Suquamish News - May 2021

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Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

May 2021 | 1

Suquamish News Volume 21

May 2021

No. 5

Legacy Park Opens

Suquamish themes delight, educate, and build resilience In this issue ...

Live with wisdom, confidence, and balance -- p7 Spring: Time to gather cedar -- p10 Salmon harvest update -- p11

Suquamish artifacts come home — p4

Last day at mass vaccination clinic — p5

Earth Day clean up — p6

Suquamish News

2 | May 2021

Community Calendar Events & Meetings

Regular Hours

Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm.

Meets online May 6 & 20. Call Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.

Suquamish Elders — contact: Della Crowell (360) 394-8417 Donna Sigo (360) 394-8472

Suquamish Seafoods Board meets online on May 11 @ 2pm. Seafoods Retail is open Thurs-Sun. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.

Suquamish Police Department lobby is available for government-related paperwork. Mon-Fri, 8am–4:30pm Front Desk: (360) 598-4334 Emergency: 911

Suquamish.nsn.us

Government Offices Communications: (360) 394-7184/7102 Community Dev: (360) 394-8415 Community Health: (360) 394-8468/8594 Emergency Management: (360) 394-8507 Emergency Work Orders: (360) 900-7050 Emergency Utilities: (360) 710-3223 Suquamish Warriors For information, contact Jean Belmont at Finance: (360) 394-8432 Fisheries: (360) 394-8438 (360) 601-7918.

Health Benefits: (360) 394-8424 Human Resources: (360) 394-8409 PME Board meets online on May 12.

Human Services: (360) 394-8465 The SEC/PMECC/PMCC Board meets IT Help Desk: (360) 394-8485 on May 26 @ 9am, and will be inperson at SCCR (Whale Room) and via Maintenance: (360) 394-8590 WebEx. Contact Emily Sato, emilysato@ Tribal Child Welfare: (360) 394-8480 Tribal Court: (360) 394-8697 clearwatercasino.com, (360) 598-8703

Suquamish Tribal Council Tribal Council meets May 10 & 24. Links are sent to Tribal members via SUN or ask Rebecca Purser, (360) 900-8031, rebeccapurser@suquamish.nsn.us.

Suquamish Museum Board Meets May 20 @ 11am-1pm online. Call Jennifer at (360) 394-4847 for info.

Wellness Center Front desk: (360) 394-8558 Crisis Hotline: (888) 910-0416

2021 Tribal Distributions will take place on November 5. If you want to receive On the cover your payments through Direct Deposit, Robin L.W. Sigo, Tribal Council Treasurer contact Finance_Info@suquamish.nsn. and advocate for Legacy Park, at the park’s us. If you have an address change, please blessing ceremony. (See article on page 3.) contact Enrollment.

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

What will it mean when we’re all vaccinated?

Cedar Trees have been the root of our traditions for generations. As we get vaccinated to heal our community, the water level inside the tree will increase. As the water level increases, so does the healing within our community. If we work together to heal the tree we’ll be able to enjoy the activities and socializing we cherished prior to the pandemic. (See article on page 5.) By Lisa Rodriguez

Suquamish Tribal Council Leonard Forsman

Chairman

Wayne George

Vice-Chair

Windy Anderson

Secretary

Robin L.W. 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 Leonard Forsman Sarah van Gelder Jon Anderson JoAnn Joe Heather Purser

Editorial Policy

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design Communications Associate

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.

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Suquamish News

May 2021 | 3

Community

New Legacy Park Is a Place for Families to Thrive Blessing of the park took place with just a small group to protect everyone’s safety. A future naming ceremony is in the works.

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fter eight years of planning and nine months of waiting for Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted, Legacy Park opened with a small ceremony and blessing on a cool Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Although those on the Park Planning Committee may have imagined a grand opening to celebrate its completion, they didn’t want to make the community wait to use the park until restrictions on large gatherings were lifted.

“We knew it was an important place to get open as it is one of the safer family activities we can do right now,” wrote Tribal Council Treasurer and planning committee member Robin L.W. Sigo in an email about the park. And so, without further delay, the chain-link fences that had enclosed it since June were taken down, and the park opened in a very Suquamish Tribal way — with good words, lots of laughter, prayers, and songs.

The park features seven stories of the Suquamish people represented throughout its various toys and installments. A merry-go-round covered in climbing ropes shaped to look like a basket teaches the story of Basket Ogres. A quick slip down a yellow slide away, climbable statues of Orcas commemorate the day a pod welcomed the return of Tribal artifacts.

And at the entrance, a replica of Haleets Petroglyph Rock serves as yet another exciting place to climb. No

matter where you look in the park, you will see a reminder that you are on Suquamish Tribal land.

Feeding our Ancestral Resilience Surrounded by the many shades of green from trees bordering the park and with a view of the mountains that overlook the waters of x̌ʷəlč (Salish Sea) the park provides an ideal location for families to bond and share joyful moments.

“These moments turn into happy memories that build resilience in each person,” wrote Sigo. “There is a lot of talk about historical trauma, but we have ancestral resilience too.”

Sigo, who earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington, has studied a lot about supporting healthy communities and families.

For her, this is so much more than just a park. “It’s a place of connection that provides substance abuse prevention, stability, healthy relationships, and a stronger Suquamish,” she wrote.

‘Legacy Park’ is a stand-in title until a second and much bigger event can be held safely, including a naming ceremony. In the meantime, the park planning committee is giving careful thought to name suggestions and listening for more.

Heather Purser

4 | May 2021

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

History

“Like Old Friends Coming Home” Suquamish Art and Photos Returned to Museum from Kitsap Historical Society

O

ld Man House Park is named for one of the region’s largest longhouses, where Chief Kitsap, Chief Seattle, and his father, Chief Schweabe, lived, along with generations of Suquamish people. Stories tell of canoes lining the beaches as visitors from throughout the region gathered for potlatches and other ceremonies.

At the order of the local Indian agent, the longhouse was burned in 1870. The Tribe’s village was rebuilt, but in 1904, the US military took the land and much of the rest of the Tribe’s waterfront, claiming it was needed to fortify the waterways leading to the Bremerton shipyard.

Instead of being used for military protection, though, the land was sold to a private developer in 1937 and subdivided for vacation homes.

