4
S moke S ignals
JUNE 1, 2017
Mother’s Day tea
2012 – The Oregon Board of Education voted 5-1 to ban Native
American-themed mascots by 2017 or offending school districts will
risk losing their state funding. However, Grand Ronde Tribal Chair-
woman Cheryle A. Kennedy argued that mascots are supposed to be
inspirational and, therefore, it is a compliment that schools would
pick a Native American mascot to represent it.
2007 – The Tribe broke
ground on the new Elders
Activity Center. Tribal El-
der Dakota Whitecloud
blessed the ground and
Tribal Elder Robert Wat-
son spoke about the neces-
sity of an Elders Activity
Center in Grand Ronde.
2002 – Tribal member
File photo
Peter Wakeland took over 2007
as manager of the Natural
Resources Department. “It presents a professional challenge and
opportunity that I haven’t had yet,” he said.
1997 – Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber issued a proclamation declar-
ing American Indian Week in Oregon at a special signing ceremony
at the State Capitol in Salem on May 22. The ceremony was followed
by a day of Native American activities, food and traditional dancing.
1992 – The candidate lineup for the Sept. 12 election was set with
12 Tribal members seeking three seats: Joseph Brisbois, Wilmadene
Butler, Valarene Grout, Kathryn Harrison, Andrew Jenness, Earl
F. LaBonte, Eugene R. LaBonte, Edward Larsen Jr., Reynold Leno,
Patricia Martin, Robert Mercier and Michael Reibach.
1987 – The state System for Higher Education voted to waive tui-
tion fees for 146 minority students who attend one of the eight state
colleges or universities. The plan waives tuition and other fees for
Native Americans, African Americans and those of Hispanic heritage.
The awards averaged about $1,500 annually.
Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year in-
crements through the pages of Smoke Signals.
Elders’ Fishing Trip set for June 1
The first Elders’ Fishing Trip of 2017 will be held Thursday, June 1,
with a journey to Hebo Lake.
The free event, sponsored by the Natural Resources Department’s Parks
and Recreation Program and hosted by the Fish and Wildlife Committee,
will be held rain or shine with transportation, fishing gear and a meal
provided.
The trip is limited to the first 25 Tribal Elders and spouses who sign up
at the Elders Activity Center or by calling 503-879-2233.
Vans will leave at 8 a.m. If you need a Tribal fishing license, contact the
Natural Resources Department at 503-879-2424.
Ad created by George Valdez
Photo by Michelle Alaimo
Rachel Clark and her daughter, Ashley Leno, 4, decorate a cookie during
the Mother’s Day Tea Party held in the Tribal Community Center on
Friday, May 12. The party was hosted by the Tribe’s Community Health
Program.
Grand Ronde
Housing Department
Housing Board seeks community input
The Grand Ronde Housing Board is inviting Tribal members and Trib-
al housing residents to provide input to assist its members in carrying
out its advisory role to the Housing Department and Tribal Council
regarding policy guidance. The Housing Board meets at 3 p.m. the third
Thursday of each month in the Housing Department conference room,
28450 Tyee Road. Its chair is Matt Thomas. For more information,
contact the Housing Department at 503-879-2401.
Ad created by George Valdez