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of office “free from any undue influence or political interest” and they are charged with establishing and enforcing an editorial policy for Smoke Signals that “will be fair and responsible in reporting of general news, current events and issues of Tribal concern.” Appointees include former Tribal Council member Andy Jenness, who is interim director of communications at the University of Oregon School of Journalism; Mia Prickett, a Tribal member who lives in the Portland area and is a director …

already generated a response. “We are already getting calls asking for details, asking when the giveaway is,” said Ridgebear. Colton said the promotion, which started on Monday, June 1, will culminate in the motorcycle being given away at the casino’s “Rally in the Valley” event on Saturday, Aug. 22, during an 8 p.m. drawing. “Rally in the Valley” features live music, food, vendors and motorcycles. Admission is free and runs from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. in the casino’s parking lot. “The giveaway …

Sunday, July 12. Veterans are welcome to attend the free summit, which is being hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Native Wellness Institute and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Tribal Government Relations. The summit’s goal since it started in 2013 is to connect veterans with services. A recent analysis that appeared in the February issue of the Annals of Epidemiology found an annual suicide rate of 29.5 per 100,000 veterans, approximately 50 percent higher …

the methods we use and what we are teaching. We have to give kids things to identify with.” One of the projects Tribal educators completed with Senate Bill 13 funding was to create several children’s books that tell traditional Grand Ronde Tribal stories that teachers can use in their classrooms. The books are free and can be obtained by contacting the Tribal Education Department. Tuesday morning sessions included a presentation on sovereignty from Grand Ronde Tribal Attorney Jennifer Biesack, Native …

Ronde traditional story called ‘Salmon and the Eel,’ ” Jones says. “I called on Crystal again for those illustrations and she worked her magic, which resulted in another beautiful book.” The books are available free to teachers and currently are being used in the Tribe’s K-3 Immersion Program, as well as local schools. However, due to high demand, Jones is unable to supply classrooms with sets. There are also copies of the books in the Tribal Library. “We distributed a copy of each book …

rate of 97 percent and our CTE completers who take five or more classes had a 100-percent graduation rate,” Zimbrick says. Studies have shown that proper nutrition has a direct effect on school performance. In Willamina, more than 95 percent of the student population receives free and reduced lunches. “Poverty is definitely a challenge, but it is possible to be a high poverty and high performing district,” Zimbrick says. “We know we need to meet basic needs in order to educate our students. We …

in 2021 the 1099s issued by the Tribe will not include Elders pensions. In December, Tribal Council adopted a new General Welfare Ordinance that makes benefits under the Elders’ and SSI programs available on a tax-free basis. Leno said that previous instruction from the Internal Revenue Service about whether Elders’ pensions were non-taxable was inconclusive and only recently did the Grand Ronde Tribe find out that other Tribes were considering it so. Case can be contacted at 971-237-1230 …

that this department has experienced. It was with sadness that I had to resign abruptly as I would have preferred to stay with the Tribe until I retired. It seems very unfitting that I was unable to say goodbye before by departure. However, I had to trust that my next adventure will bring new rewards and successes. I have confidence that Drs. Lange and Davis will take good care of you along with the talented staff members who remain. Feel free to stay in touch. I would enjoy hearing from any of you …

and supports an independent Tribal newspaper for the Grand Ronde Tribe. Jenness’ term will last through March 2024. Smoke Signals has been a free press since January 2017, which is when the Independent Tribal Press Ordinance took effect. The law prohibits Tribal administrative or elected officials from influencing Tribal newspaper coverage and requires staff to cover Tribal news in a professional, ethical and impartial manner. Jenness, who also serves on the Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. Board …

; and niece, Amy Jeffers. He is survived by sisters, Julie Little, Jeanna Buxton, Janie Stuck, Jill Brandon and Jolene Kamna; and lots of nieces and nephews. Joe mainly grew up in Molalla and McMinnville, and had recently lived in Willamina for the past 20 years. He graduated from Molalla High School. After high school, Joe began his logging career. He was an avid logger, hunter and fisherman. He spent most of his free time in the mountains; it was his happy place. He chose a logging career …