Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future
A comprehensive exploration of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, detailing their rich history, vibrant culture, governance, and enduring sovereignty.
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Tribal Identity
Federal Recognition and Scope
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (CTGR) are a federally recognized Indigenous nation. Their historical territory spans western Oregon, extending from the Pacific coast eastward to the Cascade Range, and includes portions of southwestern Washington and northern California. This region encompasses the ancestral lands of at least 27 distinct Native American tribes.
The Grand Ronde Reservation
The CTGR maintains an Indian reservation comprising 11,288 acres (approximately 45.7 km2). Established in 1856, the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation is situated in Yamhill and Polk counties, Oregon. It serves as the central hub for the community's governance and cultural activities.
Linguistic Diversity and Unity
Historically, the member tribes spoke approximately 27 distinct languages. Due to proximity and trade, many individuals were multilingual. Upon consolidation onto the reservation, a creolized form of Chinook Jargon, known as Chinuk Wawa, emerged as a common language for intertribal communication and daily life. While English is now prevalent, significant efforts are underway to revitalize and conserve Chinuk Wawa.
Historical Trajectory
19th Century Resettlement and Land Policy
Between 1854 and 1856, the U.S. Army forcibly resettled Native peoples from western Oregon, the coast, and the Columbia River region to the South Yamhill River area, where the Grand Ronde Reservation was established in 1857. The passage of the Dawes Act in 1887 led to the privatization of reservation lands, significantly reducing its size as land not allotted to Native individuals became available for non-Native ownership.
Termination and Restoration
In 1954, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation terminating the federal recognition of the Grand Ronde tribe. This policy stripped the land of its tax-exempt status, leading many members to lose their property due to increased costs. Federal recognition was restored in 1983 through House Resolution 3885. Subsequently, a portion of the original reservation was returned to the tribe, supporting timber, recreation, and traditional harvesting.
Communication and Community
Since 1978, the Confederated Tribes have published Smoke Signals, initially a monthly newsletter and now a semi-monthly tabloid newspaper. This publication serves as a vital communication channel, disseminating news, cultural information, and tribal government updates to its members.
Cultural Heritage
Educational Initiatives
The tribe actively promotes understanding of its heritage through educational programs. A curriculum specialist developed tribal history lessons, supported by Oregon Senate Bill 13, to highlight Native American contributions to the state's history. These initiatives aim to preserve and share cultural knowledge across generations.
Traditional Practices and Arts
The CTGR maintains strong connections to its traditions. In 2010, a traditional plank house was constructed on the reservation. The tribe's canoe traditions were featured in the 2011 exhibit Grand Ronde Canoe Journey at the Willamette Heritage Center. Annual events include vibrant powwows and Round Dances, celebrating contemporary and ancestral cultural expressions.
Revitalizing Language
Chinuk Wawa: A Living Legacy
The Confederated Tribes historically encompassed speakers of 27 distinct languages. Following resettlement, Chinuk Wawa, a creole language, became the primary intertribal communication tool. Although the last native speakers passed during the termination era, the tribe initiated language revitalization efforts in the 1970s.
Immersion and Preservation
Supported by revenues from tribal enterprises, the CTGR established a formal language program. This program, focused on Chinuk Wawa (now referred to as Chinuk Wawa), begins with preschool immersion classes and aims to expand through grade 8. The publication of Chinuk Wawa: As our elders teach us to Speak It in 2012 marked a significant milestone in documenting and promoting the language.
Treaties and Agreements
Ratified Treaties
The establishment of the CTGR involved numerous treaties with the United States. Key ratified treaties include those with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua (1853), Rogue River (1853, 1854), Chasta, etc. (1854), Umpqua and Kalapuya (1854), and the Willamette Valley Treaty (1855). These agreements often involved land cessions and relocation to designated reservations.
Unratified Treaties
Prior to the ratified agreements, several unratified treaties were negotiated in 1851 and 1854 with various bands, including the Santiam, Tualatin, Yamhill, Luckiamute, Clackamas, and Tillamook peoples. These historical documents underscore the complex process of treaty-making and its impact on tribal territories.
Peace Treaties
Additionally, peace treaties were negotiated with the Rogue River Tribes in 1850 and 1853, reflecting efforts to establish stability and formal relations between the U.S. government and the Indigenous peoples of the region.
Governance and Enrollment
Tribal Council Structure
The Grand Ronde Tribal Council, established by the Tribal Constitution, serves as the primary governing and legislative body. It comprises nine members, each serving a three-year term. Three seats are up for election annually, with no term limits for council members. Eligibility requires being an enrolled member of the Tribe and at least 18 years old.
Membership Criteria
Membership rules are set by the Tribal Council. Generally, eligibility requires direct descent from individuals listed on specific historical tribal rolls and a requisite percentage of Native American ancestry from among the Confederation's constituent tribes. Enrollment can provide significant financial benefits, including housing assistance, scholarships, and per capita payments from casino revenue.
Disenrollment Controversy
In 2014, the tribal council voted to disenroll 66 living descendants of Chief Tumulth, a signatory of the 1855 treaty. This action, which stripped them of tribal rights, was later overturned by the Tribal Court of Appeals in 2016, restoring membership for the living descendants. This event highlights the complexities and legal challenges surrounding tribal membership and governance.
Economic Landscape
Spirit Mountain Casino
The primary source of income for the CTGR is the Spirit Mountain Casino, established in 1996. It is recognized as Oregon's most successful casino, attracting significant tourism. A portion of its profits, specifically six percent, is allocated to the Spirit Mountain Community Fund.
Community Investment
The Spirit Mountain Community Fund supports and funds various organizations across 11 counties in western Oregon. By 2017, the fund had distributed over $75 million to non-profit organizations, positioning it as a major charitable foundation within the state.
Diversified Enterprises
Beyond gaming, the Tribes generate revenue from managing their timber resources. They have also developed diverse tribal enterprises in sectors such as construction, environmental management, real estate investment, and logistics services. The Tribes employ approximately 1,600 individuals.
Tomanowos: The Willamette Meteorite
Sacred Significance
The Willamette Meteorite, known to the Clackamas people (one of the confederated tribes) as Tomanowos, is revered as a sacred "Sky Person." This 15-ton meteorite holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, believed to have played a role in the creation of their people and world. Members of the tribe travel annually to New York City to visit Tomanowos at the American Museum of Natural History.
Historic Custody Agreement
In 2000, the CTGR reached a landmark agreement with the American Museum of Natural History. This accord allows the tribe periodic access to Tomanowos for religious and cultural ceremonies, while the meteorite remains on display for scientific and educational purposes. The agreement also established internships for Native Americans, fostering connections between the communities.
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References
References
- "Oregon Blue Book: Confederated Tribes of The Grand Ronde Community." Oregon Blue Book: Confederated Tribes of The Grand Ronde Community. Oregon Blue Book, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
- https://www.grandronde.org/tribal-council/ "Tribal Council." Tribal Council | The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive, entirely accurate, or fully up-to-date. It is crucial to consult primary sources and official tribal resources for definitive information.
This content does not constitute professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, cultural experts, legal professionals, or tribal representatives. Reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.