In this issue:
Canoe Journey hosting – p10
Honoring CKA Graduates – p11
ICWA Upheld by Supreme Court – p7
Lushootseed educator Lena Maloney retires – p8
Kate Ahvakana named new Cultural Director– p8
Meetings
Elders Council meets at the Elders Lodge third Tuesday of the month, 2-4pm. Contact Della or Melissa at (360) 394-8417 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Council meets July 12 & 24. Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN Texts.
PME Board Meets July 13 at 9am. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@ clearwatercasino.com by 5pm the day prior for WebEx link if you would to attend virtually
Suquamish Museum Board meets the third Thursday of every month at 10-11:30am at the Museum Education Room. For more info contact (360) 394-8499.
Suquamish Seafoods Board meets online July 18. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets July 11 & 25 at 9:30-11am at Suquamish Museum. Contact Angela Brainerd (360) 394-8652 for details.
Suquamish Warriors will meet July 11 at 5:30pm at the Suquamish Warriors Vet Center. Contact Bill Gemmell (360) 536-0007
Fireworks Season for 2023
Summer Season: May 26-July 9. New Year’s season Dec 20-Jan 3
Lushootseed Drop-In classes, July 11 & 18 at noon. Scan this QR code or go to: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85916369776 to join.
čəwatil Culture Camp & Summer School for grades K-5. July 10-25. HOAC. For Tribal members, descendants, and tribal households. Info 360-394-8545.
Credit Retrieval Classes, July 3Aug. 24, Suquamish Education Dept. is holding summer classes for students from tribal households, grades 10-12. To apply, contact Trish Chargualaf at (360) 394-8645 or tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us.
Documentary on Dennis Banks, “Ojibwa Warrior” will be shown at the HOAC on Mon., July 17 at 6pm.
2023 Annual Canoe Journey July 23–28, Suquamish Canoe Family paddles from Lummi to Suquamish July 28–29, Suquamish hosting
July 30, Muckleshoot landing. (See page 10). To volunteer, sign up at https://bit.ly/STCJvolunteer or point your phone camera at this QR code.
Native Horsemanship annual fundraising concert, July 29 at 2pm, 21487 Orca Dr. NE, Poulsbo.
Chief Seattle Days — Open to all! August 18, 19, & 20. Coastal sharing. Gravesite ceremony. Sla-Hal. Salmon bake. Races, Teen dance. Tournaments and more! Vendor applications Tribal members only through July 13; open to all through Aug. 11. Visit https://bit.ly/CSD_2023 for details and updates.
July 3-August 24
Open to tribal members, tribal descendants, and tribal household students who are incoming grades 10-12. For more info contact Trish Chargualaf at (360) 394-8645 or email tchargualaf@ suquamish.nsn.us for an application to enroll.
Hosted by The Suquamish Tribe Education Department
On the 40th anniversary of the Suquamish Museum, we celebrate the generations of tribal members who helped create it – and continue creating it. In this photo, Tribal Elder Marilyn Wandrey holds a photo of her father, Lawrence Webster. Her daughter Julie Haubrich (left) now welcomes visitors to the Museum, and Haubrich’s daughter Angee Harrington (right) is the Museum archivist. See story on page 4. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Leonard Forsman Chairman
Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392
Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us
Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392-0498
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.
Josh Bagley Vice-Chair
Irene Carper Secretary
Denita Holmes Treasurer
Rich Purser Member
Sammy Mabe Member
Luther Mills, Jr. Member
Leonard Forsman Editor-in-Chief
Catherine Edwards Executive Editor
Sarah van Gelder Managing Editor
Jon Anderson News Editor
JoAnn Joe Photography/Design
Georgia Browne Layout and Design
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.
smithing techniques, includes a heron carrying a maple branch, and a Suquamish canoe with two paddlers. Although the artist is a non-Native, Burnett was coached by Ahvakana so that the shapes of the canoe, paddles, and hats are indeed like those that could be found on Suquamish waters.
Along the wall on the east side of the circle is Ahvakana’s art, saxʷəbulč (Traveling).
In her artist’s statement, Ahvakana writes: “This artwork represents a step towards mutual respect and understanding. It was commissioned by the Suquamish Tribe for that purpose, and the peaceful intentions of both the Tribe and the city of Poulsbo inspired this art.”
This collaboration came during a period of strained relations between the city of Poulsbo and the Tribe. The Suquamish community was shocked and hurt by the July 2019 shooting of Stonechild Chiefstick,
(Traveling) crafted from steel with a hammered bronze powder coat and installed on the wall by the roundabout.
In addition to representing a step towards restoring collaboration between governments, saxʷəbulč speaks to other important relationships, Ahvakana says. “Traveling also represents the principle that all humans must be responsible for how we treat the water and those who depend on it for life. The salmon are among the relatives who rely on the water, and in this artwork they remind us of our responsibility.”
“Part of the healing process, is to get our way of life recognized along with our traditions, our culture, and the ancient history of this place,” said Chairman Leonard Forsman at the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17. “I think we’ve got a good start here. Thanks to everybody for sticking to it.
If you have driven on Highway 305 between Poulsbo and Suquamish in the past months, you have slow down for a big construction project. The roundabout, just completed, was designed to ease traffic, improve pedestrian and bike safety, and enhance fish passage.
The roundabout will do that, and much more. It will also showcase art by Suquamish artist Kate Ahvakana, and a welcome message in Lushootseed. This highly visible display of Suquamish culture, at the main entrance to Poulsbo, marks a major step in the city’s recognition of its tribal neighbor.
At the south end of the roundabout a sign reads “Welcome to Poulsbo” in English. Below it is ʔułəčil čəxʷ ʔal tə č’uč’ułac, meaning “You have arrived in Maple Grove,” the traditional name of the land where Poulsbo is now located. A welcome message is also displayed in Tagalog and Spanish.
