12 SMOKE SIGNALS MARCH 15, 2024 Grand Ronde Royalty Participating in the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Royalty is an excellent opportunity for Tribal youth to learn our traditions, powwow protocol and public speaking. Participants represent the Tribe by attending powwows, events, parades, fundraisers and various community events. Serving on the royalty court requires a considerable commitment from the participant and their parents/guardians and/or sponsor. Royalty participants (including parent/guardian/sponsor) must at- tend all required events and activities. Participants must be within the following age categories by Tues- day, Aug. 1, 2024: Tiny Tot (Honorary): 4-6 years of age Little Miss Grand Ronde: 7-10 years of age Junior Miss Grand Ronde: 11-13 years of age Senior Miss Grand Ronde: 14-18 years of age General Requirements: 1. Enrolled Grand Ronde Tribal member 2. Must be drug-, alcohol- and tobacco-free 3. Attend school regularly and be in good standing 4. Must be single with no dependents 5. Sign and comply with royalty guidelines and agreement For questions or for an application contact: Shannon A. Simi, CTGR & Veterans Royalty Coordinator Phone: 503-879-1358 Email: Shannon.simi@grandronde.org DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Friday, March 29 Late applications will not be accepted. Interior Department announces new regulations for Indian gaming compact approval processes WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior announced a fi nal rule to update federal regulations regarding Class III gaming compact negotiations between Tribes and states. The updated regulations provide guidance for Tribes and states to negotiate gaming compacts required by the Indian Gaming and Reg- ulatory Act, and a more transparent and orderly processes for Tribes who are seeking approval of their compacts with states, according to a press release. “These regulations are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to ensuring that Tribes have the resources they need to exercise their Tribal sovereignty and support their communities,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. “Not only does Indian gaming support Tribal economies, the funding it generates helps to support the vital services that Tribal nations provide to their citizens — from language preservation to healthcare. By updating these regulations, we will provide certainty and clarity to Tribes for an industry that remains one of the most signifi cant sources of economic development in Indian Country.” The changes to 25 C.F.R. Part 293, which governs the review and approval of Tribal-state gaming compacts, provide clarity on the criteria the department would consider when deciding whether to approve these compacts by clarifying boundaries as to allowable topics of negotiation, better defi ning key terms and clearly outlining when the department must review a gaming compact. The fi nal rule refl ects input and recommendations provided by Tribes during two listening sessions and seven formal consultation sessions as well as written comments from Tribes and the public. The new reg- ulations will be effective 30 days after being published in the Federal Register, which is expected in the coming days. Veterans Royalty Construction zone GRAND RONDE VETERANS ROYALTY Participating in Veterans Royalty is an excellent opportunity for Tribal youth to learn our traditions, powwow protocol, public speaking and work with veterans. Participants represent the vet- erans and the Tribe by attending powwows, events, parades, fundraisers and various community events. Serving on Veterans Royalty requires a considerable commit- ment from the participant and their parents and/or sponsor. Royalty participants (including parent or sponsor) must attend all required events and activities. Participants must be within the following age categories by Saturday, July 1, 2024: Tiny Tot Warriors: 4-6 years of age Warriors: 7 -18 years of age Tiny Tot Princess: 4-6 years of age Little Miss Queen: 7 -10 years of age Junior Miss Queen: 11-13 years of age Senior Miss Queen: 14-18 years of age General Requirements: 1. Enrolled Grand Ronde Tribal member 2. Must be alcohol and drug free 3. Never married, no children 4. Attend school regularly and be in good standing 5. Sign and comply with Veterans Royalty guidelines & agree- ment For questions or for an application contact: Shannon A. Simi, CTGR & Veterans Royalty Coordinator Phone: 503-879-1358 Email: Shannon.simi@grandronde.org DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Friday, March 29 Late applications will not be accepted. Tribal Library merges with Regional Library Service The Tribal Library has merged with the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service, said Tribal Librarian Kathy Cole. Tribal members can now get books from libraries in Polk, Yamhill and Marion counties, as well as access to many free programs. Tribal Library patrons should visit the Tribal Library and update their information and obtain a new Regional Library Service card. For more information, contact Cole at 503-879-1488. Now through Dec. 31, 2024, construction is occurring for the new child development center. During this time, there will be construction traffi c using the loop road around the old powwow grounds across the street from the Governance Center. The road surrounding the old powwow grounds will have restricted access to allow the contractor adequate space to access the site, as well as store materials and equipment. The western half of the loop around the grounds will be closed through Monday, April 1, due to construction. For more information, contact 503-879-2404 or Ryan.Webb@grandronde. org. Attention All Artisans Now accepting bids for our Little Miss crown. Submit full design that includes: • The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde logo including feathers. • Court Year 2024–25. • Title: Little Miss Grand Ronde. • Crowns must be completed and delivered by July 19, 2024. Must submit photos of progress when requested. Bid deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024. (deadline is firm and no bids will be accepted after 5 p.m.) Mail bids and designs to: CTGR Royalty c/o Shannon Simi 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347 Questions: Call Shannon at 503-879-1358 or email shannon.simi@grandronde.org *Bids and designs can be sent to the above email address. Ad by Samuel Briggs III