Community Calendar
Meetings
Suquamish Tribal Council meets March 3. Agenda and links sent via SUN Weekly Update & text.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission meets March 4 & 18, 10am at the Gaming Commission Bldg. Call Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.
All Fishers meeting March 4, HOAC.
Suquamish Warriors meets March 4 at 5:30pm at the Warriors Vet Center.
Suquamish Seafoods Board meets March 11. Call Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
PME Board meets March 12. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com for details.
Suquamish Museum Board meets March 20 , 10am-noon at Museum. For info call (360) 394-8499.
Recovery Meetings. All are welcome to recovery meetings, held Mon-Fri, 6pm at the Wellness Center.
Suquamish News
Community Events
Spring forward - Daylight Savings change. March 9. Clocks forward one hour.
Cedar Sigo Poetry Reading and Book Release - March 9, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. 3-4:30pm.
Suquamish PSE Empowerment
Group Mtg. - March 20 11:30am1:30pm. Family & Friends Center. Lunch provided.
Consider Composting
Suquamish Community Development encourages tribal community residents to take advantage of Kitsap County’s new food composting campaign. Kitsap residents who subscribe to curbside yard waste collection services can now include food waste in their existing yard waste cart. This optional service is available to residents in north, south, and most of central Kitsap. Visit Kitsap's Curbside Composting Service Lookup Map to check for eligibility.
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 telephone number 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.
Cedar Sigo releases new poetry collection
Suquamish poet Cedar Sigo is releasing a new book of his latest works titled Siren of Atlantis.
Currently the artist in residence at the Bloedel Reserve, his new collection features poems that speak to Sigo’s profound experience earning to write again after suffering a stroke in 2022.
Sigo invites the community to a featured reading, conversation, and book signing event at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art March 9, from 3-4:30pm. Tickets are free.
Siren of Atlantis is available to order from Seattle’s Wave Books at: wavepoetry.com/products/siren-of-atlantis
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
March 14-16. 9am-4pm. St. Patrick’s Day Bookmark Activity
March 8 Sat, all day. FREE Museum Admission
March 22 10am-2pm Small Cedar Basket Workshop More info: SuquamishMuseum.org
On the Cover
Suquamish tribal members Shilene George, Beatrice Hommel, and Damian Lawrence are new neighbors, excited to be moving in the tribe’s recently completed townhome development built on the property formerly known as Suquamish Shores. (Photo by Jon Anderson)
Editorial Staff
Leonard Forsman Editor-in-Chief
Catherine Edwards Executive 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.
Suquamish weaver Danielle Morsette helps design new Sounders kit
Salish Sea Kit honors traditional tribal artistry
Thecurrents of tradition and innovation have flowed together in a remarkable way with the release of the Seattle Sounders’ latest uniform, The Salish Sea Kit.
Among the artists behind this striking design is Suquamish tribal member Danielle Morsette. She was one of three Coast Salish artists commissioned to help create the kit, alongside weavers Connie McCloud (Puyallup Tribe) and Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot Tribe).
The kit itself is a visual homage to the Salish Sea and its people, featuring cool green and blue tones that echo the waters of the Pacific Northwest. A pattern inspired by traditional weaving techniques flows across the jersey, with the simple, but powerful, phrase “Water Is Sacred” printed in both English and Lushootseed “xaxaʔ ti qʷuʔ” on the front bottom left corner of each jersey.
For Morsette, this creative collaboration is deeply personal “because it represents the visibility and recognition of the Suquamish people in our own ancestral territory,” she said.
The project is more than just a new jersey for soccer team, it’s part of a larger resurgence in Coast Salish art rising throughout the region. “I’ve wit-
nessed a powerful shift in the arts — from seeing our culture in button blankets and totem poles to wrapping ourselves in our own blankets, raising our own posts, and celebrating the resurgence of Coast Salish art throughout the region,” said Morsette. “We are being acknowledged in our own home, and that’s a beautiful thing.”
The Sounders’ approach to this project was one of respect and genuine partnership. “The Sounders team embraced true collaboration — not just seeking approval, but listening with respect. I’m incredibly proud to see the voices of weavers amplified in a way that truly honors our traditions, and I stand by it wholeheartedly.”
A key element of this project was ensuring the words carried deep meaning. Morsette extended special gratitude to Suquamish Language Program Coordinator Cassy George for donating her time and expertise in helping refine the translation of “Water Is Sacred.”
The Salish Sea Kit will be worn during select games in the 2025-2026 Major League Soccer season, carrying with it the stories, artistry, and resilience of the Coast Salish people. In recognition of this heritage, the Sounders have pledged to donate
up to $50,000 in proceeds from the first 30 days of kit sales to organizations dedicated to preserving tribal cultural heritage and protecting the Salish Sea.