At the center, is an original piece of art, crafted by Elijah Burnett, entitled “Peaceful Waters.” The art, forged from steel using traditional black-
and by the city’s response to the incident. Normal government-to-government relations were suspended and only reinstated this spring, when Tribal Council and Poulsbo City Council held their first official MOA meeting.
During the time when relations were suspended, the city of Poulsbo issued a request for proposal for artwork for the traffic circle. Whether intentional or not, the news of this opportunity did not reach tribal artists. The selection of art by a non-Native artist who incorporated Native “inspired” themes, did not resolve the hurt feelings.
Over the course of months of negotiations, with retired Judge Robin Hunt acting as an emissary from Tribal Council to Poulsbo, an agreement was reached. Artist Elijah Burnett working under the mentorship of Kate Ahvakana, modified the canoe, paddles, and hats to more authentically represent the culture of the people who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
And Ahvakana was commissioned to produce her own work of art, which became saxʷəbulč
The roundabout project also makes important contributions to restoring salmon habitat. The culvert on the Bjorgen Creek, with its fish-blocking five-foot drop, has been replaced with a new 14-foot wide culvert, opening additional spawning grounds to migrating salmon.
The roundabout project includes a tunnel under Highway 305 that connects to a bike path that will eventually be part of the Sound-to-Olympic Trail.
“The waterways are the highways of our ancestors,” Ahvakana quoted in her artist’s statement. This project smooths the way for people and for migrating salmon to get where they need to go. And it helps open the path to better relations among the peoples of North Kitsap County.
By Sarah van Gelder
Whenthe 14-year-old girl walked into the new museum, it still had the smell of fresh paint mingling with the musty scents of old artifacts.
Soft-spoken and shy, the girl was nervous. This was her first real job and, as a summer youth worker, she was one of the museum’s first employees. The faces of her ancestors looked down on her from photos on the walls. She felt comforted.
In the coming weeks and months, the ancestors would reveal their rich stories and grainy images from across the generations. They would speak to her from the letters, manuscripts, and historical documents she would help sort, catalog, and copy as the museum began building its archives.
It was the summer of 1983, and high school freshman Tina Jackson was being transformed.
Her quiet curiosity soon led to growing pride. Her small tribe was one of the first in the Pacific Northwest to open its own space dedicated to celebrating and preserving its culture and history. Soon, Jackson — who says she was so shy she would rarely utter a word in school — was leading tours at the museum, sharing Suquamish history and culture with visitors from near and far.
Four decades later, the Suquamish Museum continues to transform first-time visitors and tribal members whose families have always lived here.
‘He convinced us’
Tribal Elder Marilyn Wandrey remembers when her dad Lawrence Webster first started lobbying Tribal Council to create a museum. The tribe was building its first government administrative center, and Webster wanted an entire wing dedicated to the past.
“A lot people wanted that space for offices,” says Wandrey who was Tribal Council vice-chair at the time. “Most of us were young and didn’t really understand the value of museums back then.”
But her dad kept talking about the importance of a people knowing their history. “He said we can only know who we are by knowing where we come from. He said we needed a place where tribal
members could learn our history in a facility we could all be proud of,” Wandrey said. “And so he convinced us.”
A young college student was among those present when the museum opened its doors on June 1, 1983. “I remember that day vividly,” says Leonard Forsman, who at the time was working on his anthropology degree at the University of Washington.
Forsman became the director of the Suquamish Museum, serving from 1984 to 1990 at the time he began serving on Tribal Council.
“Respect is one of our most important values, and it starts with respecting our traditions, our
culture, and our past,” says Forsman, now Tribal Council Chairman. “There is an ancient relationship between our people and the land and water.”
“We have a responsibility to not only provide services for our people, but also to educate others about our values and traditions, so they can align themselves with that ancient relationship as well.”
That’s why the tribe decided to grow the Museum into a new home in 2012. Nestled among cedar trees, the 9,000-square-foot longhouse-style museum has triple the exhibit space of its former site on Sandy Hook Road.
The Museum anchors a cultural enclave that includes Chief Seattle’s grave, the Veterans Memorial, the House of Awakened Culture, and a new culturally informed playground called Legacy Park. In addition to the two main galleries, the museum has a gift shop featuring crafts made by tribal artists, and the Lawrence Webster Education Auditorium providing space for classes and presentations.
One of the first people visitors meet when they enter the Museum is Julie Haubrich, who staffs the front desk and answers questions.
Through the doors into the main exhibit hall, she can hear the multimedia presentation from the permanent exhibit, “Ancient Shores, Changing Tides.”
“I love to hear the ancestors’ voices — a lot of the people in the film I knew as a child,” Haubrich says. “They’re gone, but still here.”
“I’ve seen people who have come out crying because they’re so touched by the history. Seeing people leave here transformed — it’s probably the best part of my job.”
On the other side of the building, Haubrich’s daughter Angee Harrington works in the climate-controlled archives. About to turn 40, she was born just after the museum first opened.
“I remember spending time there as child. My favorite part was the section on the longhouse era and the dried salmon hanging from the rafters,”
she recalls. “We still use that same fish today with classes in the auditorium, passing it around, showing how well preserved it is.”
She’s proud to work at the Museum. “Our ancestors may be physically gone, but they left us these artifacts, and so in a sense they remain. And we remain. We are not extinct. We are here and we are thriving.”
Wandrey, who has served on the Suquamish Museum Board of Directors for decades, is proud of both of them. Haubrich is her daughter, Harrington her granddaughter. The descendants of Webster keeping the vision alive.
