PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 700 Grand Ronde supports Standing Rock pipeline protest — pg. 9 SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 Food Access team hosting Mania event By Brent Merrill Smoke Signals staff writer A n ongoing effort by Tribal leadership and staff to educate the membership and community about where to acquire fresh, quality foods locally is continuing with mfkhmfk Mania on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Tribal gym. The free, family-friendly event begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m., and is open to all community members. mfkhmfk Mania, which was organized by members of the Food Access Community Team, will feature cooking demonstrations, education- al workshops, informational booths and a free meal. “The idea is for the event to celebrate all things food related,” said Food Bank Coordina- tor Francene Ambrose. “We just want to focus locally. We’re going to provide a free lunch, a free shopping tote and a free cookbook.” Ambrose, along with Tribal Council mem- ber Chris Mercier, is on the local Food Access See FOOD continued on page 14 If you go mfkhmfk Mania When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 Where: Tribal gym, 9615 Grand Ronde Road Cost: Free and open to all community members More information: 503-879-3663 Photo by Michelle Alaimo Kathleen George, right, is congratulated on being elected to Tribal Council by Tammy Chavez during the General Council meeting held in the Tribal Community Center on Sunday, Sept. 11. George came in first place in the Saturday, Sept. 10, election with 624 votes to win her first term on Tribal Council. By George Voters elect Community Fund director, re-elect two incumbents By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor T ribal voters overwhelmingly elected Spirit Mountain Community Fund Director Kathleen George to Tribal Council during the Saturday, Sept. 10, elec- tion, as well as returned two incumbents to office by narrow margins over the remainder of the nine-candidate field. George received 624 votes, the most since Tribal Council member Chris Mercier polled 607 votes in 2007. George’s margin of victory over second-place finisher Jack Giffen Jr., who received 565 votes, was 59 votes. Giffen, who has been serving as Tribal Council vice chair, was elected to Tribal Council for the fifth time. Tribal Council member Denise Harvey See ELECTION continued on page 7 Tribal Council appoints Youth Council members By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor T he Tribe now has a Youth Council. At its Wednesday, Aug. 31, meeting, Tribal Council appointed Dominik Briant, Isabelle Grout, Raven Harmon, Jason Page, Payton Smith and Madalyn Volz to the Youth Council with terms ending in March 2018 or when they graduate from high school. One seat remains vacant. Tribal Council Secretary Cheryle Photo by Michelle Alaimo A. Kennedy said that the installa- tion of the first-ever Youth Council was a “moment in history” for the Tribe. Each appointee received neck- laces and a certificate from Tribal Council members in attendance. Tribal Council finalized the by- laws for the Youth Council in May. “The objective of the Youth Coun- See YOUTH COUNCIL continued on page 6 Youth Council appointments were made during the Tribal Council meeting held in Tribal Council Chambers on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Youth Council members are, front row from left, Raven Harmon, Isabelle Grout, Madalyn Volz and Payton Smith and, back row from left, Dominik Briant and Jason Page.