With every thread woven into The Salish Sea Kit, said Morsette, the legacy of Coast Salish artistry and stewardship flows forward — strong as the tides, sacred as the water itself.
By Jon Anderson
A Place to Call Home Suquamish celebrates new ʔabaqidup tribal townhome neighborhood
Elizabeth Napoleon stepped into her new home for the first time, a warm smile spreading across her face as she took in the space. The two-story, two-bedroom townhome was bigger than she expected, with modern flourishes, two bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and even an energy efficient ductless heating and air conditioning unit.
“Wow, this is so cool! I love it!” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. “All this, and a deck too! I love it!”
For Napoleon, the moment was more than just a housing upgrade. It was the culmination of years of waiting, working, and hoping for a home to call her own. After living in the local Oxford House, a transitional home for those in recovery – and now a recovery counselor herself – she was ready for the next step, moving into a home where she and her young son could build a new life together.
“My son is very excited,” she said. “He gets his own bedroom, and now his friends can come over. Everything is close — his childcare, school, my job, our house — it’s all in the same vicinity, in our own community. All the pieces coming together like this, it’s amazing, like it was supposed to happen this way.”
That sense of homecoming was felt by many on Jan. 31, when the Suquamish Tribe officially opened its newest housing development named ʔabaqidup, Lushootseed for “Returning of the Land.” With 20 new townhome units, the $9 million project provides a mix of 2- to 4-bedroom affordable housing rentals, including three ADA accessible units for Tribal Elders or those with mobility challenges.
The name for the development was chosen through community input, reflecting the significance of building homes on land that, for decades, was just out of reach for the tribe.
Historic Return to Tribal Lands
The new tribal housing neighborhood sits on
land once known as Suquamish Shores, a tract of property that had been leased away in a shady deal under an agreement the Bureau of Indian Affairs later admitted should never have been allowed. It wasn’t until 2018 that the tribe finally regained full control of the property.
“This is one of the most sacred parcels of land we have,” said Scott Crowell, the tribe’s Community Development Director, addressing those gathered for the opening ceremony and blessing. “We’ve been here for thousands of years, and now we have our people back here, living in the middle of our own reservation.”
Tribal Council Secretary Denita Holmes remembered being afraid to even go near Suquamish Shores as youth. “I never felt comfortable here. We weren’t even allowed to ride our bikes here,” she said recalling all the no trespassing signs scattered through winding roads of the neighborhood, with residents who would scold any Native child bold
enough to pass through.
No longer, she said, looking out at the new buildings and freshly landscaped grounds. “I hope we build five more of these for our people.”
Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman reflected on the long journey to reclaiming the land, calling the project a statement of resilience and sovereignty.
“This 36-acre property was originally part of the Old Man House complex – 110 acres in all – and 70 of those acres were lost when they condemned Old Man House,” said Forsman, referring to the massive 800-foot, longhouse-style building built by Chief Seattle’s father Chief Kitsap. Old Man House was burnt to the ground in 1870 by the Federal government in a bid to force the tribal community into separate plots of land.
By 1968, the tribe was in a desperate state and leased the remaining land to developers in what turned out “was an illegal agreement that never should have been allowed to occur. But we weath-
ered the storm and 50 years later we got the land back,” said Forsman.
Over more recent years, “we’ve made some statements with places like the House of Awakened Culture, the Suquamish Museum, Legacy Park, and Waterfront Park,” said Forsman, listing off modern day Suquamish landmarks all in or adjacent to the former Suquamish Shores. “Now, we’re making a statement here, with this historic first.”
Indeed, he said, the ʔabaqidup townhomes –built a short walk up the hill from where Old Man House once stood – represents a kind of modern-day equivalent to the kind of longhouse Chief Seattle once called home, a place where families live side by side, in a shared space, creating close-knit community.
“This is the first multi-family housing project we’ve done since the Old Man House era,” said Forsman. “It brings a style of communal living back
to the reservation and we look forward to people creating community here that helps this place grow even more.”
Completed On Time and on Budget
Despite the complexities of the project, the new tribal housing neighborhood was completed on time and on budget. Crowell credited the success to meticulous planning, strong partnerships, and strategic use of federal funding.
“This was made possible by a $3.4 million HUD competitive grant, which very few tribes received, and a $1.7 million congressional allocation, thanks to the efforts of our council and Chairman Forsman working with Congressman Derek Kilmer,” Crowell explained. “That funding put a big dent in the costs and allowed us to move forward.”
