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Culture Watchlist: ‘This is Indian Country 111: Oregon’ 05.28.2025 Kamiah Koch Watchlist By Kamiah Koch Social media/digital journalist Ruth-Ann Thorn hosts a series on the Native-based channel, First Nations Experience (FNX) called, “This Is Indian Country.” It shares modern Native American culture and in her latest episode of the show, she visits Grand Ronde and other Oregon Tribes. Her visit includes a segment with Grand Ronde Tribal member and carver Bobby Mercier. Mercier, an artist …

logger and ran a cedar stealing business that even amazed the police trying to catch him for a time. Sioux Tribal Elder Jess Robertson worked on the cedar crew. "I cut a lot of cedar with him," said Robertson. "He was the best cedar thief I ever knew. And he had more guts than a government mule. He could get caught red-handed and bluff his way through it. I really admired him." Tribal Elders Gene and Butch LaBonte worked with Dean stealing cedar. "There were a lot of things that he showed me …

was very challenging. In the best of times, teenagers can be frustrating to parent, but if you’ve been away in prison for years, unable to keep up with the daily details of your children’s lives, some find it a very long road to re-establish those connections. Schneider’s situation is hardly unique: The number of children who have a mother in prison has increased exponentially since 1980, according to data from The Sentencing Project. Between then and 2019, when the most recent national data …

Ronde Tribe’s constitutional amendment process. Others on social media and at the May 22 meeting expressed that removing a layer of federal bureaucracy from the Tribe’s election process is one of the best ways to show sovereignty. During the meeting, Tribal Senior Staff Attorney Holly Partridge gave a short presentation to the roughly 50 Tribal members attending the hybrid format held in the Tribal Council Chambers and Zoom. “In summary, the language being changed is any reference of the BIA …

built the Tribe’s Fire Protection Program into one of the best and most successful in the country. “We have six engines now and a very successful program,” Kuust says. “We try to align our efforts with the Tribe’s mission and direction. Jeff is responsible for that. I don’t think we would have as successful of a program if it weren’t for Jeff.” Kuust says Nepstad pays attention to detail. “He focuses on results and he doesn’t get distracted. He gets things done.” Natural Resources Department …

for preparing all of the food and serving everyone so graciously. Ray was the best husband, dad and papa. He loved his family beyond measure, and his passing has been a tremendous loss for us. He had a beautiful smile, beautiful hair, beautiful eyes and, most importantly, a beautiful heart. He truly was our hero and best friend, and he will stay forever in our hearts. So, again, our heartfelt thanks to all of you who helped us in any way. Thank you for the cards, flowers and condolences. Your time …

Casino Chief Executive Officer Camille Mercier said. “This decision was carefully considered and ultimately it was decided that it was not in the best interest of Spirit Mountain to continue a working relationship with Happy Dragon.” Mercier declined to elaborate on what led to the decision. She added that there is not a date for when a new vendor will open as casino management is still exploring options for the new venue. “I appreciate the desire for more information and acknowledge it can …

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held Friday through Sunday. The tourney is open to middle and high school youth and teams consist of four players regardless of gender. Prizes will be awarded to first- and second-place teams and for winners in the three-point shooting contest. For more information, contact Recreation Coordinator Harris Reibach at 503-879-1369. Deadline to register is Aug. 12. For the second year in a row, the Tribe’s Education Committee will sponsor a “School Is Cool” dance …

Gaming Spirit Mountain Casino to kick off sports betting on Friday, Aug. 28 08.26.2020 Dean Rhodes Spirit Mountain Casino , Gaming The sports betting area at Spirit Mountain Casino will feature eight kiosks on which guests can place their bets on professional and college sporting event. (Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez/Smoke Signals) By Dean Rhodes Smoke Signals editor Spirit Mountain Casino will start accepting wagers on college and professional sporting events on Friday, Aug. 28, becoming …

Culture Yesteryears - Oct. 1, 2023 09.28.2023 Danielle Harrison Yesteryears 2018 2018 – The seventh annual Coffee & Conversation was held in southern Oregon to commemorate the 1853 treaty signing at Table Rocks and the September 2011 signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy to manage the Table Rocks area north of Medford. “I hope our joint efforts are helping turn the dial to a better place,” Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle …