Yesteryears - May 1, 2025

2020 — While leading the Tribe through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and serving her eighth term, Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy became the longest-serving post-Restoration Tribal Council member. Kennedy, who was 72 in 2020, had also served on an early post-Restoration Tribal Council from May 1985 through September 1986, and on an honorary Tribal Council for a year in 1979.

2015 — The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde gifted two basalt carvings and a large bronze medallion to TriMet for its new bridge across the Willamette River. Along with the bridge’s Chinuk Wawa name, Tilikum Crossing, meaning “Bridge of the People,” the gifts were meant to remind Portland and its residents that Native Americans  have lived and continue to live along the shores of the river since time immemorial.

2010 — The Tribe’s new $1 million fire station was scheduled to open May 5. It was to be operated and managed by the West Valley Fire District and have two firefighters assigned per shift to provide fire and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2005 — Comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno helped cut the ribbon for the 163-room addition to Spirit Mountain Lodge. Tribal Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy said the $22 million expansion would “bolster the (valley’s) economic landscape.”

2000 — The Tribe donated $10,000 to the state Department of Transportation toward the installation of rumble strips on Highway 18 to improve safety on the notoriously-deadly highway.

1995 — The Tribe approved restoration and recreation projects on Upper Agency Creek to restore wildlife habitat and expand recreational and educational opportunities for the public.

1990 — On April 10, Gov. Neil Goldschmidt signed a proclamation declaring May 13-19 as Oregon American Indian Week.

1985 — Smoke Signals announced the winners of the March 23 Tribal Council election. Kathryn Harrison, Henry Petite, Eula Petite, Merle Leno, Mark Mercier and Cheryle A. Kennedy were elected, while a tie breaker was held between Russell Leno and Frank Harrison, who each won 96 votes, for the ninth council seat. Leno won the tie breaker and was elected to council.

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