Back-to-School – p4
Chairman’s Report – p6
Judge Smith Honored – p7
Elders Corner – p14
Community Calendar
Meetings
Suquamish Tribal Council meets Sept. 8 & 22. Agenda and links sent via SUN Weekly Update & SUN text.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission meets Sept. 2 & 16, 10am at the Gaming Commission Bldg. Call (360) 394-8652 for details.
Suquamish Warriors meets Sept. 2, at 5:30pm at the Warriors Vet Center.
Suquamish Seafoods Board next mtg. Sept. 16. Call Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
PME Board meets Sept.17. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com for details.
Suquamish Museum Board meets Sept. 18, 10am-noon at Museum. For info call (360) 394-8499.
Elders Council meets Sept. 16, 2-4pm.At Elders Lodge, call (360) 3948417 for details.
Recovery Meetings. All are welcome to recovery meetings, held Mon-Fri, 6pm at the Wellness Center.
Suquamish News
Community Events
Coastal Jam - Wellness Recovery
Cultural Dinner & Sobriety Coin
Ceremony – Sept. 13, 3:30–8pm, Old Tribal Center, 15838 Sandy Hook Rd, Poulsbo.
Home Energy & Weatherization
Resource Pop-Up
Sept. 25, 4:30–6:30pm, Chief Kitsap Academy Commons Building.
Fathers Matter Community Café
Sept. 27, 8:30am–12pm, House of Awakened Culture.
COASTAL COASTAL JAM JAM
SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER 13
Saturday, 3:30-8:00pm
Sharing the Hunt
The Fisheries Department distributed deer and elk meat to Suquamish Tribal Elders at the Merle Hayes Salmon Center at Grovers Creek on Aug 1. (Photo by JoAnn Joe)
Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392
Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us
Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392-0498
Letters should include the writer’s full name, address, and telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space.
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Suq uamish Museum
September Museum Events
Heritage Bus Tours. Fridays 11am-4pm.
Sept. 3-7 9am-4pm. Complimentary Grandparents Day Card Making
Sept. 13. FREE Museum Admission
Sept. 17-21. 9am-4pm Welcome Fall FREE Leaf Activity
Sept 27. 10am-2pm Cedar Woven Vase Workshop
More info: SuquamishMuseum.org On the Cover
The Suquamish Tribe unveiled new interpretive signs Aug. 22, sharing the stories of the place where Old Man House once stood.
See the full story on pages 10-11. (Photo by Jon Anderson)
Suquamish Tribal Council
Leonard Forsman Chairman
Josh Bagley Vice-Chair
Irene Carper Secretary
Andrew George Treasurer
Lorilee Morsette Member
Azure Boure Member
Luther Mills, Jr. Member
Editorial Staff
Leonard Forsman Editor-in-Chief
Catherine Edwards Executive Editor
Erin Bischoff Communications Mgr
Jon Anderson Managing Editor
JoAnn Joe Photography/Design
Georgia Browne Layout and Design
Editorial Policy
Publishers of the Suquamish News reserve the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Suquamish Tribe. As such, we reserve the right to refuse to print any letter, for any reason.
Suquamish Wellness Recovery
New Lushootseed signs welcome students at CKA
Asstudents begin classes at Chief Kitsap Academy Sept. 2, they will be welcomed by a new engraved wood sign at the entrance of the campus that reads haʔł sləxil, or “Good day” in Lushootseed. Created by woodworker David Kotz and incorporating the Coast Salish-style black and red CKA Bear, the word huy’ – or “Until we meet again” – is etched on the opposite side, so students will close out their day at school with Lushootseed as well.
The greeting is just one of more than 50 signs, big and small, installed across the CKA campus just before school kicked off. It’s all part of a broader effort to build a Lushootseed speech community at the school.
“This is just the beginning,” said Cassy George, the Suquamish Tribe’s Lushootseed Language Program Coordinator as she helped managed installations in late August. “It feels really good to see the signs going up. It’s a good beginning.”
A speech community on campus
The project grew from a Dual Language grant that worked in collaboration with the Language Department, CKA and Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Education. George worked closely with CKA Lushootseed teacher
Brandy Boure to decide how to use the funds.
“We asked, how do we create a speech community at the school? We have to create supports for people to speak when they’re together. Where are they together? The Commons, the cafeteria, the carving shed — those became priorities.”
Together, they envisioned signage as a daily reminder that the language belongs in every corner of school life. Indeed, classrooms, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas also got their own Lushootseed placards as well.
Positive affirmations and traditional foods
For cook Skylene George, the cafeteria was the right place to highlight positive affirmations and traditional foods. “She wanted the kids to feel happy here,” George explained. “So there’s signs that say things like ‘Extend good thoughts,’ ‘We care about you,’ ‘You are healthy,’ ‘Be kind to others.’ ”
“These signs remind us the language is alive — in our food, our seasons, our places, and in how we greet one another.”
