Suquamish News - Dec 2019

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Suquamish News

December 2019 | 1

S N Volume 19

December 2019

No. 12

‘Tis the Season for Pie

In this issue ...

Planning Your Health Clinic – p3 Seafood Store Opens! – p4 Shyla’s Year-End Review – p12

Life savers — p5 Holiday Happenings – p9

Ramirez Returns – p14

Gazebo with a View – p4

2 | December 2019

Community Calendar Events & Meetings

2020 Tribal Budget Hearing Monday Dec. 2, 2019 @ noon in Tribal Council Chambers

Suquamish Tribal Council Suquamish Tribal Council meetings Dec. 2 and 16 @ 8:30am. For information, contact suquamish_ admin@suquamish.nsn.us Suquamish Warriors Meeting Dec. 3 @ 5:30pm Veterans and guests are welcome at the Suquamish Warrior Veterans Center, 6353 Middle St. Open Mondays 9am-3pm for veteran visiting and Thursdays 9am-3pm for service officer work. (360) 626-1080 PME Board of Directors Dec. 4 @ 9am Open to Suquamish Tribal members and invited guests. For information on agendas and locations, contact Brenda George at (360) 621-0047 or brendageorge@clearwatercasino.com Holiday Tree Lighting Dec. 5 @ 5:30pm, House of Awakened Culture Suquamish Tribal Gaming Com. Dec. 5 & 19 @ 9am Meetings are at Tribal Gaming offices, open to Tribal members. Contact Angela Brainerd (360) 394-8652 Suquamish Seafood Board Dec. 16 @ 1pm

Meetings are open to Suquamish Tribal members. For information contact Suquamish Seafoods at (360) 394-8512 Christmas Vouchers Suquamish Elders, pick up Dec.16 @ 8am4:30pm, Human Services Front Desk.

Other Suquamish Tribal Members pick up Tuesday, Dec. 17 @ 8am-4:30pm.

Pick up at Tribal Center Human Services Front Desk. One voucher per household.

Suquamish Government Closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1 for Winter Break Holiday

Suquamish Elders Events

suquamish.nsn.us

ELDERS’ PRE-LUNCH EXERCISE Elders exercise class is taking a break until January 2020. If you want a private session with Stephanie Kunold until then, please call her at (360) 394-7142.

On the cover

Tom Curley, from the Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources, taught a pie making class to Suquamish elders. See page 5 for his secrets to prize-winning pie.

Movie Night Nov. 26. Meet Della at Regal Poulsbo Stadium 10 ticket booth for ticket and popcorn between 5:30pm and 6:00pm

Shipwreck Beads and lunch at Hawks Prairie Dec. 10. Leaving Casino at 8am Annual Elders Christmas Party Dec. 13 @ 5:30pm-9pm, Kiana Lodge Toe Nail Tuesday Dec. 17 @ 7am-11am, Elders Lodge Elders Bingo Dec. 17 @ 1pm-3pm Elders Lodge Elders Council Meeting Dec. 17 @ 5:30pm-8pm, Elder Lodge For Elders information contact: Della Crowell (360) 394-8417 Donna Sigo (360) 394-8472 Human Services (360) 394-8465

Suquamish News •

Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392

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Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us

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Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, Washington 98392-0498

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Letters should include the writer’s full name, address, and home telephone and may be edited for clarity and space.

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Suquamish News

All photo submissions must be made in JPG or PDF form, with resolution of 300 dpi or more.

The Suquamish Tribe Enrollment Committee is asking the opinion of all Tribal members, age 18 and older, on blood quantum. Please take our survey by coming to the Tribal Council Chambers any time between 9am and 4pm on Wednesday, December 4. We’ll be on site to answer questions and facilitate the survey.

If you can’t come in person, please email Sarah George at enrollmentsurvey@ suquamish.nsn.us for instructions on how to take the survey online.

Thank you, Suquamish Tribe Enrollment Committee

Suquamish Tribal Council Leonard Forsman

Chairman

Wayne George

Vice-Chair

Nigel Lawrence

Secretary

Robin Sigo

Treasurer

Rich Purser

Member

Sammy Mabe

Member

Luther Mills, Jr.

Member

Reproduction of Suquamish News, in whole or in part, without written permission from the Suquamish Tribe is strictly prohibited.

Production Staff Shyla Spicer Leonard Forsman Sarah van Gelder Jon Anderson JoAnn Joe

Editorial Policy

Editor-in-Chief Contributing Editor Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design

Publishers of the Suquamish Newsletter 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.

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Suquamish News

December 2019 | 3

News

Health Clinic Plans Take Shape T

he Suquamish Tribe is moving forward with an ambitious new plan to build a health clinic that could serve not only Tribal members and their families, but may become a hub for services to the wider community as well.

The Heath Clinic Design Committee, which is made of up of Tribal members, Suquamish Elders, and government staff, met for the first time in October to begin brainstorming what the clinic will look like and what services it will offer. The committee is led by Health Clinic Director Andrew Shogren and Community Development Director Scott Crowell.

“The Tribal Council has approved the site and the site evaluation. We’re moving forward now on the next stage of engaging the community on hopes and expectations,” said Shogren.

