Dec 2017 Vol. 51 No. 9
Indigenous
A Shared Vision For The Future SEATTLE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | PG 20
C
NTENTS INSIDE
The La Conner Youth Football league took second place in the youth Superbowl. Way to go team!
ON THE COVER
20
A Shared Vision For The Future-Seattle University Magazine
Indigenous
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
2
03 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36
Editor’s Note The Chairman’s Message Notice of Primary Election Community Happenings Obituaries It's Gift Card Day! Holiday Schedule for Swinomish Tribal Offices Grand Opening
Wellness Center
Adobe MAX Conference Tide Table Nature is the Best Medicine Being Frank: Bold Action Needed For Salmon... Native American Heritage Month by Larry... A Shared Vision For the Future-Seattle University... New Employees: David Johnson, Rachel Phair John K. Bob 1922-1944 Science Corner: Spartina anglica in Turner's Bay Science Corner: Indoor Air Quality Assessments 2nd Annual Intertribal Youth Suicide Prevention... Youth Center Calendar Mrs. V's 2 Cents Elders Menu December Birthdays Community Voices & La Conner School District's...
editor’s NOTE My Final Thoughts for the Year
As I sit here and think about this issue, the Indigenous issue, I find myself sensing my surroundings. I begin by focusing on my personal life - my family; extending it outward to people I surround myself with - my indigenous community, and then as my senses extend outward I focus on the environment. Here, along the Salish Sea, we are currently experiencing our winter season -“the time to put the paddles away”.
As this year comes to an end I think about what I have accomplished as qyuuqs News Editor. There has been many trials, errors, tribulations, and successes this past year. I am constantly learning how to overcome these tests and also figuring out when to pat myself on the back for accomplishments I have achieved or have helped others achieve.
Designating December’s editorial theme as Indigenous makes sense to me. During the winter months, my people, like many other Coast Salish families, gather in their longhouses to pray, sing, and embrace their culture and teachings.
I've been working for the Swinomish Tribe for almost eight years, which has changed so much during the time I have worked for the Communications department. It has been such an experience to witness these events taking place. To name a few: Standing up for our sovereignty by amending our constitution; and building the unique didgwálič Wellness Center. The Tribe is making history each year! As the Editor, it is my job is record and report each and every event.
Being indigenous is inherent. As each day, month, and season flows so to does the culture and way of life that is embedded into each and every one of us.
I look forward to what 2018 will bring into my personal life, career, and for my people - the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
Celebrating our indigenousness is a good way to wrap up the year!
goliahlitza Caroline Edwards
sexSiCelwa?s
(suhw-SHEETS-ehl-wah-s)
Moon to Put Your Paddles Away Late November/December Moon is the "Moon to put your paddles away. This moon signals a time to move indoors for the coming winter seasons. During the winters moons, tools, baskets and other items are constructed. Sea-run cutthroat trout, black mouth salmon, and steelhead are fished and hunting waterfowl and game continues. Shellfish are collected during the nighttime low tides.
Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: The 13 Lunar Phases, and How They Guide the Swinomish People’ By swelitub (Todd A. Mitchell) and Jamie L. Donatuto sw d bš qyuuqs News
3
e e
The official news publication
of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
T R I B A L S E N AT E
spee pots Brian Cladoosby, Chairman (360) 708.7533 | bcladoosby@
ya qua leouse Brian Porter, Vice Chair (360) 840.4186 | bporter@
sapelia Sophie Bailey, Secretary (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@
taleq tale II Barbara James, Treasurer (360) 391.3958 | bjames@
pay a huxton Chester Cayou, Jr. (360) 770.3378 | ccayou@
The mission of qyuuqs News is to provide monthly communication to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Members near and far. We are committed to serving as an apolitical forum for the Swinomish governing officials and all Community Members. qyuuqs News is not intended to reflect the official position of the governing body at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community but rather reflects the ideas, events, and thoughts of individual Community Members and Tribal staff. As such, the Swinomish Tribe makes no claim as to the accuracy or content of any of the articles contained therein. qyuuqs News 17337 Reservation Road, La Conner, WA 98257 Phone (360) 466.7258 Fax (360) 466.1632 *SUBMISSIONS Send your news tips, stories, and photos to qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us Submission deadline: 10th day of the month EDITORIAL Caroline Edwards, Editor | cedwards@swinomish.nsn.us
cha das cud II Glen Edwards (360) 708.3113 | gedwards@
yal le ka but Steve Edwards (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@
SM OK O LO Leon John (360) 421.0406 | ljohn@
wa lee hub Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com
sOladated Brian Wilbur (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@
squi-qui Joey Williams (360) 853.5629 | jwilliams@ All Swinomish staff emails: FirstInitialLastName@swinomish.nsn.us
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
4
SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills, Communications Manager | hmills@swinomish.nsn.us Emma Fox, Communications Specialist | efox@swinomish.nsn.us ADVISORY COMMITTEE Allan Olson, John Stephens, Tracy James, Kevin Paul This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/qyuuqs Photos credits: qyuuqs News Staff or as credited. All rights reserved. Facebook: Swinomish qyuuqs News Linkedin: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community *qyuuqs News is made available for viewing on the Internet When submitting information, stories, and/or photos, please be aware everything published in the print version of qyuuqs News is also published on the Internet and is available to the world. Please consider carefully whether your submissions contain anything you feel may not be suitable or appropriate for the Internet. By submitting your information, stories, and/or photos to qyuuqs News, you agree to publishing your submission in both the print and online versions of qyuuqs News. qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.
2017 has been a great year for Swinomish! On behalf of the Senate, I would like to thank our tribal community for always thinking of and giving back to one another. We raise our hands to our ancestors who set the pathway for us, and to those who currently serve our community in so many varied capacities. Our Senators are thankful to serve the Swinomish people, our foundation and guides for each and every decision we make. This place is the place we call home, this place is where our ancestors have called home, and this place is where our children’s children will call home. The Senate continues to provide the best services for our members. We have reached 1000 members and just over 30% of them are under the age of 25. We now have over 80 students in higher education and vocational training programs. We believe that when we invest in education we build the capacity of our members and our tribe as a whole. Swinomish is about building our community; we invest in you to be the harvesters, cultural teachers, doctors, dentists, parents, lawyers, faith keepers, and the community builders of today and tomorrow. We hosted the grand opening of the didgwálič Wellness Center on November 15. This is a historical moment for our tribe, and hopefully a turning point in the war on drugs. Like many communities, our community has faced many battles over drugs and addiction. The war on opioids is proving to be one of the biggest battles our society has encountered. We have lost too many of our loved ones. It is time for this to stop. Our tribe honored U.S. Army Veteran John K. Bob this Veterans Day. Swinomish joined La Conner School District to honor Mr. Bob, a tribal member who began his service in December 1942. He is a decorated veteran who served as a sergeant in the Medical Corp.
