcclarygrandronde.org
Tribal Secretary a June Sell-Sherer
-ext. 1777 -ext. 2300
kathleen.tomgrandronde.org june.sherergrandronde.org
D Steve Bobb Sr. n Valorie Sheker
- ext. 2353 ext 2355
steve.bobbgrandronde.org val.shekergrandronde.org