Meetings
Elders Council
Meets at Elders Lodge third Tues. of the month, 2-4pm. Call Della or Melissa, (360) 394-8417 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Council
Meets Feb. 15 & 27. Agenda and links will be sent via Weekly Update & SUN Texts.
PME Board
Meets Feb. 15. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@ clearwatercasino.com, (360) 598-8703 in advance for the link to attend virtually.
Suquamish Museum
New hours: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm. Mon & Tues by appointment. For board meeting info, contact TJ Johnson at (360) 394-8499.
Suquamish Seafoods Board
Meets online Feb. 14. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission
Meets Feb. 9 & 23 at Tribal Gaming office. Contact Angela Brainerd (360) 394-8652 for details.
Suquamish Warriors
Monthly meetings are on first Tuesday at 5:30pm at Suquamish Warriors Vet Center. For information, contact Bill Gemmell at (360) 536-0007.
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.
Wisdom Warriors Support Group
Meets Feb. 8, 2-4pm at Tribal Council Chambers.
Online Storytelling Nights
Feb. 2 & 9 – 5:30pm, register by sending us an email at: language_program@suquamish.nsn.us
Native New Year
Feb.15, 5-7:30pm at House of Awakened Culture. For vendor info & questions contact Lena Maloney, (360) 394-8644 or lmaloney @suquamish.nsn.us
Annual Canoe Journey
Suquamish hosting dates: July 28 & 29, 2023. Muckleshoot landing: July 30, 2023
Salmon Homecoming
September 21-23, 2023.
NOTE: Annual maintenance work and inspections on the Agate Pass Bridge will take place Feb. 13-19 and Feb. 27-March 2, 8:45am-2pm on weekdays and 7:15am-2pm on Sat. and Sun. Expect delays of 30 minutes or longer in both directions on SR 305 near the bridge while work takes place.
Leonard Forsman Chairman
Josh Bagley Vice-Chair
Windy Anderson Secretary
Denita Holmes Treasurer
Rich Purser Member
Sammy Mabe Member
Luther Mills, Jr. Member
We want to see pictures!
Please email 1-3 of your favorite photos to Communications@suquamish.nsn.us. Include full name, date of birth, parents’ and grandparents’ names if possible. We’ll showcase them in the Suquamish News, and at General Council.
Thank you!
On the Cover: Rob Purser, Suquamish Fisheries director, checks the progress of Chico Creek restoration. A new bridge will allow salmon access to many miles of spawning habitat.
(Photo by Jon Anderson)
Production Staff
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
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.
168years ago, on January 22, 1855, Chief Seattle, and other tribal leaders signed the Treaty of Point Elliott with Gov. Isaac I. Stevens, who was representing the United States government. The Treaty was signed at Mukilteo, and ratified by the US Senate and signed by President James Buchanan in 1859. Through the years, the courts have upheld the Point Elliott Treaty, and others signed with Indian nations, as representing the highest law of the land.
Each year, the Suquamish Tribe explores the impacts of the Treaty during a special Treaty Day event. This year, the event took place on Jan. 19 at the House of Awakened Culture, and focused on Tribal children.
Treaty Day explores how our treaty continues to affect us, and it reminds us of our rights and sovereignty, said Kate Ahvakana, Suquamish Tribal member and chair of the Culture Committee.
Organizers of the event chose to focus on children this year because of the recent challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act, according to Ahvakana. The Brackeen v Haaland case was heard at the US Supreme Court in November, and a decision is expected by June 2023.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand why ICWA is so important,” said Ahvakana. “Before ICWA, the government was taking Native children and adopting them out to non-Native families, and they would be lost. There was no requirement for the children to be able to contact their sovereign nations.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case has created anxiety across Indian Country: “I got really nervous,” Ahvakana said. “They overturned
The topic of children was also chosen because of recent reports from the Department of Interior concluding that boarding school policies were part of the US government efforts to force the assimilation of Indian people. The trauma resulting from the boarding schools and separation of families continues to echo through the generations, in Suquamish and elsewhere.
