Tribe to celebrate 43 years of Restoration

By Alexander Bliven

Smoke Signals intern

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde will observe 43 years of Restoration Sunday, Nov. 22, at Spirit Mountain Casino, bringing the community together for a day of celebration and a powwow.

The anniversary commemorates the signing of the Grand Ronde Restoration Act into law by President Ronald Reagan on Nov. 22, 1983, restoring the Tribe to federal recognition 29 years after Termination in 1954.

More than four decades later, the Tribe has grown significantly, expanding not only its reservation lands but its leadership and the services it provides to its members.

The annual celebration continues to honor not just the anniversary but the people who shaped Grand Ronde into the unique community that it is today.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. at Spirit Mountain Casino’s Event Center, with brunch followed by the first grand entry at 1 p.m. A second grand entry will take place at 7 p.m., with the celebration concluding at 9 p.m.

Tribal Council Vice Chair Jon A. George will be the emcee and Tribal member Jordan Mercier will serve as arena director.

Tribal members Levi and Nichole Liebelt will serve as headman and headwoman, respectively.

Bad Soul is the host drum, with Turquoise Pride as the invited drum.

Six day pay drum spots will be available for $250 per session.

The Tribe will also offer 20 vendor spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For vendor applications and additional information about the celebration, contact publicaffairs@grandronde.org.