Ntsayka Ikanum: Our Story
Trace the journey of our people by visiting Our Story: A Virtual Experience, a distillation of the eras and facets of Grand Ronde history and culture for the edification of Tribal members and the general public.
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The Tribe has several cultural resource programs. To learn more about their missions, visit the Land and Culture Department page
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The Cultural Education and Outreach Program coordinates and provides classes year-round in Grand Ronde, Portland, and Eugene. Please click here to see what classes we are offering in June and July.
Cultural Highlight
Tribal Elder and culture class instructor Connie Graves has been making baskets for over 30 years. Starting at a young age, Connie now shares her talent with our tribal community. What started out as a few interested learners now has evolved into weekly basketry classes with very large turn outs. Connie expresses, “It gives me a feeling of pride knowing that the few I taught in the beginning took something from that and passed it along.”
Connie’s classes don’t just teach you the basics of weaving they literally start from the ground up; the gathering process, to drying, processing, weaving, and finally a finished product that is yours to take home!
These hands on learning experiences create new bonds and turn the room into more of a family rather than a structured learning environment. “I really enjoy the people and group bonds that are made.”
“I want people to leave with the appreciation that all baskets are handmade. Whether you buy it from a private person or Walmart someone made it by hand and that is an important thing a lot of people don’t realize.”
Connie’s basket-making classes are offered every Tuesday from 12:30 to 4:30 PM at the Elders Activity Center.