Yesteryears - March 15, 2026

2021 — A year after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread closures and remote work, the Tribal government was moving into its third phase of re-opening, allowing limited on-site meetings and visitors and limited programming.

2016 — The Tribe donated $4 million to the Oregon Department of Transportation to help fund the first phase of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass construction project. “This is a huge project that will make the passage from Portland to the coast even safer,” Tribal Council Vice Chair Jack Giffen Jr. said.

2011 — The Tribe purchased 139 acres of original reservation land in eight tax lots, from the Rink family. “This is a big one,” Tribal member and Tribal Lands Manager Jan Michael Reibach said. “The Rink family purchased this property after the termination of the Tribe and now the Tribe has purchased it back.”

2006 — Grand Ronde Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy joined Siletz Chairwoman Dee Pigsley and Warm Springs Chairman Ron Suppah Sr. in supporting future plans for the Clackamas River hydro project. Among the issues resolved by the agreement was a plan for improved fish and wildlife protection along with provisions for a number of recreational activities.

2001 — Tribal leaders convened in Washington D.C. for the National Congress of American Indians conference. It was the first meeting of the year and the first since newly elected Republican President George W. Bush took control of the oval office.

1996 — Tribal Council honored V. Marie Schmidt for her involvement and support of education. She served on the Education Committee and as Tribal representative for the statewide Oregon Indian Education Association. Schmidt worked 36 years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and served on the board of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.

1991 — The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, in cooperation with members of the Grand Ronde and Willamina communities, formed an Oregon TOGETHER! Board. The community-based prevention board was made up of key leaders and other community members, with a goal to reduce substance abuse in the community.

1986 — The Tribe called for a special General Council meeting to discuss its negotiations with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to resolve the hunting and fishing issue that had been raised with the establishment of the reservation.

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