Yesteryears -- April 15, 2012

2007 - The Tribe was working at the federal level to be included among the list of Tribes consulted on issues affecting the Columbia Gorge. The 1986 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act only listed the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla and Nez Perce as Tribes that need to be consulted about management of the area. Grand Ronde's inclusion in the Gorge Act "is a matter of fairness," said Tribal Attorney Rob Greene.

2002 - Tribal Finance Officer Larry Kovach introduced PaineWebber Vice President Mark Barnum to the Tribal membership. He explained changes in the Tribal investment strategies. It also was announced that Tribal Attorney Rob Greene was part of the Tribal Council-appointed Investment Committee.

1997 - Tammy Leno was the closest to guessing how many jelly beans were in a jar as part of a Tribal Easter Contest. Leno guessed 1,132 jelly beans, two less than were actually in the jar. In addition, Easter coloring contest winners were Rylan Martin, Katherine Warren and Alicia Finney.

1992 - Indian Health Service employees Bryson Liberty and Bruce Myers gave a presentation to Tribal Council about the effects of smoking in Indian Country. Myers said that up to 54 percent of adult Native Americans over 18 years of age smoke cigarettes regularly. "As a result, two out of every five deaths in Indian County are due to smoking," he added.

1987 - Linda Jirek (Oneida) joined the Tribe as administrative secretary. She was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Oregon in 1972. Her first job was at Chemawa Indian School, where she worked for about five years. She replaced Mary Ring, who transferred to the Social Services Department.

Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year increments through the pages of Smoke Signals.