Three of those lots were purchased by the state of Washington in recognition of the priceless historic importance of the land where Old Man House once stood.

Those three lots became Old Man House State Park.

In 1949, curators from the state of Washington and Kitsap County visited the park, and took two large pieces of the remnants of Old Man House, according to Suquamish Museum director Janet Smoak.

One of those remnants was returned on April 8, 2021, by the Kitsap Historical

Society, along with baskets, trade beads, miniature carved canoes, canoe paddles that were carved by William Sigo, a drum made by Virgil Temple and donated by his wife, and photographs, including the passport photos of three of the Suquamish ballplayers who famously traveled to Japan.

This is just the latest of several batches of artifacts from Old Man House and elsewhere in Suquamish territory that have been returned to the Tribe since Old Man House Park was returned to the Suquamish people in 2005.

And it was a big moment for Angee Harrington (Wahalcut), Suquamish Tribal member and Collections Management Specialist.

“My eyes welled up and it felt like seeing a friend who you haven’t seen in a long time,” she said. “These objects are back where they belong, they are home.”

Harrington had spent 18 months in discussions with the curator of the Kitsap Historic Association leading to the eventual return of the objects, so she was very familiar with them by the time they arrived. Some of the artifacts are especially valuable because they are examples of Coast Salish art that the museum did not already have. Harrington pointed to baskets with particular wind designs some-

times called “whirling logs.”

In other cases, Harrington recognized that other tribes had first claim on the objects. For example, she identified some of the baskets as Skokomish, so she recommended the Association reach out to the Skokomish people to return those items.

For Harrington, it was the Russian trade beads among the dozens of items returned that especially caught her eye. “I thought, wow, these are super old,” she said. Pointing out that the manufacturing process has changed more recently, since these beads were made. The beads were acquired on Bainbridge Island, she learned.

Trade beads were exchanged up and down the coast, from Alaska to California, she said. Early fur traders, members of the military, and explorers would give gifts of beads in exchange for things they needed from the Native communities they encountered.

This will be Angee Harrington’s first big collection to prepare for incorporating into the museum.

According to Janet Smoak, Suquamish Museum director, the return of the artifacts by Jeanine Greco curator for the Kitsap Historical Society, is unusual. “She is one of those people who recognizes the colonial past, and has made it her mission to do something to remedy it,”

said Suquamish Museum director Janet Smoak. “I do applaud her for that,” Smoak said, adding: “However you obtain these artifacts, you’re still taking someone else’s patrimony.”

“I hope that other county/colonial museums follow suit,” said Greco in an email to Smoak following the return of the artifacts. “I’m so glad that these pieces are with you and your community. The staff and board here all know that the items will be better served, preserved, and interpreted with your museum.”

New items for the Museum Collection This fall, the Museum is planning to open an exhibit on Old Man House, incorporating some of these artifacts along with those returned by the Burke Museum and others that were already part of the Tribe’s permanent collection. The previous Old Man House exhibit showcased “just a fraction of the artifacts from Old Man House now in the museum’s collection,” Smoak said.

Meanwhile, family members and Suquamish artists are invited to set up appointments to view these newly returned treasures.

Sarah van Gelder

Pictured below, items returned to Suquamish from the Kitsap Historical Society, from Left: Angee Harrington (Wahalcut) examines a basket; spoons; a remnant of Old Man House; trade beads.

Suquamish.nsn.us

Suquamish News

May 2021 | 5

Health & Wellness

ʔut’ut’uc’təb čəd ʔə ti st’ulǰəxʷ

I got vaccinated!

On April 21, the Tribe held the last mass vaccine clinic at the Casino Resort Parking Garage.

Community Health will now manage smaller vaccination opportunities behind the Tribal Administration Building. Community Health is determining how youth vaccination will be handled.

Government staff and PME employees are now at 83 percent vaccination rate, and 63 percent of tribal membership have been vaccinated.

The Emergency Operations Center is now focused on getting vaccinations for all in the Tribal community who are medically able and willing.

W

e as Suquamish members, staff, and community should be very proud of our work keeping ourselves and our community safe. But we still have a lot of work to do.

The Suquamish Tribe Emergency Management has teamed up with the Suquamish Cultural Co-Op and Suquamish Language program to encourage our community to receive a vaccine.

Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana was asked to create something that represents the COVID pandemic and getting vaccinated. The result is a perfect example of where we were, are and where we are going.

ʔut’ut’uc’təb čəd ʔə ti st’ulǰəxʷ translates as “I was stung by medicine,” (I got vaccinated!).

“The figure in the foreground is a person who has received a vaccination connected to the circle of our community,” Kate explained. “Their eyes are open, and the concentric circles in this figure represent the vaccine. Each arm has these concentric circles where the shots are administered and travel in the body.”

“The figure in the background is not connected and has eyes closed and has yet to receive the vaccination.

The water and sun rise represents our space and the rising sun represents the possibility of our future — the things we are looking forward to. It is not yet connected to the circle, so it is not yet here.”

Kate’s design will be depicted on T-shirts, glasses, and community vaccine information.

Lisa Rodriquez was asked to create a piece of art representing what’s possible when vaccinations are widespread — the activities and events we can look forward to. She created a beautiful Cedar Tree, which is the root of our traditions (see page 2). As we get vaccinated, we heal our community, and the water level inside the tree rises, as does the healing within our community. If we work together to heal the tree, we’ll be able to enjoy the activities and socializing we cherished prior to the pandemic.

Lisa’s Cedar Tree design will be depicted in a large sign to be placed for all to see next to the Suquamish Tribe Admin Building.

Emergency Management, Community Health, and Cultural Co-op will be holding multiple weekly drawings live on Facebook with prizes including: • Gift baskets • Garden basket • Beach basket • Backyard Kids basket • Movie night basket • Seahawks theme basket • Seafood w/Seafood certificate basket • Mariners theme basket • Cooking w/instant pot basket and • Spa basket • Certificates to businesses, including local restaurants and movie theater • Eighth Generation Blankets • Rooms at the Clearwater Casino Resort.

Help heal our community cedar tree by protecting yourselves, your family and community. Schedule your vaccine today by calling (360) 394-7191.

If you have any questions about the Vaccine or about scheduling, please email covid_questions@ suquamish.nsn.us and our Emergency Management team or Community Health Team will get answer.

