Suquamish News
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A monthly publication of the Suquamish Tribe
Volume 13
Youth Days make a splash pg. 8
July 2013
N o. 7
SuperFly Brings Suquamish Documentaries to Seattle International Film Festival Annual youth filmaking program shines spotlight on real stories of the Suquamish Imagine you’re a young filmmaker, exploring the true stories of the Suquamish Tribe for the first time. You’ve been given assistance on storylines, background interviews and subject matter, but it’s up to you to create the film from start to finish- all in less than two days. What sounds like a celluloid mission impossible is actually an annual non-profit program that gives youth from throughout the United States and Canada the opportunity to make short films for screening at the Seattle International Film Festival. Now in its eighth year, SuperFly selects 50 young filmmakers to work in five teams to storyboard, direct, shoot and edit a collection of unique stories. The program, named for the fact that the films are created “on the fly”, is produced by native-owned Longhouse Media. This year, talented mentors such as Sterlin Harjo, Drew Christie, Kiliii Fish, Them Savages and BC Campbell, guided students into fascinating Suquamish community-based stories. The subject this year was investigative, exploring the theme of curiosity. Each team had less than two days to complete their filmsPhoto Courtesy of Josh Marshall Photography which premiered just four hours after SuperFly film crew, including Suquamish resident Kaden Finkbonner, working on a documentary about Chief Seattle’s Speech of 1854 interviews completion at the SuperFly and Native Tribal Elder Ed Carrier on the beach near his home in Indianola, WA. Shorts Showcase Program screening in featured in the films include family hunt- George, Ryan Sigo and Jacob Anderson Seattle, WA on June 1, 2013. Each film ing practices, Chief Seattle’s Speech of joined other native youth in creating the is approximately five minutes long and 1854, a profile on Tribal Chairman Leon- programs. entirely created by youth participants. ard Forsman and more. A total of five Suquamish hosted more than 100 people short documentaries and one animated Previous SuperFly films have played at for the event, including program facilita- film were created by the group. Suqua- festivals around the country, inspiring President Obama Chooses tors, mentors and developers during the mish youth Vincent Chargualaf, Sequoia other communities to use digital media Suquamish Tribal Chairman for last two days in May. Suquamish stories Chargaulaf, Shadow Williams, Daniel for education and social activism.
Forsman Receives National Appointment
See SuperFly page 3...
Suquamish Honors Graduates
A total of 34 tribal members recognized for siginificant educational achievements in 2013 Tribal graduates of all ages were honored for their achievements during the 13th Annual Suquamish Graduation Ceremony at the House of Awakened Culture on June 20, 2013. The program, designed to celebrate the educational
accomplishments of tribal members, recognizes graduates from High Schools, GED Programs, Technical Schools, Certificate Programs, Community Colleges and Universities.
graduates and stressed the importance of higher education in order to ensure the future of Suquamish-owned businesses. “There are simply not enough qualified tribal members to fill management and skilled labor positions,” said Lawrence. “Your tribe needs you [to fill future key positions within the organization],” added Armstrong.
“We congratulate each and every one of you for achieving such a milestone in your lives,” said Suquamish Tribe Executive Director Wayne George, who was master of ceremonies at the event.
After the keynote address, graduates were recognized individually and given awards for their accomplishments. High school graduates received commemorative paddles, plaques and a monetary gift sponsored by PME. GED recipients also received paddles. Higher education students received drums and commemorative prints. More than 200 family and community members turned out for the event in support of graduates and the Suquamish programs designed to encourage education for Tribal Members.
A combined total of 34 tribal members were honored including Chief Kitsap Academy 2013 Valedictorian Amanda Carper and Northwest Indian College (NWIC) Commencement Speaker Denita Santos. Santos, along with Rebecca Purser and Hemeh Alexis were also given special recognition for graduating NWIC with honors. “I have never been more proud of any student than I am of these three women,” said NWIC Instructional Site Manager Gina Corpuz during the honoring.
Tanner Kumpfwas honored for graduating from ITT. Suquamish News
“Tonight I’ve heard many students thank the (Suquamish) Higher Education Board. What we want you to know is that it is you as a tribe who have voted to make education a priority; and that is an honor and a privilege to serve you,” said Higher Education Board Member Barbara Lawrence-Piecuch at the end of the event.
Keynote speakers Vice President Nigel Lawrence of the Port Madison Enterprises (PME) Board of Directors and PME Operations Manager Nic’cola Armstrong praised
See Graduation page 3... 1
Council on Historic Preservation
President Obama has appointed Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman to serve on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). The council advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy and develops national historic preservation initiatives. “I look forward to serving on the ACHP. They have shown good progress in addressing issues that are important in Indian Country, especially in respect to protection of sacred places and traditional cultural landscapes,” said Forsman. A total of 23 people from throughout the nation serve on the ACHP including his-
See Forsman page 3...
In This Issue News ................... 1 Community Calendar
................... 2
Education
.................. 4
Government
................... 6
Sports & Rec
................... 8
Elders ................. 10 Health & Wellness
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Business ................. 12 Community & Notices
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Birthdays & Anniversaries ..................15 Vol. 13, No. 7