Suquamish News - Oct 2022

Back to Seattle

Tribe Returns for

Jackson Family Canoe, Xanamolitza – p10

Tribe approves road and place names – p3

Sacheen Littlefeather, a 50-year wait – p11

Community Calendar

Meetings

Suquamish Tribal Council

Meets Oct. 3 & 24. Links will be sent to Tribal members via the Weekly Update and SUN Texts.

PME Board

Meets Oct. 19 & 26, online and in person, at 9am. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com or call (360) 598-8703 if you would like to attend.

Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm.

Meets Oct. 6 & 20. Virtual only. Contact Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.

Suquamish Seafoods Board

Meets online Oct. 11. Seafoods Retail is open Thurs-Sun. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.

Suquamish Museum Board

Call (360) 394-8499 or (360) 394-7105 for meeting info.

Suquamish Warriors

Meetings are on first Tuesdays at 5:30pm at Suquamish Warriors Vet Center. For information, contact Bill Gemmell at (360) 536-0007.

Cultural & Community Events

Indigenous People’s Day Monday Oct. 10. Tribal offices closed.

Disaster Readiness Training Oct. 7 5-8pm at Indianola Clubhouse. Oct.11 5-8pm at Suquamish House of Awakened Culture.

Harvest Fest (Open to Tribal Households & Suquamish Youth Program Participants) Oct. 22, 2-4:30pm at the Fitness/ Youth Center complex.

Halloween Party (Open to Tribal Households & Suquamish Youth Program Participants) Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30pm at Fitness/ Youth Center complex

Wisdom Warriors Support Group Monthly Support group meets second Wednesday of each month. Next meeting is Oct 12, 2-4pm in Council Chambers.

What do you want

Chief Seattle Days to be?

Help plan Chief Seattle Days 2023. In-person or via Zoom, Oct. 7, 14. 5:307pm. In-person at Cultural Activities Office, 15838 Sandy Hook Rd. For more info contact Lisa Jackson at (360) 3941326. For Zoom links see QR codes on page 14.

Orange T-shirt Day, Sept 30

Suquamish Song & Dance is hosting this event to call attention to the legacy of boarding schools in the U.S. and Canada. At the Fitness Center Gym, 5-7pm. Free t-shirts and a small meal.

On the cover...

Suquamish canoe families make their way to Seattle Sept. 17 for Salmon Homecoming and to help bless the newly rebuilt Pier 62. See page 4 for more.

Suquamish News

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

• Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us

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

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

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

Suquamish Tribal Council

Leonard Forsman Chairman

Josh Bagley Vice-Chair

Windy Anderson Secretary

Denita Holmes 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 Editor-in-Chief

Catherine Edwards Executive Editor

Sarah van Gelder Managing Editor

Jon Anderson News Editor

JoAnn Joe Photography/Design

Georgia Browne Layout and Design

Editorial Policy

Publishers of the Suquamish News reserve the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Suquamish Tribe. As such, we reserve the right to refuse to print any letter, for any reason.

Tribe approves raft of new road and place names

Suquamish

Tribal Council approved two new road names on the Port Madison Reservation at their reg ular meeting Sept. 12. One will posthumously honor a Suquamish leader as part of a new housing development. The other — just in time for Halloween — is a mon strously fun play on another tribal family’s pet name for little ones.

In a tribute to Bob Alexander, Sr., Snooker Lane will be the name of a new road and housing development now under construction.

Known by family and friends alike as Snooker, Al exander was a fisherman and former councilmember, widely known for his love of sharing Suquamish culture and traditional foods. He was also among the first Tribal Canoe Journey skippers. He passed away in 2019.

The Tribe is building the new development off Sack man and Ditto lanes that will provide a dozen new building lots to Tribal Member families.

Until now, the project has been known as the Little Hill development. But Councilman Luther “Jay” Mills says Snooker Lane is a more fitting name.

“Snooker raised his family up there on Sackman and he’s related to Ditto as well,” said Mills who recom mended the new name at an Aug. 29 Council meeting.

“I just thought it was so fitting to honor him as a good friend and relative, and former councilmember,” said Mills.

Meanwhile, an unnamed stretch of unpaved road, just off Totten Road near the Suquamish Way intersection, will now be now be called Zugwuh Lane. That’s the an glicized version of the Lushootseed word for monster.

“It’s an old nickname we’ve kicked around in our fam ily with our kids,” Bill Lawrence told Council, explain ing why he’d recommended the name.

“We called Christian Zugwuh for years when he was little,” he said.

The road leads to a parcel of land his son, Christian Lawrence, now lives on.

The new road sign for Zugwuh Lane will include the Lushootseed spelling — dᶻəgʷəʔ — as well.

Tribe recommends ʔulułali for new Colman plaza name

Council also approved ʔulułali for the name of a new plaza now under construction at the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal in Seattle.

The name means “Place of Traveling by Water” in Lushootseed, Language Program Coordinator Lena Maloney told Council.

The Tribe was asked to submit a suggested name for the plaza. The recommendation was forwarded by the Culture Committee after voting on several proposed op tions. Washington State Ferries will ultimately approve the final name.

