Letters to the Editor -- Dec. 15, 2011

Dear Smoke Signals:

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde prides itself on giving through its charitable foundation, the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. Millions of dollars have been donated to children and schools.

The Tribe is very charitable to local communities, but that doesn't seem to be the case when it comes to many Tribal children who are denied enrollment through ultra-strict enrollment requirements adopted in 1999. Personally, I would never vote to have the birthright of any of Grand Ronde's children removed.

Frankly, I am getting tired of voting on this same issue every five years. I have voted for all Tribal children in both previous ordinance elections and both times it was defeated. Every five years it comes up for vote again and again, and each time it gets more complicated and confusing.

If the Grand Ronde Tribe is so generous and giving to children, then let's welcome our own children into the Tribe; all of them. No Tribal children should ever be turned away. Charity begins at home. I would like to see the enrollment requirements go back to the way they were in 1998 and no Grand Ronde children would be turned away from their own Tribe. Denial of even one Tribal child is a shame that should never been allowed.

Scott Joseph Lane

Roll #2989

Dear Smoke Signals:

I would like to thank Gene LaBonte for his service to our community.

Recently, his assistance provided a Tribal and U.S. flag to Grand Meadows for replacement of the badly worn flags that were retired.

Gene, this get-r-done award is for you.

Khani Schultz

Roll #1395