La Conner School Superintendent Dr. Whitney Meissner shared that the La Conner School District is honored to present Mr. Bob with this deserved and long overdue diploma. She thanked the Swinomish Tribe for requesting this recognition, and extended gratitude to the Veterans Administration and La Conner School Board for having policies to allow this recognition. John K. Bob should serve as an eternal role model for all our students and community. We salute him and his exemplary service. In our celebration of Mr. Bob, we held a celebration of his return home on December 7, 2017. Our community, along with fellow veterans, governmental members, and surrounding tribes came together at Swinomish to honor his life. We are grateful to the men and woman who serve and served this great country. As the ancestral people of these great lands, we stand together and raise our hands and salute the First Americans who served this great country. Christmas is such a wonderful time for family. I must say, I am ready for elk, deer, salmon, and all of the bountiful foods from the Salish Sea. I am also ready to watch some Washington Huskies and Seahawks games! In all seriousness, as I reflect back to all of the special times we have spent together, great appreciation and love fi lls my heart. We have shared many tears and much laughter over the years. I am so thankful to be part of all of your lives. May the Creator bless each and every one of you. spee pots Brian Cladoosby
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
the chairman’s MESSAGE
Mr. Bob joined the service before graduating from La Conner High School, where he was respected by fellow classmates and known as a "good all-around boy". He was unanimously elected President of the Associated Student Body but left school before he would have graduated in June of 1942. He would have been one of a handful of Swinomish students who graduated from the public school system. His service in the military and to the two communities has raised the spirits and hearts of the La Conner School District and Swinomish Tribe. Together we have chosen to honor this decorated veteran with a posthumous high school diploma.
5
CERTIFICATION OF SENATE CANDIDATES
NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION
Senate Seat 8: Barbara James, Incumbent
Location: Social Services Building
Senate Seat 9: Glen Edwards, Incumbent Eric Day Jeremy Wilbur Josephine Jefferson
Election Date and Time: Sunday, January 28, 2018 8am-1pm
CANDIDATES WERE CERTIFIED BY THE SENATE SECRETARY PURSUANT TO STC 2-01.120(A-D).
PRIMARY ELECTION DETERMINED PURSUANT TO STC 2-01.100(A) The two Candidates receiving the highest votes in the primary will move on to the General Election on February 25, 2018, STC 2-01.140(B)(2)(a)
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
6
Senate Seat 9: Glen Edwards, Incumbent Eric Day Jeremy Wilbur Josephine Jefferson
ATTENTION: AFTER-HOURS HOUSING & UTILITY EMERGENCIES
Request for Update of Voter Information Swinomish Election Board
NOVEMBER 29 — In order to conduct fair and impartial Senate elections and assure the participation of all who are eligible, the Election Board needs to ensure the accuracy of the eligible voters list. The Election Board reviews the eligible voters list, pursuant to STC 2-01.150(B)(3), on a yearly basis. The Election Board requests the assistance of the eligible voters of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and asks that any tribal member with recent name changes, such as through marriage or divorce, and/ or with address changes, promptly contact the Enrollment Office in order to update this information.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS DECEMBER 13 Swinomish Gift Card Day | 10AM-6PM Youth Center DECEMBER 20 *Community Dinner | 6PM Youth Center DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Brunch | 11AM-2PM Youth Center JANUARY 18 *Community Dinner | 6PM Youth Center JANUARY 28 SITC Primary Election *Community Dinners are subject to change
HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas!
The Enrollment Office can be reached at: (360) 466.7211
JANUARY 1 Happy New Year! JANUARY 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day sw d bš qyuuqs News 7 e e
Obituaries
Theodore Edge II 'Tedo'
Nellie Edge
May 05, 1950-October 28, 2017 Ted Edge was a great spiritual leader, loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ted was brought home from Island Hospital on October 26th so he could make his journey peacefully. He left his family with many teachings and specific wish to follow at this time.
Nellie Angelina Edge was born on March 19, 1974 and passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017 at sunrise. Nellie was a resident of Swinomish, Washington at the time of passing.
His most valuable and cherished inspirations were his grandchildren. Ted lived every day to give them a happy and healthy life. Ted graduated from La Conner High School. He always worked hard to provide for his family. In his younger years he went to police academy and became the first Swinomish Police Chief, he spent many years on the water as a Commercial Fisherman, and he retired from the Refinery as a Welder. He loved to watch his children play sports and he made sure to travel to all their games, Ted really enjoyed watching his Seahawks and he will forever be a member of the "12"s. His faith in prayer and God helped many people across the Northwest, he kept his alter lit every day. Ted truly believed in his life of seyown, he built the Smokehouse next to his house to offer a place to help his people change their lives and free their spirits. He was a true blessing to his people and his spiritual work was so appreciated by the many lives he touched.
She was born to Ted Edge, II, Swinomish, and Wanda Phair, Lummi. They had two daughters Priscilla and Nellie. Then his second marriage to Laurentia Joe— they had three children: Sylvia, Heather and Ted, III. Nellie loved taking her special mother, Bernadette Stone, on visits to other tribal communities and sharing time with her family. We treasure the smile she bought to the community and cultural events. Nellie is a member of the Shaker Faith and the Swinomish Smokehouse, where she shared her love of her faith and culture with fellow members. Nellie attended La Conner School District and loved the game of softball. She was also employed by the Swinomish Tribe and a past employee of the Swinomish Casino as a blackjack dealer. Many of her colleagues will miss her friendship and the laughter she brought to the day. Her most treasured time was as a homemaker where she dedicated her time with her granddaughter, Angelina.
Ted is preceded in death by his Parents Spike and Blanche Edge, His Daughter Priscilla, Brothers Bernard Edge Sr., Kenny Edge, Sisters Rose and Deanna, Nephews Bernard and Ronald Edwards and Niece Robin Edwards.
Nellie is preceded in death by her parents Ted Edge, II and Wanda Phair; her paternal grandparents Spike and Blanche Edge, and her maternal grandparents Sidney C. Phair, Sr. and Rosemary Scott Phair, sister Priscilla Edge, uncle Kenny Edge, Sidney Phair, Jr, Gerald Phair.
Ted is survived by his Wife Laurentia, his son Ted Edge III (Tia), Heather Edge and Sylvia (Jeremy) Norris. Sister Shirley Cassimere, Grandchildren Carter, Sonja, Cillastina and Eina Jo, a grandson to arrive very soon, Great Granddaughter Angelina Jimmy and a special Grandniece Robin Rose. Ted took great care of all his nieces and nephews, many Seown Children, and many adopted grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Cillastina; grandchild Angelina, godchild Joslin, aunt Shirley Cassimere and siblings Sylvia (Jeremy) Norris, Heather and Ted Edge III (Tia). Niece Eina Jo Johnson, nephews Alvie and RJ George, Ted Edge IV. On maternal side: great auntie Virginia Scott, uncle Clarence Phair; aunties: Lucille Spencer; Marcella, Cynthia, Diana and Sheila Phair.
Ted Edge will be missed dearly by his family, his community, and his people. We will forever be grateful for his ability and willingness to use his spiritual gifts for healing. sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
8
'Nootkatshaa' Della Mae Manibusan
After graduation Della went to work at Swinomish Bingo hall working, selling pull-tab. Della was the fastest pull-tab counter you ever seen. Della enjoyed playing in Co-Ed Softball on team known as "Swinomish Smokers", Coach Bruce James Sr. Della was also a cashier at a lil convenient store in oak Harbor, Housekeeper at Channel Lodge in La Conner. When Swinomish Casino opened she went to work in the Keno dept. as a keno runner. Della absolutely loved to watch "WWF" World Wrestling federation she had her favorite wrestlers, she also watched The Seattle Mariners and Seahawks. She also enjoy Pole fishing which she spent many days on the docks with her dad Norman Rice and an tradition continued with her husband George and her son. On September 2nd 1995 she married her best friend and love George Manibusan, and became a mother of four to Josh, Alysha, Marcie and Nicole Manibusan.