Treaty Day on Jan. 19 began with a traditional meal of elk stew, salad, and blueberry cake.
The program, in front of a packed hall, was moderated by Lisa Jackson, Healing of the Canoe Coordinator, with Suquamish Tribal members Vicky Doyle, Robin LW Sigo, director of Research & Strategic Development, and Adam Jackson, TCW case-
worker, and Tara Reynon (Puyallup) of the National Indian Child Welfare Association.
Each brought their own experiences with the Indian Child Welfare Act – ranging from having led the Suquamish Tribe’s TCW program, having children in the system, and having fostered other Tribal children.
Tara Reynon, is now the Child Welfare director for the National Indian Welfare Association. She spoke of efforts to save the law, but also expressed confidence that Native people, who have survived so much, will push back if the law is overturned.
Treaty Days was organized by the Tribe’s Cultural Committee, Language Program, The Early Learning Center’s Cultural Specialist James Abler, the Elders Program Healing of the Canoe, the Museum, and the Family and Friends Center.
By Sarah van Gelderthe clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Kristine Ewing. “Fully opening the clinic has been a really big endeavor. We’re getting there, and today was our first opportunity to share our progress with the community.”
Longway said she came to the open house wanting to know some basics. “Can they run tests for infections, cholesterol, that sort of stuff? They say they can and will even be able to do cardiograms. I was impressed by that.”
Suquamish Tribe members had a chance to meet and greet the new Healing House medical clinic staff in January as the Tribe prepares to begin offering Primary Care services there in the coming weeks.
If there was one common reaction, it was that both the facility and people working in it are a welcome addition to the Tribe’s health services.
“It’s wonderful!” said Tribal Elder Ardy Longway after a tour of the facility on Jan. 5. “It feels friendly, comfortable. I can’t wait to start coming here!”
While the Tribe’s Community Health team has been working in Healing House since summer, for many, the open house provided a first glimpse inside the new facility.
“We are really excited to introduce ourselves, our staff and our building to the Suquamish community,” said
Perhaps even more importantly, she was impressed with the staff. “I thought they were very open. I felt like I could be comfortable with them,” she said. “I have a nice doctor now, but it will be so nice to have medical care in-house, with my Tribe.”
Tribal Elder Georgia George said she wasn’t sure if she’d want to transfer her primary care to the clinic.
“I was wondering how it was going to be. I had my doubts, to tell you the truth. And now, I don’t — not at all. Now, I have faith and confidence in the staff here. I think it’s going to be accepted and used by the community,” said George.
“Seems like the staff is very enthusiastic and committed to their work. They are bonding with our community culturally and socially,” she said.
“They understand the importance of how our people are intimate about our health care issues.
I’m looking forward to seeing this be a successful health clinic.” In fact, said George, she only has one qualm.
“It’s not too appealing on the outside yet. It needs a little character. It needs some tribal artwork,” she said. Maybe a Healing House sign would be nice. “But once you get inside, it’s modern, it’s friendly, it’s accommodating.”
Elders Council Chairman Bill Stroud agreed. It looks better on the inside than it does on the outside, he said. But the inside is nice and well laid out.
“We’ve been hearing about this for a long time. To see it live and in living color is pretty cool.”
Stroud said he’s not sure yet if he’ll transfer his care to Healing House. “I’m still debating that.”
He’s currently at the Doctors Clinic in Poulsbo where he enjoys having most of the care he needs all under one roof. He wants to see how referrals for specialist care like orthopedics end up working at the Healing House before making his decision.
Before coming to the open house, Tribal member Marie Sanders wasn’t sure either. But she’s sold now. “I was on the fence at first. I’ve had my doctor at Port Gamble for quite a while and we have a good rapport. But I live right down the street” she said, pointing over her shoulder from the front door of the clinic, “and, yeah, I just want to come here now.”
