Cheryle Ann (Allen) Kennedy come froms a family of weavers, beaders, carvers, gatherers, fishermen and hunters. She served on Tribal Council for a total of 26 years. Of the 26 years, she served 17 years as the Chairwoman.
Other political actions include:
Commissioner on the Commission on Indian Services appointed by the Oregon Legislature;
Appointed member on the Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Tribal Advisory Committee;
Board member on the West Valley Hospital Foundation Board;
Board member on the Willamette Heritage Area Coalition Board;
Board member on the Oregon Business Association Board of Directors;
Delegate to the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board;
Member of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians;
Member of the National Congress of American Indians;
Serving as Tribal Council liaison to the CTGR Culture Committee and Health Committee;
Appointed by Governor of Oregon to serve on the Federal Laws Committee of the Oregon Health Fund Board;
Appointed by the Oregon Health Policy Board to the Oregon Health Improvement Plan Committee;
Former Commissioner of the Rural Health Council of Oregon;
Former Commissioner of the Oregon’s Women Commission;
Former Steering Committee member of Oregon’s Rural Health Education Centers.
Other employment:
30-year career as a Health Administrator working with Tribes (including serving as our Tribal Health Director for nearly 15 years);
Executive Director of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board;
Health Administrator of Year by the Department of Public Health, Indian Health Services;
Outstanding Leader in Health Care by the Oregon Department of Health;
Recognized for the contributions to elevating the health status of Indian people by the National Indian Health Board.She loves sports and served as a coach for women/co-ed softball and coached girls/women’s basketball. She makes regalia and Native American jewelry as well as other beadwork.