Volume 24
February 2024
No. 2
In this issue:
Suquamish babies! p3
Forum: Health & Wellness p5
Guess Who? p11 Also ... Kick your tobacco habit p10 End teen dating violence p11 Valentine’s Day and the many love languages p13
50 years of the Boldt Decision Suquamish fisher David Sigo Sr. and others tell their stories p4
Suquamish News
2 | February 2024
Suquamish.nsn.us
Community Calendar Meetings
Community Events
Public hearing on proposed Constitutional Amendment on Enrollment Criteria for tribal members, Feb. 5 at 5pm (see page 6 for details).
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Events: Feb. 4, 11, & 22. Play BINGO, learn a love song, enter a coloring contest. Watch for announcements (see page 11).
Suquamish Tribal Council meets Feb. 5 & 20. Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN texts.
Suquamish Museum
February Events at the Suquamish Museum
Culture night. Feb. 7 and 21, 5-7pm at the House of Awakened Culture. Join us in making cedar roses. Bring in clean mason jars and receive a raffle ticket.
Every Saturday in February support local artists while finding that one-of-a-kind gift at the Leota Anthony Museum Store.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets Feb. 6 & 20, 9:30-11am at Suquamish Museum. Call Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details. Wisdom Warriors features Heart Health with Dr. Alex Craft, Feb. 14, Suquamish Warriors meet Feb. 6 at 2-4pm, Tribal Council Chambers. 5:30pm at the Warriors Vet Center. Lunchtime Forum on your Health Suquamish Seafoods Board meets & Wellness, Feb. 15 at noon on Feb. 13. Call Shanel Carlson at (360) Zoom, with Healing House doctors, 394-8512 for details. Wellness counselors, and CommuPME Board meets Feb. 14 . Contact nity Health (see page 5). Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com for details. Suquamish Museum Board meets Feb. 15, 10am-noon at Museum. For more info call (360) 394-8499.
Feb 13, 2024
Elders Council meets Feb. 20, 2-4pm at Elders Lodge. Call (360) 394-8417 for details.
Language Program Information Night 5:00-6:30 pm Old Tribal Center
Feb. 3 Sat, 10am–4pm, Weaving Cedar Hearts class with Kippie Joe Feb. 3 & 17 10am–3pm, Leota Anthony Museum Store Artist Pop-Up Feb. 10 Sat, all day, FREE Museum Admission Feb. 11 Sun, 10am–3pm, Native Makers Market
Suquamish Museum
Feb. 21 Wed, 1pm–4pm. Object Identification
Suquamish fisher David Sigo Sr. Photo by Rika Manabe, rikamanabe.com @rikafoto
Suquamish Tribal Council
Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392
Leonard Forsman
Chairman
Josh Bagley
Vice-Chair
Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392-0498
Irene Carper
Secretary
Denita Holmes
Treasurer
Letters should include the writer’s full name, address, and home telephone and may be edited for clarity and space. All photo submissions must be made in JPG or PDF form, with resolution of 300 dpi or more.
Rich Purser
Member
Sammy Mabe
Member
Luther Mills, Jr.
Member
Feb. 14 Wed, 3pm–4 pm, Book Reading: Counting Wild Bears of the Northwest Coast Feb. 17 Sat, 10am–1pm, Beading Workshop with Jo Citali
On the cover ...
Suquamish News
Feb.13 Tues, 3pm, Behind the Scenes Tour
For more info or to register for any of our programs, contact the museum at (360) 394-7105, or jreynolds@suquamish.nsn.us
Production Staff Leonard Forsman Catherine Edwards Sarah van Gelder Jon Anderson JoAnn Joe Georgia Browne
Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design Layout and Design
Editorial Policy
Publishers of the Suquamish News reserve the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Suquamish Tribe. As such, we reserve the right to refuse to print any letter, for any reason.
Reproduction of Suquamish News, in whole or in part, without written permission from the Suquamish Tribe is strictly prohibited.
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Suquamish News
February 2024 | 3
Community
Celebrating 2023 Babies!
The Suquamish Tribal community had some adorable new arrivals in 2023. We’re celebrating them in this edition of the newspaper. If your baby or grandbaby wasn’t included, just send one or more photos, their name, and their parents’ and grandparents’ names to communications@Suquamish.nsn.us by Feb 15. We’ll include them in the March edition of the Suquamish News and feature them in a slideshow during General Council. Thank you! Suquamish Communications Team
Savannah Marie Rodriguez, born October 3rd Parents: Christian & Grace (Alexander) Rodriguez (Suquamish). Grandparent: Danielle Alexander (Suquamish). Great Grandparents: Mary & Bob Alexander Sr (Suquamish)
Hayden James Cyrus Moss, born May 9th Parents: Shallee Lace Moss & Trentin Cole Moss Grandmas: Marie Sanders, Juanita Holtyn, Heather Baker. Grandpas: Jason Baker, Steve Holtyn, Randy Moss. Great Grandmas: Lillian Abler, Paulette Labonte, Tina Mcfee, Janice Moss, Janice CharlesWebster, Debra Dietrick. Great Grandpas: Frank Sullivan Jr, Mark Labonte, Randall Moss, Dwight Abler, Jim Boure, Murl Baker
Lorrenio Tremain Accos, born July 7th Parents: Joli Lund (Tribal Descendant) and husband Leonard Accos Grandparents: Melissa Lund (Tribal Elder Belmont Family) and husband Mark Lund
Tyson Jay Taitingfong, born July 26th Parents: Ariana Chavonne Taitingfong & Christian Brent Montague Taitingfong Grandparents: Dawn D Adams Lovena M Taitingfong & Daniel C Taitingfong Cora Jean Coyne, born November 7th Parents: Brandon Coyne and Stephanie Anderson. Grandparents: Gail and Chris Coyne.
