Yesteryears -- Dec. 1, 2015

2010 – The Health & Wellness Clinic scheduled an open house to show off its $2.25 million renovation. The clinic was larger by 4,000 square feet, which added six more work stations in the Dental Clinic. In addition, a new metal roof was installed and the Pharmacy moved and doubled in space.

2005 – The Tribe celebrated its 22^nd year of Restoration in the bingo hall at Spirit Mountain Casino. The event included Tribal member CeCe Kneeland performing an honor song and her daughter, Nakoosa, performing a traditional dance.

2000 – Retired Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse was the featured speaker at the Tribe’s 17^th Restoration celebration held at Grand Ronde Elementary School.

1995 – The Tribe was preparing to establish a Housing Authority, which would be similar to a nonprofit corporation and require a Board of Commissioners to oversee all housing management and operations for the Tribe.

1990 – The Tribe celebrated its seventh anniversary of Restoration at Grand Ronde Elementary School with a traditional holiday feast of salmon, ham salad, mashed potatoes and gravy. “This is a very important day for our people,” said Tribal Council member Kathryn Harrison. “I just hope that they appreciate everything that went into the Restoration effort so that all of this could happen.”

1985 – Tribal members Chris Leno, Mike Colton and Steve Bobb Jr. received letters for playing on the Willamina High School football team while Melanie Smith received a letter for playing on the junior varsity volleyball team.

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