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Cultural Education

The Cultural Education Program provides the tribal community a range of opportunities to learn cultural knowledge and deepen sense of identity, belonging, and connection to place. We offer cultural classes and events throughout the year that provide immersive experiences in an effort to transmit knowledge of cultural practices and heritage to our participants.

Culture Class Videos

The Cultural Resources Department presents a series of Culture Class Videos.  We welcome feedback and ideas regarding this series of instructional videos.

Basket Making with Connie Graves
Learn the techniques to make a basic basket using Juncus. Discussions on material gathering and preparation are included. An interview with the instructor follows the instructional portion.
Basket Making with Connie Graves
Drum Making with Bobby Mercier
Learn how to make a 14-inch round drum. Included are a blessing song and an interview with the instructor.
Drum Making with Bobby Mercier
Beading with Carol Haskins
Learn the basic techniques to bead an applique piece. Included are discussions on materials and finishing options, as well as an interview with the instructor.
Beading with Carole Haskins
Clap Stick Making with Bobby Mercier
Clap Sticks are one of our original percussion instruments and are made from the Elderberry tree. This video class takes you through the entire process: from identifying and selecting a good branch to singing with the final product. Bobby Mercier explains and demonstrates the process. Bobby includes historical processes and uses as well as “work smarter, not harder” steps using modern tools; allowing you to determine the best method for creating your clap stick.
Clap Stick Making with Bobby Mercier
Lifeways
A short documentary about the past and present culture of the Grand Ronde people. The film also provides an overview of the Lifeways classes offered by the Cultural Education program that promote the living culture of the Grand Ronde people today.
Lifeways Learn more about Tribal Lifeways
nsayka miLayt kakwa
A short documentary spoken in chinuk wawa (Grand Ronde language) that covers aspects of the past and present cultures of the Grand Ronde people. Topics covered are achaf-hammi (Grand Ronde plankhouse), basket making, t’fNanfwas-laNftay (Spirit Mountain), and salmon returning to the Yamhill River.
nsayka miLayt kakwa

Culture Classes

Cultural Education coordinates and provides classes year-round in Grand Ronde, Portland, and Eugene.  

Grand Ronde
Tribal Headquarters (Adult Education Building & Elders' Activity Center) 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347 Chachalu Museum & Cultural Center 8720 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347
Portland
CTGR Portland Office 4445 SW Barbur Boulevard Portland, OR 97239
Eugene
Lamb Cottage Meeting Facility (located in Skinner Butte Park) 101 Cheshire Road Eugene, OR 97401