4
DECEMBER 15, 2014
S moke S ignals
AuCoin visits
2009 – Tribal Council members
attended a U.S. Department of
the Interior meeting in Portland
to provide input on a new consul-
tation policy. The event attracted
about 50 representatives from
Northwest Tribes and Interior
employees heard criticism of their
File photo
department’s past practices, as
well as constructive suggestions.
Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy welcomed everyone
to the homelands of the Grand Ronde Tribe.
2004 – Beginning in January, the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde will offer a medic alert service for homes in Tribal-sponsored
housing projects. The offer is open to families with either an Elder
or a disabled family member, making 66 out of a possible 110 Tribal
households eligible.
1999 – The Natural Resources Department started preparing a
new 10-year Management Plan that will run through 2010. “We have
to have a plan in place by the year 2001,” said Natural Resources
Manager Cliff Adams.
1994 – The Tribe purchased a two-story modular building from
Washington Public Power Supply System that will increase badly
needed office space for Tribal employees. The 10,752-square-foot
building will be located near Spirit Mountain Development Corp.
“It will almost double our current available office space,” said Tribal
Engineer Brett Egdorf.
1989 – Smoke Signals and Tribal archives do not have a copy of
the December 1989 edition.
1984 – The annual Christmas party attracted 175 people. Santa
(Ray McKnight) arrived to delight the children and everyone in at-
tendance received a large bag of goodies.
Photos by Michelle Alaimo
Tribal Council Chairman Reyn Leno, left, and Tribal Elder Kathryn
Harrison, right, gift former U.S. Rep. Les AuCoin a Grand Ronde
Pendleton blanket during his visit to Grand Ronde on Tuesday, Dec.
9. AuCoin, along with former Sen. Mark Hatfield, introduced the
legislation that restored the Grand Ronde Tribe to federal recognition
in November 1983. The last time AuCoin was in Grand Ronde was in
1998 for the dedication of the Governance Center, he said. He currently
lives in Montana.
Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year in-
crements through the pages of Smoke Signals.
IHS, Nike sign agreement
to promote Native health
The Indian Health Service and Beaverton-based Nike USA Inc. signed a
memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the promotion of healthy
lifestyle choices for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
The goal is to use the strengths and expertise of both organizations to
improve and enhance the health and fitness of Native peoples across the
nation.
Native peoples suffer health problems that are significantly higher than
the general population. Obesity in Native youth is about twice that of
the general population, which is of particular concern given the possible
lifelong health effects.
“Regular physical activity and healthy food choices contribute to better
health by reducing obesity and the many chronic conditions associated
with it, including diabetes and heart disease,” said Dr. Yvette Roubideaux,
acting IHS director. “The partnership will serve American Indian and
Alaska Native communities by expanding the information available on
the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.”
“N7 is Nike’s longtime commitment and mission to inspire and enable
2 million Native American and aboriginal youth in North American to
participate in sport and physical activity,” said Sam McCracken, general
manager of Nike N7. “We are proud of Nike’s unique partnership with IHS
and our shared commitment to unleash the potential of American Indian
and Alaskan Native communities through the power of movement.” n
Free online learning source
The information includes:
Everyday life
Math and money
Computer training
Online classes
Work and career information
Check it out at www.gcflearnfree.org
Tribal Council member Tonya Gleason-Shepek introduces herself to
former U.S. Rep. Les AuCoin during his visit to Grand Ronde on Tuesday,
Dec. 9. AuCoin told Tribal Council members that his work with the
Grand Ronde Tribe to accomplish Restoration was one of his greatest
accomplishments as a member of Congress. In the background, from
left, Tribal Council members Jon A. George and Ed Pearsall and Vice
Chair Jack Giffen Jr. look on.
West Valley district
seeking Fire Explorers
The West Valley Fire District, which covers Grand Ronde, Willamina
and Sheridan, is seeking youths for its Fire Explorer Program.
Young men and women age 14 to 20 will become familiar with career
opportunities in the fire service through classroom instruction, hands-
on training and volunteer work. The program encourages and promotes
accountability, safety, communication, teamwork, fitness and leadership.
Participants must attend weekly drills from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays,
adhere to dress and conduct codes, perform weekly physical fitness and
training specific to firefighting skills, and demonstrate a willingness to
make improvements and show self-motivation.
For more information, contact Fire Explorer Post 908 adviser Seth
Bellarts at 503-437-2046. n
Elders’ phone numbers wanted
The Tribal Elders Committee is compiling a volunteer phone list of
Elders. If you would like to submit your phone number and address to
be available to other Elders, send it to elders.committee@grandronde.org
or leave a message at 503-879-2231. n