Cassy George
On another wall in the cafeteria, a new Lushootseed seasonal foods wheel will replace the English-only version that has hung there for years. The wheel names clams, salmon, berries, and other staples of the Suquamish diet across the four seasons. “It connects what we eat to the times of year. It’s part of how we’ve always understood the world,” said George.
Carvings, graphics, and teamwork
Other spaces include the carving shed, where teacher Bearon Old Coyote asked for signs with phrases to encourage safety and good energy in the work. The signs themselves blend artistry and digital design.
Graphic designer Albert Treskin created layouts for each piece, working with Sound Reprographics. “Albert has been there at every step,” George said. “He’s been amazing.”
Installation has been another collaboration. Facilities staff, including Jon Morsette and Junior Santos, provided insight on placement and helped mount the signs. “Their knowledge of the campus made all the difference,” George said. “It really took a whole team to get this done.”
Looking ahead
Initially the state grant was for $39,000 but in the second year was reduced to $22,000 with a tightening of the budget. That means some areas like the basketball court will have to wait. George hopes to apply for more funding to add electronic signage in the future.
For now, she sees the installation as a turning point. “It’s powerful for our kids to see Lushootseed every day,” she said. “These signs remind us the language is alive — in our food, our seasons, our places, and in how we greet one another.”
By Jon Anderson Suquamish News Staff Writer
Language Program Coordinator Cassy George, lower right, works with CKA staff, along with design and installation crew, to place new signage at the school.
The 2025-26 School Year Starts Now!
Fromour schools here on the Port Madison Reservation to classrooms far and wide across the country and globe, more than 400 Suquamish tribal members and their descendants are now heading back to school this month. They are among the 150 little ones enrolled at the Marion Forsman Boushie Early Learning Center. There are 80 sixth graders through high school seniors at Chief Kitsap Academy, and 40 of our students are attending college and other institutions of higher learning this Fall. This year, we are focusing on a few important priorities we believe will make a real difference for our students:
• Working together as a community – Parents, Elders, and community members all play an important role in helping our students succeed. We want to keep building strong partnerships so our young people grow in both knowledge and cultural identity.
• Caring for the whole student – Success in school isn’t just about grades. We are strengthening supports for students’ social, emotional, and cultural well-being, so they feel balanced, confident, and ready to learn.
• Preparing for the future – Whether it’s college, a career, or joining the local workforce, we are developing clear pathways to help students reach their goals. By working with colleges, tribal enterprises, and local employers, we can open doors to many opportunities.
• Using information to improve – We are improving how we track student growth and well-being. This helps us advocate for stronger programs and fair resources, ensuring every student has what they need to thrive.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. Together – with families, teachers, and the wider community, we can lift them up and celebrate their achievements. I look forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish this year!
Welcome back, and let’s make this school year a strong and joyful one.
By Brenda Guerrero Education Division Director / CKA Superintendent
Chief Kitsap Academy
The Chief Kitsap Academy staff is excited to welcome students back for an exciting and enriching school year. As we begin, students can expect a strong emphasis on academic achievement and positive behavioral expectations.
What’s Ahead This Year:
• Career Exploration & Site Visits: We’ll continue offering hands-on opportunities for students to explore career paths and engage with professionals in the field.
• Place-Based Education: Learning will be deeply connected to our local environment and community, fostering meaningful and relevant experiences throughout the year.
• Culturally Responsive Environment: To enhance student engagement, we are committed to creating a learning space that honors and reflects the cultural backgrounds of our students.
Important Dates & Times:
• First Day of School: Sept 2
• School Hours: 8am– 2:45pm
• Front Office Phone: (360) 394-8566
Please welcome our new staff: Tribal members Skyler Bakken who is our new Counselor, Wendy Boure, who will be staffing the Front Office Reception Desk, and assistant cook Lenore Edwards, as well as teachers Beau Pugh, Patrick Lewis, Kody Brynestad, Karli Koehler, Cheyenne Masciotra, and Lenore Edwards.
And I am thrilled to return to CKA again as Principal. We look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery, and connection.
Let’s have a great school year!
By Lucy Dafoe CKA Principal
CKA welcomes new staff members (front row), including returning Principal Lucy Dafoe, as the new school year prepares to kick off. New Lushootseed signage is behind them (see story on page 3).
e ducatio N
Meet the Academic Coaches
Suquamish Tribe provides four full-time academic coaches embedded into the K-12 public schools in North Kitsap. Veteran coaches Chris Miller and Charles Deam Jr. return this year to Suquamish Elementary and Kingston High School respectively. A second elementary school coach and a new middle school coach are expected to join the team soon.
