- p8
Elders cruise to Alaska – p13
Back to School: New principal at CKA, Tips for Learning & more – p10
Healing House: Get your winter season vaccinations! – p14
Elders Council meets at the Elders Lodge Sept.19, 2-4pm. Call Della Crowell or Melissa Lund at (360) 394-8417 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Council meets Sept. 11 & 26 (off-site at retreat, see below). Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN Texts.
Tribal Council Retreat Sept. 25-26.
PME Board meets Sept. 20 at 9am. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@ clearwatercasino.com by 5pm the day prior for link to attend virtually.
Suquamish Museum Board meets Sept. 21, 10-11:30am at the Museum Education Room. For more info call (360) 394-8499.
Suquamish Seafoods Board meets Sept. 12. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets Sept. 5 & 19, 9:30-11am at the Suquamish Museum. Contact Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.
Suquamish Warriors meets Sept. 5 at 5:30pm at the Suquamish Warriors Vet Center.
Bainbridge Ferry will be closed to vehicles, bikes, motorcycles, electric scooters Sept. 7-13 while the passenger walkway is replaced. Walk-on only passengers will be allowed. On certain days, passengers may have to board the ferry via the car deck. Ferry schedule will be disrupted. For more info: https://bit.ly/44nVIH0
Military Appreciation Day at the Clearwater Casino Resort Sept 2. Sponsored by PME & Suquamish Warriors. For information call Bill Gemmell, (360) 536-0007.
Suquamish Museum Cedar Weaving Class, Sept.16 @10:30am-2pm. Call (360)394-7105.
Salmon Homecoming Sept. 21-23, Pier 62. Watch SUN for updates.
Suquamish Community Health Fair Friday Sept. 22 @ 9am-1pm. See back cover for details.
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.
Chief Seattle Days returned to its pre-pandemic magnificence, with the Saturday morning gravesite ceremony led by Suquamish Elders, assisted by newly appointed Suquamish Royalty. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Leonard Forsman Chairman
Josh Bagley Vice-Chair
Irene Carper Secretary
Denita Holmes Treasurer
Rich Purser Member
Sammy Mabe Member
Luther Mills, Jr. Member
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
Publishers of the Suquamish News reserve the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Suquamish Tribe. As such, we reserve the right to refuse to print any letter, for any reason.
Reproduction of Suquamish News, in whole or in part, without written permission from the Suquamish Tribe is strictly prohibited.
Rich Demain stood transfixed watching the crews of four large canoes singing from the Salish Sea shoreline. Tears were rolling down Demain’s face and a vision was coming to him. It was 2009 and Demain was taking photos of Tribal Journey canoes coming ashore. A man who had already lived a full life by then, Demain had found a new passion in preserving moments in time.
But this particular day would become a moment out of time for Demain. Indeed, sometimes the photographer captures the moment, other far more rare times, a moment captures the photographer.
“The crews of these canoes all stood up, singing together and hitting their paddles on the side of their canoes like it was a drum. It was the first time I’d ever seen that. It was so beautiful,” says Demain. “A vision came to me. I could see my ancestors coming in like that, doing the same thing. It made me very emotional. It was a very big moment for me.”
Now 95 years old, Demain is Suquamish Tribe’s eldest Tribal Elder. Growing up in Suquamish and Phinney Bay through the 1920s and 30s, Demain’s own story unfolds like pages from a history book. Enlisting in the Army during the final throes of World War Two and serving through the Ko-
rean War, Demain’s path was one of resilience and commitment. Serving as Suquamish Tribal Chairman in the ‘50s, he continued to make a lasting impact on his community, going on to work in the shipyards in Bremerton and Seattle across four decades.
Along the way, he also became a noted tribal carver and storyteller. A passion for photography would become yet another defining chapter of his life.
Through the unassuming lens of his camera, Demain found a powerful tool for preserving memories. An occasional shooter of snapshots over the years, in the 1990s he found himself capturing more and more of what was becoming an increasingly vibrant drumbeat of tribal activities.
“At first it was just a fun thing to do, taking photos of all the things the tribe was starting to do back then,” he says. “For so long we really hadn’t done that much. But things were changing.”
What started as a simple hobby, soon because a passion focused with a purpose. Demain’s sharp eye and deep connection to his roots tapped into something profound—a chronicling of his tribe’s cultural renaissance. His photographs became windows into a revival of traditional practices, ceremonies, and the reawakening of ancestral knowledge.
“At some point I realized I wasn’t doing this for myself anymore, I was doing it for my tribe,” he says.
Each click of the shutter served as an act of preservation, he says, ensuring that the story of the Suquamish Tribe’s revival would be passed down through generations.
To that end, Demain recently donated his entire collection of pho-
tography to the Suquamish Museum, including some 80 albums packed with prints along with several disk drives full of even more digital images. “We’re talking thousands upon thousands of photographs,” says the Museum’s archivist Angee Harrington.