But it’s more than just the convenience, she said.
“It’s good to see some friendly faces here. I’m really happy there’s a Tribal Member nurse that’s working here” along with Community Health manager Dr. Barbara Hoffman and naturopathic physician Dr. Alex Kraft. “That made me really happy. I’m just excited!”
(Continued on next page)
Iknowwe are all ready for COVID to be over. In order to help, everyone needs to have the best immune response possible to fight this virus!
Vaccines strengthen our immune response and decrease the risk of developing severe illness or hospitalization related to COVID. After we are vaccinated, our body’s immune response decreases over time, which is why getting a booster dose is so important!
Every person that gets boosted also helps protect the community as a whole, especially our Elders and other vulnerable individuals.
Everyone age six months and up are now eligible for a booster dose. You must have completed your primary series and it must be two months since your last dose or booster shot.
If you would like to receive your primary series (1st and 2nd dose) please call the number below and schedule so that we can order the vaccine.
Community Health is providing COVID booster doses and flu shots on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am-noon. No appointment is needed, but please remember to bring your vaccine card. COVID testing continues weekdays, 8:30am-noon. Please report any positive home tests to me at (360) 394-7177 so I can offer support and guidance regarding isolation, masking, and close contacts, as well as connect you with community resources for food delivery and supplies.
By Community Health Nurse Amber Winemiller(Continued from previous page)
Tribal Elder Betty Pasco agreed. “I’m impressed. The staff are all very friendly,” she said, noting she’s proud that her grandson, Jeff Riggins, is among them. Riggins recently starting working with Community Health on Elder Care.
“We are very excited to begin offering Primary Care here at the clinic very soon,” said Ewing. “We can’t wait to start seeing patients.”
By Jon AndersonTribal Council welcomes Nurse Cecelia Williams and other new Primary Care team members
Suquamish Tribal Member and registered nurse Cecelia Williams is one of several new employees joining the Primary Care team on the Healing House staff. She joins front desk receptionist Elizabeth Napoleon among the growing number of Tribal members now working at the clinic.
Indeed, the Community Health team, which has been working at the clinic since the summer, is staffed by several Suquamish Tribe members and descendants, including:
• Ashley Boure-Jones
• Skylene George
• Jeff Riggins
• Neah Porraz
The Traditional Food & Medicine program, run by Tribal member Azure Boure from the Old Tribal Center, is also part of the Community Health team.
Clinic Medical Director Dr. Kristine Ewing introduced Williams to Tribal Council at their first meeting of the New Year on Jan 9.
“I’m excited,” said Williams, who has been working at Tacoma General Hospital in recent years in the intensive care and cardiac units.
“We’re super excited, too,” said Tribal Council Chairman Leonard Forsman. “This is wonderful news! It’s great to have you on board.”
Ewing also introduced registered nurse Jennifer Van Cleave, office manager Kris Safford, and medical assistant Michelle Hoffman who have all joined Healing House in recent weeks as the clinic prepares to open up Primary Care services later this winter.
Hoffman is another familiar face to many in the Tribal Community. She’s joining the Healing House staff after working at the Port Gamble Tribal clinic in recent years.
“I welcome you all,” said Vice Chair Josh Bagley, “and want to just say thank you especially to Cecelia because I think having a Tribal member working there will help other Tribal members feel more comfortable coming to the clinic.”
By Jon Andersonservation go hand-in-hand. The Salmon Homecoming celebration in downtown Seattle will take place September 21-23, 2023. We plan to celebrate our culture through the annual canoe landing and other ceremonial activities, and educate students and the public about the importance of salmon recovery to the first people of the Salish Sea.
