Suquamish News - June 2024

Volume 24 June 2024

In this issue:

Morsette weaving welcomes Seattle Conv. Center visitors p3

Suquamish launches mutual aid project p7

Police focus on improving community relations p9

Gone Fishin’

Josh George: Foul Ball Guy - p4

Selena Kearney exhibit opens at Museum - p5

Coastal gathering spotlights MMIWP Day - p6

Community Calendar

Meetings

Suquamish Tribal Council meets June 3 & 17. Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN texts.

Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets June 4 & 18, 9:30-11am at Suquamish Museum. Call Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.

Suquamish Warriors meet June 4, at 5:30pm at the Warriors Vet Center. Garage Sale Fundraiser April 5-7.

Suquamish Seafoods Board meets June 11. Call Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.

PME Board meets June 12. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com for details.

Suquamish Museum Board meets June 20, 10am-noon at Museum. For info call (360) 394-8499.

Elders Council meets June 18, 2-4pm at Elders Lodge. Call (360) 394-8417 for details.

CKA School Board Meeting June 5, 3pm at Tribal Council Chambers.

Suquamish News

Community Events

Spring Cleanup May 2-June 23. See SUN Weekly Update for details.

Chief Kitsap Academy Graduation, June 8 at 5pm at the House of Awakened Culture. (360) 900-7535.

Honor Thy Mother, film showing at the Suquamish Museum with Q&A panel afterwards. June 17, 2pm at Suquamish Museum.

Lunchtime Forum on Summer Youth Activities with Family & Friends, Culture Dept., and Fitness. June 20 at noon via Zoom.

Suquamish Canoe Family Meeting June 24, 5-6pm at Old Tribal Center.

Inter-Tribal Parent Education Committee (ITPEC), meets June 25, 5-6:30pm in Little Boston or online.

Graduate Honoring: June 25, 5pm. Email your high school graduate’s info to Tchargualaf@suquamish. nsn.us and higher ed. graduates to Kchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us.

Healing Heart of Lushootseed documentary will show at the House of Awakened Culture on June 26. Free to the tribal community, doors open at 4:30pm with First Foods dinner. Q&A with producers after screening.

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.

Coming up

yusawiac Culture Camp, for youth entering 5th grade and up, July 9-12.

Canoe Journey to Puyallup:

• Suquamish hosting, July 28

• Landing in Puyallup, July 31

• Protocol at Puyallup, Aug. 1-5

Chief Seattle Days, Aug. 16-18.

Wellness Meetings

All are welcome to recovery meetings held Mon thru Fri., 6pm at the Wellness Center.

Graduations!

Send your congratulations to your favorite grad along with a photo to communications@suquamish.nsn. us by June 14 for publication in the Suquamish News.

On the cover

June Events at the Suquamish Museum

Suq uamish Museum

Jun 1 Sat, 10am - 3pm. Learn flint knapping

Jun 8 Sat, all day. FREE Museum Admission

Jun 10 - 16 9am - 4pm. Father’s Day Cards

Jun 11 Tues, 3pm. Behind the Scenes Tour

Jun 17 Mon, 2pm. Movie: Honor Thy Mother

Jun 19 Wed, 1pm - 4pm. Object Identification

Jun 26 Wed, 3pm - 4:30pm. Family Game Time

For more info or to register for any of our programs, call (360) 394-7105, or email jreynolds@suquamish.nsn.us

Suquamish Elders returned from their fishing trip from Port Townsend with big smiles, lots of fish, and some great stories. Pictured from left to right: Tyleeander Purser, Eric Stoneberg, Barb Santos, James Henry Jr., John Belmont, Kenai Ledesma, Ethan Alexander, Lena Maloney, Lori Pinkney, Ray Lewis, Craig Miller, Donna Sigo, Tracy Tabafunda, Jim Bob Armstrong, Gene Tabafunda, and Chrystal Parsons.

Suquamish Tribal Council

Leonard Forsman Chairman

Josh Bagley Vice-Chair

Irene Carper Secretary

Denita Holmes Treasurer

Lorilee Morsette Member

Azure Boure Member

Luther Mills, Jr. Member

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.

Ancestral reflections of a Suquamish artist

Danielle Morsette’s weaving welcomes visitors to Seattle Convention Center

WhenSuquamish tribal artist Danielle Morsette was commissioned to create a Coast Salish weaving for the entrance to the Seattle Convention Center, she was thrilled to embark on a project that would honor her culture and her people. She aimed to create something big — perhaps something unprecedented. Certainly, it would be a challenge unlike any she had faced before.