Even as canoe families again made their way across the Salish Sea in this summer’s Tribal Journey, the Suquamish Museum opened a new exhibit showcasing Demain’s work.
The exhibit stands as a tribute to Demain’s dedication and his invaluable contributions to the tribal community, says Harrington, who curated the gallery of photos now on display. The photographs not only show the beauty of the Suquamish Tribe’s journey but also serve as a testament to the resilience of its people and culture.
As Demain’s photographs grace the walls of the museum, they also reflect a life that continues to inspire, educate, and foster a deeper appreciation for the strength of cultural heritage. His photography is a tribute to the power of storytelling through images, reminding visitors that within every photograph lies a story waiting to be told.
Demain says he hopes visitors will be inspired to capture their own moments, and maybe even discover the occasional moment that capture them.
By Jon Anderson
Chief Seattle Days is back! After three years of a scaled-down celebration due to Covid, Chief Seattle Days 2023 included the canoe races, gravesite ceremony, salmon bake, tournaments, royalty, fun run, and other activities so many have come to love! One difference: the powwow was replaced by Coast Salish cultural sharing. Additional photos are on the Suquamish Facebook page. Photos by Jon Anderson.
Fifteen young people vied for Chief Seattle royalty positions at this year’s pageant at the House of Awakened Culture. The number of contestants was unusually large this year, with each young person stepping up to provide their services as ambassadors for the Tribe.
In a change from previous years, instead of designating female “princesses” and male “warriors” for each age group, the titles are now gender inclusive. Cori Silvey, ELC Home Visiting Supervisory, coordinated the pageant, and it was her idea to change the titles, according to Culture Director Kate Ahvakana. The new, colorful Chief Seattle Days sashes were also Silvey’s inspiration, according to Ahvakana.
The 2023 royalty are Senior Chief Seattle Days Nisrine Radani and Ceyenna Norris, Chief Seattle Days Royalty Shaunie Cordero and Brooke Edlen, and Little Chief Seattle Days, Mohammad Ridani
and Zaylee Moss. At the annual Chief Seattle’s gravesite ceremony on Saturday morning, the new royalty distributed gifts to those attending and assisted the Elders who led the ceremony, wrapping the witnesses in blankets.
This year’s judges panel included Elders Della Crowell and Donna Sigo, and previous CSD royalty Ah-Nika-Leesh Chiquiti and Kayla George. “At the conclusion of 15 individual interviews, our four judges were overwhelmed with pride and excitement,” according to Silvey.
“In addition to our 2023-2024 royalty youth, we also want to acknowledge the other youth and their families for taking the time and energy it requires to prepare for the pageant, and run amongst their peers for royalty. These include Cecila’ Holmes, Kinslee Moss, Jackson Holmes, Ismaeel Ridani, Sawsane Ridani, Narmine Ridani, Ibrahim Ridani, Nardine Ridani, Narjiss Ridani.
This year’s artist/creators, and additional support included Shilene George (Beaded Headbands), Jessi Old Coyote (sashes), Bearon Old Coyote (hand drums), Jimmy Price (paddle rattles), and Canoe skippers Nigel and Ian Lawrence.
By Sarah van GelderSoftball
Champs: Aye Cuzzins
2nd: Mattys Baddies
3rd: Sarah J
4th: All Nations
5k
Youth first place: DeSean Santos
Adult first place: Greg Nance
Elder first place: Bradley Everett
Cornhole
1st: Ryan Boure & James Wion
2nd: Joel Moffet & Bj Armstrong & William Nellenbach
3rd: Bear Boure & Bj Armstrong
Horseshoe
Singles
Day 1 Champ: Chris Santos
Day 1 2nd place: Matt Ives
Doubles
Day 1 Champs: Matt Ives & Chris Santos
Day 1 2nd place: Aaron Kaui Lawrence
Day 2 Champs: Matt Ives & Chris Santos
Day 2 2nd place: Jesse Lemickson & Hailey Kunka
background information on Chief Seattle and the history of the Suquamish Tribe, which she included in her well-received presentation on the last day of the cruise.
The Suquamish Tribe’s Department of Community Development organized a blessing of the Enetai Housing project construction site in the former Suquamish Shores lease area. Thanks to Peg Deam and the Suquamish Song and Dance group for helping bless these grounds before they were cleared to begin construction of a 20-unit townhouse complex for our tribal citizens.
A few weeks later Vice Chairman Josh Bagley joined me and Fisheries staff in a meeting with NBK Commanding Officer Capt. John Hale and his team. We discussed the SIOP schedule and other issues including strategies for avoiding interruption of our tribal fishery on Sinclair Inlet.
We continue to emphasize the importance of protecting our treaty rights and mitigating impacts that future projects will have on our treaty resources. We thanked Capt. Hale for his sailors’ help bringing the visiting canoes ashore during this year’s canoe journey.