Atheirfirst meeting of the New Year on Jan. 9, Tribal Council announced a raft of new three-year appointments and re-appointments to a variety of Tribal boards and commissions. Among them:
Providing a quality education for our Tribal students is a high priority for Tribal government, and advocacy continues in a variety of forums. Our Suquamish Tribal Education Department is developing Tribal culture and history curriculum for use in public school K-12 classrooms. These lessons will be incorporated into textbooks and also exist as stand-alone resources in support of the Since Time Immemorial curriculum unit. Education staff came together to develop a plan for creating kindergarten and senior class units for the project. We later met with North Kitsap School District representatives to discuss the curriculum project plan and other topics, including school bus transportation and capital construction plans.
Government-to-government engagement included a virtual meeting with FEMA Administrator Deanne Chriswell, who is working with Indian Country on disaster preparedness and responses.
I joined Suquamish legal staff in a presentation to the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Tribal liaisons about treaty right protection in our ancestral waters.
Tribal leaders gathered at Squaxin Island for the monthly meeting of the Washington Indian Gaming Association. We discussed the current state legislative session and planned our consultation meeting with the Washington State Gambling Commission, which was held the following day.
The National Congress of American Indians Executive Board met virtually to plan the Executive Council meeting in Washington, D.C., to be held in mid-February. Staff and NCAI officers updated the full board on organizational finances. Cultural preservation and natural resource con-
The annual canoe journey will return this summer and be hosted by the Muckleshoot Tribe. Suquamish will host a two-day stop on the canoe journey on July 28 and 29, 2023. The Muckleshoot Tribe hosted a canoe journey planning meeting to gather and share information on this year’s travel and hosting. The Nisqually Tribe announced at the meeting that they will host an upcoming canoe journey. Suquamish is beginning to plan for our hosting in 2025.
Here at home, our workers have been busy supporting our cultural sovereignty through the excellent Treaty Day presentation focusing on the Indian Child Welfare Act (see page 3).
Our Culture Committee is planning ahead for the canoe journey and other cultural events.
Meanwhile, our Fish Committee provides direction to our staff on how to best manage the harvest of our treaty resources.
The roster of committee and board appointments is now nearly complete. The full list will be in the General Council Handbook.
The University of Washington Board of Regents had their monthly meeting on the Seattle campus. University staff are preparing for the state legislative session which includes budget requests, including capital funding for Phase II of the Intellectual House.
Port Madison Enterprises Board
Andrew George
Cheryl Lawrence
Tribal Gaming Commission
Robin Sigo
Diana Riggins
Suquamish Seafoods
JimBob Armstrong
Housing Board
Jim Henry
Trish Chargualaf
Cultural Committee
Tyleeander Purser
Donna Sigo
Enrollment Committee
Lois Sullivan
Shellene Kurtz
Celeste Loneia
Jimbob Armstrong
Suquamish Foundation Board
Sarah van Gelder
Angel Hill
Cherrie May
Suquamish Museum Board
Della Crowell
Lena Purser-Maloney
Higher Education Board
Brittany Bakken
Tribal Council meets on Feb 15 & 27. Watch for a SUN alert with details.
General Council is coming soon — mark your calendar for March 18 and 19, 2023.
This year, the Saturday session will take place at the House of Awakened Culture, with the option to connect via Zoom. On Sunday, the annual report, briefing, and voting will take place —in person only — at Kiana Lodge.
The Elders meeting will be held Saturday morning at the House of Awakened Culture, starting with breakfast.
Just as in pre-pandemic times, General Council will include reports from Tribal leaders and various department heads, candidates for adoption, and time to reconnect with other Tribal members. Lunch will be served for all on Saturday and Sunday, and a continental breakfast on Sunday.
Like all years, a critical part of General Council is the election of Tribal Council members. This year, the terms of Chairman and Secretary expire. Nominations will take place from the floor on March 19 during General Council.
You will receive the annual General Council handbook in the mail before the session begins. Please make sure Enrollment has your correct mailing address, and that your SUN alert contact information is up to date.
For Tribal members traveling from long distances to attend General Council, the Tribe has reserved a limited number of discounted rooms for Saturday and Sunday nights at the Casino Resort. Use this code: 21765 when making a reservation to get the General Council discount.
