Suquamish News, April 2014

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Suquamish News

Inside...

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A monthly publication of the Suquamish Tribe

Volume 14

April 2014

Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash pg. 9

N o. 4

Ushering in Spring with Waking of the Canoes Celebration

Suquamish community welcomes warmer weather and begins preparations for the journey to Bella Bella this summer The turning of the season brings a welcome sight along the shores of Agate Passage. Cedar dugout canoes carrying Suquamish friends and family are once again traveling the waterway as community members prepare for the long journey to Bella Bella, British Columbia this summer, and the start of war canoe racing events. The official start of the 2014 canoe season in Suquamish began Thursday, March 20 with a traditional Waking of the Canoes celebration on the grounds of the House of Awakened Culture. Suquamish canoes, including both traveling and war vessels, were pulled from several months of winter slumber in the Canoe Shed located next to the house. Canoe Skippers, community members, youth and elders turned out for the event where the canoes were brushed with cedar and waters gathered from forests and shores across the Port Madison Indian Reservation. “Kate (Ahvakana) and I gathered cedar and water from Doe-Keg-Wats, Old Man House and beaches from all across the Marjorie Lawrence and Lindsey Moore placing wreathes of cedar and flowers on the canoes before the Waking of the Canoes celebration. reservation,” said Joey Holmes. In keeping with tradition, witnesses were young men for the first time during the Purser also spoke about the importance of the celebration, and ways to be when called to attend the waking. Suquamish celebration this year. songs were sung while women brushed “The poles here represent our ancestors. traveling in the canoes. “You must leave the canoes, lovingly adorned with flow- They watch over everything we do here all your anger, all your pain and personal ered wreathes for the celebration. Wit- and I know they are proud to see them sadness on the beach. My grandfather alness poles, gifted to the Suquamish by coming back,” said Canoe Skipper Rob ways told me, you must work together, as one in the canoe,” added Purser. the Skokomish in 2009, were attended by Purser during the event. “I’m excited to see these canoes out on the water again. When we work together, we can really make them fly,” said Ryan Sigo, a Suquamish Tribal Youth and one of four witnesses for the waking. Starting this month, the Suquamish Tribe Sports and Recreation Department will be coordinating canoe practices. Tribal friends and family of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Suquamish Song and Dance group practices are also scheduled in the coming month. For more information on canoe season practices and events, contact Suquamish Tribe Recreation Program Manager Kate Ahvakana at (360) 394-8573 or by e-mail at kahvakana@suquamish.nsn.edu.

Barb Sanots and Kate Ahvakana prepare wreathes for the canoes.

BIA Approves General Council 2014 Elections Forsman retains Chairmanship, Lawrence elected as Secretary White Horse The Suquamish Tribe annual General meeting was held March 16-17, Property Addition Council 2014 at Kiana Lodge. In addition to hear-

Proclamation adds 283 acres to the Port Madison Indian Reservation

The Suquamish Tribe is pleased to recognize the addition of 283 acres to the Port Madison Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs announced the change in a proclamation issued February 28, 2014. “We are proud, happy and grateful to hear that Assistant Secretary Washburn has approved our request to enlarge the boundary of the Port Madison Indian Reservation to include the White Horse see “Expansion” pg. 12... Suquamish News

Barb Santos shows her excitement for the upcoming canoe season.

ing reports from departments throughout government and business operations, Suquamish Tribal Members also had the opportunity to vote for Chairman and Secretary of the Suquamish Tribal Council. A total of 352 Tribal Members voted in the election. Two people ran for the Chairmanship, incumbent Leonard Forsman and Tribal Elder Linda Holt. Forsman won his reelection with 78 percent of the vote. There were five candidates nominated for Secretary. Nigel Lawrence was elected to the position with 95 votes. Incumbent Randy George received 73 votes. Votes and remaining candidates were Emerson

One of the highlights during General Council this year. The Suquamish Girls Basketball Team see “General Council” pg. 2... won a Championship game the same weekend and received a standing ovation from the Tribe. 1

Vol. 14, No. 4


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Suquamish News, April 2014 by Suquamish Tribe - Issuu