One of the things that came out of the first design meeting was that the committee wanted to be able to treat the whole community – so anything that’s in the health clinic would be open to not only Tribal members, but also Tribal families and the wider community, said Shogren.

That first meeting also culminated with the creation of a kind of vision statement for the clinic, that it would

become “an innovative healing center that welcomes, promotes, and supports healing of the whole self, family, and community,” said Shogren.

The clinic will be located in the southeast corner at intersection of Suquamish Way and Division Ave., on the undeveloped land opposite both the Suquamish government building and Suquamish Museum.

Tribal officials are considering a facility that will be up to about 25,000 square feet and could be several stories tall. It is expected to cost approximately $12 million, said Shogren.

“The universal feedback we’ve gotten from Tribal members, Elders, and Tribal Council is that we need to overbuild this site,” said Shogren. It’s also a lesson learned from other Tribes in the region.

“Swinomish, for example, has a wellness center they opened in January 2018, and they are already adding to it, going from about 14,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet,” he said.

The new clinic will consolidate the Tribe’s existing health care and mental health services into one building while adding a slew of potential new services. Among those under consideration: primary health care, dental, optometry, and a pharmacy.

These plans show the location of the new health clinic and possible building and parking configurations for both oneand two-story designs. Tribal Members who are interested in participating in the Health Clinic Design Committee should contact Misty Moran at (360) 394-7135.

“We want to really increase Dr. Lisa Pratt’s Medication-Assisted Treatment program, because that’s a real need for North Kitsap community,” said Shogren.

“There’s going to an opioid treatment program in Bremerton. And then there will be a hole from there all the way out to Sequim. So, she’s already seeing more and more people, and she’s maxed right now. We want to be able to increase that capability.”

That could include a full opioid treatment clinic integrated with the health clinic, but possibly with a separate entrance.

The Design Committee is also looking to include Azure Boure’s Traditional Medicine program, along with a full teaching kitchen, into the new clinic.

Edmonds, Washington-based TGB Architects has been contracted to design the new facility. The firm specializes in health facilities and has worked with a variety of Tribal communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, including projects ranging from Tulalip Tribe’s 61,000-square-foot Gathering Place to the Puyallup Tribe’s Salish Cancer Center.

By Jon Anderson

Suquamish News

4 | December 2019

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Community News

Suquamish Seafoods Opens New Retail Store O

n November 14th, Suquamish Seafoods opened its new retail store, right next door to the Port Madison Enterprise’s Masi Shop on Highway 305.

This “soft opening” enabled the new store to work out operational issues, train employees, and reward current, loyal customers with a “first-shot” at buying seafood from the new location.

To start, business hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

The store will be selling Geoduck, Manila clams, fresh and frozen crab, live oysters, salmon, black cod and frozen shrimp. Several varieties of smoked salmon will also be offered.

A grand opening is being planned and will be announced soon.

“I want to thank everyone who worked on this project, especially our Port Madison Enterprises and Tribal Department of Community Development partners,” said Tony Forsman, general manager of Suquamish Seafoods. “Thanks to Tribal Council for providing the funds and the Seafoods Board for their support throughout the process.”

Gazebo with a View I

n the heart of downtown Suquamish, Port Madison Enterprises is building a gazebo with a scenic view.

The land, previously occupied by Bella Luna Pizzeria, will now have a beautiful wood structure covering a newly paved concrete slab.

Construction of this covered area began in October and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The community and the Suquamish Tribe will have a new area for celebrations, community events, and more.

“The awe-inspiring views of the Salish Sea and Mount Rainier have

drawn people to downtown Suquamish since time immemorial, and this will be another place for family and friends to enjoy,” said Tribal Council Treasurer Robin Little Wing Sigo.

As summer approaches next year, the Tribe hopes that it will be a place for summer activities, family gatherings, weddings, and other special events. The process of renting out this space is to be determined.

For questions regarding the project, please contact the public relations and media coordinator, Lisa Rodriguez at: LisaRodriguez@ClearwaterCasino.com

Suquamish News

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December 2019 | 5

Community News

CKA Students Test the Laws of

Pumpkin Physics

Master Pie-maker Shares Secrets with Tribal Elders O

n Oct 26, Tom Curley, who works in the Department of Natural Resources, taught the Elders how to make an apple pie with a flaky pie crust.

I personally have tried making homemade flaky crusts for years and have not always been successful.

Tom threw out all the myths about making a crust— no ice water and no lightly mixing the crust!

Tom’s secret is Montana Wheat Unbleached Flour and vinegar, and kneading the dough. Whoever heard of adding vinegar for making pie crusts?!

Vinegar is the secret and it works.

While our pies were baking, we had a talking circle with lots of stories of the past here in Suquamish and stories of our past that had us all laughing!

Thank You, Teri Bayes for opening your ELC kitchen and making the best coffee ever, and Thank You Tom Curley for teaching the secrets for a successful flaky pie crust.

We all went home with a delish homemade apple pie with a flaky crust. What we learned – it’s all about the flour and vinegar.