By Jon Anderson

Artist’s rendition of the new Colman Dock plaza, which — if approved by WSF — will be known as ʔulułali, or “Place of Traveling by Water.”

Construction is now underway on infrastructure for the new Snooker Lane housing development.

Zugwuh Lane, just off Totten Road.

Suquamish Tribe returns to Seattle for Salmon Homecoming

Suquamish

canoe families paddled to the Tribe’s ancestral homelands in Seattle Sept. 17 for the 30th anniversary celebration of Salmon Homecoming and to provide a traditional blessing on the newly refurbished Pier 62.

Pods of porpoises teamed in the waters off the Suquamish Dock as the canoe families got underway early that morning for the long pull across the Salish Sea to Seattle.

The Tribe’s two cedar-carved canoes, Honorable Canoe — or siʔam ʔəʔutx̌s in Lushhootseed — skippered by Rob Purser, and Killer Whale — or q’al’qaləx̌ič — skippered by Ian Lawrence, were joined by the Sacred Water canoe family for the journey.

“We’re always grateful to join festivities here in Suquamish lands,” said Lawrence during the opening protocol ceremonies when delegations from other tribes traditionally request permission to disembark their vessels when approaching another’s territory. “Seattle is Suquamish land. So we’re not asking permission to come ashore, but we are asking permission to join the festivities.”

Salmon Homecoming returned to Pier 62 after more than four years of work completely replacing the popular downtown gathering spot on the Seattle waterfront. Tribal canoes tied up alongside the pier’s new floating dock, intended for use only by local tribes and occasionally others, with permission, for special events.

“The power of tribal peoples coming together and pulling together with one heart and one mind is a thing of incredible beauty and incredible power,” said Muckleshoot Vice Chairman Donnie Stevenson, welcoming the crews ashore.

Suquamish Tribal Council Treasurer Denita Holmes and Councilmember Sammy Mabe led the blessing

ceremony for the new Pier.

“As a Suquamish Tribal Councilmember I would like to welcome you all to the land of the Suquamish and Muckleshoot people,” Mabe told the gathered crowd. “This land that you’re standing on is where my bloodline comes from, where all seven members of the Suquamish Tribal Council come from. So, you are on Suquamish and Muckleshoot land, but we thank you for being here.”

Mabe said the return of Salmon Homecoming marked a new beginning for old ways that have been dearly missed through the pandemic.

“It’s been a long few years for those of us who participate in Tribal Journeys and in Salmon Homecoming. We’ve missed this piece of our soul. We’ve missed this piece of our heart,” said Mabe, who is also the skipper of Sacred Water.

“Watching my canoe family roll in, watching all of these beautiful canoes roll in with familiar faces again, has truly warmed my heart.

In addition to the canoe families, Mabe and Holmes were joined by Suquamish Song & Dance for the blessing of the pier. As Suquamish drummers sang, Holmes led dancers each holding fresh-cut cedar boughs in a traditional blessing ritual.

The ceremony also included a delegation from the Muckleshoot Tribe, which offered their own prayer and blessing song, words of welcoming from Suquamish and Muckleshoot Royalty Courts, as well as remarks from other local dignitaries.

“There are a lot of non-Native folks here,” said Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez, a member of the Blackfeet Nation.

“And I’m really glad there are Native people here to

show our non-Native brothers and sisters how we actually do a land acknowledgment — that we are invited onto someone else’s land, that we are a guest, that we behave as a guest. That we are kind. And that we come with humility, and, as Uncle Billy (Frank Jr.) used to say, we do this in a good way.”

By Jon Anderson

Suquamish Family & Friends Center Activities & Events

October 2022

Oct. 1 – Take a van of Youth to the Sacred Water Coastal Jam at the sgʷədᶻadad qəł ʔaltxʷ House of Awakened Culture @ 4pm

Oct. 4 – Girls Group to Dancing Brush in Poulsbo

Oct. 5 – After-school Halloween craft activity

Oct. 6 – Boys group TBD

Oct. 10 – CLOSED Indigenous Peoples Day

Oct. 12 – After-school Halloween craft activity

Oct. 14 – 16 – Basketball Tournament, Youth Council concession stand at Fitness Center

Oct. 17 – Happy Birthday Fitness/Youth Center! 7th anniversary of new building, giveaway all day. Drive-thru cupcake & gift. 11am till gone.

Oct. 19 – After-school Halloween craft activity

Oct. 21 – After-school Halloween trip

Oct. 22 – Harvest Fest at Fitness/Youth Center complex 2–4:30pm

Oct. 25 – Language Dept helps with pumpkin carving & painting 3–5pm at the F&F Center

Oct. 28 – Halloween Party! Fitness/Youth Center Complex 5:30–7:30pm

Sports & Recreation Fitness Activities

• Youth basketball practices for grades 3-6: M,W,F 4:30 – 6pm.

