Suquamish News
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A monthly publication of the Suquamish Tribe
Volume 13 Waking Up The Canoes
Suquamish in Washington DC pg. 4
April 2013
N o. 4
Annual ceremony marks the beginning of canoe season for Suquamish Members of the Suquamish Tribe gathered on Sunday, March, 24 to celebrate the beginning of Spring with an annual awakening of the canoes ceremony. The canoes, including both traveling and war vessels, were pulled from several months of winter slumber in the Canoe Shed near the House of Awakened Culture and carefully dressed with floral wreaths before being brushed with cedar boughs and waters from the Puget Sound. Canoe skippers, community members, Youth and Elders turned out for the event marking the beginning of canoe season on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Suquamish songs of gathering and teachings from Ray Krise of Puyallup accompanied the ceremony. Krise spoke of the importance of caring for the canoes as family members and the significant part they play in the physical and spiritual health of the tribe. The event was followed by the first canoe practice of the year. Starting this month, the Suquamish Tribe Sports and Recreation Department is coordinating canoe practices throughout the spring and summer months. Suquamish Tribal Members of all levels are encouraged to attend at 4p.m. every Wednesday and Friday, and Sundays at 10a.m. near the Charles Lawrence Memorial Boat
Canoes were ceremonially awakened after months of slumber in the Caone Shed near the House of Awakened Culutre in Downtown Suquamish.
Ramp next to the House of Awakened Culture in Downtown Suquamish.
mish Tribal Members of all skill levels. For more information on all canoe season practices, contact Suquamish Tribe Recreation Program Manager Kate Ahvakana at (360) 394-8575 kahvakana@ suquamish.nsn.us or Suquamish Tribe Youth Worker Denita Santos (360) 3948618 dsantos@suquamish.nsn.us.
In addition to canoe practices, weekly Song and Dance practice for presentations during Tribal Journeys and Chief Seattle Days begin April 9, at 5:30p.m. in the Suquamish Tribe Youth Center. Song and Dance is also open to Suqua-
Suquamish General Council 2013
New Vice-Chair and Treasurer selected during annual meeting The Suquamish Tribe general membership has elected two new members to serve on the Suquamish Tribal Council. Long-time Tribal employee Wayne George has been elected to the position of Vice Chairman. The 58 year-old is a lifetime resident of Suquamish and a former council member. Incumbent Chuck Deam chose not to run for the position. Other candidates who ran include Lyle Emerson George, Dave Sigo, Aggie Pratt, Rebecca Purser and Lois Sullivan.
Skipper Nigel Lawrence makes ready for the first pull of the season.
Sho-Shyne Jones brushes the canoes with cedar branches and waters from the Puget Sound in the ceremonial awakening marking the beginning of canoe season.
Violence Against Women Act Reauthorized
See General Council page 3...
New provisions allow for protection orders, prosecution of non-native offenders President Obama has reauthorized the tection orders. A tribal member living on the Port Madison Indian Reservation can Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard now obtain a protection order from the Forsman was in attendance for the cer- Suquamish Tribal Court, regardless of emonial signing in Washington D.C. in tribal affiliation or gender of the person March, along with representatives from they are seeking protection from.
“This is a big step in the fight against domestic violence on the reservation and “Tribal Governments have an inherent reduces the obstacles that domestic viright to protect their people and all wom- olence victims face when attempting to en deserve the right to live free from fear seek help,” said Suquamish Prosecuting and that it what today is all about,” said Attorney Donna McNamara. President Obama before signing the bill In the past, Tribal Members living on the Port Madison Indian Reservation seeking into law. New provisions in VAWA give Tribal protection orders against those without Governments the authority to issue pro- tribal affiliation would have to travel to Kitsap County Courts in Port Orchard dozens of federally recognized tribes throughout the nation.
Suquamish News
In This Issue
to complete the process. Travel expenses, limited court hours and the burden of navigating an often unfamiliar court system resulted in some victims choosing not to pursue an order.
News ................... 1 Community Calendar
................... 2
“There’s only a very brief window (to assist) after someone asks for help,” said Vice President Joe Biden during the VAWA bill signing.
Education
.................. 4
Government
................... 6
Sports & Rec
................... 8
Additional provisions in the newly authorized bill also allow tribes to prosecute offenders who commit domestic violence crimes on reservations, regardless of tribal affiliation. According to McNamara, implementation of prosecution for such
Wellness & Traditions
................. 11
See VAWA page 3... 1
The Suquamish Tribal membership also elected Council newcomer Robin Sigo to the position of Treasurer. Sigo is a lifetime resident of Suquamish. The 37 year-old has also worked for the Suquamish Tribe in Grantsand Health Research. Sigo replaces incumbent Angel Hill who ran for the position along with Kim Kumpf, Josh George and Cindy Webster-Martinson.
Business ................. 12 Elders ................. 13 Community & Notices
................. 14
Birthdays & Anniversaries ..................15 Vol. 13, No. 4