Cherrie May Emergency Management Picture from Left: Some of the “thank you” cards received from North Kitsap School District teachers and staff members vaccinated by the Suquamish Tribe; vaccination clinic volunteers and staff celebrate the final day of mass vaccinations at the Casino Resort.

Suquamish News

6 | May 2021

Suquamish.nsn.us

Youth

ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suq̓ ʷabš (Suquamish Family and Friends Center) is Reopening!

Family & Friends Celebrate Earth Day with Clean Up

ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suq̓ ʷabš (Suquamish Family and Friends Center) is authorized to hold small pod gatherings of up to 20 individuals (including staff ) who do not display COVID-19 symptoms. Starting May 3, small pod hours are: Monday and Tuesday: 4–6pm Wednesday through Saturday: noon to 8pm

Earth Day was April 22, and the ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suq̓ ʷabš Suquamish Family and Friends Center did a Family Clean up gear distribution on April 21. We gave away safety and protective gear to Suquamish families so they could clean up our neighborhoods, beaches, and streets.

Sports and Recreation Update

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ports and Recreation is still providing basketball fundamentals and conditioning training on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

Grades 3-12 are now able to attend. Class size is still limited so please call and reserve your child’s space.

Sports and Recreation staff have been working on getting the ball field in playing shape and will be offering outside sports activities for youth and adults soon.

We will send out notices once the field is completed.

The Suquamish Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has approved health and safety protocols to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 as we reopen our facilities.

Youth will need to sign up for days they plan to visit ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suq̓ ʷabš (Suquamish Family and Friends Center). Participants must complete: • 2021-2022 Youth Participant Information Form • Standing Permission Slip • Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement • COVID-19 safety modified operations acknowledgment letter If you would like the forms emailed to you, please request by emailing fandfcenter@suquamish.nsn.us.

Daily symptom/exposure/temperature screening is required prior to entering the Center. There are currently no transports taking place. Also, at this time, we are serving Suquamish Tribal households only.

Call (360) 394-8576 with questions, requests, clarification and sign-ups for ʔiišədalʔtxʷ ʔə ti suq̓ ʷabš (Suquamish Family and Friends Center).

Thank you!

Reminder: Sports and Recreations offers Tribal members reimbursements for activity registration.

For more information please contact Craig Miller at (360) 394-8574 or Magdalena Turrieta and We-laka Chiquiti Jr. at the Fitness Center (360) 394-7142.

Craig Miller

Suquamish Tribe Parents and Guardians

If you need help connecting with a tutor or academic coach, or want to sign your student up for Study Tables, or have technology questions about online classes, call (360) 394-8645 or email tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us to get pointed in the right direction.

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Suquamish News

May 2021 | 7

Wellness

Mindfulness: Living with wisdom, confidence, and balance

L

ast month we examined the benefits of cultivating mindfulness and recognized its benefits in all areas of living. Practicing intentional breathing is the beginning of a mindfulness routine and starts the process of turning inward, examining what is in our minds. Why is this important? Not only does curiosity about our emotions and thinking develop compassion and empathy with ourselves and others, but it also allows control over what we are thinking and feeling instead of letting our minds control us.

For practical purposes, imagine the brain and the mind as two separate things. The brain is an organ; like the heart or the lungs, it is dependent on what the mind tells it to do. We can be in a calm emotional state one minute but simply thinking of something frightening or traumatic in our minds can bring on all the emotions and thoughts of another time and place, sending messages to the brain and the body to be in an alert state. The heart beats faster, the breath becomes quick and shallow, perspiration, blood pressure, and body temperature change, muscles are prepared to fight, flee, or freeze. We feel danger yet no danger exists in this present moment of simply thinking. The brain cannot tell the difference between the past, present, or future; what goes through our mind might as well be happening, according to our brain. It is important to know what we are feeling and thinking, and to change self-defeating thoughts if we are to live abundantly in the present.

Now imagine the mind as having three distinct states, depicted by two intersecting circles. The circle on the right is our emotional mind, especially important in responding quickly to immediate danger, and in our passions, beliefs and creativity. However, overuse without other input can lead to deep grooves of impulsivity, often with negative consequences and regrets. It is easy to live here when we are ill, tired, hungry, or overwhelmed.

The circle on the left is our reasonable mind, used when approaching a situation with logic. It is useful when setting goals, following directions, or making plans. It allows us to consider the “cause and effect” of things, considering past experiences or possible outcomes. It is easier to access this state of mind when we are rested, in good health, and feeling safe.

The intersection of emotional and reasonable mind, the space shared in the middle, we can call wise mind, although it has many other names; wisdom, intuition, and “gut” are a few. It is more than the sum of all the states of mind. It a deeply felt “knowingness” that feels centered, calm, balanced, and peaceful.

Emotional and reasonable states are not good or bad.

One is not better or worse than the other. The goal is integration of all parts.

Fortunately, there are some great questions to ask ourselves to exercise all areas of our mind to reach the ideal outcome of wise decisions. Start with whichever state of mind you want, but most people are usually aware of a strong emotion in most situations first.

1) What am I feeling? As you might imagine, it helps to continually increase your emotional vocabulary. As children we learn three feeling states, mad, sad, and glad, and unfortunately, many do not develop many more words. The more detailed and precise we can be, the better able we are to communicate to ourselves and other what we need and want.

2) How strongly am I feeling this? On a scale of 1-10, how much distress do you feel, with 1 being not much and 10 being the most intensely you can imagine feeling.

If we stop here, it is easy to see how strong emotions might cause impulsive, regrettable behavior. We need other areas of our brain to come into play, and fortunately we have two other excellent questions to help.

3) What else is true? The minute we ask ourselves this question, different synapses are activated. We consider the consequences of automatic impulses, how else we might interpret someone’s behavior, what other options we have, and how our urges fit with our values and goals?

4) What is the right thing for me to do right now?

Not right as in “right or wrong,” but what is the right thing for me? And right now, because often, situations change and require a new look at perhaps new or different information.

Practicing these four questions leads to an intentional, mindful practice. The benefits are many, including developing a life of wisdom, confidence, and balance.

