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stewards were the Native Atfalati, who wintered around Wapato Lake because the root vegetable prospered in the area and played an important role in sustaining the Indigenous peoples. Later, they were remanded to the Grand Ronde Reservation after signing the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855. The refuge opened to the public on Feb. 1, but the official celebration was postponed to avoid poor weather. It was held at Gaston Junior-Senior High School and included an open house, welcome ceremony and refuge …

, $600, $400 and $200 for first- through fourth-place winners, sponsored by the Liebelt family and Veterans Board. There is also an outgoing queen special jingle dance for all ages with prizes of $300, $200 and $100 for first- through third-place winners, sponsored by Tasina Bluehorse and her family. Continuing with last year’s change, there won’t be an official Veterans Summit, but instead a resource fair with a more casual format held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 7. The resource fair …

a citation, the casino taking employment action and referencing the issuance of the $50 citation that hasn’t even been adjudicated in court yet, and then a council member announcing an employee's separation in a public forum before the employee even received official paperwork, the entire process is alarming. It seems that due process has not been upheld, and after 28 years of service to the casino, this is a deeply disappointing moment for the community. Everyone observing this situation should …

Polk Food Share over the past 21 years and we appreciate the work they do within the community,” Community Fund Director Angela Sears said. “While we have provided an official sponsorship for holiday food boxes in the past, it was never intended to be a long-term commitment. The appropriate path for seeking funding to support holiday food boxes is through our competitive grant program and MPFS has not yet submitted a request for this initiative.” Smoke Signals reached out to Tribal Communications …

whale is prepared.” This video follows Lillian Nageak around her kitchen in Barrow, the northern-most town in Alaska. She points to a paper plate holding “maktak,” frozen cubes of black whale skin and pink blubber. The maktak is a staple for the people of Barrow and Nageak explains how they prepare maktak to last several months. A paper plate holds “maktak,” frozen cubes of black whale skin and pink blubber. The maktak is a food staple for the Alaskan Natives of Barrow and is prepared to last …

their culture and heritage, receiving a good education and having a sense of responsibility. "To watch (children's) firsts is a reminder to see them through a new set of eyes," said Angela Gonzales, Parent Resource and Education Coordinator for Polk County Health & Human Services, who, with Tribal member and Tribal Prevention Caseworker Carmen Mercier, are leading the class. Tribal member Nichole Liebelt looks forward to "making memories with my kids." Washie Squetimkin (Colville) said that he is most …

Mercier, who took a year off from Tribal Council after serving three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2013. Mercier, who is attending law school at Michigan State University, received the second most votes with 543, or 15.06 percent. He said before Election Day that he will take a leave of absence from law school if elected. First-time Tribal Council candidate Tonya Gleason-Shepek received the third most votes with 539, or 14.95 percent. She ran on a slate with Leno and incumbent June Sherer. Sherer …

everyone who attended her service, helped officiate, provided the opening ceremonies, drummed, sang and gave tributes, as well as all of the flowers, plants, cards and sentiments that were sent. The family will be honoring her memory with a giveaway at the 2019 Restoration Celebration in November. Everyone is welcome. Most sincerely, Camille Mercier & the family of Margaret Provost Roll #1982 Dear Smoke Signals : On Aug. 15, I picked up the annual distribution of salmon for our family. We get …

Tribal Government & News Yesteryears -- Sept. 15, 2019 09.12.2019 Danielle Frost History 2009 2014 – Tribal voters re-elected Chris Mercier and Reyn Leno in the Tribal Council election. First-time Tribal Council candidate Tonya Gleason-Shepek received the third most votes with 539. She ran on a slate with Leno and incumbent June Sherer. There were 3,606 votes cast in the election, the most since 2008. 2009 – After working for the Tribe for 23 years, Margo Mercier resigned as Enrollment Program …

to seek a second term. “Barring some last-minute change of heart, I plan to seek re-election,” Mercier said in an e-mail on Thursday, May 21. Mercier was first elected to Tribal Council in 2004 and was re-elected in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2017. He received the most votes in ’07 and ’10. He took one year off during that time to attend law school at Michigan State University and is currently attending law school at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. His 15 years on Tribal Council ties him with former …