Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, Jan. 5 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 19 4 p.m.
Pleaee note that then timet and date are eubjeet to change if needed. Call Dakota
Whltecloud, Tribal Council Relatione Coordinator, at S03S79-I309 to confirm.
General Council mooting
Sunday, Jan. 9 11 a.m.
Tribal Community Center
2 JANUARY 1,2011
Giixm
Dear Smoke Signals:
As the global recession still continues on, we have seen more Tribal
members going back to school, unemployed, homeless and many other
social and environmental issues. I think it is important to remember that
we are all part of the same small community. We all need to stand tall
like our ancestors have taught us, hold out a hand to each other, standing
strong for each other and lean on each other.
No matter if you are in Grand Ronde and out of Grand Ronde, we are
all connected. No matter where you are, you could be close to another
member. I currently live outside the community, but Grand Ronde is still
in my heart, mind and around me.
I met another member while I was in school, and we are great friends and
we lean on each other for support in Hawai'i. We have meals together, talk
about Grand Ronde, our goals, hopes and wishes for our families and each
other. It really helps me stay connected to the teaching of my Elders.
This is not the only case. When I was in Washington, D.C., I became
friends with other members and we helped each other along the way. The
connections I have with other Tribal members have always helped me feel
grounded and centered.
It is important to me and I think for other member to give an extra hand
to help the people in our community. We all have struggled and many
of our community members are still struggling. As I have seen with the
recession, we have been seeing a smaller and smaller percentage of per
capita. This should be the time we see more. Most of us use that money
for bills, higher education and things to improve ourselves.
I know many Tribal leaders are worried about giving out per capita. They
are worried that the members are depending on it; They money is for the ";
people. We are the people. If you are worried about how people are using
it, start providing workshops and classes on financial management. Give
suggestions on ways the people in our families and communities could use
it to prepare more for the future.
However, right now I think we should increase the amount of per capita
we are receiving. It is shocking how much the per capita payments have
dropped after we went to quarterly payments. We used to receive around
$5,600 a year. Now we are lucky to receive $3,000. 1 know the economy
has gotten worse, but we are getting a smaller percentage of the casino
earnings each year. It is not just because of the economy; it is because the
money is going elsewhere.
Our Elders fought so we all could live better lives than they did. Of course
there are downfalls to every benefit, but for the majority of us the per capita
goes to rentmortgage payments, bills, education, items for the family, and
so on. We are not getting huge amounts. It is not getting wasted.
So, Tribal leaders, please be wiser with our money, and give more back
to the people. I know you do not have the easiest job, and I respect you for
the hard work you do for us each and every day. Please, put out a survey
because most of the members of the community would want more per
capita, especially when the economy is so rough right now.
Also, Tribal members please speak up to the Tribal leaders, write let
ters, call and ask for an increase in per capita, and other issues you are
concerned about.
Rebecca Knight
Roll 1783
Tribal offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of
Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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gemote 89gmte
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