The tribe also partnered with local contractors, including its own Port Madison Enterprises Construction Company, which handled much of the site preparation for the development. Crowell estimated that before a single foundation was laid, his team had spent two years in planning meetings, going over every detail down to the color of the roofing.
Forsman also pointed to the project as a success story for tribal governance and the long-term work of building sustainable relationships with congressional leaders and federal agencies.
You can learn how to pronounce ʔabaqidup with this video, produced by the Suquamish Language Program.
“Anytime you hear people say ‘government doesn’t work’, well, it’s working right here,” Forsman said. “It’s not always perfect, but this project is an example of government creating opportunity, righting some of the wrongs done to this reservation, and investing in our economy.”
Beyond the construction itself, the project represents a shift toward a new kind of housing solution for the Suquamish Tribe, one that blends affordability, accessibility, and community.
Rachel Nellenbach, a housing specialist with the tribe’s Community Development team, noted that the units were designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. About half of the homes are designated for lower-income families, while the others provide options for middle-income tribal members who often struggle to qualify for assistance yet still need affordable housing.
For Napoleon, moving into ʔabaqidup isn’t just about having a new home, it’s about continuing a journey of healing, growth, and belonging.
“When I got clean, I set goals for myself, and I’ve accomplished every single one,” she said. “First, it was my job at Wellness, then it was getting my own place.”
As she looked out from the deck of her new home, Napoleon reflected on what it meant to finally have a place of her own, in the heart of her community.
“This is my first house. Like, my first real home, just me and my kid. And it happened sooner than I thought,” she said. “I expected to wait five to seven years, but it only took three. I tell everyone, update your application and stay on it, because it happens. It really happens.”
By Jon Anderson
General Council 2025
March 15 & 16 Kiana Lodge
The Suquamish General Council, which includes all adult members of the tribe, will gather at the Port Madison Reservation March 15 & 16 to hear reports from tribal government staff and enterprise leaders and cast ballots for two positions on Tribal Council.
The entire General Council gathering will be held at Kiana
Elders Council meets Saturday Morning
Tribal Elders are invited to gather the morning of March 15, the first day of General Council, to hear reports and cast votes for two positions on Elders Council.
The meeting will take place at Kiana Lodge. Breakfast will be served starting at 8am and the meeting will be called to order at 9am.
Two Elders Council seats are up for election this year:
• Chair position, currently held by Bill Stroud
• Secretary position, currently held by Tracy Tabafunda
Both incumbents will be standing for re-election, and nominations from the floor are welcome.
Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman will also address the Elders Council. Elders Program Coordinator Della Crowell will deliver a report on the tribe’s Elders Program.
For more information, contact Elders Council Chairman Bill Stroud wlmlstroud@peoplepc.com or Secretary Tracy Tabafunda at ttabafunda@ comcast.net.
Lodge. The opening session on Saturday will be called to order at 12:30pm with an opening prayer and welcome remarks, followed by a lunch and then reports from government staff.
On Sunday, proceedings start at 9am for a full day of more reports, Elder honorings, candidate speeches, and elections.
This year, tribal members will be casting ballots for two positions on Tribal Council:
• Vice Chair, currently held by Josh Bagley
• Treasurer, currently held by Denita Holmes
Here are some additional details to help tribal members get ready.
Childcare
Time is running out to register!
Free childcare is available at the Marion Forsman Boushie Early Learning Center for the children of tribal members attending General Council. Children six months to 11 years old are eligible.
Care is available:
• March 15 – noon to 4:30pm
• March 16 – 9am to 5:30pm Parents must register for enrollment no later than March 7. Staff encourage anyone interested, however, to reach out as soon as possible before all seats are filled.
For more information or to register, contact Indika Bray at (360) 394-8580 or ibray@suquamish.nsn.us.
Parking
Parking at Kiana Lodge is for Elders ONLY Everyone else should park at the Masi Shop at 16281 WA-305 and take the shuttle to Kiana Lodge.
Shuttle Schedule
• March 15 – Shuttles start at 11:45am, with runs all day, every 15 minutes.
• March 16 – Shuttles start at 8:30am, with runs all day, every 15 minutes.
Shuttle Rider Raffle! Specific (and cool!) raffle prizes for those taking the shuttle.
Shuttle riders will get a raffle ticket from the driver or a volunteer to turn in at the registration table.
Diana Riggins Position: Treasurer
Dear Members of the Suquamish Tribe, I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Treasurer on our Tribal Council. Serving our Tribe in Economic Development has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our shared vision of a stronger, more self-sufficient future.
