Yesteryears -- Sept. 15, 2018

2013 – Willamina Elementary fourth-graders were to receive instruction in the Grand Ronde Tribal History curriculum for the first time. The pilot project included 15 40-minute lessons that would teach Willamina youth about Grand Ronde Tribal history from time immemorial through Termination in the 1950s, Restoration in the 1980s and today’s status as a sovereign nation. The curriculum was created after the Tribe signed a memorandum of understanding with the Willamina School District that made the teaching of Tribal history possible.

2008 – Tribal member Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach garnered yet another nomination from the Native American Music Awards for Flutist of the Year for “Unity.” It was the second nomination Reibach had received for the 2007 release. “This was unexpected and a real honor as the other finalists were very established,” he said. “Thanks to all of the fans and my Tribe for the support.”

2003 – Tribal members re-elected Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy, and elected Jack Giffen Jr., while Jan D. Reibach and Mark Mercier headed back for a recount since the number of votes they received were less than 1 percent apart. A recount of all votes was required by Tribal Election rules if there was a difference of 1 percent or less for the third- and fourth–place candidates. Reibach’s finish was only 0.53 percent ahead of Mercier.

1998 – Cultural Resources Department staff, members of the Culture Board and community-based group Seekers worked together to provide a variety of cultural materials for the public during the Tribe’s Contest Powwow. Tony Johnson had an interactive Chinook Wawa display, and some illustrations of old Tribal photographs were on display for people to try and identify. Old inkwells excavated from the Cloverleaf School site and a glass plate made from the east windows of the school also were on display. Additionally, the initial draft for the proposed Cultural Center and museum was available for public comment.

1993 – Tribal nursing assistant Darlene Aaron was recognized for five years of working for the Tribe. Aaron noted that she had seen many changes in that relatively short period of time. “When I first began working for the Tribe, everyone worked in the Manor. There were only about 25 employees and the Health Clinic was only open one day per week.” Aaron also served as chair of the Education Committee.

1988 – Tribal representatives praised proposed legislation to turn over Native American skeletal remains, burial items and ceremonial objects in the possession of museums at a hearing of Senate Bill 187 by the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. “It is my strong belief that the Native people of this country must and should have access to those things which represent the rich cultural legacy that belongs to this nation’s first Americans,” Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii said.

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