Powerful moments
For teenage Tina Jackson, the museum became a place of mourning her tribe’s most painful chapters, while also coming to understand the strength required to write better ones.
“I remember when I first started reading documents about the boarding schools and the kids who were taken,” she says. One in particular really grabbed her. A mother had written to the school asking about her daughter and sending $4 so she could come home to visit.
“They wrote back saying she’d died 18 months earlier and they somehow had forgotten to tell her — no explanation, no apology, they didn’t even say where she’d been buried. But they did thank her
for the $4 donation,” says Jackson.
It was stories like that that helped her realize why her own mother, Frances Jackson, had become such a “hippy activist who did things like put pins on my jean jacket when I was in kindergarten saying ‘Columbus Didn’t Discover America.’”
Jackson worked at the Museum every summer and then full time after she graduated. A few years later, when she had moved on to another position in the tribe and became a mother, she would still help out at the museum.
“When Lisa was five, I remember going in one day to do a tour. She was leaning against me as I was explaining the boarding school period,” Jackson recalls. “Most people have no idea what it was like — they hear boarding school and they think of the places rich people send their kids. So you have to explain to them it was a place where children were sent away to have their culture beat out of them — and sometimes not come home at all.”
“Then, all of sudden, I looked down and saw my hand on Lisa’s shoulder, and my tears just started flowing.”
Jackson still works for the tribe, now as a cultural ambassador, coordinating events around the region and helping manage the tribe’s participation in the annual Canoe Journey. And she has come full circle, about four years ago moving her office
fritters at the annual NOAA “Sustainable Seafood Celebration” fish fry in Washington, D.C., on June 8.
“I can’t say enough about what an incredible job Shellene Kurtz, Melissa Pondelick and James Banda did at this prestigious event,” said Tribal Councilman and head chef Luther “Jay” Mills. Held in the U.S. Commerce Department’s main courtyard, tickets for the event sold out in minutes.
to help serve up the geoduck.
“I cannot stress enough how big of a deal it is for the tribe to be invited to participate,” said the Suquamish Tribe’s policy and legislative advocate Josh Clause.
into the same space that once held the Museum.
Some of the big photos from the Museum still hang in the same spaces, the eyes of the ancestors looking down on her.
And her daughter, who once followed her around during those tours, is now the interim director of the Museum — another generation preserving and celebrating the living traditions of the tribe.
By Jon AndersonIn case you missed it...
Scan here or visit bit.ly/3r2w24s to see a video of the Suquamish Museum’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.
As part of the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Suquamish Museum, the classic history originally produced by the museum staff, the “Eyes of Chief Seattle” has been reprinted and is now available at the gift shop for $35.
chefs wowed visitors with a tasty spread of Agate pearl oysters, geoduck ceviche, and geoduck
The tribe’s booth saw the longest lines with the most repeat customers. U.S. Sen. Marie Cantwell even donned a Suquamish Seafood apron
“Every high-level federal policy maker in the fishery space, as well as the staff doing the day-to-day policy work, attend this event. It is an amazing opportunity to introduce them to the tribe, its treaty rights, and its geoduck.”
By Jon Andersondecided against the plaintiffs in the challenge to ICW, pushing aside this attack on our sovereignty. The decision is in keeping with the original intent of our agreements with the United States, which are an integral part of this nation’s history. (See the Tribal Council’s statement on page 7.)
Justice Gorsuch provided a powerful statement that included the following passage:
“In adopting the Indian Child Welfare Act, Congress exercised that lawful authority to secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history. All of that is in keeping with the Constitution’s original design.”
with federal, state, and local governments on a variety of important initiatives.
Among the most important are efforts to reverse climate change through de-carbonization of our energy sources. We attended consultation sessions with the U.S. Department of Energy on efforts to bring zero-emission energy sources to tribal households. We are working with the Washington state officials on implementation of the Climate Commitment Act to determine the best ways we can decarbonize and mitigate impacts to tribal economic and cultural priorities.
As the summer begins, we are planning our summer events, including the canoe journey “Paddle to Muckleshoot: Honoring our Warriors Past and Present” and Chief Seattle Days. The Muckleshoot Tribe is promoting the journey at intertribal events including at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference held in Prior Lake, Minnesota, on the lands of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community. This year’s NCAI focused on protection of tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Early in the conference, NCAI President Fawn Sharp (Quinault) informed the conference that the Supreme Court would soon issue a decision in the Haaland v. Brackeen Indian Child Welfare (ICW) case. The ruling came out just one week later.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s highly anticipated ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen was a victory for Indian Country; across the country, tribal leaders expressed relief and celebration. There had been speculation that the Supreme Court might recklessly sever the historic covenant made between tribal nations — who possessed and still retain an ancient spiritual and cultural connection to our lands and waters — and the more recently established United States.
The Supreme Court, in a surprising 7-2 ruling,
The Suquamish Tribe, through its lead negotiator Chief Seattle, signed the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855 with the understanding that we would continue to exist as a nation with inherent rights guaranteed by the Treaty.
The Supreme Court is now hearing a series of challenges to our sacred agreements brought by the states who seek to rewrite history and upend settled law.
In the ICW case, members of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Gorsuch, pushed back on this aggressive attempt by state and corporate interests to intervene in the Tribal/US relationship. However, some members of the Supreme Court majority have left the door open for future challenges to tribal sovereignty.
The tribes of the United States, through NCAI, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and other intertribal organizations, stand ready to defend against these future challenges.
We will continue to protect our children from assimilation, and continue our work to restore our tribal governments to their rightful and senior place in the family of governments of the United States.
As part of our duty as a sovereign tribal government within the United States, the Suquamish Tribe and its Council and policy staff continue to engage in government-to-government relations
The White House Council on Native American Affairs met with tribal leaders online to provide information on funding opportunities for tribes under the Inflation Reduction Act. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland chaired the meeting. EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm outlined their plan to invest in green energy projects.
