Smoke signals., May 15, 2018, Page 5, Image 5

S moke S ignals
MAY 15, 2018
5
Tea time
2013 – Tribal Government Day at the State Capitol honored the
ways Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes teach their children
educationally and culturally. Tribal Council member Cheryle A.
Kennedy briefed attendees about Grand Ronde efforts in educating
its youth while speaking in the State Capitol rotunda. She said one of
the reasons the Tribe sought Restoration was for the education of its
children. “Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde operates
an education program that spans all ages,” she said. “We recognize
that language is so important to the existence of our people, that
language is a priority.”
2008 – The fourth major
expansion of Spirit Moun-
tain Casino was celebrated
and opened to the public.
An opening ceremony was
held, guided tours of the
new Events Center were
conducted and guests en-
joyed hors d’oeuvres and
File photo
a no-host bar. Guests also 2008
received a no-limit food
voucher to the new Cedar Plank Buffet. Entertainment to celebrate
the expansion included blues great Curtis Salgado, comedian Dana
Carvey and rock band Blues Traveler in the new 17,200-square-foot
entertainment center.
2003 – The Hall of Legends in Spirit Mountain Casino was due to
be remodeled. The plan was to change it into a walkthrough display
area showcasing the history and culture of the Grand Ronde Tribe.
Initial plans included remodeling the hallways to make them more
open and brighter with cases of basketry and other artisan items,
as well as photographs, audio recordings and large plasma screen
televisions explaining the story of the Tribe. “This exhibit will tell
who we are as a people,” said Spirit Mountain Management Mentee
Elaine LaBonte.
1998 – The Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Cul-
tural Resources Protection Department joined forces to preserve a
75-acre wetland area near Corvallis where a band of Kalapuya con-
sidered part of their home country. The area, which was adjacent to
Mary’s River, held special meaning for many Tribal people. In days
past, it was an area plentiful in camas, tarweed and other traditional
plants. The land was originally going to be a housing development,
but when the historical and cultural importance of the area was
revealed, the plan was halted. The owner transferred the land into
the Wetland Reserve Easement Program under the management of
the city of Corvallis and NRCS.
1993 – The Tribe announced it was “initiating required action”
to open a public gaming facility on Tribal land. Tribal officials had
been in contact with Gov. Barbara Roberts to request a contract be
drawn up between the Tribe and the state, as required by the Indi-
an Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. “We are very concerned about
sustaining financial support for our programs,” Tribal Chairman
Mark Mercier said. “Opening a facility that taps Oregon’s growing
tourism industry makes us less susceptible to the uncertain future
of the timber industry and anticipated federal budget cuts.”
1988 – During the Western Regional Higher Education Conference,
Tribal programs and contractors were informed that the start of the
1988-89 school year meant many changes involved in preparing a
student’s financial aid budget. With the 1986 Tax Reform Act, a stu-
dent’s budget would be developed as if the student was a “single head
of household,” meaning no dependency allowances. If the student had
children, they would not be figured into the student’s budget. Child
care costs also were under scrutiny. “Be forewarned that this may
result in reduced financial aid next school year by both the schools
and the Tribe,” the article stated.
Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year in-
crements through the pages of Smoke Signals.
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
Photos by Michelle Alaimo
Lorraine McDaniel paints a flower pot during the Mother's Day Tea
Party held at the Tribal Community Center on Saturday, May 12. Next
to her also painting a flower pot is her sister Annabelle Layman. The
party included lunch, flower pot painting, flowers to plant in the pot
and prizes. About 60 people attended the party that was hosted by the
Tribe's Community Health Program.
Tribal Health Promotion Specialist Tammy Leno gets a flower for
Darlene Lafferty, left, as Tanya Lopez fills her flower pot with dirt
during the Mother's Day Tea Party held at the Tribal Community Center
on Saturday, May 12.
Hatfield Fellow Program
seeking applicants
By Angela Sears
Community Fund Program Coordinator
The web-based application for
the 2018-19 Hatfield Fellowship
opened Friday, March 16, for mem-
bers of Oregon, Washington, Idaho
and Montana Tribes and will close
on Thursday, May 31.
Each year, Spirit Mountain Com-
munity Fund sponsors a congres-
sional fellowship with a member of
the Oregon delegation to enhance
the mutual understanding between
the federal government and Indian
Country.
Past fellows have served in a
number of Senate and House con-
gressional offices, including those
of Sens. Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley
and Gordon Smith and Reps. Kurt
Schrader, Darlene Hooley, Peter
DeFazio and Greg Walden.
“The Hatfield Fellowship is a
yearly investment in strengthening
the understanding between Oregon
Tribes and our congressional rep-
resentatives,” Community Fund
Director Mychal Cherry said. “By
spending eight months as part of
a congressional office, these Tribal
members come away with an invalu-
able understanding of how things are
done in D.C. During the fellowship
experience, working relationships
are formed that will benefit the
fellow throughout their career. The
congressional staff also learn from a
colleague about the realities in Indi-
an Country and the huge potential
for our communities. This is abso-
lutely a learning exchange.”
Fellows begin their time in Wash-
ington, D.C., in November with a
monthlong orientation with the
American Political Science Asso-
ciation.
The Hatfield Fellowship was
created in 1998 to honor Sen.
Mark Hatfield’s public service to
Oregon and the Pacific North-
west. Additional information
about the program is available
at www.thecommunityfund.com/
hatfield-fellowship. 