About Us: Our History

SHARING AND GIVING BACK

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are committed to honoring our tribal traditions of sharing and giving back to the community.

The Tribes of the Grand Ronde Confederation are Chasta, Rogue River, Umpqua, Molalla and Kalapuya. Our Tribe’s legal status was terminated in 1954. After many years of campaigning and dedicated action our Tribe was Federally recognized in 1983. 

Buffeted by the events of our history after contact with white European and American settlers, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde have long been mired in a cycle of poverty and related problems.  But our own problems have not overshadowed our awareness of the needs of others.  We see ourselves as part of the solution for our local communities who are facing challenges.  The formation of Spirit Mountain Community Fund is a formalization of that long time tradition.

We give back to our community through three streams. We support other recognized tribes through the Oregon Tribal Fund. We support individual Native leaders through the Hatfield Fellowship. And we support non-profit organizations in an 11-county area of Western Oregon. 

Former Tribal Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy reminds us that “Nation building is hard work that requires dedication, commitment, planning and vision.” These words encapsulate how Grand Ronde has evolved as a Tribe, a community partner and how we embrace change. 

We see these counties as our neighbors and friends. Some of you helped us during restoration to rebuild our community and we want to give back. We want to return the support and encouragement to reach goals of self-sufficiency that we found so valuable. By enriching the lives of those in our neighborhood we all benefit.