Eleanora Juniper Chaney, born October 3rd Parents: Kaeleigh Patrick and Sean Chaney Grandparent: Rachel Duthie Great-grandparent: Mary Miller Great Great-grandparent: Mary Contraro Lindell
Hendrix Franklin, born November 10th Parents: Skyler Bakken (Suquamish) and Lummi Nation member Charles Wilson. Grandparents: Lori and Brad Bakken. Great grandparents: Luther and Dolores Mills.
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Treaty Rights
Suquamish Marks 50th Anniversary of Boldt Decision Tribal fishers tell of hostility on the water and of mutual support during annual Treaty Talks
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avid Sigo, Sr. remembers when the Boldt Decision came down 50 years ago this month. He felt the tension between tribal and non-tribal fishers both before and after the historic decision, and he shared stories from that time during a Treaty Days event on Jan. 18. This year’s event, held at the House of Awakened Culture, focused on the anniversary of the U.S. v Washington decision, generally referred to as the Boldt decision. In that ruling, Judge George Hugo Boldt — after listening to months of testimony from the state of Washington, Tribal Elders, and expert witnesses — ruled that the treaties signed by Gov. Stevens required the state to co-manage salmon resources with tribes and allocated 50 percent of the salmon harvested to treaty tribes. Commercial and sports fishers responded with anger, according to Sigo. “We had the small skiffs at that time, and we unloaded the nets by hand,” he said. “All the big hydraulic fishing boats belonged to white people, and when they couldn’t fish as much, they were really unhappy.” The state of Washington was unhappy as well,
and for several years, flouted the ruling, allowing overfishing by non-Natives to continue. Salmon runs were severely depleted by state mismanagement and commercial overfishing before and immediately after the decision, according to Rob Purser, director of Suquamish Treaty Rights Protection Division. Still, the Boldt decision held. The Judge called in federal law enforcement to enforce the ruling, and he kept the case open for years so he and his suc-
Left to right, Suquamish fishers Tony Adams, David Sigo, Sr., Luther “Jay” Mills, Jr., and Ryan Boure, speak at Treaty Talk 2024 at the House of Awakened Culture.
cessor judges could oversee the implementation of the decision and help resolve other questions that arose, like about the extent of each tribe’s U&A (Usual and Accustomed areas for fishing). With their age-old right to fish reaffirmed and finally acknowledged by the state of Washington, tribal fishers were able to re-build a way of life that had sustained them for generations. They were also able to fully participate in setting the policies that would help salmon runs recover. Boldt decision was long fought The U.S. v Washington case came before Judge Boldt after years of conflict between state of Washington fish and game agencies and tribal people who were exercising their treaty rights to fish — a right guaranteed by the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott and the other treaties signed by tribes and Territorial Governor Issac Stevens. Stevens understood that this guarantee was necessary to get the tribes to agree to give up territory to land-hungry settlers. Tribal people, relying on the treaties, continued to fish and harvest shellfish on and off reservations, even when they were shot at, called names, and arrested by state law enforcement. In the 1960s, Indian fishers and their supporters gathered on the Nisqually River and conducted
“fish-ins,” modeled after the sit-ins that were central to the civil rights movement in the South. Celebrities Marlon Brando and Dick Gregory joined them and were arrested, along with many others in violent crackdowns by law enforcement. Shots were fired, a nearby railroad bridge burned, and finally the federal government took the state of Washington to court. The resulting case, U.S. versus Washington, took years to play out in front of Judge Boldt, but when he made his ruling, the results were seismic. On Feb. 12, 1974, Judge Boldt interpreted the treaties to mean that half of the salmon harvested belonged to treaty tribes. The state of Washington was no longer allowed to set rules for harvesting unilaterally. Instead, Tribes would have an equal seat at the table to co-manage the resource. Co-management was an especially important feature of the decision, said Luther “Jay” Mills, Jr. at the Treaty Days presentation. “If we don’t protect the salmon runs, 50 percent of nothing is nothing,” he said. The Suquamish Tribe and other treaty tribes hired biologists and ecologists to work alongside Tribal leaders and attorneys. In negotiation with state fisheries regulators, under the watchful eye of Judge Boldt and other federal judges, a new pro-
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(Continued from p4) cess of co-management resulted. Regulations are now set in a cooperative process that guarantees tribes the right to half the harvest and aims to protect and restore the health of the fisheries. “We’re family” It took some time for Suquamish fishers to recover from the days of state crackdowns and other challenges that followed the signing of the Treaty. But tribal fishers helped each other learn the skills, get the equipment needed, and regain the knowledge about where and when to fish. “Tribal fishers supported one another,” said Sigo. “What got me started was Big Moe. He sold me a net for like $150,” said Tony Adams, a tribal fisher who also spoke on the Treaty Days panel. “He wanted to see a young tribal member get out there.” “I learned from everyone I talked to out on the water,” said Ryan Boure, Suquamish fisher and activities coordinator at the Family & Friends Center. “When we’re out there, we’re family. We take care of each other.” “Break down and someone will tow you in,” Adams said. “The next week, you’re towing them in. You lose an anchor, someone has an extra. You run out of gas, someone will bring some out to you or tow you in. There is no better feeling.” Further wins Further rulings were built on the historic case. The Rafeedie Decision in 1994 guaranteed the right of tribes to half the shellfish harvested. And, in 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a lower court decision that the state of Washington must remove culverts and other fish blockages that interfere with salmon recovery. Jay Mills was at the U.S. Supreme Court to witness that historic argument. “We did win that case,” he said. “That’s why you see a lot of bridges replacing culverts so the salmon can pass.” The collaboration between state regulators and tribal fishery managers has improved, and the Washington Centennial Accords, signed in 1989 has strengthened government-to-government relationships with the state. Tensions remain over the Boldt decision nonetheless. Recent comments in a Seattle Times article about the 50th anniversary of the decision show some remain opposed to the decision. Others defend the ruling, both out of respect for the treaties and because tribal oversight is helping salmon