On a similar theme, the Washington State Ferries invited me to welcome guests attending the Green Marine convention in Seattle. This meeting is an opportunity for ports, ferry operators, and industry leaders in the maritime industry to develop and share strategies for decarbonizing the maritime shipping industry primarily through electrification. It was an honor to join EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller (Cherokee) in welcoming the group to Seattle.
I joined Vice-Chairman Josh Bagley and Treasurer Denita Holmes in hosting the staff of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) at the House of Awakened Culture during their staff retreat. The PSRC’s mission is “to advance solutions to achieve a thriving, racially equitable, and sustainable central Puget Sound region through leadership, visionary planning, and collaboration.” The Suquamish Tribe is a longtime member of the PSRC and looks to the organization to plan for population growth in a manner that protects our treaty resources and our way of life. Josh Brown, former Kitsap County commissioner and currently PSRC Executive Director, recognized the long relationship he has had with the Suquamish Tribe.
I also attended the annual PSRC meeting with other local and regional elected officials in Pio-
neer Square to pass their annual budget and get updates on the PSRC work plan.
There were other events hosted in Suquamish where we welcomed guests and provided cultural background. This included a gathering of visiting tribal and state judges, including two state Supreme Court justices; the Indigenizing Public Health conference at Kiana Lodge, which brought tribal health policy staff from across the nation to our reservation; and the annual Cultural Resource Summit, which featured a poignant honoring of the contributions of Suquamish Historic Preservation Officer Dennis Lewarch to the archaeological history of the Pacific Northwest.
I helped conduct a virtual meeting with King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay to provide him with information on the culture and history of the Suquamish Tribe. Councilmember Zahilay is Ethiopian and immigrated to Seattle with his parents when he was a young child. He serves a large district in Seattle and is committed to serving his community and showed a great interest in our tribal government.
We also had meetings with neighboring jurisdictions, including the SR 305 committee meeting, our City of Poulsbo MOA meeting and the dedication of the Johnson Way Roundabout. The SR 305 meeting was an update on the construction budget. The committee approved more funding to pay for final costs related to the Johnson Way roundabout to the City of Poulsbo. The City of Poulsbo MOA committee met with members of the Tribal Council and staff to update us on their efforts to improve community relations and also address growth related issues. The roundabout dedication ceremony included honoring Kate Ahvakana’s art installation and a blessing of the project by members of the Suquamish Tribe (see page 11).
Another important event was the memorial for the late State Senator John McCoy (Tulalip) who recently passed away. Elders of the Suquamish Tribe and many others representing the tribes and state government came together to acknowledge his many contributions. He was instrumental in passing laws supporting Indian education, including the state/tribal compact bill that authorizes funding for Chief Kitsap Academy. The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Cli-
Tribal leaders from across Indian Country expressed relief at the Supreme Court decision in the challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The decision, handed down on June 15, 2023, was a stunning 7-2 rejection of all parts of the challenge to the law.
The Suquamish Tribal Council issued the following statement following the decision:
TheSupreme Court decision upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is an affirmation of Tribal sovereignty and the rights of Indian nations to raise our children and the next generation of citizens and leaders.
The Indian Child Welfare Act protects our children, families, and communities from earlier government-sanctioned practices of family separation. Forced attendance at boarding schools – along with child welfare practices that removed children from parents, extended families, and tribal communities – have traumatized our people. This was a deliberate federal policy of
assimilation designed to eradicate our culture and dispossess our land.
With today’s ruling, the majority of Supreme Court justices stand with us – along with child welfare advocates and legal experts – in understanding that we as tribal communities have the right to raise our children. The Supreme Court also reminded the states of the unique legal and political relationship between Indian Tribes and the United States Congress.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday, June 15, in Brackeen v Haaland should put to rest questions about the future of ICWA legal protections for our families.
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote an opinion on the case that offers a concise history of impacts of family separations in Indian Country and a call for adherence to Indian law and the US Constitution. It is posted in full at https://suquamish.nsn.us/justice-gorsuch-opinion-in-icwa-ruling-is-worth-reading/
mate Program held an Energy Summit at the Tulalip Casino and Resort. This conference featured panels from several tribes that are transitioning their energy use to solar sources.
Last month was commencement season, and, as a University of Washington Regent, I was summoned me to attend graduation ceremonies for the University of Washington Seattle campus (Husky Stadium) and Bothell campus (T-Mobile Park). I also had the privilege of attending the celebration honoring our tribal student graduates, including our own Nigel Lawrence (M.A. Education), held at the UW Intellectual House on the UW-Seattle campus.
In closing I would like to thank the Elders’ program and the family of Manuel Purcell for hosting the annual Big Moe Salmon Bake. This is a wonderful way to start out the spring by serving fresh salmon from the Columbia River to our Elders.
By Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe ChairmanTribal Council meets July 12 & 24. Watch for SUN alerts and Weekly Updates for details.
Please
It’sbeen a long time coming, but Suquamish government now has a Cultural Director.
Tribal member and artist Kate kyʔkablu Neayuq Ahvakana has accepted the newly created position, which was first envisioned during the tribe’s reorganization two years ago.
Covid may have slowed down the appointment of a Cultural Director, but the value of culture was never more clear than during the difficult
months and years when there were so many barriers to practicing culture.
As Cultural Director, Ahvakana will work with all parts of tribal government to infuse culture. In addition, she will oversee the Language Program, the Traditional Foods & Medicine Program, and the Family & Friends Center, along with big cultural events, like Canoe Journey hosting and Chief Seattle Days.