Suquamish Elementary
Chris Miller (360) 900-6330 chrismiller@suquamish.nsn.us
Kingston High School
Charles Deam Jr. (360)850-8014 Cdeamjr.@suquamish.nsn.us
Family & Friends Center
The Family & Friends Center serves tribal community youth ages 10-18, and is open weekdays 10am to 6pm. The center offers after-school snacks and various activities throughout the week. As the school year unfolds, the center also hosts study tables in coordination with the academic coaches and tutors.
For more information see page 13, or contact: fandfcenter@suquamish.nsn.us.
Higher Education
For Suquamish Tribal members looking to further their education, Suquamish tribe provides assistance to attend college, technical schools, and other eligible institutions of higher learning. Funding can be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. The Higher Education program also provides assistance with GED completion. For more information contact Kali Chargualaf at HigherEd@Suquamish.nsn.us or (360) 394-1328.
Higher Ed Annual Application Deadlines
Fall Quarter/Semester – July 1
TIP: All applications submitted for the Fall Quarter are valid for the entire academic year. Winter Quarter/Semester - December 1 Spring Quarter - February 1 Summer Quarter - May 1
FATHERS MATTER FATHERS MATTER
Chairman’s Report
The Suquamish Tribe Canoe Family travelled to Lower Elwha on the two voyaging canoes with support from our Challacum barge and ground crew.
Our trips to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation and to Port Townsend were pleasant, with lots of sun and mostly calm waters. We camped with the other canoe families traveling from the south at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Good and bad weather
The tsunami warning created some excitement and concern in camp but the travel to Jamestown the next day was uneventful with mostly calm seas. The Jamestown hosting was impressive with lots of food and a newly completed outdoor pavilion to host the canoe families.
The last day of the voyage from Jamestown to Port Angeles, however, was very stormy and prevented any canoe travel until outside the welcoming areas. Thankfully, the camp in Elwha was comfortable and our cooks took good care of the canoe family while we awaited our turn in the protocol tent.
We took the floor at around 10pm and our sing-
ers and dancers represented the Suquamish Indian Tribe in great style. Thanks to Calina Lawrence for her work as floor speaker and the Cultural Resources Department for organizing our travel and cultural presentation.
Chief Seattle Days
After the Paddle to Elwha, the culture team went straight to work making final preparations for Chief Seattle Days. The Royalty Pageant, Coastal Jam, Chief Seattle’s Gravesite Honoring Ceremony, Parade, Powwow, Canoe Races, Salmon Bake, and athletic events were all well attended.
A crew with KBTC public television station from Tacoma filmed some of the activities for a production documenting tribal culture. I was interviewed by the filmmakers on the life and times of Chief Seattle.
Celebrating our park
Our last public event in August was a short ceremony celebrating the completion of the interpretive panels at Old Man House Park that happened to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Suquamish
Tribe reacquiring the park from the Washington State Parks Department.
Rob Purser, Sarah Van Gelder, Chris Endresen and I served as speakers at the event and we recalled the long and trying process required to finally get the park into tribal ownership.
The Sacred Water Canoe Family provided songs to open and close the ceremony. Thank you to all who attended and presented. And a special thanks to the Suquamish Police Department and Maintenance Department for cooking the food.
I encourage everyone to come down the park to see the new interpretive boards and enjoy this beautiful, sacred space this so rich in history for our tribe.
Hails and farewells
Our tribal government continues to make progress in many areas.
Our Human Services Department celebrated the establishment of our Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This is an agreement between the tribe and state that allows us to administer our own benefit program. Thank you to Nehreen Ayub and her team at Humans Services for their tenacity in making this happen and refusing to give up despite so many hurdles.
We also had the great opportunity to honor our Tribal Elder Eanie Abler as she retires from her longtime position as cook for the Elders Lunchroom. Many tribal employees and family members came to thank Eanie for her many years of work providing nutritious meals to our Elders.
Government-to-government work
Protection and enhancement of our sovereignty is a top priority for Tribal Council and our staff. We continue to meet with U.S. Navy officials to learn more about and assess the impacts of the proposed dry dock construction at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
The Suquamish Tribal Council had a productive week of meetings hosting the Washington State Secretary of Commerce Joe Nguyễn, the Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith and the Washington Commissioner for Public Lands Dave Upthegrove at our tribal offices.
We signed an MOU with Commerce Secretary Nguyễn outlining our present and future relationship in addressing state/tribal needs including housing and substance abuse treatment.
We discussed state highway investments with Secretary Meredith including our ferry system,
State Route 305, culvert replacement, and improvements to business access. Commissioner Upthegrove discussed his vision for balancing timber harvest and forest health for salmon, wildlife and recreation. We also traded information on geoduck harvesting opportunities and challenges.
