Letters to the Editor -- Dec. 15, 2017

Dear Smoke Signals:

Our nation recently celebrated Thanksgiving Day. To me, Thanksgiving is not about an opulent meal; it is to remember that our ancestors reached out to those in need.

I am thankful for my family, for my brothers and sisters, and for my extended family. The Tribal family blesses in so many ways, reaching out to those in need like our ancestors did.

I recently lost my Dad, Darrel Mercier, and dear friend, Mary Ring, both residents of the Adult Foster Care Program. The AFC has provided personal care and medical supervision with an abundance of love and respect. The staff members are to be commended for their professionalism and are held in my heart as precious for their loving care. I am truly grateful. This opportunity to show my gratitude is a shadow in the light the staff shines on their residents.

I am grateful for the Burial Fund the Tribe provides. What a blessing! I am very impressed with Bollman’s/Dallas Tribute Funeral Home. The professional services are offered with respect, love and kindness. The willingness the staff provides to stretch the Burial Fund is above and beyond. This establishment has proven through the years that they are family. They repeat dedication over and over.

I am thankful for our Tribal Council and staff. The past vision of returning Tribal families to Grand Ronde for building strength, love and respect could not be possible without programs. We have health care, education benefits, housing, cultural ties nationwide and professionalism of staff whose purpose is rooted in love and respect.

I am thankful for our economic ventures. I love to take friends to our beautiful casino and library, and tour our community. These improvements are not possible without the economic proceeds.

I am thankful for our non-Tribal families. Those who provide services to our community: stores, utilities, churches and schools.

All of the above are precious and not possible without our veterans, military, police force, security and first responders in our medical field. I have witnessed the positive and continual evolving of love, respect and dignity of our community.

I am truly grateful!

Margo Mercier

Roll No. 885

Dear Smoke Signals:

I am writing this letter in regards to lodging at Spirit Mountain Casino. As a Tribal member who lives out of the Grand Ronde area and a pet owner, I find it very inconvenient that the Lodge does not have any pet-friendly rooms. I would stay at the casino nearly every visit if my pet was allowed, but I am forced to spend my money elsewhere. I would imagine that I am not alone in feeling these frustrations. It would be nice to see someone look into the option of adding some pet-friendly rooms.

Manny Mercier

Roll No. 1478