Smoke Signals
MAY 15, 2013
NOTICE Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday Meetings
DATE TIME
Wednesday, May 22 5 p.m.
I'teaae note that theae timet and date are aubject to change if needed.
Tribal Council nominations
Sunday, June 30 11 a.m.
Tribal Community Center
2
Dear Smoke Signals'.
My name is Nancy Habb (Simmons) and I have been a Tribal member
since Nov. 28, 1988, by Resolution No. 313. My father and his family lived
on the Reservation when it was terminated in 1954 and are on the original
roll the Tribe used for creation of its membership.
I would like to point out that the Grand Ronde Restoration Act of 1983,
which was signed by Ronald Reagan, made the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde a single Tribal unit for purposes of federal recognition and eligibility
for federal benefits. As stated in our Tribal history, the act also provided for
the establishment of Tribal self-government, for the compilation of a Tribal
membership roll and for the establishment of a Tribal reservation.
I remember being encouraged by members on the original roll to enroll,
so the Tribe's numbers would increase and with increased numbers could
reap the benefits of increased federal funding. So I did as I was told to help
our Tribe get the numbers it needed so it could get the federal dollars to
establish our government and numerous federal programs still in place
today. After all, federal funding is proportionally based on the number of
enrolled Tribal members.
My concern is that the "Enrollment Audit Explained" publication recently
sent out by the Tribe does not explain what membership criteria were used
per the Restoration Act. As quoted from the publication, it just states the
following: "As outlined in the Restoration Act, a membership roll of the
Tribe was developed by the Secretary of the Interior using the member
ship eligibility requirements of the Restoration Act." Well, I would like to
know just what does "as outlined in the Restoration Act" mean.
The publication goes in great detail about the Tribe's Constitution require
ments for membership, but fails to identify what the Restoration Act member
ship requirements are. Per the article, 'The Tribe's Constitution established
membership requirements different from those of the Restoration Act."
Are we in trouble by some federal agency? Is our federal recognition being
questioned? Why now, after 30 years, is the enrollment being scrutinized so
harshly and I'm sure at an excessive cost? Are we suffering some financial
difficulties? It sure appears that way with increased premiums for non
Tribal members' health contribution and Student Rental Assistance put
on hold for four months while money is spent to question our enrollment?
Sounds like a bit of greed has touched our Tribe that I have been so proud
of in its efforts to help and assist its Tribal members to become an educated
and self-sufficient community no matter what state they live in.
I personally believe that it would be helpful if the Tribe would publish
the Grand Ronde Restoration Act of 1983 for all Tribal members to see, so
we can understand how it is different from the established membership
requirements in the Tribe's Constitution. And, if there is such a discrep
ancy, my first question would be what could possibly be done about it
now, 30 years later? Federal dollars had already been received based on
the enrollment numbers supplied by the Tribe and now the Tribe wants
to vocally state that members were enrolled different from those of the
Restoration Act that was signed by Ronald Reagan? What kind of mes
sage is that sending about our Tribal government? Are we opening a can
of worms here that could have some trickle effect on the Tribe as a whole
and is the Tribal Council thoroughly thinking this through?
I also understand all the changes that have been made to the Enroll
ment Ordinance and it has always been my understanding that if you
were already enrolled prior to the time the amendments took effect, the
already enrolled member would not be subjected to the new enrollment
requirements. I do hope the Tribe takes all of this into consideration while
auditing the enrollment files.
Just a reminder, when the Tribe was terminated, many members had
to relocate out of the six-county service area and enrollment was still ap
proved regardless of where we lived. The Western Oregon Termination
Act of 1954 severed ties with the federal government, but with the help
of members all across America enrolling in the early years, our Tribe was
able to receive the federal funding it needed to organize itself to become
the success it is today.
I ask, what is really going on here? And what is the intended result the
Tribal Council hopes to gain?
Nancy Babb (Simmons)
Roll 2353
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
Tribal offices will be closing at noon Friday, May 24, and be closed
on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.
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munity of Oregon, Is published twice a month. No portion of this publication may be reprinted
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2013 Tribal Council
1-800-422-0232 councilgrandronde.org
D Reyn Leno Chris Mercier
Tribal Chairman ext. 2305
eXk 2399 chris.merciergrandronde.org
reyn.Ienograndronde.org g june $nerer
Jack Giffen Jr. ext. 1 444
Tribal Vice Chair june.sherergrandronde.org
- ext. 2300 n Cherye A. Kennedy
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Toby McCIary cheryle.kennedygrandronde.org
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