Yesteryears: Jan. 1, 2026

2021 — After enduring a year of the deadly COVID-19 virus, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde received its first shipment of 200 doses of the highly-anticipated vaccine just before Christmas. The first doses to arrive were reserved for health care workers, first responders, adult foster care workers and vulnerable Elders.

2016 — The Tribe purchased the 31-acre Multnomah Greyhound Park Site in Wood Village, intending to use it for economic diversification. “Striving toward a diversified economy is an objective that helps us prepare for the future,” Tribal Council Chairman Reyn Leno said in October when the purchase was approved.

2011 — The Tribal Housing Authority installed a welcome structure outside its office, as its latest response to a 2009 spate of gang activity in the area. Fitted with a computer, phone and cameras, the structure was installed in early December and operational questions were still being evaluated before the anticipated opening in January.

2009 — Coyote Joe’s restaurant in Willamina had a small model of Tribal member Steve Bobb’s most recent sculpture intended to honor loggers who lost their lives on the job, titled “View from the Top.” Bobb intended to create the larger sculpture in a later phase.

2001 — Tribal member Tim Holmes, Oregon State Rehabilitation Council chair and Tribal Housing Authority chair, traveled to Washington D.C., where he was awarded the second annual Paul G. Hearne/AAP Leadership Award, established in honor of the founder of the American Association of People with Disabilities. It recognized emerging leaders with disabilities who demonstrate leadership while having a positive impact on the community of people with disabilities.

1996 — No edition available

1991 — The Grand Ronde senior meal site was completed and serving hot lunches to Tribal Elders three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday.

1986 — The Tribe was writing its 1986-87 grant application for Title IV-A, Indian education, and asking parents to be sure and return their needs assessments that the grant request would be based on.

Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year increments through the pages of Smoke Signals.