Suquamish News
runs recover. At the Treaty Days presentation, a new film was aired, “Kings of Gorst Creek.” In it, non-tribal fishers start by admitting their frustration with Indian fishers for catching salmon trying to reach Gorst Creek to spawn. But the fishery in Sinclair Inlet only exists because of the tribal hatchery, which is releasing millions of chinook and coho each year. Without the hatchery, the opponents come to see, there would be no salmon returning at all. We’re raising those fish so we can take care of our children, Sigo said. And to give back to the killer whales, which rely on chinook. The opposition of those early years is fading as more and more people come to see the benefits — for salmon, the habitat, and the tribes’ way of life — that result from reaffirming tribal treaty rights. By Sarah van Gelder
February 2024 | 5
Lunchtime Forum on Health & Wellness Feb forum will focus on Suquamish Health and Wellness offerings
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uquamish Tribe is launching a series of online lunchtime forums on tribal government services. The first focused on Housing and Broadband development and took place on Jan. 25. The next forum will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, at noon, and will focus on Health and Wellness services available to the tribal community. Get to know the physicians at Healing House, Dr. Kristine Ewing and Dr. Alex Kraft, and learn about the services they provide all ages, plus options like acupuncture and naturopathy. Participants will also be able to talk to the new Community Health manager, Suquamish tribal member Jeff Riggins, as well as Brian Burwell about the services offered at the Wellness Center. Bring your questions! Do you have suggestions for future topics for forums? Please email them to communications@ suquamish.nsn.us Log on at: https://bit.ly/STlunchtime or call (253) 205-0468 Meeting ID: 862 9647 6154
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Tribal Government
Chairman’s Report
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his February marks the 50th anniversary of the Boldt Decision, a decision that reaffirmed our treaty fishing rights and interpreted the Treaty of Point Elliott to mean tribal tribes are entitled to half the salmon harvest. The ruling also required the state of Washington to co-manage fisheries with tribes on a government-to-government basis, which has helped with salmon restoration efforts and assured our tribal fishers get to harvest their fair share. I attended the annual Treaty Talks event, hosted by the Research and Strategic Development Department and the new Suquamish Tribe Cultural Resources Department at the House of Awakened Culture on Jan. 18. Tribal fishermen David Sigo Sr., Ryan Boure, Tony Adams, and Tribal Council member Luther “Jay” Mills, Jr. told stories of Suquamish fishers, the challenges they faced before and after the Boldt decision, and the ways they learned from each other and supported each other as opportunities for our tribal members opened up. Vice-Chairman Josh Bagley joined me and Fisheries staff in a meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard to discuss their modifications and expansion of Pier 36 at the mouth of the Duwamish River as it enters Elliott Bay. The Coast Guard will be bringing more and larger “polar security cutters” into the Seattle pier, which will require additional moorage space. We are working with the Coast Guard to minimize impacts to our fishing activities in the waters around the base. I attended our monthly Elders Council meeting. And I had the pleasure to be interviewed by Heather Purser regarding my thoughts on climate
change. This gave me an opportunity to share my ideas and suggestions on how we can move forward to address this challenge to our way of life. The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians held an Executive Board meeting to review the agenda of the upcoming winter conference to be held in Portland. The agenda will include presentations by state and federal officials on their efforts to protect natural resources and tribal sovereignty. The beginning of the new year brought the resumption of the state legislative session; tribal governments are an important part of this process due to our strong government-to-government relationships cultivated over the past decades. I met with several state legislators in Olympia to express our views on several tribal issues. I discussed with Sen. Claudia Kauffman (Nez Perce) a bill that would support the introduction of tribal history and culture curriculum in public schools and would name the program after the late Senator John McCoy. I also met with Senator Marko Liias, chair of the Transportation Committee, to discuss the funding of the state’s culvert replacement initiative. We also hosted a meeting here in Suquamish between the tribes and the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the culvert program. At our first University of Washington Board of Regents meeting of 2024, we heard from student-athletes from the men’s and women’s basketball teams about their positive academic experiences at the U of W. Everyone was excited about the success of the football team and their victory in the Sugar Bowl and their trip to the College Football Playoff in Houston. While on campus I met with President Ana Mari Cauce and other members of the Intellectual House Phase 2 team to discuss fundraising for the project that will provide a culturally appropriate gathering place for American Indian students on the Seattle campus. I also met with Dean Maya Tolstoy of the U of W College of the Environment to hear more about their research on climate change, fisheries, and other important environmental protection initiatives. Several stand-alone departments, including Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Marine Biology, and Oceanography, merged years ago to form the College and work together to sustain the world’s ecosystems.