• Basketball fundamentals for youth K-12: Th 4:30 – 6pm

• Adult open gym: T,Th beginning at 6:30 pm

• Women’s open gym: W beginning at 6 pm

Suquamish Tribe Men’s,

Basketball Tournament

October 14-16

Winner take all championship!

$300 Entry fee | Teams forming now For more info, contact Craig Miller (360) 3948574 craigmiller@suquamish.sns.us or Magdalena Turrieta (360) 509-9512 mturrieta@ suquamish.nsn.us

Chairman’s Report

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser vices Region 10 consultation in Portland, Oregon, where tribal leaders informed Regional Director Ingrid Ulrey of our health and education needs.

• U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) held a meeting with Tribal leaders on the RESPECT Act that would make mean ingful consultation with Tribal governments on federal actions into law.

• The White House Council on Native American Affairs held an interagency meeting with Tribal leaders to discuss a memorandum of understanding protecting Tribal Treaty Rights and Reserved Rights.

We are also engaged in consultation with federal agencies to maximize the impact of federal funding opportunities available in the new Infrastructure Act and Inflation Reduction Act.

Key to protecting

You may have read about our settlement with King County on mitigating the impacts of sewage spills in our ancestral waters.

We were in the process of filing suit against them for the multiple spills that have occurred as a result of failures at their wastewater treatment plants.

We have had a mostly positive relationship with the leadership of King County over the years. However, the spills — especially those that interrupt or delay fisheries and impact cultural events such as the Canoe Journey — are unacceptable.

I would like to thank past and present Tribal coun cils, our legal team, our Fisheries Department, and our fishermen and fisherwomen for their work and sup port as we came to this agreement.

The Suquamish Tribe will continue to stand in protection of our ancestral waters as we adapt to the impacts of population growth, climate change, and in frastructure development in our usual and accustomed fishing and gathering areas.

Key to trust

The Suquamish Tribe’s relationship with the federal government is key to maintaining our trust relationship.

Our congressman, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), vis ited the Port Madison Indian Reservation to tour our planned townhome development in the Suquamish Shores property. We received a federal housing grant to help build this property.

I participated in consultation meetings with federal agencies and the White House over the past month as well, including:

The Suquamish Tribe is active in intertribal organi zations, which are key to protecting our Tribal sover eignty both at home and beyond. These organizations are where we, along with other Tribes, develop policy positions and communicate our priorities effectively.

The Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) held their monthly meeting at the Northern Quest Casino near Spokane. The meeting was a hybrid, and I attended virtually. Through WIGA, Tribal leaders work together to protect our Tribal gaming and related enterprises that provide jobs, economic expansion, and services to our Tribal citizens and our neighbors.

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians held their annual meeting at the Tulalip Resort Casino. This was our second in-person meeting since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. The meeting was well-attend ed and focused on protection of Tribal sovereignty, promoting education reform, and natural resource restoration.

Elections for five of the seven ATNI executive board positions were held. The ATNI Executive Council (Tribes) and ATNI members re-elected incumbent board members Mel Sheldon (Tulalip), Sharon Goudy (Yakama), and Jeannie Louie (Coeur d’Alene) who ran unopposed. Andy Joseph (Colville) won over Jon George (Umatilla) and Kat Brigham (Umatilla) ran unopposed for an open seat.

Formulating strategy

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in a Tribal/ state criminal jurisdiction case in Oklahoma. This case is known as the Castro-Huerta decision. The majority

decision shows that the Supreme Court has misin terpreted Tribal jurisdiction and the definition of the term “Indian Country.” Tribes are meeting to formulate a strategy to address this issue and will also be meeting with the federal government to discuss impacts and future actions.

The State of Washington’s Department of Com merce held a Tribal consultation meeting at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Commerce, led by Director Lisa Brown, presented a proposal on developing a Tribal advisory committee to guide their Tribal outreach and consultation.

Commerce staff updated Tribal leaders on their broadband, economic development, energy and housing initiatives.

Celebrating victories

The Port of Everett hosted a celebration dedicating the Blue Heron Slough project, which restored more than 350 acres of salmon habitat in between Marys ville and Everett. The project came about as part of a settlement of a lawsuit brought by the Suquamish and Tulalip Tribes, federal agencies, and environ mental groups regarding the pollution of the Port Gardner area by the Port of Everett and the US Navy.

(See page 8.)

I joined leaders from the Tulalip Tribes, Port of Everett and Snohomish County in commemorating this great investment in habitat restoration.

The UW Board of Regents had their first meet ing of the academic year at the Seattle Campus. We passed a fossil fuel divestment strategy that requires the University to divest their holdings in corpora tions engaged in fossil fuel extraction.

I had the honor of attending the North Kitsap School Board’s honoring of Suquamish Tribal Elder and Board President Cindy Webster-Martinson who is retiring. Thanks to Cindy for her tireless work supporting all students both from the Tribes and the entire school district.

We held an internal meeting to discuss develop ment of a Suquamish artists registry to help identify Tribal artists to produce public art both on and off the reservation. Stay tuned for further information.

By Leonard Forsman

Tribal Council Schedule

Tribal Council will meet on the following dates through the rest of 2022: Oct. 3, 24; Nov. 7, 21; Dec. 5, 12.

