Yesteryears: Sept. 1, 2026

2021 — Due to an increase of COVID-19 cases in the community, the Tribe decided to extend its reopening pause that began in early August through Labor Day weekend. The Tribal government website reported 35 active cases in the community. Additionally, Tribal staff were encouraged to work from home as the campus closed to visitors and guests, while essential employees were required to wear masks.

2016 — The Chinuk Wawa Family Language Retreat was held at the Tribal plankhouse, achaf-hammi, for the first time. The two-day event was attended by 15 children and their families and allowed participants to practice speaking Chinuk Wawa in an immersive environment. Activities included language games, drumming, singing and dancing.

2011 — The Tribe purchased the eight-acre Grand Ronde Middle School property from the Willamina School District for $675,000 and began evaluating options for future use of the property. “Certainly, this property poses many possible benefits for the Tribe,” Tribal Lands Manager Jan Reibach said. The property was a part of the Tribe’s original reservation lands and was the site of powwows, General Council meetings and other events following Restoration.

2006 — The Tribe launched nsayka ikanum, or “our story,” an interactive website that covered the Tribe’s past, present and future. Hundreds of webpages were available for viewing, with a “research library” section planned for later that year. The library would allow users to take a deeper look into important Tribal documents, including whole treaties. Many sections of the site came with songs and spoken memories from Tribal members. Additionally, the site featured a button that could translate entries from English to Chinuk Wawa.

2001 — The Tribe finalized plans to begin construction of a family housing development. Located on a 20-acre site across from Tribal offices, 36 housing units were planned to be built, with completion scheduled for early 2003. The development would include one-to five-bedroom houses and every house would feature a yard and paths that led around the whole development. There were also plans for a community gathering place with picnic tables, benches and a fireplace.

1996 — A groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the start of the Health & Wellness Center’s construction. The center, designed in the shape of a medicine wheel, was planned to include ambulance services, x-ray technologies and a pharmacy. The Family Action, Prevention, and Chemical Dependency programs would also be housed in the building. “Today, we take one step forward in fulfilling the dream of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde,” Human Services Division Manager Cheryle A. Kennedy said. “It took the efforts of many people and the support of Tribal Council to realize this vision.”

1991 — The Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program sponsored a sober dance and provided activities for people of all ages, with a focus on youth. The dance was attended by 150 people and included Tribal and non-Tribal members. The program also sponsored a volleyball tournament, with trophies given to first and second place and a ribbon for third place. The goal was that those events would prevent youth from using drugs and alcohol during Contest Powwow.

1986 — The Enrollment Office sent out a notice to Tribal members about a high number of incomplete files from people wanting to enroll in the Tribe. Most files were rejected due to the exclusion of necessary documentation to prove Tribal descendancy. Enrollees were asked to submit approved documents including state-issued certified full birth certificates, baptismal certificates, court orders of paternity or adoption decrees. Hospital records were also accepted but only if the front and back were completed by the hospital.

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