On February 13, 1997 they were blessed with a son Cordell Manibusan. They made their home in Swinomish, moved to Oak Harbor for a period of time. A lil over a year ago they made a big move to Minot North Dakota to be closer to children and grandchildren. Until 3 month ago they moved back home to Swinomish. Della and George enjoyed playing pool and dart leagues with Star and Papa Loren. Della is survived by her husband George, sons Cordell and Josh, daughters Alysha, Marcie and Nicole. Grandchildren; Jaiden, Jackson, Joshua, Erica, Aiden, Madison and Alexa. Her Siblings Tina Rice, Star Jones, Leon John, David Williams; Niece LaKiesha Bird Rice (Austin) Grandniece Kiley Jenkins. One God Son Steven Joe, One aunt Vernitta (Dick) Lewis of Addy WA. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Lots of special close friends. She is proceeded in death by her parents Norman Rice, Charlene & Marvin "Dubber" Cladoosby. Brother Michael Bobb, Grandparents Lou & Rose Swanson, David & Irene John, Aunts Rosemarie Williams, Edith Bobb, Bernita John and Laurinda Washington, Uncles Robert Bob Joe Sr., Ernie John 1st, Rodney John 1st. The family would like to say a special thankyou to the- Swinomish Tribal Police, Swinomish Prayer Warriors, Kerns Funeral Home. Thank you all for your love and support during our time of loss.
sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
Della was born February 1st 1967 to Charlene & Norman Rice in Skagit county. She lived in Seattle WA till she was 12 and they moved back home to Swinomish, where she attended La Conner Schools and graduated in 1985. When moving home she was able to grow up at home being close to her family. And all her cousins who she thought of as brothers and sisters. In this time, she built a very special relationship with three special dear friends who grew up as sisters, Tracy Bobb James, Marlo Williams Quintasket and Myrtle Bailey Rivas who did almost everything together. Lots of good times and mischief as sisters did together. Sisters Forever...
9
Attention All Enrolled Swinomish Members IT’S GIFT CARD DAY! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 10AM-6PM IN THE YOUTH CENTER *If you reside in Skagit, Whatcom, or Snohomish counties, YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR GIFT CARD IN PERSON.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT? The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will hand out the following items to individuals who collect their gift card in person: • GIFT CARDS for enrolled Swinomish members • SMOKED SALMON • CANDY BAGS
MAILING DATES 11/28/2017 - Canada 12/07/2017 - Outside of Washington State 12/12/2017 - Outside of Skagit, Whatcom, or Snohomish counties
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CANDACE CASEY (360) 466.7307 Cell - (360) 982.8584 ccharles@swinomish.nsn.us
MARY ELLEN CAYOU (360) 466.7218 Cell - (360) 982.8637 mcayou@swinomish.nsn.us
Members residing outside of Skagit, Whatcom or Snohomish County will have their gift cards sent by certified mail, unless you notify us that you will pick up in person. If you have been receiving the qyuuqs News each month in the mail, you do not need to update your mailing address. It means we already have a valid address for you. Please provide us with any addresses or phone numbers you may have of your family members residing out of the area. Social Services staff will deliver to elders, those in foster care, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and others unable to physically come to the Youth Center. All other members must come in for their own gift cards. We will not accept verbal or written authorization for others to “pick up” your gift card. Members who are incarcerated (in prison, jail, EHD or detention) on the day of distribution (December 13, 2017) will not be receiving a gift card. Children in middle school and high school can request to pick up their own gift cards. In the split household, in compliance with ICW rules and common sense, we will again give the gift card to the parent/guardian that the child physically resides with, regardless of that parent’s enrollment status. This assures that the child receives the benefit. The gift card may be used in any store where the VISA logo is displayed. People should plan on Christmas Distribution being held on the second Wednesday of every December in future years.
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
10
Help Take a Stand Against Bullying Val Lockrem-Cayou, Swinomish Police Department
What can you do if your child is being bullied? Talk with your child • Be a good listener • If your child is being bullied, they need to have a voice in how the situation is handled. Contact the school • Meet with your child’s counselor or teacher(s) • Consider including the school resource officer (if applicable)
Develop a plan for keeping your child safe, particularly during vulnerable times (recess, lunch, class breaks). Contact the police if the actions are criminal (assault, threats, theft, vandalism, etc.). Be supportive. Your child may have painful feelings they want to share with you. DO NOT: • Encourage your child to fight back • Remember the old phrase, “Two wrongs do not make a right” • Ignore your child’s plea for help Bullying happens in four ways: • Verbal: Direct and indirect • Physical • Sexual • Property
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
What is bullying? An intentional written, verbal, or physical act against a student which is motivated by the bully's perception of that student: • Race • Color • Creed • Gender • Sexual orientation • Other distinguishing characteristics
11
Grand Opening
didGáliV WELLNESS CENTER Caroline Edwards, qyuuqs News Editor
Exterior of the didgwalic Wellness Center
NOVEMBER 15 — The Tribe celebrated the much anticipated grand opening of the Wellness Center. The idea of an all-in-one comprehensive addiction treatment facility that provides services to everyone (both tribal and non-tribal members) has come to fruition. A ceremony and lunch was held at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge. The Swinomish Canoe Family were wrapped in blankets before opening the ceremony with songs. Chosen witnesses were then called upon to witness the event before Chairman Brian Cladoosby gave the opening speech. Cladoosby introduced the Executive Director of the Wellness Center, John Stephens. Stephens gave a presentation elaborating on the planning process; he explained how a project of this caliber should have taken years but only took a little over one year to sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
12
complete. He also stated that will provide patients with all the tools necessary for success. It will not be a "detox" facility. Patients will go to the center when they are stable. In his speech, Stephens explained that the Swinomish Senate feels a healthy and sober community isn't just important on Reservation — it's important across our cities, counties, and state. He quoted Swinomish Senator, Leon John in saying, "If you can do something, you have an obligation to do so." It was duly noted that this project required significant planning and preparation. The key individuals who helped with the planning process were honored for their work and wrapped in Pendleton blankets. This included various construction contractors, Swinomish legal staff, and lastly Wellness Center Director Dawn Lee.
As Chairman Cladoosby shared, addiction impacts everyone. Near the end of the ceremony he welcomed his niece Holle Edwards and her family to the stage as he shared Holle's addiction and recovery story; he then introduced Lisa Janiki who told her son's story; and Laurie Gere who talked about addiction in her family. It seems like everyone has a story about addiction and how badly it has affected their family. The ceremony concluded with the witnesses offering their final thoughts and lunch was provided.
didGáliV
Lushootseed word translation to "place where camas was dug"
ABOUT THE WELLNESS CENTER
The projected program size is 350 patients. There are currently 26 employees on staff. The Mission of the Wellness Center: Our mission is to improve outcomes with quality health care solutions by removing barriers to treatment. Services Offerings • Outpatient Treatment Services • Primary Medical Care • Mental Health Counseling • Medication-Assisted Therapies • Shuttle Transportation • On-Site Childcare • Case Management & Referrals
Inside the Wellness Center
sw d bš qyuuqs News
13
e e
Adobe MAX Conference Caroline Edwards, qyuuqs News Editor
12,000 people attended the Adobe MAX conference.
