Candidate Statement

Hello Tribal Tilixam~

Michael Cherry nayka nim. I am the daughter of Candy Robertson, Grand Ronde tribal elder and the late Jesse Robertson, Oglala Sioux. Grand-daughter of Alberta Riggs-Norwest. Great-grand daughter of Lena Bobb Norwest, sister of Clara and Faye Riggs and Great-great granddaughter of Chief Solomon Riggs. 

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, daughter and friend.

I am honored to have been nominated for Tribal Council by my mother, Candy Robertson, elder and former Council member who served post-restoration for a decade.

I am running for Tribal Council to serve the members, to listen and represent their needs. It’s been my honor to have dedicated my career to serving our tribe in various capacities for the past 25 years starting in Indian Child Welfare in 1990 for a decade. Youth are near and dear to my heart and as our future leaders, investing in them is one of my top priorities. 

I was born and raised in Grand Ronde, pre-restoration & I have big dreams and vision for our Grand Ronde community. Our mom instilled in me the values of being of service, standing up for what’s right and respecting elders. 

I am passionate about caring for and honoring our elders, preparing our youth for what’s next and protecting the sovereignty of our people. 

I come from a long line of problem solvers and former leaders of the tribe. If given the opportunity to serve in this capacity, I will bring my experience and passion to lead with integrity, honesty and transparency. I am proud to say that I am the same person at work, at home, at church, when I represent and lead my children, or the teams I work with, when I represent our Creator or our tribe that I was born into. If elected, I will represent with a sound mind and reason and with a full and thankful spirit. 

My Experience:

10 years – Indian Child Welfare – CTGR

5 years – Human Resources – SMGI

8 Years – Marketing Manager – SMGI

Current: 4.5 years – Spirit Mountain Community Fund Director

Current Boards/Committees:

6 years: CTGR Education Committee 

5 years: US Selective Service System Board 

3 years: Willamette Valley Hospice Board

2 years: SMGI Board of Directors

2 years: Grantmakers of OR & SW WA Board

Past Boards/Committees:

2000- 2003: Grand Ronde Gaming Commissioner

2014-2019: Parent Advisory Committee – Salem/Keizer Indian Education

My Personal Values:

  • Creator/Spirituality
  • Family
  • Accountability
  • Professionalism
  • Fairness
  • Service

My Commitments to Tribal Members:

  • Embracing differing opinions and being respectful 100% of the time;
  • Being aware and engaged in what matters to members;
  • Being adaptable, listening and learning from the experience of others;
  • Maintaining moral and ethical standards at all times;
  • Never losing sight of my vision for the community of Grand Ronde;
  • Be accountable, responsible and transparent for my own decisions;
  • Focus on improvements, taking action and being purposeful each day;
  • Being a team player and making meaningful contributions.

A tribal elder and friend recently told me we were a tribe restored on prayer and when reflecting on this and thanking our ancestors, this is the verse that came to mind:

1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen race, a spiritual nation, set apart as God’s devoted ones…”

I would be honored to represent you and I humbly ask for your prayers, for your support and for your vote. 

Please reach out if you have any questions. I can be reached at 971-599-8808.

Website: www.michaelcherry.co

Email: Mcherry.co@gmail.com

Masi~

Michael Cherry

#1091