The U of W Regents joined other state college leaders in Olympia to meet with state representatives about our priorities for the legislative session. Our primary message was to inform students and their families that a higher education is valuable and affordable due to the extensive financial aid packages that our state provides. Also in recent weeks, I attended an event celebrating the renaming of the Kitsap Regional Library in downtown Bremerton after Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The holidays were busy, with a celebration at the governor’s mansion with Governor Inslee, at Kiana Lodge with our Suquamish tribal government employees and earlier with our Elders, and at the House of Awakened Culture with the tribal community. Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe Chairman
Tribal Council Schedule Tribal Council meets Feb. 5 & 20. Watch for SUN alerts and Weekly Updates for details.
Attention Suquamish Tribal Members IMPORTANT MEETING REGARDING ENROLLMENT. YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED.
Monday Feb 5
Suquamish Tribal Member Only Meeting PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON ENROLLMENT CRITERIA IN PERSON MEETING ONLY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024, 5:00PM House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Parkway
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Suquamish News
Tribe prepares for General Council March 16 & 17 at Kiana Lodge
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eneral Council will be held on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 at Kiana Lodge. Saturday will be in person and on Zoom. Sunday will be in person only. On Sunday, nominations from the floor will be accepted, and there will be a primary if there are more than two candidates for any position. On the ballot are three Tribal Council positions: • Position #5, currently held by Rich Purser • Position #6, currently held by Sammy Mabe • Position #7, currently held by Luther “Jay” Mills, Jr.
There will also be two Constitutional amendments to vote on. One, to change criteria for automatic enrollment, will be discussed at a public hearing on Feb. 5 (see page 6). The other involves minor corrections of typos that occurred after last year’s BIA Secretariat election. Tribal citizens will vote on both amendments on March 17. Also at this year’s General Council, 18 new Tribal Elders will be honored. There will be reports from tribal leaders, department heads, and PME, and time to reconnect
Candidate Statement
Joshua George
Hello, I’m Joshua George. My father is Wayne George, my grandfather is Ted George! I intend to run for Council Position #1* in this upcoming election. If elected, I will lead with compassion, transparency, and any decision I make will be for the better of all tribal members. Thank you for your consideration. See you in March! Joshua George *Editor’s note: Tribal Council Position #1 has been renumbered and is now Position #5.
with other tribal members. For tribal members wishing to stay at the Clearwater Casino Resort during General Council, discounted rooms can be reserved by calling (866) 609-8700 and asking for Suquamish Tribe General Council 2024 Block. Or you can log on to https://reserve.clearwatercasino.com/suquamish#groupSignIn and use code 23360 when making a reservation.
Inviting Candidate Statements Candidates for Tribal Council positions 5, 6, and 7 are invited to submit a statement and photo to be published in the March edition of the Suquamish News. Send to communications@suquamish.nsn.us or drop them off at the front desk of the Administration Building by February 15, 2024, attention “Communications Department.” Candidate statements and photos are optional. By Sarah van Gelder
February 2024 | 7
Legal Notice Tribal Council seeks comments on Tribal Code change on statute of limitations The Suquamish Tribal Council is seeking written comments on proposed revisions to Suquamish Tribal Code (STC) 6.1 and STC 7.26. Please submit written comments by April 2, 2024. Contact the Office of the Tribal Attorney for a copy of the proposed changes. Specifically, the amendments to STC 6.1 and STC 7.26 will address the statute of limitations for criminal offenses committed after the code change goes into effect and require the tribe to prove that illegal substances were knowingly possessed in prosecutions for possession of illegal substances. The proposed changes can be read online at https://bit.ly/SuqComment or scan the QR code above with your phone. Or a copy may be requested from the Office of the Tribal Attorney. Submit comments to: Office of the Tribal Attorney, STC Chapter 6.1 or STC 7.26 Comments P.O. Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392, or by email with the subject line “STC 6.1 Comments” or “STC 7.26 Comments” to: bbrueseke@suquamish.nsn.us.
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Community
Chairman Forsman awarded UW’s prestigious Charles E. Odegaard Award Suquamish Tribe Chairman and UW Regent Leonard Forsman will be the next recipient of the Charles E. Odegaard Award. As a long-time advocate for Native rights and civil rights, and the first American Indian appointed to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Forsman will receive the highest University of Washington community-awarded honor for his work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and its Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program Board will present Chairman Forsman with the award at the annual Celebration Gala on May 15, 2024. “Chairman Forsman has not only raised awareness about Native issues, but his leadership and advocacy has improved the lives of thousands of American Indians in the Pacific Northwest and nationally,” said Rickey Hall, Vice President for OMA&D and the UW University Diversity Officer. “He has been a consistent voice of support and a champion for those who have experienced discrimination, are underrepresented and underserved.” The Charles E. Odegaard Award was established in April of 1973 to honor a member of our community whose leadership sustains the former University of Washington president’s distinguished work (1958-1973) on behalf of diversity at the UW
and citizens of the state. Forsman has served on the Suquamish Tribal Council for over 30 years and as Tribal chairman since 2005. In addition to his Suquamish Tribal leadership role, he is president of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Northwest regional vice president of the National Congress of American Indians and currently serves on multiple tribal, Intertribal and intergovernmental boards and commissions. Forsman is also active in the Tribal Canoe Journeys as a puller in the Sea-ah-ma-oaks voyaging canoe. Some of the work that Forsman is most proud of are the cultural resurgence projects which culminated with the hosting of the Canoe Journey in 2009. Forsman and others continued the work of previous Suquamish Chairman Benny Armstrong which resulted in Washington state returning the land of Old Man House Park back to the Suquamish tribe. After the return of the land, the tribe completed the rebuild of a replica of the Old Man House, renamed The House of Awakened Culture, which stands on the land that had previously been occupied by the Suquamish tribe for more than 4,000 years. In addition to the new longhouse was the construction of a new pier, a new early learning center, and the restoration of Chief Seattle’s grave site. Forsman attended the University of Washington where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation from Goucher College where he studied the relevance of the National Register of Historic Places to tribal cultural values systems.