However, self-doubt soon descended. The prospect of building the biggest loom she had ever seen, let alone creating a beautiful design with it, started to seem impossible.

“Things got very dark for me; there were times when I didn’t think I could see my way through it,” she recalls. Inspiration eventually came from the Salish Sea near her home in Suquamish. Like a fish swimming up from murky depths into the light, she found her way into clear waters, channeling her energy into her vision.

With the help of Tulalip woodworker Andrew Gobin, she first constructed a 20-foot-long loom inside her garage. Morsette then worked for months, carefully interlacing each strand of wool into place, blending traditional Coast Salish pat-

terns with her own contemporary design.

“The transition from darkness to light in the composition symbolizes hardship, resilience, hope, and the continuum of culture,” she explains. “Every stitch of this weaving serves as a moving prayer to honor the past, present, and future.”

She titled the finished 20-foot by 8-foot creation “Ancestral Reflection: The Spirit Within.”

“I am a reflection of my ancestors. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to act as a vessel, a conduit through which ancestral knowledge flows through my work. This is a sacred gift that I have been entrusted to carry forward. What I hope people see and feel in this weaving is the love and good feelings I poured into this work,” she says.

“As people engage with the artwork, I encourage them to interpret the design as they view it and reflect on their own inner spirit and ancestral connections,” she adds.

Morsette expresses her gratitude to everyone who supported her labor of love and dedicates the piece to the late traditional weaver Virginia Adams. “She was so generous in sharing with me. If it wasn’t for her leading the way in wool weaving,

myself and many others wouldn’t be practicing as we are now.”

The artwork now welcomes visitors to the Convention Center’s new Summit Building on Olive Way.

By Jon Anderson

Photo by Larry Nahanee

Josh George celebrated as “Foul Ball Guy” after catching two consecutive foul balls

JoshGeorge caught not one but two foul balls off Mariner Josh Rojas on May 13 to cheers of fans at T-Mobile Park.

“He got ‘em both! He got ‘em both!” the sportscaster yelled. “Give that man a contract!”

A photo of Josh in the stands with a ball in each hand with his grandfather, Greg George laughing and cheering, became a viral social media hit. Good Morning America, KOMO, KING5, the New York Times and Washington Post all ran the story.

Josh George was invited back the next day to meet Josh Rojas and get the two balls signed. And he got to throw out not one but two first pitches of the game.

Josh works the sportsbook at the Clearwater Casino, so he knows something about odds. And what are the odds of catching two foul balls in a row off the same batter? Around one in several billion, Josh’s mom Martha George-Sachava said.

“I thought it was pretty cool, especially since he works on the sportsbook here in the casino,” said Martha, who is a security office manager at the Clearwater Casino. “He has been a huge sports fan his whole life. Such a cool and fun thing to happen to him!”

By Sarah van Gelder

SUQUAMISH CANOE FAMILY

Registration

Are you coming on the Canoe Journey with the Suquamish Tribe? If so, please scan this QR Code to register so we can capture what we need to make a successful canoe journey.

Photo left by Ed Stern, above by Jeremiah George.

Museum features work of Selena Kearney

A new exhibit featuring the work of Native American artist Selena Kearney (Chehalis), is now open at the Suquamish Museum. Titled “Object/Ritual” the exhibit responds to the shame she felt while wearing her traditional regalia gifted to her by her community when exposed to the demeaning ways Native culture is appropriated by mass culture. The exhibit will be on display at the Suquamish Museum through the end of 2024. (Photos by JoAnn Joe.)

Suquamish represents at Armed Forces Parade

Suquamish Warriors James Henry and Bill Gemmel represented the Suquamish Tribe at Bremerton’s annual Armed Forces Parade. They were joined by (from left to right) Senior Renewal Teylor Ives, Barb Santos, Charlotte Ives, and Junior Chief Seattle Days Shauni Cordero.

Who are these kids back in 2000 participating in Suquamish Song & Dance? See answer on page 10.

Community

Coastal gathering brings awareness to Native missing and murdered

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Coastal Gathering, held May 4 at the House of Awakened Culture, drew over 200 people, with canoe families from Suquamish, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Lummi, Tulalip, and Tahola tribes, just to name a few.

We worked in collaboration with the Suquamish Cultural Resources Department to provide giveaway items such as grief & loss tea. Local Suqua-

mish tribal members cooked a traditional salmon meal for our guests to enjoy.

Sacred Water Canoe Family had a hand in ensuring the floor was run smoothly, and the families that came to show solidarity and love for our MMIWP relatives had time to share songs throughout the evening.

We welcomed Westshore Canoe family who so humbly shared their family’s MMIW song. They also told the story of how it was made and how the women created the dance that goes to the song.