By Sarah van GelderCandidates for Tribal Council Chairman and Secretary are invited to submit statements of 450 words or fewer to be published in the March edition of the Suquamish News. Send them to Communications@suquamish.nsn.us or drop them off at the front desk of the Administration Building by February 16, 2023, attention “Communications Department.” These statements are optional.
swaq’waq’ – Frog
“February”
Phrase of the week
Week one – həliʔilalʔtxʷ “Healing House”
Week two – hiił hiq’ʷabidəłdat –“Happy Valentine’s Day”
Week three – hiił xəƛ’gʷas“Happy Birthday”
Week four – pupuhigʷəd “Gust of Blowing Wind, March”
Scan the QR code for a pronunciation guide
OnJanuary 11, Family and Friends Center and Facilitator Robin Little Wing Sigo encouraged families and youth to create vision boards for the new year.
Coming up at Family and Friends Center
• Native New Year on February 15..
• Wool weaving weekend February 11 & 12 Youth Center, 11am – 3pm
• Cake decorating after-school activity, February 13, 2023.
ti suqʷabš
Youth basketball season is currently underway, and we have seven teams participating in various leagues throughout the county. The teams’ ages range from 5 years thru 13 years old.
Three teams are playing in the Kitsap Peninsula Pee Wee Association. Their games are played on weeknights, and their season will continue through mid-March. The teams participating in this league are the EE-ages 5-6yrs old, Girl’s D ages 9 years and under, and Boy’s B team 11 years and under.
In the Poulsbo Parks and Recreation League, we have a total of four teams participating, with games played on Saturdays at various times and gyms in North Kitsap. Teams participating in this league consist of the following grades: 2-3rd grade girls, 4-5th grade girls, 4-5th grade boys, and middle school boys. The season for these teams are scheduled through mid-March.
For more information on games and practice times, please refer to the Suquamish Sports and Recreation page on Facebook or contact the Sports and Recreation staff:
Craig Miller, Craigmiller@suquamish.nsn.us, (360) 394-8574
Magdelana Turrieta, mturrieta@suquamish. nsn.us, (360) 394-8634
We-laka Chiquiti, wchiquiti@suquamish.nsn.us (360) 394-7168
TheNew Year is moving right along, as are maintenance projects for Suquamish Tribal member homeowners. The Tribe’s Homeowner Maintenance Assistance Program is now funded through 2024, so Tribal member homeowners can apply for funds to complete repairs or upgrades to improve the safety and life span of their homes. Home maintenance projects can include a variety of improvements. Here are just a few of the types of projects completed for some 30 households in 2022:
• Roof Replacement
• Flooring Replacement
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Bathroom Remodel/Mold remediation
• Fireplace install or replacement
• Siding Replacement
• Window Replacement
HMA applications are available in the Community Development lobby or on the Tribe’s website. Questions? Contact Vicki Cole (360)3948419 / vcole@suquamish.nsn.us or Lois Sullivan (360)394-8416 / lsullivan@suquamish.nsn.us
By Lois Sullivan
Ihave to admit I am a Facebook Voyeur. I rarely post, but I love reading and seeing pictures from family, and from the friends and acquaintances I’ve made over many years.
What brings a smile to my face more than any other posts are those describing travel destinations near and far. Last fall, I read of Robin Sigo’s adventures in Great Britain and Azure Boure’s amazing experiences in Italy. Many of you have traveled and posted about New Zealand, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Newfoundland, the Southwest, and many, many other destinations.
I myself recently returned from a 15-day trip to Israel. It surpassed all my expectations and left me with a renewed sense of well-being. What is it about travel that improves our mental health?
In many of the Suquamish newsletter columns I have written, I have focused on mindfulness, the ability to pay attention with all of our senses and our whole being to what is happening in the present moment. Daily stresses in our work and our relationships, health and financial concerns, recurrent thoughts and memories from the past, and worry about the future interfere with finding our peaceful center.