Lori Glover LICSW, LMHC

Megan Feeney, CKA, Outstanding Educator of the Year

M

egan Feeney, CKA Special Education Teacher and Special Services Coordinator, was recognized as Outstanding Educator of 2021 by the Alpha Sigma Kitsap Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Megan builds positive connections with her students and families, with graduating students often recognizing her for their education success. From administering assessments and screening tools, to building individualized lessons for her students, Megan’s strong organizational skills keep Special Services running smoothly at CKA. Megan’s optimistic attitude is infectious for CKA staff and the Education Specialists that she oversees, approaching any issues or concerns with respect and realistic solutions.

“I am lucky to work in the community I grew up in and have known many of our families for much of my life,” she says. “Building relationships with students and families is probably my strength as a teacher.”

“It's a pleasure to work with Megan who is so solidly invested in the students and community,” says CKA Principal Lucy Dafoe.

COVID Masks

If you or your family need cloth masks, please contact Cherrie May at cmay@suquamish.nsn.us or 360 394-8507.

COVID questions can be sent to Covid_questions@suquamish.nsn.us

Child Support Guidelines: Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The Suquamish Child Support Enforcement Office is reviewing Suquamish child support guidelines as it does every four years. The Suquamish Tribe believes that all parents have a responsibility to care for and support their children. The purpose of the child support guidelines is to create a framework for establishing levels of child support adequate for children’s needs that are subject to the parents’ ability to pay.

The current child support guidelines can be found beginning at Suquamish Tribal Code §9.6.9 through §9.6.14. https://suquamish.nsn.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chapter-9.6.pdf If you have thoughts or comments about the current Suquamish Child Support Guidelines, please let us know at Child_Support@Suquamish.nsn.us prior to June 30, 2021.

8 | May 2021

Suquamish News

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Government

Chairman’s Report reaches of the Snake River. This would improve salmon survival on this important spawning area and restore a food source to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.

We have also been active in supporting climate change bills in the state Legislature and were successful in getting a cap and invest bill passed into law that will address Tribal needs in climate resilience.

There is a lot of support for taking action on climate change, and I had the opportunity to address the Northwest Climate Conference during their opening session to educate the attendees on the importance of reducing carbon and restoring our beaches and streams.

A freelance interviewer recorded a conversation with me about the plight of the Southern Resident Killer Whales.

The interview included a discussion of Tokitae, an orca from the Salish Sea that is still being held in Florida aquarium.

T

he first 100 days of the Biden Administration has featured an aggressive Tribal consultation effort that has required the engagement of Tribal leaders in multiple virtual meetings with a broad cross-section of federal agencies.

The most recent consultations have included meetings with the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Management of Budget, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Justice, the General Services Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of Defense.

The White House has also initiated several task-specific meetings with selected Tribal leaders on Indian Country issues including the Sand Point National Archives relocation proposal, climate change initiatives, natural resources co-management, and a presentation by Secretary of Transportation Pete Butti­ gieg on the President’s American Jobs (infrastructure) Plan.

We were pleased to hear that the White House halted the Sand Point Archives transfer until the agency completes fur-

ther study and analysis.

We also continue to engage in consultations with local, state, and federal agencies on natural resource protection.

NOAA consulted with Tribal leaders on the next round of Covid-19 relief funding for impacts to Tribal fisheries.

We expect the distribution of this funding will be similar to last time. There is increased funding, and the Great Lakes Tribes have been included on this solicitation.

Natural Resources & Climate Change We continue to hold meetings on the 30x30 natural resource protection initiative that would preserve 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters from development. The Biden Administration is in support of this plan, and we continue to encourage its passage.

In my role as ATNI President and as a former member of the Orca Recovery Task Force, I have been meeting with the Columbia River Tribes to discuss Congressman Mike Simpson’s (R-ID) proposal to breach four dams on the lower

Transportation As our region grows, we need to grow in a fashion that preserves our environment.

Transportation projects planned for our region need to adequately manage and

treat stormwater and remove fish barriers.

The Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board directs funding to these projects, and the Suquamish Tribe participates as a member to emphasize the importance of habitat restoration.

We also continue to participate in the planning of improvements to the Gorst SR 16/SR 3 corridor. I gave an overview of the Tribal cultural and environmental history in Sinclair Inlet to the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce as a part of a panel describing the Gorst Corridor proposal.

WSDOT and Kitsap County representatives provided an overview of the project to the Tribal Council.

Gaming In regards to gaming, our focus has been on negotiating a sports gambling compact with the Washington State Gambling Commission. We are getting close to an agreement and hope to put it into operation later in the year. The Washington Indian Gaming Association meeting included reports on how other Tribes are progressing on their negotiations.

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

May 2021 | 9

Cedar Sigo Poetry Reading

Education Our public education initiatives have been progressing despite the challenges of Covid-19.

The Tribe’s Language and Cultural departments are working on a video that can be used for Tribal (land) acknowledgments, as requested by organizations that hold meetings and other gathering on Suquamish territory.

I made a presentation to the Olympic College class on local government taught by Val Torrens. We discussed Tribal culture, history, and modern governance.

Tribal Council met with the North Kitsap School Board on a government-to-government basis to gather information on our Tribal students’ progress and achievements. The principals of Suquamish Elementary and Kingston Middle School provided overviews of their teaching activities and school activities during the meeting.

Culture Cultural activities and planning are important to the preservation of our identity and spiritual well-being. We have

started initial planning of our canoe hosting scheduled for 2024.

The Elders Council held their monthly meeting and had good questions about Tribal Council priorities. The need for a new Elders Lodge remains a priority for the Elders.

The Suquamish Foundation held a blessing for the new playground in Suquamish Shores, which is a great resource for our Tribal community children and youth.

The Bainbridge Island History Museum held a consultation session to discuss their new permanent exhibit in the former schoolhouse that houses their museum. I expressed the need for proper recognition of the Suquamish Tribe’s ancestral connection to the island.

Congratulations Finally, I would like to congratulate Ryan Sigo for his graduation the Tribal Police Training Academy. I was fortunate to be able to watch him receive his diploma on the virtual platform provided by the Academy.

Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe Chairman

Executive Search

Executive Directors The Suquamish Tribal Council is seeking qualified applications for two full-time Co-Executive Director positions.

The Administrative and Operations Executive Directors will oversee and co-manage the day-to-day operations of the Suquamish Tribal Government.