Tribal Government

Flu shots & new Covid boosters now available

Suquamish Elder Peg Deam gets her Omicron Covid Booster at the Tribe’s shot clinic Sept. 21. Covid vaccinations and boosters, as well as flu shots, are now available twice a week at the Healing House clinic.

The Suquamish Tribe Community Health team will be offering flu shots and the new bivalent Omicron Covid boosters at the Healing House health clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to noon through the month of October.

“Just come to the parking lot where we do Covid testing and call the number posted there, and we will come to your car,” says Dr. Barbara Hoffman.

“If you need your initial or second Covid vaccination dose or children’s boosters, please call ahead to make sure we have the correct vaccines in stock.”

To get Moderna’s version of the Omicron booster, you must be 18 or older and be at least two months away from your last vaccination or booster dose. For folks who are getting the Pfizer Omicron booster, the rules are the same, but it's available to those 12 and older.

The Omicron booster is available to those who have already had two boosters as long as it has been two months since your most recent booster. It is also available for those are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Standard pediatric Covid vaccinations are also be available for children six months and older.

For any questions, please call Community Health at: (360) 394-8468.

By Jon Anderson

Lushootseed Phrases of the Week

pədxʷic’ib (October)

Time of Elk Mating Call

Phrases of the Week for pədxʷič’ib

Week 1 – hiił ʔaciłtalbixʷəłdat Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Week 2 – baliic čəxʷ - you’re welcome (you forget it)

Week 3 – ʔəsx̌əc čəd – I am scared

Week 4 – hiił skayuəłdat – Happy Halloween (Ghost Day)

Learn how to carve or paint a pumpkin in suq’ʷabšucid!

Classes are starting the second week of October. Register today by scanning the QR code with your camera and filling out our online registration. For help email: language_program@suquamish. nsn.us or call: (360) 394-7180.

Action by Suquamish and Tulalip Tribes, and others, leads to estuary restoration

and the agencies negotiated a settlement agreement, a “consent decree,” with the Port and the Navy, which required a res toration of habitat equivalent to what was lost as a result of the pollution.

The consent decree centered on restor ing a large tract of land that had been pro ductive wetlands before being converted to agricultural land in the early 1900s.

The consent decree included a payment of $790,000 by the U.S. Navy, and an ad ditional $3.9 million from other parties who might have been liable for the pol lution. The Port of Everett has taken re sponsibility for maintaining the health of the estuary in perpetuity.

“The benefits to Chinook salmon will aid in the recovery of the species, which is expected, in turn, to benefit the south ern resident orcas of Puget Sound,” the Port of Everett said in their press release.

gathered with the Port of Everett and the contractors to witness the area that had only days before been flooded.

The tide was rising, and the waters swirled nearby as Tulalip members sang, Suquamish and Tulalip leaders and agen cy officials spoke, audience members cheered, the ground got muddy — but no one minded — and, as if on cue, a blue heron flew past.

The settlement agreement resulted in the Tribe recouping legal and technical assistance costs. But most of the settle ment funding goes directly back into the restoration and protection of the marine habitat, and the benefit will be felt by the people and wild species of the Salish Sea, and beyond, for generations to come.

The Suquamish Tribe’s attorney Melo dy Allen and Natural Resources Director Rich Brooks led the negotiations due to the Tribe’s treaty-protected fishing rights.

It’s been called the most important res toration of habitat since the removal of the Elwha Dam. 353 acres of land north of Everett, that had once been a salt water estuary, will once again be prime habitat for salmon, other marine life, birds, and other wildlife.

“This historic settlement is a win for the entire region and for all who rely on the health of the Salish Sea,” said Suqua mish Chair Leonard Forsman, one of the speakers at a Sept. 1 event celebrating the new project.

“As stewards of the region’s marine re sources, we understand that it is our re sponsibility — along with our relatives in other area tribes — to hold those who pol lute accountable to restore the health of fragile Puget Sound marine ecosystems.”

The Suquamish and Tulalip Tribes played a pivotal role in the restoration of this land, along with the U.S. Depart ment of Justice, the Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and At mospheric Administration, and the State of Washington (known collectively as the Port Gardner Bay Trustees).

The project came about as a result of a 2019 settlement with the Port of Everett,

the US Navy, and several other entities, for natural resource damages stemming from the release of oil and other hazard ous substances into the waters near the city of Everett. The claims were brought by the Trustees under the Clean Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and the Wash ington Model Toxics Control Act. Instead of going to court, the Tribes

Dikes breached and land flooded

The final phase of the project began in August with the breaching of agricultur al dikes allowing the Snohomish River waters and salt waters to flood mean dering channels, marshes, mudflats, and riparian areas in the newly named Blue Heron slough.

At the Sept. 1 celebration, the Trustees

Reflecting on the day, Forsman said, “The Blue Heron restoration project shows that disputes can be resolved in ways that create habitat for salmon and other treaty-protected fisheries, and for orca, herons, and other wildlife. The whole region will benefit from this col laboration.”

