Visit to Grand Ronde marks third visit of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year.

Last Friday, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The day was part of Governor Kotek’s commitment to visit with all of Oregon’s nine federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations in 2024.

“The First Lady and I had a wonderful day with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde,” Governor Kotek said. “It was especially an honor to attend the grand opening of the Tribe’s Public Health Building and learn about the comprehensive services the Tribe is providing for the Grand Ronde community. We are grateful to CTGR leaders and staff for spending their day with us and for the opportunity to learn more about the Tribe’s history and new projects.”

“A healthy government to government relationship between the Governor and Oregon’s Tribes is critical to addressing the issues we face,” said Cheryle A. Kennedy, Grand Ronde Chairwoman. “We’re grateful to Governor Kotek, the first lady, and all those who came to understand our story, the challenges before us, and how we can move forward together.”

The visit kicked off with a tour of the Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center. Chachalu celebrates the Tribe’s restoration and resilience of the Tribe’s culture. The Governor and First Lady then met with students at the Chinuk Wawa Immersion Building, which provides hands-on culture and place-based learning through immersion in the Chinuk Wawa language for K-6 students.

Over the last few years, CTGR has been working to bring homeownership opportunities to the community. As part of that goal, the Tribe developed 20 individual residential lots within its first phase of the homeownership development on McPherson Road. The Tribal Council took the Governor and First Lady to see some of these homes, as well as new, energy efficient homes in the Tribe’s Creekside Elders Housing development.

The First Family also met with leaders from the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department before attending the grand opening of the Tribe’s new Public Health Building. The new clinic is a 10,000-square foot building with educational classrooms, dental operatories, examination rooms, offices, and medical laboratory.

The Governor and First Lady ended their day with a dinner with Tribal Council members and CTGR staff at Spirit Mountain Casino.