Education matters
Before school begins this fall, we also had two significant education meetings.
Council and our Education Division met with representatives of the Seattle School District who reported on their Indian Education activities and tribal curriculum development as part of their tribal consultation responsibility.
We also met with a representative from Shoreline Community College located in North Seattle to learn more about their institution that is working on more outreach to tribal students. They are strong in the arts and humanities and is a good option for those seeking to complete their two-year degree and transfer to a larger university.
Finally, congratulations and thank you to Barbara Lawrence for her steadfast work developing our Since Time Immemorial curriculum. She provided an update to Tribal Council on the latest units coming soon to middle and high school classrooms throughout the Puget Sound region.
Four new units have been completed, covering the Treaty of Point Elliott, the Culvert Case, tribal housing, and treaty fishing rights. They are now going through the approval process to share with the 12 school districts located on original Suquamish territory.
By Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribal Chairman
Her Honor receives honor
Washington State Bar Association recognizes Suquamish Tribal Judge
“How are you?” is a question so common that we often don’t give it a second thought.
But for Cindy Smith, Chief Judge for the Suquamish Tribe, it is a question that she does not take lightly. She asks it often and sincerely to the people who enter the courtroom.
This genuine interest and care for connecting with individuals involved in the court system is one of the reasons Smith recently received the award for Jurist of the Year by the Washington State Bar Association Family Law Section.
“She bears witness to [people’s] humanity with this question, and it is a way of acknowledging the dignity of every individual who appears before her,” said Jacqueline Jeske, who oversaw this year’s award process.
This is the first time the award has been given to someone from the tribal court system, which makes this recognition even more monumental.
“Receiving this award is a recognition of the importance of tribal courts in our state,” said Smith. “This is certainly a step forward for tribes.”
Smith has worked for the Suquamish Tribal Court for 27 years. During her time, she has developed strong relationships that are rooted in compassion and respect.
“I am deeply honored to work with the Suquamish community and to have the opportunity to protect and promote tribal sovereignty,” Smith said. By Erin Bischoff Suquamish News Staff Writer
Tribal Council thanked this year’s cadre of Summer Youth Workers during their open session meeting Aug. 11. Student workers shared their work sites, and spoke about their favorite parts of working for the tribe. This year’s program set records for applications, participating departments, and youth hired. (Photo by Erin Bischoff)
MOU signing with Secretary Joe Nguyễn
Celebrating Chief Seattle Days
Suquamish Tribe welcomed thousands of visitors to its annual Chief Seattle Days celebration Aug 15-17.
Anchoring the weekend, the tribe’s ancestral leader Chief Seattle was honored in a gravesite ceremony. With Chief Seattle’s hilltop grave looking over the Salish Sea and across to the city that bears his name, newly crowned Chief Seattle Days Royalty joined with the tribal community and guests to honor his memory and celebrate his lasting legacy.
Tribal Elders Dolor Mills and Ed Carriere served as Parade Grand Marshals, leading the procession down Suquamish Way into downtown, where the artistry and culinary delights from tribal vendors throughout the region bookended events at the House of Awakened Culture.
Additional highlights included the Coastal Jam and Powwow, War Canoe Races and 5K Fun Run – along with Softball, Cornhole, Horseshoe, Fish Fileting and other tournaments. And of course, the internationally famous salmon feast lunches remained a fan favorite, with grill masters and cooks from tribal member families providing all the fixings this year.
c ulture
Ascool waves lapped the shore of Agate Passage on a warm and sunny Aug. 22, Suquamish Tribal members and community friends gathered at Old Man House Park to celebrate. The day marked two occasions, the installation of a series of new interpretive panels explaining the site’s history and significance, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Tribe’s formal celebration of the park’s return.
For centuries, this beach was home to Old Man House, the great 800-foot cedar longhouse where generations of Suquamish people lived, celebrated, and hosted neighboring tribes. It remained the heart of the community until it was destroyed by the U.S. government to make way for a coastal defense fortification that was never built. The park’s return in 2005, after decades under Washington State Parks, was a hard-won victory for the Tribe and its allies.
A long struggle
Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman recalled the long journey that brought the land back under Suquamish care.
“This was one of the largest longhouses in the Pacific Northwest,” Forsman said. “Chief Seattle’s father built it, and families lived here for generations. After the reservation was established, some people moved onto allotments, but others stayed, building small houses around the beach. Then in 1870 the U.S. government tore the house down.”
In 1905 the state purchased the beach as a park. “It was always our desire to have it come back,” Forsman said. “Different Tribal Councils kept working on it. And after the desecration of Chief Seattle’s gravesite, someone said, ‘We want that park back.’ That set the process in motion. Twenty years ago we celebrated that success, and we are really proud of it.”