By Sarah van Gelder

Begin Again program launches new coordinated reentry effort

The Suquamish Tribe is launching a pilot program designed to help community members returning from incarceration.

Led by the Tribe’s Begin Again team, the new approach brings together specialists from across Tribal government to help ensure those returning from jail or prison receive coordinated wraparound assistance to maximize their chances of success.

“This is what we call a coordinated communal system,” says Begin Again team leader Anna Mayes. “It’s about creating a culturally grounded and safe approach that coordinates services through collaboration, communication, and connection.”

Practically, this means staff from the Tribe’s social services, employment assistance, mental health, substance abuse, peer support and other programs are now meeting together before and after a community member returns from incarceration to coordinate their services and tailor their approach into a healing plan for each individual.

“This is how we help them begin again,” says Mayes. “We’re just now preparing for our first returning community member with this new approach, and we will adjust and expand how we do this as we learn and grow.”

The pilot system is part of a larger effort to reimagine the Tribe’s reentry work under the new Begin Again name.

The Begin Again leadership team — coordinated by Mayes with help from government staff, Tribal Elders, and others — has been hosting talking circles to help shape the program.

As the program takes root, the hope is to help those returning from incarceration, as well as community members struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, with supported residential

communities.

At a Sept. 13 gathering at the House of Awakened Culture, talk centered on practical ways of creating change.

Among more than a dozen suggestions that will be explored in the weeks ahead, a Begin Again Facebook page has already been launched.

“That was great idea and a good one to do right away because it will not only help us communicate what we’re trying to accomplish, but also provide another way for the Suquamish Community to provide their input,” says Mayes.

Meanwhile, the Begin Again team is meeting with like-minded groups and organizations to explore who they can learn from and potentially collaborate with. Among them: The Native-led Chief Seattle Club, which helps provide shelter and care for the homeless in Seattle.

“We’d love for all people in the community to think about whatever good medicine they might contribute to our effort — storytelling, weaving, drum making, song & dance — anything they might offer to help our returning community members connect to culture, community, and healing so they can begin again.”

By Jon Anderson

Wednesday, October 19th

8:00 a.m. 4:20 p.m.

Suquamish Tribe 7235 NE Parkway, Suquamish 98392

Did you know?

• The appointment only takes 15 minutes.

• No referral is needed for an annual screening mammogram.

Who is Eligible for a Screening Mammogram?

• Women age 40 and over

• Women who have not had a mammogram in the past year

• Women who are symptom free of any breast issue

For your appointment you will need:

COVID Precautions

• Reduced schedule to allow for

• social distancing

• Protective equipment (masks and gloves)

• Increased cleaning practices.

• Symptom screening at scheduling, reminder call, and upon arrival to the Mammovan.

Call (206) 606 7800 to schedule your screening!

For more information: www.seattlecca.org/

• Your medical insurance card. Most insurance plans provide for an annual mammogram. Prior to your appointment please contact your medical insurance provider to verify your eligibility.

• Funding is available to provide exams for women without insurance, please inquire about a “Sponsored Mammogram” when scheduling your appointment.

• A picture ID

• The name, phone number and address of your primary care provider.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Breast Imaging Program is an accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence offering state of the art digital technology with specialized radiologists dedicated exclusively to breast health.

Suquamish Housing Applicants

All Housing applications must be updated once a year to remain on active waiting lists for HUD and Rental Programs

To check your status or request an update: Contact Rachel Nellenbach at (360) 394-8418 or rnellenbach@suquamish.nsn.us

Applications on Suquamish Tribe Website See Tribal Housing section on Community Development page

Culture

Jackson family canoe, Xanamolitza, recalls “A Flock of Crows”

If you were on the beach on August 12 when Suquamish canoes returned from Blake Island, you might have spot ted Betty and Duane Pasco, standing above the Charles Lawrence boat ramp, watching for their family’s safe return.

Their canoe, the Xanamolitza, was carved by Duane (now age 90), as a gift to his wife, Tribal Elder Betty Pasco (age 86). Named for a flock of crows, the Jackson family canoe, along with other canoes from Suquamish, fought strong oncoming currents under the Agate Pass Bridge on the final stage of the return from Blake Island, landing by the House of Awakened Culture, as singers and drummers welcomed the canoes home.

Xanamolitza, Duane had said, would be his last, and his finest, canoe.

The name Xanamolitza means flock of crows. Its name comes from a story Bet ty Pasco tells about her efforts to learn to weave sweetgrass when she lived at Phinney Bay.

Her great grandfather, Charlie Jackson owned half of Phinney Bay, 150 acres, at one time. Jackson Drive was named for her grandfather, Henry Jackson. But it was many years later when she was trying to figure out how to prepare the sweetgrass that she and her sister had harvested near Tahola. She was over 50

by then, and she knew of no one who could teach her. She remembered her grandmother washing sweetgrass and then running it through the hand ringers of a washing machine to squeeze out the water. She tried using a rolling pin to do the same. As she worked, crows gathered on the trees all around. “They were just cawing and cawing and cawing,” she recalls. “I thought maybe the ancestors were squawking at me for not doing it right. So I answered, ‘Grandma, I’m trying the best I can!’”

