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for the Children” – on Native American flute before Gov. Kate Brown signed a proclamation making May 20-27 American Indian Week in Oregon. “I think this Spring Celebration is one of the great gatherings our State Capitol gets to host every year,” Brown said. “It is an opportunity for all Oregonians to honor and celebrate the nine Tribal Nations who have called this place home since long before there was an Oregon. “I am so moved by this year’s theme. By sharing these sacred traditions, we …

to hunt. We, as a people of Grand Ronde, are connected to this place.” Harrelson said that the treaties are not just important to the Tribe, but also to those who live in Tribal ceded lands because they form the legal foundation for land ownership. “In the United States, there was a decision made not to claim land by right of conquest,” Harrelson said, “but on a moral philosophy and basis that if we are going to have rights to the land we’re going to enter into treaties because it will give us …

to gather, the things that we are gathering today. It’s really important work. We have a strong core of people.” Jordan Mercier said he felt good about Tribal members preserving traditions and keeping ceremonies alive. “We should feel good about all the work that our Elders have done to get us to this place where we can focus on our first foods and focus on our traditions and not worry about having the right to exist,” Jordan Mercier said. “It’s been secured for us by all of our Elders. We’re waking …

that was established may in fact be better than what would have happened if the schools simply had banned the images because what you had to do to fulfill the spirit and requirements of these rules was extraordinary. “I can only imagine the kind of learning that has already taken place at that district and the Tribe. … It is humbling to see the effects of this in terms of what it might mean for the students in the Banks School District. “I know we are going to be facing other requests and all I can say …

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Cameron Smith, Veterans Affairs Office of Tribal Government Relations Specialist Terry Bentley and Portland Veterans Affairs Health Care System Director Michael Fisher. “The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are truly committed to helping veterans and their family members,” Bentley said. “My hat’s off to the council, Chairman Leno … thank you for allowing us to be here at this wonderful place of honor to take care of veterans and their families.” Fisher said …

accurate picture of Tribal people will ultimately help Native students as well. “To me, it makes them (Native students) more knowledgeable just about the role that they played in the place that they live,” said Reeves. “The more knowledge and the more information you have, the more able you are to become a critical thinker. I think it’s important for people to understand, not just kids, but people to understand that we are still here today and we are still practicing our culture and we’re still …

want this to be a premier place for people to get care.” Health Services Executive Director Kelly Rowe said Amitrano and Harris fit not only the educational and professional criteria they were looking for when filling the two family nurse practitioner positions, but they fit the community as well. “When we were looking at hiring for the position and when we interviewed we were really trying to find the right skill set, of course, but also the right fit,” said Rowe. “We were trying to find someone …

happy and proud of her.” Belonga said that the hunts have been successful and that the additional tags and hunting opportunities are doing exactly what they were designed to do – bring about successful hunts. In 2015, 46 additional tags were made available to Tribal members who hunted during two black-tailed deer seasons and two Roosevelt elk seasons. The Tribal hunts took place a few days before the state-administered open season hunts. Belonga said four animals – two deer and two elk -- were …

to be approved by the Grand Ronde Tribal Council and then be submitted to the Oregon Board of Education before it becomes effective. “We are happy we are now in a place where we can enter into a partnership and look forward to great things,” School Board President Raymond Mott said about negotiations between the Tribe and school district that started in December. The Banks School District becomes the first in Oregon to take advantage of exceptions created by the Oregon Board of Education to its all-out ban …

, but as just people on this Earth,” said Kennedy. “Wherever I’m at I’m always thinking of ways that can be helpful to us. I believe the council has to have the passion to keep those issues at the forefront.” Kennedy said she will focus during the next three years on the well-being of Tribal children. “I think about our children,” said Kennedy. “I think about the development of those children and their place in our Native American society.” Kennedy said she wants the children to be proud of their Grand …