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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2017)
S moke S ignals JULY 1, 2017 Tribal Council approves two agreements with Army Corps of Engineers, Tualatin By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor Tribal Council approved two memorandums of understanding during its Wednesday, June 28, meeting, with the Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Tualatin. The non-binding agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers gives the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde a voice in the continuing operation of federal dams on the Columbia River as a cooperating agency for development of a new environmental impact statement. As a cooperating agency, the Tribe will review and provide input on details on dam operations in advance of the public. In late 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that it would start a five-year process for devel- oping an environmental impact statement for continued operation of Columbia River dams because of a federal court order. In January, Tribal Council mem- ber Kathleen George and Tribal staff members participated in Tribes-only scoping meetings in The Dalles and Portland. In February, Tribal staff mem- bers met with staff from the Corps, Bonneville Power Administration and Bureau of Reclamation and also coordinated with the Army Corps on developing the agreement regarding the Tribe’s status as a cooperating agency. “I think Grand Ronde’s voice will, in this process, be as strong as the other Tribes’,” Ceded Lands Manag- er Michael Karnosh said during the Tuesday, June 27, Legislative Ac- tion Committee meeting. “Whether or not the outcomes will all be what Grand Ronde advocates, I could not say, but remembering back to the Columbia River Treaty process, this MOU is definitely a positive step in the right direction. In the Columbia River Treaty process, Grand Ronde was all but left out.” The agreement with the city of Tualatin is specific to interpretive signage, Karnosh said, and ensures that the city will maintain Tribal signage that was erected recently that tells the story of the Tribe’s history, culture, connections and sovereignty in the Tualatin area. In other action, Tribal Council: • Approved a Tribal credit card for Wildlife Fire Single Resource Boss Daniel Schramm to use for payment for wildland fire crew expenses, meals, rental expenses and maintenance of Tribal vehi- cles and engines; • Approved applying for an approx- imately $14,500 grant from the Administration for Children and Families for a Family Violence Prevention and Services grant that would fund individual and group counseling and parenting classes. Tribal Domestic Violence Program Coordinator Anne Falla said during the Tuesday, June 27, Legislative Action Committee meeting that her program helped more than 80 clients in 2016; • Approved a confidentiality agree- ment with the Burns Paiute Tribe; • And held a first reading on pro- posed amendments to the Tribal Procurement Ordinance that would require environmentally friendly purchasing practices in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste, conserve energy, improve Tribal member health and provide a role model of good stewardship. Also included in the June 28 Tribal Council packet were autho- rizations to proceed that increased the Tribal minimum wage to $10.25 an hour and recommended four names for a new dorm at the Uni- versity of Oregon – Kalapuya ilihi, Kalapuya haws (“haws” is Chinuk wawa for “house”), Chanchifin Hall or haws (Chanchifin is a Kalapuya band from the Eugene area) and Kalapuya Ahman (“ahman” is Ka- lapuyan for house). Cultural Resources Department staff members Brian Krehbiel and Bobby Mercier and Tribal youths Jacob Holmes and Kaikanim and Nakoa Mercier performed the cultural drumming and singing to open the meeting. The meeting in its entirety can be viewed by clicking on the Tribal website at www.grandronde.org and then going to the News tab and Video. Weatherization funds available for Native homes McMINNVILLE — Yamhill Community Action Partnership has limited funds available for weatherizing dwellings occupied by homeowners or rent- ers who are Native Americans. The partnership’s energy technician will perform a free in-home energy audit to determine what weatherization services may be installed. Eligible applicants must be at or below 200 percent of established federal poverty guidelines for the current year and a registered member of the Confeder- ated Tribes of Grand Ronde. For example, a family of four earning $48,600 annually would qualify. The following items must be provided to qualify for weatherization: approved eligibility application/packet, necessary authori- zations completed by the owner/authorized agent and occupant, proof that the property is clear from safety and health hazards, and the dwelling must be in Yamhill County. The purpose of the program is to lower energy usage and help lower utility bills. To request an application or appointment, contact Anaberta at 503-687-1483 or visit www.yamhillcap.org on the Internet. Rolling the dice Photos by Michelle Alaimo Leah Green of Tillamook dusts the interior of her 1968 Chevrolet Camaro at the Veterans Roll the Dice Car Show held at Spirit Mountain Casino on Saturday, June 17. The fourth annual Veterans Roll the Dice Car Show was held in the Spirit Mountain Casino parking lot on Saturday, June 17. The show is organized by the Tribe’s Veterans Special Event Board with support and help from casino staff, friends and volunteers. The show’s entry fee and one can of food requirement raised $5,250 to be used to help veteran’s organizations over the holiday season and 277 pounds of food that was donated to the Grand Ronde Food Bank. The Veterans SEB would like to thank the entertainment, The Perry Gerber Band, Tyson and Jenny Price for starting up their “Nitro Fueled Dragster” and all participants. Tribal Elder and Veterans Special Event Board Chair Steve Bobb Sr. puts out the trophies that were awarded at the Veterans Roll the Dice Car Show held at Spirit Mountain Casino on Saturday, June 17. Are you frustrated with your diabetes control? Do you have questions about diabetes? Do you need help managing your diabetes? If so… Call the Medical Clinic today at 503-879-2002 To schedule an individual diabetes education appointment Community Health Program Medical Transport Services Medical transportation services are available to Tribal members within the six-county service area when an alternate means of transportation is not available. Advance notice required. Please call 503-879-2078 to schedule a reservation. 5