Finance Director The Suquamish Tribe is recruiting a Finance Director who will be responsible for the oversight of the annual budgeting and planning process, and development, management and implementation of the Suquamish Tribe’s day-to-day financial operations.

For job descriptions and information on how to apply for these and other open positions, please visit Suquamish. nsn.us/home/careers/

J

oin Suquamish poet Cedar Sigo online as he reads from his works. His reading is the first in a Seattle Central Community College series focused on Indigenous voices.

Cedar Sigo was raised on the Port Madison Reservation and studied at The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at the Naropa Institute. He is the author of eight books and pamphlets, including Language Arts (Wave Books, 2014), Stranger in Town (City Lights, 2010), Expensive Magic (House Press, 2008), two editions of selected writings (Ugly Duckling Presse, 2003 and 2005), and most recently the Bagley Wright Lecture Series book Guard the Mysteries (Wave Books, 2021). He has taught workshops at St. Mary’s College, Naropa Institute, and University Press Books. He is currently a mentor in the low residency MFA program at The Institute of American Indian Arts. He lives in Lofall, Washington.

Reading at Seattle Central via Zoom on Tuesday, May 11, 5:30-7pm. Register at http://bit.ly/CSigo

Kudos from Departing Emergency Trainer

M

y mission when I came to Suquamish was threefold.

First, I wanted to help ensure the Tribe was NIMS (National Incident Management System) compliant. I found Cherrie May had already done a lot of the ground work. So I began a vigorous training schedule, so we could begin position-specific training, which was my second goal; to help the tribe staff and run their own EOC. Little did I know the pandemic was just around the corner.

As we began training, Jamie Gooby and Cherrie May began filling the positions we would need to run the COOP plan, and as it turned out, to run a vaccination clinic as well.

I have had extensive experience in disaster work, and I can say this team stacks up against any team I have ever worked with in the field. Vicki Cole is one of the best PSC I have ever had the privilege of working with, and I would gladly hire her to run a planning shop on any disaster op I go on in the future. Lots of you guys have told me what a good job I did as logistics, but Natalia Tvedt was my “right hand man” and she deserves most of the credit. As the Supply Unit Leader, she is the best I’ve ever had! Chiefs Lasnier and Williams split duties as Operations Section leaders but both were naturals at it, and the success of the clinics shows how good they are. Rachel Nellenbach handled the Safety Officer duties and was there every week. Lisa Sparks, Joann Joe, Sky George, and Marjorie Lawrence all worked the admittance desk and were outstanding! Kudos to their coworkers for filling in and allowing them to take the time to work so tirelessly to make the vaccination clinic such a success.

My third goal was to leave behind a well trained team to handle future disasters, which is in place already. From the IT, under Aaron Wheeler, to Tom Curley as the GIS Master (and the best pie maker I have ever met!) to the Clinic running full steam ahead under Barbara Hoffman’s leadership, the Port Madison Reservation is in capable hands.

Everyone should be proud of the accomplishments you made in just one short year!

John Byars Emergency Management Trainer

10 | May 2021

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

Natural Resources

RIP Nancy McPherson (Nov. 24, 1946 - April 6, 2021)

Cedar Gathering Time

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t’s Spring, and the dogwoods are blooming again. Tribal members who want to have their own cedar to weave for next year are getting ready to go out and harvest its bark.

Harvesting cedar is a traditional practice of the Suquamish, and many members continue to harvest cedar to this day. Often these are Tribal weavers like Denita Holmes who rely on the material to create traditional and contemporary weavings.

“Once the dogwoods bloom it means that the sap in the trees will be running just right so that the bark is easier to separate,” she explains.

Denita went on her first cedar gathering at the age of 15 and now, over a decade later, includes gathering as part of her curriculum at Chief Kitsap Academy where she is a Cultural Arts teacher.

One of the first things Denita teaches her students about gathering is the same thing most Tribal gatherers are taught: after you have selected the tree you want to harvest, you need to ask its permission and thank it for what you are about to take.

Respect is a big part of working with cedar and begins long before you raise your hatchet. Denita says that she and her husband, Joey Holmes, rely on the intuitive feelings they receive after they’ve stated their intentions to a potential gathering tree. If they sense in any way the answer from the tree is no, they move on and don’t return back to it.

If you want to go out and gather this spring or summer, Denita suggests you go with someone who is more experienced for your first time. The reason for this is both so that you learn the traditional ways of gathering and so you don’t cause damage to the tree and prevent the bark from ever growing back. It also helps, she adds, to have someone fun to go with who you enjoy being around.

For Denita, this is her husband, Joey, who is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. His people also practice cedar gathering, and Denita says their shared beliefs and reverence for cedar is one of the many things that make him her favorite gathering companion, an essential part of harvesting.

Heather Purser

Family and friends are mourning the death of Nancy Joan McPherson, 74, of Suquamish from injuries she suffered after she and her husband were hit by a vehicle on April 6.

Many thanks to the people of the community who have assisted Donald as be recovers from his injuries and expressed concern and kindness to the family.

Nancy was born on November 24, 1946, to Elizabeth and William Lund in Ketchikan, Alaska. Her family later moved to Oregon, where she graduated from Grants Pass High School and went on to attend Southern Oregon State College. She and her husband, Donald, met and married in Ashland, Oregon, living there for over 35 years, raising their family, and serving as volunteer ministers for the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After Don retired

they helped English language congregations in Puebla and Xalapa, Mexico for two and a half years.

They moved to Suquamish in 2010, where she became an active member of the Suquamish Tribe and has enjoyed learning her culture and building friendships. Recently, she and her husband were learning to speak Lushootseed.

Nancy had a deep faith in and relationship with her creator and loved sharing this faith with others. Well known for her love of nature, gardening, birding and biking were some of her favorite pastimes. She expressed this love through her artistic pursuits which included watercolor painting, writing poetry, and photography. Her recent gallery exhibits at the Suquamish Museum and in Ashland, Oregon “Reflections on the Clear Salt Water,” highlighted her love for the coastal waters of Suquamish.

She had a love of literature and movies, was an avid Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit player, and loved to solve New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles. Nancy touched many lives and will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, sense of humor and sparkling laughter.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and William Lund. She is survived by her husband, Donald, her two siblings Janet and William, her children, Nissa, Eden, and David and her two grandchildren. A virtual memorial service is being planned. For more information, email nancymcphersonmemorial@gmail.com.

