Contact: Sara Thompson, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, 503-508-7753
GRAND RONDE, ORE - The Tribal Council for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde passed a resolution today declaring a Tribal State of Emergency for Grand Ronde in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Oregon. The declaration allows the Tribe to launch mutual aid agreements if needed, provides the Tribe access to federal assistance and gives the Tribe access to federal resources such as essential personal protection equipment for tribal health professionals who are working on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 outbreak is constantly changing. This declaration allows us to seek the help of our partners in a time where working together is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19.” stated Grand Ronde Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy. “We need to come together as a community. We need to check on one another, make sure our elders are taken care of, and use our strength as a community to see each other through this challenging time.”
This is the first time the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has declared a Tribal State of Emergency since its restoration in 1983. This declaration is the latest in a long line of decisions by Tribal Council to combat COVID-19 while protecting the Tribal Community, employees and guests. Previous actions by the Grand Ronde Tribe included placing the Tribe on a limited shutdown by closing classes and educational programming, limiting services to essential services and closing Spirit Mountain Casino.
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