The qyuuqs News is part of the Swinomish Communications department. This means it is part of a creative team! Our team members are: Heather Mills, Emma Fox, and myself, Caroline Edwards. As creative developers we rely on a variety of tools daily, including: pens, paper, notepads, cameras, computers, software, and when we’re really focused, headphones with motivating work music!
During the morning of our preconference workshop, the group was split into two groups. One group took photos of props, trinkets, textures, and 3D objects, while the other group took portrait photos of people. The afternoon was allocated to a lab where we used Mac computers to begin our composite artwork using Adobe Photoshop software. The outcome of all three of our composites was pretty neat! This type of hands-on workshop reminded me of an art class, but much more advanced.
The software we currently use for design work is the Adobe Creative Suite. Every year, Adobe hosts the Adobe MAX conference. This year, the Communications team had the wonderful opportunity to attend it.
Instructor Katrin Eismann explains techniques for capturing portrait photos to workshop attendees.
A workshop attendee photographs a 3D object.
It was a 3-day conference full of sessions, creative workshops, and hands-on labs. Our team attended a preconference workshop titled — Creative Synergy: Your Imagination Realized with Creative Image Compositing. Compositing is when you combine images (two or more) to make a single picture, especially electronically. 14 sw d bš qyuuqs News
As the week went on, the crowd of attendees grew larger — 12,000 to be exact. I have never attended a conference of this caliber. During the conference our team split up and attended different sessions of our choice and met up during the general sessions, break time, lunch, and dinner. Overall, this conference made me realize how much I have learned already, but also how much more there is to learn in the creative field.
e e
Examples of photos I took during the preconference workshop.
Communications Take on the Conference “The Adobe team referred to people who are in the creative field as ‘creatives’. It felt so awesome to be part of a greater group of people and be called a ‘creative’. I walked out of every session so inspired; it was so refreshing to reflect on what I learned and express it to my team. I could not wait to get back to my computer at work and try out all of the tips and tricks I learned, essentially making my workflow much faster. I will never forget this conference!” -Caroline Edwards “Attending Adobe Max was an eye-opening experience! Engaging in a group of over 12,000 creative minds as we learned together left me feeling tremendously inspired. Learning about new design technologies and techniques largely expanded my skill base; furthermore it reinforced my understanding of the capability of design and graphic media to communicate powerful messages. I look forward to implementing more of these skills in the media that Swinomish Communications creates!” -Emma Fox “Adobe MAX provided an inspiring environment where visual communicators and creative problem solvers gathered to engage new technologies and learn from some of our planet’s top creatives. I walked away feeling empowered with fresh ideas, new tricks, and strategies for furthering organizational design thinking practices for the benefit of the departmental teams we work with here at Swinomish.” -Heather Mills
The community art wall: We proudly wrote "Swinomish Tribe" on it with our saying, "Loving, Caring and Sharing."
sw d bš qyuuqs News
15
e e
TIDE TABLE: January 2018 Lone Tree, Snee-Oosh, North Skagit Bay
Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection Day Mon 01
High
Low
05:27 11.81 ft 10:45 6.62 ft
High
High
15:39 11.82 ft 22:54 −2.96 ft
Phase Full
Sunrise 8:01
Sunset 16:26
Moonrise 16:32
Moonset 7:19
Tue 02
06:13 12.36 ft 11:39 6.50 ft
16:29 11.65 ft 23:40 −3.10 ft
8:01
16:27
17:40
8:22
Wed 03
06:58 12.68 ft 12:34 6.23 ft
17:22 11.29 ft
8:01
16:28
18:55
9:14
Thu 04
00:27 −2.79 ft
07:43 12.81 ft 13:29 5.83 ft
18:17 10.73 ft
8:01
16:29
20:11
9:57
Fri 05
01:15 −2.08 ft
08:27 12.78 ft 14:26 5.32 ft
19:17 9.99 ft
8:01
16:30
21:25
10:33
Sat 06
02:03 −1.00 ft
09:11 12.64 ft 15:27 4.71 ft
20:22 9.16 ft
8:00
16:31
22:37
11:03
Sun 07
02:53 0.37 ft
09:54 12.40 ft 16:31 4.01 ft
21:37 8.38 ft
8:00
16:32
23:47
11:30
23:04 7.90 ft Last Qtr
Mon 08
03:45 1.91 ft
10:39 12.09 ft 17:36 3.22 ft
8:00
16:34
Tue 09
04:43 3.49 ft
11:24 11.72 ft 18:38 2.38 ft
7:59
16:35
0:53
12:20
05:52 4.90 ft
12:09 11.33 ft 19:33 1.56 ft
7:59
16:36
1:58
12:46
Wed 10
00:50 7.99 ft
11:55
Thu 11
02:31 8.68 ft
07:14 5.94 ft
12:54 10.96 ft 20:20 0.85 ft
7:58
16:37
3:01
13:15
Fri 12
03:45 9.60 ft
08:35 6.51 ft
13:38 10.65 ft 21:00 0.26 ft
7:58
16:39
4:02
13:46
Sat 13
04:37 10.39 ft 09:42 6.75 ft
14:20 10.39 ft 21:37 −0.18 ft
7:57
16:40
5:01
14:22
Sun 14
05:18 10.95 ft 10:34 6.80 ft
15:00 10.21 ft 22:11 −0.50 ft
7:57
16:41
5:56
15:03
Mon 15
05:51 11.28 ft 11:15 6.77 ft
15:38 10.08 ft 22:44 −0.71 ft
7:56
16:43
6:47
15:50
Tue 16
06:18 11.47 ft 11:50 6.66 ft
16:16 9.98 ft
23:17 −0.83 ft
7:55
16:44
7:33
16:42
23:51 −0.84 ft
Wed 17
06:42 11.59 ft 12:21 6.47 ft
16:54 9.87 ft
Thu 18
07:06 11.71 ft 12:52 6.19 ft
17:32 9.73 ft
New
7:54
16:46
8:13
17:39
7:54
16:47
8:48
18:39
Fri 19
00:27 −0.69 ft
07:33 11.81 ft 13:26 5.82 ft
18:13 9.52 ft
7:53
16:48
9:19
19:42
Sat 20
01:03 −0.35 ft
08:02 11.90 ft 14:04 5.36 ft
18:57 9.24 ft
7:52
16:50
9:47
20:46
Sun 21
01:40 0.23 ft
08:33 11.93 ft 14:45 4.81 ft
19:47 8.88 ft
7:51
16:52
10:13
21:52
Mon 22
02:19 1.07 ft
09:07 11.89 ft 15:31 4.16 ft
20:45 8.48 ft
7:50
16:53
10:38
22:59
Tue 23
03:00 2.16 ft
09:43 11.77 ft 16:22 3.39 ft
21:54 8.15 ft
7:49
16:55
11:03
Wed 24
03:46 3.43 ft
10:21 11.61 ft 17:17 2.51 ft
23:17 8.08 ft First Qtr
7:48
16:56
11:30
Thu 25
0:07
04:42 4.75 ft
11:04 11.44 ft 18:15 1.52 ft
7:47
16:58
12:01
1:18
Fri 26
00:53 8.45 ft
05:54 5.91 ft
11:51 11.31 ft 19:12 0.45 ft
7:46
16:59
12:36
2:31
Sat 27
02:29 9.29 ft
07:18 6.66 ft
12:44 11.27 ft 20:08 −0.59 ft
7:45
17:01
13:19
3:44
Sun 28
03:41 10.29 ft 08:36 6.91 ft
13:39 11.31 ft 21:00 −1.50 ft
7:43
17:03
14:11
4:55
Mon 29
04:33 11.16 ft 09:42 6.76 ft
14:35 11.40 ft 21:51 −2.15 ft
7:42
17:04
15:14
6:01
Tue 30
05:17 11.81 ft 10:38 6.38 ft
15:30 11.46 ft 22:39 −2.47 ft
7:41
17:06
16:25
6:58
Wed 31
05:57 12.24 ft 11:29 5.84 ft
16:25 11.40 ft 23:26 −2.40 ft
7:40
17:07
17:41
7:46
DID YOU KNOW?
