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Culture Yesteryears - March 1, 2023 02.28.2023 Danielle Harrison Yesteryears 2018 2018 – Despite snowfall that covered several parts of Oregon, all nine Tribes attended Tribal Governments Legislative Day held at the State Capitol. The theme was “Oregon is Indian Country: Who We Are.” Tribal Governments Legislative Day was designed to be a time for lawmakers, legislative staff, agency directors and their staff, as well as members of the public, to learn about Oregon’s nine federally recognized …

Culture Yesteryears -- April 1, 2023 03.30.2023 Danielle Harrison Yesteryears 2018 2018 – Grand Ronde Tribal Council members and the Metro Council held a joint meeting in Portland to discuss shared goals of developing partnerships, environmental and economic stewardship, and preservation of cultural heritage. The government-to-government consultation was the first official one that the Tribe had with Metro. Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy said that the Tribe had been “active and …

Tribal Government & News Tribal Council approves purchase of two properties 05.31.2023 Danielle Harrison Tribal Council , Lands The Tribe is purchasing the Hanson House Bed & Breakfast property, located at 23005 Yamhill River Road, in Willamina. The purchase is expected to close in mid-June. (Photo by Michelle Alaimo) By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals assistant editor/staff writer Tribal Council approved purchasing two properties to use for its Community Transitions Program during its …

Tribal Government & News Tribal Council approves grant application for detox center 10.23.2024 Danielle Harrison Tribal Council By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals editor Tribal Council approved a $4 million grant application to the Oregon Health Authority to help the Tribe continue its battle against opioid addiction at its Wednesday, Oct. 23, meeting. If awarded, the grant would be used to help fund construction of a detox center and to continue supporting the Tribe’s two medication assisted …

Tribal Government & News Proposed enrollment procedure explained at informational meeting 04.25.2025 Enrollment , Tribal Constitution Smoke Signals file photo An informational meeting on the proposed Enrollment Ordinance changes was held in the Tribal Council Chambers and via Zoom Thursday, April 24. Senior Staff Attorney Holly Partridge gave a presentation with the latest proposed changes to the ordinance before fielding 90 minutes of questions from the Tribal community. The discussed …

Tribal Government & News ATNI holds winter convention in Portland 02.11.2026 Nicole Montesano Tribal relations Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians President Leonard Forsman speaks during the organizations 2026 Winter Convention at the Hilton Portland Downtown Monday, Feb. 2. (Photo by Michelle Alaimo) By Nicole Montesano Smoke Signals staff writer PORTLAND -- Worries over threats to Indian gaming, the problems posed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs …

and has subsequently flourished, albeit with its share of struggles and growing pains. The first three-day Gathering of Grand Ronde Tilixam, held Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13, in the Tribal gym sought to give Tribal members an opportunity to connect, remember the past and learn how to best take care of the community into the future. “Tilixam” means “people, family or gathering” in Chinuk Wawa. Evidence of that could be found in historical photos and sketches that lined the walls …

challenges that restored Tribes face in obtaining funding. “In closing, Tribal police forces are grossly underfunded and Tribes nationwide are suffering from staggering violent crime and victimization rates,” Tuomi said. “PL 280 Tribes and those facing the challenges of Termination and Restoration are disproportionately impacted by this underfunding. When determining how to best allocate its funds, the Tribe asks that increased and targeted funding for those Tribes be given a high priority.” Share …

unstoppable as she led us to our 1982 federal sovereignty re-recognition. Those same traits led to businesses as well as programs that benefitted Tribal members’ health, education and housing needs. Her influence and impact extended and benefitted many at the state and national level, too. She was a beloved Cow Creek Tribal member. Her loss is deeply felt.” Quigley, who worked for many years with Shaffer on the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, said that she was the best kind of champion …

close to home with $322,500 being awarded to the Grand Ronde Tribal Police Project as part of the Oregon Tribal Grants program. Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees Chairman Sho Dozono and Tribal Council member Ed Pearsall, who also serves on the fund’s Board of Trustees, welcomed grant recipients to Grand Ronde. “Community fund program days are the four best days of the year,” said Kathleen George, Community Fund director. “We get to invite our friends and partners out to our …