My roots in our Tribe run deep. I am the daughter of Betty Pasco, who was raised by her grandmother, Celia Jackson. Their wisdom, resilience, and dedication to our people have been guiding lights in my life. Although I did not grow up on the reservation, my heart has always been here, connected through family, tradition, and a deep respect for our shared history. I have spent years contributing my time and efforts to our Tribe, always seeking ways to support and uplift our people. In the early 1990s, I was involved in economic development initiatives for our Tribe, and that work remains a source of great pride and motivation for me.
As we continue on our path of self-determination, I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure that our financial decisions reflect our values, traditions, and long-term goals.
My work in economic development has provided me with valuable insight into our Tribe’s diverse revenue streams and opportunities for growth.
I have gained a clear understanding of what we have accomplished and what more is possible. While I am proud of the progress we’ve made together, I also see untapped potential—avenues for sustainable growth and income that can further secure our Tribe’s prosperity for generations to come.
Throughout my career, I have focused on creating sustainable economic strategies that prioritize both growth and community well-being. With over three decades of experience managing complex budgets, developing successful business plans, and working with diverse teams, I bring a strategic perspective that is rooted in careful planning and thoughtful stewardship. My approach has always
Tribal Council
Candidate Statements
been to lead with purpose, ensuring that every financial decision not only benefits us today but leaves a legacy for tomorrow.
I believe in the strength and resilience of our people. I believe in preserving and enhancing the opportunities available to our youth, elders, and future generations.
I believe in continuing to foster our independence while honoring the wisdom and sacrifices of those who came before us. My heart is in this work, and I am prepared to devote my full energy to ensuring that our Tribe’s financial resources are managed responsibly and creatively to achieve our shared aspirations.
As Treasurer, I will work to:
• Strengthen the Tribe’s financial sustainability by identifying and developing diverse income streams that align with our cultural and community values.
• Promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that every financial decision is communicated clearly and benefits the collective well-being of our people.
• Support programs and initiatives that uplift our members, including educational, cultural, and economic opportunities.
I understand the immense responsibility that comes with this role, and I do not take it lightly. I am ready to listen, learn, and collaborate with all of you to guide our Tribe forward. Together, we can create a future where our financial stability is not just a goal but a lasting reality.
I love and respect our Tribe, and I only hope that my involvement will help us sustain our government into the future. I am sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me thus far, and I humbly ask for your support as I seek to serve as your Treasurer. My commitment is to you—to our Tribe, our traditions, and the vision of a thriving future.
Thank you for considering me.
Respectfully,
Diana Riggins
Josh Bagley
Fellow Citizens of the Suquamish Tribe, My name is Josh Bagley, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for reelection as Vice Chair of the Suquamish Tribal Council. I come from the Bagley and Sigo families, and it has been a privilege to serve our people over the past three years on Tribal Council.
When I first ran for this position, I wanted to be a strong voice for our people, standing up for the issues that matter to you. That commitment has not changed.
My personal priorities remain treaty protection, improving housing, helping people recover from addiction, and better education opportunities for everyone. These are the foundation of a thriving community and we’ve made solid progress. But there is more work to be done and I will continue to be a voice for meaningful progress in these areas.
One issue I am especially committed to is the ongoing culvert case, which affects tribes – and all people – across Washington State. Reclaiming salmon habitat not only means restoring healthy salmon runs, but also helping Orca and all our animal relations that rely on them.
As a former diver, I am humbled to now also represent our tribe in the Treaty Rights Protection Division as the policy liaison working with other tribes, agencies, and groups across the state and nation. Ensuring that our treaty rights are upheld and that we protect our natural resources for future generations is a responsibility I take very seriously.
Over the past three years, I have learned a lot about being a tribal leader — how to navigate the challenges, make tough decisions, and ensure that every voice is heard. I am ready to take this experience and use it to serve you even better in the years ahead.
I encourage all of you to participate in General Council. Your voice and your vote matter. I humbly ask for your support so that together we can continue working hard for a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Suquamish Tribe.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you at General Council!
Josh Bagley
Position: Vice Chair
Chairman’s Report
Engaging with the State of Washington on a variety of issues continues to be a priority, especially in the areas of education, health, and natural resources protection.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) hosted Tribal Leaders on Congress in their Olympia office. We received updates from legislators on the state budget for K-12 education and proposed legislation, including a bill to strengthen requirements for teaching tribal curriculum in public schools.
This would build on previous bills sponsored by the late Senator John McCoy (Tulalip). I was able to testify in support of this bill before the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee during on online session. OSPI announced their Tribal Leaders Summit on Education conference to be held at Washington State University in April.
The Suquamish Tribal Council joined government staff and Port Madison Enterprises leadership in day-long meetings with state legislators to discuss our priorities this session. Our primary ask is for funding to establish a medical facility to treat addiction in our community. We also discussed strategies on salmon recovery, especially in respect to culvert removal, and public safety.
