Yesteryears -- Sept. 1, 2012

2007 - Mark Johnston took over responsibilities of the Grand Ronde Health Clinic and brings more than 12 years of experience in health administration working for Oregon Tribes. Previously, he worked with the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians and the Coquille Tribe. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with a degree in business and administration.

2002 - Tribal member Kevin Simmons received the 2002-03 Mark O. Hatfield Fellowship from Spirit Mountain Community Fund. He was scheduled to work in the office of U.S. Rep. David Wu.

1997 - The 1997-98 Grand Ronde Royalty Court included Miranda Provost, Miss Tiny Tot; Jenny Bailey, Senior Miss Grand Ronde; Ashley Tuomi, Junior Miss Grand Ronde; and Emma Leno, Miss Grand Ronde. Honorary princesses were Ali Holsclaw, Brandi Little, Sheena Johnson, Betty Sue Rose and Maria Godines.

1992 - Beth Oliver was hired as the new general manager of Spirit Mountain Development Corp. She had just returned to the United States from Africa, where she worked with countries, Tribes and groups to enhance their economic development opportunities.

1987 - More than 200 people listened to testimony by supporters and opponents of a Grand Ronde Reservation at a field hearing chaired by U.S. Rep. Les AuCoin at Grand Ronde Elementary School. "My purpose is to make life better for the Tribe in a way that makes life better for all of us," AuCoin told the audience.

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