Tribal Member Offering Financial Planning Services

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ello, My name is Ebony Denise Neal, and I am a Suquamish Tribal member. In May, I will gain my Indigenous Education Masters degree from Arizona State University.

I walk away from these educational journeys very passionate about our communities. I believe that we should strive to find ways to hold on to culture, land, and traditions and to grow intellectually as a people.

I hope to contribute toward the plan ‘we’ have to practice our sovereign right to educate our own while working hard to improve the lives of the Indigenous peoples and Indigenous communities across boundaries. In addition to my institutional academic journey, I also have become a Financial Advisor, working with Primerica, the largest independent financial services marketing organization in North America.

Please contact me, Denise Ebony Neal at (540) 207-3480 or denise.rubeck@gmail. com to discuss insurance, how to get out of debt, and how to manage your finances.

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

May 2021 | 11

Natural Resources

Treaty Tribes Update Salmon Season Harvests “Painful” decisions being made to limit harvest amidst calls for habitat restoration, hatcheries, and collaboration

Stillaguamish chinook; photo taken in 2015 by Kari Neumeyer State and treaty Tribal salmon co-managers have reached an agreement on salmon harvest through the “North of Falcon” process. The following article from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission explains what’s at stake.

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tate and treaty Tribal salmon comanagers are in the middle of one of the most difficult season-setting processes we have ever faced. Salmon survival rates are declining because of the ongoing loss of freshwater salmon habitat combined with ocean heat waves from climate change,” said Lorraine Loomis, chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

Higher marine water temperatures, changing currents, a disrupted ocean food chain, and increased predation from marine mammals are the main causes of reduced ocean survival. Salmon that do return are often smaller than normal and females carry fewer eggs.

For the past two months, the co-managers have been meeting through the North of Falcon process to make painful decisions aimed at providing limited harvest for fishermen and fishing communities while still protecting weak salmon

stocks, Loomis said.

The three stocks driving conservation concerns are Queets and Snohomish river coho and Stillaguamish River chinook. The two coho stocks are failing to respond to rebuilding efforts that began in 2017. Stillaguamish chinook continue to decline mostly because of poor freshwater habitat conditions. All three need even more protection this year than they did last year, when fishing seasons were highly restricted.

Coastal treaty troll Tribes have taken the drastic step this year of proposing a zero option for ocean harvest of Queets River coho. Discussions are ongoing to develop marine and freshwater seasons that will allow some fishing opportunity while achieving the stock’s conservation objectives. Poor returns spurred the Tribes to propose a zero option for all ocean coho fisheries for the first time in 2016.

Tulalip Tribes fisheries managers have structured fisheries for chinook, coho and pink salmon in Tulalip Bay to reduce impacts on both coho and chinook.

After harvesting only 21 of 30 ceremonial chinook allocated last year, the Stillaguamish Tribe already has reduced

its ceremonial harvest for this year. The Tribe may be forced to cut harvest even further depending on impacts from other fisheries along the salmon’s homeward migration route.

“Despite harvest cuts of 80-90 percent over the past four decades and careful use of hatcheries, salmon populations have continued to decline. That’s because the effects of lost and damaged habitat, compounded by climate change, are at the heart of the problem,” Loomis said.

“Salmon can’t wait while we work to address the root causes of climate change.

We must immediately buffer its effects by tackling the nonstop loss and damage of freshwater and marine salmon habitats that provide resiliency.”

Every hour of each day, habitat destruction kills salmon, including populations listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. The habitat loss and degradation are being driven by development and pollution from an ongoing population explosion in western Washington that shows no signs of slowing.

Still, there have been encouraging developments in the past year, Loomis said.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) took a big step in the right direction recently by holding habitat loss and damage more accountable for the harm done to salmon recovery.

In the past, overwater and nearshore construction and maintenance were thought to have few impacts to threatened or endangered species and were exempt from mitigation. We now know that docks, ramps and other structures can have widespread impacts to salmon by damaging and destroying rearing habitat, increasing predation of young salmon and harming prey species that salmon depend on for food. Property owners now will have to account for and pay for potential harm to chinook, orcas and their habitats that is caused by maintenance of existing structures.

On another front, Gov. Jay Inslee is following through on a bold move begun in 2019 to protect and restore riparian ar-

eas, noting that streamside habitat is critical to both our region’s salmon recovery efforts and climate change resilience. He has directed state natural resources agencies to develop a consistent approach for uniform, science-based riparian management and guidance to protect salmon and their habitat.

“Riparian habitat is among the most important for salmon. Shade from trees and other vegetation helps keep water temperatures low to aid salmon survival at all life stages. It is critical that it be included as part of fisheries management planning. We are full partners with the governor in this effort,” Loomis said.

“We must focus on what we can do, not what we can’t, when it comes to salmon recovery. “Confrontation and litigation are not the way forward. Choosing that path means salmon will lose and so will all of us who depend on them,” Loomis said.

“The Tribal and state salmon co-managers can’t fix the habitat problem by ourselves. We need additional state and federal agencies, local governments, environmental groups, agriculture, industry and others to join us. That’s because fishery managers can’t make more fish.

Only good habitat, hatcheries and working together can do that.”

Tony Meyer Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

12 | May 2021

How We’re Surviving

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tarted back to work on April 19, 2021; it has been interesting. Learning the new pass codes for the doors that had to install on my access card so I could get into the building and go to the various places to complete tasks. Filing paperwork and getting all my mail updated.

I am still in physical therapy once a week until May 11. Not at 100 percent yet; this was such a major set of injuries that I feel lucky I did not need more surgeries. I still get tired easily, and so when I go home it is hard to stay awake. I look forward to being able to have more time on the phone or video chats with folks as time goes on.

Please contact me at mjones@suquamish.nsn.us or by phone at (360) 394-8526 and we can chat about how we are all surviving. Your stories are going to be history someday, and it is important to document them now. This an era when we are seeing things happen and change so fast around us, so we must document it in every possible way. Please, your stories are very important, and if your wish to write them, call me, and or video chat with me, I will do my very best to tell your story for the future generations.