Travel reduces stress by giving our emotional brain time to rest and reset. Getting away can
remove us from unhealthy patterns and give us a chance to make a fresh start, but only if we are willing and open to the possibility.
Planning a trip, even one close to home, gives us something exciting to look forward to.
Travelling to new places can open our minds and gives us perspective on our own culture. Meeting new people and experiencing other cultures can inspire empathy, and help us appreciate what we have, while also giving us ideas on what else is possible in our own lives. Travel offers an opportunity to reflect on our lives in ways that can affect our goals and priorities for the future.
Travel requires embracing certain values. Humility is at the top of the list. Humility frees us from false pride and arrogance; it requires us to be open-minded, and to separate our opinions and beliefs from the facts. We see with new eyes, not only what surrounds us but ourselves. We are reminded we are not the center of the universe, that possessing things does not bring happiness, and those who have the least often offer the most.
Habits and beliefs we had while growing up might not be the norm for the rest of the world –sometimes for good reasons. And yet, we are also reminded in meeting people elsewhere that they long for the same things we do: for a good life for our children, for love and acceptance, for peace, and to be understood and valued.
Cultivating gratitude is another desirable value. The kindness of strangers, their patience with our inability to speak their language or understand what is expected, a comfortable bed and good food, a smile and encouragement become a currency worth more than anything money can buy. Returning home, I wondered if I extend to
others the same graciousness and acceptance that encouraged me.
Intentional travel can be our best teacher for personal development, offering an opportunity to participate in a vision of shared humanity and to appreciate each other in new ways. We don’t have to wait for the next trip, though. We can become a changed person now, showing kindness, responding with graciousness and encouragement, with an increased awareness that we all have a part to play in something much bigger and more meaningful than ourselves.
By Lori Glover, LICSW, LMHC
Biologists and engineers witnessed chum salmon take advantage of a newly restored tributary to Chico Creek this fall, soon after the streambed was completed.
This work is part of a two-year-long project at the mouth of the Chico Creek watershed to remove its biggest choke points for salmon — a significant fish passage barrier on the mainstem under State Route 3 and three smaller barriers on the nearby tributary—opening 21 miles of upstream habitat.
This is a milestone for both the salmon and the Suquamish Tribe, said Rob Purser, the Tribe’s fisheries director. He recalls how salmon runs were abundant in the area when he was growing up but dwindled after the culverts were installed in the 1970s. However, the watershed is still Kitsap County’s most populated chum salmon stream, while also supporting coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout.
“This work is a step in the right direction,”
Purser said. “We know culvert replacements won’t fix everything, but fixing the habitat gets us much closer to recovering salmon populations.”
This summer, on the nearby tributary, a 36-inch-wide metal culvert pipe was replaced with a bridge that spans over a 14-foot-wide channel. The tributary also was realigned to create a more sinuous stream, eliminating several stream crossings and providing a more contiguous streambank.
In 2023, on the Chico Creek mainstem under the highway, two 8-foot-wide box culverts will be replaced with a bridge that will allow for a 200-foot-wide span, giving salmon plenty of space to move within the streambed.
“With a fast-moving creek running through small culverts, it creates a ‘fire hose’ effect, resulting in a degraded stream channel and making it difficult for chum salmon to jump up and swim through the culverts,” said Tom Ostrom, the Tribe’s ecosystem recovery manager. “Chum salmon aren’t great jumpers, so replacing narrow culverts with
wide stream beds will make a big difference.”
In both streams, large woody material is being added to enhance fish habitat, and riparian areas are being planted with conifers to provide future logjam material. Logjams are key to salmon habitat, as they slow water velocity and provide places for fish to rest and feed.
The restoration work also includes reconfiguring the on- and off-ramps from the highway to Chico Way, eliminating more stream crossings and fish barriers.
