Smoke signals., February 01, 2019, Page 9, Image 9

S MOKE S IGNALS
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
9
Opportunities to refl ect
Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam follows up successful 2018 event
By Danielle Frost
Smoke Signals staff writer
When the Tribe hosted its fi rst
“Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilix-
am” in April 2018, it sought to give
Tribal members an opportunity to
connect, remember the past and
learn how to best care of their com-
munity in the future.
A smaller, follow-up gathering
was held Wednesday, Jan. 23, in
the Tribal Community Center so
that past attendees could recon-
nect, and to provide an opportunity
for new people to attend.
“Tilixam” means “People, family
or gathering” in Chinuk Wawa, and
the event was organized by Tribal
Social Services Manager Dana Ain-
am along with the Native Wellness
Institute of Gresham.
“When we learn about healing and
compassion, we are responsible for
the energy we bring into a room,”
Native Wellness Institute Executive
Director Jillene Joseph said. “We
can start healing with something
simple, emitting positive energy.”
Native Wellness Institute’s mis-
sion is to promote the physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual
health of North Amer-
ica’s indigenous peo-
ples, and to bring about
positive changes. It has
existed for 18 years
and organizers have
facilitated hundreds
of community healing
gatherings throughout
North America using
the Gathering of Native
Americans curriculum.
The Gathering of
Native Americans cur-
riculum model was de-
veloped between 1990
and 1994 by several
founding Wellness In-
stitute members. Organizers say it
has stood the test of time as an ef-
fective healing and planning model
for Tribal communities addressing
effects of historical and inter-gen-
erational trauma.
“GONA opened up the gate to
sit in a circle, share and bring our
traditional medicines,” Joseph said.
“It made it OK to bring our cultural
values to a community gathering.”
“When we hear the word ‘GONA,’
even in that name is healing,” said
Robert Johnston, founding member
and event co-facilitator. “It’s about
re-connection. When we’re together
it gives us opportunities to take
care of each other. That’s a good
way of opening up.”
The event attracted 25 partic-
ipants, including Tribal Council
members Michael Langley, Denise
Harvey and Kathleen George, who
attended during various portions
of the day.
“There is only so much Tribal
Council can do,” Harvey said. “It
takes our community to bring us
together. You all participating here
today means so much. I’m really
happy you are here.”
Tribal Elder and past Tribal
Council Chair Kathryn Harrison
gave the opening blessing. After-
The Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam was held in the Tribal Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 23. It was a
follow-up to the April 2018 Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam.
Former Tribal Council Chairwoman Kathryn Harrison
is joined by Nancy Renfrow, left, Health Committee
Chairwoman Bernadine Shriver and Jordan Cocker (Kiowa
Tungan) of the Native Wellness Institute during the
Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam that was held in the
Tribal Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
ward, with everyone gathered in a
circle, they shared what they were
looking forward to that day as well
as in 2019.
“I thank God in the morning be-
cause I wake up and I’m still here,”
Harrison said with a smile. “But
at 94, almost 95, I’m still trying to
fi gure out why I’m here. So, I’m go-
ing to go to all of the meetings and
canoe journeys I
can while I still
can.”
The next ex-
ercise involved
Joseph asking
participants to
partner up and
then giving them
a statement to
answer in 30 seconds, such as
“These are my thoughts about
Grand Ronde culture.” The room
buzzed with activity and, at times,
laughter.
“One of the things we talked
about last time were the lasting
impacts of trauma,” Joseph said.
“One of these is chronic negativity.
Our brains and the way they oper-
Photos by Timothy J. Gonzalez
Shaiyla Krebs, 11, and Social Services Manager Dana Ainam participate in
one the exercises during the Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam held in the
Tribal Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 23. It was a follow-up to the
April 2018 Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam.
ate come from a place of keeping us
safe. … It contributes to the chronic
negativity. The response to that is
to practice being positive. When
we’re positive, that is the energy
that will be around us.”
Then, attendees were asked to
share some of their favorite mem-
ories from the April event.
Responses ranged from weaving,
going to Chachalu, making a “River
of Life,” seeing old photos of Elders
and making necklaces.
“I was 4 or 5 years old during the
time we were terminated,” said Elder
Carmen Mercier. “I remember feel-
ing really sad that our friends and
family were moving. I remember my
grandma saying there will always be
a connection we never lose. Now, the
grandchildren of those families are
coming back home.”
Joseph referred to the event’s
activities as an opportunity to have
collective healing.
“We are realizing that we are not
alone in our experiences and there
is healing,” she said.
Other activities included a cul-
ture walk, healing groups and an
affi rmation circle.
“I really appreciate everyone be-
ing here,” Ainam said. “It speaks to
the need to connect. … We’re looking
to have another full GONA event in
April or May, and are hoping we can
have a youth one as well.” n