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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2020)
sNok signflz AUGUST 1, 2020 Veterans Royalty Court Hello, my name is Kaleigha Simi, I am 14 years old and I will be entering my sophomore year at Willamina High School. I am the daughter of Shannon Simi and Josh Baker. I am the granddaughter of Janet Titus and Virginia and Lonnie Roof. I am the great-granddaughter of Annabelle Poole, Robert Simi and Marvin and Eleanor Kimsey. I come from the Rogue River, Molalla, Umpqua, Kalapuya and Wasco people. In my free time I enjoy playing volleyball, traveling to powwows, participating in our canoe family, beading, sewing, crocheting, camp- ing and spending time with my family, friends and my cat. My plans after graduating high school are to attend Linfield Col- Kaleigha Simi lege, followed by interning at OHSU to become a doctor. I’m still deciding what field of medicine I’d like to study. I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon or a neurosurgical doctor. I have chosen to dedicate my year as the 2020-21 Senior Veterans Queen in honor of my two great-grandfathers, Marvin Kimsey who served in the Navy and Robert Simi who served in the Army. To all veterans in all branches, current and past: thank you today and every day for your sacrifice, your bravery and your courage. May we always remember those who were/are missing in action, prisoners of war and those killed in action. May we never forget freedom isn’t free. It is an honor to serve not only our veterans, but our Tribe as a whole. I look forward to our future when we can gather again for powwows and celebrations. Congratulations to the newly crowned Junior Miss Veterans Queen Tasina Bluehorse and the Veterans Warrior Nacoma Liebelt, I look forward to serving alongside you both. Hello, my name is Nacoma Li- ebelt. I am the current Grand Ronde Veterans Warrior for 2020-21. I am 11 years old and going into sixth grade at Willamina Middle School. My parents are Levi and Nichole Liebelt. My grandparents are Denise Haskins and Joe and Penny Zimmer. My great-grand- parents are Marilee Norwest and Kenneth and Darlene Lafferty. I will be proudly representing my Tribe, my family, my great grand- fathers who were veterans and all the past and present veterans for their service. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Hayu masi 17 Nacoma Liebelt Hello, my name is Tasina LutaWin Bluehorse. I am 13 years old going into the ninth grade a McMinnville High School. I’m currently the 2020-21 Junior Veterans Queen. This is my fourth year participating on royalty. I have enjoyed my years dancing. It has been an honor representing the Tribal veterans and my Tribe. My parents are Tessa Grant and Anthony Bluehorse. Grandparents are Faye Smith Grant and Bruce Grant and my great-grandparents are Winifred Red-Eagle Smith and Lawrence Smith. Tasina LutaWin Bluehorse This year has been hard for me because of my mother’s passing and COVID-19, but I am looking forward for a brighter future. Hayu masi. On Friday, July 10, the Veterans Special Event Board Royalty gathered at a quiet arbor to handle business that would typically be done in front of hundreds of guests at- tending the Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Pow- wow. During the private event, Anthony Quenelle spoke on behalf of the Veterans SEB members to thank Mabel Brisbois, outgoing Veterans Senior Queen 2019–20, for her many years of service to the board. Following the honor song provided by Quenelle, the 2020–21 court was crowned with hopes to gather again for powwows and celebrations in the future. Stay safe. hayu masi Photos by Chelsea Baranski 2019–20 Court: From left, Veterans Senior Queen Mabel Brisbois, Veterans Junior Queen Tasina Bluehorse and Veterans Warrior Nacoma Liebelt. Photo by Shannon Simi 2020-21 Court: From left, Veterans Senior Queen Kaleigha Simi, Veterans Junior Queen Tasina Bluehorse and Veterans Warrior Nacoma Liebelt. Cedar crowns made by Brian Krehbiel. Beadwork on crowns and Veterans Warrior medallion by Savannah Ingram. Sashes and beaded sash pins by Susie Lash.