Yesteryears -- March 15, 2013

2008 - Hearings began on the Warm Springs Tribe's proposal to build an off-reservation casino in Cascade Locks. Tribal Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy testified at the first hearing, held in the Gorge Pavilion in Cascade Locks, about the Grand Ronde Tribe's historical and ancestral ties to the area. "Our people fished here. Our burial grounds are here. The BIA must watch out for our rights in the area, too," she said.

2003 - Baskets from Grand Ronde were on display at the Mission Mill Museum in Salem. The baskets showcased the skill and artistry of Willamette Valley Native Americans. Tribal Elders Kathryn Harrison and Merle Holmes attended the display's opening.

1998 - Health & Human Services Division Manager Cheryle A. Kennedy gave a report at the March General Council meeting that detailed the increase in medical services available to Tribal members since completion of the Health & Wellness Center. Optometry, pharmacy, X-ray and more are now available in Grand Ronde.

1993 - Smoke Signals adopted a new editorial policy regarding letters from its readers. Letters had to have a signature of the writer, address and phone number, and could not exceed 300 words in length. In addition, letters that contain libelous or personal attacks would not be printed.

1988 - The Grand Ronde Tribe presented a plaque to Warm Springs Chairman Zane Jackson and Second Vice Chairman Bruce Brunoe for their Tribe's assistance to Grand Ronde on many occasions. The plaque was presented during the 50^th anniversary celebration of Tribal self-government under the Indian Reorganization Act.

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