Coquille Tribe release – NORTH BEND – A total of 77 projects are being funded in 2024, thanks to $509,976 in Coquille Indian Tribe Community Funds that were handed-out at a celebration event on Feb. 1. Grant recipients gathered in person at the awards reception at The Mill Casino-Hotel to collect their checks. The Tribe’s grants will help organizations from five southwestern Oregon counties with projects in five categories: health, arts and culture, education, environmental, public safety, and historic preservation. Along with the checks, the Tribe shared a bit of its culture and history as it celebrates its 35th year since being restored in 1989. An important milestone that is a sign of resilience that follows the previous 35 years of struggle in the face of a termination policy that began in 1954. After sharing that story, one that has led to the current and thriving state of the Coquille Tribe, the crowd was invited to join in a song whose name translates to the phrase “There Is Plenty.” The song reflects a cycle of blessing, with the Coquille Tribe helping organizations that in turn will help countless community members throughout five counties. The Coquille Indian Tribe established its Community Fund to share the proceeds of The Mill Casino-Hotel with organizations that benefit southwestern Oregon. The fund seeks to strengthen the community by improving opportunities and lives throughout the region. One grantee is a great example of that goal. The Coquille River STEP Association received $2,000 for the Cunningham Creek Hatchery at the Coquille High School Hatchery Project. Dana Mills, with the Salmon Trout Enhancement Project, accepted the check and says this will help revitalize a program that has meant so much to the students and the community. “We know we are the stewards of the land,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously.” This year’s $509,976 grant total brings the total amount the fund has distributed since it began in 2001 to about $8.7 million, with over one thousand grant projects being impacted. The Tribal Fund accepts grant applications in the fall of each year. Learn more at www.coquilletribe.org, or call fund administrator Julia Willis at 541-756-0904, ext. 1254.
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