Smoke Signals
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, April 4 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 18 5 p.m.
Please note that these times and dates are subject to change if needed.
I IkJIEDS I
General Council meeting
Sunday, April 1 11 a.m.
Monarch Hotel & Convention Center
12566 S.E. 93rd Ave., Clackamas
2 APRIL 1,2012
Dear Tribal Council:
First let me thank you for all that you do. There are many of us who
appreciate all the time and effort you put in to accomplishing the endless
tasks assigned to you. If it weren't for the dedication of fine folks like you,
our Tribe would not be in the fine shape it is today.
I follow the meetings and events of our Tribe through my home computer
and Smoke Signals. Having streaming live videos is a wonderful way to
"participate" in real time with the Tribal Council and Tribal members.
Back in the 1980s being on the Council was not nearly as involved and
stressful as it is today. There certainly were not as many concerns as there
are now. I so enjoyed my brief time in the mid-1980s working with Eula
Petite, Mark Mercier, Kathryn Harrison, Candy Robertson, Merle and
Russ Leno and Dorothy Green.
At that time we were working on acquiring reservation lands, fishing
and hunting rights and getting our Tribal government in order. We did
a lot of traveling and attended a lot of meetings, some friendly and some
hostile. County commissioners and a lot of the West Valley citizens did
not like the idea of our Tribe getting our reservation back.
A lot has happened since our humble beginnings and the meetings in the
old Railroad Depot. At that time we envisioned timber land and gaming
wasn't even an option until the fine folks in Oregon voted in gambling.
Over the years our Tribal government has acted wisely and effectively in
bringing the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to the great level cur
rently achieved. Thank you for what you have done.
I pray that with the guidance of you, the Tribal Council, and our Great
Creator our Tribe will continue to grow and prosper. And let me add that
as far as I'm concerned it is not about the money. Sometimes it sickens
my heart to watch the meetings and see all the members who only come
before you to complain about not getting enough money.
When our Tribe came back together we only hoped for a time when we
might get enough revenue from our timber lands to help with medical and
educational needs. We also envisioned Reservation housing and putting
our homelands together again. As a Tribe we have achieved great things
and I say again, with prudent and careful guidance from you, we will
continue to grow and prosper.
Your friend and fellow Tribal member.
Bradley M. Rowing
Roll 1816
Dear Tribal members:
Tribal members are signing a petition to the Tribal Council concerning
per capita. We would like per capita to be restored to at least 25 percent
of total gaming revenue dividend as it was basically budgeted for from
1999 to 2010.
If you or your adult family members who are enrolled in our Tribe
would like to sign this petition, I will send you a copy if you e-mail me at
rmarybayciaol.com.
If you don't have access to a computer to receive the petition by e-mail,
you may simply take a sheet of paper and write the words of the petition
at the top of your paper; sign it as indicated and send it to the address
given at the bottom of the petition.
The petition wording is as follows:
'TO: CTGR Tribal Council
"REGARDING: Per capita - the only Tribal benefit that is distributed
equally to every Tribal member regardless of location.
"We, the undersigned, members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon, do hereby petition our Tribal Council to set
the per capita percentage amount each year at a minimum of 25 percent
of our total gaming revenue dividend. This practice had been in play since
per capita began in December of 1999, and continued through December
2010, regardless of the gaming revenue dividend amount that was received
by the Tribal government from Spirit Mountain Casino (SMGI).
"FULL LEGAL NAME (Print)
"FULL LEGAL SIGNATURE:
'TRIBAL ROLL :
"DATE:"
Send to: Leroy R. Good, 2809 Mills Road, Prescott MI 48756 by Wednes
day, April 11, 2012, or as soon as possible before the end of April.
Thank you for your help and consideration.
Rosemary Jameson
Roll 883
See page 10 for more letters.
Elders' garage sale seeking donations
Tribal Elders are regularly seeking donations for fundraising garage
sales. To donate an item or items, contact Tribal Elders Linda Brandon
at 971-267-0918 or Duane Wheeler at 541-992-3254. B
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SIOBHAN TAYLOR KRISTEN RAVIA DEAN RHODES
PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLICATIONS
DIRECTOR SECRETARY COORDINATOR
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VALERIE COX DEADLINE DATE ISSUE DATE
503-879-1 447 Thunday' April 5 : April 1 5
valerle.coxgrjndronde.org Friday, April 20 May 1
Friday, May 4 May 15
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-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.
f ' ""T3&. Members of: Native American Journalists Association
L. ST. -J The Associated Press
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association
2012 Tribal Council
1 -800-422:0232 councilgrandronde.org
D Cheryle A. Kennedy Chris Mercier
Tribal Chairwoman ext. 2305
ext 2352 chris.merdergrandronde.org
cheryle.kennedygrandronde.org g june 5nerer
D Reyn Leno ext. 1 444
Tribal Vice Chair june.sherergrandronde.org
- ext. 2399 D Toby McClary
reyn.lenograndronde.org ext 4555
D Jack Giffen Jr. toby.mcclarygrandronde.org
Tribal Secretary Kathleen Tom
-ext. 2300 ext. 1777
jack.giffengrandronde.org kathleen.tomgrandronde.org
D Steve Bobb Sr. a Valorie Sheker
- ext. 2353 ext. 2355
steve.bobbgrandronde.org val.shekergrandronde.org