Tom’s Pie Crust 4 cups flour (Montana Wheat Unbleached) 1 TBSP sugar 1 tsp salt Wisk together dry ingredients Combine ¾ cup water and 1 TBSP vinegar 1 ¾ cup shortening (Crisco is the best) Instructions: Cut shortening into flour mixture, mix in the wet stuff using your fingers.

Let the dough rest for an hour, then roll it out. Keep any unused dough covered. It will store in the fridge for up to a week.

By Della Crowell

C

hief Kitsap Academy hosted their first Pumpkin Chunkin’ contest Nov. 14.

The high school Engineering class consists of sophomores Stoney Chiefstick, Jagger Dangell, Andres Gutierrez, Sean Sansbury and Josef Swift; senior Jayden Sigo; and science teacher Amber Stvartak.

These students worked extremely hard over the last month researching, designing, and constructing lifesize catapults.

Their hard work paid off when each catapult was not only functional, but launched pumpkins at great distances! The record distance for this year was 76 feet!

CKA is looking forward to making Pumpkin Chunkin’ an annual event.

The Engineering class would like express their gratitude for staff members Junior Santos and David Lowe for all their assistance with power tools and awesome ideas!

By Amber Stvartak

The editors checked in with Tom Curley to make sure he was okay with revealing his pie-making secrets in the pages of Suquamish News. This was his reply: Secrets are sometimes necessary, but rarely If sharing something makes the world a better place, share it!

Tasty pie makes the world a better place and brings happiness Supporting another’s success won’t ever dampen yours Let’s all try our hand at making pie, and have fun, and share community by doing it!

Suquamish News

6 | December 2019

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Government

Chairman’s Report T

he fall season lends itself to inter­ Tribal business, and fall 2019 was no exception.

The National Congress of American Indians held their annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home to the iconic Pueblo Tribes.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Sovereignty in Action” and it focused on Tribes’ progress in exercising their rights in the fields of natural resource protection, economic development, treaty rights protection, taxation, and cultural preservation.

Elections of new NCAI officers — president, first vice president, treasurer, and recording secretary — was another important part of the convention and resulted in the election of two new officers and the re-election of two others.

The member Tribes and NCAI individual members elected Fawn Sharp, president of the Quinault Indian Nation, as the new NCAI president, succeeding Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw) who retired.

Aaron Payment (Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa) and Juana Majel-Dixon (Pauma) were re-elected as first vice president and recording secretary, respectively, while Clinton Lageson (Kenaitze) ran unopposed for the treasurer position vacated

by Ron Allen (Jamestown).

There were two major points of discussion, one regarding the federal policy on who is allowed to possess eagle feathers and another concerning the Cherokee Nation’s proposal to promote their Treaty provision granting them a seat in the U.S. Congress.

I was sworn in again to serve in my role as Northwest Area vice-president on the NCAI Executive Board as is the custom for the president of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

In my role as ATNI president, I joined the ATNI Executive Director Terri Parr on a visit to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Council in Fort Hall, Idaho, to learn about their economic programs,

environmental protection efforts, and treaty resource preservation strategies.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribe has a strong culture and history, and their members are exerting their cultural and spiritual values in a way that is a great example to other Pacific Northwest Tribes.

The Washington Indian Gaming Association held their monthly meeting at the Angel of the Winds Casino in Arlington, Washington, owned and operated by the Stillaguamish Tribe. WIGA continues to prepare for the upcoming short state legislative session.

Sports betting proposals are going to be a subject for the Commerce and Gaming Committee this session as legalization has sparked interest in introducing this new style of gaming to Washington state.

The Squaxin Island Tribe hosted the annual Washington State Centennial Accord meeting with Governor Inslee and the Tribes of Washington.

We discussed Natural Resources, Health Care, Education, Traffic Safety, Indian Child Welfare, Taxation, and Economic Development with the governor, his agency appointees and key staff.

Thanks to Robin Sigo, Wayne George, and Sammy Mabe for their support and assistance during the meeting.

A well-known and influential leader passed on last month: Stan Jones, Jr., longtime chairman of the Tulalip Tribes.

A memorial was held at the Tulalip Casino to remember him for his contributions to the Tulalip and other Tribes during his tenure.

respective roles. We pressed the Corps and their District Commander Col. Mark Geraldi to uphold their trust responsibility to protect our Treaty fishing rights by preventing the harmful impacts of in-water development in our fishing grounds. The Corps has asked us for more information regarding our fishing activities to help their staff have a better understanding of the needs of our fishing fleet.

Governor Inslee hosted a meeting with Tribal leaders to get Tribal input on the recommendations of the Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force. Tribal leaders agreed with many of the recommendations of the task force but emphasized the need to increase salmon runs through increased hatchery production not only for the whales but also for our e continue to engage in governTribal fisherman, who are suffering from ment-to-government relations with federal, state, and local governments the poor salmon returns as well.

The Kitsap Regional Coordinating in the spirit of diplomacy and accountCouncil hosted a legislative reception ability to the protection of sovereignty. with our local state legislators to discuss A meeting with the United States Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District issues facing the Kitsap area. Sen. Christine Rolfes, Rep. Sherry Appleton, Rep. resulted in a better understanding of our

W

Drew MacEwen, and Sen. Emily Randall attended.

In a question-and-answer discussion moderated by Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson, issues regarding growth, education, climate change, transportation, and taxation were discussed.