In recent years, Ahvakana has been working for the ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suqʷabs (Suquamish Family & Friends Center).
“It has been my immense honor to work as the Recreation Program Manager for the last 10-ish years for the Suquamish Tribe,” Ahvakana said on Facebook. “Thank you to everyone. It has been awesome, and I am excited to start this new
position and continue to work with and for my people.”
Ahvakana is also a member of the Tribe’s Cultural Committee. Her artwork is featured in many works around Suquamish, and at the Mukilteo Ferry landing and the new Hwy 305 Roundabout in Poulsbo (see page 3).
“With Kate’s track record organizing tribal community events and her deep appreciation of Suquamish culture we believe she will make a huge contribution as the Tribe’s first Cultural Director,” said Catherine Edwards, Suquamish Tribe Executive Director. “We are grateful to her for stepping up to this responsibility.”
By Sarah van GelderThere is one thing Lena Maloney is asking as she winds up 22 years working for the Suquamish Tribe: Speak Lushootseed. The land needs to hear the language, she says.
“Use it! Even if it is just one word you swap out for English.”
Maloney’s career teaching Lushootseed and promoting its use has spanned more than two decades, beginning as a student and an intern.
Maloney taught the language to kindergarten students at Suquamish Elementary School and ran the tribe’s summer program. And she led the Suquamish Tribe’s Lushootseed language program until her June 30 retirement.
“I love this work,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an unexpected benefit to the program. Trainers
switched to online platforms, which helped the program reach a wider audience and engage more tribal members in learning the language.
“Learning Lushootseed reconnects people with their land, their ancestors, and themselves,” Maloney says.
Throughout her career, Maloney worked closely with other Southern Lushootseed teachers and scholars to expand the reach of the language.
As teaching methods evolved, she and other Suquamish teachers transitioned from a nounbased approach to a speaker-driven methodology — instead of emphasizing correct pronunciation and memorizing objects, the teachers now work on building conversational skills. Students are taught to talk to friends, family members, and even to themselves in Lushootseed.
Maloney plans to continue her own language learning after she retires. She also hopes to find more time to tend to her yard and to other household responsibilities.
She envisions the Lushootseed language continuing to flourish in Suquamish, propelled by new language teachers who will build upon the foundation she helped establish with their own
ideas and approaches. She hopes to see the language taught at North Kitsap high schools, and to see Lushootseed books recorded and published.
Maloney believes that the responsibility of preserving and using the language lies with tribal members. She has witnessed remarkable progress among community members, particularly the younger generation and also some Elders. She hopes to see still more people take up the mantle of studying and teaching Lushootseed.
Through her teachings, Maloney has inspired a new generation to embrace the language and fostered a deeper appreciation for the Tribe’s cultural heritage.
“I would like to thank Lena for her key role in the recovery of the Lushootseed language in Suquamish, teaching students of all ages, encouraging the broader use of the language, and guiding us to correct usages,” said Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman.
“She has been a leader in the Tribe’s cultural resurgence, and we are deeply grateful to her for her many contributions.”
By Sarah van Gelderwrongs done to our communities. Our children were being adopted out so they would lose their connections to our ways of life and to their tribes. It was seen as a way to end the “Indian Problem.”
ICWA, which became law in 1978, provided important protections: there had to be active efforts prior to the removal of children; there would be preferences for placements with extended family and tribe; and there would be active efforts to reunify children with their parents.
ICWA set a “gold standard” for child welfare practices. It also created the standard that a Tribe was to be notified within 10 days of a removal of a child from their home.
Dear People of the Clear Salt Water,
As the United States celebrates its independence, we can celebrate the win in Haaland v. Brackeen. This was a huge victory for all of Indian Country, leaving our sovereignty intact. The ruling recognizes that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was adopted in response to terrible
Thanks to the Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision, those protections remain in place! We truly have something to celebrate this Independence Day. Our new Cultural Director, Kate Ahvakana, started in her new role late last month. We are excited to stand up the Department of Cultural Resources here at the Tribe. Tribal government had undergone a massive re-org just prior to the start of the Covid shut down. The last part of this reorg was the “in-
fusing culture into everything” team. We are happy that we have been able to create this department. Several departments will move under the Department of Cultural Resources, including Traditional Plants, Language, and Special Events to start with.
The Cultural Director will work with Thriving Workplace, Preparing for the Future, and Healthy Community to weave culture into all that we do. She will meet with our directors to get a feel for what they do, and we will work together to make our practices and protocols more culturally appropriate.
We know that culture heals and we know that the culture of Suquamish sets us apart from all other governments. Now, that’s a way to celebrate that big win coming out of the Supreme Court.
Are you all ready for Tribal Journeys? It’s so exciting folks will be out on the water again and on their way to big doings at Muckleshoot, with a stop here at Suquamish! We are expecting a huge turn out as Suquamish is known for it’s hospitality and welcoming ways! See you all there! Paddles up!
Catherine Edwards, Executive Director The Suquamish Tribe
TheSuquamish tribal community gathered June 13 for a Pride Rally to celebrate love, acceptance, and inclusivity.
LGBTQ2S+ tribal members and allies came together to march down Suquamish Way to the House of Awakened Culture, where community members shared stories of courage, resilience, and journey. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3qPZlHr for a video of the rally!
The Tribal Canoe Journey is back! For the first time since 2019, tribes from around the Salish Sea will travel from reservation to reservation, sharing songs, dances, words, and giveaways. The final journey destination is Muckleshoot; canoes will land at Alki Beach on July 30.
Suquamish is the last stop before Muckleshoot, and the Tribe is expecting more than 100 canoes and 8,000 to 9,000 people, arriving July 28, and staying through the July 30 departure.
Before that, though, Suquamish canoe families will travel to Lummi on July 23 to join the tribes paddling south.