One of the more powerful statements from the dance was conveyed by the women dancing with their hand covering their mouth. The hand over the mouth, a common symbol of MMIW, signifies how the indigenous voice is silenced, how women are silenced, and their stories go unheard.

The Suquamish Integrated Victim Services (SIVS) program is dedicated to creating awareness, and this event helped us accomplish that.

Our relatives in all directions will hopefully recognize the Suquamish Tribe and the Integrated Victim Services programs dedication to MMIWP awareness.

The SIVS program has dedicated MMIWP art worked created by Suquamish tribal member Samantha Robson. This artwork was designed for the SIVS program in 2023.

By Nina Old Coyote Suquamish Integrated Victim Services Advocate

Suquamish Police Dept. creates new patch

Suquamish community members will soon see a new patch worn by our Suquamish Police officers designed to honor and keep foremost in our minds missing loved ones in Indian Country. For some time now, our officers have been working together with vendors to create a symbol that is impactful, meaningful, and recognizes the many

murdered and missing indigenous people.

The result is a new patch, crafted in memoriam to those still missing, to recognize that Suquamish Police takes every report of a missing person seriously and responds with the utmost urgency. This patch is now authorized for wear on one shoulder of our officers’ uniforms.

These patches were created at no cost to the Suquamish Tribe. Our police officers have funded this project themselves.

By Mark Williams Interim Chief of Suquamish Police Department

Suquamish youth help with Earth Day Rez Cleanup

More than a dozen Suquamish youth spent two hours cleaning up litter from the top of Totten Road to Widme Road as part of a special Earth Day Rez Cleanup effort.

“They were surprised to see how much trash there was,” said Family & Friends Center Director Barb Santos, who helped organized the outing.

“Thank you to the two Suquamish Police officers who helped keep our youth safe by slowing down vehicles. And thanks to Tribal Elder Benny Armstrong who provided transport and also helped keep them safe,” said Santos.

Suquamish launches mutual aid project

Astribal members, we understand the importance of supporting one another, especially during hard times. Our new “Tribal Members Helping Tribal Members” volunteer program is a way tribal members can both volunteer and request assistance within our community.

By offering our time, skills, and resources, we can help members who may be facing difficulties or require additional support, and we can also request help when needed.

We are reaching out to all members of our community who are willing to contribute their time and talents. Whether you have specific skills or available time that you can offer for assistance, we ask you sign up to help other tribal members who may need a little extra help. This can be with simple projects such as changing a light bulb, replacing a fire alarm battery, sweeping a walkway or stacking wood. Or, if your time and talents allow, more involved assistance.

A simple sign-up is available here: bit.ly/SuqMutualAid or by pointing your phone camera at this QR code.

To help us pair volunteers with appropriate tasks, we kindly request interested tribal members to fill out our “Tribal Member Volunteer Program Skills and Equipment Questionnaire.”

This form will help us match individual skills and resources with the requirements of community members seeking assistance. The questionnaire can be accessed at: bit.ly/SuqMutualAidSkills

We believe that by coming together and supporting one another, we can create a stronger and more resilient community. Your support in spreading the word about this program and signing up would greatly help in reaching those who might need our help the most.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide in sharing this with all tribal household members. Together, we can make a difference.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (360) 394-8507 or Sarah Henley at (360) 394-8443.

By Cherrie May Emergency Management Manager

SUQUAMISH TRIB TRIBAL CHILD WELFAR

Placement Homes Neede to Foster our Futur

Health Benefits: If you get billed, please bring your bill to us

Can you make the difference in the life of a child, keep them protected and keep them connected to their tribal community? Become who they need!

If you have the desire to make a difference in a child’ s life by providing them compassion, love, patience, and a safe home*; you may be exactly what a child and their family needs to encourage them!

If you or anyone you may know are interested in more information, please contact Suquamish Tribal Child Welfare (TCW) at 360-394-8480. You may also email Heather Zaiss hzaiss@suquamish.nsn.us Or text 360-900-7009

*Community placement homes are NOT required to be tribal.

If you (or anyone you may know) are interested in more information, please contact Suquamish Tribal Child Welfare (TCW) at (360) 394-8480. You may also email Heather Zaiss hzaiss@suquamish. nsn.us or text (360) 900-7009.

*Community placement homes are NOT required to be tribal.

Many providers and other primary insurance are showing our Health Benefits Tribal Member HMA Coverage as primary. This is incorrect and causing denials for claims, prescriptions, etc.

