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into a lengthy discussion. Vice Chair Jack Giffen Jr. moved to table the first reading, saying he favored an advisory vote from the membership before Tribal Council decides on such an important social issue. “This impacts many generations,” Giffen said. “We all were raised differently and I think an advisory vote by the membership would be, in my eyes, the best way to go with this because each generation has their own opinion of this law. For nine people to make a decision, which encompasses so many …

, but still be proud that my ancestors were Native people. I would still be able to come to Grand Ronde for visits and feel proud to have once been a part, no matter how small, of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Indians. Thank you for listening to my thoughts and best of luck in all your future work. May God bless all of you and guide you in your endeavors. Sincerely, Bradley Kowing Roll #1816 Dear Smoke Signals : This is to all my fellow Tribal members for your …

with silk pockets, which proved to be quite popular among the students at the University of Hawaii. “From there it just grew and we opened up an online store and started selling there and through Facebook,” he says. After graduating in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Douglass decided it was time to return to his Oregon roots. He decided to celebrate that by designing a T-shirt that reads “The Best Coast,” featuring the state license plates of Washington, Oregon and California …

.” In his spare time, Gerbrandt enjoys playing with his black lab, Vinnie, and video games alone or with 15-year-old brother Noah. His favorite subjects in school are social studies and language arts. “They really interest me and I get to learn about cool subjects,” he says. Gerbrandt first became interested in stand-up comedy after watching TV shows like “America’s Got Talent.” “They were all having a blast and living their best life, and I wanted to do that, too,” he says. Gerbrandt says he …

skills to help restore balance. (Photos by Timothy J. Gonzalez/Smoke Signals) By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer Remember the past, focus on the present and plan for the future was the message of the three-day Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam held Tuesday, May 21, through Thursday, May 23. In its second year, the event sought to give participants an opportunity to connect and learn how to best care for the community by discussing historical and intergenerational trauma, wisdom, culture …

overthink it. Today is a day to honor what veterans did and it’s also a day to remember those made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to battle back home after serving our great nation.” Blasi, a 14-year Navy veteran, said she is always struck by the powerful emotions Memorial Day invokes. “Today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said. “It is this holiday that speaks most keenly to our highest and best ideals.” Director of Statewide Veterans Services Sheronne Blasi …

services, it’s something that is being considered. “It takes lots of planning to see what we need to do to best serve our people,” says Executive Director of Health Services Kelly Rowe. “Right now, we do screenings for signs of depression fairly regularly. This (crisis services) is something that is on the radar, something that we know we need to have.” Indian Country often has its own risk factors with suicide when compared to the population at large. Those communities with high suicide rates …

to them. We were taken away from here, but our hearts were not. We want our ancestors to know we have been doing things the best we know how.” As it began to rain lightly, Mercier and other Tribal drummers closed with a song to honor their ancestors. “Ancestors, please help us,” he said. “We thank you for everything. We don’t forget your struggles. And today, we have come full circle.” Afterward, Jon A. George said a highlight of the morning was seeing everyone gathered at the waterfront. “We have …

and sports writing in 2016 and best feature story in 2017. Merrill was born on Dec. 31, 1960 in Dallas, Ore., the son of Tribal Elder Donna Stronach (Bean) and Warren Merrill, and the grandson of Fremond Bean. He was descended from Tribal leader Chief Joseph Sangretta and was proud of his Northern Paiute and Kalapuyan roots. He was raised in Oregon and spent his entire life living and working in the Pacific Northwest. He attended Marist High School in Eugene and received a GED, and then attended Western …

before COVID-19 was being able to walk through the halls of Congress. “It feels like you are a part of something bigger and exciting,” she said. Post pandemic, the best experience was the care and concern shown to her by other congressional staff members. “That was really helpful for me to be able to push through what was happening,” Wright said. Wright has begun a new position as policy analyst for the National Congress of American Indians, a position she secured after working …