Telling
the story
Treaty Rights Protection Division Director Rob Purser, who helped lead the negotiations when he served on Tribal Council, emphasized how important it was to make sure decision-makers heard the Suquamish story.
“We had to explain what the sacredness of this land meant to our ancestors, to our Elders, and to future generations,” Purser said. “This is the soul of Suquamish, right here.”
He and longtime Fisheries staffer Rich Brooks traveled the state to speak with each park commissioner individually. “That’s probably what made the difference,” Purser said. “They were hearing a lot of racism and fear-mongering, but when they heard our history directly, some became friends and allies.”
The lesson, he added, still holds today. “Billy Frank always said we need to tell our story. A lot of folks just need to know the information, and they’ll support us. Some never will — but many will.”
Building coalitions
Former Suquamish Communications Manager Sarah van Gelder, who played a central role as a grassroots organizer long before she came to work for the Tribe, remembered her first exposure to Suquamish history.
“When I was thinking about moving from Bainbridge to Suquamish, I knew nothing about the Tribe,” she said. “I went to the museum, and one of the first things I learned was about Old Man House. I thought, that was wrong — that this land was taken. If I ever have a chance to be part of returning it, I will.”
That chance came after the desecration of Chief Seattle’s grave united Tribal members and non-Native neighbors who wanted to push back. “We had good intentions but didn’t know what to do,” van Gelder said. “Elders Ted George and Barbara Lawrence guided us. They taught us to honor the peacemakers in the community and to celebrate those making things better.”
The campaign faced resistance. “The parks commission didn’t make it easy,” she said. “We jumped through all the hoops they set. Then staff told us they would not recommend returning the park because of the opposition. That’s when Rob and Rich went commissioner to commissioner, even to eastern Washington, to make sure each one heard the story
Telling the Suquamish Celebrates Old Man House
Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Park Return with Interpretive Boards
directly.”
She said the new interpretive signs will ensure future visitors also learn that story. “This is a beautiful park for swimming or relaxing on the beach. But when you want people to understand its deeper significance, they can read the panels as they walk down and know the history just as you do.”
An ally in office
Former Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen was one of the first local officials to support the Tribe’s efforts.
“I moved here in 1982, and the only thing I knew about Native Americans was what I learned in high school history books — which wasn’t much,” she said. “When I learned what a checkerboard reservation was, I was horrified.”
Despite criticism from some constituents, she stood by the Tribe’s right to reclaim the park. “Some people thought I was crazy,” Endresen said. “But one of the biggest honors of my time as commissioner was helping the Tribe reach its goals and righting the wrongs.”
Song, food, and thanks
The Sacred Water Canoe Family framed the event, opening and closing the program with traditional songs that echoed across the beach.
Forsman also thanked Suquamish Council members in attendance, Executive Director Catherine Edwards, and the staff who made the day possible. The Suquamish Police Department and Maintenance Department served as the cooks — grilling burgers for the crowd.
As the gathering closed, Forsman reflected on the significance of the day. “For a long time we worked to bring this park back,” he said. “Now we have it. And with these new panels, the story of this place will continue to be told.”
By Jon Anderson Suquamish News Staff Writer
New interpretive panels share story of Old Man House
Visitors arriving at Old Man House Park are now greeted by a series of nine new educational panels tracing the history and cultural significance of the site long held sacred by the Suquamish People.
The project was a collaboration across Tribal Government departments starting with Chairman Leonard Forsman who drafted the historical text.
“The Language Program and the Cultural Resources Department checked everything, the Archaeology Department checked everything, the Maintenance Department made sure we weren’t disrupting the land,” said Sarah van Gelder, who helped shape the text, photos, and artwork into panels with graphic designer Georgia Browne. The Tribe’s Port Madison Enterprises Construction Company provided much of the installation work. “It was definitely a group effort.”
The signs guide visitors down the hill along a newly shaped gravel path to the shoreline, where the original Old Man House, the massive 800-foot longhouse and home to Chief Seattle, once stood looking out strategically over the Salish Sea.
Along the way, readers learn about Suquamish life before and after the Treaty of Point Elliott, the destruction of the longhouse in 1870, and the long struggle to regain stewardship of the land.
“Old Man House Park is open to the public and we invite people who want to learn more about the history of the Tribe and this particular sacred place to come down and read the panels looking out over the water,” said Forsman. “And maybe imagine yourself there, two or three thousand years ago.”
By Jon Anderson Suquamish News Staff Writer
Can you Guess?
It’s back-to-school season and Suquamish Tribal Elder Mark Lewis suggested it might be fun to see who can ID some tribal community youngsters in his Suquamish Elementary School class photo from 1962. The first three people to email communications@suquamish.nsn.us and correctly place Marilyn (Lawrence) Jones, Harold Pratt, Mark Lewis, Lola Sheldon, Pete Hawk, and Vernelle (Williams) Trevathan will get a $25 gift card.