Summer is the time for cultural activities and ceremonies. The return of canoe journey brought exciting opportunities to renew our cultural and social connections with our neighboring coastal tribes. The Paddle to Muckleshoot started for Suquamish at Lummi, with stops at Samish, Swinomish, and Tulalip, a return to Suquamish, and on to Alki Point for the final landing. We hosted nearly 100 canoes here in Suquamish for two nights. We held cultural protocol in the House of Awakened Culture and provided meals for thousands of guests. Thanks to the tribal fishers and fish/shellfish cooks for the awesome traditional meal on Friday night. Thanks to the Culture Department, the Emergency Management staff, the Maintenance team and all the other staff and volunteers who made the hosting a success. Thanks to the canoe skippers, pullers, Challacum crew, ground crew, and singers and dancers for their work on the journey and during our protocol at Lummi, Suquamish, and at Muckleshoot.
Chief Seattle Days also returned as a public event with canoe races, royalty pageant, graveside ceremony, coastal sharing, coastal jam, salmon bake and other events held downtown and at the Family & Friends Center. This year was a great time to gather again with friends, family, and fellow tribal citizens.
The Suquamish Elders embarked on a cruise to Alaska on the Holland America Line. My wife and I were able to join the trip, which was a wonderful opportunity for the elders to travel together and learn more about Alaska’s history and culture. The cruise director asked us for
The Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center held a culture education camp for teachers and staff at the Sandy Hook Tribal Center. I joined other cultural educators during the program, providing the history and culture of the Suquamish Tribe to the staff as they work to incorporate this information into the ELC for our youngest learners. I also had the opportunity to present a culture and history presentation to our Summer School students who held their classes at the House of Awakened Culture in mid-summer.
The Poulsbo Rotary also requested a presentation, and I was finally able to speak to this group of local leaders and community supporters at their early breakfast gathering at the Sons of Norway. Thanks to Ed Stern of the Poulsbo City Council for the invitation.
Government-to-government consultation continues between the Suquamish Tribe and Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), especially in respect to operations and expansion at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS).
The shipyard is in the midst of a “once-in-acentury investment to reconfigure, modernize, and optimize our four aging naval shipyards into new modern facilities,” as stated in the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Project (SIOP) mission. These four Bremerton shipyards are within the exclusive usual and accustomed fishing area of the Suquamish Tribe.
PSNS Commander Captain JD Crinklaw led a tour of the shipyard with Tribal Council and Fisheries staff explaining how the drydocks will be expanded to service future fleet needs.
Government-to-government activities also extended to other agencies and representatives over the past month. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) held a press conference to announce the availability of new funding under the NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).
The TBCP funds broadband deployment on tribal lands, including for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion. Douglas Kinkoph, associate administrator of the Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications for NTIA, traveled to the University of Washington’s Intellectual House to make the announcement. I provided a welcome and blessing for the event.
The Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings were held in Seattle, and the Suquamish Tribe offered ceremonial welcomes to the international visitors. Representatives from China, Russia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Japan, and several other countries attended a variety of meetings throughout the month of August.
I provided a welcome for the USDA Food Se-
curity Ministerial Gala Reception during APEC, joining Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and several foreign agricultural ministers at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Center.
The Suquamish Song and Dance Group presented at an event chaired by Mike Pyle, chief economic advisor to the Biden-Harris Administration, at Seattle’s Sheraton Grand Hotel.
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and UW’s Native American Law Center hosted an historic meeting during the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals 2023 Mid-Year Conference held in Portland, Oregon. The ATNI Executive Board, and chief judges from several of the region’s tribal courts met with Chief Circuit Judge Mary H. Murguia of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Elena Kagan, and judges from both the Ninth Circuit and district courts within the Ninth Circuit.
Chief Judge Murguia, Justice Kagan, and I provided remarks to the attendees.
A common theme in the remarks was the importance of clear and effective communication between the tribal and federal courts as they each do the work of providing justice and exercising jurisdiction in their respective communities. Another common theme was a shared interest in meeting more regularly in the future.
Thanks to Suquamish Tribal Court Judge Cindy Smith for her help in organizing the meeting and for her attendance.
The Washington Indian Gaming Association held its monthly meeting at the Yakama Legends Casino. We received updates on the Maverick litigation, the legal challenge to the state/tribal gaming compacts that for decades have provided economic growth for tribal nations and the state. We also developed talking points for representatives attending the Washington State Gambling Commission meeting in opposition to further expansion of state restaurant gaming operations beyond those authorized by state law.
By Leonard Forsman, Suquamish ChairmanTribal Council meets
September 11 & 26 (off-site during retreat). Watch for SUN alerts.
Ina move set to improve healthcare access for tribal members, the Suquamish Tribe is switching its medical insurance from Shasta to Healthcare Management Administrators beginning Sept. 1.