If you are enrolled in our plan and receive a bill, please bring this to Health Benefits ASAP so you won’t get sent to collections. We cannot help you once the bill is turned over to collections. Please bring any Coordination of Benefits letters you receive from a provider or other primary insurance carrier so we can help you resolve this issue.

We need your help so we can resolve these issues before it’s too late.

Contact the Suquamish Tribe Wellness Center at (360) 394-7139 or (360) 394-8558.

For 24/7 help, info, and referrals, call or text the WA State Helpline 1-800-547-6133

There is hope. There is help.

Suquamish Fishers:

Time to renew boat stickers

Boat stickers expire on June 30. If you haven’t picked up your registration and stickers, please come to Fisheries as soon as possible. Questions: Call (360) 394-8450.

FREE OBJECT IDENTIFICATION

3rd Wednesday each month

1:00-4:00pm

Have you wondered if that rock you found is an artifact?

Is that basket from the Pacific Northwest?

No Appointment Necessary Open to the Community

COME IN AND FIND OUT!

Chairman’s Report

Congratulations to all our seniors and their families! This commencement season, we celebrate the accomplishments of our students whether they are advancing from pre-school to elementary, on to junior high or high school, or off to college and a new career. ***

The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity honored me with The Charles E. Odegaard Award. The award honors a community member 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. It is the only University and community selected award and is regarded as the highest achievement in diversity at the University.”

I was equally honored to have the Suquamish Canoe Family open the awards ceremony with a traditional song. Thank you to the Suquamish Tribe and all of you who have supported me on this journey as an employee of the Suquamish Tribal Archives and Suquamish Museum, on Tribal Council, as tribal spokesperson, and as tribal chairman. We have achieved a lot together, especially in respect to our cultural resurgence, and I look forward to us accomplishing more in the future.

The Burke Museum held their annual gala to raise awareness of and funding for their mission and their focus on “dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest native art, plant and animal collections and cultural pieces from across the globe.” American Indian actors from Red Eagle Soaring provided the opening entertainment, recounting a local tribal story

called “the gossiping clams.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held a virtual session on Native languages to help plan and shape an Oct. 8 summit in Palm Springs entitled “Beyond the Decade: Inspiring a Generation of Language Learners.” Language teachers and researchers discussed the need for more funding and shared best practices. We urged the federal representatives to share information on funding opportunities to help our linguists preserve and educate our people in their native languages. ***

Tribal Council attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Suquamish Elementary gymnasium along with representatives from each school grade. We are looking forward to the completion of this project.

I met with the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Director Gregg Spotts to discuss the mayor’s 8-year $1.45 billion levy proposal to fund Seattle transportation safety and maintenance. I emphasized the importance of treating stormwater before it is released into our ancestral waters and that our treaty fishing rights were to be protected.

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust held an event dedicating the opening of the Springbrook Creek Preserve, a 23-acre parcel near Island Center that helps conserve one of the “finest fish habitats on the Island.” Thanks to the Suquamish Canoe Family and Councilmember Azure Boure for attending the event and helping to dedicate its opening in a good way.

Tribal Council joined PME representatives on a tour of the Salvation Army facility in downtown Bremerton. Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler hosted the meeting and introduced us to the Salvation Army officials who oversee services to Bremerton’s unhoused population. PME CEO Rion Ramirez and PME President Greg George presented the Salvation Army with a donation.

The Washington Indian Gaming Association held their monthly meeting in Spokane at the Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Casino. I attended the meeting virtually. There was discussion of our continuing legal case with Maverick gaming and a discussion with the Washington State Gambling Commission on fees.

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians held their mid-year conference in Canyonville, Oregon, at the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians’ Seven Feathers Casino. The Cow Creek Band was a great host, providing an opening reception, culture night, and excellent facilities for our conference. We had an interesting forum on dam removal, including a powerful story of how the Klamath Tribe has achieved removal of four dams on their river, which should improve salmon run survival and enhancement. We also heard about the Boarding School Healing Initiative, concerns about off-shore wind projects proposed off the Oregon coast, and climate resilience initiatives.

By Leonard Forsman Chairman

Tribal Council Schedule

Tribal Council meets June 3 & 17.

Acting police chief focuses on improving community relations

At a recent Lunchtime Forum, Acting Police Chief Mark Williams and Deputy Chief of the Marine Division Ryan George discussed their hopes for the Suquamish Police Department.

n an effort to break down the “us vs. them” mentality that can arise in law enforcement, Acting Police Chief Mark Williams is working to improve relations between the Suquamish Police Department and the community.

“We work in a profession where it’s black and white,” he said. “There’s an extreme ethics requirement. We start to see people as either right or wrong, and it can become an ‘us and them’ situation. I recognize that, and I want to own that.”

