Matthew Haller

Matthew Haller was born in Salem, and he was raised in Grand Ronde where he has lived for most of his life. Growing up with his grandfather, Bob Haller, who served three terms on the Tribal Council, Matthew was surrounded by political conversations and actions during his formative years. His grandfather, a mentor and guide, encouraged him to run for Tribal Council before his passing in 2022, leaving Matthew with a deep sense of duty to continue his legacy.

Matthew is happily married to his childhood sweetheart, April Ackerman Haller, who is of Choctaw descent. Together, they have three children: Cheyenne, 16; Bob, 12; and Abby, who is seven months old. Just as Matthew did when he was young, his children attend Tribal Council meetings, with the older two participating in the Tribe's Youth Education Program. Cheyenne is also active in the Tribe's Youth Council, proudly representing the youth of the Tribe.

Matthew's professional journey with the Tribe began at the age of 14 through the Tribe’s Youth Education Program, where he was placed in the Finance Department. There, he developed a passion for numbers and accounting, which he continued to nurture throughout his career. At 20, he became a certified table dealer, making him one of the few Tribal members ready for a gaming career even before being old enough to work on the casino floor. Matthew worked at Spirit Mountain Casino for 12 years before moving to Utah to attend trade school, where he gained knowledge of stocks, bonds, and annuities. He went on to manage a Farmers Insurance agency before returning home. Matthew managed Fort Hill Restaurant and Bar, and later purchased the Wildwood Café and Hotel, which he operated until joining the Tribal Council.

A strong advocate for cultural preservation, Matthew emphasizes that “Culture is everything.” In his personal time, he enjoys hiking in the mountains, and has been an active participant in numerous ceremonies since his first sweat ceremony at the age of eight. His lifelong dedication to the Tribe and its cultural values reflects his unwavering commitment to serve and represent his people.

Matthew currently serves on the following Boards and Committees:

• SMGI Board of Directors
• Finance Committee, SMGI
• Surveillance Committee, SMGI
• Fish & Wildlife Committee, CTGR, Liaison
• Timber Committee, CTGR, Liaison
• Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency Board

Matthew is dedicated to the long-term sustainability and economic growth of the Tribe.