I am also keeping in mind the ones we have lost and wish to find a way to make a memorial to them when we can to honor each of them. Please help me keep track of them; first and last names, dates of birth and passing, important memories, pictures or stories are welcome to build this into a beautiful memorial.

Thank you all for everything you have done for me during my time of injury and recovery. I love and respect all of you. My hands are raised up to you all.

Marilyn G. Jones Traditional Heritage Specialist

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

Ask the Police Question: I’ve been told by a Tribal member that you do not need a drivers license or insurance to drive on the reservation, is this true?”

Answer: No. The Suquamish Tribal Code Section 10.1.43 (available online) states: “No person shall operate a vehicle within the jurisdiction of the Tribe unless he or she has obtained a valid operators license.”

STC 10.1.49 requires all person operating a motor vehicle to be insured like in any other jurisdiction in our region. If an unlicensed driver is stopped by the Suquamish Police and is non-native, they will be cited or issued a notice of infraction in the Washington State system. If the driver is native, they will be cited or issued a notice of infraction in Tribal Court. Suquamish Police officers have both State and Tribal enforcement authority.

Question: What percentage of your calls involve people with habitual drug and alcohol problems? If we refused alcohol sales at our stores to certain people would it help?

Answer: We believe that the vast majority of our cases are related in some way to substance abuse, mental health, or both. Those people who have gotten in trouble with the law as a result of alcohol issues are frequently prohibited from purchasing alcohol while they are on probation or parole.

Your question points out some of the challenges that are faced by those who work in criminal justice: we don’t want bad things to keep happening, but we also have to treat people with respect, and give them the opportunity to move forward and live their lives. One mistake or rough patch in a person’s life doesn’t give the government the right to run that person’s life forever.

The short-term approach works for most people, but in some cases, the same patterns keep repeating, with bad results. The question that comes up is, “Can we arrest and incarcerate our way out of this behavior?” Or are there more services and assistance, such as re-entry programs, that will have better success?

The simple, respectful answer is that each person is

an individual. We need to assess their needs and risks, attempt to provide services to help address those needs and risks.

Looking back, the system eventually works in nearly all (but not all) cases. Some people take longer than others; they are each on their own path.

Instead of trying to stop them from buying alcohol at two or three stores we control, our goal is to get them the help they need to take charge of their own life and to make the choices that lead them in a healthy direction. That way, they can go to any store, and make the healthy choice for themselves.

For those on active supervision, our probation officer uses electronic home monitoring devices that can detect alcohol use. Restricting the purchase at a few stores is less effective than using modern technology that can detect alcohol use, regardless of where it was purchased.

Nearly all of the above is handled by a team of professionals: judges, lawyers, court staff, counselors, treatment and human services case workers, re-entry and employment specialists, and probation and parole officers, to name a few.

The Suquamish Tribe is constantly seeking ways to improve our “re-entry” programs and create paths to success for the those who find themselves temporarily justice-involved.

Chief Lasnier (360) 340-0695 If you have a question for the Suquamish Police, email Communications@suquamish.nsn.us. Your question will be forwarded anonymously to Chief Lasnier.

Public Hearing Announcement Exclusion Code Amendment Suquamish Tribal Code - Chapter 5.3 Monday, May 10, 2021, 5pm Zoom Link will be sent out via SUN Alert.

To request a copy of the proposed amendments, or to submit any comments, please email Rebecca Purser at rebeccapurser@suquamish.nsn.us

Suquamish.nsn.us

Suquamish News

May 2021 | 13

Seeking Suquamish Artist The Suquamish Language Program is hiring an artist for two projects.

More information here: https://bit.ly/3t8JgYN

SUQUAMISH TRIBE SPRING CLEANUP 2021 haʔlid ʔə ti pədhədəbil Neighborhood Dates Completed: Indianola, Eaglemere, Wee Wun. Next up: Sackman: May 4-8 Woolly Dog: May 11-15 Days & Times: Tuesday thru Saturday, 9am to 4pm Items Accepted: Household Trash, Appliances, Furniture, Tires, Mattresses Not Accepted: Paints, oils, antifreeze, and similar items. A separate event for these items will be held during the Fall 2021.

Elder’s assistance is available Contact: Jaime Lawrence, Solid Waste Coordinator, 360-471-3500

Suquamish News

14 | May 2021

Suquamish.nsn.us

Birthdays

y a M May 1 Jeanette Lawrence Jewelian Lawrence Kyle Purser Rachel Duthie Sean Mabe May 2 Dawn Ensminger Michelle Charette Robert Pastrana

Karleen Crow Luke Williams

May 9 David Greer Joshua George Shyla Ahvakana-Villa Toshina Baldwin May 10 Harold Pratt Nancy Johnston

May 3 Alexia Baldwin Briann Cloninger Cindy Nichols John Jones Maureen Belmont

May 12 Cathlene Norris Edward Cordero Elias Neugebauer Gladys Jackson Ryan Sigo Warren Neugebauer William Hoffman

May 4 Angela Ives Brooke Orsen Duane Napoleon Jr. Eliana Edelstein Reada Smith

May 13 Angee Harrington Christina Roberts George Hill Jr. Shardan Stark Wanda Vollenweider

May 5 Brenda Guerrero Brooke Edlen Monique Pastrana Virginia Gemmell

May 14 Bryna Lawrence Cecelia Brown Lori Wolfe Mackenzie Crow Michael George Tu-tai-ud Brealan-Bayes

May 7 Jessicca Cordero Leroy Henry III No-Yectee-Hemeh Alexis May 8 Corey Manley Jasmine Cannon

James Bradwell Jr. Koen Smith Rebekah Nelson Tyler Tiffany May 17 Charles Deam Sr. Eric Glaze Golden Hawk Jr. Isaac Johnson May 18 Dolores Mills Lily Stockwell May 19 Benjamin Johnson Christopher GeorgeOld Coyote Phenix Mabe May 20 Georgianna Ungaro Marlane Buckner Oliva Purser Robert Hagen Roxanne Cruver Sara Purser May 21 Braden Hess Clyde Brown David Zurflueh Kayla Purser

May 24 Albert Agibinik Jr. Matthew Hawk Stephanie Alexander

Dolor Mills

May 25 Celia Williams Charlotte Ives Cheryl Cahill Duran George Jimee-Mai Webster Telisha Hendricksen May 26 Anthony Howard Colleen Hickerson David Sigo III Madison Pool May 27 Althea Jones Daniel George James Armstrong Nata-chee Pratt Orion Keller Rigel Keller Zaylee Moss May 28 Chelsey Hettema Daniel Smith Jennifer Willis May 29 Bernard Adams Christine West LeAnne Nilluka

May 15 Jennifer Pratt Lillian Abler

May 22 Bonnie Brown Brayden Napoleon Dylan Crow Frances Jackson Mark Pratt Robin Camacho Shawn Boushie

May 30 Amanda Carper Caleb Stewart John Webster Kristina Pearson Ronald George Jr. William Lund

May 16 Elizabeth Lindell

May 23 Amie Adams

May 31 Robert Kumpf-Fleming

Happy Birthday, Angee

Thank you for the beautiful, strong, young lady that you are.

