Suquamish News
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A monthly publication of the Suquamish Tribe
Volume 14
Spring Events Round Up pg. 8
May 2014
N o. 5
Tribal Summit Brings Secretary of the Interior to Suquamish
Leaders of the 6th Congressional District Tribes emphasize education, access and environment in meeting with federal officials Representative Derek Kilmer and leaders from every tribe in the 6th Congressional District were joined by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Sally Jewell at the House of Awakened Culture in Suquamish for a summit examining issues facing the region’s tribes on Thursday, April 24. Rep. Kilmer invited Secretary Jewell to attend this event on behalf of the tribes in the 6th District. “It was a great honor to welcome the Secretary of the Interior and neighboring tribal nations to the Port Madison Indian Reservation. It was the first time a Cabinet Secretary has visited our reservation, a place with a long and sometimes challenging relationship with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, an Interior agency. We and the other 6th District Tribes were happy to show Secretary Jewell our progress, identifying what we need to keep moving forward and thank her for the Obama Administration’s Indian Country initiatives that have helped us,” said Suquamish Tribal Chairman Forsman. Forsman, NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, Quinault Nation President Fawn Sharp and Rep. Kilmer moderated panels concerning issues facing tribes, followed by a keynote address from Secretary Jewell. During the panel discussions, tribal leaders emphasized the importance of streamlining processes between Federal and Tribal governments- including tax credit and fee to trust applications. Tribes located on the Olympic Peninsula also stressed the need for support of broadband internet service in remote areas, for both economic and education programs. During the summit there also were targeted discussions on tribal sovereignty, the best ways to increase economic development and grow opportunities on reservations, and the need for coastal resiliency to mitigate the impact of severe weather on tribal communities. “Tribal communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change because of their place-based nature and connection
From left: Congressman Derek Kilmer, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman talk with reporters outside the House of Awakened Culture after Jewell’s speech to leaders of the 6th Congressional District Tribes.
Mourning the Loss of a Great Leader
to the environment and are in the best position to detect changes and determine in their own community how to remedy those changes,” said Quinault Natural Resourses Advisor Gary Morishima.
Billy Frank, Jr. remembered by tribes, state and federal officials for a lifetime of advocacy
In her address, Jewell emphasized the Obama Administration’s commitmment to Indian Country and thier support for bringing fee lands owned by tribes back into trust status. She also spoke about the Obama Administration’s efforts to battle climate change, and how measurable goals can be met during the next three years.
Suquamish joins other Northwest tribes, Washington State leaders and Federal officials in mourning the loss of Billy Frank, Jr. A staunch advocate for Indian people and the environment, Frank passed away on May 5, 2014. He was 83 years-old.
Jewell serves as the Chair of the White House Council on Native American Affairs. Her participation in the summit came after Rep. Kilmer and the Tribal nations of the 6th District sent her a letter on March 25, 2014, requesting her attendance.
From left: Forsman and Jewell on a tour of Suquamish after the summit.
Seattle Mayor Visits Suquamish
Ed Murray commemorates 100 days in office by visiting the gravesite of the city’s namesake City of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray visited Suquamish for the first time since he took office in January. During his visit, Murray was treated to a tour of Chief Seattle’s Gravesite and a welcoming by Tribal Council Member Bardow Lewis, Council Treasurer Robin Sigo and the Suquamish Song and Dance group.
Frank spent most of his life defending the rights of treaty tribes and the natural environment. He was first arrested for fishing on the Nisqually River when he was see “Frank” page 10...
In This Issue News ................... 1
Tribal Elders were also in attendance. During a gift exchange, Suquamish Elder Rich Demain gifted Murray with a carved replica of a traditional canoe. After visiting the gravesite Murray was also given a tour of the new Suquamish Museum, and praised the Suquamish Tribe for the work that has been done to preserve the history of the Tribe. Suquamish is working with Murray’s office and a design committee for the new Seattle Waterfront, ensuring that Coast Salish people are represented in the project. From left: Suquamish Tribal Council Member Bardow Lewis and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. Suquamish News
“The Suquamish Tribe is greatly saddened by the passing of Billy Frank, Jr. The hearts and prayers of the Suquamish People are with his family and friends, as we mourn the loss of a great voice in Indian Country. His commitment to protecting Mother Earth and the rights of Indian people will be remembered and treasured forever,” said Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman.
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Community Calendar
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Education
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Museum ................... 5 Government
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Sports & Recreation
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Elders ................. 10 Health & Wellness
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Business ..................12 Community & Notices
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Birthdays ..................15 Vol. 14, No. 5