2
OCTOBER 1, 2025
General Council meeting
11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5
Tribal Council Chambers
Tribal members can participate remotely via Zoom and in-person
attendance. Call 800-422-0232 for more information.
SMOKE SIGNALS
sNok signflz
PUBLICATIONS OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
NOTICE — Monthly Tribal Council Wednesday meetings
DATE
TIME
Wednesday, Oct. 8................................................................................4 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22..............................................................................4 p.m.
1-800-422-0232 • FAX: 503-879-2173
Please note that these times and dates are subject to change if needed.
Attendance in Tribal Council Chambers and via Zoom. 503-879-2304.
Website: www.smokesignals.org
Email: news@grandronde.org
Email: Editorial.Board@grandronde.org
Letter s
www.facebook.com/SmokeSignalsCTGR/
www.youtube.com/c/SmokeSignalsChannel
Dear Smoke Signals,
I am taking this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude
to the many Tribal members who either mailed in their ballots, hand
delivered their ballot to the drop box or came to Grand Ronde and voted
in person! By taking this step, you’ve shown that you’re wanting change
and to move forward toward a brighter future for our people. If I could, I
would thank the 153 people who voted for me, personally. I can’t express
to you how humbling and encouraging it was for me to see my numbers
go up from 99 last year to 153 this year.
This process is challenging and difficult at times, but it afforded me
many opportunities to connect with our people. My involvement with
Tribal activities has increased and as time goes on, this will not diminish
but rather, expand and continue onward and upward. Together, we can
make a difference!
I have the utmost respect for those who walk their talk and I strive to
emulate this in my day-to-day life. We can’t make any changes at all un-
less we are willing to suit up and show up, every day. I’m not just a Tribal
Elder from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’m still here, every day and I still want to be
of service to our people.
Until next year folks, I hope you have a great one! See you soon.
With utmost respect and continued gratitude,
Pamala Warren-Chase
Roll #1081
łaxayam Grand Ronde people,
I will begin by thanking each of you, our Tribal members who took part
in this year’s Tribal Council election. Your participation is a powerful ex-
pression of our sovereignty and a reminder that the strength of our nation
lies in the voices of our people.
To those who placed your trust in me with your vote — hayu masi. I am
truly humbled by your support and the trust you carried in my leadership.
While this was not the outcome we hoped for, please know my commitment
to our people, our sovereignty and our future remains. I will continue to
serve in every way I can, guided always by the values and teachings of
our ancestors.
I also extend my congratulations to the newly elected council members.
With this role comes a great responsibility: To put our people first in all
decisions, uphold our sovereignty and ensure the wellbeing of both present
and future generations. I encourage you to carry this responsibility with
humility, strength and the knowledge that our people must always remain
at the heart of your service.
With gratitude and respect,
Valeria Atanacio
Roll #3527
Tribe offering support to
incarcerated members
Grand Ronde Tribal members who are incarcerated, have been
recently released from prison or are involved in addiction treatment
programs don’t have to face challenges alone.
The Tribe has a post-prison/post-treatment peer support specialist,
Tribal member Joe Ulestad, who is also a certified recovery mentor.
“I want our members who are incarcerated or need help to know we
haven’t forgotten about them and we’re here to help,” he said. “They
can call me, email or text.”
Ulestad can be reached at joe.ulestad@grandronde.org, by text/call
at 971-237-5262 or on office line, 503-879-1389. n
DANIELLE HARRISON
MICHELLE ALAIMO
PUBLICATIONS MANAGER / EDITOR
503-879-4663
danielle.harrison@grandronde.org
PHOTOJOURNALIST / ASSISTANT EDITOR
503-879-1961
michelle.alaimo@grandronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
SAMUEL F. BRIGGS III
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
503-879-2190
justin.phillips@grandronde.org
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
503-879-1416
samuel.briggs@grandronde.org
KAMIAH KOCH
NICOLE MONTESANO
SOCIAL MEDIA / DIGITAL JOURNALIST
503-879-1461
kamiah.koch@grandronde.org
STAFF WRITER
503-879-1463
nicole.montesano@grandronde.org
KATHERINE WARREN
SECRETARY / ADVERTISING
503-879-1466 • katherine.warren-steffensmier@grandronde.org
DEADLINE DATE
ISSUE DATE
Tuesday, Oct. 7... ............................ Oct. 15
Indigenous Journalists Association
Wednesday, Oct. 22......................... Nov. 1
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 ....................... Nov. 15
2022 IJA General Excellence
Tuesday, Nov. 18 .............................. Dec. 1
2023 IJA General Excellence
EDITORIAL POLICY
Smoke Signals, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, is
published twice a month. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without permission.
Our editorial policy is intended to encourage input from Tribal members and readers about stories printed
in the Tribal newspaper. However, all letters received must be signed by the author, an address must be
given and a phone number or email address must be included for verification purposes. Full addresses and
phone numbers will not be published unless requested. Letters must be 400 words or less.
Smoke Signals reserves the right to edit letters and to refuse letters that are determined to contain libelous
statements or personal attacks on individuals, staff, Tribal administration or Tribal Council. Not all letters are
guaranteed publication upon submission. Letters to the editor are the opinions and views of the writer.
Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Smoke Signals.
2 02 5 Trib a l Co uncil
tribalcouncil@grandronde.org
Tribal Council Chairwoman
Kathleen George
— ext. 2305
— ext. 2352
kathleen.george@grandronde.org
Cheryle A. Kennedy
cheryle.kennedy@grandronde.org
Chris Mercier
Tribal Council Vice Chair
— ext. 1444
chris.mercier@grandronde.org
Jon A. George
Tribal Council Secretary
— ext. 2355
jon.george@grandronde.org
Tribal Office Closures
Tribal offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of In-
digenous Peoples’ Day.
MEMBERS OF:
Pete Wakeland
— ext. 2300
pete.wakeland@grandronde.org
Matthew haller
— ext. 1777
matthew.haller@grandronde.org
Lisa Leno
— ext. 1770
lisaleno@grandronde.org
Tonya Gleason-Shepek
— ext. 4555
Toby McClary
— ext. 2353
tonya.gleason-shepek@grandronde.org
tobymcclary@grandronde.org