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S moke S ignals
AUGUST 15, 2016
Kids Programs at
Fort Yamhill State Park
Photo
Story and Stroll (ages 2-6)
Jr. Ranger (ages 6-12)
Tuesdays 11:00am
Mondays 11:00am
July 12, 19, 26
July 11, 18, 25
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
This free program integrates
nature exploration, art, literature,
music, movement, and outdoor
play. It is geared toward families
with young children.
Come earn your Jr Ranger
badge by exploring the park to
learn about plants and
animals, help take care of
parks, and learn a park secret.
(remov black box)
For more information call 503-879-5814
Or visit oregonstateparks.org
Tribal Council OKs Banks
Braves mascot agreement
By Dean Rhodes
Smoke Signals editor
Tribal Council approved a five-year agreement with the Banks School
District during its Wednesday, Aug. 3, meeting that will allow the Wash-
ington County district to keep its “Braves” athletic team name and adopt
a more culturally appropriate mascot image.
Banks becomes the first school district in Oregon with a Native mascot to
sign an agreement with one of the state’s nine federally recognized Tribes.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Board of Education adopted rules that
allow school districts to retain Native American mascots if they enter into
agreements with an Oregon Tribe regarding its use.
The Banks School Board approved the agreement, which will eventually
phase out use of a Native American warrior’s profile from all school build-
ings and uniforms, on June 15. The agreement also was approved by the
state Department of Education.
As part of the agreement, the Banks School District will not only adopt a
more culturally appropriate mascot in collaboration with the Grand Ronde
Tribe, but also will start teaching a Tribally created history curriculum
and sponsor a Native Club for its students.
Banks Superintendent Jeff Leo said that approximately 3 percent of the
district’s 1,100 students identify as Native American.
In other action, Tribal Council:
• Adopted amendments to the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance that
will allow Tribal Council to appoint between three and five individuals
to the TERO Commission;
• Sent amendments to the Tribal Council Ordinance out for a first read-
ing, which will allow Tribal members to comment. The amendments
incorporate portions of Tribal Council’s operating procedures and better
define Tribal Council member roles as liaisons to committees and special
event boards, outline how individuals should address Tribal Council at
meetings and clarify how Legislative Action Committee sheets may be
signed by Tribal Council members, among other changes;
• Approved paying $2,736 in annual membership dues to the Mid-Willa-
mette Valley Council of Governments;
• Approved the enrollment of one infant into the Tribe because he or she
meets the membership provisions outlined in the Enrollment Ordinance
and Tribal Constitution.
Also included in the Aug. 3 Tribal Council packet were authorizations to
proceed that gave permission to form a Tribal Ham Radio Club, allow the
Nutrition Program to operate an expresso trailer as a job training exercise
for Tribal members and permit the Lands Department to apply for a real
property tax exemption for the portion of the Portland office that is used
by the Tribe for governmental services. Tribal Lands Manager Jan Reibach
said the Tribe can back file for six years, saving about $8,000 a year.
Cultural Youth Activity Specialist Travis Stewart performed the cultural
drumming and singing to open the meeting.
The meeting, in its entirety, can be viewed on the Tribal website, www.
grandronde.org, by clicking on the News tab and then Video.