• •
Source: firstpeoples.org/
www.history.com survivalinternational.org
• •
sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
16
Low
Full
According to the United Nations, there are approximately 400 million Indigenous peoples that make up more than 5,000 distinct tribes worldwide. Indigenous peoples total only about 6% of the world’s population, and represent 90% of the cultural diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 4.5 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives in the United States today. Brazil’s Amazon is home to more uncontacted indigenous groups than anywhere else in the world. There are thought to be at least 100 isolated groups in this rainforest, according to the Brazilian government.
Nature is the Best Medicine Myk Heidt, Environmental Community Health
The best plants to harvest during the fall season are madrona berries, dandelion root, and rose hips. Madrona trees grow all over the Pacific Northwest, from the coast of Oregon to Vancouver Island. It is amazing what grows in our backyard. The Community Environmental Health Program harvested beautiful bright berries from these trees this fall. Beth Willup and Phoebe Keryte collected several bushels recently. They are currently drying and being used to make bracelets and necklaces. Madrona trees can be found on the main trail at Kukutali Preserve and along the roadway to Snee-oosh Beach. You can harvest from these trees during summer, spring, and fall. Madrona bark can be used to make a stress relieving tea and help with stomach aches, while the leaves can be used to treat sore throats associated with weather changes and our bodies acclimating to colder temperatures. The berries on the tree contain high amounts of astringent, which provides an almost dry-like effect within the body that helps with digestion! Always be careful of your surroundings when harvesting madrona berries and bark. Where are the nutrients
coming from — water or soil? How close are the trees to pollutants or chemicals? These trees can live to be 200 to 400 years old, but can be very stubborn when it comes to replanting them in other areas. Imagine how many years these trees have been growing along with us and our families. They have endured so much as our climate continues to change. The lesson from these trees is to be resilient, as reflected in our people. Their continued resiliency feeds our souls. Our Community Environmental Health Program interns have learned about harvesting plants with intention, putting prayers forth while they work. Being part of the program, youth have learned to take only what they need while passing along good energy to those they share their harvests with.
Would you like to join Community Environmental Health Program staff on a harvesting trip to learn more about these and other types of plants? Contact us today! Beth Willup | bwillup@students.nwic.edu Phoebe Keryte | abkeryte25@yahoo.com Myk Heidt | mheidt@swinomish.nsn.us Facebook | 13 Moons at Work sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
Harvesting plants is one of the best times to reect, pray, and simply de-stress. As we breath, we release carbon dioxide into the air, which plants absorb and process to release the oxygen we breath! Nature really is the best medicine.
17
BEING FRANK Bold Action Needed For Salmon Recovery Lorraine Loomis, NWIFC Chair
Frustrated with the lack of progress in salmon recovery — especially Puget Sound Chinook — treaty tribes in western Washington have proposed seven bold actions to jump-start those efforts. Puget Sound Chinook were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1999 but continue to hover at about 10 percent of their historical population. We are calling on the Leadership Council of the Puget Sound Partnership – the state agency created in 2007 to serve as the regional salmon recovery organization for Puget Sound – to adopt these actions when it meets this month. The Partnership’s Salmon Recovery Council already has approved the actions. Tribal, state, and federal governments, industry and environmental groups are all represented through the leadership and salmon recovery councils. The actions include: • Protect all remaining salmon habitat through land-use policy changes that can provide a net gain in ecosystem function and habitat productivity. As part of this effort, create a region-wide accountability system that is comprehensive, accessible and transparent. sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
18
• Establish and enforce water quantity and quality standards that protect, conserve and restore water resources for salmon. • Improve management of predation and other mortality factors preventing salmon recovery. • Emphasize funding and implementation of science and monitoring actions to support Puget Sound salmon recovery. • Develop a strategy that uses funding from sources other than state, tribal and federal governments to provide 50 to 100 times more than current funding for salmon protection and restoration. • Develop and implement a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy for salmon recovery. • Develop integrated plans for oil spill planning, prevention and response. We ran out of easy answers for salmon recovery in Puget Sound a long time ago. We have reduced harvest dramatically. Treaty tribes in western Washington have cut their harvest by more than 80 percent over the past few decades. Non-Indian sport and commercial fisheries have undergone similar reductions.
We have built hatcheries to help restore naturally spawning salmon stocks and provide fish for harvest. Today, more than half of the salmon we all harvest come from hatcheries. What we haven’t done is stop the loss and damage of salmon habitat that is driving the decline of salmon populations. If we are to succeed, we must make some bold, meaningful changes. What we are doing now isn’t working. We are not called to do the least we can to recover salmon. We are called to do all we can. Failing to take bold action on salmon recovery is what got us exactly where we are today.
Being Frank is a monthly column written by the chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. As a statement from the NWIFC chair, the column represents the interests and concerns of treaty Indian tribes throughout western Washington.