O

ur Salish Sea is in great danger, and we continue to work on ways to prevent further destruction of our ancestral waters. The annual Billy Frank Jr. Salmon Summit brings in elected leaders and other policy makers to find ways that we can honor Billy’s memory by protecting, preserving, and enhancing the salmon resource. This year’s summit was held at Squaxin Island and was moderated by Billy’s son Willie Frank of the Nisqually Tribal Council.

Tribal staff and I met with the Port of Kingston to discuss their upcoming projects and operations. They are still working on an off-site auto waiting lot for the Washington State Ferry at Kingston, an upcoming dredging action, and

Suquamish News

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December 2019 | 7

Government

improvements in boat launch operations to improve access for both recreational and treaty fishing.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Tribal Caucus held their meeting at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino. Featuring Tribal leaders from across the nation, the National Tribal Caucus helps EPA set Tribal policy. I provided a welcome to the group and also help lead a boat tour of places on our reservation.

Public education is key to us getting the region’s growing population to join us in protecting our waters. As part of this effort, I joined a group of authors and photographers in producing a book called “We are Puget Sound” that is intended to celebrate and educate readers about the importance of the Salish Sea and ways that we can help preserve it. I joined a panel at Town Hall in Seattle to help promote the book.

Lushootseed suEabSucid Word of the Month December sexSiCelwa?s Prounounced sŭwh-shēēC-ŭl-wặ?s Time to sheathe the paddles and put them away for the winter. This is the time for stories, mending nets, making tools, weaving, and all the activities that can be done inside a longhouse.

I

joined our Suquamish Warriors in celebrating Veterans Day during a luncheon and honoring at Kiana Lodge.

Thank you to our veterans for their sacrifice and continuing community service to the Suquamish Tribe.

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e are working with our local schools to introduce curriculum and make presentations to teach our Tribal students and their classmates about Suquamish culture and history.

Barbara Lawrence and I met with staff from the North Kitsap School District to develop a middle school curriculum on the Treaty of Point Elliott. We made great progress and hope to complete the project in the spring.

We also met with the Seattle School District to discuss their Tribal programs and curriculum development. We are in the early stages of this relationship and see a promising opportunity to introduce our heritage into their classrooms. Dennis Lewarch joined me in a presentation on Suquamish Place Names for Social Studies classes at Kingston High School.

The presentation was well attended and included many of our Suquamish students. Thanks to Toni Jones for the invitation!

Leonard Forsman, Suquamish Tribe

Tax Exemption for Tribal Members

A

ll Suquamish Tribal Members living within the boundaries of the reservation are eligible for tax exemption on their personal utility bills.

The two forms needed to request the exemption are available at the Finance window at the Tribal Government Administration Building.

Completed forms should be mailed with a copy of your Tribal ID. Once processed, taxes will be removed from the bill.

You can email a scan of the form to: tribaltaxexemptions@pse.com Or you can send a hardcopy to: Puget Sound Energy Regional Structure Group, Mail Stop EPSE 07E 355 110th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004

2020 ABON application deadline is December 10

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ssistance Based On Need, or ABON for short, is part of the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act, which provides tax benefits to Tribal members.

“This is the program that was originally developed as a part of the basic needs program to allow our 18-and-over membership to opt out of distributions in exchange for this needs-based benefit,” said Human Service’s staffer Ka-el Williams.

“This makes payments from the Tribe nontaxable as well as giving our members options for monthly, quarterly and semiannual payments,” he said.

While distributions from the Tribe are currently nontaxable, the ABON program will offer a level of protection if they should become taxable again next year, said Williams.

Those interested in applying for the program should bring income verification to the Human Services and fill out the basic needs application no later than 4:30pm, December 10.

8 | December 2019

Suquamish News

2019: The Year in Photos

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Suquamish News

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December 2019 | 9

Holiday Happenings Suquamish Dec 3 - The Christmas Ship North Kitsap Northern Lights Choir on the Christmas Ship performs to guests aboard, and to communities gathered on shore.

Liberty Bay Waterfront Park @ 6:30 pm Suquamish downtown waterfront @ 7:50 pm Lemolo (rolling show) @ 8:55 pm Dec 5 – Elders PME Check Distribution from 11:30am to 1pm in the casino non-smoking area previously known as Poker Room. Santa and his elf will be on hand. Refreshment served. Open to Suquamish Tribal Elders.

Kingston

Dec 7 – Kingston Cove Christmas & Lighting Festival starts in the afternoon with activities and Dec 5 – Tree Lighting at 5:30pm at the House of refreshments for all ages and lasts into the night with the largest lighted display in the region.

Awakened Culture. Open to the Suquamish Community. Live holiday music by Kids in Concert, family Holiday gift fair at Village Green Community Center. activities, hot chocolate bar. Hosted by the SuquaDec 21 – Heronswood Solstice Celebration mish Foundation.

5-7pm. Community-oriented, contemplative candlelit walk through the garden.

Dec 14 – Tribal Artists Holiday Pop-up Shop at the Suquamish Museum from 11am to 2pm.

