Letters to the Editor - Feb. 1, 2012

Dear Smoke Signals:

I would like to thank everyone who helped at the service for my husband, Ray Gilliam, and at the Elders Activity Center for the meal afterward.

I also want to give a huge thank you to my brother, Mike, who helped me so much in taking care of all of the details at Grand Ronde. Also, thank you to all the kind people from Salem Heights Church and Grace Community Church in Dallas 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 and effort is appreciated more than words can express.

Susie Gilliam and family

Roll #418

Dear Smoke Signals:

I would like to thank the Tribal Council members who worked so hard over the years to correct the split family issue. I also want to thank all the members who voted "yes" to change the Constitution.

Although it did not pass, it is comforting to me to know that there are Tribal members who care about each other and are willing to share the benefits that could help so many of them have better lives.

It breaks my heart to think that many of the children who have mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers as members, but they will not have that privilege nor feel the pride of belonging to a Tribe. They must feel so hurt and left out.

How sad to think that their own people would not accept them. It makes me ashamed to think that we would do that to each other.

There are all kinds of reasons and justifications that people tell themselves about why they voted "no," but it still does not take away the fact that they have hurt so many other families. There have not been many times that I can say that I can feel the tears deep down inside of my soul, but this is one of those times.

May God bless all of you who tried to make a difference.

Diana Norton

Roll #2599