For those not participating in the journey, the
best way to be part of this annual event is to volunteer. Go to https://bit.ly/STCJvolunteer or scan the code to learn more.
Sun. July 23 – Fri. July 28
Suquamish canoe families pull from Lummi to Suquamish
Friday, July 28
12:00 – 4:30pm (ish)
Canoes land in Suquamish
5:00pm – Dinner
6:00pm – Skippers meeting 7:00pm – Protocol
Saturday, July 29
7:00 – 9:00am – Breakfast
Calling all
The Suquamish Tribe is looking for dedicated individuals to make a positive impact in our community
5:00pm – Dinner
6:00pm – Protocol
The Suquamish Tribe Language Program celebrated the end-of-school year at the House of Awakened Culture. The party included traditional food and storytelling, as well as honoring students for their participation. Scan the QR or visit bit.ly/3Xjbdhm to watch a video of the event, along with links to sign up for the latest classes.
7:00am – To-go breakfast & departure from Suquamish.
Name Title Department
Casey Schmidt Director Natural Resources
*Shilene George Admin./Legislative Assistant Legal
*Cori Silvey Home Visiting Program Supervisor ELC
Alexandra Harkins Childcare Teacher ELC
Hallie Hall Early Head Start Teacher ELC
Gidget Lincoln Child Support Enforcement Manager Human Services
Special Events
Beach Surveys & Clam Measuring
Opportunities include: Flexible Shifts!
12:00pm – Canoes land at Alki Beach for Muckleshoot hosting.
For a complete schedule of the Suquamish stop on the 2023 Canoe Journey and Suquamish camping sites, please visit suquamish.nsn.us/suquamish-canoe-jour-
Faith Reese Child Support Enforcement Financial Specialist
Human Services
*Ryan Deam CKA Computer Technician IT
Katie Ladner WIC Certifier/ Nutrition Aid Community Health
*Logan Mabe Housing Maintenance Assistant DCD
Sarah Henley Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator Administration
Alison O’Sullivan Ecosystem Recovery Manager Natural Resources
* Tribal member
“We are the class of 2023. To everyone who helped us get here today: THANK YOU.”
TheChief Kitsap Academy class of 2023 had more challenges than most. They spent much of their high school careers learning on line instead of in the classroom. They had all the stresses everyone experienced during the Covid pandemic, and many of them took on work and helped care for younger siblings. Earlier, they were the students attending CKA when the school moved to the new campus at the former Northwest College of Art campus.
Nonetheless the Class of 2023, their families and friends, and CKA staff were in a celebratory mood at the school’s graduation ceremony, held in June at the House of Awakened Culture.
“The graduates you see before you missed as much class time due to the Covid-19 lockdown as any class in history” said Cayse Gunther in his valedictorian speech at the graduation. “Congratulations to all our fellow CKA students, graduating
and continuing, for working hard and persevering through many turbulent school years.”
Gunther thanked all who helped CKA students through the challenging years. “We are grateful to the teachers who have given us the unique learning opportunities that helped us grow. We are grateful for the staff who have pushed and shaped Chief Kitsap Academy into the school it is today. We are grateful for each other, as fellow students, supporting one another through difficult times.”
“We especially wish to honor this community which has given their energy and encouragement to us throughout our time here. Thank you to the Suquamish tribe for supporting our school and our success.”
Among those in attendance were members of Tribal Council — Sammy Mabe offered a few words of congratulations. And retiring Historic Preservation Officer Dennis Lewarch gave the keynote address, sharing some of the wisdom he has learned during his 17 years working for the Suquamish Tribe.
The focus, though was on the Class of 2023. “Few of the graduates you see before you grew up in what someone might call a “traditional household,” said Gunter. “We are grateful to have grown up with our single parents, stepparents, and grandparents - our families. … You supported us and held us up.”
In spite of the obstacles, the CKA class of 2023 has accomplished important milestones. Among the graduates are skillful basketball players, culture keepers, role models, and school club captains. Some are artists, triathlon winners, and some can “disassemble and reassemble a car in less than 24 hours without breaking a sweat,” Gunter said. And some are bound for college.
The challenges of the Covid years won’t soon be forgotten, but the Class of 2023 is looking ahead. “Whether following in our families’ footsteps or forging our own paths ahead, tonight, we are here together.”
By Sarah van GelderBack row: Jesse Yazzie, Shun-la-ta Smith, Isaiah Pondelick, Topher George-Old Coyote, Napesis Williams, Travis Melson, Sean Oliver, Cayse Gunther (Valedictorian)
Front row: Hailee Hess, Ky-Lea Foreman, Dejia Usman-Choy, Rosie Turrieta (Salutatorian), Quel-isha Brealan-Bayes, LaVonne Tom
Ohmy gosh, Big Moe’s Salmon Bake was a wonderful and delicious success! First, it was a beautiful day. Second, we were blessed that Peaches and Louie Ungaro were able to bring us the Columbia River spring salmon.
And to top it off, we had the best cooks. Kudos to Kevin, Bill Alexander, and Chris Purser for this feast. Thanks for cooking the salmon eggs (Della’s fave), and the meaty, flavorful collar (Bennie Armstrong’s fave!).
We thank Fisheries for purchasing the salmon, Bearon Old Coyote and CKA Song & Dance for their welcome and honoring songs, and Dickie Johnson for blessing the food.
As always, there were fond memories shared about Big Moe by his family, and fishing stories by our fisherfolk.
The Elders Council outdid themselves in providing the give-away gifts for the raffle. Imagine, every Elder household went home with a gift! Bill Stroud, Tracy Tabafunda, and Donna Sigo were our sparkling MCs. A very special “thank you” to the volunteers: Steve Lawrence, Donna Sigo, Ray Lewis, and all the others that helped make this event such a big hit.