Suquamish Police activity on the Port Madison Reservation Suquamish Police Chief Mike Lasnier is now compiling a monthly overview of Police Dept. activity during the previous month. The reports will be posted when received on the Suquamish Tribe website at: https:// suquamish.nsn.us/spd-blotter/
Heartfelt Connections: Join Wisdom Warriors Valentine’s Day Meet-up
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uess what’s brewing in the heart of our tribe this February? It’s an exciting, heart-healthy journey with the Suquamish Wisdom Warriors. And you’re invited! As part of the Suquamish Tribe Community Health program’s mission to embrace a new health topic each month, February is all about loving your heart. Yes, it’s American Heart Month, and we’re teaming up with the Healing House medical clinic to bring you an info-packed Wisdom Warriors you won’t want to miss! Spotlight of the Month: Dr. Kraft from the Healing House will be our special guest! He’s ready to dive into all your heart health questions with a Q&A session that promises to be both informative and fun. Wisdom Warriors is no ordinary group. It’s a monthly gathering where chronic disease management meets community spirit and culture. And for our February meet-up, it’s all happening on the day of love – Feb. 14, from 2-4 pm in Tribal Council Chambers. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by taking care of your heart? Our Community Health Nutritionist will also be there, ready to unravel the mysteries of nutrition labels in a way that’s easy and engaging. Plus, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of local plant medicines that can boost heart health. And the best part? Wisdom Warriors is absolutely free and open to everyone. As always, we’re even throwing in some healthy snacks to keep things light and enjoyable. So, mark your calendars, bring your curiosity, and get ready to empower your heart health with the Wisdom Warriors. It’s more than just a gathering; it’s a step towards a healthier, happier you. See you there, Warriors! By Jeff Riggins Community Health Manager
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Suquamish News
Community Health seeks your input!
New survey critical to helping tribe understand needs and get funding
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ommunity Health is looking for tribal members and descendants age 18 or over to complete a survey. Just go to bit.ly/SuqHealthSurvey or point your phone to the QR code. If you choose to provide your name and phone number, you will be entered in a raffle for one of $1000 worth of prizes. The survey is anonymous, containing questions about health and health-related behaviors. All responses will be combined to give a general picture of the health of the tribe. No individual responses will be reported, and no names will be associated with the information. How do these surveys help tribal programs? Many of us have taken the time to head down to the Old Tribal Center to visit Azure Boure at the home of the Traditional Foods and Medicine program. For decades, the Suquamish Tribe has prided itself on the restoration of its traditional ways. What many of you may not know is how Azure’s apprenticeship with Julia Bennett-Gladstone and eventual role as a leader in our Traditional Foods and Medicines program came to
Guess Who? Honoring our Elders and Ancestors Guess Who – This young girl grew up watching “Indians” getting killed in John Wayne movies. She spent most of her career advocating for Native healthcare, Indian child welfare, and tribal sovereignty before retiring. Can you guess who she is? Find out on page 11.
be. This position came about as a result of data gathered through a survey conducted in 2005. In order for the Health Division to apply for grants related to health and food sovereignty, we need to provide information about the community. We will combine the data you provide us in this survey to identify trends and the needs of our community. This will allow us to apply for funding of future community initiatives, just as the last survey data was used to inform the Traditional Foods and Medicines program. The more we come together and take part in this gathering of information, the greater our opportunities will be to fund programs that benefit the Tribal community. Click on bit.ly/SuqHealthSurvey or point your phone to the QR code above and take the survey any time you choose. Don’t have a computer or smart phone? Don’t use the internet, or just prefer to talk to someone instead of completing online? You can call me, and I will be glad to assist you over the phone or bring my laptop to you (if you live in Kitsap County). Hearing from you is important. My office phone is (360) 394-8468. Leave a message if I’m not in the office when you call. Thank you, Barbara Hoffman, DNP, RN, CDE, Public Health Manager
February 2024 | 9
Attention Artists!
The Suquamish Language Program is looking for Suquamish Artists for contractual work. You may have noticed our Lushootseed stickers at Culture Night or at Safeway! We want to continue creating stickers that promote language use. We are looking for Suquamish artists who: • Can submit art electronically in a svg or ai file format • Have time to work right away! • Punctual submissions & good communication • Ability to write and submit an invoice for payment independently
If you are interested, please submit a bid to cgeorge@suquamish.nsn.us by Feb. 29. By Cassandra George Lushootseed Language Coordinator
10 | February 2024
Suquamish News
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Health & Wellness
Say goodbye to tobacco
Winter pet safety tips and reminders
hinking about saying goodbye to tobacco? Our fantastic Community Health team is here to help you do just that — and yes, we promise it will be more fun than you think! Did you know we have a Tobacco Cessation Program? Whether you’re just curious or ready to jump right in, getting started is easy. Just reach out to our Community Health Department by calling our main line at (360) 394-8469, zipping over to our web page, or you can shoot us an email at CommunityHealth@suquamish.nsn.us — we’re pretty quick with our replies! Once you get in touch, one of our superstar Community Health nurses will be ready to meet you. They’re like health detectives, figuring out a plan that’s just for you. No one-size-fits-all here — your journey is unique! We can help you access some nifty tobacco cessation supplies, too! Things such as: nicotine lozenges, gum, or patches. In most cases these supplies are even cheaper than sticking with the habit, but if you need some extra assistance, we’ve got you covered! Health Benefits & Community So, let’s make this year fabulous by taking a step Health swap spaces towards a healthier you. We’re here cheering you on every step of the way! The Community Health team has moved back With lots of health and happiness, Jeff Riggins to their old offices in the Tribal Admin Center on Community Health Program Manager the back corner of the main building across from Elder parking where Health Benefits has been located. Meanwhile, the Health Benefits staff have traded places and are now seeing clients at Healing House. It’s all part of an effort to make things easier for tribal members by co-locating Health Benefits with the tribe’s primary care team while giving the larger Community Health Department more space to provide their services. WIC assistance and nutrition counseling, part of Community Health, are now provided at the new (old) location at Tribal Admin Center as well.
