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percent. “We had one of the best (increases) in the state,” says Willamina School District Superintendent Carrie Zimbrick. “I would attribute this to the extra effort staff made to ensure students were completing the needed credits to get their diploma.” Sheridan School Superintendent Steven Sugg says the district has worked during the past two years to build stronger relationships with the Tribe. For example, teachers and administrators meet several times a year to discuss student progress and how …

. “We are very proud of the gains students have made toward graduating on time,” Willamina School District Superintendent Carrie Zimbrick says. “I would credit the gains to the entire staff. We have made a concerted effort to improve student outcomes through improved instructional practices.” Willamina has the largest Native American student population in the area, with approximately 40 percent of students identifying as such, and most of those are Grand Ronde Tribal members or descendants …

thankful to be getting these.” Wednesday’s sack lunch selections included peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese sandwiches, celery sticks, fruit, crackers and milk. Everything was pre-bagged to minimize contact and potential spread of the novel coronavirus. “I love my job and being able to feed kids,” Snowden says. “We will continue to do so through the school closure.” Fifth-graders Issac Emery, Kayden Zimmer and Nacoma Liebelt agreed that the extra time away from school was “nice …

by the IRS). “I realize the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated downsizing and limiting interaction within the Tribal government. However, I would urge the Tribal Council to notify affected members as soon as possible so they can at least file a 1040-X prior to the fast approaching due date. Further, there will be a need to make available to Elders who received Tribal payment benefits in prior years a corrected 1099 or similar acceptable document. The new document should show non-taxable …

develop its own firefighting assets and staff its own fire service. Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy said during an April 21 interview about her record-setting years of service that the Tribe operating its own fire department is a continuation of its pursuit of sovereignty. “I have always been on the sovereignty piece,” Kennedy said. “I’m very dedicated to making sure we stand as a sovereign nation. … Some of the latest things, of course, is our ability to manage our own fire department …

was financed through grants, matching funds and in-kind donations. “We’ve very close to completing it,” Yazzolino said. “Cheryle's holograms are perfect and bring credibility to the film. We are very grateful for the involvement of the Grand Ronde Tribal leaders and staff.” Tribal Council Secretary Jon A. George serves on the Clackamas Heritage Partners Board of Directors, which operates the museum. “I want to thank Cheryle,” he said during a Legislative Action Committee meeting. “It’s a great …

on the recent second anniversary celebration of its Restoration. “As a staff member of our Tribal office, I can see firsthand how much time and effort the Tribal Council spends working for us,” Enrollment Clerk Margo George said. “I wish to thank the council and the other staff members for the hard work that keeps our Tribe functioning.” 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 …

, in the Tribal gym and the Tribe has reached out to veterans and other marginalized communities to give them first dibs on appointments. Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy thanked the Health & Wellness staff in helping the Tribe through the pandemic, which became widespread in Oregon in mid-March of 2020. “I just have to take this opportunity to thank all of our professional medical providers. Everyone who works out at the clinic and Community Health are all professionals,” she said …

in their households, other Natives and their household members, as well as employees and their household members 18 and older can get scheduled for a vaccination by calling the clinic at 503-879-7032. “I fully support and implore people to get this vaccine,” she said. Rowe added that the Tribe has had one confirmed death of an enrolled member from COVID-19, but that person did not live in the community. Kennedy said she wants to send a clear message about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine …

district family. Tribal Librarian Kathy Cole, Chinuk Wawa Education Program Manager Ali Holsclaw and Tribal Youth Education Academic Coach Cheyanne Heidt helped select the books. The district received an extra $51,000 in TAPP funds, which is being used to purchase approximately 550 copies of each book. “Kathy Cole also gave me a great list of books and helped with ordering ‘Indian No More,’ and Ali Holsclaw helped review the list,” Arredondo said. “I was so excited about this because I love books …