In other news, it has been rumored for a few years that our tribal sister Catherine Coleman was returning to Suquamish. Well, it finally became true, and we recently welcomed Cathy back home with open arms. She was able to join us during an Elders Canoe Journey necklace-making class, and provided warm hugs and marvelous laughter.
On a much sadder note, three of our esteemed Elders parted this world during the months of April and May: Gladys Jackson, age 90, Raymond George, age 63, (they both resided here on the Rez), and Clarence Ross, age 82, who resided in Tennessee and is a US Navy Veteran. They will be remembered fondly, and
Shane Michael Clark, 37 of Suquamish, WA, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Washington State. Born June 25, 1985 in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of Dennis M. Clark and Cheryl A. (Pramik) Lawler.
Shane was last employed by Suquamish Fisheries. He was a Suquamish Tribal Member belonging to the Suquamish Warriors Veterans Group. He enjoyed the guitar and would often share his music with family and friends.
He is survived by his father Dennis M. Clark and wife Marsha, of Indianola, WA; mother Cheryl A., wife of Michael Lawler, of Macungie, PA; son Jameson Clark and daughter Grace Clark both of Suquamish; brother Corey J. Pramik and wife Jozette of Elkhart, IN; sisters Angela M. Clark of Breinigsville, PA; and Denise, wife of Joshua Pezzanite of Easton, PA; maternal grandmother Mrs. Dolores Pramik of Macungie, PA; paternal grandmother Betty, wife of Duane Pasco, of Poulsbo; and numerous other extended family members.
Shane was returned to Pennsylvania to be interred and future memorial services will be announced by the Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Avenue, Northampton, PA 18067.
Contributions may be made for the benefit of his children Jameson and Grace Clark c/o the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.
Imade it back to work, and I am still healing in some ways. My wrist is still a little sore. I am doing PT and slowly getting better. If you are not aware of what happened, I was at the Elders meeting on March 18 and slipped in the lady’s room at the HOAC, fractured my right wrist, and had surgery on it. Please, when you are using water, make sure that you don’t make the floor wet. I would like to thank everyone who sent me flowers and prayers, and all the good thoughts! All these things mean a lot to me, and I am very thankful for you all!
Also thank you to the folks at work who took loving care of all my plants and watered them for me. They are growing and look so wonderful!
I am working hard to get through all the things that need to be done, emails, letters, a new phone system, and all the meetings coming up.
My new laptop and its system is also different, and I am adjusting to it as well. A large monitor and very different style of control panel.
I was able to go to Elder lunches at Squaxin Island and Muckleshoot with our Elders on the bus. These were great outings for me as I was able to see friends and family. The food at both was so good, and it was great to see folks win raffle prizes and cheer for each other.
cherished always. We send our condolences to the families of these treasured Elders. Happy trails to all, until we meet again.
By Della Crowell & Melissa LundGene and I had the honor of going to Point Julia and witnessing a community burning to remember ancestors who had passed. It was the most beautiful and uplifting thing to witness. I came home feeling so happy and full of joy. I am thankful I could be there for that event; my hands are up to all those who worked so hard to honor the Ancestors on that beautiful day.
Please come by and see me if you are in the building, and we can talk about things.
My contact information is mjones@suquamish. nsn.us or (360) 394-8525.
By Marilyn JonesAs we prioritize the health of the Suquamish tribal community, preventing and managing diabetes is crucial, says Healing House medical director Dr. Kristine Ewing.
Here’s why: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled, and Native Americans have a greater chance of getting diabetes than any other racial group in the U.S.
The good news is diabetes is preventable and even reversible. Here are five ways you can help keep diabetes in check.
Shift to a healthier diet: Making healthy choices about food is a powerful step toward preventing diabetes.
“Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. Minimize your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, simple carbohydrates, and sweets,” says Ewing.
Get up and move: Being physically active helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Move more and sit less, and you’ll see notable health benefits. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your day.
“Try to do both aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, and resistance exercise, including weightlifting or using resistance bands,” says Ewing. “The Fitness Center staff have classes and coaches who can help.”
Drop some weight: If you have abnormal blood sugar and are overweight or obese, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes.
“Set realistic goals and work towards losing a few pounds,” says Ewing. “Even modest weight loss can improve your health.”
Quit Smoking: Smoking is not only harmful to overall health but also increases the risk of diabetes. Suquamish Community Health is available to support you in your journey to quit smoking with resources, support, and medication.”
Get regular check ups: Regular medical checkups can help identify early signs of diabetes or related health conditions. Check-ups can include measuring blood sugar levels to help detect pre-diabetes or early signs of diabetes.
If you’re concerned about diabetes, bring a three-day food diary to your next check-up for more personalized support.
Take One Step at a Time Ewing acknowledges that it can be hard to make multiple lifestyle changes at the same time.
“Start by focusing on one area, whether it’s improving your diet, increasing physical activity, or quitting smoking. Set achievable goals, and ask family, friends, or co-workers for support. Remember, even small steps can lead to big health improvements.”
If you have questions or need support, Suquamish tribal members and their families can schedule a visit with the Healing House primary care team. Suquamish Community Health also offers a monthly Wisdom Warriors support group for those wrestling with diabetes and other chronic health issues.
Call Healing House at (360) 394-1350 for information or to schedule an appointment.
By Jon AndersonYouth Basketball:
Spring Parks and Recreation league has ended, and the two teams we had participating — 3/4th grade boys and 7/8th grade boys — had successful seasons. Games were played throughout Kitsap County, and the next league will begin this fall.