Downtown water treatment construction now underway
Kitsap County has begun work on a new stormwater treatment system in downtown Suquamish. This new underground processing plant will be under Parkway Blvd and the public parking area next to the House of Awakened Culture by the Suquamish Dock.
Throughout the construction:
• The Suquamish Boat Ramp will be closed for all recreational and commercial activity. It will only be used in times of emergency by the Fire Department.
• The Suquamish Dock will remain open to pedestrian and commercial access (Seafoods ATV equipment).
• House of Awakened Culture driveway entrance access on the lawn side will alternate between entrances throughout the project.
Health Benefits
Tip of the Month
Please make sure your children’s healthcare coverage is up to date! School is starting soon and they may need sports physicals, vaccinations, dental exams, glasses or contacts, etc.
Contact Health Benefits for Assistance Office: (360)394-8424 PO Box 546, Suquamish, WA 98392
Pursers gather in Suquamish for family reunion
Five generations of Pursers hailing from four separate tribes across the region gathered in Suquamish at the House of Awakened Culture Aug. 23 for their first family reunion since the pandemic. Returning to what was once an annual tradition, more than 100 members of the extended Purser family enjoyed food, fellowship, and reconnecting on the Suquamish waterfront promising to return again next year.
Labor Day
Chicken Alfredo
Capri Veggie Blend
Brown Rice
Birthday Cake & Ice Cream
FOR LUNCH!
Yogurt Parfait w/ Fruit
Ohno — our nights are getting shorter! We just love our long summer evenings. It’s also been a little warm these past few days of August for our Suquamish peeps. From her office window in Human Services, Della enjoys watching the honey bees buzzing around the lilac bushes.
We had an exciting showdown at the Suquamish Fitness Center. It was Suquamish Elders vs. Suquamish Cops — an event put together by Rob Norris (Cathlene’s husband). No one is really sure who won, but the game was filled with laughter, great energy, and — best of all – no one was arrested for any outstanding warrants! If you’re an Elder looking for fun, friendship, and plenty of smiles, join us for Elders Volleyball every Thursday at 10:30am. Our team even has an official name now: The Sasquatches! This year’s Chief Seattle Grave Site services could not have happened without the generosity and dedication of so many volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to Cook Family Funeral Home and Suquamish PME for their thoughtful donation of the beautiful flowers placed at Chief Seattle’s grave.
A special thank you to our amazing volunteers – Isabelle Chiquiti, Emy, and Agustina May – whose hard work and dedication helped set up and make the event possible. We are also grateful to James Forsman and Dickie Johnson for offering the prayer, and to our Suquamish Warriors, who come every year to present the colors in honor of Chief Seattle.
Chief Seattle Days was quite an event! Really enjoyed the Powwow being outside, always love the canoe races, especially with the little kids. We had a lot of variety of vendors and different foods, that were delish! Liked seeing so many of our tribal members running the booths this year.
Our favorite was the geoduck fritters made by our own Councilman Jay Mills. Hope we see this item next year! The salmon for our lunches was cooked to perfection! The Alexander Team never disappoints us, and their salmon is never dry.
We were so honored to see our oldest Elders – Dolor Mills and Ed Carriere – serve as the
Grand Marshals of our parade in downtown Suquamish. This all came together thanks to Denita Holme’s last-minute idea, which meant we had just a few days to pull everything together!
First, we needed sashes.Thankfully, Elder Linda O’Connor saved the day, creating beautiful black and red sashes embroidered with “2025 Grand Marshal.” Next came the car. At the last minute, we thought of Gene Tabafunda (Tracy’s husband), who owns a classic 1970 Pontiac Lemans GTO – “AKA The Judge” — a muscle car he treasures. Gene generously said “yes” and made the day even more special.
The day before the parade it rained, and we all prayed for sunshine. On Saturday, the skies cleared, and we were blessed with a beautiful day. In just three days, with teamwork, creativity, and a little faith, we made it happen — and it turned out absolutely perfect.
Our Suquamish Staycation went off without a hitch! We had over 35 Tribal Elders, plus spouses and other guests. We were so blessed to have Albertina McIntosh (Jackson) who is 92 join us from all the way from Michigan. There were also Elders from Alaska, California, Idaho, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Ohio.
A big congratulations to Joseph Peterson (Contraro) and his wife Debra, who joined us for our Suquamish Staycation and just celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary! Only two more years until they reach the true milestone of being Golden. What an incredible journey together.
Elder Cheryl Lawrence and her husband, JL just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Congrats to you two lovebirds!
At the Staycation brunch banquet, we had a lighthearted and touching moment worth sharing. Two Elders, seated at the same table, hadn’t seen each other in over 35 years. As they shook hands, one said, “I know you.” After a brief pause, recognition set in.