Native American Heritage Month Larry Campbell
Our traditional laws and ways of providing for our families have deteriorated, only to be replaced by foreign rules. Following the Boldt Decision, Pacific Northwest Tribes began to expand their fishing fleets and make a living through practices that date back to time immemorial. About this time, the Coast Salish also began returning to their longhouses to retrieve almost forgotten teachings and traditional laws of life. Today we have tribal colleges that pay homage to the traditional laws of the people, offering our students a chance to learn about our histories, culture, science, and philosophy. We manage our fisheries to take advantage of
tribal science and western science in order to maintain a sustainable resource. We operate science programs that place resources Tribes depend on most as the highest priorities. In today’s world, it is a significant challenge for our people and governments to respect and honor the traditional laws of our society, and at the same time use western science as a tool to protect the resources that our community depends on. To many of us, the western and indigenous approaches seem entirely incompatible and unsustainable. It is becoming apparent to western society that resources are not unlimited and our tribal governments finally have a strong enough voice to have an effect on how economic development happens in our part of the world. As our worlds get smaller, indigenous people are beginning to compare their traditional laws and philosophies to formulate strategies and provide more influence on how decisions are made in the interest of economic development. Our political leaders are encouraged to remember the
traditional laws as they represent the Tribe’s interests with the other governments. As they negotiate and bring our concerns to the attention of other governments, it provides a window to educate. As indigenous people we have social, legal, and adjudicated rights that must be considered as events take place which diminish those rights. The difficult part of this for tribal leaders is the process of negotiation, as many tribal leaders contend that these laws are not negotiable. Many times it depends on leadership to find creative ways to defend the resources that are important to us. Indigenous people worldwide are willing to share their successes and failures with each other in order to identify processes that work for all of us. We need to encourage leadership to continue looking for creative solutions to real problems that in the past have seemed insurmountable. Using our traditional law as a solid foundation for the decisions made today is crucial to long-term success and happiness in our tribal communities. sw d bť qyuuqs News e e
As Pacific Northwest Tribes gather in their longhouses for winter ceremonies, we need to acknowledge that our traditional ways of life are still alive and vitally important to our community. Indigenous people are under pressure to assimilate to western ways of living. This pressure has brought to light the importance of our traditional teachings, in that they provide guidance of the proper way to conduct family affairs in our homelands.
19
A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE Tracy DeCroce, Seattle University Magazine; Photos by Yosef Kalinko/courtesy Seattle University Magazine Mother-Daughter Team Give Back To Their Tribe and Community
SOME 65 MILES north of Seattle, the Skagit River flattens the earth to form a fertile delta brimming with farmland before completing its journey from British Columbia to Puget Sound. In this jigsaw landscape of peninsulas, islands, inlets and waterways, Darlene Peters, ’16, and her daughter Hilary Edwards, ’17, share a bond that runs as wide and deep as the river for which the region is named. They are members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, whose ancestors descended from the surrounding river valleys, coastal areas and islands. Like many indigenous people today, Darlene and Hilary inhabit two worlds. But this mother and daughter are unique in possessing degrees from Seattle University. Darlene has a master’s degree in couples and family therapy from the School of Theology and Ministry and Hilary a bachelor’s degree from the Albers School of Business and Economics. That alone could have set them apart in a community where it’s rare to pursue higher education. Yet, they 20 sw d bš qyuuqs News
are as at home on the reservation as ever. Perhaps that’s because their education was tied to a common vision of success for the Swinomish that gives back to a community that has loved and supported them all their lives. Darlene’s role as a healer and Hilary’s business ambitions might appear unrelated, but mother and daughter say their visions serve one another and the community as a whole. “If you think about it, it integrates,” Hilary says. “If people aren’t healing how are they going to be successful?” INTERSECTING VISIONS
What Darlene and Hilary seek to accomplish mirrors much of tribal progress over the past 30 years. Their different goals reflect the changing times as each woman was coming of age. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, Darlene experienced the course correction in federal policy that restored self-determination to indigenous people.
e e
Continues on Next PAGE 22
Tribes across the country embraced the new era with self-governed business ventures such as casinos that would eventually undo years of abject poverty. The patina of progress, however, couldn’t erase the psychological wounds caused by forced relocation, discrimination and assimilation that had suppressed native culture and identity for generations. Darlene believes her parents, like so many in their community, suffered from broken spirits.
Hilary sees herself as part of an upcoming generation that brings “fresh eyes” to tribal leadership and business. As an Albers undergrad, she interned with both the Swinomish Casino & Lodge and the Swinomish Golf Links. Now, she seeks to gain experience on a larger, “more advanced” reservation in California before earning her MBA. Though her path will take her away for several more years, her intention is to bring new ideas back to the Swinomish.
Shaped by her experiences growing up, Darlene decided at a young age to become a healer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in community services from St. Martin’s University in Lacey and held a number of educational and social work positions on and around the reservation. A devout Catholic, she chose the School of Theology and Ministry for graduate work because of its spiritual component. “The thing that keeps me going and sustains me is my relationship with Jesus Christ,” she says.
“My community has done so much to serve me, I want to serve them back,” Hilary says. “At the end of the day, we’re all family. We’re all there for each other. My vision is for every Swinomish tribal member to be successful.”
“We are all working through our trauma, not only our trauma, but that of our ancestors,” Darlene says. “Even though it happened many years ago, it still affects our lives today.” Compared to her mother’s day, Hilary has grown up in a time of relative prosperity. Her childhood home bears little resemblance to the ramshackle houses with no running water, electricity or indoor plumbing that tribal elders can remember. The reservation employs more than 550 people, many of them tribal members in management position, through its casino, golf course and gas stations. Today, more than 70 percent of Swinomish youth graduate high school. A point of pride for Hilary is her family’s “very strong leadership.” Her father, Steve Edwards, has been a tribal senator for 15 years and several aunts serve on the tribal council. Though her mother doesn’t hold elected office, Hilary considers her mom a “community leader” whose higher education was “my inspiration (and) my motivation.”
For native people, that is not as easy as it might sound. Only about 20 percent of the Swinomish attend college despite a guarantee that their tuition, and possibly some living expenses, will be covered by the tribe after other scholarship aid is considered, says John Stephens, program administrator for the Swinomish tribal government. The reason so few take advantage of the opportunity? “Education is the easiest data point for measuring historical trauma,” Stephens says. “It’s a long road to undo it. We are very purposefully trying to address it.” EDUCATION INTERRUPTED
As bright as their futures look now, Hilary and Darlene nearly gave up on their education at different times. For Hilary, the experience of leaving the reservation was far more difficult than she anticipated. In Darlene’s case, she was overcome by grief when her middle daughter passed away. As a La Conner High School honor student, Hilary had been active in a number of extracurricular activities. She felt prepared to go away to college. So, she was surprised when she succumbed to cultural isolation and loneliness. “There were multiple times when I was ready to come home,” Hilary says of her first two years of college. sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
In her work today at Swinomish Counseling Service, Darlene sees the lingering effects of her people’s fractured history in the form of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, domestic violence and sexual and emotional abuse.
Seeing every tribal member succeed is where Hilary and her mother’s visions intertwine. “To be a great tribal leader, you need to go and get educated; go work off the reservation. And, then come work for your people,” Darlene says.
21
“We’re so used to the love and affection that’s tied to our culture. It’s difficult to create that with people who just live on your floor. I didn’t realize how sad and lonely I’d be.” Graduate school didn’t come easily to Darlene. The work was difficult and she struggled with “culture shock” in an environment very different from her tribal community. “It was about ‘I’ and not ‘we.’ It was about individuality and being successful. I had the most difficult time sharing my thoughts. But I kept trying. I would see someone else take a risk and think, ‘I can do that.’” Things unraveled, however, in 2010 when Darlene’s daughter Amy decided to end her life. Amy had been born with an incurable kidney disease. Dialysis had been keeping her alive since a donated kidney from her father had stopped working. At 22, Amy decided to stop dialysis. Doctors gave her two weeks to live. She survived for seven months. After Amy’s death, Darlene suffered severe depression, barely leaving the house. Finishing her degree was the furthest thing from her mind despite encouragement from professors and family. Ultimately, it was something Amy had said that rekindled Darlene’s dream of healing others. “Before she died, Amy told me to go back to school,” says Darlene, tears streaming down her face. “That kept me going.” In all, it took seven years for Darlene to complete her master’s degree. One year after her receiving her diploma, she was back at Seattle University to watch Hilary, her youngest daughter, walk the stage.