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Trading places
s the long dark days of winter remind us to safeguard our homes, here are some helpful tips and reminders to keep our pets safe and healthy, too. • If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Keep your animals inside if possible and provide them with a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. • Avoid leaving pets alone in cars during cold weather. Cars can hold in the cold and can cause pets to freeze to death. • Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If you must bathe your pet, ask your vet to recommend moisturizing products. • Have a towel handy after winter walks to clean and dry your pets’ feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals, especially the area between the toes. De-icing and other chemicals can be harmful and potentially dangerous if your pet licks those products off their paws. Be aware of your surroundings and use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible. • Pets burn extra energy trying to stay warm in the wintertime. Feeding your pet a little more during cold weather can provide much needed calories. • Make sure your pets have plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
A friendly reminder that the Suquamish Tribal Code states that you are responsible for your pets. Dogs should not be roaming freely. They should be in a fenced yard, on a leash, or tethered. “Dangerous animals” are prohibited on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Pets causing a nuisance should be reported to the Suquamish Police Department. If you witness serious incidents or aggressive behavior involving animals, please call 9-1-1. By Lois “Lane” Sullivan Housing Program Coordinator
Suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish News
February 2024 | 11
Wellness
Help end teen dating violence
Tribe to host parenting conference
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The Suquamish Tribe Changing Tides, Helping Hands Home Visiting Program, part of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center, has been awarded a $50,000 grant to fund an Indigenous Parenting Conference in Suquamish later this year. The conference will offer a culturally appropriate, trauma-informed opportunity for learning, healing, and community connection. “Parents and families in our community understand the efforts we are making right now impact the next seven generations,” said ELC Director Cori Silvey. “We hope to further the pathway of Indigenous parenting practices and trust that each individual will take what they need from this experience to have meaningful and fulfilling roles as mothers and fathers.” Silvey is now forming a planning committee to help shape the conference. “Community surveys will give Suquamish families an opportunity to elevate their voice and guide our work,” she said. For more information contact Cori Silvey at csilvey@suquamish.nsn.us.
ebruary is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Let’s aim to educate our young people about dating violence and how they can prevent it! The 2024 theme for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is “Love Like That.” “Love Like That,” illuminates what “that” means regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships. We know that love is more than a feeling; no matter how you define it, it’s essential to ensure you’re on the same page with your partner about the definitions and boundaries of your relationship. Teens and young adults express their love for one another in many ways, which differ from person to person or community. All expressions of love are valid. However, the essential aspect of “Love Like That” calls on us all to create a world of positive actions to express and show healthy love in various ways. Here in Suquamish, you will see many opportunities to support, engage, and become aware throughout the month of February with Suquamish Integrated Victim Services (see back page for a preview!). We’ll learn love songs, play BINGO, have a coloring contest, and hold special gatherings. Stay tuned for more information. Nina Old Coyote Integrated Victim Services Advocate
Guess Who? This is who! (from page 9) Marilyn (Webster) Wandrey grew up in Indianola and worked for the North Kitsap School District before becoming the Suquamish Tribe’s first full-time employee. As the Small Tribes of Western Washington Community Liaison, she helped the tribe get back under federal jurisdiction after it was placed under the state. She went on to work for American Friends Service Committee, DSHS, and Puget Sound Indian Health Board. She also served on Suquamish Tribal Council and with Tribal Child Welfare. Now retired, Wandrey enjoys weaving, spending time with her family, traveling, and serving on boards and committees.
Help is available. You are not alone. Symptoms of problem gambling include severe debt, hiding gambling activity, lying, borrowing, stealing, stress, broken relationships, depression, suicidal ideation or attempts, and more. Contact the Suquamish Tribe Wellness Center at (360) 394-7139 or (360) 3948558. We are here for you. Call or text WA State 24-hour Helpline 1-800-547-6133.
There is hope. Treatment is available and effective.
