Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - February, 2017
P. 2
2
Richard enjoyed
a visit with son
Pablo at home.
As items were
documented,
inventoried and
placed into the
archive room,
Richard shared
rich history with
tribal leaders.
As the Chehalis
Tribe’s Historic
Preservation
Officer, Richard
identified and
documented
basket
collections before
archiving them.
BELLON “Richard was very knowledgable in many things, not just record that documents the
archaeology – personal, culture and Indian ways. He leaves past and will help the Chehalis
From page 1 a void in this tribe for his untapped knowledge. I have respect Tribe embrace the future.
for him and what he’s done for this tribe, and the respect
and brought a lot of federal for him continues. He was a giant in the archaeology field Guiding light
grants to the tribe under the statewide. He is already missed by individuals and tribes.”
direction of the Business “Years ago, probably in the
Committee. Our tribe began to – MEL YOUCKTON, FORMER CHEHALIS TRIBE CHAIRMAN ’80s, we were in the middle of
blossom economically. a fishing court case in Seattle
gentle but strong demeanor, this by myself. The people did and Richard Bellon was
Many tribes in the area Richard achieved major it for themselves,” Richard there,” said Daniel Gleason Sr.,
were struggling because of landmarks for the Chehalis Bellon said. former Business Committee
funding issues. Richard’s Tribe and he was highly Member. “He had a black
contributions created a regarded as one of our own. After he retired from the turtleneck sweater on looking
framework of success for our General Manager position, all dapper. I had joked with
community. “I was very grateful to Richard became the Historic him that he looked like ‘Father
have this unique opportunity Preservation Officer for the Flanagan’ and our court case
Richard was instrumental to assist and watch the Confederated Tribes of the would go our way, as he was
in building the first End of the improvements continue. Chehalis Reservation. there looking so official.”
Trail store and the Bingo Hall, The Chehalis tribal people
which was just the beginning. are very business savvy, and In this role, he worked Daniel continued, “Many
The next step was finding the support I received was to preserve our historical years ago, Richard and his
managers and training tribal heartfelt. I am very proud to documents, from basketry to family invited me to Montana
people to run our businesses. be part of the growth of this deeds of ancestral lands within for a July Fourth celebration.
Back then, jobs were hard to tribe because I didn’t do all the Chehalis River Basin. When we went to the site
find on the reservation. upriver where the camas oven
Richard created a historical was found, he was so excited
He also was a key player that day.”
in funding other avenues
to enhance our financial “Richard was a true scholar
stability, such as the End of and a dear friend. He also had
the Trail II and III stores, great respect for our tribal
Lucky Eagle Casino & elders. We will never forget
Hotel and important land his love and dedication to his
acquisitions for more work and the Chehalis Indian
businesses and homes. Tribe,” Daniel said.
Major landmarks Richard’s physical presence
has been taken away from us,
After years as a grant writer but I believe his legacy will live
with many successes, Richard on at the Chehalis Tribe.
was promoted to General
Manager to handle daily As we venture through new
business operations. opportunities, may his spirit
always be our guiding light.
He worked closely with
elected Business Committee I hope anyone who has the
members to build and create a opportunity to cross paths
great working environment. with someone like Richard
Bellon never takes such an
Combined with his individual for granted. I never
communication skills, did and never will.
education, knowledge and
Richard enjoyed
a visit with son
Pablo at home.
As items were
documented,
inventoried and
placed into the
archive room,
Richard shared
rich history with
tribal leaders.
As the Chehalis
Tribe’s Historic
Preservation
Officer, Richard
identified and
documented
basket
collections before
archiving them.
BELLON “Richard was very knowledgable in many things, not just record that documents the
archaeology – personal, culture and Indian ways. He leaves past and will help the Chehalis
From page 1 a void in this tribe for his untapped knowledge. I have respect Tribe embrace the future.
for him and what he’s done for this tribe, and the respect
and brought a lot of federal for him continues. He was a giant in the archaeology field Guiding light
grants to the tribe under the statewide. He is already missed by individuals and tribes.”
direction of the Business “Years ago, probably in the
Committee. Our tribe began to – MEL YOUCKTON, FORMER CHEHALIS TRIBE CHAIRMAN ’80s, we were in the middle of
blossom economically. a fishing court case in Seattle
gentle but strong demeanor, this by myself. The people did and Richard Bellon was
Many tribes in the area Richard achieved major it for themselves,” Richard there,” said Daniel Gleason Sr.,
were struggling because of landmarks for the Chehalis Bellon said. former Business Committee
funding issues. Richard’s Tribe and he was highly Member. “He had a black
contributions created a regarded as one of our own. After he retired from the turtleneck sweater on looking
framework of success for our General Manager position, all dapper. I had joked with
community. “I was very grateful to Richard became the Historic him that he looked like ‘Father
have this unique opportunity Preservation Officer for the Flanagan’ and our court case
Richard was instrumental to assist and watch the Confederated Tribes of the would go our way, as he was
in building the first End of the improvements continue. Chehalis Reservation. there looking so official.”
Trail store and the Bingo Hall, The Chehalis tribal people
which was just the beginning. are very business savvy, and In this role, he worked Daniel continued, “Many
The next step was finding the support I received was to preserve our historical years ago, Richard and his
managers and training tribal heartfelt. I am very proud to documents, from basketry to family invited me to Montana
people to run our businesses. be part of the growth of this deeds of ancestral lands within for a July Fourth celebration.
Back then, jobs were hard to tribe because I didn’t do all the Chehalis River Basin. When we went to the site
find on the reservation. upriver where the camas oven
Richard created a historical was found, he was so excited
He also was a key player that day.”
in funding other avenues
to enhance our financial “Richard was a true scholar
stability, such as the End of and a dear friend. He also had
the Trail II and III stores, great respect for our tribal
Lucky Eagle Casino & elders. We will never forget
Hotel and important land his love and dedication to his
acquisitions for more work and the Chehalis Indian
businesses and homes. Tribe,” Daniel said.
Major landmarks Richard’s physical presence
has been taken away from us,
After years as a grant writer but I believe his legacy will live
with many successes, Richard on at the Chehalis Tribe.
was promoted to General
Manager to handle daily As we venture through new
business operations. opportunities, may his spirit
always be our guiding light.
He worked closely with
elected Business Committee I hope anyone who has the
members to build and create a opportunity to cross paths
great working environment. with someone like Richard
Bellon never takes such an
Combined with his individual for granted. I never
communication skills, did and never will.
education, knowledge and
