Yesteryears: Dec. 1, 2025

2020 — Despite a global pandemic, wildfires and an extended census 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 contingent of Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde members participated in a long-awaited flag hanging ceremony during dual assemblies held at Willamina High School. The Tribal flag now hangs next to the Oregon flag, U.S. flag and a POW/MIA flag near the scoreboard in the school’s gymnasium. 

2010 — The Health & Wellness Center scheduled 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 flooring. 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 commissioners, 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 five-year increments through the pages of Smoke Signals.