Yesteryears -- May 15, 2015

2010 – After a disastrous 2008 investment year, it was reported that 2009 was one of the best investment years since the Great Depression. The Tribe’s portfolio grew by 16.37 percent after losing more than 25 percent of its value during the recession that gripped the country in 2008. “We recovered all of the paper losses from the big fall and then some,” said Tribal Finance Officer Stanley Arend.

2005 – The Tribe’s Cultural Resources Department received the Mission Mill Museum’s Heritage Education Award. Tribal employees Joan West, Toni Mercier, Kim Mueller, Tiffany Greenburg and Lindy Trolan accepted the award for the Tribe.

2000 – Cultural Resources Manager June Olson was appointed to the Oregon Pioneer Cemetery Commission because of her knowledge of Native American burial sites.

1995 – Tribal Chairman Mark Mercier reported that the Tribe’s gaming facility was taking shape and scheduled to open in mid-October. “There are other issues facing the council,” he reported, “such as what to do with the money once the gaming is in operation. No doubt this will take some serious discussion among council, and it is expected that a survey will be provided to the Tribal membership for your input.”

1990 – Lester Marston was hired as the first chief judge of the Grand Ronde Tribal Court. The tentative date for the first session of Tribal Court was scheduled for June 8 and the court will be in session at least one day each month. The primary purpose of the Tribal Court is to preside over cases involving child custody matters.

1985 – Val Grout donated a seafood basket to be raffled off at the General Council meeting for 50 cents per chance with proceeds going toward the powwow celebration. The lucky winner was Wilma Lacey of Salem.

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