Search

in paleontology and fossil reconstruction, I was invited to continue on to complete by Ph.D.” McKenzie says she has two years remaining until then and may move back to the United States afterward. “Many decisions depend on job opportunities and other unpredictable forces,” she adds. McKenzie says that besides the obvious differences of language and food between the United States and Spain, one of the biggest adjustments she has had to make is in how the Spanish interact with one another. Spaniards typically …

University in Davis, Calif., and holds a bachelor’s and master’s in environmental science from Oregon State University in Corvallis. She is the granddaughter of Esther LaBonte, and the daughter of Lester LaBonte and Nancy Ridlon. She is married to John Robertson and they have four grown children and one grandchild. Previously, she worked for the Tribe as a tourism coordinator and in the Tribal mentorship program. “At the Tribe we have drug and alcohol services, counselors and support groups,” she …

Tribal Government & News Conferencing application sees a Zoom boom in usage during pandemic 09.30.2020 Danielle Frost Tribal government By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer Zoom has been described as everything from innovative and dynamic to Skype on steroids. In the year of social distancing, lockdowns and working from home, the video-conferencing tool also has become one of the most frequently downloaded apps in the world. Zoom can be used on desktops, laptops, tablets and smart …

years of service to the Grand Ronde Tribe at a virtual awards ceremony held Wednesday, Dec. 16. In past years, the ceremony was held in conjunction with the Tribe’s annual employee Christmas party held at Spirit Mountain Casino. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person event was canceled in favor of an online one. Health & Wellness Center Business Office Manager Tresa Mercier continues to set the employment longevity record with the Tribe with 36 years of service. One other Mercier …

.” To create a more home-like environment, Larry was allowed to bring several cultural items to his new digs. Maintenance staff helped to safely hang everything. “Larry and Kathy have really brought a breath of fresh air to this facility,” Godown says. Carving is a longtime hobby Larry began carving 25 years ago after one of his daughters bought him a book on the subject. “I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that,’ and so I did,” he says. “I’ve carved up to 21-foot totem poles, innumerable bowls …

Tribal Government & News General Council briefed on Human Resources, TERO programs 05.03.2021 Danielle Harrison General Council Camille Mercier By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals staff writer Human Resources Director Camille Mercier briefed Tribal members on the department during a Sunday, May 2, General Council meeting held via the Zoom video conferencing application. Following Mercier’s presentation was one from Tribal Employment Rights Office Director Harris Reibach. “The challenges we face …

Tribal Government & News The cooler side of things 05.27.2021 Danielle Harrison People Ashley LaBonte looks on as her husband, Tribal member Gene LaBonte, demonstrates one of the bottle openers on a cooler at their Kalama, Wash., home on Saturday, May 22. They started a business, Zilla Outdoor Authority, in April 2020 to design and sell coolers aimed at people who enjoy fishing, hunting and camping. (Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez) By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals staff writer KALAMA, Wash …

Culture Roads to Recovery: From treatment center client to CEO 07.29.2021 Danielle Harrison People , Health & Wellness Christopher Dickie (Contributed photo) (Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of Smoke Signals stories in 2021 that examines addiction and recovery). By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals staff writer When Tribal member Christopher Dickie was in high school, he was voted by his classmates as most likely to end up on the TV show “Cops.” Having been arrested 14 times in one …

communications and media strategies for the Tribe, and served on the Tribe’s executive team providing counsel to Tribal Council. One of her most noteworthy accomplishments while working for the Grand Ronde Tribe occurred in 2014-15 when she suggested to Tri-Met that a new car-free suspension bridge spanning the Willamette River honor the original peoples of Oregon. The bridge eventually was named Tilikum Crossing. She also produced the Tribe’s 25 th Restoration Celebration video and oversaw …

period that began in mid-March 2020. “Whether they’re one of our dedicated clinic staff working on the frontlines, someone interacting with Tribal members to provide services, processing emergency or COVID-19 relief payments for Tribal members or a temperature check station employee, this service has been invaluable and the Tribe wanted to recognize that effort,” the statement said. The premium pay sparked debate on social media by Tribal members who primarily criticized Tribal Council members …