Search

run on Tribal Council. During the time he owned the store and served on Tribal Council, Larsen gained a reputation for giving and looking out for his friends, family and customers. Larsen graduated from Willamina High School and became a logger and log truck driver like most everybody else his age. Like many other Grand Ronde Tribal members, he started working alongside his father at an early age. “I started riding with my dad in the log truck when I was 8, 9 years old,” says Larsen during …

with no tree, no presents and our power about to be shut off, that was enough.” Today, he co-leads classes for recovering addicts in Grand Ronde, a far cry from where he was a few years ago. Although Larsen doesn’t struggle with opioid use, he knows of others who have, with devastating consequences. Opioids contain heroin, which is known as being one of the most difficult drugs to quit using due to extremely painful withdrawal symptoms. “I believe what really started this whole thing was OxyContin,” Larsen …

children to live at home). He was the most like me as far as affectionate and social.” Palomar says the officer remained with her until a friend could come over. The next morning she penned a letter to God that became the poem she read at Matteo’s funeral. She remembers Brad’s mother, Tammy, calling her to see if Brad could come see her. “When I opened the door to Brad’s knock, we looked at each other and then stepped into each other’s arms and held each other,” says Palomar. Leno, the son …

Training course from an office in Tigard, talks about the secrets for building courage, how to build a foundation for success, becoming a better listener and increasing self-confidence. And just about the time when most students would succumb to distraction by what is occurring out the window or on their cellphone, Stack leaps into the air and shouts, “You don’t take the Dale Carnegie course, you live it!” Stack orders the course’s participants to do the same and leap into the air while repeating …

Mercier. Commissioner Jason Atkinson of Jacksonville said that it was “very important for his son to see Grand Ronde on this platform.” He added that it was one of the most important votes he has cast as a commission member. Commissioner Gregory Wolley of Portland commended the Grand Ronde Tribe for its spirit of cooperation, humility and forgiveness during the process. The Chinookan-speaking Clackamas and Clo-We-Walla are the people of Willamette Falls who signed the Willamette Valley Treaty …

,” Kelly said. “I love watching the kids come in and have fun. We’ve also had some pretty deep, spiritual conversations with different people who come in. That’s what is most important, the interactions.” Grand Ronde Tribal member Kitana Connelly started her art business, Creator Twahna, two years ago. She melds her love of digital painting and abstract art into unique portraits. “I like to combine the two and find inspiration from the land and our culture,” she said. “I’m a big advocate for healing …

of healing do around enrollment, perhaps some type of healing ceremony,” she said. The question of whether to allow Tribal ceremonies to be recorded or documented, and viewed by non-Tribal members, drew more varied responses, although candidates’ general consensus was that certain ceremonies should be kept private and others allowed to be recorded. Kennedy said the “most sacred are burials and they are open,” but said she believes sweat and healing ceremonies should be kept private. Ceremonies …

members also fish for lamprey at the base of the falls. PGE says it must seize ownership of the property for maintenance and safety reasons, a claim the Tribe disputes. "The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde feels this case is about many things, including justice and the protection of one of Oregon’s most significant landmarks,” Tribal Communications Director Sara Thompson said. “We remain committed to protecting our interests and the public gem that is Willamette Falls. We look forward …

Tribal Government & News Tribe declares emergency, offers aid to SNAP recipients 11.06.2025 Nicole Montesano, Danielle Harrison Tribal Council UPDATE: The federal government shutdown ended Wednesday, Nov. 12. The USDA said most SNAP beneficiaries would receive their full November benefits by Monday, Nov. 16. Smoke Signals has inquired as to when the Tribe's state of emergency would be rescinded and as of now, there are no updates. By Nicole Montesano and Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals staff …

by a vocal minority. The last constitutional election in 2008 showed that a majority of Tribal members support enrollment reform. If most of you vote "yes" on this looming amendment, as I plan to do, we can put this issue to rest. For anybody who wants to question my motivation in supporting this amendment, let me make several points. First, I have an ancestor on the Restoration Roll, so my own situation doesn't change or improve either way. Second, while I know a number of people who …