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the effort as well.” Another avenue Dugger is utilizing to increase awareness is “lobby stands,” which will be located in different areas on the Tribal campus, and will include snippets of information about the upcoming census. She’s also created a Facebook page and website with census details. The next task is to recruit Native American census takers who are known in the community. “During the 2010 census, there were no recognizable people from our community to take the information, so when the workers …

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 …

riparian management zones (natural buffers between streams and logging) will ensure habitat enhancement and protection. In addition, the Coast Creek Special Management Area will be expanded from 300 to almost 900 acres. Recreation: There will be nearly 6 miles of new hiking trails on the Reservation and a new nature playground near the Elder Activity Center on the Tribal campus. Big Buck Campground will remain fee-free for Tribal members and will feature a new online reservation system …

everyone deserves a life free of violence,” offers a 24-hour crisis line in English, Spanish and more than 100 other languages, at 503-399-7722. It serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. It also offers an emergency shelter, with a Safe Paws program that enables survivors to bring their pets to safety when they flee, as abusers often threaten, harm or kill pets left behind. The center, formerly the Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service is open from 9 a.m. …

land, and also said that employee drug testing policies for Spirit Mountain Casino and the Tribal government would provide for random drug testing for safety sensitive positions plus pre-employment, post-accident and reasonable suspicion for all employees. “In essence, it doesn’t change a lot for us,” Fullerton said. “Even if you don’t have to test for THC on pre-screening, once you’re hired we still maintain a drug-free work environment and if you’re in a safety sensitive position or have post …

of 13 children from Marie and Edgar Simmons, who met as two students at Chemawa Indian School. After the federal status of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde was Termination in 1954 and the Simmons family was forced to separate, Jimi grew up in an institutionalized childhool, including St. Mary's Home for Boys, Children's Farm Home, McLaren and, later, the Oregon State Reformatory. At McLaren, the whispers among the boys was to make it to the river to be free, but finding freedom would …

and served 26 years. “It’s an honor to be here among veterans and families on the 150 th anniversary of the first Memorial Day,” he said. “Many of you are here to remember an individual who impacted your life. … We must honor our fallen heroes. Their memory inspires us to be better.” Crowder talked about his father, who served in World War II and returned with lifelong internal trauma. Crowder joined the Army at age 18 in 1968 and served in Vietnam. Father and son never discussed their service …

Donald scrapping and torch-cutting down buildings no longer in use. Harold drove all the mainland states and Canada. His last job was hauling U.S. mail from Salem to the coast. Harold loved the Detroit Marina, eating (especially the free Monday night dinners at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde), traveling and flying, helicopters being a big interest to him. Some of his family’s favorite memories are Harold’s laugh and “Harold humor,” diet Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew always in two-liter bottles …

speaker was retired Army Col. Larry Brown, with American Legion Post 21 of McMinnville. During his two tours of duty in Vietnam, he was shot down nine times. Brown was awarded three Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Purple Hearts. Brown read a poem, “The Brotherhood,” by an unknown author. Afterward, he recognized Tribal Elder and World War II veteran Herman Hudson, who walked on Wednesday, May 26, at 96 years old. He joined the Navy in 1942 during his junior year of high …

Tribal Government & News Free online film screening offered 08.22.2025 Smoke Signals Smoke Signals is celebrating nearly nine years as one of the few independent Tribal publications in all of Indian Country. During the Indigenous Journalists Association 2025 Indigenous Media Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held Aug. 13-15, Smoke Signals had the opportunity to chat with IJA board member, journalist and independent press advocate Angel Ellis (Muscogee (Creek) Nation). Ellis starred …