Yesteryears -- May 1, 2020

2015 – TriMet’s new bridge across the Willamette River not only had a Chinuk Wawa name -- Tilikum Crossing – but also three prominent pieces of Tribal artwork decorating it. The Tribe gifted two basalt carvings and a large bronze medallion to help remind Portland and its residents that Native Americans have lived and continue to live along the shores of the river since time immemorial.

2010 – Tribal member Jake McKnight patrolled the Grand Ronde Reservation as its Forest Patrol officer. His investigations on the 10,000-acre reservation included a slew of criminal activities ranging from poaching game and dumping garbage to stealing firewood and growing marijuana. In addition, McKnight was soliciting the help of members of the public who used the forest most if they saw any evidence of illegal activity.

2005 – Spirit Mountain Casino opened a 163-room expansion of the Spirit Mountain Lodge, bringing the total number of rooms to 254. Approximately 200 people attended a ribbon-cutting event that featured comedian Jay Leno. The expansion included 12 new Jacuzzi suites, a gift shop, continental breakfast room and 35 new jobs.

2000 – The Tribe donated $10,000 toward the installation of rumble strips on Highway 18. Tribal Council authorized the donation because of concerns regarding highway safety. “We want to continue our tradition of sharing with the community and we believe this is an important issue,” Tribal Council Chair Kathryn Harrison said.

1995 – The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde approved the Upper Agency Creek restoration and recreation projects. The purpose was to implement projects that would restore fish and wildlife habitat to the area, and expand recreational and educational opportunities for the public.

1990 – Miss Grand Ronde Jolene Poole, her mother Annabelle Poole and grandmother Leona Severin had the opportunity to meet with Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt at the Magnolia Manor Nursing Home, where Severin resided. The governor was there at the request of a patient for her 100^th birthday celebration.

1985 – Results of the recent Tribal Council election were released with a tie between Russell Leno and Frank Harrison for the eighth and ninth seat. The seven other council members elected were Kathryn Harrison, Henry Petite, Darrell Mercier, Eula Petite, Merle Leno, Mark Mercier and Cheryle A. Kennedy.

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