Tribal Council approves Fort Yamhill transfer agreement

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Tribal Council approved the transfer of the 107.22-acre Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area from the state of Oregon to the Tribe at its Wednesday, Jan. 22, meeting.

The park is located near the uyxat Powwow Grounds and achaf-hammi Tribal plankhouse off Hebo Road. 

The transfer process began in 2022 but was halted as there was no Oregon law that provided authority for the state Parks and Recreation Department to transfer the property to the Tribe.

Following that decision, state Rep. Tawna Sanchez (Shoshone-Bannock/Ute/Carrizo) sponsored legislation to update the law and allow the state to convey real property and mineral rights to eligible Tribes. The legislation passed in 2023 and was enacted in 2024.

In the interim, a memorandum of understanding was approved in 2023 between the Tribe and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to jointly manage the property with the eventual goal of the Tribe taking over ownership.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously voted to approve the transfer in November 2024.

The anticipated closing date of the sale is Friday, Jan. 31.

Tribal Lands and Self-Governance Manager Jan Micheal Reibach has said that it had been “a lengthy, multi-layered project,” and that “Our hearts are full of gratitude.”

In other action, Tribal Council:

• Approved the sale of the 111.6-acre Win Thin logging unit;
• Approved an application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for up to $2 million to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion and provide funding for a digital equity coordinator for four years;
• Approved an application to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Partnerships for Success grant for up to $1.25 million to help reduce the onset and progression of substance misuse and related problems;
• Approved changes to the Spirit Mountain Community Fund articles of incorporation to include organizations designed to serve addiction prevention and local governments with jurisdiction within the counties of where Tribal lands are located as eligible to receive grants;
• Approved reappointing Tribal Council member Denise Harvey as a delegate to the Indian Gaming Association and approved paying annual membership dues;
• And approved enrolling three infants into the Tribe as they meet the previous enrollment requirements under the Tribal Constitution and Enrollment Ordinance as well as the requirements under the constitutional amendment.

In other news, Tribal Council set the next General Council meeting date for 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Monarch Hotel & Convention Center in Clackamas with a program report from the Housing Department.

To watch the entire meeting, visit the Tribal government’s website at www.grandronde.org and click on the Videos tab.