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of these candidates was Merle Holmes. “I know many of the Grand Ronde Tribal members and you know me, for I have been three times chairman of the Tribal Council. I am asking for your write-in votes.” Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year increments through the pages of Smoke Signals. Share On Facebook Share On Twitter Share Article Link Subscribe Subscribe to our Newspaper for latest updates: Subscribe To Our Newspaper For Latest Updates: …

and Social Services departments as a young adult, and served as Spirit Mountain Casino’s Human Resources director for 15 years before moving out of state. “I wanted to come back home,” Mercier says. “But after my grandma passed away in August, it became more of yearning. It feels right being here.” When the job of Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde/Spirit Mountain Casino Human Resources director opened up in the fall of 2018 with the departure of Patrick Dempsey for a job in Washington state, Mercier …

as a data processing technician from 1971 to ’81. He was stationed in San Diego, Wales and Maryland and retired as a petty officer first class. “I enjoyed the 10 years I was in,” he said from his home in Livingston, Texas. “I have no regrets.” He said the highlights of his military career were seeing many countries while serving aboard the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Chicago and touring much of Great Britain while stationed in Wales. Smith served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to ’74 and served …

curriculum using grant funds from the Administration for Native Americans. Eighth-grade curriculum was completed in 2016. “We partnered with Willamina elementary and middle school to gather teacher input on lesson plans,” Jones says. “Teachers then piloted the lesson plans for us and gave feedback. I actually was in my last term of grad school and was doing my student teaching placement in a fourth-grade class at Willamina Elementary and piloted some of the lessons. It was neat to be able to be part …

says. “It’s got a little bit of an opioid antagonist in it so it blocks the receptors to get high, which reduces the craving. It is very rapid acting.” In addition to medication, patients receive Native American-themed counseling, including the burning of sage, praying, making dreamcatchers and working with Native American counselors in the Behavioral Health Department. “I give the education to the patients and coordinate with the Behavioral Health and Medical departments and help them get …

Director Colt Gill said. “I want to take a moment to reflect on the impressive grit and determination of our students, families and educators, and encourage them to keep persisting. We are with you, we support you and I know we’re all doing our best to return to in-person instruction as soon as possible.” Willamina School District Superintendent Carrie Zimbrick said she is proud of the progress that Tribal students continue to make. “During the (spring) closure we focused on our seniors to ensure …

included his son, John. Former Tribal Council Chair Reyn Leno and current Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy are direct descendants of the Wachenos. “It’s humbling to have my grandfather, Chief Wacheno, recognized by Clackamas Community College in this way,” Kennedy said. “The Wacheno Welcome Center will stand as a reminder of the Tribal history surrounding the area, recognition of his significance within that history and serve as a platform to tell the story of the Clackamas people.” "I think it is great …

Leno, a Vietnam War-era Marine Corps veteran, read aloud a letter from Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “Every year, I’m struck by a powerful and conflicting emotions that Memorial Day brings,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Service can come at a great cost. This day allows us to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. ... Native Americans have the highest rate of participation in the armed services. May we never forget what they have sacrificed.” The keynote …

, Kennedy gave opening remarks and welcomed attendees to the Tribe’s homelands. “I am the great-great-great granddaughter of (Dan) Wacheno, who this facility is named for,” she said. “We lived here since time immemorial and fished the waters, dug the roots and gathered the materials. … This is a sacred place to us. Thank you for the work you’ve done here in a good and respectful way.” Tribal Council member Jon A. George led the invocation. “Thank you for this honor and I also have the honor to work …

within the department, various projects and future goals. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to represent the Natural Resources Department,” Drake said. “We have six different programs within the department which includes an administrative team that keeps our department together. It’s been a great opportunity to work with them.” Drake served as interim manager after former manager Mike Wilson retired in January 2021 and was officially named to the post eight months later. Natural Resources …