Suquamish News
12 | February 2024
Suquamish.nsn.us
Lunchroom Menu
FEBRUARY 2024
Tues
Mon
y Birthda 6 7 tion! a r b e l ce Tomato Soup Macaroni Beef Tuna Fish Sandwich Sloppy Joe on a Casserole Whole Wheat Bun on Whole Wheat Brussels Sprouts Germany Blend Bread Veggies Tossed Salad Baby Carrots Tossed Salad Wheat Roll Minted Pea Salad SF Pudding Birthday Cake & Yogurt Parfait w/ Ice Cream Fruit 5
Pork Adobo Brown Rice Asian Blend Veggies Tossed Salad Fresh Fruit
19
Closed Presidents Day
13
14
Beef, Barley & Vegetable Soup Tuna Sandwich Cucumber Tomato Salad Fresh Fruit
Baked Chicken Germany Blend Veggies Apple, Celery & Pineapple Salad Oatmeal Cookie
20
21
Baked Ham Sweet Potatoes California Blend Veggies Fresh Fruit
Minestrone Soup Turkey & Cheese Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread Spinach Blueberry Salad Fresh Fruit
Fri
1
2
Baked Ham Sweet Potatoes Kale Salad Applesauce Muffin Fresh Fruit
Cook’s Special Chili w/ Cheese Tossed Salad Corn Bread Fresh Fruit
9
8
Baked Potato Bar w/ Chili, Broccoli & Cheese Sauce Kale Salad Fresh Fruit
15
ast Breakfnch! u L for
Geoduck Chowder w/ oyster crackers California Veggie Blend Cottage Cheese & Fruit Pumpkin Cookie 16
Pancakes w/ berries Indian Tacos (meat, Bacon beans, lettuce, Scrambled Eggs tomatoes, cheese, Fresh Fruit salsa, sour cream) Fresh Fruit
22
23
Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy California Veggie Blend Tossed Salad Wheat Roll
Salmon Roasted Red Potatoes Peas and Carrots Pachado Bread Fresh Fruit
28
29
1
Shephard’s Pie (meat, green beans, potatoes) Tossed Salad Wheat Roll Fresh Fruit
Sweet and Sour Pork Brown Rice California Veggie Blend Tossed Salad Fruit & yogurt Parfait
Chicken Soft Taco (ground chicken, refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa) Spanish Rice Fresh Fruit
Split Pea Soup w/ Ham Egg Salad Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread Tossed Salad SF Pudding 27
26
Thurs
Wed Beverages : Choice of 1% Milk or Lactose Free Milk. Occasional substitutions may be necessary
12
Elders
Elders
Tribal Elders
BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad Winter Squash Wheat Roll Fresh Fruit
Elders Kitchen: (360) 394-8407. Please call to inform the kitchen if you would like to cancel home delivery for the day.
Corner
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t’s hard to believe we’re already into February. We hope the rest of 2024 doesn’t go by too fast!
Closing out 2023, Eanie Abler was blessed with another great granddaughter, named Aulora. And then in January, Robin Camacho was blessed to welcome her granddaughter, named Evelynne. She was named after Robin’s mother, who was from the Alexis Family. Robin is the great granddaughter of Julia Jacob. We send our congratulations to both sets of parents. We also send out a big congratulations to Linda Holt, who finished all of her treatments. Linda was amazing during her journey. Nothing stopped her from living life and always being so positive! Two Elders passed to the next world recently. We send out our love to the families of Thomas Bailey (Suquamish) and Leslie McDonald (Makah). We send healing prayers to our Elders who have been hospitalized this past month. Sending thoughts of good health to all. And don’t forget to laugh. Laughter is good for our souls. You know what else is good for the soul? Good food! Tribal Councilman Jay Mills, Jr. was kind enough to share his secret recipe for Smoked Salmon Dip. Ingredients 2 - 8 oz packages of Cream Cheese 1 -16 oz container of sour cream 1 – Jar smoked canned salmon or packaged smoke salmon 1 – Packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (optional/to taste) Instructions Let the cream cheese soften up, so it can be mixed with the sour cream. Combine the sour cream and cream cheese, making sure there are
Suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish News
February 2024 | 13
Wellness
Valentine’s Day Wisdom: Embracing the Power of Love Languages
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alentine’s Day is coming, and the advertisers are promoting flowers, expensive gifts, and dinners out as a way to show your love. Instead of stressing out about costly presents, think about the many ways you can speak the love language of your partner. For many, this is far more meaningful, builds trust, and a deeper relationship. And often it comes free of charge.
Thank him later, because Gary Chapman, the author of “The 5 Love Languages. The Secret to Love that Lasts,” narrowed love languages down to just five, so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out which one speaks volumes to your partner. In no particular order, the five languages include: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Receiving Gifts. Chapman says each person has a love language that means the most to them, or a combination of favorites, although some say that actually, most of no lumps. Once smooth, add about a quarter packet of Lipton dry soup (mixing in more or less to your taste.) Remove skin from salmon and break up into small pieces. Add salmon jar juice to the mixture. Leave a little salmon to crumble on top of your finished dip. Thank you Jay! If you happen to see Jay on the mean streets of Suquamish, don’t forget to give him a birthday shout out this month. Happy Happy Happy Birthday Jay! Here is to a year filled with love and peace and a bit of adventure! Happy Trails to all, until we meet again! By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund Elders Program
us like all five! In any case, instead of breaking the bank with costly gifts, try learning your partner’s love language, and fill up their “love tank” with the things that are most meaningful to them. Words of Affirmation Ask yourself, “How many birthday cards, bouquets of flowers or any sort of gift come with a message telling your partner that you love them?” If he or she saves anything with “words of affirmation” or expressed appreciation, filling up a partner’s love tank might start with a compliment or a few words of affection. Don’t hesitate to speak from your heart, or pick up the pen, buy a card or handwrite a message that shows that you care and that you appreciate them. Quality Time Does your partner complain that you work too much? Do you travel for work and leave your partner to take care of the daily chores and driving the kids to school or sports? This could mean that filling up their love tank would mean spending quality time with your partner. Mark your calendar for a date night with your partner. Or, bring home pizza for dinner so you can spend time talking about how your day went instead of scrambling to cook supper. Acts of Service Do something - anything! - that helps your partner at home. You may think a stay-at-home mom or dad is an easy job, but you would be surprised at the relentless demands of everyday life. Do the dishes, take out the trash, make the bed, wash the car, or go grocery shopping. Physical Touch Would you describe your partner as having a personality that is clingy or distant? Is their vibe warm or cold? When your partner’s love language is physical touch, let the love begin with a nice hug - a long hug. He or she may have been waiting for a long time. Gift Giving Don’t wait for a birthday or a holiday to give your partner a gift. Gifts don’t have to be expensive. Often, when your partner’s love language is gift giving — a single rose or a small bouquet of
flowers from the grocery store can be really meaningful, especially when they are a surprise. In the spring, tulips and daffodils are abundant. Knowing your partner’s love language, and showing that you care by speaking that language can help to fill up the love tank between intimate partners, and can help get you through difficult times. Love languages are mutual and reciprocal, but love languages may be different between couples. While some may feel cared for when you clean the house, others are waiting for words of affection. Learn what is meaningful to them. Love is a choice. It does not involve manipulation or coercion, control or abuse. It takes work to maintain a healthy relationship, and learning to speak your partner’s love language can help. Adapted from “Love Languages,’ by StrongHearts Native Helpline The Suquamish Tribe offers counseling at the Wellness Center. Call (360) 394-8558 or email wellnesscenter@suquamish.nsn.us for an appointment or referral.