Celebrating Treaty Rights
Treaty rights protection is one of our top responsibilities as signatories to the Treaty of Point Elliott. We acknowledged the anniversary of the Treaty on Jan. 22 with an event held at the House of Awakened Culture. We watched a short film describing
the history of the treaties and the rights associated with the solemn agreements. I joined Vice Chair Josh Bagley in providing the audience with more background from our perspective.
A similar event was held in Bremerton at the Roxy Theater as well. The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission hosted a screening of “Fish Wars” a documentary detailing the history of the Northwest Tribes’ struggle to establish their treaty fishing rights in the 1960s and 1970s. I joined former Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Chairman Ron Charles in a question-and-answer session with the audience after the film.
Protecting Treaty Resources
We also work with intergovernmental organizations to encourage and invest in protection ecosystems that are vital to salmon recovery and shellfish protection. The West Sound Partners for Ecosystem Recovery serves Kitsap and a portion of Pierce County. We held our bi-monthly meeting to learn more about how the Environmental Protection Agency funds projects to restore and protect habitat in the Salish Sea in partnership with the State and Tribes.
The Puget Sound Regional Council, which serves governments in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties in planning growth and economic development held a call to discuss potential impacts of federal funding freezes implemented by the Trump Administration. They asked that we share information with them to help them in planning and advocacy for regional priorities.
The Squaxin Island Tribe hosted a tribal leaders meeting to discuss the progress of the State of Washington’s compliance with the federal injunction to replace fish blocking culverts on streams in Western Washington. Our attorneys provided an update and tribal leaders emphasized the importance of opening more spawning habitat for struggling salmon runs.
We continue to meet with the US Navy on issues relating to potential treaty fishing impacts of their projects, especially improvements proposed for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. We continue to have consistent interaction and consultation with Navy leadership both at the local, regional and national level to discuss our mutual priorities and challenges.
Celebrating Culture
There are many opportunities to celebrate our Suquamish culture and those that are working so hard to preserve our traditions.
The Suquamish Museum hosted an event previewing the exhibit on the art of Virginia Adams, our late Suquamish traditional weaver. I really appreciate all of the work that went into this exhibit honoring Virginia’s beautiful work.
I was also fortunate to help in the dedication of a house post at Seattle Waterfront Park carved by Suquamish Artist Randi Purser. The carving, entitled “Looking at All Tomorrows” is a figure of Chief Seattle as an infant in the arms of his mother. This is the partner to the pole recently dedicated on Bainbridge Island depicting Chief Seattle’s father. Thank you to Randi and her team for contributing this beautiful work and sharing our culture with the public.
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has established a Maritime Washington National Heritage Area that overlaps our usual and accustomed fishing and gathering areas and has employed a post-doctoral fellow to gather information on places of cultural importance to the Suquamish Tribe. The Culture Department hosted a virtual meeting with potential informants to introduce the project. The interviewer will be setting up meetings to gather information with assurances that sensitive information will not be made public.
Nigel Lawrence, one of our Suquamish Canoe Family skippers, is teaching his class on Tribal Canoe Journeys at the University of Washington again this quarter. He has guest speakers attend the class to share their experiences and reflections on the history of the journey and how it has impacted their nations and communities. I presented to his class at the Intellectual House on the UW Seattle campus to describe my recollections of the original Paddle to Seattle in 1989, traveling on the journeys between 2004 and 2024 and our hosting here in Suquamish in 2009.
Also at UW, the Board of Regents selected a new University President after a months-long process. Ana Mari Cauce is retiring at the end of this academic year. I was honored to serve on the subcommittee that narrowed the list of candidates to a small number of finalists. Robert J. Jones, who is
finishing a nine-year tenure as Chancellor at the University of Illinois, will be the 34th President of the UW.
Intertribal gatherings
The recurring annual intertribal conferences were again held early this year.
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians’ Winter Convention took place in Portland, Oregon in late January. The conference was overshadowed by the first week of the new administration and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) federal funding freeze that was impacting tribal governments.
Most of the freeze was aimed at programs promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and climate change. ATNI convened a work group with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to address the federal actions emphasizing the trust and treaty relationship between the Tribes and the United States. Fortunately, the OMB rescinded the freeze and this temporarily relieved us from taking emergency actions.
The ATNI conference had great attendance and despite the absence of some federal officials due to the change in administration we managed to develop policy direction that will serve us well going forward.
We did have an in-person address by U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR, 5th District) who was elected last fall. Congresswoman Bynum described her background as an engineer and member of the State House and expressed her support for the values and traditions of the tribal governments.
