The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

06/09/2026

What does it take to protect cultural places across Grand Ronde’s homelands?

Much of the work of Cultural Protection happens behind the scenes. From advocating for ancestral villages, cemeteries, and gathering places to working alongside agencies, landowners, and project teams, the work is complex, ongoing, and deeply rooted in responsibility to the community.

This blog offers a closer look at the people and work helping protect important places and cultural practices for future generations. Click the link to read more. https://chachalu.org/blog/2026/a-day-in-the-life-of-cultural-resources-protection/

06/05/2026

The Cultural Resources Department invites artists who are enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to submit 2-D artworks for purchase, to be added into the Cultural Resources Department’s Portable Works Public Art Collection.

The goal of Cultural Resources Department (CRD) art purchase is to ensure that art will be present in public buildings and that it reflects the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde community. This new collection of portable and movable public art will be a rotating collection, to be displayed within conference rooms, hallways, elevator lobbies, common spaces, and more.

Last year's art will be installed in July.

A selection panel of artists, Grand Ronde Community Members, and Grand Ronde employees will select the artworks to be purchased. Artworks valued $200-$2,500 will be purchased.

The types of original artwork that qualify for this opportunity are works on paper, paintings, photographs, drawings, textiles, collage, Bas relief, mosaic, glass, ceramic, metal, prints, weaving, and other original media intended to be hung on a wall with a 4” depth maximum.
Artworks with electrical components are not eligible for purchase currently.

2-D artwork that are 30”W X 40”H X 4”D or smaller will be prioritized; however larger are work, will be considered.

Call is open: June 5th, 2026
Due Date: August 1st, 2026 11:59pm PDT
More information is available at the Chachalu Museum website - https://chachalu.org
Call is being administered by Mack McFarland in the Cultural Resources Department. For more information contact: [email protected]

06/02/2026

Applications for the Tribal Member Loan Program will open Saturday, June 6th at 10 am. Priority will go to applicants who have not previously received a loan. A loan may be requested for an amount up to $1,000. More information about the loan program and the link to the application can be found on our website at https://www.grandronde.org/government/finance/. For questions or information, please contact Finance at (503) 879-5211.

In-person applications will be available Friday the 5th in the Governance Center. Completed paper applications will not be accepted until Monday.

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Finance Division is responsible for monitoring the financial management and accounting practices of the Tribe and Tribal entities.

05/28/2026

Today marked a historic step forward at tumwata village as we officially broke ground on the next chapter of healing, restoration, and renewal at Willamette Falls.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important moment, from community members and Tribal leadership to elected officials, project teams, and supporters who continue to stand with us as this vision becomes reality.

We want to give a special thank you to Governor Tina Kotek for being with us today and for recognizing the importance of this project, not only for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, but for the future of Oregon. We appreciate her words acknowledging that Oregon is stronger when Tribal nations thrive and when Indigenous voices shape the future of these lands.

For generations, tumwata has been a place of deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for our people. After being forcibly removed from these homelands nearly 160 years ago, today’s groundbreaking represents more than construction, it represents a return to stewardship, restoration of the land, and a commitment to future generations.

05/27/2026

It was a beautiful day celebrating the reopening of the newly renovated State Capitol Plaza. Our singers and drummers opened the dedication with a traditional song, helping welcome everyone into the space in a meaningful way.

During the ceremony, Chairwoman Kennedy spoke about the importance of Indigenous presence in the arts, public spaces, and the ongoing work happening at the Capitol. It was a strong reminder of the contributions Tribal communities continue to make throughout Oregon.

05/26/2026

Attention Grand Ronde Tribal Members: Tribal members needing to change their address or direct deposit information for the June General Welfare distribution must have all changes submitted by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3rd .

Forms can be found online at:
https://weblink.grandronde.org/Forms/DirectDepositAuth

Please only submit changes if your address or banking information has changed since the previous General Welfare distribution OR if you would like to change your distribution method from a check to direct deposit.

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the warriors who gave their lives in service to their country. This year, we pay special tribute to Grand Ronde’s first Gold Star servicemen and the families who carried the weight of their sacrifice through the two World Wars.

Gold Star families belong to a club no one ever wishes to join. The designation honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country while also recognizing the profound loss carried by their loved ones for generations.

Among those remembered are familiar Grand Ronde family surnames: Martin Hartless, Harry D. LaChance, Joseph Bob, Eli DuMont, Reginald Leno, Marcus A. Simmons, Iving O. Tom, and Albert Quenelle.

Records of Native servicemen remain incomplete and difficult to locate, making it challenging to fully tell these stories. Even so, the memories of these men and the sacrifices made by their families endure.

This month, our e-newsletter published a special Memorial Day edition highlighting many of these Gold Star warriors and their legacies. Read more here: https://mailchi.mp/grandronde.org/grand-ronde-monthly-tribal-newsletter-may_2026

Photo: Undated military funeral in Grand Ronde.
Left to right: Unknown Pichette, Joe LaBonte, Bud Leno, Richie Leno, Unknown, Louis Speid.

05/14/2026

The first ceremonial fish was harvested at tumwata (Willamette Falls) today. It wouldn't have been possible without the Natural Resources staff/Tribal Members/swiftwater rescue technicians that keep everyone safe. Thank you for what you do.

05/13/2026

This week our ceremonial fishers returned to tumwata (Willamette Falls) for the harvest of our 15 ceremonial salmon. While we are there for a specific purpose, our days at tumwata are not just about the fish - they are about connection to our ancestral home and providing for our community.

(Photo: Grand Ronde Tribal Member and ceremonial fisher, Nick LaBonte fishes from the rocks of Willamette Falls as part of the Tribe's ceremonial fishery.)

05/06/2026

Some stories stay with you because of the people behind them.

In this reflection, Lyle Cairdeas shares the process of creating CYCLE: The Art of John Smith, an exhibit and catalog developed in close collaboration with John’s daughter, Crystal Smith.

The piece offers a glimpse into John’s life, his movement between places, and the deeply personal work he left behind, from paintings on pizza boxes to pieces layered with notes, memories, and meaning.

CYCLE: The Art of John Smith is currently on view at Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center through September 5, 2026.

Through conversation, trust, and time, this project became more than an exhibit. It became a way to honor a life, a relationship, and an artist whose work continues to speak.

Click the link to read more. https://chachalu.org/blog/2026/the-work-of-john-smith/