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, an Army veteran, was the first council member to address the crowd. “I love that we have Armed Forces Day to honor those who are serving and Veterans Day to honor those that have served,” said Tuomi. “It’s important to take time to reflect what Memorial Day is all about. Today we are here to honor the heroes that have given their lives and to say thank you for their sacrifices.” Tribal Council member Chris Mercier said he has learned about veterans from Bobb and others he has served …

of these homes makes a very important statement to this community that not only are we here to stay, but more of our people are coming home.” Leno thanked his staff for the work they put in to get the project done. “First of all I want to thank Randy Bean,” said Leno. “Randy has been my eyes and ears for this operation.” Leno also thanked Engineering and Public Works Manager Jesse White, Tribal Council, the General Manager’s Office and the officials present from Gerding Builders. “This was a team …

was the Tribe’s General Council meeting in Grand Ronde. Tribal Elder Val Grout said to the membership that if you have a good idea and you didn’t speak up, it was on you. “I left that meeting with those words embedded in my heart,” said Adams. Adams said she had a moment of “clarity” after Grout spoke and she applied for a grant from the Northwest Indian Area Health Board to begin the Renewing Spirits events. “My world changed,” said Adams. “So here we are today. This is for our Elders …

Tribal Government & News Message from the Tribal Chair 11.13.2013 Michelle Alaimo Tribal Council Dear fellow Tribal members: As 2013 begins winding down, I would like to take a moment to share a few things with you that Tribal Council has been working on over the last few months. Tribal Council has been and will continue to be deeply invested in protecting the rights and benefits of our Tribal members and our youth. As 2014 approaches, we've kept this in mind and I think each and every one …

San Manuel to seek new challenges and opportunities. Titu says he was attracted to the Grand Ronde Tribe because of the initial contacts he had with Tribal member and Tribal Director of Development Peter Wakeland and Tribal Human Resources Director Walter Kalinowski. "My first exposure to Grand Ronde was Walter and Pete, and the kind of questions they were asking me. I was very impressed by that," Titu says in his office in the Tribal Finance Department. "I have done a lot of interviews in my …

created her first few abstract works using acrylics. Then, she posted the images to her Facebook page to share with family and friends. One of her works, “As My Guitar Gently Weeps,” caught the eye of Jonathan Oliveira, winery ambassador at downtown McMinville’s Willamette Valley Vineyards tasting room. “He asked me if I wanted to do an exhibit at the tasting room for the month of August,” Lewis, 60, says. “I like a challenge, so I said, ‘Sure.’ I’ve been at it since January and created 20 paintings …

Jenness (Grand Ronde). Both are among the few independent press publications in Indian Country. “I had my first story suppressed soon after the free press was repealed,” Ellis said. “They pulled my stories off the front page and we struggled to get the paper out because administration took so long to approve it. It took three months before my work made the front page again.” However, Ellis has resolved to stay and fight for independent journalism. “Without the help of NAJA and the Society …

elaine.robertson@grandronde.org or send an inquiry to yeʔlan tilixam haws , 9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR, 97347 By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer For almost 30 years, Tribal member Elaine Robertson has been helping Native Americans who are in prison. She has volunteered in California and Oregon correctional facilities, providing cultural activities and ceremonies, as well as being an advocate or simply someone to listen. “I know that everyone has value and worth,” Robertson …

Two Spirit Gathering at Flathead Lake Methodist Camp. Nationally, these gatherings have been held since the early 1990s and regional gatherings are held in several parts of the United States. “Although I wish to remain humble in my title, I think it is important to acknowledge this beautiful gathering and start opening dialogues around how the Grand Ronde Tribe honored its Two Spirit/LGBTQ relatives before colonialization,” he says. “I will gladly do my duties as Mr. Montana Two Spirit and raise …

the talents of some 15 Indigenous designers at Spirit Mountain Casino for The Northwest/West Coast Indigenous Fashion Show. Approximately 350 people attended the event. Clothing displayed in the show ranged from traditional regalia to T-shirts, business clothing and evening wear, and even a bridal gown. Ribbon skirts and a traditional basketry baby carrier were among the items displayed. The result, participants said, was moving and powerful. “I loved being a part of it and I think Indian Country …