Smoke signals., April 15, 2025, Image 1

PRESORTED
STANDARD MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT NO. 700
Smelt fishing
photos — pg. 14
april 15, 2025
Tribe to face PGE in court
over access to Willamette Falls
By Nicole Montesano
Smoke Signals staff writer
T
he Tribe is set to face Port-
land General Electric in
federal court on Monday,
April 21, over the utility company’s
effort to condemn and take own-
ership of 5 acres of public land at
Willamette Falls, located between
Oregon City and West Linn.
Although the Department of
State Lands is the defendant, the
Tribe is also arguing opposition,
as an intervenor in the lawsuit.
The Tribe says condemnation
could mean the end of its fishing
platform, where ceremonial fish-
ers have revived the tradition of
dipnet fishing for 15 salmon and
steelhead per year. Tribal mem-
bers also fish for lamprey at the
base of the falls.
PGE says it must seize owner-
ship of the property for mainte-
nance and safety reasons, a claim
the Tribe disputes.
"The Confederated Tribes of
Grand Ronde feels this case is
about many things, including
justice and the protection of one
of Oregon’s most significant land-
marks,” Tribal Communications
Director Sara Thompson said.
“We remain committed to protect-
ing our interests and the public
gem that is Willamette Falls. We
look forward to presenting our
case at trial.”
The Siletz Tribe is siding with
PGE, arguing the utility would
force Grand Ronde to share its
platform. Grand Ronde attorneys
say appeasing other Tribes is the
real reason for PGE’s condem-
nation effort, an allegation the
utility denies.
Tribal Council Chairwoman
See PGE
continued on page 6
Smoke Signals file photo
The Tribe will face Portland General Electric in federal court Monday, April
21, over the utility company’s effort to condemn and take ownership of 5
acres of public land at Willamette Falls, located between Oregon City and
West Linn.
Healthy Food Box distribution may end
By Katherine Warren
& Nicole Montesano
Smoke Signals staff
C
uts to the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture
funding by the Trump
Administration have thus far
resulted in a cancellation of a
grant that the Tribe uses for
its monthly Healthy Food Box
distribution.
Tribal Communications Di-
rector Sara Thompson said
the Tribe is continuing to
distribute the boxes using the
remainder of its 2024 funding
from the USDA.
“While the 2025 USDA fund-
Smoke Signals file photo
ing has been terminated, we
Food Bank Coordinator Francene Ambrose stocks shelves on the first
are pursuing every avenue
food distribution day at iskam m f k h m f k-haws in December 2014.
possible to keep the program
moving forward,” she said. According to Ambrose, iskam m f k h m f k-haws gets most of its food
“We will keep the member- from the Oregon Food Bank and they have had funding cuts, which
ship updated on any future has resulted in the Grand Ronde Food Bank losing its core items for
the pantry.
changes.”
Nutrition Program Manager
Kristy Lawson said the loss is not expected to
day, unless other events interfere with it, from
affect the recently added weekly produce market
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for Elders, then 12:15 to
at the Elders Activity Center, as it is funded
1 p.m. for everyone.
through the Nutrition Department budget and
See FUNDS
proceeds from the produce sales, Lawson said.
continued on page 8
The weekly produce market is open every Fri-
General manager Angie
Blackwell left March 27
Editor’s note: This story is appearing in
the April 15 edition as the announcement
was not made until after the April 1
issue was scheduled for printing.
By Nicole Montesano
Smoke Signals staff writer
G
eneral Manager Angie Blackwell an-
nounced Thursday, March 27, that she
was leaving her position.
“I want you all to
know that I have appre-
ciated the work we’ve
done together over the
past year,” Blackwell
wrote in an email to
employees. “Thank you
for welcoming me into
your departments and
programs. I’ve enjoyed
Angie Blackwell
learning about your
work and I admire your dedication to this com-
munity. There are so many things left to do and
I’m excited to follow your progress from afar.”
She added that “I’m leaving with dignity and
self-respect, just as I have conducted myself and
treated others over the past 10 years. I wish you
See GENERAL MANAGER
continued on page 9