We also had representation from some of the key federal agencies that partner with tribes to protect our resources including the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. As ATNI President I appreciate the support of the organization by tribal leaders and those working for positive change in Indian Country especially NCAI and the Indian Gaming Association.
The Washington Indian Gaming Association held their monthly meetings in Squaxin and Nisqually. We received updates on gaming legislation in the state legislature where do not expect any viable legislation being passed. We also received updates on the Maverick lawsuit where the 9th circuit has ruled in our favor and we are awaiting next steps by the plaintiff that is challenging the legality of our state/tribal gaming compacts.
NCAI meetings in DC
NCAI held their Executive Council Winter Session in Washington, DC Feb. 10-13. For me, the conference started a day earlier as our Executive Board met to review talking points for tribal leaders to use in discussions with congressional and agency representatives during our visits to Capitol Hill. Our top messages are:
• Tribes have a unique political status within the United States.
• Federal funding for tribal programs is legally mandated and should not be delayed or reallocated.
• The Administration must consult directly with tribes on a government-to-government basis.
We started the week with the State of Indian Nations address given by President Macarro. We also heard from some of our congressional representatives including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (RAK) who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Murkowski restated her support of tribal programs and said she would continue to advocate for our needs. The week before the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the Trump Executive Order on DEI cuts “does not apply” to HHS “programs or activities” that “affect or serve American Indians/Alaska Natives.”
Incoming Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum addressed the General Assembly and related his experience consulting with tribal governments while he was Governor of North Dakota. The first part of his term involved negotiating a peaceful end to the Dakota Access Pipeline protest at
Standing Rock. He wants the government to work better and address pressing needs in Indian Country, including health care, law enforcement, energy development, education, and eliminating red tape.
The Indian Gaming Association also reinitiated their partnership with NCAI to strengthen our messaging to Congress and the Administration in a meeting at the conference and we look forward to working together with the two organizations.
The last part of the week had us going to “The Hill” to meet with our congressional representatives. I met with several members of the Washington delegation both on Suquamish and national priorities, including in-person meetings with our new Congresswoman Emily Randall (D-Port Orchard) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). Our tribal priorities included continued support for protection of our treaty rights and stable funding for our health and public safety programs.
Exercising our Sovereign Governance
Of course, the beginning of March means General Council is just a few weeks away. Tribal government staff have been hard at work preparing for our annual meeting to fulfill our constitutional mission with reports and elections for the Vice Chair and Treasurer positions on Tribal Council. There is no doubt we are facing challenging times on several fronts, but we also have a lot to celebrate this year and exciting plans for the months ahead. Whether you are coming from near or far, I wish everyone safe travels as we gathering again at Kiana Lodge for General Council 2025.
By Leonard Forsman Suquamish
Tribe Chairman
Celebrating 2024 Babies!
The Suquamish Tribal community had some adorable new arrivals in 2024. We’re celebrating them in this edition of the newspaper.
If your baby or grandbaby wasn’t included, just send one or more photos, their name, and their parents’ and grandparents’ names to communications@Suquamish.nsn.us by March 7 and we’ll include them in a slideshow during General Council.
Thank you! Suquamish Communications Team
Krumani Andre Shawn Banks
Born: April 18, 2024
Parent: Shilene George
Grandmother:Skylene George
Great Grandparents: Melodie Marvel, Marlin George Sr & Billy Jones II
Grandparents: Jennifer George & Kevin George
Great Grandparents: Alan & Linda Hanson
Great Grandparents: Ted & Frances George
Parent: Virgo Banks
Grandparents: Cindy Faamafoe & Virgo Banks
Great Grandparents: Leuiga Logova & Tuamafa Logova
Great Grandparents: Regina Nettles & Donald Banks
Lola Luna Lerdo
Born: April 18, 2024
Parents: Brittney Lerdo and Alan Lerdo
Grandparents: Kelly Melson and Jason Melson
Great Grandparents: Janis Contraro and Roger Contraro
Born: April 22, 2024
Mother:
Born: June 15, 2024
Parents: Shilo Redhorse and Joray Redhorse
Grandmother: Jenell Davis (Napoleon)
Beatrice ‘Baby Bea’ Richter
Beatrice ‘Lil Bea’ Hommel
Father: Michael Richter
Kalilah C’k’ápaʔac Marie Redhorse
Enzo Luca Scolaro
Born: June 17, 2024
Parents: Kelsey and Drew Scolaro
Grandparents: Vernon Wayne and Marianne Vollenweider
Patri-Sia Maxine Adams
Born: Aug. 28, 2024
Parents: Steven Adams & Lehualani Fontes
Grandparents: Anthony Adams Sr. and Marian Sparks; Silas Fontes and Patricia Selam
Rocky Heli Smith
Born: Oct. 2, 2024
Parents: Daniel Cody Smith (Suquamish)
Angeline Narte (shxwhá:y band member)
Grandparents: Toni Rene Smith, Kent Smith
Myron Narte, late Kathy (Farnsworth) Narte
Kierian Michael Crow (pronounced Keer-ee-an)
Born: Dec. 23, 2024
Parents: Devan and Lillian Crow
Grandparents: Karleen and Robert Crow and Benji Ives
this past month was a crazy one weather-wise. Snow, ice, slush, you name it, we had it.
