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APRIL 1, 2022
Smoke Signals
Fish named new Gaming
Commission director
By Dean Rhodes
Smoke Signals editor
Longtime Tribal employee Tan-
ner Fish was named the director
of the Grand Ronde Gaming Com-
mission on Wednesday, March 23,
succeeding Michael Boyce in the
position.
Tribal Council approved elevat-
ing Fish, who has been working
as the interim director, during its
meeting.
Fish started working for the
Grand Ronde Tribe in April 2006
in the Information Systems De-
partment.
“I have the highest confidence in
his ability to do this job,” said Tribal
Council member Jack Giffen Jr.
during the Tuesday, March 22, Leg-
islative Action Committee hearing.
“He has always been an out-
standing employee,” added Tribal
Council member Denise Harvey.
Fish will be in charge of the
Tribe’s regulatory entity for all
gaming enterprises and supervise a
staff of 12 employees. Boyce retired
on Feb. 11 after leading the Gaming
Commission since May 2008.
In other action, Tribal Council:
• Approved a memorandum of
understanding with the Indian
Health Service that will bring
the Tribe $421,000 in federal
funding to construct water and
sanitary facilities for the second
phase of building at the home
ownership property located at
the end of McPherson Road east
of Grand Ronde Road. In addi-
tion, Tribal Council approved
the Engineering and Planning
Department applying for a $2.5
million Economic Development
Administration grant that would
construct infra-
structure and
utilities for the
32 home lots in
Phase Two;
• Approved
the Health
and Wellness
Department
Tanner Fish
applying for
a three-year,
$450,000 Centers for Disease Con-
trol Nutrition and Wellness in Indi-
an Country grant that would fund
the Tribe developing initiatives to
support wellness and nutritional
education relevant to the Tribe’s
culture and community;
• Approved a $241,686 design-build
contract with Triplett-Wellman
Inc. of Woodburn for a health care
and vaccination clinic to be built
on the Tribal campus;
• Approved applying for a maxi-
mum $150,000 Institute of Mu-
seum and Library Services grant
that would fund the Tribe devel-
oping approximately 10 more cul-
turally relevant books that would
be distributed to Tribal families
and placed in the Tribal Library;
• And approved enrollment of 11
individuals into the Tribe be-
cause they meet the requirements
outlined in the Enrollment Ordi-
nance and Tribal Constitution.
Tribal Council also set the agen-
da for the 11 a.m. Sunday, April 3,
General Council meeting, which will
feature a presentation on the Tribe’s
capital improvement projects.
To watch the entire meeting, visit
the Tribal government’s website
at www.grandronde.org and click
on the Government tab and then
Videos. 
GRAND RONDE GAMING
COMMISSION POSITIONS
The Grand Ronde Gaming Commission is seeking applications for
two positions. The positions are for three-year terms beginning June
of 2022. The terms will expire June of 2025. The Grand Ronde Gam-
ing Commission regulates all gaming-related activities associated with
Spirit Mountain Casino. The Tribal Gaming Ordinance requires both
positions to be filled by Tribal members. Applicants must be at least 21
years of age. Commissioners may not hold elective or managerial Tribal
positions, and may not be employed in or own any interest in or gam-
ble in a gaming operation authorized by the Tribal Gaming Ordinance.
Commissioners are independent contractors and expend approximately
30-40 hours per month to fulfill their responsibilities. The Commission
generally meets on the second and third Fridays of each month. Ap-
pointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background
investigation. Applications may be obtained by calling Kathy Doane at
503-879-2393 or e-mail at kathy.doane@grandronde.org.
Closing date is April 30, 2022, by 5 p.m.
Smoke Signals seeking
perspectives from
incarcerated moms
Are you a Tribal member and a mother who has been in the
correctional system? What were some of the challenges and ob-
stacles you faced trying to mother from the inside of prison walls?
Were you able to reconnect with your children upon release and
mend fractured relationships?
If so, Smoke Signals would like to hear your story. Staff writer
Danielle Harrison is writing a series on mothers who have been in
prison and the effects on family relationships, and would like to
talk to Tribal members who are in various stages of the process,
from incarceration to post-release.
What has worked for you to stay an active/engaged part of your
children’s lives and why? What services do you wish were more
readily available for mothers in prison?
Your story is important and we would like to hear from you,
no matter where you are at in the process.
Please contact Danielle Harrison for more information at dan-
ielle.harrison@grandronde.org or call 503-879-4663. 
LOOKING FOR WORK?
SIGN UP FOR THE TERO
SKILLS BANK!
Carpenters, General laborers,
ConCrete Masons & laborers,
asphalt laborers, and More!
HOW? Contact the TERO Office at 503-879-2188 or email tero@grandronde.org
WHO CAN SIGN UP? Grand Ronde Tribal members and members of other
federally recognized Tribes. Must be 18 years or older.
WHAT IS NEEDED? TERO Skills Bank application and Tribal ID
Save the Date
2022 Grand Ronde
E d u c a ti o n S u m m i t
Wednesday August 24th
9:00am-4:30pm
Location: Spirit Mountain Casino
TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE
Ad by Samuel Briggs III