LCIS Spring Celebration set for May 16

If you go

LCIS Spring Celebration

When: 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 16

Where: Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St. N.E., Salem

More information: 503-986-1067

By Danielle Frost

Smoke Signals staff writer

Almost 45 years ago, the state of Oregon established the Legislative Commission on Indian Services. Next came an executive order creating a government-to-government relationship between the state and its nine federally recognized Tribes.

On Thursday, May 16, that relationship will be celebrated with the LCIS Spring Celebration at the state Capitol in Salem. Held biennially to coincide with when the Legislature is in session, this year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together: Being Good Stewards of Our People, Lands and Culture.”

“As the First Oregonians, Tribes have lived in villages by our rivers, lakes and coastlines for over 12,000 years, and our Tribal nations have much to teach us on being good stewards of this land we love, our Oregon,” said Interim LCIS Director Danny Santos. “On Spring Celebration day we celebrate together and continue to move forward together for the benefit of all.”

The Spring Celebration kicks off at 8 a.m. with information tables on display in the Senate Gallery followed by a program from 9 to 11 a.m. that will feature Grand Ronde drummers and the Color Guard, a welcome from Tribal Council and LCIS Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy, Grand Ronde singers and dancers, and a roundtable with Tribal leaders throughout the state.

Gov. Kate Brown also will sign a proclamation declaring May 18-25, 2019, as American Indian Week in Oregon.

After the program concludes, the Grand Ronde Tribe will host a salmon lunch created by Spirit Mountain Casino chefs and the Native American Rehabilitation Association will serve frybread.