Suquamish Tribe

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5:30 Pm

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s a m t s Chri Gathering 7:00 Pm

Thursday

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sgʷədᶻadad qəł ʔaltxʷ House of Awakened Culture

Poulsbo

Dec 19 – Christmas Gathering from 5:30pm to 7pm. Suquamish Tribe’s dinner, pictures with Santa, gift giving. Sponsored by Human Services, Marion Fors- Dec 7 - Julefest & Poulsbo’s Sons of Norway Holiday Bazaar. Celebrate traditional Scandinavian man-Boushie ELC, Sports & Recreation Department. holiday event all day long and into the night. Shop, Dec 19-23 Suquamish Museum store dance, and greet the Santa Lucia bride as she arholiday sale. rives by boat. 10am to 4pm.

Bainbridge Island Dec 6-8 – Bainbridge Island Studio Tour. bistudiotour.com Dec 6-8 – Christmas in the Country christmasinthecountry.info Dec 14 – Bainbridge Island Winter Wonderland.

Waterfront Park 4-6pm. A fun holiday event for the whole family. biparks.org

7235 NE Pkwy, Suquamish, WA 98392

5:30pm - Blessing and Dinner 6:00pm - Pictures with Santa & Family Cra�s 6:30pm - Gi� Giving For more informa�on contact Janelle Mills 360-394-8465 Sponsored by Suquamish Human Services, Marion Forsman-Boushie ELC and Sports & Recrea�on Departments Suquamish Tribe and par�cipa�ng departments will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items, accidents, or injuries.

Par�cipate at your own risk. No alcohol or drugs permi�ed.

Thanks to Suquamish Elder Peg Deam for these illustrations!

Suquamish News

10 | December 2019

Activities & More

Winter is Coming!

15 tips to safeguard your home

A

s winter approaches, here are some simple tips and techniques to better protect your family and home from the potential hazards and heartaches of winter weather.

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Exterior:

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• • • • •

Clean gutters from debris, and recheck them after a large windstorm Disconnect and drain all outside hoses, install hose bib covers over spigots Wrap or insulate water pipes beneath the home Have your chimney cleaned, inspected, and recertified prior to your first fire Check the caulk around your windows and doors, and reapply caulk if draft is present or apply weather stripping

Divert any water from your home’s foundation to ensure a dry crawl space.

Interior: • • • • • • • •

Check your smoke detector batteries and change if needed Check fire extinguisher; replace if needed Keep flammable items away from all heat sources Clean your dryer hose and clear it of lint Ensure your flashlights and radios are operable Keep a good stock of batteries Check or have your emergency generator serviced Add fuel stabilizer to your gas cans Drain fuel from your lawn equipment.

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Suquamish News

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December 2019 | 11

Elders Lunch Room MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

2 Birthday Celebration

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4

5

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Chicken A La King Brown Rice Steamed Spinach Tossed Salad Birthday Cake & Ice Cream

Baked Potato Bar w/ Chili, Broccoli & Homemade Cheese Sauce Tossed Salad Applesauce Raisin Muffin Fresh Fruit

Tuna Noodle Casserole Germany Veggie Blend Kale Salad Cornbread Fresh Fruit

Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy California Veggie Blend Spinach-Blueberry Salad Wheat Roll

Geoduck Chowder Tossed Salad w/ Hard Boiled Egg, Sunflower seeds) Oat Bran Raisin Muffin Yogurt Parfait w/ Berries & Granola

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Goulash (Ground Beef, tomatoes, green beans) Brown Rice Tossed Salad Wheat Roll Fresh Fruit

Split Pea Soup w/Ham Egg Salad Sandwich Broccoli Salad Fresh Fruit

Pork Stir Fry w/Green Beans, Onions & Mushrooms Brown Rice Tossed Salad Fresh Fruit

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Capri Veggie Blend Waldorf Salad Punpkin Cookie

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18 Christmas Dinner

19 Breakfast for Lunch

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Baked Fish Sweet Potatoes Germany Veggie Blend Spinach Salad w/ ​​berries & walnuts Corn Bread SF Pudding

Beef, Barley & Vegetable Soup Tuna Sandwich Coleslaw Fresh Fruit

Turkey w/Cranberry Sauce Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Broccoli Tossed Salad Wheat Roll Sugar-Free Apple Pie

Egg, Vegetable & Cheese Frittata Oven-Roasted Potatoes Oat Bran Muffin Fresh Fruit

Ham Hocks w/Beans Brown Rice or White Rice Steamed Kale Tossed Salad Pachado Bread Cottage Cheese & Peaches

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Tomato Soup Tuna Sandwich Fresh Vegetable Platter Fresh Fruit

30 Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday

Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday 31 Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday

Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday

Elders Kitchen (360) 394-8407 Please call to inform the kitchen if you would like to cancel home delivery for the day.

Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday

Beverages Served Daily 1% milk or Lactose-Free Milk Coffee & Tea Occasional substitutions may be necessary

Elder’s Kitchen Closed Today (Human Services staff holiday gathering) Lunch will be delivered to homebound Elders

Tribal Center CLOSED Winter Holiday

12 | December 2019

From Shyla ~

Year in Review:

Looking back, looking ahead

T

he first week of December marks my first anniversary with the Suquamish Tribe. I can’t believe it’s already been a year!

