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percent to 15 percent) in order to bring a Tribal matter forward to a General Council vote. Another requested change will allow the change to our Constitution if 20 percent (down from 30 percent) should vote on the matter. Why do these proposed changes bother me? Because the person on Tribal Council who wrote these proposed changes is the same person who stated in his most recent run for election that he wanted to rewrite the Tribal Constitution since it has become antiquated (in his view), and he …

men as well. It’s going to take everyone to stop the violence.” Falla said the Renewing Spirits luncheon was designed to give the Tribal membership a voice and to help them understand the trauma that they have faced as a people. “Everybody in this community has pulled together to say it’s important,” said Falla. Falla said that most advocacy centers miss the opportunity to reach out to Native Americans. “Historical trauma when it comes to Tribal nations is usually lost,” said Falla. “People kind …

be considered one of the most generous philanthropists in Oregon. During the past 21 years, he has helped give away almost $80 million. But none of it was his own money. Dozono, 74, is retiring from his position as chairman of the Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees. He is its longest-serving member, appointed in 1997 when the fund was established. Kate Brown is the next longest-serving board member with 17 years. She resigned after becoming Oregon governor in 2015. During its 21-year …

to customer demand. “Our customers were telling us it is sold all over and wanted to be able to buy it here,” she said. The most popular kratom products at the Grand Ronde store are those containing what is known as “white vein” and “red vein.” The red leaves are said to produce calming effects while the white leaves act as a stimulant. Patel said kratom only accounts for a small percentage of the store’s overall sales, with seven or eight transactions per day. Most of the customers are older than …

were themes interwoven throughout the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s 36 th Restoration Celebration. Approximately 200 Tribal members, family, friends and elected officials traveled to Grand Ronde to fete what many call the most important day in the Tribe’s history, on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Tribal gym. The celebration began with a Canoe Family procession of singing, drumming and dancing led by Cultural Advisor Bobby Mercier. Approximately 30 Tribal members from infants to adults joined …

graduation or drive-through graduation. We did elect students to Prom Court before school was closed so we are planning to put yard signs in the yards of the students elected.” Willamina High School senior and Grand Ronde Tribal member Iyana Holmes has been working hard this year to raise her grades and attendance. So, knowing that there will likely not be a normal graduation ceremony is disappointing. “The thing I am sad about the most is my graduation and not being able to see the look on my …

Council with potential options for a future development. The 86-acre Rink 2 property east of Grand Meadows was identified as the most suitable housing site location. Reece and Associates of Albany has been selected to conduct a property development plan for the new site. The first phase will have approximately 20 single-family homes. The Tribe’s current housing options typically have occupation rates of 94 percent or higher, and lack of available market-rate homes has been a sticking point …

Health & Education Corvallis School District renames elementary school after Kathryn Harrison 05.12.2022 Danielle Harrison Education , Tribal Council , Culture Tribal member Lisa Watson greets her aunt, Tribal Elder Kathryn Jones Harrison, outside of Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School in Corvallis on Thursday, May 5. The school was renamed for the 2021-22 school year and honors one of the most revered figures in the Grand Ronde Restoration effort and a Grand Ronde Tribal Council member …

casino gaming and at the time there was nothing like it in the state of Oregon. Most Tribes who had established casinos elsewhere hired professional gaming companies and paid them a large amount of money. The proposals we got were not very good so we made the decision to try to do it ourselves.” Thomas said that the group had the skills but not the business experience, plus most of them were in their 30s or younger. “We had to go and find someone to lend us $45 million so we could get …

in behavioral health. (Contributed photo) By Sherron Lumley Smoke Signals staff writer Since the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde officially began a higher education program, more than 1,000 Tribal graduates have earned degrees and certificates since 1986. The three most recent graduates are Tribal members Isabell Bobb and Keri Kimsey, and Grand Ronde descendant and Siletz Tribal member Denaee Towner, who graduated from George Fox University on Saturday, Dec. 16. The midyear commencement …