It turned out to be Cory Winnie (Thompson/Fowler), who had worked in forestry with the BIA, and Del Ostenberg (Purser), who had worked in forestry in Colville. Once they realized who each other was, the conversation flowed as they reminisced about their time in tribal forestry and the many friends they had in common. This is what we love about Indian
From the desk of the Traditional Heritage Specialist
Well, I missed a few issues, so I am making up for them now. August has been very busy, as was July – we had Canoe Journey, Chief Seattle Days, and many other events go on for the tribal community. I hope everyone had a great summer and are now ready for the school year to start again. Watch for children on the side of the road waiting for the buses and walking to school. Please stop for the buses and do not pass them when they are stopped.
I have had the pleasure of listening to our divers talking about the early years of diving and what they learned – I asked them to come as a group and allow me to video the memories for our history. They are thinking about it. What great stories they had and how great it would for future generations to hear these stories from them. If your families would like to do group recordings, please contact me at either (360) 394-8526 or mjones@suquamish. nsn.us and I will gladly set up a time and date
for you to come in and do this. I will transcribe the video and place a copy in the archives, give you a copy, and keep one for my office. These memories and stories for things you have been taught while growing up are very important to pass down.
In this day and age of technology and less teaching of our oral history, the youth are not learning the ways of our past like our Elders did, so we are continuing to lose more and more of the teachings as we lose Elders and teachers. Your life experiences are very valuable to the future generations and should be shared and saved for them to learn from.
We have lost far too many valued Elders that did not record their stories, and we cannot get those back ever again. Please consider recording your life stories and teachings.
Thank you!
By Marilyn Jones
Traditional Heritage Specialist
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Chief Seattle Elders Walk Aug. 16. We had a great time!
Country!
Have you seen the beautiful cherry red 1931 Model A cruising around the Rez? That classic car belongs to Bruce Anthony. According to Bruce, his very first car was also a Model A — gifted from his grandmother, Zelia Peck (Sigo). We send prayers to those in need young or old, those who are hospitalized or in a skilled
nursing facility, or those who have had losses in their families. We are always here if you need to reach out.
Happy Trails to you until we meet again! Be Happy, laugh, and play volleyball!
By Della Crowell, Melissa Lund, & Antonia Ewing, Elders Program
Home Energy and Weatherization Event
Puget Sound Energy (PSE), in partnership with the Suquamish Tribe’s Climate Resiliency Program and Kitsap Community Resources (KCR), invites you to a resource popup event connecting tribal members and families to energy- and costsaving programs.
Event Highlights
Tribal members and families
This event is open to tribal members and tribal families living in and near Suquamish, WA.
Resource Tables - Bring Your Bill!
The PSE Outreach team will assist with the Bill Discount Rate Program, tax exemption, weatherization assistance, and more!
Shared Meal
Connect on energy and weatherization over a shared meal provided by PSE.
Raffle and Incentives
Attendees will be entered in a raffle for their participation and input!
4:30-6:30 PM
Questions?
Please contact us at Climate team@suquamish.nsn.us with the subject line: “Pop-Up”
SEPTEMBER
Chief Kitsap Academy, Commons Building
16301 Creative Dr NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
New hope for Hepatitis C treatment
Atthe Healing House, we care for everyone (tribal and non-tribal patients alike), and we believe that when everyone in the community has access to good care, we all grow stronger.
A small part of the care we provide for the community is focused on identifying and treating chronic diseases, such as Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus that often goes unnoticed for years, quietly affecting the liver until symptoms finally appear. Left untreated, Hepatitis C can cause liver disease, cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
That sounds scary but here’s the good news: Hepatitis C is curable! Recently, the Healing House had the opportunity to care for a patient with chronic Hepatitis C. Through Indian ECHO, a program that connects tribal clinics with specialists, we were able to develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Because of Indian ECHO, the patient never had to travel to multiple appointments or meet with specialists in person. After just eight weeks of treatment, the individual’s Hepatitis C was cured.
Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Hepatitis C screening at least once for all adults ages 18 and older, regardless of risk. We know that getting a blood test or coming in for a check-up can feel scary. You may wonder what will be found or worry about what comes next. That’s a normal feeling and you’re not alone. But here’s the truth, early detection changes lives. Fortunately, Hepatitis C is no longer as scary as it once was and effective, tolerable treatments are now available.
Whether you’re feeling strong and well, or you’ve been quietly carrying a health concern, we’re here to support you. We’re not just here to provide medical care, we’re here to listen, celebrate the small victories in life and to help you feel safe in your own healing journey. We encourage everyone to get regular health screenings. And if you haven’t yet, we invite you to register as a patient at the Healing House.