To bridge that divide, the department has been hosting community events, like pancake breakfasts and barbecues. Williams is planning open house events to encourage community members to get to know officers. The department will also be doing more bicycle and foot patrols.

Authority and Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction and relations with other law enforcement agencies can complicate the police work in Indian Country. But, according to Williams, certified Suquamish officers have the authority under state law to exercise state criminal jurisdiction and pursue non-Native suspects on the reservation.

“This gives us the opportunity to project the sovereignty of the tribe further and protect the people better,” Williams said.

Relationships with neighboring law enforcement agencies are quite positive. Several have hired officers formerly with Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam police. And the departments are regularly called on to reinforce each other during challenging encounters.

Staffing and Equipment Shortages

The Marine Division patrols over 3,000 square miles within the Suquamish Tribe’s U&A. According to Deputy Chief of the Marine Division Ryan George, even full staffing at four officers would be insufficient for the intensive enforcement demanded in certain areas.

We have been asked to provide 24-hour coverage

for some openers, George stated. “So we were actually working 16 to 18-hour days, swapping out.”

The marine officers not only handle enforcement of tribal fishing rights, but also safety patrols and response for all vessels in their jurisdiction.

Traffic Issues

The department is dealing with significant traffic issues on the Port Madison Reservation. Officers conducted 137 traffic stops last month targeting speeding hotspots. “We heard complaints about speeders coming down the hill on Suquamish Way,” Williams said. “And, boy, were they not kidding!”

A planned 740-home development being built near the White Horse Golf Club could make traffic worse, Williams said, especially since there are no upgrades in roads, traffic signs, or lights planned.

MMIWP cases are a priority

The Suquamish Police Department takes missing persons cases very seriously, with no waiting period before launching an investigation, Williams said. A missing child triggers an “all hands on deck” response with officers flooding in from surrounding jurisdictions if needed.

For Tribal members reported missing off the reservation, Suquamish police open a case in parallel with the outside agency.

Once a missing persons case is opened, Suquamish police handle all data entry into state and national databases investigating efforts to locate the individual. The department works collaboratively with the State Patrol, which creates a standardized flyer and media release, and updates highway reader boards. The Suquamish Police also works collaboratively with the Suquamish Integrated Victims Services.

To see the full conversation with Acting Chief Mark Williams and Deputy Chief Ryan George, visit bit.ly/STForumPolice or scan the QR code. Passcode: kYg7hW8*

Tribal Government

In appreciation of teachers and police officers

The Suquamish Tribal Council would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the educators who go above and beyond to inspire our youth. We thank you for your tireless efforts, caring and compassion from our Early Learning Center babies to Chief Kitsap Academy graduating seniors.

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) was a time to highlight your efforts and offer a small token of our appreciation. On behalf of Suquamish Tribal Council, we hope your week was as fulfilling as the work you do for our students.

Also, in recognition of Police Appreciation Week (May 12-18), Council member Irene Carper and I stopped by to deliver some donuts on behalf of Tribal Council in gratitude for the work Suquamish Police officers do to keep our community safe.

Your work is not easy but it is always greatly appreciated, and I personally enjoy the community engagement you are doing within the Suquamish Tribe.

By Denita Holmes Suquamish Tribe Treasurer

That’s Who!

(from page 5)

(L to R) Suquamish Tribal Members: Andrew Jackson, Kyles Gemmell, and Lisa Jackson.

Renewal Powwow Returns to Suquamish

Hundreds of dancers, drummers, and vendors converged on Suquamish the last weekend in April to participate in the 2024 Renewal Powwow, with host drum War Paint. The event kicked off with a Coastal Jam on Friday, with grand entries and competitions continuing through the weekend.

Those in recovery were honored and new Renewal Royalty Court were selected.

This year's royalty are Sr. Warrior Jacob Heath, Sr. Miss Renewal Teylor Ives, Jr. Warrior Greyson Moss, Jr. Miss Liliana Wells, and Tiny Tot Naila Robideau.

New Hires & Transfers

Clockwise from upper left: Tribal Council Secretary Irene Carper with ELC Employees Indika and Marta. Chief Kitsap Academy CTE Teacher Chelsea. Chief Kitsap Academy PE Teacher Sean. Chief Kitsap Academy Staff Amy and Cecelia.

Catherine’s Column

Dear Suquamish families and community, Suquamish has wrapped up commemorations of Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Foster Care month, and events related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. This is important work. We put on red t-shirts, paint a red hand on our faces, and grieve for those we’ve lost. We’re asking for accountability for our vulnerable people, our women and children who have been targets of violence since Columbus got lost.