Under the previous system, Shasta administered insurance coverage, with First Choice serving as the network. Under the new arrangement, HMA is taking over as the administrator with Regence Blue Shield now providing its umbrella of in-network providers.
Tribal government staff are also transitioning to HMA under the same timeframe.
“HMA is a well-established presence in the Pacific Northwest, with a proven track record in our own community as the insurance administrator for Port Madison Enterprises for several years now,” said Rebecca Jones, Suquamish Tribe Health Benefits Supervisor. “They’re primed to elevate the quality of healthcare access for our tribal members and government staff,” Jones said.
Jones emphasized that the vast majority of current providers will remain in-network. “HMA’s extensive network presence ensures that approximately 99 percent of our providers will continue to be in-network, providing seamless access to care,” assured Jones.
There’s also no need to worry about previously authorized medical procedures. All prior authorizations approved by August 31 will seamlessly transition to HMA.
“Overall, coverage is not going to change. If anything, it’s being enhanced,” she said. “Our aim is to remove barriers and simplify the healthcare journey for our tribal members,” Jones explained.
For instance, the requirement for a referral from the Wellness Center to see a mental health therapist on an out-patient basis will be eliminated. Authorization for rehabilitation therapy, which previously required approval after 15 visits, will now be streamlined to a flat allowance of 30 visits per year without prior authorization. Beneficiaries requiring additional visits can request that through Health Benefits.
HMA’s user-friendly website (https://www. accesshma.com) enables easy verification of in-network providers and their clear explanation of benefits should also be a welcome addition.
New insurance cards started going out on Aug. 22. “By the end of August, all tribal members should have their new cards. If you haven’t received yours by then, please reach out to Health Benefits for assistance,” Jones urged.
Meanwhile, Health Benefits has been collaborating closely with Healing House health clinic, the Wellness Center staff, as well as many of the major providers and pharmacies in the area to facilitate the transition. It’s still essential for tribal members to present their new insurance cards beginning on Sept. 1 for a smooth healthcare experience, said Jones.
For support and inquiries, tribal members can contact Health Benefits at 360-394-8424, while government staff should reach out to Human Resources.
“We are dedicated to providing unwavering support to all our people during this transition. Please don’t hesitate to call or stop by Health Benefits with any questions or concerns,” said Jones.
By Jon AndersonYou
Theweaving of Suquamish artist
Danielle Morsette was featured recently at an international display of work in the UK. The exhibit, titled “Empowering Art: Indigenous Creativity and Activism from North America’s Northwest Coast,” ran from March 12 to July 30, 2023, at the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, England.
Morsette’s weaving journey spans two decades. In 2003, she took a Suquamish Youth Program weaving class taught by Marjorie Lawrence (Tulalip) and later apprenticed with the late Virginia Adams (Suquamish).
“I am sincerely grateful to my weaving teachers for their guidance, knowledge, and unwavering support throughout my journey as a weaver,” Morsette says. “Their expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my skills and nurturing my passion.”
Morsette weaves on a traditional loom frame, creating regalia and wall hangings.
Her work has been featured in exhibits in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, and now in England. Her cedar bark and wool potlatch dress was acquired by the UBC Museum of Anthropology, where it is now part of the museum’s permanent collection. This dress, made in 2013, marked a turning point in her career as a weaver, Morsette says.
The Sainsbury Centre exhibit celebrating the rich tapestry of Northwest Coast culture left a lasting impression on Morsette. Especially important to her is the exhibit’s focus on the resilience of Northwest Coast communities.
“Despite oppression, the Northwest Coast communities never stopped creating or celebrating, hiding their festivals and embedding secret messages into art and everyday objects. Every carving, song and dance was an act of survival and a celebration of a way of life that could not be destroyed,” she says.
“Today Northwest Coast culture is vibrant and innovative, a world of sound and colour deeply rooted in tradition, but which also encourages new forms of expression, new ways of being authentically Indigenous in the modern world.”
Morsette’s art is a celebration of cultural identity, ancestral knowledge, and the beauty that emerges from the interplay of geometric shapes. Through the mastery of techniques passed down through generations, she seeks to preserve the art of weaving, bridging the past and the present.
Upon her return from England, Morsette expressed her gratitude to the Suquamish Tribe for supporting her artistic journey and for making it possible for her to travel to the UK to celebrate the exhibit.
“It has been a privilege and honor to represent not only myself but my family and our tribe now globally,” Morsette says. “Thank you to the Suquamish Tribal Council and the Suquamish Grants Department for your belief in my artistic journey. It has been a tremendous source of encouragement and inspiration. It was an immense privilege to share my passion and creativity with art enthusiasts from around the world. This significant milestone in my career would not have been possible to witness without your kind support.”
By Sarah van GelderDear Honorable People of the Suquamish, Hope this note finds you well.