Back Row
Goller, Kenai Ledesma, Bryson Miller, Joseph Holmes, Jerom, Silas Old Coyote, Papi Lawrence
Flag Football:
This year we have one team participating in the Peninsula Flag Football League. Grade 3/4th team has begun play, and the season will continue through Aug. 3, 2023. Games are played on Thursday nights at North Kitsap High School and Strawberry Field. For more information contact We-laka Chiquiti at (360) 394-7168.
Youth Baseball Camp:
The Kitsap Kings Baseball Club will be sponsoring a free baseball camp for K-5th grade at the Suquamish Ball Field on July 6, 2023 from 9 am until 12pm. The camp is open to all Suquamish tribal and community youth. Registration forms are available at the Fitness Center and Family & Friends Center front desk. For more information contact Craig Miller at (360) 394-8574.
Canoe Journey:
The Sports and Recreation staff will be assisting with youth on the canoe journey. For more information contact the Sports and Recreation Staff at (360) 394-7142.
By Craig MillerJuly 1
Steven Holt
Travis Ives
Zoey Miller
July 3
Celila’litsa Holmes
Jonathan Old
Coyote-Bagley
William Forsman
July 4
Ashley Friedman
Kinslee Moss
Marian Adams
July 5
Ellen Hagen
Harvey Adams III
Jeremy Rubeck
Juanita Villanueva
Raven Torres
July 6
Shayan Mabe
July 7
Eric Pondelick
Joseph Agibinik
Julian Garza
Laloni Mowitch
Matthew Hawk
Oskar Salas
July 8
Dakota Standley
Max Gellert
Michael Puckett
Nico Purser
Randy Jones
July 9
Bonnie Carriere
Jocelyn Talmadge
Tony Nilluka
July10
Donald George
Jacob Ewing
Mark Belmont
July 11
Amanda Lara
Jody MacKenzie
Malina Vejar
Roland Valois
July 12
Catherine Howard
Leyton Miller
July 13
Judith Porter
Samuel Castaneda-Sigo
July 14
Zoeyanna Lawrence
July 15
Joseph Adams
July 16
Eugene Jones
Mary Miller
Michelle Lanning
July 17
Bryson Miller
Kelsey Womack
Natasha Tiffany
Trenton Landsaw
July 18
Claudette Kasper
Jazmine Ortiz
Jessica Ledesma
July 20
Lois Sullivan
Melissa Lund
Renee Roberts
Sarah Richards
July 21
Dyan Perrot
Jasiah George
John Mabe
Laurisa Miller
Makenna Oliver
Richard Demain
Tracy Pelch
July 22
Charles Sigo
Jack George
Madison George
Nicole Neugebauer
Roger Contraro
July 23
Elisha McAllister
Jillian George
Thomessa Inions
July 24
Cecelia Williams
Ed Carriere
Kali Chargualaf
Sharon Purser-Atkins
Toni Markowiak
July 25
Deandra Decker
Jillian Woods
Joseph Peterson
July 26
Barbara Burgess
Benjamin Purser
Maheyla Joe
Meadow Boyd
Michael Cheyney
Nicoline Spanos
July 27
Alden Boure
Corrina Sigo
David Demain
Everly Sigo
Koh-kai Williams
Tyleeander Purser
July 28
David Pierpoint
Gary Hagen III
Valerie Stull
July 29
Anthony Pondelick
Daniel Demain
Lucas Johnson
July 30
Amaya Lawrence
Bahiyyih Mudd
Breylin Alexander
Drew Lawrence
Julian Covarrubias
Princeton George
July 31
Michelle Goodner
Qwoo-chee Kah-ty-ah
Moran
Riley Nelson
Center Road, 98370
1:00pm
Hours
- 6:00 pm & 5:30 pm hours dependent upon activity
2nd Friday– Teen late night Spider man movie 6pm show time
6th
7th Wednesday – Dancing brush Father’s Day craft outing After
4th Friday – Movie outing
ʔiišədalʔtxʷ
4th Friday – Movie outing
10th Thursday – Teen Wild Waves outing
Family & Friends Center
7th Fri & 13th Thur – Beach Day Outing
11th Friday – family movie night
10th & 17th Monday – Cultural craft day at Youth Center
14th Friday– ultimate Frisbee group and family movie night 19th Wednesday– Seattle Aquarium outing 20th Thur & 21st Fri – Craft and water sprinkler
Fitness/Youth Center 5243 NE Totten Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370
11th & 18th Tuesday – Park Day Outing
– 30th canoe journey
12th Wednesday- Whirly ball outing
Thursday – Ice cream delivery 1:00pm
10th Thursday – Teen Wild Waves outing
15th Tuesday – MoPOP outing
18th Fri & 21st Mon –CLOSED IN SERVICE
11th Friday – family movie night
23rd Wednesday – Alder
15th Tuesday – MoPOP outing
Friday – CLOSED for Hosting
14th Friday– ultimate Frisbee group and family movie night
All special ticketed or limited seated outings are Suquamish Tribal Preference: Suquamish Citizens/members, Suquamish Descendants, and Suquamish households.
19th Wednesday– Seattle Aquarium outing
20th Thur & 21st Fri – Craft and water sprinkler
24th – 30th canoe journey
27th Thursday – Ice cream delivery 1:00pm
28th Friday – CLOSED for Hosting
Preference for more information (360) 394-8576
All special ticketed or limited seated outings are Suquamish Tribal Preference: Suquamish Citizens/member, Suquamish Descendants, and Suquamish households. For more information (360) 394-8576.
All special ticketed or limited seated outings are Suquamish Tribal Preference: Suquamish Citizens/members, Suquamish Descendants, and Suquamish households.
Open to Suquamish Tribal Members, Descendants, and Tribal Households Contact Trish Chargualaf for an application tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us 360-394-8545
for more information (360) 394-8576