And what a privilege it’s been to serve this amazing Tribe and work alongside such remarkable and dedicated government leaders and staff.

It’s been a challenging year to be sure, but we’ve weathered those challenges together and though them we’ve experienced some exciting growth.

Here are some highlights that come to mind as I look back over the past year, along with some things I’m looking for-

Suquamish News

ward to as we move into the new year.

Snowpocalypse 2019 – Winter really ended with a roar this year, didn’t it?!

But record-breaking snowfall wasn’t going to hold this Tribe down. What really touched me was how everyone came together to take care of each other.

We mobilized a task force to help with those efforts and launched some pilot programs to see if we could improve services even as the snow was piling up. We found ways, for example, to contract our own snowplowing service to make sure that our Tribal housing and government facilities were accessible far faster than they would have been otherwise.

Only time will tell what this winter will bring, but I’m so excited about the work our Emergency Management

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Office is doing to help ensure we’re better prepared no matter what might come our way. The Tribal Emergency Response Commission has been hard at work behind the scenes crafting new plans and policy. Building from that foundation, look for emergency training efforts to pick up steam in 2020.

General Council – With the spring thaw came General Council. This was my first opportunity to see the whole Tribe come together and exercise its sovereignty in such a beautiful way. The joy of the youth, the wisdom of the elders, the echoes of Suquamish’s vibrant culture all left their mark on me.

The Tribe elected Wayne George to return to Tribal Council as the new vice-chairman and Robin Sigo was reelected as treasurer. It’s been an honor to work with the entire Tribal Council. I’ve learned so much from each one of them.

I am particularly indebted to Chairman Leonard Forsman for both his strategic savvy and day-to-day coaching as I’ve learned to navigate these new waters as executive director.

Government Reorganization – Even as the work of Suquamish Tribe has continued apace, your Tribal government leaders have been working tirelessly to

reimagine a better way to organize and structure that work.

There have been directors’ retreats and Tribal Council deep dives. There have been uncomfortable conversations and brave explorations. In the end, we’ve created a new way of organizing the way we work together so that we can better serve Tribal members, their families, and our community.

Tribal Government will now focus on four main priorities: Thriving Workplace, Prepare for the Future, Healthy Community, Infuse Culture in Everything.

In the coming year, you’ll see the fruit of that focus as our departments reorganize to better deliver on those priorities.

My hands are up to everyone who helped make my first year here so satisfying. I know I’ll never be able to make everyone happy, but I hope everyone knows I will always do my best to take care of our Tribal families, our government employees, and our Suquamish community.

A joyous holiday season to each of you.

I can’t wait to see all the amazing things we’ll do together in 2020!

Shyla Spicer, Suquamish Tribe Executive Director

The average American gains 1-7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! This year commit to staying on track!

5th Annual Maintain Don’t Gain Weigh in at the Fitness Center November 25th – 27th 9am5pm for current weight And January 2nd-5th 9am-6pm For post weight.

If you maintained your weight you will win a prize!

The individual that loses the most weight wins a Grand Prize! Check in weekly and get entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

For more information call 360.394.7142 or email skunold@suquamish.nsn.us FREE For Everyone to Join!

Suquamish Tribe Hires and Transfers Name Cassandra George Justeen Komok Amanda Brazeau Jack Davis Grace Nelson Suntayea Steinruck Kuuipo Fontes *Brandy Boure *Popeh Chiquiti * Suquamish Tribal member

Department Early Learning Center Early Learning Center Human Services Tribal Gaming Early Learning Center Chief Kitsap Academy Chief Kitsap Academy Seafoods Seafoods

Suquamish News

suquamish.nsn.us

December 2019 | 13

Clearwater Casino SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

1 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • The Clearwater Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm

2 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Senior Appr’n Day 2X Points, 9am-5pm • Golden Slot Tournaments 10am-3pm

3 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Mobile App Tuesday • $10.00 Burger Shot & Beer Beach Rock Music and Sports 5pm-11pm

8 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • The Clearwater Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm

9 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Senior Appr’n Day 2X Points, 9am-5pm • Golden Slot Tournaments 10am-3pm

10 • • • •

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

4 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Diamond, Ruby & Emerald Point Pursuit • Bingo 10:15am, 6:15pm Beach Rock Music and Sports

5 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Party Night 8pm-Midnight

6 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Barstool Bingo 7pm Beach Rock Music and Sports • Free live music 9pm-1am: M-80’s, 80s Rock

7 • Military Appreciation Day Drawings 4pm-8pm • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Keno Tourney 1pm $45 • Free live music 9pm-1am: The Machine, Classic Rock

11 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Diamond, Ruby & Emerald Point Pursuit • Bingo 10:15am, 6:15pm Beach Rock Music and Sports

12 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Party Night 8pm-Midnight

13 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Friday the 13th $500 Drawings 10am-10pm • Barstool Bingo 7pm Beach Rock Music and Sports • Free live music 9pm-1am: Sway, Current Hits

14 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Keno Tourney 1pm $45 • Free live music 9pm-1am: Unified Culture, Reggae

15 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • The Clearwater Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm

16 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Senior Appr’n Day 2X Points, 9am-5pm • Golden Slot Tournaments 10am-3pm

17 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Mobile App Tuesday • $10.00 Burger Shot & Beer Beach Rock Music and Sports 5pm-11pm

18 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Diamond, Ruby & Emerald Point Pursuit • Ruby Party $1,000 Drawings 8:30pm-9:30pm • Bingo 10:15am, 6:15pm Beach Rock Music and Sports

19 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Diamond Party $1,000 Drawings 8:30pm-9:30pm • Birthday Club Drawings 4pm-8pm • Party Night 8pm-Midnight

20 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Barstool Bingo 7pm Beach Rock Music and Sports • Free live music 9pm-1am: Groove City, Dance

21 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Keno Tourney 1pm $45 • Free live music 9pm-1am: Groove City, Dance

22 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • The Clearwater Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm

23 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Senior Appr’n Day 2X Points, 9am-5pm • Golden Slot Tournaments 10am-3pm

24 • • • •

25 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Diamond, Ruby & Emerald Point Pursuit • Bingo 10:15am, 6:15pm Beach Rock Music and Sports • Christmas Buffet 11am-6pm Event Center $29.95

26 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Party Night 8pm-Midnight

27 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Clearwater’s 24th Birthday Bash 2pm-9pm • Barstool Bingo 7pm Beach Rock Music and Sports • Free live music 9pm-1am: Spazmatics, ’80s

28 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Keno Tourney 1pm $45 • Free live music 9pm-1am: Afrodisiacs, Disco

29 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • The Clearwater Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm

30 • Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe • Senior Appr’n Day 2X Points, 9am-5pm • Golden Slot Tournaments 10am-3pm

31 • Santa’s Presents Month End Drawings 4pm-8pm • Mobile App Tuesday • Noon Year’s Eve – 12pm Event Center FREE • New Year’s Eve Bash 9pm Beach Rock $25 • $10.00 Burger Shot & Beer BRMS 5pm-11pm

Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe Mobile App Tuesday FREE Comedy Night 7pm $10.00 Burger Shot & Beer Beach Rock Music and Sports 5pm-11pm

Santa’s Presents Daily Swipe Mobile App Tuesday FREE Comedy Night 7pm $10.00 Burger Shot & Beer Beach Rock Music and Sports 5pm-11pm

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 2019

For a complete list of promotions & detailed information, visit ClearwaterCasino.com

You must be 18 to play, 21+ to enter the Beach Rock Music and Sports. Management reserves the right to change any event or promotion.

For a complete list of promotions & detailed information, visit ClearwaterCasino.com

New Address! Next to the Masi Shop.

Suquamish News

14 | December 2019

suquamish.nsn.us

Community News

Ramirez Returns to PME

Incoming Port Madison Enterprises CEO will ‘set new strategy and direction’

R

ion Ramirez, former General Counsel of Port Madison Enterprises, is back. Ramirez began serving in his new role as PME’s Chief Executive Officer on November 4.

Suquamish is a community that “I know and love and am blessed to be part of,” he says about his return.

Ramirez has a long history with Tribal enterprises.

He worked as a teenager for the Indian Smoke Shop on the Puyallup Indian Reservation before attending law school. He first worked for Port Madison Enterprises as an outside attorney beginning in 2000, and then joined the staff as PME’s General Counsel from 2005 to 2018.

During that time, he led 27 Tribes in renegotiating their gaming compact with the state of Washington and negotiated the first Tribal-State marijuana compact.

After leaving Suquamish last year, Ramirez went to work as General Counsel of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which owns the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. His wife, Michelle Ramirez, has 10 brothers and sisters in Washington state, and she was ultimately unwilling to make the move permanent.

Now that he’s back, his plans include finding ways to cut costs and boost profits for the Clearwater Casino, while maintaining its market share, and “thoughtfully working with Tribal government on expansion of the casino, hotel rooms, and meeting and convention space.”

He’s also interested in diversifying revenue by looking to off-reservation sources of tax income.

“Our goal is to create a diverse and sustainable economy,” he said.

“We are thrilled to bring back Rion’s twenty-plus years of Indian Country experience and familiarity with the people and culture of the Suquamish Tribe,”

Traditional Heritage Specialist

N

ovember was hard month and a cold month. I have been organizing my files and trying to make sure I know where things are, as we have moved around up here and my things are all jumbled up.

At one time I had them in a fairly A-Z order, and then we moved and moved again.

Now, who knows where things are and how they got that way? Anyway, I am being like a turtle, making my way slowly through the mess and labeling as I go.

I have a new little recorder that looks like a marker and records to my cellphone. It will then send the recording in text form to my computer. Wow! I do not have to listen, stop, play back, listen, and play back repeatedly to transcribe recordings! WHO of you would like to be the first one to be interviewed with this recorder and see how it works? I would love to have an appointment with someone before the end of the year and we could talk about any topic you like. Gathering, hunting, fishing, Tribal lands, Suquamish in the old

days, your schooling, basketry, carving, songs, dance, or even sports. I know that there is a subject out there and someone that wants to talk about something to let folks in the future know about life in this world today.