A flock of crows made anoth er appearance at an important time in her life. “I was leav ing my abusive husband, and moving into my new home, and I’ll be darn, the yard’s one tree was full of crows, and they were calling and cawing at me,” she says.

The name Xanamolitza has additional meanings, Duane says. “A lot of women’s names end in itza.” It means a spiri tual sheltering or covering, he said. Or an actual robe for protection from the elements.

A woven cedar sail

This traditional Salish style canoe is special for another reason. Betty wove a cedar sail for it, perhaps the first to be woven since the 19th century, according to Duane.

It took months to make. Betty started by weaving a scale model. For the fullsized sail, she used cedar gathered by both Pascos on the Olympic Peninsula, donated by friends, and purchased. It had to be fresh to have enough flexi bility, she says. Betty had much help with the cedar preparation from her sisters and friends, but Betty invited anyone, weaver or not, to participate in the weaving of the historic sail so that

others, too, could say they had a part in the creation of the first cedar sail woven in over 150 years.

The sail functions well under ideal conditions, but wind conditions have not yet been just right, she says.

The paddling season is nearly over for this year. But in coming years, you might look out from the House of Awakened Culture one day and see Xanamolitza sailing in to shore.

By Sarah van Gelder

Xanamolitza, paddled by members of the Jackson and Pas co families, joined other Suquamish canoes for the Paddle to Blake Island in August.

Before she created the full-size sail for the Xanamolitza, Betty Pasco wove this scale model.

Honoring and Caring for Sacheen Littlefeather

50 years after she took a stand at the Academy Awards

Suquamish Tribal Member Calina Lawrence shares her journey with Native icon

Several years ago, during my time in college, I met an iconic Apache/Yaqui auntie by the name of Sacheen Littlefeather while living in Ohlone Territory.

Littlefeather, and her husband, Charles Koshiway (Otoe/Sac & Fox), welcomed Joey Montoya (founder of Urban Native Era) and me into their home. We were blessed to visit and exchange stories about our lives and our efforts.

This visit took place shortly after I was invited as a guest of Shailene Woodley to the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. Seven actors invited seven activists in solidarity with Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), the Me Too Movement, Domestic Workers, Farmworkers, Restaurant Workers, and actors of the Times Up initiative to End Sexual Violence.

As many know, Sacheen Littlefeather was the first Native American woman to ever use an awards show platform to make a political statement. Through the documentary SACHEEN: Breaking The Silence, which highlighted her story, she was receiving the long overdue recognition that she deserved. Some mutual friends saw the parallels in our actions and arranged for us to meet just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

During our first visit, she informed me of her longtime friendships with Coast Salish loved ones such as siʔab Bruce Miller and Granny Hillaire, and their time with the Red Earth Performing Arts Company.

I learned that Sacheen visited Seattle and Suquamish many times in her 20s. I informed her of our connections by way of the Alcatraz occupation of 1969, the occupation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1973 and beyond, where my parents Nancy “Pep” Alexis, John Chiquiti, and many Suquamish people and Pacific Northwest relatives joined in intertribal efforts of protection and Indian self-determination.

*We continue to thank all those of who made various sacrifices for our ability to survive and thrive throughout the generations.*

In 2018, Sacheen and Charles extended their love by culturally adopting me as a niece. When I could not make it home for holidays, they graciously hosted me for dinners and invited me to community events. We sat together at Bay Area powwows. We talked by phone throughout the years. They always helped me feel supported at times when I was lonesome for Suquamish.

In November 2021, Charles, Sacheen’s dear husband of 32 years, passed away. She herself had been battling several health issues in the end stages of metastasized breast cancer. In that time of grief, I assured her that I was in a position to come and be at her side when the time came, without question. In efforts for her not to be alone, we kept in touch. When I was able during the early months of 2022, I made short trips to the Bay Area. I was also just beginning my certification training as a death doula / end-of-life planner and caregiver, so the timing was in alignment, and I was able to make the commitment to come and remain at her side until her physical time on Earth is complete.

I am now caregiving Aunt Sacheen 24-7, which required dropping everything happening in my life, my

career, and at home, and making the drive down to be by her side. I travel back and forth, getting some respite at home when possible. It has been a beautiful and transformative time, a small sacrifice compared to the one she made for all of us.

Little did we know that the Academy was preparing a process of reconciliation and apology. 50 years ago, Sacheen had taken the stage on behalf of Marlon Brando and refused the Academy Award for Best Actor, objecting to the stereotypes of Native peoples in film and sports, and the injustices taking places at Wounded Knee and around the country. The response was a mix of booing and applause.

Sacheen Littlefeather honored at a special Academy Awards event in September.

On June 18, 2022, the Academy privately presented her with an official apology letter, while filming her life story (which is now available on the Academy Museum’s YouTube Channel).

Then, on September 17, they hosted the community

Sacheen Littlefeather, left, with Calina Lawrence.

