Tribal Council approves disability innovation fund grant application

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Tribal Council approved applying for an $8.9 million disability innovation fund grant at its Wednesday, June 12, meeting.

The 5-year U.S. Department of Education Disability Innovation Fund Program would provide for five positions at the Tribe’s 477/Vocational Rehab Program, all of which would be filled by current grant-funded staff, as well as provide support for community needs by offering more rehabilitation services to Tribal members with disabilities to achieve gainful employment.

“This opportunity allows us to provide technologically advanced vocational rehab services needed by members,” Tribal Grants Coordinator Dana Morfin said during a Tuesday, June 11 Legislative Action Committee meeting. “It will help to complement the development and implementation of existing vocational rehabilitation programs and further the goals and objectives in the Grand Ronde Strategic Plan and Community Development Plan.”

Vocational Rehabilitation/477 Employment Program Manager Michael Herrin said that the grant would help expand job training opportunities.

“This really complements the existing vocational rehab program and serving individuals with disabilities,” he said.

In other action, Tribal Council:

• Approved reappointing Molly Leno to the Veterans Special Event Board with a term ending on March 31, 2026;
• Approved appointing Eric Judah and reappointing Kevin Schultz to the Grand Ronde Gaming Commission with terms ending on June 30, 2027;
• And approved an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program for $727,548.

Lastly, Tribal Council set the meeting agenda for the special General Council meeting. It will be held Sunday, June 30, in Tribal Council Chambers for the purpose of Tribal Council nominations.

To watch the entire meeting, visit the Tribal government’s website at www.grandronde.org and click on the Videos tab.