Grand Ronde Tribal Council · 2026
This is custom heading element
Building a stronger future through education, housing, health, food sovereignty, and accountable leadership.
Join the CampaignMeet Valeria
Valeria Atanacio
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Why I’m Running
A Future Built for Seven Generations
Text
Growing up in Grand Ronde taught me the importance of family, culture, and community responsibility. Today, many Tribal Members are asking for stronger communication, greater accountability, and long-term investments that will benefit our children and grandchildren.
“We are not just planning for the next election cycle — we are building for the next seven generations.”
As a mother, educator, and community leader, I am running for Tribal Council because I believe our future depends on the decisions we make today. I am committed to listening, building relationships, and helping create opportunities that strengthen our people for generations to come.
Why I’m Running
A Lifetime of Service
Growing up in Grand Ronde taught me the importance of family, culture, and community responsibility. Today, many Tribal Members are asking for stronger communication, greater accountability, and long-term investments that will benefit our children and grandchildren.
“We are not just planning for the next election cycle — we are building for the next seven generations.”
For more than fifteen years, I have worked in education, policy, community development, and Tribal leadership. My work has included serving Tribal communities throughout Oregon, leading statewide initiatives, supporting Native families, and helping build systems that center culture, language, and community well-being.
Professional highlights:
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Certified Early Childhood Master Trainer
- Former Tribal Affairs Director, Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
- Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University
- Chair, Grand Ronde Education Committee
- Founder, Native Mama Scholars
ISSUES & PRIORITIES
Building a Stronger Grand Ronde Together
Education
Investing in Our Children
Every child deserves access to high-quality education grounded in culture, language, and identity.
- Strengthening Shawash Iliʔi School
- Expanding language revitalization opportunities
- Increasing educational pathways from early childhood through higher education
- Supporting families and educators
Housing
Homes for Our People
Housing is one of the greatest challenges facing Tribal Members today.
- Increasing housing availability
- Supporting first-time homeowners
- Expanding pathways for young families
- Long-term planning for future generations
Health & Wellness
Healthy Families, Healthy Nation
Health extends beyond healthcare. A healthy nation requires investment in every stage of life.
- Mental health
- Community wellness
- Access to traditional foods
- Prevention services
- Elder services and support
- Youth development
Food Sovereignty
Reclaiming Our Relationship with Food
Food is culture. Food is medicine. Food is sovereignty.
- Community gardens
- Traditional food access
- Tribal agriculture initiatives (seeing through the promise of a Tribal owned farm)
- Hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural food education
- Long-term food security planning
Good Governance
Rebuilding Trust
Strong leadership begins with listening. I believe Tribal Members deserve:
- IBetter communication
- Greater transparency
- Consistent community engagement
- Accountability from elected leadership
“We Are The Future Ancestors”
Values That Guide Me
What I Stand For
01
Vision
Making decisions today that strengthen our Nation for generations to come.
02
Unity
Working together despite differences to move Grand Ronde forward as a nation.
03
Growth
Supporting every Tribal member through equitable and accessible opportunities.
04
Community
Strengthening relationships, belonging, and opportunity for all Tribal Members.
05
Integrity
Serving with honesty, accountability, and respect for our Tribal Members.
“We are the future ancestors — the decisions we make today will shape the future our children inherit tomorrow.”
— Valeria Atanacio · Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Calendar
Upcoming Events
Sun
June 28
2026
Campaign Launch BBQ Party
Directly following the Tribal Council Meeting · Valeria’s House · RSVP/Address: text 971-209-5486
CONFIRMED
TBD
Meet & Greets
Locations and dates to be announced
TBD
Ongoing
Community Conversations
Valeria is committed to showing up at Tribal Council meetings, community events, and wherever Tribal Members gather.
YEAR-ROUND
TBD
Annual Tribal Council Candidate Forum
Date and location to be announced
TBD
GET INVOLVED
Join the Campaign
This campaign is powered by community
01
Host a Yard Sign
02
Volunteer
03
Attend an Event
04
Make a donation
05
Share why you are voting for Valeria
06
Invite Valeria to meet with your family or group
Community Stories
Why This Work Matters
family
Canoe Journey
Community events
Education work
Cultural gatherings
Volunteer service
Community Support
Endorsed By The People
Endorsements from community leaders, elders, educators, parents,
Business owners and youth voices are being collected and will be added here.
- Community Leaders
- Educators
- Parents
- Elders
- Youth Voices
- Business Owners
Let’s Connect
I want to hear from you.
Whether you have a question, concern, or idea for our community’s future, I welcome the opportunity to connect.
Campaign Email
valeria.atanacio@gmail.com
Website
votevaleria.com
Follow the Campaign
Leadership through Listening. Action through Service.
© 2026 Valeria Atanacio. All rights reserved