S moke S ignals
MAY 1, 2015
7
Legislative Commission on Indian Services turning 40
By Dean Rhodes
Smoke Signals editor
SALEM — The Oregon Legisla-
tive Commission on Indian Services
will mark its 40th birthday from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at
the State Capitol with the appropri-
ately named “A Day to Celebrate.”
A morning program in the Capitol
Rotunda starting at 9 a.m. will in-
clude cultural program presentations
and speakers. The Grand Ronde Col-
or Guard has been asked to lead the
flag procession and the Canoe Family
dancers have been invited to perform
a 10-minute program. Scheduled
speakers will include Senate Pres-
ident Peter Courtney, Speaker of
the House Tina Kotek, Secretary of
State Jeanne Atkins and Gov. Kate
Brown, who will sign a proclamation
honoring the 40th anniversary.
From 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Tribal
leaders will participate in a panel
discussion titled “What, How and
Why My Tribe Celebrates.”
A lunch buffet served from noon
to 1 p.m. will be provided by the
Grand Ronde Tribe and Spirit
Mountain Casino.
Celebration cupcakes will be
served in the Galleria starting at
12:30 p.m. and a week-long display
If you go
What: “A Day to Celebrate:
The 40th Anniversary of the
LCIS”
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 14
Where: State Capitol, 900
Court St., Salem
More info: 503-986-1067
of the Oregon Historical Society’s
“Oregon Is Indian Country” exhibit
will be shown in the Capitol Galleria.
The celebration also will kick off
American Indian Week in Oregon.
The Legislative Commission on
Indian Services was created by
statute in 1975 to improve services
to Native Americans in Oregon. Its
13 members are appointed jointly
by the president of the Oregon
Senate and speaker of the Oregon
House to two-year terms. Com-
mission members select their own
officers to serve one-year terms.
Tribal Council member Cheryle
A. Kennedy has been the Grand
Ronde Tribe’s longtime representa-
tive on the commission, serving 12
years. She is currently the longest
Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. Board
of Director’s position opening
Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. (SMGI) is seeking a dynamic busi-
ness oriented Tribal member to fill a vacant position on the SMGI
Board of Directors. The SMGI Board of Directors is responsible to
the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Council and over-
sees fiscal accountability, budgets, policies, procedures and business
operations of Spirit Mountain Casino.
The SMGI Board meets once a month and board members receive
a stipend each month for their participation in board meetings.
Qualifications: We are seeking individuals with general business
knowledge, experience in hospitality/customer service-driven envi-
ronment, and in one or more of the following areas:
• Finance;
• Internal Audit;
• Marketing;
• Gaming;
• Surveillance/Security.
Knowledge of Native American owned and operated organizations
preferred but not mandatory. There should also be a demonstrated
ability to be responsive to the goals of the business and its increasing
dynamic character with appropriate analytical and communication
skills.
Must be able to pass a thorough background check and obtain a
PMO gaming license.
Deadline to apply is Monday, June 22, 2015.
Applicants may submit a letter of interest, resume and three ref-
erences to:
Stacia Martin
Chief of Staff
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Council
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
stacia.martin@grandronde.org
Danita Trombla
Sr. Executive Administrative Assistant
Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc.
PO Box 39
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
danita.trombla@spiritmtn.com
serving member on the commission.
“LCIS is a vehicle to identify and
promote legislation that serves the
nine Oregon Tribes,” Kennedy said.
“Powerful legislation and work that
came from LCIS throughout the
years includes recognizing Tribal
languages and incorporating them
in schools, establishment of an
Indian Education Office, including
Oregon Tribes as a government
eligible for surplus county land and
placing of Oregon Tribal flags on
the Capitol Mall. While each Tribe
is unique in the way its government
is set up, LCIS commissioners focus
on common issues to address and
have done so throughout the years.”
Besides representatives from
each of the nine federally recog-
nized Tribes in Oregon, Sens. Ted
Ferrioli and Arnie Roblan and
Reps. Caddy McKeown and Greg
Smith sit on the commission.
According to the Oregon State
Legislature’s website, before the
commission’s establishment there
was no suitable mechanism in state
government to consider Indian con-
cerns directly.
“LCIS serves as the main fo-
rum in which Indian concerns are
considered. It serves as a conduit
through which concerns are chan-
neled through the network to the
appropriate entity; it serves as a
point of access for finding out about
state government programs and In-
dian communities; and it serves as
a catalyst for bringing about change
where change is needed.”
Karen Quigley has been the com-
mission’s executive director for the
last 20 years.
“All are welcome to the ‘Day to
Celebrate’ ” Quigley said. “We invite
everyone to dress for the celebration
and join us at the Capitol.” n
Education Association begins registration
The National Indian Education Association started registration for
its 46th annual Convention and Trade Show on April 1. The four-day
convention is being held Oct. 14-17 at the Oregon Convention Center
in Portland and will be the first time in more than 30 years that the
association has held its convention in the Rose City.
“Portland is central to the Tribes living throughout the Northwest,
ensuring equity for all of our students and NIEA members in the area,”
said board President Melvin Monette. “The city is well-known for its
longstanding and positive working relationship with Tribal entities.”
This year’s theme is “Building Education Nations Through Tradi-
tional Foundations” and will emphasize innovation, creativity and
culture throughout the convention.
Teachers, school administrators, Tribal leaders and education fac-
ulty will be able to choose from more than 100 workshops focusing
on advanced educational programs for Native students. Workshops
will be coupled with a tradeshow where vendors will showcase Native
art, career opportunities and educational technologies.
For more information or to inquire about attending the convention
as a member, sponsor or tradeshow exhibitor, visit www.niea.org
on the Internet. n
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