Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2011)
18 NOVEMBER 1,2011 Smoke Signals Dear Tribal members: Please read this letter with an open mind. For those of you who go on to Facebook and read the different message boards, I am sure you've come to the conclusion that this is a highly divisive issue. Given some of the dynamics, I think that would be the case regardless of whether the amend ment was bundled together or split up into what some people think could be as many as six or seven parts. Anybody could conclude that the actual language itself is not as big of a problem as the real issues, which I think are feuds between warring political alliances and even families, which sadly certain members of our Council appear to be sucked into. While I understand that some people want to be able to choose the amendments they like, we must consider lessons from history. The 1999 amendment was passed overwhelmingly, and while some of those changes have led to the present predicament, it was the most successful constitu tional amendment to date. Being a numbers person, I would like to offer a different view. Now consider the 2008 amendments, of which only one passed. Amendment A (five-year relinquishment) passed (880 yes, 277 no) or 76 of the vote. Amendment B (parent enrolled at time of birth) failed (700 yes, 450 no) or 60.9 of the vote. Amendment C (definition of Grand Ronde blood) failed (636 yes, 513 no) or 55.3 of the vote. The average of the three amendments would have been 738 yes votes, with 759 being needed to pass. They would have failed, but two of them would have gained substantially more votes. Based on what I've read online, especially Facebook, most people who are voting "no" are doing so because of the fear of the enrollment floodgates opening up and bankrupting our Tribe. This gets me thinking that had there been language for the enrollment "cap," that is a limit on the num ber of people who could enroll every year, perhaps the 2008 amendments would have passed. The driving force behind "no" votes, thinner slices of pie, would have been neutralized quite a bit. Keep in mind that in 2008 the numbers given us were 249 new members would be eligible to enroll just with the "parent on the roll" language alone, and 49 for the proposed definition of Grand Ronde blood. The numbers on both have increased since then, according to the informational meet ings. I believe the latest approach makes a lot more sense now. There was conflict on Council because several of them wanted to proceed with only the "parent on the roll" language, even though the immediate impact from that approach would be probably several times greater than the present amendment bundle with the included annual enrollment limit. That ap proach makes little sense to me, but that is often the case when backroom politics are involved. People can fret over the greatly exaggerated floodgates all they want. However, if we are going to in any way reverse the unintended conse quences and problems of the 1999 amendment, it will require us allowing more people to enroll, whether the approach was a bundle or separate votes. With the bundle at least, I know we'll be able to control that, especially the "parent on the roll" part that while the popular one to support also has the biggest financial impact. I see now why Council is proceeding this way. For more information or to discuss this with other members I encourage you to visit the Facebook group "The Grand Ronde Tribe." You can find it by searching for it in Facebook. Also, I welcome any and all friend requests from other Tribal members. This amendment is a good compromise and I plan on voting "yes." I pray that you will too; it's the right thing to do! Andy Jenness Role 1936 SUICIDE PREVENTION 1-800-273-TALK www.Miicidcpravcnttenlifelbw.orf FOR SALE 1 977 Fleetwood, Sherwood Manor mobile home. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, living room, family room Jason Bail 971-240-1090 Paid ad Kaalogi Catherine Mercier Sept.9,2011 7lbs.,7oz. INTERNAL OPENINGS I Optometry Receptionist GRHWC-Optometry Grade: 6 Closing datt: Nov. 1 1 I Housekeeper Public WorksFacilities Grade: 5 Closing date: Nov. 16 I Assistant Controller Finance Grade: 18 Closing date: Nov. 16 I Youth Recreation Assistant (limited duration position) Youth Education Grade: 5 Closing date: Nov. 18 EXTERNAL OPENINGS Physician Medical Clinic Grade: 23 Open until filled Caregiver (on-call) Adult Fpster Care Grade: 5 . ; Open until filled v -a ? ' Internal applicants are 1. Current Regular Employee, past their six-month Introductory pe riod, receiving at least a "meets expectations" on most recent performance evaluation and not under disciplinary action or per formance improvement within the previous six months, 2. Grand Ronde Tribal members 3. Spouse of a Grand Ronde Tribal member or 4. Parent or legal guardian of Grand Ronde Tribal member children Internal recruitment For those individuals meeting mini mum qualifications an interview will be given in the following ranking order: 1. Grand Ronde Tribal members a) Qualified Grand Ronde Tribal members who show they meet the minimum qualifications of the position during the course of the interview process will be given first consideration for hire and the recruitment process will end 2. Tribal member spouses, parents andor legal guardians of Grand RondeTribal member children 3. Current regular employees For a detailed job description, v please contact the Tribe's job t line at 503-879-2257 or 1 -877 TRIBEGR. , r? V ' ' Tyi'r" - , VBffe iman limn i iikwi I nl n 11 liM FOR SALE-1992 Ford F250 Super Cab, 2 wheel drive, 460 V8, auto trans, 102K miles. '$1,800. Contact Larry Leith at 503-879-2216. Would you like toll learn more about 2MOM 4 'parent or respite making a r . v "2 auierence in tne IV ilk If so please contact Amanda Mercier, ICW Foster Care Recruitment Specialist, at 503-879-2039 1-800-242-8196 or e-mail ' - arnanda.merciergrandronde.org for more information : Follow us onl V ICW Foster Care Program Grand Ronde Ad created by George Valdez
