About

Native people discuss the seven generations; that our decisions are made with consideration of the next seven generations. The way I heard it is different from many others. It begins with ourselves and first considers the three generations that came before. We learn from them and their experiences, both good and bad, becoming aware of how we arrived at this moment. We must also consider the three generations that come after us; our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This breaks down the seven generations in tangible ways that honor the past, present and future. However, this does not negate the concept of that more distant seventh generation as I see the value in long-term strategic planning.

My Great-grandma was Alice Quenelle who was married to Jesse Smith and later, Jack Langley. My Grandparents were Roy and Delia Langley, who are pictured above.  Grandma comes from Leonard and Blanche LaRose, members of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe. On both sides of my family, there are tribal leaders including Grandpa Roy serving on Tribal Council here in Grand Ronde. I enjoy seeing his pictures all over the casino and in the Community Center. My parents are Leonard and Rose Langley. From my tribal side, my Auntie is Beryle Contreras, who lives in the area, and my Uncle is Jack Langley residing in Warm Springs.

That’s my three generations backwards. I have three boys, Ethan, Adam and Merritt; ages 22, 21 and 9 summer of 2017. That’s only one generation forward, however it is easier to imagine the day that I have grandchildren as they get older. They are my pride and joy and I am watching my older kids bravely finding their paths in this world.

Then there’s me, Michael Langley. I am 50 years old, the fourth of five boys – Len, Kelly, John and Craig. We all were told the stories of our family as my grandparent’s house in Tillamook was where everyone from out of town came to visit and everyone had a story. I heard that there is power in growing one’s hair; that our ancestors are represented in our hair. I think that is true. My dark hair has natural highlights and is a reminder that I come from many people, native and non-native. Each time I braid it, I am literally pulling those people together as their DNA resides in each hair strand, making the braid stronger than each individual strand. I am the result of all of these people coming together and honor it each day.

I have been working at Spirit Mountain since 2009 in Corporate Audit Services. We audit all of the operations at the casino, analyzing risks including operational efficiency and effectiveness. My education and work history is in accounting, including work with non-profit agencies that I have been working with since 2006. Prior experience includes project management, operations manager, store manager and sales. This well rounded background has served me well with audits at the casino. People are often surprised at how much they share with me because of my listening skills.

It was a goal to move back to Grand Ronde and serve my tribe. Corporate Audit Services has provided me that opportunity while educating myself about our casino and the casino industry. Internal Audit requires independent and objective analysis while finance and accounting are areas of little to no experience among tribal council. These are skills most needed at this time for the next three generations and beyond. That is why I am running for council and ask for your vote.

Thank you,

Michael Langley  #1335