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reflected on the difficult years before the Tribe was restored and the work that went into rebuilding a nation after Restoration. “Those were moments throughout the day that just stay with me,” she said. “The sheer joy of watching the students at Chinuk Wawa dancing for us and listening to the drumming, you just can’t help but be inspired and just love the moment.” The cemetery stop was unplanned but one of those moments Kotek won’t soon forget. “For her to share what it was like when …

“Remember Me, America,” by Memorial Day ceremony fixture Bud Abbott, who walked on in 2019. The keynote speaker was Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Tribal Veteran Coordinator Jon R. Taylor. “It is my sincere honor and privilege to be here today among so many fellow veterans, family, friends and Tribal Elders as we gather to honor the tremendous and unforgotten sacrifices of our nation’s fallen heroes,” he said. “As veterans and service members, we walk in the footsteps and stand …

on a training consultation video from the Department of Interior and the second was an impromptu selfie with Biden. “I was surprised the (Secret Service) let me get that close and that Biden knew how to take a selfie,” she said with a smile. “I was trying to get someone to take a photo of us with my phone and he just took mine, put it on selfie mode and took a photo.” Harvey spent Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the gaming association meeting. “Knowing the members of Congress and people who came to speak …

Tribal Government & News General Manager Angie Blackwell is leaving 03.27.2025 Nicole Montesano General Manager Angie Blackwell By Nicole Montesano Smoke Signals staff writer General Manager Angie Blackwell announced Thursday, March 27, that she was leaving her position. “I want you all to know that I have appreciated the work we’ve done together over the past year,” Blackwell wrote in an email to employees. “Thank you for welcoming me into your departments and programs. I’ve enjoyed learning …

an update on her fellowship in Washington, D.C., which she is midway through. The fellowship sponsored by the Community Fund. (Photo by Michelle Alaimo) By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals editor The 2024-25 Hatfield Fellow Kwani-Fawn Marcellay (Colville) visited Grand Ronde Thursday, April 17, to give Tribal Council and Spirit Mountain Community Fund staff members an update midway through her fellowship in Washington, D.C. and her plans for the future. “Thank you so much for having me …

to detail and pride our employees bring to their work every day,” she said. “Not only are we meeting casino industry standards—we are exceeding them. Moments like this remind me how fortunate I am to be part of such a dedicated and high-performing organization and Tribe.” Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. Board Chair Andy Jenness gave credit to the casino’s executive team and staff for their efforts. “Spirit Mountain Casino’s clean external audit for 2024, marking two consecutive years with zero findings …

the Northwest Oregon Restoration Partnership,” Ham said. “They collected them from coastal areas and gave 1,000 to the Siletz Tribe and almost that many to us. We wanted to gift them to the community. It’s nice, because these are … pretty local.” Quenelle said he performs at similar events across northwest Oregon. “For me it’s about being able to create a safe space anywhere that I’m at,” he said. “I was taught when we grew up that we’re the warriors of the Tribe. But the ideology of the warrior has …

was no longer on council. “I hold my hands up to (him) and I know he spoke on this often,” Haller said. “He wrote long articles online that I definitely read and processed, and he just opened his arms and within my first month on council he contacted me and his whole objective was just how could we continue to move this forward. So, I think even after he wasn’t reelected, he continued to help push us in the direction of making sure that we are where we are today.” Tribal Council member Kathleen George …

School is held for four hours a day, Monday through Friday, depending on qualified applicant availability. Although completion of the program doesn’t guarantee a position on the casino floor, it does offer participants a knowledge advantage over those who haven’t taken the course, according to Table Games Trainer Lance Nuttman. Additionally, unlike other dealer school trainings, it doesn’t cost participants potentially thousands of dollars. “My title is trainer, but when people ask me what I do …

is a tragedy that many Oregonians remain unaware of. The group also toured the new Early Care and Education Center, exploring the classrooms and playgrounds, kitchen and other amenities. “This building is a dream come true for me and so many Tribal members,” George told them. “Lack of childcare is a barrier to work.” Brian Plinski, of Business Oregon, said the funders’ listening tour is an important program, “to try to better understand. Rather than making Tribes come to the funders, it’s getting …