Elders Corner

Greetings Suquamish Elders!

Melissa and I are moving to our pre-Covid times again. Our calendar of events going forward will be more robust. If you ever have concerns or questions about any activities, we would appreciate your phone calls. Melissa looks forward to meeting everyone. If you see her in the neighborhood or office please introduce yourself. (By the way, Donna is enjoying her retirement!)

We wish Don and Merrilee George a happy belated 60th wedding anniversary, and send Happy 50th anniversary wishes to Jill and Howie Howard.

Get ready to party! On Monday, Oct. 31st, we are having a Halloween cos tume party, with ghoulish snacks and games, and prizes for the best costume. Hopefully, our tech team can be there to answer any questions on how to oper ate your cell phone, computers, tablets, readers, etc.

We received a really tasty recipe from Marlane Buckner that we would like to share. It is for venison Frito pie (you can use beef, elk or whatever protein you desire).

Venison Frito Pie Recipe

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees

~Brown 1 lb venison with 1 medium chopped onion until meat is no longer pink

~Drain fat, add 1 TB taco seasoning, and 1/4 C of water

~Stir in 2 cans (15 oz ea) ranch-style beans (Marlane prefers S & W pinto chili beans in tomato sauce)

~Heat through, add 1 C frozen corn, 4 oz can green chilies (or chopped pickled jalapenos)

~From a 9.25 oz bag of Frito chips, reserve 1 C for topping, place remaining chips in bottom of greased 9 x13” pan. Layer with meat mixture, 2 cans (10 oz each) enchilada sauce, 2 C shredded cheddar cheese, and top with reserved chips.

~Bake uncovered, about 15-20 min utes, or until cheese has melted

Elders

Elders

In Memoriam

James Allen Porter

James Allen Porter

June 30, 1948 –Aug. 11, 2022

Suquamish Tribal Elder James Allen Porter, son of Judith Pierpoint, grandson of Edith McMillan, and great grandson of Julia Jacobs, has passed away after a bout of cancer. He was 74 years old.

Jimmy, as I knew my cousin, was five years my senior. He left for military service when I had just become a teenager. He retired from the U.S. Army after serving in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and Special Forces. He later continued working for the government in classified operations and retired from that work as well. Jim was working on his next retirement as head of security at Dulles International Airport upon his passing.

He leaves behind his wife Anne, a half-sister MaryAnne, four siblings, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

By Bill Gemmell

PINK & ORANGE

~Garnish with sliced green onions, black olives, salsa, and sour cream Bon Appetit!

We are sending prayers and condolences to the Jerry Porter (Webster) and Ivy Cheyney (Belmont) families for the loss of their loved ones. We also send prayers to our Elders and their families who are not feeling well or are in the hospital.

Start getting prepared for the cold weather,

By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund

Traditional Heritage Specialist

September is over. Children are in school, and the days are getting shorter and colder. We are now getting ready for fall, and soon winter will be upon us.

I have had to rework my computer as it lost most of my work when I had my hand on the mouse and sneezed, pressed the button, and it went to a new computer. Thankfully, everything was in the network and in the cloud, and IT was able to return things to me. There were days when I thought I was totally going to be lost forever. The wizards in IT did their magic, and I have my documents and things back. Just reorganizing everything again.

I would still like to do interviews with folks that want to talk about fishing, hunting, gathering, weaving, canning and other topics of history. This is a generation that we did not interview in the 1970s and early 1980s, and your life is very interesting to the next generations. You have seen the change from phone booths to cell phones and computers in every home. Large TVs, woodstoves,

walking to school, and so many more things. We really need to talk and document these memories so the generations to come can understand what life was like for all of you. Please contact me at mjones@suquamish.nsn.us or (360) 3948526. I will gladly set up an appointment with you.

In addition, the Suquamish Museum has a grant to do Oral Histories and will be contacting folks soon to do interviews!

We said farewell to some folks this September, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families of each of them. Memories of time spent on trips and in meetings with them, sharing teachings at events and luncheons will live with me. I will keep these beautiful folks always in my heart.

I wish to thank the families for sharing their loved ones with us and allowing us to have time with them. My hands are up to you all for your love and thoughtfulness.

By Marilyn Jones

FALL CLEANUP 2022

haʔlid

Neighborhood Dates

Indianola: Saturday, October 1

Eaglemere: Saturday, October 8

Wee Wun: Saturday, October 15

Tundra: Saturday, October 22

Sackman: Saturday, October 29

Woolly Dog: Saturday, November 5

George Lane: Saturday, November 12

Adams: Saturday, November 19

Time

9am to 3:30pm

Items Accepted

Note: no empty, leaking, or damaged containers.

• Liquid Household Wastes (up to 15-gallons/household): Paints, Oils (Including Cooking Oils), Antifreeze, Cleaning Products, Flammable Liquids and Solvents, and Herbicides and Pesticides

• Household Batteries, Aerosol Cans, Fluorescent Tubes and CFL Bulbs, Mercury Thermometers, and Road Flares

• Other Household Wastes (up to 10 items/household): Isobutane or Butane/Propane Pressurized Fuel Canisters, Propane Bottles (1 Liter or Smaller), and Auto Batteries

We are not accepting household garbage, furniture, appliances, mattresses, or electronics.

