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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2019)
PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 700 Happy Holidays DECEMBER 1, 2019 ‘Thankful and grateful’ Grand Ronde Tribe celebrates 36 years of Restoration By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer T he importance of Tribal culture and respect for ancestors were themes interwoven throughout the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s 36th Restoration Celebration. Approximately 200 Tribal members, family, friends and elected officials traveled to Grand Ronde to fete what many call the most important day in the Tribe’s history, on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Tribal gym. The celebration began with a Canoe Family procession of singing, drumming and dancing led by Cultural Advisor Bobby Mercier. Approximately 30 Tribal members from infants to adults joined in for “New Beginnings,” “Salmon Song Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez and Dance” and “Traveling With Our Tribal Council Secretary Jon. A. George is joined by Kaikanim Mercier, 13, front, and Nakoa Mercier, center, in Ancestors.” “We are thankful and grateful to our the Warrior dance during the 36th annual Restoration Celebration held in the Tribal gym on Friday, Nov. 22. ancestors and all that they endured so can live in the ways of our culture,” George were held and veterans were gifted with 2019 we could be here today,” Mercier said. said. “It’s a wonderful day to celebrate 36 years Restoration shirts. Many would agree that a highlight of the Ca- and what we have done for our membership, All Tribal Council members attended Res- noe Family performance was “Warrior Dance,” our community, and our family and friends.” during which Tribal Council Secretary Jon A. After Grand Ronde Royalty members per- See RESTORATION George took to the floor to demonstrate his moves. formed “The Lord’s Prayer,” raffle drawings continued on pages 10-12 “It’s a great way to start the day when we How big can Grand Ronde be? Lack of a grocery store is a barrier to Tribal members coming home (Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of Smoke Signals stories in 2019 that examine the infrastructure of Grand Ronde and how many Tribal members could conceivably return to live in the community safely and comfortably. The first three stories examined the area’s water supply, transportation needs and housing availability.) By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer W hen it comes to enticing more Tribal members to move home, many cite the lack of a nearby grocery store as the biggest drawback. Stores such as a Safeway, WinCo, Grocery Outlet or Albertson’s are more than 20 miles away in McMin- nville, Dallas or Lincoln City, and are not exactly convenient for those wanting to grab a few ingredients See GRAND RONDE continued on pages 8-9 The American Market on Grand Ronde Road tries to help local shoppers by offering a selection of produce, milk, bread, dairy products and meat. Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez
