Kennedy, George re-elected, Gleason-Shepek clinches third seat

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Cheryle A. Kennedy and Jon A. George won decisive victories in the Tribal Council election Saturday, Sept. 7, each garnering more than 22% of the vote, while past Tribal Council member Tonya Gleason-Shepek regained her seat, with nearly 18% of the vote.

Kennedy received 916 votes, George received 913 votes and Gleason-Shepek received 723 votes.

“I feel blessed and I have so much to be grateful for,” Gleason-Shepek said. “Congratulations to Cheryle Kennedy and Jon George on their successful reelections. Putting yourself out there and seeking a Tribal Council position is a humbling experience of vulnerability. I raise my hands in thanks and respect to all the candidates. I truly appreciate every single person that participated and voted in this election. There were countless warriors that supported my election and each one of you has inspired me. It absolutely was a team effort. Serving the membership is a great privilege and an even greater responsibility. I am ready to do the hard work for all of you.”

Tribal Council incumbent Michael Cherry was not reelected. She came in fourth, with 610 votes, slightly more than 15%.

“I am so thankful to have served the membership this past 3 years on Tribal Council,” she said. “I’m thinking of all the past leaders, of their sacrifices, their hopes and dreams for our Tribe and now I add my prayers with theirs for future unity, healing and peace as we move forward. I am beyond grateful for all the love, encouragement and support I have received from my family, friends and supporters on this journey and am forever grateful to the Creator of the universe who never leaves us or forsakes us. Congratulations to all the candidates who ran their race well and to those selected by the membership to serve for the next 3 years.”

Tribal member Valeria Atanacio received 422 votes, nearly 10.5%; Tribal Elder Andy Jenness received 341 votes, close to 8.5%; and Tribal Elder Pamala Warren-Chase received 99 votes, approximately 2.5%.

“Overall, it has been an amazing experience to run for Tribal Council this year,” Atanacio said. “Although I am disappointed in not being selected for Tribal Council, I am confident in our Tribal election process and feel grateful to have run and be considered for this important leadership role. I learned so much during this election season and feel it has personally changed me and helped me grow. I am eager to continue being active in our Tribal government and as a member of the Grand Ronde Tribal community. hayu masi to all 422 Tribal members who entrusted me with their vote and confidence. Congratulations to those selected for Tribal Council.”

“Congratulations to Cheryle, Jon and Tonya,” Warren-Chase said. “Thank you to those 99 who voted for me. Wait for me next year!”

"Although the election did not turn out as I hoped, I am profoundly grateful for the support, encouragement and faith so many Tribal members have shown me,” Jenness said. “Our journey toward justice, fairness and unity for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde does not end here. I remain committed to healing the divisions within our Tribe and advocating for the values so many of us believe in. Together, we will continue to strive for a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice is heard. I thank those who stood with me.”

Kennedy, 76, will serve her 10^th consecutive term on Tribal Council. She has served on Tribal Council dating back to 2000 and an 18-month term in the 1980s. She currently serves as the Tribal Council Chairwoman and holds the record as longest-serving Tribal Council member.

George, 63, has served on Tribal Council since 2012. He served as Tribal Council Secretary for three terms between 2012 to 2021.

Gleason-Shepek, 53, is retired from the Oregon Department of Human Services. She previously served on Tribal Council from 2014-17.

This year marked the 11th consecutive year of single-digit candidates running for Tribal Council. The last time 10 or more candidates threw their proverbial hats in the ring was in 2013.

Turnout was 31.63% with 1,427 ballots cast from 4,511 adult Tribal members. It marked the first year since 2021 that turnout was higher than 30%.