"My community has done so much to serve me. I want to serve them back. At the end of the day, we're all family. We're all there for each other. My vision is for every Swinomish tribal member to be successful." — Hilary Edwards
22 sw d bš qyuuqs News
PADDLING TOGETHER
Seattle University’s Pat Twohy, S.J., spent 20 years on the Swinomish Reservation as its Catholic priest. His relationship with Darlene and Hilary and their extended family almost felt like an extension of his own family. His “profound” friendship with Darlene began when she was a teenager; he also knew her parents and sisters, but never met her brothers, who died young. Whenever he visits the reservation today, he sets aside time for long conversations with her. “Darlene’s power is to be prayerful and always open to learn from whatever life throws at her.” In Hilary, whom he baptized and has watched grow up, Father Twohy sees someone whose ambition stood out from an early age. She is motivated, wellorganized and approaches challenges head-on. “She had this vision for herself since middle school and high school and she knew it was a road less traveled by her fellow native students.” Fr. Twohy encouraged both Darlene and Hilary to consider Seattle U. He sits back and smiles thinking about where the future might lead. “They are a pair. ... They don’t agree on everything, but I think they are bonded by a common horizon.” Through imagery inspired by the Coast Salish culture of the Swinomish, Darlene imagines that common horizon this way: “We’re people of canoe journeys. The image I get is we’re paddling together with prayers and song and gathering for healing. Its continuous."
e e
FREE LEGAL SERVICES Wills and Estate Planning for Swinomish tribal members and spouses
You SHOULD have a will and estate plan if: 1. You have or may inherit tribal trust property or any real property. 2. You have children or dependents. 3. You are over the age of 55. 4. You want to have control over the distribution of your property.
All tribal members are encouraged to inquire about representation.
Contact Attorney Kate Jones to schedule an appointment: (206) 370-1034 or jonesk@seattleu.edu sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News 23 e e
New Employees
David Johnson
Rachel Phair
Hello, my name is David Johnson and I’m a physician assistant for the Tribe. I joined the team at the Swinomish Medical Clinic in October and have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with some of you over the past couple of months.
Hello, my name is Rachel Phair. I am a Lummi Nation tribal member and the new TERO Compliance Officer for Swinomish. I worked for the Lummi Nation TERO office as an administrative assistant, and was promoted to Compliance Officer in 2003.
I received my PA training at the University of Washington School of Medicine through their MEDEX program. As a student, I had the opportunity to complete a two-month clinical rotation at Swinomish with Sarah Wilborn serving as my clinical preceptor this past summer. I was offered a full-time position at the clinic following this rotation and am honored to be working with members of this community.
I enjoy what TERO can provide tribal members in terms of employment on construction projects, training opportunities, and partnerships with unions and other entities. I hope to foster significant working relationships for the benefit of the Swinomish Community.
Prior to coming to work for Swinomish I worked as an EMT/paramedic in Spokane, Yakima, and Tacoma for about 10 years, before deciding to make the move to become a PA.
There will be a TERO Referral Application implemented in January 2018 for anyone looking for work on or near the Reservation in regard to construction projects—come see me and fill out an application! This application will be added to the TERO Skills Bank. There will be weekly, biweekly, or monthly sign-ins required to keep your application current. Keeping applications on file will help me stay in the know about community members and what trade skills they have. There are always jobs available in the construction industry, but people need to be willing and motivated to work.
As an outdoor enthusiast, the Skagit Valley is an ideal place for my fiancée, Maura, and me to live. We like to spend our time together in the outdoors, rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, fly-fishing, and we hope to plant a vegetable garden next spring! Contractors who want to work on or near the Reservation will be required to check in with me and fill out a The level of generosity, warmth, and kindness I received Compliance Plan, which will advise what sort of workers from you and your families during my first months here will be necessary for the project. has overwhelmed me. So, thank you! I look forward to getting to know Swinomish members I welcome a chance to work with more of you in the and seeing the TERO office grow in providing more work future, and I hope to see you at the Medical Clinic soon! and training opportunities. David Johnson, PA-C 24 sw d bš qyuuqs News
Rachel Phair, TERO Compliance Officer
e e
sw d bš qyuuqs News 25 e e
Nick Lewis and Helen Bob Lewis Photo by: Caroline Edwards
JOHN K. BOB 1922-1944 CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF A SWINOMISH VETERAN Theresa L. Trebon, Tribal Archivist
NOVEMBER 9 – The La Conner School District observed Veterans Day in a very special way and Swinomish students were on hand to witness it. The school’s November 10th commemoration paid tribute to those who serve in the nation’s military by celebrating the life of Swinomish tribal member John K. Bob. Many here at Swinomish are familiar with Bob’s name, which graces the ballfield in the Village, but don’t know his story. John Kenneth Bob was born in 1922 to Tommy and Angeline Bob who lived on Pioneer Parkway, “three houses down from the Rainbow Bridge.” John was an 26 sw d bš qyuuqs News
active member of the La Conner School system. Leadership roles, sports, clubs, school plays, and operettas; John did it all. He was admired by community leaders and his teachers, as well as his fellow classmates who unanimously elected him LCHS Student Body President when he started his senior year in September 1942. Three months later, as a world war raged across much of the planet, John made the decision to leave school early and enlist in the Army. It must have been a difficult choice as John valued being a part of his school community, but it was clear he felt a higher calling. After his basic training at Fort Adair, Oregon, he chose one of the
most difficult assignments there was: he became a medic. These were the men who went out on the battlefield — without any way of defending themselves — to save lives. When his basic training ended, John headed to Fort Beaumont in El Paso, Texas for specialized training in medicine. Over the next 18 months John made several short trips back to Swinomish where he made sure to visit his fellow classmates and teachers. His last trip home was in June 1944 where he joined many from the town at a huge fire that broke out. As he watched the La Conner Motor Company burn down he ran into his old teacher and coach from the high school,
e e
Jack Whittaker. It would be the last time John would see his family, friends, and homeland. In the fall of 1944 John joined thousands of other soldiers readying to take part in the invasion of Germany. He boarded a ship in New York bound for Europe and, after landing in France, crossed overland to Holland where the war really began. On November 13, 1944, John wrote a letter to his old La Conner teacher, Jack Whittaker, hinting at the dangerous crossing of Holland’s flat farmland: “Hi! Mr. Whittaker. Well I guess you’re surprised to hear from me eh? Well, I’ve been around since the last time I saw you at the fire of the LaConner Motor Company. I’ve been in France, then we went into Belgium. There we chased the Germans into Holland and boy, they really have a lot of canals there. The dikes came in handy for they were the only thing we could get into deep enough for protection from the mortar fire. Well, how did your football team come out this year? And also do you think you’ll have a good basketball team? I sure wish you luck with them. Well, goodbye. John K. Bob. P. S. “I’m in Germany now.” It would be John’s last letter to his La Conner friends. Five days later, as the 104th battled to take Hill 287 southwest of Stolberg, Germany, John heard that two leading scouts had been wounded atop an open plateau. John hurried to their location and crawled to the nearest casualty. Despite being under fire, he pulled the wounded man to the safety of a ravine and went back for the second. After crossing fifty yards, again under fire, John reached the wounded soldier and began bandaging his wounds. In the midst of his rescue attempt, the site was swept with intense bombing and in an effort to shield the casualty, John threw himself over the wounded man; neither survived the attack.