This culvert removal project is the fifth major salmon habitat restoration project in the watershed within the past two decades, including others further upstream on Chico, Dickerson, Lost, and Wildcat creeks. It also has been one of the top priorities of Washington state in its culvert removal program, which was created to replace nearly 1,000 culverts across the state that have been identified as barriers to fish passage and violate tribal treaty rights by diminishing salmon runs.
Articles and photos by Tiffany Royal, NWIFC
Hello to all of our Elders! We hope you are healthy and happy in this early part of the new year.
Winter is still upon us, so be careful of ice when walking outside, and please do outside chores at a controlled pace for your heart’s sake.
Some people decided to ditch the cold and took off for more temperate climates: Joy, Ricky, and Hode Belmont, Tracy and Gene Tabafunda, and Lorraine Brice headed over to Hawaii during the holidays. They attended the 50th anniversary of the Honolulu Marathon, and watched a nephew graduate from the University of Hawaii. Instead of sugarplums and candy canes, they enjoyed Poke and Lomi Lomi (yum!). Charlene Renquist cruised on down the Amazon River; she sent a picture of herself holding a baby 3-fingered sloth--too cute! Ed Carriere had fun in the sun in Cabo San Lucas. We have to admit to being a bit jealous. Can’t wait to hear these travelers share their stories.
More fun news: We have two proud firsttime grandparents! Cathlene and Rob Norris were just blessed with a grandson. Grandma reports that he is the perfect baby (naturally). Our congrats to both grandparents, we bet that bouncing baby boy will be adored!
Della would like to report on the state of colonoscopies these days. The prep procedures have changed; you now swallow 12 horse-sized pills in the late afternoon before the procedure, and another 12 pills four hours before the event. It’s unpleasant, but it beats drinking quarts of liquid before the colonoscopy like before. This is a reminder to everyone, don’t forget to have this preventative procedure. A colonoscopy could save your life by finding polyps while they are small and removable, or by tracking other medical conditions that can be treated in the early stages.
We said goodbye to our Tribal brother Willy Pratt in January. The weather stayed calm as we honored him with a celebration of life, a graveside visit, and meal. Willy touched a lot of lives. There were people young and older who had fond memories and stories to tell, and many spoke about that special grin of his. Much love to Willy on his canoe trip into the next world.
BORN: April 30, 1943
DIED: January 9, 2023
Willy was a Cub Scout. He went to Poulsbo Elementary, graduated from high school, and became an apprentice carpenter. Willy helped build houses on Bainbridge Island, built our Mom’s house, and his own houses and business buildings.
Willy’s life was filled with many accomplishments, and he was well respected. He was a force to be reckoned with, and whatever he set his mind to do, he did it 100 percent. He was a fisherman, artist, carpenter, pool player, skier, businessman, a Tribal Council member, Fish Committee member, and a PME board member.
Willy was especially happy to do ceremonial hunts for the Elders, and or many years he and his pals did the ceremonial fish for Chief Seattle Days. Willy usually had a booth at Chief Seattle Days, selling smoked salmon.
Willy was known for his sharp wit. His humor made you think; it was shaped by his own philosophical observations.
Willy was a doer, as evidenced by his fleet of fishing boats, his fireworks stand, his smoked salmon, and his carvings. He was generous with his knowledge and proud of his heritage. He practiced his culture every day of his life.
There is triumph and tragedy in this sad hour. Triumph for a well-lived life; tragedy for us who will miss him.
Willard Walter Pratt was born on the Adams family property on April 30, 1943. His father was Edward Robert Pratt. His mother was Mildred Eunice Adams Pratt. Willy grandparents were John Phillip Adams and Mary Woods Adams. Willy was the third child; James Darryl Pratt was the oldest, and second was Camilla Estelle Pratt, followed by Agnes Theodora Pratt, and lastly Harold Lewis Pratt.
The four oldest grew up on our grandfather’s allotment, so we have a strong attachment to our family home. We played in the woods, swam in the water, made forts, played baseball, and so forth.