I’m so proud of you.

Love you lots, Mom

Suquamish News

Suquamish.nsn.us

May 2021 | 15

Housing

Suquamish Housing: Frequently Asked Questions Question: How do I become eligible for a Suquamish Tribal Low Income (HUD) house?

Answer: Applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian Tribe, at least 18 years of age, meet low income guidelines, and must consent to a criminal background check.

Once housing staff receives the completed application, the application is processed utilizing the Applicant Eligibility and Admissions requirements policy. Once an applicant is determined to be eligible, the applicant is placed on the waiting list and notified of waiting list status.

Question: What is the difference between Fair Market Rentals and Low-Income Housing?

Answer: The Fair Market rental program is a month-to-month rental program that was developed by Tribal Council in 2006 to address housing needs for Suquamish Tribal Member families who do not currently qualify for the low-income housing program.

The Tribe currently operates rental units at a reduced rental rate, which is less than the local area market currently offers for homes of similar style, size, and type. For example, one of our two-bedroom units rents for $650 per month. A similar size home from a private owner or leasing company in this area is renting for as much as $1,700.00 per month.

Applicants must show proof of income and must not have a felony conviction within the five years prior to the date of application.

The units are maintained by the tenant, and the tenant is responsible for minor maintenance such as yard work; all other non-routine maintenance and repairs are handled by Housing maintenance staff or contractors hired by SHP staff.

Spring Cleaning Tips, it’s a dirty job…

HUD Homeownership and HUD Rental units have all of the eligibility requirements listed above as determined by the federal government. Monthly payments are determined by income, which is recertified annually for each HUD tenant. HUD Homebuyers are responsible for all routine and non-routine maintenance. HUD Rental tenants are responsible for minor maintenance such as yard work; other non-routine maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of Housing maintenance staff or contractors hired by SHP staff.

Question: How do I get a copy of Housing Policies? How and where do I apply for tribal housing?

Answer: All current housing policies and applications for both the Low-Income Housing Program and the Fair Market Rental program are available upon request from Suquamish Housing Program staff by phone, email, private messages, in person at the Tribal offices, and through regular mail.

Policies available by request include Applicant Eligibility and Admission Policy, Occupancy Policy, Maintenance and Management Policy, Collections Policy,Junk Vehicle Policy, Drug Policy, and Termination Policy.

Please contact any one of our Housing staff members: Rachel Nellenbach (360) 394-8418 rnellenbach@suquamish.nsn.us Lois Sullivan (360) 394-8416 lsullivan@ suquamish.nsn.us Vicki Cole (360) 394-8419 vcole@ suquamish.nsn.us Shenowah Purser (360) 394-8423 Spurser@suquamish.nsn.us

By Lois Lane

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pring is here, and Spring cleanup efforts are underway in our housing developments. Here are some not-tobe-forgotten or ignored helpful cleaning tasks to keep your house clean and functioning at optimal levels.

Refrigerator Coils Dusty condenser coils make your fridge work harder, making it less energy efficient and shortens the overall lifespan.

When to Clean: This dirty job should be done twice a year and more if you have pets in your home.

What to Do: Find the coils — they usually are covered by a panel at the bottom front or on the back of a freestanding fridge. Your fridge will need to be unplugged during cleaning, so preserve food in a cooler; that also lightens the weight of the fridge. Pull the fridge out from the wall, take off the protective panel, use a dust mask, and gently scrape across between coils with a long-handled brush. You can also use your vacuum to get as much of the dust you can. You can also take a couple minutes to clean the floor and the wall behind the fridge.

Please note: Some refrigerators require special DIY cleaning techniques; others should be cleaned by a professional.

Please refer to your owner’s manual for specific product and model requirements.

If you are unable to locate your owner’s manual, there are quite a few manuals available online by make and model.

able parts: a cylinder and a flat mesh screen. Check your owner’s manual for specifics. Twist to remove the filter, then scrub it under hot water using an old toothbrush or small bristled brush; for greasy grime, hand wash with dish soap until clean.

Dryer Duct Lint build up in your dryer duct causes energy loss and can pose a fire hazard.

When to Clean: At least once a year What to Do: Pull the dryer away from the wall and unplug it. Disconnect the duct from the dryer and the wall, then loosen the lint inside with a long handled brush or drill-powered cleaning kit for dryer vents. Using a vacuum with a crevice tool attachment, suck up the lint on the floor and from the holes in the dryer and the wall. Reattach the dryer duct to the dryer and push it back in when finished.

Gutters Cleaning out gutters is a fall and spring job, but if you can’t remember the last time you did it, do it now.

Clogged gutters can cause structural damage to your home.

If they stay clogged, they can cause your gutters not to drain, and water will find its way into the structure of your home.

When to Clean: Twice a year What to Do: Scoop first. Put on some work gloves and set up a ladder. Scoop out the leaves, twigs, and other junk with your hands and a small shovel. Drop the Dishwasher Filter contents into a bucket attached to the ladIf your dishwasher der or a drop cloth on the ground below. has a manual clean Check the downspout for clogs. Starting filter and you do not at the end farthest from the downspout, clean it, at some point flush out the gutter using a hose with you will notice an a sprayer attachment the water should odor or food specks rush out of the downspouts, if it does on clean dishes. not, check the downspout for clogs and When to Clean: Once a month. remove debris. Water should flow freely.

What to Do: Look under the bottom

By Lois Lane rack for the filter. Some have two remov-

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71