Tribes continue to strive for ways to bring attention to this matter — it is not a crisis we can solve on our own. Awareness is important, but we need allies. The federal government has a trust responsibility to invest resources in dealing with this ongoing crisis/epidemic affecting our communities. Tribes across the nation including Suquamish are advocating for more funding and resources for public safety and law enforcement.

There is so much more to be done. We know that outside influences such as the drug trade make our communities vulnerable to violence. This is why fighting the fentanyl and opioid epidemic remains important. We need the means and resources to hold perpetrators accountable.

Suquamish Integrated Victim Services and the Courts have been doing a great job supporting survivors of domestic violence and working to break the vicious cycle of violence in our communities. A big shout out to Lauren Hight and Nina Old Coyote for the MMIWP event they hosted at the House of Awakened Culture, where songs and dances from Sacred Water Canoe Family and our neighbors in other tribes joined us in remembering those who were lost.

While on the topic of public safety and law enforcement, we are happy to announce that Deputy

Chief Mark Williams has accepted the role of Acting Police Chief following the retirement of Chief Mike Lasiner.

We are recruiting for a permanent chief of police, looking for a well-qualified individual who believes in community policing, who wants to get to know tribal families, especially youth, and encourage prevention over punishment. We’re looking for someone who seeks to bring calm to volatile situations and who treats with dignity the person being put in the back of the police car.

We look forward to more Police Department barbecues and hope you come visit with them. They are very excited to serve the community, you’ll get to see Detective Nance in his apron!

As always, we are looking for Tribal community members to join the Suquamish Police Force jobs are posted. This will be a new era of policing on the Suquamish reservation.

Tribal government staff meeting

In May, we brought together tribal government employees for a day and a half of conversations at the House of Awakened Culture aimed at improving staff collaboration and better serving the tribal community. The topics, each of which was suggested by a staff member, included ways to improve coordination of youth services, increase staff accountability and effectiveness while supporting wellness, increase the presence of Suquamish art and culture in government, deal with parking and speeding, improve training, support recovery, and much more.

I was inspired to see so many of our Suquamish staff members sharing their creativity, know-how, and brilliance to make tribal government work better. We have lots of ideas for next steps and are getting to work to implement some of them.

Respectfully,

Catherine Edwards Executive Director

Values Guide Gov’t Operations

At a recent retreat, Suquamish tribal government directors began working on a set of values to guide the operation of government. These values were approved at a Directors meeting on May 7, 2024. The departments of tribal government are now making use of them to guide their work.

SOVEREIGNTY/SELF-DETERMINATION

We continue the courageous work and commitment of tribal ancestors who established and defended the Suquamish people’s inherent rights to:

• Self-governance and equitable treatment

• Fish, hunt, gather, and protect the land and water

• Determine the Tribe’s destiny

RESPECT

We honor the dignity, diversity, and rights of our Tribal citizens, community, and government staff. We care for the Tribe’s land, resources, and traditions. We express respect by prioritizing teamwork and treating each other and ourselves with compassion.

VISION

We work to foresee, plan, and innovate a clear strategy for our teams’ part in the building of an inspiring, sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future for the Suquamish Tribe in line with the tribe’s mission and vision.

INTEGRITY

All our actions are conducted with transparency, loyalty, accountability, honesty, and a commitment to service. Doing so strengthens community and staff cohesion and trust in Suquamish tribal governance.

PROTECT

We safeguard the Tribe’s people, culture, rights, natural resources, and assets. By nurturing and protecting the health and wellbeing of our youth, Elders, and other vulnerable populations, and preserving the Tribe’s cultural heritage, we ensure a secure foundation for the next seven generations.

Macaroni-Beef

Capri Veggie Blend

Carrot-Apple Salad

Fresh Fruit

Bday Cake & Ice

Breakfast

Chicken Vegetable

Tuna Fish Sandwich Light Pineapple Coleslaw

Spiced Fruit Cup

Baked Chicken Sweet Potatoes Capri Blend

Minestrone Soup

Sandwich

celery & pineapple salad Chewy Chocolate

SALAD DAY

Geoduck Chowder

Chef Salad w/ hard boiled egg, cheese, sunflower seeds

Applesauce Muffin

Yogurt Parfait w/ Berries

It is June, and summer is almost here. Lynn (Mabe) & David Sorenson just celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary in May. Congratulations to the both of you. Always and Forever!

We had two new Elders who visited us –Kirk Napoleon and Nanette (Contraro) Sanchez. We honored them with their Elder Blankets.