As a young boy, Willy went fishing with his grandfather and uncles. It was small skiff, and the did beach seining. Throughout his entire life, Willy was happiest in a boat fishing or crabbing.
Have a wonderful February, Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone, and in this month of hearts remember that you each have a place in ours! Take care, and may your days be filled with health,
By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund Suquamish Elders ProgramWillard Walter Pratt is walking on now, meeting up with relatives and friends who preceded him. They are fixing up a boat and going fishing. He is happy and free, and asking if anyone knows how to play pool. His body is free of pain, his mind is clear, and he is smiling that half smile of his ready for the next adventure!!
Willy is survived by two sisters, Camilla and Aggie, and one brother, Harold. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and older brother, James. Willy leaves behind many nephews, nieces, an abundance of friends, of course his special pal, BlackJack. He will be missed by many.
-Aggie PrattThe family of Willy Pratt would like to thank all those who helped with his services on Jan. 17, including Shawna George, the kitchen crew, the fire pit crew, the Cook Funeral Home, and the pall bearers. Many thanks to those who officiated and spoke: “Sonny” Ungaro, Sammy Mabe, Leonard Forsman, Ed Midkiff. Thank you to Vicky Smith, Loretta Ives and family, and many many others who volunteered their time to help us send Willy off in a good way. Thank you for all the memories you shared. It was good medicine for family and friends. You truly honored him in the best way possible!! Masi Masi Bless you for all for your love and support!!
Wellwe made into the New Year with the cold, wind, and rain. Now we start looking forward to the start of the seasons changing to bring us better weather and brighter days.
I am looking forward to a new computer and being able to complete my work on last year’s videos and start new ones. It is exciting to learn more about how things are changing around Suquamish and people are moving home from out of state. Welcome back and glad that you have come home again! I would love to talk to you about your time away from here and your experiences. Please contact me at either (360) 394 – 8526 or mjones@suquamish.nsn.us and we can set up an appointment to interview you.
By Marilyn JonesFisheries Department is putting the Elliott Bay Net Pen Fish Feeding out for bid. The Suquamish Tribal member contractor will be expected to feed at least five days a week. Feeding entails moving 44 lb. bags of fish food down a ramp using a cart and loading in to the boat, as many as 16 bags a day. The fish will be fed from an automatic blower used to distribute feed that will be mounted on the boat provided by Fisheries. Fisheries Department will be accepting bids until
February 10th, 2023. Provide sealed bids to Fisheries Front Desk. Contact Mike Huff, Hatchery Manager, with further questions - (360) 394-8440. Bids not to exceed $25,000. This is a competitive bid, but Fisheries has the right to select based on bid and experience. Detailed flyer with information is posted outside Human Services glassed entry, in a folder for pick-up to review for the contract position.
Name Title Department
Brenda George Tribal Attorney Legal
*Jeffery Riggins CHR Community Health
*Sho-shyne Jones On call plant worker Seafoods
Michelle Hofmann Medical Assistant Tribal Health Clinic
Kristina Safford Health Clinic Office Manager Tribal Health Clinic
Debra Schmeising Health Clinic RN Tribal Health Clinic
Marlys Courtright Accountant Seafoods
Theo Suver Field Biologist Natural Resources
* Tribal member / **Descendant
Suquamish Tribal members, their household and tribal government employees welcome. Sponsored by Suquamish Community Health Programs.
Barbara Hoffman at (360) 394-8468
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 William Jackson
February 8
Golden Hawk Sr.
February 9
Bradley George
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 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 23
Luther Mills Jr.
February 24
Adam Jackson
Jennifer Rogers
Jose’ Martinez
February 25
Marcus Mabe
Sea-Ots-Ton Jones
February 26
Crystal Purcell
Jackie Severson
Lisa Henry
Michael Immken
February 27
Alexis Matthews-Manley
Martha George-Sachava
Rayne O’Brien
February 28
Carey Webster
Nevaeh Boure
February 29
Jenell Davis