Many Elders events were cancelled due to the weather. We want to remind everyone that we do this out of an abundance of caution—we want our Elders to stay in one piece!
Congratulations to Ed Cordero and wife Patty who were married 45 years ago on New Year’s Eve. We think they should give us all their secret to a long marriage.
Sending Elder Steve Holt good wishes; he is in Florida finishing up a Boat Mechanics program. We will soon have our own Elder mechanic to ask for advice.
Elder Cathlene Norris (George) and her husband Rob have officially become snowbirds. They found the sun, and are currently resting their wings in Florida. Lucky birds, they missed all the snow here.
Lisa Laguna Lewis (wife of Elder Mark Lewis) came back from vacationing with her sister in Isla de Mujeres, Mexico. She was just glowing while wearing her winter tan. Here at the rez we can only dream of such things as warm sunshine.
On a sad note, Mike Roger’s (Jackson) puppy Tyson went over the Rainbow Bridge. We are sorry for the loss of Mike’s furry friend.
Della & Melissa have been busy working on the 2025 Elders Trips. There are six different options to choose from, including two new “No Hotel Stay” options.
The Elders Council has also been busy planning the annual Elders Council meeting held during General Council. The date this year is Saturday, March 15.
The venue is Kiana Lodge. Breakfast starts at 8am and the meeting will begin at 9am. There
From the desk of the Traditional Heritage Specialist
Well,we had six more weeks of winter and now we are looking forward to get some warmer weather. I am working hard on staying healthy and hoping to see many of you at General Council the 15th and 16th of this month.
Please remember that we have Elders that have canes, walkers, and problems hearing, so you need to respect them and only talk when you have to say something to the council.
If you wish to visit with someone, please step outside and use soft voices. When it is time to vote, please let the ones with special needs go first and assist them if need be. Don’t rush up and block the way and make them stand for a long time. Many of our older folks can’t stand for long periods, so let them go first, please.
The same goes for the meal. Older Elders go first and younger Elders go next. People in their 70’s and up, then 60’s, then all the 55’s go. Just because you just became an Elder doesn’t mean
is a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.
Elders Council Secretary Tracy Tabafunda will have the agenda available in the next few weeks, it will be posted on Elders Facebook and sent out via email and text alert.
Our hearts go out to the families of Harold Pratt and Jennifer George for the loss of their loved ones.
Thank you to Calina Lawrence (daughter of Elder Steve Lawrence) for her wonderful words during the services, and for sending Harold & Jennifer off in such a loving and respectful way. The flowers that Elders Council Treasurer Charlene Renquist ordered on behalf of the Elders were beautiful.
Remember to give thanks for the small things in life, stay one with our culture, and please help those who are ill or in need of comforting.
Happy trails to all, until we meet again.
By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund Elders Program
running ahead of everyone. If there is still someone older than you and you must always respect your Elders!
I have been looking for folks that are willing to record stories and share family memories of growing up in this area.
Swimming at Chief Seattle Park, Jeff Head, Indianola Dock, downtown Suquamish. Playing in the woods, riding bikes up and down the streets, clam digging and eating them on the beach, going all around town and not being afraid of anything because we knew everyone. Walking to school, the store, the different friends’ houses, and just hanging out until dark.
If you have these memories like these, please come and let’s talk about what you remember. Contact me at either (360) 340-0206 or mjones@ suquamish.nsn.us and we can make an appointment.
By Marilyn Jones Traditional Heritage Specialist
Suquamish hosts cockle symposium
The Suquamish Tribe hosted an intertribal symposium Feb. 25 & 26 at the House of Awakened Culture, bringing together tribal members, scientists, and community leaders to discuss the cultural significance and restoration efforts surrounding the cockle.
High winds, downed trees, and an all-day power and internet outage did not deter more than 100 people from gathering for the event dubbed Celebrating the Cockle: Weaving Together Tradition & Science. Delegations from Native communities came from Alaska, Canada, and throughout the Pacific Northwest to share stories, culture, and the latest research – not to mention trading tasty morsels of the delicious bi-valve – which has seen dwindling numbers in recent years.