Dave (Loughrey) Weber drove all the way from Shelton to Lebanon, Missouri, to see the total eclipse of the sun that took place April 8. (Isn’t there a song by Don McLean called The Total Eclipse of the Sun or is it the moon?) During his travels to Missouri, Dave woke up to a layer of snow on the ground in Ontario, Oregon, and Laramie, Wyoming. This delayed his travels, but nothing was going to stop him from reaching his son Adam (Loughrey) Weber & family to view the eclipse together.

Capri

Tossed Salad

Pachado Bread

Fresh Fruit

Mark (Webster) Lewis said he had a blast at the Rolling Stones concert at Lumen Field on May 15. It is hard to believe Mick Jagger is 80 years old and still performing like it’s 1999! Welcome home to all our snowbirds! It was great seeing Charlene (George) and George Renquist who spend their winters in Florida.

What a month for seafood! Tribal Elders were treated to a giveaway of live crab. Above, Patricia Medina took her crab out of the bag to show her score! Later, the Elders went out fishing on the Challacum and Carriere vessels. Linda O’Connor angles for the big one and Le Anne Nilluka shows off her catch.

From the desk of the Traditional Heritage Specialist

Consider the importance of recording your memories for future generations to know how you grew up and what you experienced in your lifetime.

Thisis why I would like to record you and preserve your life’s stories: I just read on Facebook that our generation is being lost and the younger generation has no clue as to what life was like for us growing up here.

Ardy (Lawrence) and Larry Longway are also back from visiting Arizona.

We will miss seeing Celeste Loneia’s (Pratt) dear doggy, Adobo, in his front yard in Indianola. We send many hugs to you, Celeste, for your loss. Adobo will surely be missed.

Next month, we will share our fishing trip and how Troy Mabe fought Big Daddy, or was it Big Mama, a 22+ pound Silver, and Lena (Purser) Mahoney’s 18+ pound silver escape artist. We have some good fish tales, that are all true of course.

We hope to see those Tribal Elders who are in recovery with new hips and knees on the dance floors, golfing or bowling, real soon!

The Elders Program staff send well wishes and prayers to our Tribal Elders who are in need.

Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.

By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund Elders Program

Do you remember:

• Playing outside all day until and maybe even after dark?

• Walking to school in all types of weather?

• Watching television until the National Anthem played, and the TV was off the air until the next morning?

• Telephones with party lines?

• Candy bars and soda pop for under 25 cents?

• Riding bikes up and down the streets without fear of being hit by a car?

• Playing card games, board games, collecting baseball cards, bottle caps and movie star cards?

• Playing records on a record player or stereo, eight track tapes, VHS, and Walkman?

• Telephone booths with coin slots to pay for your calls?

• Rotary telephones and push button phones?

• Buying telephone cards to make calls when you traveled out of town?

• Black and white televisions with just six channels?

• TV antenna you had to always adjust to make the picture come in clear?

• Cassette recorders and CDs?

• Cereal and milk for five cents?

• Penny candy of all types and flavors?

• Bicycles with banana seats?

• Hot lunch at school for 35 cents a day?

• Going down the street, and everyone in town knew your family and was always saying hello and how are doing? Stopping to talk and visit with you awhile, never in a hurry to go here or there?

• Family meals and time spent together and at home; rarely were there dinners out and everyone gone somewhere at dinner time?

If you are interested in sharing you memories about any or all of the above things growing up in this little town, please contact me, and I will gladly set a time and date to meet with you. My email is mjones@suquamish.nsn.us or call me at (360) 394-8526.

By Marilyn Jones

Heritage Specialist

Traditional

Sports & Fitness

Basketball winds down, football and softball heating up

Youth basketball league play will be winding down for the summer but will continuing to offer basketball skills training for anyone who would like to continue through the summer. Please contact We-Laka Chiquiti or Magdalena Turrieta at the Fitness Center for more information (see their contact info below.)

Summer Flag Football League

Suquamish will be participating in the Peninsula Flag League May 29 through July 17. This year’s team will play in the 5th/6th Grade Division. The team name is the Suquamish War Hawks, and games will be played at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Gordon Fields in Silverdale. See the full schedule at peninsulaflagleague.com. For more information, please contact We-Laka.

Adult Softball

Suquamish is currently playing in the Bremerton Parks and Recreation Co-Ed League in Bremerton. Games are played on Sunday evenings at Pendergast Park and Lions Field, and will continue until the season ending tournament July

When: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm

Where: House of Awakened Culture

21-28. See the schedule at BremertonWA.gov. For more information, contact Magdalena.