There’s been a recent uptick in Covid cases nationwide, and we are not immune. Our families and elders have been out and about celebrating culture and taking long-awaited vacations. I hope everyone continues to take precautions: Stay home if you’re sick. Get tested if you think you might have Covid. Cover coughs, wash hands, wear a mask if you’ve been exposed to Covid or the flu. Covid remains highly contagious, and there are new variants emerging. We will continue to do our best here at tribal government to keep staff and community safe.
Tribal Journey hosting was a huge undertaking, and Suquamish did an excellent job! Folks once again left our shores happy after sharing in Suquamish hospitality! Thank you to all who contributed and participated. It was good medicine.
Chief Seattle Days was also a big hit. It was good to see so many out enjoying themselves. Thank you to all who made it happen.
We now turn to back to school. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or first day of college freshman year, or just another school year, the first day back in the classroom is a big deal, and it’s worth celebrating. Learning and growing is the way we keep our nations strong. Our Suquamish Education Division works hard to support all our students from birth to grave!
The pandemic created hardships for our students and families at all levels. This year, we hope to fully recover from the impacts, focusing on social and emotional skills based in Suquamish culture along with academic success.
This year the staff of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center received in-service training in the form of a culture camp focused on Suquamish history, culture, protocols and traditions, and the importance of tribal sovereignty. A staff that deeply understands Suqua-
mish culture can pass along their knowledge to our youngest learners. We need more care pro viders at the ELC; if you are interested, please check out our job board listing: https://suqua mish.nsn.us/home/careers.
Our academic coaches stand ready to work with our students for a successful school year. See the full list on page 11 – and please reach out to them to support your elementary, middle school, or high school student.
We have a new principal at Chief Kitsap Acad emy, Jeff Williamson, and we are excited to see what he brings to the team. (You can learn more about him on page 10.)
Kali Chargualaf is busy making sure our college students are getting their financing in order. We are excited to see so many people participating in the Higher Education program this year, and we hope to see it continue to grow.
Education is our new weapon for strengthening our sovereignty. An education is something no one can ever take from you. The more educated we become, the more we win against outside forces who stand ready to oppress us as Native people.
We know that investment in education equips the future leaders of the Suquamish Tribe with the tools they will need to navigate the myriad public policies that we are subjected to and entangled in, whether it’s fighting for fishing and hunting rights, or creating economic development opportunities, or changing systems that weren’t meant to benefit Native people. And we know that when the larger community understands the culture and sovereignty of tribal people, they are better equipped to be good neighbors of the tribe. The Since Time Immemorial Curriculum helps with this process.
My hands are up to our Education Division and their work ensuring the success of our Suquamish students and creating the best educational opportunities possible.
Hope you all have a great First Day of School, and here at the government, our hands go up to all of our students!
Respectfully,
Catherine Edwards, Executive DirectorS U Q U A M I S H U P D A T E S N O W
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The Suquamish Fitness Center offers a wide range of classes and activities for all ages and fitness levels. Get started today for a healthier you! Check out the new lunchtime classes and Fitness Calendar on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ SuquamishFitness
Congrats to our July Challenge Winners!
Big 10 for Time
Mens: Mateo 51, David 58
Womens: Napua 1:10, Brittney 1:24
Teens 13-17: Leland 1:00, Jarom 1:04
9-12 yrs: Bryson and Tyzaiah 1:19, Isla 1:21
5-8 yrs: Kasen 1:20, Violet 1:21, Marian 1:27
Way to go! Congratulations!
To everyone in our tribal education community it brings me great joy to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you as we embark on a new academic journey together for the 2023-24 school year.
Whether you are part of our tribal schools at the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center and Chief Kitsap Academy or attending other schools and universities near or far, please know the Suquamish Tribe Education Division is here to support you in every step of your academic journey.
To our remarkable students, your presence infuses us with energy and purpose. Your determination and thirst for learning inspire us each day, and we are excited to witness the remarkable achievements that lie ahead on your educational voyage.
To the devoted parents, families, and guardians, your support and partnership form the cornerstone of our success. Your commitment to your children’s education is an invaluable gift that paves the way for brighter tomorrows.
To our dedicated teachers and staff, your passion and dedication are the driving force behind our transformative impact. Your commitment to nurturing the potential within each student is a beacon of hope that lights the path to greatness.
8/ 28 First day of school
11/23-24 closed for Thanksgiving break
12/25-29 closed for winter break
7/26 Head Start/ECEAP Graduation 8/2 Last day of school
As we step into this new school year, let us cherish the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to create lasting memories. Let us embrace each challenges as an opportunity for growth, and let us foster an environment where curiosity knows no bounds.
May the halls of our schools echo with laughter, the classrooms buzz with discovery, and our tribal community thrive with unity. Thank you for being an integral part of our tribal school family. Together, we shall weave a tapestry of excellence, resilience, and progress.