If you have larger quantities or any questions, please contact Jaime Lawrence, Solid Waste Coordinator, at (360) 471-3500

(Elder’s Corner, continued from p12)

Culture

for an evening in her honor, to present their apology publicly. “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather” was held at the Academy Museum’s David Geffen Theater in Tongva Territory (Los Angeles).

Sacheen generously invited me to perform some of my contemporary music (including some txʷəlšucid) alongside many other talented Native culture keepers for this once-in-a-lifetime event, and it was an honor to do so. She resonates deeply with the lyrics in “Don’t Count Me Out” and is very proud of the use of Lushootseed within music, so I combined both songs into one performance! It was extra special incorporating the audience in the call and response, and completing my time on the microphone by having the whole theater shout, “We Love You Sacheen!”

The entire evening went without flaw, and Sacheen left feeling complete joy. We thank everyone who tuned in on livestream from home!

Please know that the love, support, teachings, and community of Suquamish have all shaped my experiences, allowing me to offer love and be of service to Sacheen Littlefeather in this sacred time. Thank you all.

By Calina Lawrence Photos courtesy of Academy Museum Foundation (Sacheen Littlefeather, continued from p11)

New Hires & Transfers

New Hires

Name Title

Angelina

Olivia

Jared

*Melissa

Jeremy

Madelyn

Chris

Anna

Amy

Antonia

Lynette Ashue

**TJ

Chris

Get Your Tribal ID Card — Travel with Sovereignty

It is now simple and easy to get your Suquamish Enhanced Tribal Card. Start by picking up your application at the front desk of the Fisheries Department.

Then:

Step #1: Fill out the application

Step #2: Turn it in

Step #3: Come in, say hi to us in Fisheries, and answer a few easy questions

Step #4: Get your card.

It’s that simple!

In the past, we did have a few applications backed up due to staffing shortages, but the issues have been resolved, and all the applications have been completed.

We’re excited to be flexing the Tribe’s sovereignty by issuing these cool travel ID cards!

If you have questions, call me at (360) 394-8444.

By Heather Schultz

Observer Tribal Gaming

*Tu-tai-ud Everhart Childcare Teacher ELC

* Tribal member / **Descendant

View

Sacheen Littlefeather

camera

Birthdays

October 1

Jacob Johnson

Victory Mowitch

October 2

Alice Pondelick

Alicia Lawson Damian Lawrence

October 3 Ah-nika-leesh Chiquiti

October 4

Chelsea Forsman David Sherman Jeffrey Elevado Kenneth Hagen William Stroud

October 5 Clarence Ross Jr. Cynthia Williams Jeffrey Riggins

October 6

Molly Middleton

October 7

Ashton Purser Denita Holmes Tracy Tabafunda October 9 Gordon Hawk III Kasssia Smith Ronnie Glaze October 10 Ibrahim Trawally Patrice Wilcox Ronald Purser Jr. October 11

Aaron Lawrence Karsyn Setten Robin Sigo October 12 Blain Wolten Douglas George October 13 Frank Cordero Nigel Lawrence

October 14 Dale Ahvakana Gaylon Vaught

October 15

A-lish-tasssen Chiquiti Charles Vollenweider Jana Mills Lillian Pondelick Melita Zaiss Rose Sigo Shelly Immken Sherry Robles

October 16

Charles Deam Jr. John Jones Nadia Armstrong Wyatt Mabe

October 17

Lawrence Elevado Robert Forsman October 18

Bryce Bradwell Dolores Bakken Kirt Napoleon October 19 Danielle Palomino Maddox Duthie

October 20

Cheyenne Castaneda-Sigo Daniel Pratt Heather Purser

October 21 Andrew Christensen

October 22 Keokuk Peterson Pierce Peterson

October 23

Aaron Napoleon Destiny Mabe Lawrence (Pete) Hawk Martha Mabe Shanel Carson Shelley Wood October 24 Ian Lawrence Jacob Patrick James Clark October 25 Chynna Murphy-Rubeck Emmy Fowler Janet Surratt Jordan Joe Shery Werbelo

October 26

Emily Castaneda-Sigo Karen Villanueva Robert George Sr.

October 27

Aiden Willis Gloria Viray Jerin Bagley October 28 Andrew Joe Jr. Irene Carper

October 30 Aubrey Collier Brittany Bakken Celia Williams Destiny Pool Erika Cordero Hunter Brown Raymond Pondelick Robert Alexander Jr.

October 31

Cindy Webster-Martinson Rebekah Stewart Timothy Midkiff William Forsman

Sign up for fall classes! Aim your phone camera at the QR code to access the registration form for fall classes. Please contact us with any questions or for help filling out the form. language_program@suquamish.nsn.us (360) 394-8644 or (360) 394-7180

to Tribal Households & Suquamish Youth Program Participants