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site visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. (Photo by Michelle Alaimo) By Nicole Montesano Smoke Signals staff writer Four years into a project to teach the Tribe’s teenagers about philanthropy, grantmaking and community service, the program is hitting its stride, with an annual luncheon to celebrate the organizations chosen by interns of the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. This year’s Youth Grantmaking check presentation was held Friday, Aug. 8, at Spirit Mountain Casino Event Center. Summer youth …

Tribal Government & News Tribe renames Willamette Falls site 09.07.2022 Dean Rhodes Willamette Falls Smoke Signals file photo By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor OREGON CITY – Blue Heron is out; Tumwata Village is in. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde announced on Wednesday, Sept. 7, that it has chosen a new name for the 23-acre site near Willamette Falls that was once home to the former Blue Heron Paper Mill. Tumwata Village includes the Native name for the falls and reflects the Tribe’s …

and Community Center staff who worked to make her memorial service on Oct. 26 so special. To all staff who worked in the kitchen during and after the potlatch, we appreciate the extra help and please know that it did not go unnoticed. Thanks, also, to Tribal Council for the plant and words of sympathy. Special thanks to Ken and Sandy Haller for the beautiful service at the Lighthouse Church, as well as the very uplifting words Ken shared at the graveside service. We also thank everyone who …

Tribal Government & News Tribal officials lobbying for lands bill 03.31.2026 Danielle Harrison Lands By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals editor Several Tribal officials visited Washington, D.C., in late March to lobby for the Tribe’s proposed acquisition of 18,628 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in the Siuslaw National Forest. Since the land transfer literally takes an act of Congress, Tribal officials met with the Oregon congressional delegation, as well as forest service officials …

employees to play games including guessing the contents of wrapped gifts by shaking them, stacking cups and unwrapping chocolate candies, with prizes of $200 to winners, and $100 to those who came in second. Elaine Lane, education and services coordinator for the Shawash-iliʔi Skul, shows off her outfit as she participates in the ugly sweater contest during the annual employee holiday party and fourth-quarter service awards at Spirit Mountain Casino’s Event Center Thursday, Dec. 18. Lane won …

for the Tribe. Joining him in the quarter-century or more club were Natural Resources Manager Michael Wilson and Finance Officer Chris Leno, who both reached 26 years of service. Higher Education Manager Bryan Langley notched 27 years and Health Benefits Specialist Barbara Steere, Staff Accountant Melanie Hubbard and Procurement Assistant Kelly Leno attained 28 years apiece. Tribal Attorney Rob Greene reached his 24th year of employment, Assistant Tribal Attorney Kim D’Aquila hit the 22-year mark …

Tribal employee ever to achieve the three-decade mark in employment with the Tribe. Other employees who have reached or surpassed two decades of Tribal service included Housing Department Maintenance Coordinator Lonnie Leno, 28 years; Adult Education Coordinator Tracy Biery and General Manager’s Office Administrative Assistant Barbara Branson, 27 years; Member Services Benefits Administrator Liz Leno, 26 years; Dental Director Eric Webster, 23 years; Human Resources Specialist Cindy Mitchell and Fish …

-century or more club were Higher Education Manager Bryan Langley at 25 years, and Health Benefits Specialist Barbara Steere, Staff Accountant Melanie Hubbard and Procurement Assistant Kelly Herber at 26 years apiece. Employees reaching the 20-year mark of service included Assistant Tribal Attorney Kim D’Aquila and Health & Wellness Data Entry Specialist Sharon Wattier, and Tribal Attorney Rob Greene notched his 22 nd year of employment. Natural Resources Manager Michael Wilson and Finance Officer …

20 years and above club were Human Resources Specialist Cindy Mitchell and Fish and Wildlife Program Manager Kelly Dirksen, 28 years; Education Department Manager Angela Fasana and Tribal Council Senior Administrative Assistant Lauri Smith, 27 years; Children & Family Services Supervisor Kristi Petite, Gaming Commission Executive Assistant Kathy Doane and Senior Staff Attorney Deneen Aubertin Keller, 26 years; Publications Production Specialist Justin Phillips, Procurement Supervisor Kevin …

; Education & Services Coordinator Elaine Lane Raven, Dental Department Manager Sheila Blacketer and Housekeeping Supervisor Ben Bishop, 26 years; and Cultural Protection Specialist Christopher Bailey, 25 years. Employees received certificates of appreciation and those hitting milestone years received bonus checks. Other employees honored were: 24 years: Facilities Manager Tyson Mercier and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coordinator Matthew Bucknell. 23 years: Tribal Security Supervisor Roel …