You know, when I was young, I thought that everything was so easy, and that Dad and Mom had all the answers. Then one day, Dad was gone and Mom had to explain why he was gone, where he went, and why he was not coming back. To a seven-year-old who was Daddy’s little girl this was hard to understand.

Yet as I grew up I started to learn more about the world and about our little town of Suquamish. The people that knew my family told me stories about my Dad, his relationship with them, his work and the work he did in the community. I was able to ask questions and get open and honest answers from my Elders. I think that is why I enjoy the job I have and respect this community so much. People here are not afraid to be open and honest with you about their thoughts.

So respectfully, again, I ask you to please set appointments with me to record your thoughts for future generations so they will learn about you and the Suquamish Community. Contact me at (360) 394-8526 or mjones@suquamish.nsn.us and I will gladly meet with you.

By Marilyn Jones

says Leonard Forsman, Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe. “In his new role, Rion will set a new strategy and direction for our economic development arm, Port Madison Enterprises, and leverage his expertise to help us achieve our public policy and business initiatives.”

PME President Greg George adds, “Rion was an integral part of our overall growth and development at Port Madison Enterprises, and we know he is going to help us do great things at PME.” Ramirez has also become a key figure in the Democratic Party, chairing the DNC’s Native American Caucus and serving on its Executive Committee and National Finance Committee. He also helped organize a recent Tribal leaders roundtable with key 2020 presidential hopefuls.

Ramirez is a former college football player for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and an alum of the University of Washington and the UW Law School. He is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and has three children: Rion Ramirez, Jr., Javier Ramirez, and Isabella Ramirez.

Suquamish News

suquamish.nsn.us

December 2019 | 15

Birthdays

r e mb

e c De

December 1 Cameron Lawrence Cassady Hill Jeffrey Carriere Katelyn Carper Meadow Sigo-Carr Mya Smith Zane Peterson December 2 Foster Jones Heather West Koebyn Purser Troy Ayres December 3 Ana Edelstein Grace Alexander Susan Parkhurst December 5 Cheyenne Colomb Haylie Mabe

John Villanueva Lewis Bayne Mary Lindell Sammy Mabe Victoria Smith

December 6 Guadalupe O’Brien Patricia Chargualaf Tiana Lawrence December 7 Carroll Crowell Dylan Amick Sandra Power Trentin Moss Tamara Thomas December 8 Breezy Webster Eliza Kegel Wahim Williams Jr.

December 9 Andria Golden Kristina Simons Mary Webster

December 10 Deantre Robeck Samuel Pastrana December 11 Garnet Mabe December 12 Adelyn Oswalt Alicia Henry Celeste Loneia Colleen O’Brien December 13 Shaunie Cordero December 14 Olivia Ferrara

December 15 Joshua Timmerman Rebecca George December 16 Danielle Morsette Jason McClurg-Santos Martin Talmadge Mellissa Pondelick December 17 Sierra Sorensen December 18 David Sigo Jr. Felician Belmont December 19 Ashley Boure-Jones Chandra Nease Logan Mabe Pierre Perrot Trey Kumpf December 20 Donald Jones Nicholas Alexander December 21 Arthur Brown

December 22 Delmont Ostenberg James Mabe Nancy Martinez Richard Purser We-Laka Chiquiti Jr. December 23 Agnes Pratt Julia Hommel Tony Snorteland December 24 Azeneth Solano-Sigo James Cordero James Suarez Lisa Rodriguez December 25

Kyle Dozier Nancy Sigo Toni Smith December 26 Danny Williams December 27 Amiria Lawrence

Anissa Ostenberg Hadley Simons Jackson Purser Patricia Blomberg Tyee Lawrence December 28 Lincoln Lawrence December 29 Amber Boure Carsyn Maloney Daniece Williams December 30 Charissa Sigo Jacquelyn Cheek Linda O’Connor December 31 Desean Santos Jerry Porter Randy George Victoria Welch Wayne George

Suquamish News

16 | December 2019

Kent, WA Permit No. 71

Suquamish Tribe

To

December

19

g ivin

5:30 Pm

Cele b

s a m t s i r h C Gathering ing the spirit of g rat

7:00 Pm

Thursday

2019

sgʷədᶻadad qəł ʔaltxʷ House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Pkwy, Suquamish, WA 98392

5:30pm - Blessing and Dinner 6:00pm - Pictures with Santa & Family Cra�s 6:30pm - Gi� Giving For more informa�on contact Janelle Mills 360-394-8465 Sponsored by Suquamish Human Services, Marion Forsman-Boushie ELC and Sports & Recrea�on Departments Suquamish Tribe and par�cipa�ng departments will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items, accidents, or injuries.

Par�cipate at your own risk. No alcohol or drugs permi�ed.

suquamish.nsn.us PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID

The Suquamish Foundation has partnered with PAWS to offer

Free Spay or Neuter for Dogs & Cats

Suquamish Tribal Members’ pets are eligible for free spay and neuter procedures at a local veterinarian*.

Applications are available at the Tribal Center Front Desk or by emailing the Suquamish Foundation at mrlewis@suquamish.nsn.us *Due to this being a local partnership, it is only available for Kitsap residents **This is a 2017 pilot program but we hope to make it an ongoing program if it works