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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2025)
sNok signflz JANUARY 1, 2025 9 Tribe receives $20 million grant for rec center Oregon Rep. Andrea Salinas and U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced a federal grant of $20 million through the Infl ation Reduction Act for the Tribe’s new resident recreation center, now under design. Engineering and Planning Man- ager Ryan Webb noted that the money is part of a total of $22.5 million in grants the Tribe has secured for the center. “This grant is a new program from EPA as part of the Infl ation Reduction Act, this level of fund- ing is part of the historic levels of funding we have been seeing from the current administration and is the kind of funding that can enact real change and growth within the Grand Ronde community,” he said in an email. “Our grants manage- ment team (has) been working dil- igently throughout 2024 to secure Contributed graphic This is the proposed design for the Tribe’s resident and recreation center. The design is for a 47,000-square-foot building and surrounding amenities. historic levels of funding for the Tribe and this award is a refl ection of their hard work and dedication.” The center is intended to double as a community shelter during inclement weather and power Stickin’ it! outages, including not only arctic storms but the deadly heat waves that have swept the region in recent years. Solar panels with a battery backup are intended to ensure elec- trical systems will stay on during power outages. They are also ex- pected to lower electricity bills. Earlier this year, Salinas secured $500,000 in community project funding for the same project. The $20 million federal invest- ment is through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program. The center, which will include gym and fi tness equipment, a walk- ing track, classroom space and a community kitchen, will serve as a center for health, community, education and wellness, the repre- sentatives said. “I am excited to announce new federal funding for the Confeder- ated Tribes of Grand Ronde in my district,” Salinas said in a joint press release. “All Oregonians are feeling the effects of climate change, particularly those living in rural and Tribal communities with limited access to housing and services. This resilience center will provide a safe, warm place to shel- ter during extreme weather and ensure continued access to health, education, and other key services for the Grand Ronde community. I will continue working with my colleagues to secure critical invest- ments like this one for Oregon’s 6th District.” “The problems created by the ongoing climate crisis overlap with many issues already threatening Oregonians such as housing and ac- cess to essential medical services,” Wyden said. “This investment for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in both community services and housing for Tribal members is a great example of what I fought for in the Infl ation Reduction Act. We need more comprehensive solutions like this, and I will continue to fi ght for more resources to advance sim- ilar projects in Oregon and across the nation.” Merkley added that the funding is based on years of work to address the need for a local gathering space in the Grand Ronde community. “The Grand Ronde’s new resi- dent and recreation center will be transformative, serving as a place where they can connect, celebrate their culture, and access resources that strengthen their resilience and well-being for generations to come,” he said. “We are grateful that EPA rec- ognizes the importance of this project and what it means to our Tribal members and the Grand Ronde community,” Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy said. “This investment ensures that as stewards of the land, the Grand Ronde Tribe will have a safe place to gather and care for our people in the face of increasingly hazardous climate events.” n Photos by Kamiah Koch Agency Anderson, 11, surprises himself and others with the marked piece he was hiding during the Youth Stick Game gathering hosted by Youth Empowerment & Prevention in the Youth Education building on Tuesday, Dec. 17. This was the second stick game event hosted in December as YEP plans to do more indoor activities for Tribal youth during the winter months. Youth who participated in the game were entered into a raffl e for prizes after the game concluded. Baker Technical Institute Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Heavy Equipment Operator Training This course is for participants who want to train on Dozers, Wheel Loaders, Excavators, and more. Students will learn both in our high-tech CAT Simulator mobile classroom and in the field, running equipment side by side with our experienced instructors. This training will prepare you for a great career! Tribal member Fabian Quenelle hands SEE MORE OF THIS STORY point sticks to the opposing team during the Youth Stick Game gathering hosted @SmokeSignalsCTGR by Youth Empowerment & Prevention in the Youth Education building on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The traditional game uses sticks as a point system and players guess which hand a marked piece is hiding in. Stick game rules can be found in the Smoke Signals video: https://youtu.be/vQ-jk2x4M68?si=xSYzuPNtcLYa08yz. • • • • 3-week course - some type of construction experience is preferred Must by 18 years of age and enrolled in the TERO skills pool Must sign a contractual agreement that you will complete the course A valid driver’s license is required Simulated Training - Tribal Campus: February 24 - March 7, 2025 Land Lab Training - Albany: March 10-14, 2025 Register for training by calling 503-879-2146 or email tero@grandronde.org