The decline of cockles has been a concern for many in the wider tribal community.
Traditional Plants & Medicine Coordinator Azure Boure said during her childhood, cockles were a staple at family gatherings and clam bakes. However, in recent years, they’ve become increasingly hard to find.
“They have definitely been declining on our beaches,” said Boure. “So much so that my younger kids didn’t know what cockles were.” That’s just one of the reasons she wanted to help with the tribe’s restoration efforts.
Elizabeth Unsell, a shellfish biologist for the tribe’s Fisheries Department who organized the event in collaboration with the Cultural Resources
Department, has been at the center of research and restoration work.
“This is an opportunity to share the work that we have been doing and to learn from the work that others have been doing because cockles are important to many other tribes as well,” said Unsell. “We are really trying to learn from each other and work together toward supporting this favorite species.”
The event also featured breakout sessions including tribal chef Jay Mills offering a class on cockle canning, and a hands-on workshop with Boure making cockle candles. Field trips to the Suquamish Seafoods plant, tribal hatcheries, and clam restoration sites rounded out the second day.
By Jon Anderson
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March
March 1
Grace Clark
Jared Charette
March 2
Christa Thomasson
Della Crowell
Jade Myers
Marc Pugh
Talia Adams
March 3
Ainslee Moss
Cecilia Serrato
Danielle Kimmel
Donnie Adams
Eleanor Worden
Ella Day
Jacob Glaze
Kaleo Nahanee
Selena Adams-Chapman
March 4
Christopher Puckett
Janelle Mills
John Kerns Jr.
Telia Johnson
William Joe
March 5
Benjamin Seals II
Brycen Sigo
Cheryl Lawrence
Nanette Sanchez
Robert Purser Jr.
March 6
Charles Dryden
Clara Crowell
Gabriel Day
Lydia Sigo
Winona Sigo-Heredia
March 7
Derek Lund
Eduardo Reynoso-Purser
Joseph Reynoso-Purser
Steven Lund
Wendy Boure
March 8
Amanda Rubeck
Joan Bagley
Kaeleigh Patrick
Mikea Moss-Robideau
Morgan Bradwell
Shelly Thomas
Thomas Pratt
Vincent Chargualaf
Willow Webster
March 10
Carl Mack
Devany Dutton
March 11
Modelle Mudd
Viggo Hagen
March 12
Charles Landsaw
Philip Holt III
March 13
Hannah Ballard
Juli Morton-Thornton
Kate Ahvakana
Mark Lewis
March 14
Christine Sheppard
Hailey Crow
Mary Alexander
Tyzaiah Lawrence
March 15
Cheyenne Myers
Jamie Surratt
Wahim Williams
March 16
Kalise Cordero-Dizon
Kippie Joe
Ricky Oakman
March 17
Dickie Johnson
Kaidyn Setten
Kaylie Setten
Lenora Bagley
Marie Sanders
Neil Howard
Riley Adams
March 18
Jeffrey Hoffman
Shannon Bayes
March 19
Amber Horejsi
Jack Pastrana
Jolene Haas
Kaia Jackson
Birthdays
March 20
Anthony Adams
Briana Hoffman
Edward Midkiff Jr.
Neoma Boure
Shayna Bagley
March 21
Aidyn Saldivar
Diana Riggins
Dylan Fleck
Joli Accos
Tyson Oakman
March 22
Cherrie May
Isabelle Hedges
Libie Gibson
Lucas Baker
Malachi Brown-Flath
Mason Johnson
Teniya Lewis
March 23
Ave Maria MacDonald
Brendan Day
Camilla Pratt
Elaina-Rose Hayes
Francisco Smith
Joshua Bagley Jr.
Lorilee Morsette
Petrina Joe-Lanham
Robert Purser III
March 24
Avah Seier
Caleb Snow
Tyler Marquez
March 25
March 26
Jase Kramer-Holt
Kyle Turner
March 27
Dorene Mclntosh
Eric Greer
Isabella Cordero-Laguna
Leonard Barnes IV
March 28
Ciarra Covarrubias
Izabella O’Brien
Juanita Lantzy
Khloe Mortensen
Tegan Ledesma
Zhoe Mortensen
March 29
Brittany Adams
Cassandra George
Jacob Anderson
March 30
Antonio Guardipee
Clinton Jenkins
Erica Isom
Lawrence Sigo
Lucien Hall
Malora Chee
Ricky Alexander
Tataya Lawrence
Victor Chee
March 31
Michael Smith Jr.
Steve Clark
Grace Rodriguez
Ismaeel Ridani
Juanita Mabe
Maximum Pezzanite
Mosaic Maroney
Kyles Gemmell
