Yesteryears -- July 15, 2016

2011 – The first Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow was held. The Veterans Powwow was renamed to honor Tribal Elder and Army veteran Marce Norwest, who walked on on May 22.

2006 – Tribal Elder Foster Care homes were ready for occupancy. During a ceremony for the three lodges, three ribbons were cut simultaneously by Cheryle A. Kennedy, Leon Tom and Pete Wakeland.

2001 – Fred Grinnell joined the Tribe as the new Human Resources manager, coming to work in Grand Ronde after 6.5 years in Anchorage, Alaska. “The winters were long and cold up there,” he said.

1996 – Tribal Council appointed Annabelle Hamm, Marie Schmidt, Kathryn Harrison, June Olson, Claudette Parazoo, Pam Warren and Dale Archibald to the Kwelth Tahlkie Cultural Heritage Society.

1991 – A congressional resolution recognizing the contributions of American Indian veterans was passed. In the resolution, Congress acknowledged that American Indians have historically served in the armed forces in numbers which far exceed their representation in the population of the United States. “The Congress expresses its appreciation to all American Indian veterans for their long, proud and distinguished tradition of service,” the resolution stated.

1986 – A Powwow Fundraiser Day was set for July 12. Scheduled were a rummage sale, fish fry and bingo from “6 p.m. until dark.” Events were being held at the Depot Tribal office behind the Bonanza Restaurant.

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