sNok signflz JUNE 15, 2023 9 ‘She was the spirit in Spirit Mountain Casino’ Former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts speaks during the memorial service for Tribal Elder Kathryn Harrison held at Spirit Mountain Casino’s Event Center. HARRISON continued from page 8 45-year friendship with Harrison, provided a video salute while former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski and current Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek submitted written statements. “She lit up the lives of all who knew her,” AuCoin said. “Born into humble beginnings, she in- spired countless souls with her unforgettable example of compas- sion, benevolence and goodwill. … Now Kathryn’s work on Earth is done. She sits with her forbearers watching to see if we will follow her example. We will, Kathryn. You are the newest star in the sky and we will always see your light.” “She was the spirit in Spirit Mountain Casino,” Kotek said. Tribal Lands Manager Jan Mi- chael Looking Wolf Reibach, a multiple Native American Music Awards recipient, performed “We Are All One Family” on Native flute accompanied by Robin Gentlewolf and Lori Sandall. Tribal Council member Michael Cherry, who is a former director of Spirit Mountain Community Fund, talked about Harrison’s desire to see her succeed in her new job in 2017 and how proud she was of Cherry when she was elected to Tribal Council in 2021. Four students from Kathryn Jones Harrison Ele- mentary School in Corvallis discussed Photos by Michelle Alaimo meeting Harrison in 2022 when the Cor- Tribal Council member Michael Cherry speaks during the memorial service for Tribal Elder vallis School District Kathryn Harrison held at Spirit Mountain Casino’s Event Center. renamed one of its ele- urday, June 3, that included tradi- mentary schools after her. All four The ceremony concluded with a tional ceremonies and was not open students talked about how honored blessing from Cherry and fellow to the public or media. they were to meet “Mrs. Kathryn.” Grand Ronde Tribal Council mem- Harrison was buried at the Grand Harrison biographer Kris Olson ber Jon A. George and a closing Ronde Tribal Cemetery on Sunday, discussed her interviews for the drum and song by the Grand Ronde June 4. Pall bearers were Bobby book “Standing Tall: The Life- Singers. Mercier, Jordan Mercier, Michael way of Kathryn Jones Harrison.” “She was a true warrior,” Bobby Van Pelt, Robert Van Pelt, Gary She said Harrison had lived long Mercier said before beginning the Tarr and Frank Rich. enough to abandon all signs of pre- final drum. At the time of her walking on, she tense and was able to tell her life Following the memorial service, was a resident of the Tribe’s Adult story without glossing over the bad attendees were invited to stay for Foster Care Elk Lodge. times, such as being raised in an a 1 p.m. salmon luncheon. The memorial service also was abusive foster care home or being Harrison’s extended family and streamed on the Tribal governmen- married and having 10 children Grand Ronde Tribal members tal website www.grandronde.org with an alcoholic husband. held a private ceremony at the and watched by 55 people. Olson added that Harrison had achaf-hammi plankhouse on Sat- an extensive memory for 1960s rock song lyrics, particularly Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz.” The final video tribute came from American Museum of Natural History Director Lisa Guggenheim. Harrison was on Tribal Council when the Tribe negotiated an agreement with the New York City museum that allowed Tomanowos – the Willamette meteorite – to remain at the museum in exchange for annual ceremonial visits by Grand Ronde Tribal members to the sacred object. Tribal Veterans Service Office 2023 Claim Appointment Schedule Monday Tuesday Thursday By scheduled By scheduled Walk-in claim appointment only appointment only appointments To schedule a claim appointment: call (503) 879-1484 or email CTGRTribalVSO@GrandRonde.Org