Yesteryears -- June 15, 2014

2009 - The Tribe's entry in the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade, "Bridging the Past With the Future," received the Golden Rose Award for best float shorter than 35 feet. The float was designed by Tribal Elder and Tribal Council member Steve Bobb Sr.

2004 - Former President Ronald Reagan walked on on Saturday, June 5, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 93. Reagan signed the Grand Ronde Restoration Act in November 1983 and also put his signature on the Grand Ronde Reservation Act in 1988.

1999 - Ground was broken on the Elder housing complex. "This is a real historic day for the Tribe and especially the Elders," said Linda Layden, Housing director. The housing complex will have 38 separate two-bedroom apartments and will be located on the west side of Grand Ronde Road.

1994 - Carmen Mercier, Mychal Childers, Camille Mercier, Kathryn Harrison and Chet Clark were invited to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia, as official Native American representatives. The five Tribal members will travel to the games July 17-27.

1989 - Tribal Council Chairman Mark Mercier reported that Tribal Council was finalizing the Tribe's Master Plan, which was a study designed to look at the feasibility of lands available in the Grand Ronde community for community development, administration offices, housing and economic development. The next step will be to negotiate with land owners for the purchase of suitable lands to meet Tribal needs.

1984 - Starting on June 18, the Tribe began employing summer youth workers through a contract with the Mid-Valley Jobs Council. The youth worked in three major work sites - Tribal Office, greenhouse and cemetery/Tribal grounds - through Aug. 17.

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