My hands are up to all of you. Here’s to a year filled with limitless possibilities!
Brenda Guerrero Suquamish Tribe Director of Education/ CKA SuperintendentHigher Education funding available Enrolled Suquamish Tribal Members are eligible to apply for funding through the Higher Education department. Application deadlines are July 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1. Please visit website at bit.ly/44j2OMN or contact Kali Chargualaf at 360-394-1328 or Kchargualaf@Suquamish. nsn.us for more information.
JeffWilliamson, the new principal of Chief Kitsap Academy, is gearing up for the upcoming school year with a focus on student wellbeing, tribal culture, and the expansion of Career and Technical Education programs.
An enrolled descendent Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Williamson is enthusiastic about CKA’s cultural focus and the opportunities it provides for students.
Williamson is committed to enhancing the student experience on all fronts — academically, mentally, spiritually, and culturally — ensuring that students feel valued and supported in their educational journey.
“My educational philosophy is based on the uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. All of which, CKA possess,” he says.
Williamson is focusing on expanding the Career and Technical Education programs, which currently includes sports medicine. Williamson envisions expanding it to include woodworking and cultural programs.
Williamson, who earned a Ph.D. from University of Toledo, taught high school math in Ohio and later served as the tribal education director of the Salt River and Gila River Tribes in Arizona, where he was responsible for the tribal school system from preschool to college, with 4,500 enrolled students. He went on to serve as a principal on the Apache reservation.
Social-emotional learning is key to Williamson’s education strategy. He believes creating a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for students’ success.
“Respect who the staff are and value them as educators,” he says. “Anything I can do to support staff will support the students at the end of the day.”
By Jon AndersonAs students begin the new school year, Suquamish Tribe’s academic coaches say parents and guardians can play a big role in setting up their students for success. Here are some tips to help students excel and thrive in the coming year.
1. Emphasize attendance
“Just showing up for class is half the battle,” says High School Academic Coach Charles Deam. Studies have shown there’s a strong correlation between consistent attendance and overall success in academics, according to Deam.
By attending classes regularly, students avoid falling behind in their studies and feeling overwhelmed by coursework. Regular attendance creates a solid foundation for accomplishment.
2. Show up for your student
Showing up goes for parents as well. When your student sees that you’re involved and invested in their studies, and checking on their progress on a regular basis, it sends a strong message that their academic success is important.
“The more a parent shows an interest, the more their students will show an interest,” says Deam. And the opposite is true, too. The less parents are involved, very often, the less students will be.
3. Build strong support systems
Parents can also show up regularly at school to check in with teachers and staff. Think of it as forming a team to support a child’s learning.
“Get to know the teachers and admins, find out what’s going on in the schools,” says Deam. “Of course the school communicates things with parents, but the more effort you put in, the more you get out of the school.”
“And don’t forget to use us,” says Deam. The Suquamish Tribe hires Academic Coaches to help students and parents.
Teaching your kids how to advocate for themselves is one of those real life skills that kids can develop in school but apply for the rest of their lives. “Just knowing how to ask questions is huge,” says Deam.
If your child is anxious about asking questions
Suquamish Elementary School
Kingston Middle School
K.T. Deam
Chris Miller (360) 900-6330 / chrismiller@suquamish.nsn. us
(360) 471-2463 / ktdeam@suquamish.nsn.us
Homework Club
Tutoring and homework help is available every Tuesday and Thursday after school until 3:30. K.T. Deam is also available every Wednesdays after school at the Family & Friends Center for one-on-one tutoring.
Napua Korsak
(360) 710-0631 / nkorsak@suquamish.nsn.us
Study Table
Suquamish Elementary Academic Coaches provide Study Table tutoring and homework help students every Wednesday at the Family & Friends Center starting Oct. 4, from 3:104:30 pm. Transportation is available. Contact the school’s Office Manager Hailey Warr for details. Parent pick up at Family & Friends Center is required for any youth nine years old and below at 4:30 pm. Students at least 10 years old, can sign in to the Center once Study Table concludes.
in class, “you can literally practice with them at home.” Try playing out a mock situation with your kids on how to talk to people and advocate for themselves. It is okay to be nervous — just keep working at it.
Children watch and learn from what their parents model. So when you meet with a teacher, you can model what it looks like to advocate respectfully for your child, and they will learn from your example.
Kingston High School
Charles Deam
(360) 850-8014 / cdeamjr@suquamish.nsn.us
Homework Club
Kingston High School Homework Club meets every weekday except Wednesday after school until 3pm.
Elementary School Academic Coach Chris Miller says parents can get more meaningful answers from their kids on how school is going by asking better questions.
“If you all you ask is ‘how was school today? You’re probably only going to get one word answers,” he says.
