Yesteryears - Dec. 1, 2024

2019 – The Tribe formally ended is effort to purchase 1.5 acres along the Willamette River in Oregon City, after being unable to agree with the owner on a price. A few months earlier, the Tribe had purchased the 23-acre former Blue Heron Paper Mill site at Willamette Falls. It had hoped to add the smaller property to its holdings.

2014 – The Tribe issued a statement on the passage of Measure 91, which made possession of marijuana legal in Oregon, reminding employees and Tribal members that it is a sovereign nation and the measure did not, and does not, apply on Tribal lands. That’s partly because the Tribe receives federal grants requiring it to maintain a drug-free workplace, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

2009 – A contingent of Grand Ronde Tribal members led by Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy participated in the 12^th annual Tribal-State Government-to-Government Summit, hosted by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. Topics included the economy, how unearthed Native remains should be handled in accordance with state law and improving Oregonians’ awareness of Tribal history and sovereignty.

2004 – A Circle of Weaving gathering helped teach Tribal members and other attendees ancestral basketry techniques, and to get them interested in carrying on the traditions. Approximately 100 people attended, an estimated 70% of them Tribal members.

1999 – With construction of a new 38-unit rental complex underway on the campus, the Tribe encouraged Elders to apply for housing that would allow them to live near the governance center, health clinic and other amenities.

1994 – The Tribe purchased a two-story modular building to increase badly-needed office space for employees. The 10,752-square-foot building was to be located near Spirit Mountain Development Corporation.

1989 – No December edition was available.

1984 – Tribal membership approved the Tribe’s Constitution by an overwhelming majority. It stated that the blood quantum requirement for enrollment would be lowered to 1/16.

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