14 | February 2024
Suquamish News
Suquamish.nsn.us
Sports & Fitness
Fitness plans to help you reach your goals
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he Fitness Center is working hard to provide healthy options for healing and to help revitalize movement in our everyday culture. We offer personal training as well as group fitness classes catering to people at all fitness levels. If your goal is to improve your fitness and overall health or want to abandon lifestyles that do not serve you and replace them with habits that make you whole, we are here to help you along your journey. Whether you are looking to lose weight, build muscle mass, increase your flexibility, or simply improve your overall wellbeing — physically,
emotionally, spiritually, and mentally — we have options that will help you reach your goals. We believe in creating sessions that are not only challenging and effective, but also enjoyable. And all of our workouts and programming can be customized to each individual athlete. We want to met you where YOU are in your fitness journey. Shout out to our Tribal Elders Elders Fitness has collectively accumulated 660.5 miles from March 2023–December 2023. Go Elders! Meanwhile, Elder chair volleyball is a big hit. Come check out a class Thursdays at 10:30am to warm up. Games start at 11am. For more info, contact Kaui’lani Lawrence, Fitness Specialist, at (360) 979-6942 / Klawrence@suquamish.nsn.us.
The Sports & Rec girls basketball team is training hard! Back row, from left: Celli Hurado, Payton Price, Aaliyah Sullivan, Taya Lawrence, Teylor Ives. Front, from left: Dev Dutton, Malia Carper, Shaunie Cordero.
New Hires & Transfers Name Kaimana Kahala *William Werbelo
Title Surveillance Observer Surveillance
*Marta Heath
Childcare Teacher
Department Tribal Gaming Tribal Gaming ELC
**Tehya Ledesma
Childcare Teacher
ELC
Hannah Ljunggren
Admin.
Christina Carbis
Climate Resiliency Program Manager Childcare Teacher
Kittinger Kasey
Childcare Teacher
ELC
* Tribal member **Tribal Descendant
ELC
Suquamish News
Suquamish.nsn.us
y r a u r b Fe February 1 Aiyana Brown February 2 Ardath Longway Brenda Bowman Charles Sigo Cynthia Power Dawn Nichols Sho-shyne Jones William Webber February 3 Barbara Lawrence Douglas Crowell Karrisa Jones Layla Jackson-Wada Mackenzie Foster Olivia Phillips Trisha Smith February 4 David Mills Jr. February 5 Danielle Alexander Marilyn Wandrey Rebecca Peterson February 6 Cameron Covarrubias Carena Covarrubias Freedom Mowitch Steven Adams
February 7 Calina Lawrence Mable Anderson William Jackson
February 8 Golden Hawk Sr. February 9 David Weber Mataya George February 10 George Hill III Gerald Adams John Mabe Josue May Kylie Cordero Stephanie Neeley February 11 Hailey Myers Ha-kwa Hu Pai Stobsh Chiquiti Rebecca Purser Riley Mcintosh III Robert Adams Todd Boyd Jr. Tracy McMillan We-Laka Chiquiti Sr. February 12 David Mills Sr. Steven Sanchez February 13 Carilyn Patrick Robert Bird Shellene Kurtz Tanner Kumpf
February 2024 | 15
Birthdays February 14 Angela Hill Betty Bagley Connor Jackson Tina Zaiss February 15 Lena Chavez February 16 Gemma Doyle-Chiquiti Kahteya McDonald Leland Standley Sincere Zahir Skylene George February 17 Diane Dozier Mia Pezzanite February 18 Brandy Boure Candess Johnson Patricia Medina February 19 Jade Jefferson Jr. John Lawrence Jr. Kathleen Kinsey Laree Miller February 20 Kaynoni George-Mcgrady February 21 Ceyenna Norris Dawn Featherston Donavan Charlie-Adams Hazel Mabe John Lindell Jonathan George Ka-el Williams Shannon Iaconis
February 22 Craig Winnie Ha-huli-tud Hawk Melvin Colomb William Ross
February 26 Crystal Purcell Jackie Mills Demain Lisa Henry Michael Immken
February 23 Luther Mills Jr.
February 27 Alexis Matthews-Manley Martha George-Sachava Rayne O’Brien
February 24 Adam Jackson Jennifer Rogers Jose’ Martinez February 25 Marcus Mabe Sea-Ots-Ton Jones
February 28 Carey Webster Nevaeh Boure February 29 Jenell Davis
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Tacoma WA Permit 548