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, stressed the cultural and spiritual aspects of the food and encouraged attendees to abandon the fast-food mentality of modern-day society. “This is very important to our people, the sustenance. All of the berries and animals, the four-leggeds that gave their lives over the generations,” he said. “These tell a story of where we’ve been and where we are going. “We have to let go of that McDonald’s mentality in our youth and teach them that sometimes it takes a little time to prepare something …

practices for prevention and healing. The conference is considered by many as a critical component of health care training as Native Americans have the highest overdose rates of prescription opioids, according to Oregon Health Authority data. The conference began with the Grand Ronde Honor Guard posting the colors. Tribal Council member, Vietnam War veteran and Elder Steve Bobb Sr. offered an invocation, then welcomed attendees to the Tribe’s homelands. “This is a very important event,” he said …

p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Aug. 31. Where: 300 N.E. Third St., McMinnville Cost: Free More information: 503-883-9013. By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer McMINNVILLE -- Ann Lewis has been an art lover and collector for decades, but never an artist herself. But last winter, she picked up a paintbrush for the first time during a “wine and art” class, and was hooked. From there, the Grand Ronde Tribal Elder …

. “This is an important subject always, but even more so in this current time we are in,” Watson said. “I’m very excited to be here today to discuss health care as it relates to health inequities for Indigenous communities. … One of my leading values is once we know better, we must do better. I would invite the audience today to take this new information and turn it into action in your own communities.” Watson’s first question for the panelists was their thoughts on the term “health inequities …

casino gaming and at the time there was nothing like it in the state of Oregon. Most Tribes who had established casinos elsewhere hired professional gaming companies and paid them a large amount of money. The proposals we got were not very good so we made the decision to try to do it ourselves.” Thomas said that the group had the skills but not the business experience, plus most of them were in their 30s or younger. “We had to go and find someone to lend us $45 million so we could get …

at the Bonneville Power Administration for one at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He merely walked across the courtyard from the BPA offices to the BIA offices. Although Mercier still drives to the same building he has for the past 10 years, the job he does now is very different. While at the BPA, he served as division director of Fish and Wildlife. Now, Mercier is the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ regional director, the senior most official overseeing all Northwest BIA functions ranging from staffing …

to be members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Darla was an Elder in the Tribe. At a younger age, Darla was always interested in learning new things. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandfather “Grampsie.” He taught her how to bait a hook on her fishing line and “spit on the worm for good luck.” She loved to fish. He also taught her mechanics and how to use proper tools. Together, they would do small engine repairs. As a teenager, she could change the brakes on her …

on that.” Herron said he is grateful to Tribal member Deitz Peters and the Tribe’s very first Education Director Dean Azule. Herron said Peters is very supportive of him. “He lifts me up,” said Herron. Part of Herron’s goal in pursuing his education was to have career options. His main goal is to end up working for the benefit of Indian people. “I’ll be able to teach at the college level,” said Herron. “I’ll also be qualified to work in administration in any educational setting. I could work …

to the potential resignation of a board member, so they asked council to extend the deadline in order to receive more applications. The two open board positions were again advertised, this time in the Feb. 15 and March 1 editions of Smoke Signals, resulting in multiple applicants. “My concern from the very beginning in terms of the board of directors’ positions, is that I felt we had two candidates that applied and met the deadline of Sept. 30,” Leno said. “It is my continued belief that we should …

likely need to be filled due to the potential resignation of a board member, so they asked council to extend the deadline in order to receive more applications. The two open board positions were again advertised, this time in the Feb. 15 and March 1 editions of Smoke Signals, resulting in multiple applicants. “My concern from the very beginning in terms of the board of directors’ positions, is that I felt we had two candidates that applied and met the deadline of Sept. 30,” Leno said. “It is my …