To get started go to intakeq.com/new/brgans. If you need help or have questions, just call (360)394-1350 or email Health_Clinic@suquamish.nsn.us.
By Dr. Casey Kernan Healing House Physician
Two-day training strengthens government staff to better serve Suquamish Community
Government staff across the Suquamish Tribe gathered Aug. 27–28 at Clearwater Resort for two days of training led by Gene Tagaban, a regular facilitator with the Native Wellness Institute. Tagaban, who is also founder of Raven Dreaming Productions and Project SKODEN, guided participants through exercises centered on healing and wellness.
The purpose, he said, was to remind staff that their work with the community begins with their own well-being.
“If the people providing services are healthy and whole, then that allows them to provide services that are healthier and whole,” Tagaban said. “A heart that hurts, a heart that carries trauma, can stop us from being effective in our work. Healing has to start here, and then it ebbs out.”
Dedicating time for this kind of training is a priority for fostering a healthy workplace, said Suquamish Tribe’s Executive Director Catherine Edwards.
“Taking two full days for this work is not a small thing. We all know how busy staff are and how many demands there are on their time,” said Edwards. “But we also know that the best way to serve Suquamish tribal members and their families is to make sure our workforce is strong, healthy, and connected. This year’s training gave our staff the space to reflect, to heal, and to strengthen themselves so that they can continue to give their best to the tribal community.”
Tagaban emphasized the importance of stories as a pathway to connection and survival. “Our sto-
ry is somebody else’s survival,” he said. “How do we tell our story? We show up.”
By taking time for this kind of training, he explained, the tribe invests in a stronger foundation for the future. “When we heal, we can become better for the people,” Tagaban said.
“It’s about striving for balance between our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being,” said government staffer Rosie Bayes. “Since many of us spend a large part of our lives at work, it’s essential to bring wellness into our workplace.”
By Jon Anderson Suquamish News Staff Writer
If you cannot walk away when you’ve reached your limit, or if you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of gambling or in conflict with others because of your gambling activity, we can help.
or (360) 3948558. We are here for you.
September
September 1
Edward Moore
Joseph Holmes Jr.
Joseph Wilson
Miakoda George
September 2
Amira Jefferson
Aniya DiMartino
Ashley Cobb
Irvin Webster
Jeremy Bagley
Linda Holt
Robert Alexander III
Sophie CampbellMacDonald
September 3
Connar Lund
Hailey Nichols
Kelly Elevado
September 4
Abrie Mills
Kaliska Lawrence
Kimberly Oliver
Luther Mills IV
Michael Rogers Sr.
Ryan Boure
Thiago Cordeiro
Tina Jackson
September 5
Brianna Johnston
Briley Mabe
Cialesh-halil Williams
Richard Sigo
Wendy Jackson
September 6
Abigail Barrett
Benjamin George
Harlea Armstrong
Sean Surratt
September 7
Daisy Hirschy
Joshua Mabe
Kayauna Cordero
Willow Hirschy
September 8
Andrew George
Bradley Sorensen
Colleen Albrigo
David Sigo Sr.
IIIyanna Purser
Kennan Klaus
September 9
Harold Belmont Jr.
Lanna Covarrubias
Linda Sandoz
September 10
Aleshek Smith
September 11
Boone Day
Caitlin Blomberg
James Abler
Jessie Yaeger
Joseph Alexander
Steven Golden
September 12
Jasmine Tavita
Kayden Oswalt
Margaret Deam
Philip Holt IV
September 13
Bruce Anthony
Eric Snow
Jaxon Taitingfong
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
Deighton Dunn
Katherine Bradley
Kenneth Potts
Kiomi Pavlock
Phillip Holt Jr.
Zachary Webster
September 19
Alice Caldwell
Jeramie Smith
Leiana Shelby
Steven Holt
Zoe Pemble
September 20
Alexis Anderson
Ariana Hawk
Cody Bradwell
Lawrence Webster Jr.
Lynden Stewart
Milliani Hawk
September 21
Desiree Covarrubias
Karisma Harris
Samantha O’BrienDouglas
September 22
Dove Thompson
Kailee Gaines
Kaitlyn Boerner
Leonard Barnes V
Nicole Hadley
William Werbelo
September 23
Florence Mellon
Sharon Ogilvie
Trever Stockwell
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
Noelle Weber
Olivia Johnson
Yasmine Ridani
September 28
Brittany Dumford
Gloria Santos
James Boure
Rylee Gooby
September 29
Deborah Mabe
Jared Heredia-Sigo
Noel Purser
Penny Terwilliger
September 30
Anna Duran
Edward Jeffers IV
Kylee Manley
Maya Emmett
Natalia Castaneda-Sigo
Nicolas Parkhurst
Nicole Lantzy
Regan Bradwell
AUG PROMOTIONS 2025
