Tribal Council approves contract for Native Plant Nursery seed processing facility

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Tribal Council approved a contract with Advanced Native Construction LLC of Jefferson, Oregon, to build a seed processing facility at the Tribe’s Native Plant Nursery during its Wednesday, July 23, meeting.

The Native Plant Nursery is located adjacent to the Natural Resources Department and was established in 2015 with a plan to grow camas lilies, Yampa and bare-stemmed biscuitroot, among other plants.

Since then, the program has expanded to include a hoophouse to start seeds and cuttings in, first foods for Tribal gatherings and additional capacity for growing plants used in restoration projects.

Native Plant Nursery staff have also participated in projects to educate the Tribal community about the importance and various uses of Native plans, such as nursery tours, work parties and opportunities for youth.

When completed, the enclosed pole barn will allow Natural Resources staff to process seeds and conduct related activities in a permanent, indoor location.

In other action, Tribal Council:

• Approved appointing Annabelle Layman to the Elder Board with a term ending March 31, 2027;
• Approved an agreement with the Metro Regional Land Information System, which will allow the Tribe to map out different tax lots in the Multnomah County metro area;
• And approved the enrollment of one infant into the Tribe because they meet the requirements under the Tribal Constitution and Enrollment Ordinance.

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