Grand Ronde Tribal Council · 2026
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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
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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 sixteen 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:
- Chair, Grand Ronde Education Committee
- Founder, Native Mama Scholars
- Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University
- Former Tribal Affairs Director, OR Department of Early Learning and Care
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Certified Early Childhood Master Trainer
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.
- Elder services and support
- Youth development
- Community wellness
- Access to traditional foods
- Prevention services
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:
- Communicate Openly
- Sharing process and outcome, follow-through and follow-up
- 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
July 15th
2026
4 PM
Tribal Council Meeting
Watch Party + Dinner, Barbie’s Village (935 NE 33rd Ave, Portland OR 97232)
CONFIRMED
July 23rd
2026
5:30 PM
Annual Tribal Council Candidate Forum
GRTC Candidates Forum, Tribal Governance (9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde OR 97347)
CONFIRMED
July 24th
2026
6 PM
Valeria Atanacio – Ask Me Anything
Didn’t hear your question at the Tribal Council candidate forum? Please join my ask me anything, online via Zoom. (Join Now Link)
CONFIRMED
July 29th
2026
ALL WEEK
Official Tribal Council Ballots – Coming to You
Vote Valeria for Grand Ronde Tribal Council – Vote by Mail Starts
CONFIRMED
August
2026
Meet & Greets
Salem & Eugene Tribal Member Gatherings
TBD
September 12th
2026
8:30 AM
Tribal Council Election Day
Election Day – Vote In-Person or Drop Your Ballot in Grand Ronde
VOTE IN-PERSON
Ongoing
Community Conversations
Valeria is committed to showing up at Tribal Council meetings, community events, and wherever Tribal Members gather.
YEAR-ROUND
Sun
June 28
2026
Campaign Launch BBQ Party
Directly following the Tribal Council Meeting · Valeria’s House · RSVP/Address: text 971-209-5406
PAST EVENT
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
Tribal Member
Please Vote Valeria. We need growth, healing, and someone who has lived experience and holds knowledge. I believe Valeria has all of that and more. She would pave the way for younger generations to come.
Tribal Elder
“Valeria is already serving our people through the teachings and values of her family and way of life.”
Tribal Parent
“Valeria is exactly the person I, and so many others, want to see on Tribal Council. Leading with heart and passion.”
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