Five-on-Five Softball

Sports and Recreation is looking for people to join softball teams to try out creating a new style of playing softball. Games will be played during summer evenings. If you would like more information please contact Magdalena or me.

Open Noon Chair Volleyball

Reminder, there is open chair volleyball every Thursday at noon at the Fitness Center Gym. Come enjoy the fun during lunch!

By Craig Miller Sports & Recreation Manager

Sports & Rec Contacts

Craig Miller: Craigmiller@suquamish.nsn.us (360) 394-8574

We-Laka Chiquiti: Chiquiti@Suquamish.nsn.us (360) 394-7168

Magdalena Turrieta: mturrieta@suquamish.nsn.us (360) 304-8634.

Suquamish wins Muckleshoot basketball tourney

TheSuquamish men’s basketball team went undefeated at Muckleshoot’s 17th Annual D.A.S. Memorial All-Indian Mens Basketball Tournament over the May 4 weekend. The team went 4-0 in the tournament, beating the Muckleshoot Bad Boyz in the final match for the championship title.

Suquamish men’s team, from left to right: Anthony Pondelick, George Hill III, Amelio Banuelos, DJ Holthusen, Tyran Lane, Jacob Hill, Ali Chiquiti, Daniel George, We-Laka Chiquiti, Pepe Hernandez.

CKA sophomore Talynn Marquez qualifies for WIAA State Golf Tournament

During the post season, Chief Kitsap Academy’s Talynn Marquez placed third in the Sea/Tac League Golf Tournament, advancing to play in the Tri-District Tournament.

At Tri-Districts, Talynn tied with two other players and had to participate in a playoff hole to make the State Tournament. This hole was a Par 4. Talynn shot a 5, and the other two girls shot a 6 and 7. She earned her spot for State!

Talynn qualified for the WIAA State Golf Tournament, as one of just 40 girls statewide in the 1B classification. Talynn shot a 108 overall on the first day and missed the cut for the second day by just 4 strokes to play in the medalist round.

“We are very proud of her, and what a great experience!” said CKA Coach Junior Santos.

The Chief Kitsap Academy Senior Class and Staf f Announce their Commencement Ceremony

Chief Kitsap Academy

From left, Anna Woods (Assistant Coach), Talynn Marquez (CKA Golfer), Junior Santos (Head Coach)

Your paragraph text

June

June 1

Charles Dryen

Kai Williams

Michael Matz

June 2

Angela Tate

Brian Belmont

Heather Traucht

James Anderson

Paul Peck

June 3

Bernadette Fordyce

Bradley Jackson

Kamiakin George

Michael Cordero

Tutau Abraham

June 4

Clayton Winnie

James Zimmerman

Karyn Keller

Lance Purser

Laura Yaeger

Rebecca Castillo

Robert Rubeck

June 5

Darrel Hoffman

David Hoffman

Ignacio Santos Jr.

Ruth Kalahan

Wade Williams

June 6

Joel Sigo

June 7

Janis Marquez

June 8

Amber Jackson

Kyle George

Porcha Vaught

Raymond Forsman

Shoshanna Bayes

June 9

Jessica Fisher

Shawn Hawk Sr.

June 10

Kayla George-Purser

Richard Belmont

June 11

Alexander Potts

Cookie Boyd

June 12

Bardow Lewis Oya

June 13

Beatrice Berlin

Hazle Pacquette

Isaac Covarrubias

Lisa Ellis

June 14

Corey Manley

Jace Joe

Todd Belmont

June 15

Angel Freeman

June 16

Joshua Bagley

Kyl-e-an

Tabafunda-Turner

June 17

Ayanna Jones

Danielle Demain

Samantha Kimmel

June 18

Breanna Moore

Michael Smith

Quanaisja Rubeck

June 19

Edward Bradwell

Mitchell George

June 20

Camillia Keller

Gabriel Rubeck

Levi Mabe

Birthdays

June 21

Avianna Lawrence

Harper Wilson

Stormi Vivian

June 22

Adam Edelstein

Bearon Old Coyote

Joshua Smith

Julie Haubrich

Maiya Jeffers

Rhett Mills

Sydney Purser

June 23

William Cowell

June 24

Anjelica Rodriguez

Isaiah Pondelick

June 25

Ariana Taitingfong

Awasis Williams

Michael Julian Armstrong

Nancy Reynoso-Purser

Noah Ortiz

Peggy Snow

Reyna Nolan

June 26

Beverly Adams

Christian Lawrence

Nancy Young

June 27

Ann Forsman

John Vollenweider Jr.

Lewis George

June 28

Stephen Lawrence Sr.

June 29

Niomi Pavlock

Sarah George

June 30

Lucas Nichols