Try asking more open-ended questions that
Roll
Birthday Cake w/ Ice Cream
Pork Adobo
Brown Rice
Asian Blend Vegetables
Tossed Salad
Fresh Fruit
25
Chicken Fajita (chicken, peppers & onion, whole wheat tortilla)
Refried Beans
Apple– Carrot Salad
SF Pudding
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Egg Salad Sandwich
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Yogurt Parfait w/ Granola & Berries
Sliced
Goulash (ground beef, green beans, tomato)
Brown Rice
Tossed Salad
Wheat Roll Fresh Fruit
Shephard’s Pie (ground beef, green beans, mashed potatoes)
Cranberry Cole Slaw
Wheat Roll
Spiced Fruit Cup
Ham Hocks w/ Beans
Brown Rice
Tossed Salad
Pachado Bread Fresh Fruit
Cook’s Special Chili
Indian Tacos (w/ meat, beans, lettuce, tomato, salsa, cheese)
Fresh Veggie Tray
Fresh Fruit
29 Salmon
Macaroni & Cheese
Stewed Tomatoes
Tossed Salad
Corn Bread
Fresh Fruit
Sweet and Sour Pork
Brown Rice
Asian Vegetables
Spinach Salad w
Berries & Walnuts
Blueberry Bran Muffin
Fresh Fruit
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Carrot Apple Salad
Pachado Bread
Yogurt Parfait w/ Granola & Berries
Elders Kitchen: (360) 394-8407. Please call to inform the kitchen if you would like to cancel home delivery for the day.
Wow,Canoe Journey to Muckleshoot hosting was wonderful! I helped in the volunteer booth handing out tee-shirts to all our great volunteers and military that came to help with our guests from so many different tribal communities. What a blessing to see so many beautiful people here sharing culture and food. I enjoyed working with the folks in the booth and was so happy to see all the activities.
Chief Seattle Days finally opened to the public again after the pandemic, and we could celebrate with the public and guests from other tribes! I am looking forward to continue seeing friends and family from other communities and visiting with them. This is a good year!
The Oral History project is moving along slowly and we are going to be partnering up with the CKA students to have them do interviews of family. This will be a great learning experience for them and help us to have future interviewers to continue in the community collecting our history. We want to expand our scope of interviews to include the following: hunters, fishers, gathers, weavers, bead workers, all Elders, teens, youth, sports players, cooks, carvers, and collectors. Please think about being interviewed by Heather Purser, a youth at CKA, or myself. Thank you, mjones@suquamish. nsn.us or (360) 394 – 8526 or Heather at hpurser@ suquamish.nsn.us for appointments.
Remember school is back in session, and you need to watch for children on the roads and at the bus stops. They walk to school, and there are many bus stops and school zones. Please drive respectfully and safely.
By Marilyn JonesThenumber of vaccinated children has decreased to the lowest levels in two decades, leaving many children, adolescents, and adults susceptible to preventable diseases, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC’s new RISE campaign, Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone, is urging you and your family to get back on schedule with immunizations.
Here at the Healing House Medical Clinic, we offer all children vaccines and some adult vaccines. Now that we are entering respiratory virus season, it is important to keep up on the annual vaccinations, such as the flu, to protect our most vulnerable populations. Flu shots will also be available at the Suquamish Community Health Fair on Sept.22. See back cover for details.
Respiratory viruses include:
• Rotavirus (respiratory)
• Pneumococcal Disease (respiratory)
• Flu (Influenza) (respiratory)
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (respiratory)
Routine vaccinations can also protect against:
• Polio
• Rubella
• Hib
• Measles
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Mumps
• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria
Many of the diseases we can protect people from have no cures, so prevention with vaccines is important.
Which vaccinations do you need?
Staying up to date can be a lot for people to take on. You can find a vaccine calendar on the CDC website showing what your family needs at different ages: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/ vaccines-age.html.
When people have visits at the Healing House, we can also help you know which ones can help protect you, and which to prioritize.
Another important immunization, this one to protect against human papilloma virus (HPV), can now be initiated at the age of nine years old, providing extra time to ensure that our children and youth are properly vaccinated with just two doses of the vaccine. Three immunizations are required after the age of 15. This vaccine is also recognized as cancer prevention for our children long before they are exposed to many HPV related infections. Eighty-five percent of adults will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. Because HPV is related to certain cancers, vaccination is important for everyone. Rates of HPV-associated cancers have dropped due to the vaccination efforts according to the CDC.
Let us all RISE and continue to strive protecting ourselves, children, elders, and community as we have so diligently during the pandemic!
By Cecelia Williams, BSN, RNFor more info, contact Katie Ladner
kladner@suquamish.nsn.us
invite more than just yes/no, good/bad answers. Here’s a few examples:
• What’s something interesting or exciting that happened at school today?
• Who did you spend time with during lunch or recess?
• Is there a subject or topic you’re really enjoying right now? What makes it interesting to you?
• What was the hardest thing that happened in school today?
• If you could change one thing about your school day, what would it be?
