News for August, 1997

Summer is in full swing here in the coast range. Actually, it's been rather nice. Our overnight temperatures have been hovering around fifty degrees with daytime temps in the mid to high seventies. The temperatures in both the Willamette valley and along the coast have been in the high eighties; but for this part of the country the seventies is much more comfortable.

We would like to extend a belated congratulations to Spirit Mountain Casino on their winning of the Sweepstakes Award for their float entry Mountain Joy. This was the second year in a row that the local entry has won that award in The Portland Rose Festival Parade. The Rose Parade is the second largest floral parade in the nation. The animated bobcat kitten, playfully swatting at a butterfly; was decorated with an assortment of native Oregon flowers and grasses.

Other than a few congratulations and some community service this has been a slow news month. The only thing that I must make both a report and a statement on is the Republican Congress' ongoing attempt to tax Native American gaming revenues. It seems that while republicans stand four square against taxation. This applies only to wealthy whites. While the Native American community is trying to shake the shackles of government dependency with the expansion of gaming. The conservatives are cutting treaty funds to Indian tribes nationwide. They are also attempting to tax Indian gaming revenues; so that the wealthy whites ( phony patriots ) who brag about the greatness of their nation, won t have to pay to keep it great. It's no small wonder that the white militia groups are afraid of the government. They saw what happened to the Indians and know it can happen to them ( us ). Ask yourself: what is the difference between Waco and Wounded Knee ?

Hunting tag applications for the 1997-1998 hunting season are due in by Aug. 4, 1997. This includes deer, elk, all controlled hunts, muzzle loader, and bear. Any questions can be answered at 800-422-0232 ext 2376.

This is also the time of year to acknowledge and congratulate those tribal members who have finished their higher education goals. Those include vocational training and both two and four year degree programs. A partial list includes

There are probably others (send me their names, and I will add them to the list!) and we want to wish all a bright future. There is someone else who should be given a great deal of credit and he is Dean Azule; This man has tirelessly worked to get the youth of our tribe to first believe in themselves and then to strive for a future that has been denied to many other tribal members.

I do dislike these announcements. Gwendolyn Lee Leno-Darling was seen on her way this past month. She was such a youthful person and left many behind who needed and will never forget her. She re-joined the great wheel in Madras, Oregon; where most of her family saw her off.

These announcements I enjoy. We wish to make a big noise over the joining of Aleta Roy & Deitrich Peters. They have chosen to walk the path of life together, beginning August 8th. It will be a traditional ceremony held here in Grand Ronde.

Another announcement of great importance was the Potlatch hosted by the Coquille nation at the University of Oregon. It was the first in one hundred fifty years. If you care to know more about the Potlatch ceremony; keep an eye on our special features section.

The last thing I must write about is the Tribal Pow-Wow. I have been saying it was the 16-18. I wrong, it is the 15-17. The grand entry on Friday the 15th will be at 8PM, following the judging of the Grand Ronde Royalty. There is just too much for me to put in words and all I can say is be sure to be here; Most of Oregon does show-up. The number to contact for complete information is 800-422-0232. Come early to get a good campsite, wear comfortable shoes, expect to dance and enjoy yourself. See you soon.