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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2025)
4 DECEMBER 1, 2025 Food Bank news The Grand Ronde Food Bank – iskam mfkhmfk haws – is operated by Marion Polk Food Share, which has been leading the fi ght to end hunger since 1987 because no one should be hungry. Recipients of SNAP, TANF, SSI or LIHEAP assistance automatically qualify for assistance at the Grand Ronde Food Bank, 9675 Grand Ronde Road. No one will be turned away in need of a food box. “We believe that everyone deserves to have enough to eat,” Food Bank Coordinator Francene Ambrose says. “You are welcome to get a food box at each of our regular weekly distributions. No one will be turned away in need of a food box.” The Food Bank will hold December food box distributions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays. In addition, there is a light food box (mostly bread and produce) distribution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Call the Food Bank at 503-879-3663 for holiday closure information. People must check in 15 minutes before closing to receive a food box on both days. If you need immediate assistance, call 211 or visit 211info.org. Those who are unable to pick up a food box can fi ll out an authorized representative form and that designated person can pick up a food box on your behalf. The authorization is good for one year. The Food Bank continues to seek volunteers to help with repacking food, putting food on the shelves, handing out food boxes, end-of-month inventory and picking up food donations at area stores. Call to ensure someone is available to assist. People also can sign up for a monthly email for the Food Bank calendar and events, as well as follow the Food Bank on Facebook. The Food Bank is an equal opportunity provider. Contact Ambrose at 503-879-3663 or fambrose@marionpolkfoodshare.org for more infor- mation or to volunteer. n Committee & Special Event Board meeting days and times • Ceremonial Hunting Board meets as needed. Chair: Marline Groshong. • Culture Committee meets as needed at the Veterans House. Chair: Molly Leno. • Editorial Board meets monthly. The next meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the CTGR Employment Service Center. Chair: Mia Prickett. Contact Editorial.Board@gran- dronde.org for more information. • Education Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month in the Adult Education building. Interim Chair: Vale- ria Atanacio. • Elder Board meets the fi rst and third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Elders Activity Center. Chair: Darlene Aaron. • Enrollment Committee meets quarterly in Room 204 of the Governance Center. Chair: Debi Anderson. • Fish & Wildlife Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Natural Resources building off Hebo Road. Chair: Reyn Leno. • Health Committee meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month in the Cheryle A. Kennedy Public Health Building. Chair: Darlene Aaron. • Housing Grievance Board meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the Housing Department conference room. Chair: Harris Reibach. • Powwow Special Event Board meets as needed at the Com- munity Center. Dates vary. Contact Dana Ainam at 503-879- 2037. Chair: Dana Ainam. • TERO Commission meets at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Employment Services building. Chair: Russell Wilkinson. • Timber Committee meets at 5 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Natural Resources building off Hebo Road. Chair: Jon R. George. • Veterans Special Event Board meets at 5:30 p.m. the fi rst Tuesday of the month in the Quenelle House. Chair: Molly Leno. To update information on this list, contact Smoke Signals Editor Danielle Harrison at 503-879-4663 or danielle.harrison@grandronde.org. SMOKE SIGNALS yesteryears a look back... 2020 — Despite a global pandemic, wildfi res and an extended cen- sus deadline abruptly cut short by 16 days, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde still managed to count more of its members than any other Tribal nation in Oregon, with a 78.5% response rate. 2015 — A large con- tingent of Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde members participat- ed in a long-awaited fl ag hanging ceremony during dual assemblies held at Willamina High School. The Tribal fl ag now hangs next to the Oregon flag, U.S. flag and a POW/MIA flag near the scoreboard in the school’s gymnasi- um. 2010 — The Health & File photo Wellness Center sched- 2 uled an open house to show off its $2.25 million renovation, which included an additional 4,000 square feet, a new metal roof and Native-themed fl ooring. The improvements included more space for the dental clinic, medical clinic, pharmacy, medical exam rooms, lab and radiology equipment. 2005 — The Tribe celebrated reaching the $30 million mark in giving at the new Salem Convention Center. The Spirit Mountain Community Fund was started in 1997 and thus far had awarded $4.2 million to arts and culture, $11.7 million to education, $2.7 million to environmental preservation, $5.8 million to health, $837,000 to historic preservation, $216,000 to problem gambling and $6 million to public safety, totaling 762 grants and $31.5 million to communities. 2000 — The National Indian Gaming Commission announced that the Grand Ronde Tribe was recognized for operating a self-regulated casino. It was the second Tribe in the nation to achieve the distinction. “This is something we have strived (to do) for many years,” Grand Ronde Gaming Commissioner Lynn Hillman said. “We far exceeded the highest levels required by the IGC for self-regulation.” 1995 — The Tribe was preparing to establish a housing authority within the next several months, overseen by a board of commis- sioners, to oversee all housing management and operations for the Tribe. 1990 — The Tribe was scheduling a date to move modular buildings onto Tribal land at Grand Ronde Road, so its administrative and governmental functions could be moved there as well. 1985 — The Tribe celebrated the second anniversary of Restoration Nov. 22. In October, the Tribe approved 54 applicants for membership. Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in fi ve-year in- crements through the pages of Smoke Signals. ELECTION BOARD VACANCIES Two alternate board member positions open. Qualifications: Basic computer skills / file search / email / phone inquiries / flexible hours. 28450 Tyee Road – Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 – 503-879-2401 – Fax 503-879-5973 GRAND RONDE HOUSING DEPARTMENT 28450 Tyee Road – Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 – 503-879-2401 – Fax 503-879-5973 28450 Tyee Road – Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 – 503-879-2401 – Fax GUEST 503-879-5973 ATTENTION ALL HOUSING TENANTS AND PLEASE SLOW DOWN IN ELDER HOUSING Also, please make sure and maintain low levels of music in the Elder community. For information contact: Shannon Ham-Texeira • 503–879–2301 shannon.ham-texeira@grandronde.org Ad by Samuel Briggs III