Miller is also a big fan of setting routines that balance academic responsibilities and leisure activities. His own children can earn screen time by completing academic tasks within designated time frames.
Routines promote consistent learning habits, time management skills, and the ability to manage academic work alongside recreational activities.
Both Miller and Deam stress the importance of equipping students with conflict resolution skills.
“The two years of isolation during the pandemic really stunted a lot social development,” says Miller. Some 4th graders are behaving more like 2nd graders, high school seniors may feel more like sophomores. And it’s not their fault.
Teaching students how to navigate conflicts and interact respectfully with peers and adults fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Rebuilding these crucial skills contribute to emotional and social development.
As the head coach of the girls basketball team at Kingston High School, it’s probably no surprise that Deam is a big fan of getting kids involved in sports and other extracurricular activities.
Athletics not only enhance physical health but also encourages academic work by requiring passing grades for eligibility. Additionally, sports provide a platform for team bonding and the development of essential social skills, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
By Jon Anderson(Tips for Academic Success cont. from p7)
September 1
Edward Moore
Joseph Holmes Jr.
Joseph Wilson
Miakoda George
September 2
Amira Jefferson
Ashley Cobb
Irvin Webster
Jeremy Bagley
Linda Holt
Robert Alexander III
September 4
Kaliska Lawrence
Michael Rogers Sr.
Ryan Boure
Thiago Cordeiro
Tina Jackson
September 5
Brianna Johnston
Cialesh-halil Williams
Richard Sigo
Wendy Jackson
September 6
Abigail Barrett
Harlea Armstrong
Sean Surratt
September 7
Joshua Mabe
Kayauna Cordero
September 8
Andrew George
Colleen Albrigo
David Sigo Sr.
Illyanna Purser
Kennan Klaus
September 9
Harold Belmont Jr.
Lanna Covarrubias
Linda Sandoz
September 11
Caitlin Blomberg
James Abler
Joseph Alexander
Steven Golden
September 12
Jasmine Barnes
Kayden Oswalt
Margaret Deam
September 13
Bruce Anthony Eric Snow
September 14
Braiden Adams
Cynthia Thomasson
Lynn Lindell
Samantha Robson
September 15
Brendan Welch
Daniel Pratt Jr.
September 16
Jaime Lawrence
John Bagley Jr.
Kevin Kalahan
Kody Cotten
Mark Golden
September 17
Kerri Maikranz
Sophie DiMartino
September 18
Katherine Bradley
Kenneth Potts
Kiomi Pavlock
Phillip Holt Jr.
Zachary Webster
September 19
Jeramie Smith
Steven Holt
September 20
Alexis Anderson
Cody Bradwell
Lawrence Webster Jr.
Lynden Stewart
September 21
Desiree Covarrubias
Samantha O’BrienDouglas
September 22
Kailee Gaines
Kaitlyn Boerner
Leonard Barnes V
Nicole Hadley
William Werbelo
September 23
Florence Mellon
Sharon Ogilvie
September 24
Kenita Sherman
Mackenzie Kimmel
Preston Smith Jr.
Zoe Fritz
September 25
Albertina Mclntosh
Beatrice Hommel
Catherine Coleman
John Potts
Kaiden Pacquette
September 27
Angelique Williams
Carylan Midkiff
Deanna Baker
Dezmond Cordero
Hanna Brown-Flath
Olivia Johnson
September 28
Brittany Dumford
Gloria Santos
James Boure
September 29
Deborah Mabe
Jared Heredia-Sigo
Noel Purser
September 30
Edward Jeffers IV
Kylee Manley
Maya Emmett
Natalia Castaneda-Sigo
Nicole Lantzy
September 21-23
Coordinated by the Suquamish Tribe Community Health Program
Coordinated by the Suquamish Tribe Community Health Program
Healthy Living is Our Tradition
When: 9 am to 1 pm
Friday, Sept 9, 2022
Where: House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Parkway
Healthy Living is Our Tradition
Suquamish, WA 98292
When: 9 am to 1 pm
Flu shots for tribal household and government employee adults
Raffles, gifts, healthy snacks
Where: House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Parkway
Blood pressure & blood sugar screening
Friday, Sept 9, 2022
Suquamish, WA 98292
Information about stress management, health, nutrition, and other community healthcare partners
Flu shots for tribal household and government employee adults
Raffles, gifts, healthy snacks
For more information:
Blood pressure & blood sugar screening
Contact Barbara Hoffman: bhoffman@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8468
Masks will be required at this event
9 am to 1 pm
Information about stress management, health, nutrition, and other community healthcare partners
House of Awakened Culture, 7235 NE Parkway, Suquamish
For more information:
For more info contact Barbara Hoffman: bhoffman@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8468.
Contact Barbara Hoffman: bhoffman@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8468
Masks will be required at this event
Masks strongly recommended at this event.