John was buried in Belgium and his parents received two posthumous awards that spoke to his bravery and dedication: the Purple Heart and Silver Star. On Memorial Day 1946 the tribal ballpark (built in 1938 with WPA funds) was renamed in his honor. It stands today as a tribute to this selfless individual, and two other Swinomish vets killed in WWII, Roy Knight and Melvin Ross. One year later, in December 1947, John’s remains were brought home to Swinomish and buried in the Tribal Cemetery. While John received many tributes at his burial service, as well as the ballpark dedication, the reality of what he did faded from view as the decades passed by. But on November 9, 2017, the Veterans Day observance at La Conner High School brought new life to John’s story. Students respectfully heard speakers Chairman Cladoosby, Superintendent Whitney Meissner, Cultural Event Coordinator Aurelia Bailey, and Nick Lewis, the great-nephew of John K. Bob speak about John’s dedication to his fellow human beings. And then John received the one award that had passed him by due to his wartime service: his high school diploma. Superintendent Meissner, accompanied by LCHS Student Body President Emma Lee, made the formal presentation of John’s posthumous diploma to his last remaining sibling Helen Bob Lewis. It was a profound moment as a whole new generation rose to their feet to cheer a hero who left a distinct mark in the Swinomish and La Conner communities. Above all, the students’ resounding response made it clear that even though John departed this life over seventy years ago, his character still inspires and serves as a role model today. For additional information on John K. Bob, see these back issues of the qyuuqs News: November 2010, May 2011, May 2016.
A crowded auditorium applauds John K. Bob. Photo by: Theresa L. Trebon
sw d bš qyuuqs News 27 e e
Science Corner
Spartina Anglica in Turner’s Bay Kevin Anderson, Environmental Management Specialist
For more than fifteen years, the Tribe has diligently worked to eradicate Spartina from the Swinomish Reservation. Spartina anglica, also known as common cordgrass, is an invasive grass that was introduced to the area in 1961. The plant quickly spread throughout the Salish Sea reaching a peak infestation of more than 1000 acres. If left unchecked Spartina dominates intertidal areas, reduces habitat value for native organisms, changes the hydrology of estuaries, and displaces harvestable shellfish. At its peak, there were more than five solid acres of Spartina in Turner’s Bay. For reference, that is about the size of five football fields! The Swinomish Noxious Weed Program controls Spartina in Turner’s Bay using integrated pest management techniques such as hand pulling, digging, and targeted applications of herbicide. This summer, the Noxious Weed Program treated 87 plants in Turner’s Bay in an
area about the size of two kitchen tables. This significant decrease in the Spartina population is a credit to the hard work from the program’s crew. Though this decrease is hopeful, we anticipate several more years of treatment will be necessary. Turner’s Bay is a dynamic environment and the tides shift in driftwood which often hides the plants from our view. We also control small amounts of Spartina in other areas on the Reservation, ranging from the sand islands north of the casino to Swadabs Park and Martha’s Bay. All of these areas have seen similar reductions in the amount of Spartina. Our goal is to keep the shorelines of the Reservation free from Spartina and other aquatic invasive plants. We want to promote healthy, intact ecosystems for the community by preventing invasive species from displacing native plants and animals. It can be challenging, but is can also be very rewarding.
A spartina plant on the Swinomish Reservation
28 sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
Science Corner
Indoor Air Quality Assessments Jacinda Maynord, Air Quality Analyst
Curious about your indoor air? Register today for an indoor air quality assessment!
hygiene products, cooking appliances, heat sources, and even candles or air fresheners.
Did you know we spend an estimated 90% of our time in indoor environments? While our outside air is regulated for air pollutants, we don’t have any indoor regulations. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have cause for concern regarding indoor air quality.
We are gearing up to do another round of indoor air assessments in tribal homes. If you have indoor air quality concerns or are interested in an assessment, please contact Jacinda or Lynette.
While mold can be an obvious indicator of indoor air quality, it is not our only concern regarding indoor environments. Other common sources of indoor air contaminants include household chemicals, personal
Jacinda Mainord (360) 466.2512, jmainord@swinomish.nsn.us Lynette Ikebe (360) 466.1293, likebe@swinomish.nsn.us
With proper care, you can protect the indoor air quality of your home.
sw d bš qyuuqs News 29 e e
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are known for our wet and rainy fall, winter, and spring seasons. The extra moisture in the air and surrounding environment can lead to wet homes, and wet homes can lead to mold growth. Mold can be intimidating, but with proper care it can be eliminated and future mold growth prevented.
Already received an assessment in the past? That’s okay! We can track the sources of indoor air pollution in your home over time and understand how the indoor air may have changed.
2nd Annual Intertribal Youth Suicide Prevention Summit 'Embrace Your Sacredness' SEPTEMBER 25-26 — Many youth attended the suicide prevention summit that was hosted by the Swinomish Youth Council. "Life matters, your life matters — Embracing Your Sacredness". The youth listened to speakers such as: Chance Rush; Rory Wheeler; Becca and Dyami-Native Youth Leading Native Youth; Josie RaphaelitoCNAY; Martin Sensmeier; Emma Worgum; Hamilton Seymour-Unity Co Chair; David Browneagle-Vice Chair of Spokane Tribe; Selena McCry-NPAIHB; Jeri Bruneo; Emcone; and our very own, Brian Cladoosby-Swinomish Chairman.
The Swinomish Christmas Eve Party December 24 11AM-2PM Swinomish Youth Center
The Swinomish Youth Center staff cordially invites the community to celebrate with us at our annual Christmas Eve brunch. Brunch begins at 11AM, with the Holiday Program to follow at 12:30PM. We hope to see you all! Come join us for festivites, food, fun, and enjoy a special visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! 30 sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
DECEMBER 2017
YOUTH CENTER
1 FRI
Hours 10-6PM Youth Group Outings
4 MON
5 TUES
6 WED
7 THURS
8 FRI
Hours 10-6PM
Hours 1-9PM
Hours 1-9PM Youth Group Meetings
Hours 1-9PM
Hours 10-6PM Youth Group Outings
11 MON
12 TUES
13 WED
14 THURS
15 FRI
Hours 10-6PM
Hours 1-9PM
Hours 1-9PM
Hours 1-9PM
Hours 10-6PM Half day at school
18 MON
19 TUES
20 WED
21 THURS
22 FRI
WINTER BREAK TBD
WINTER BREAK TBD
WINTER BREAK TBD
NO PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 25 MON
26 TUES
27 WED
28 THURS
29 FRI
SITC HOLIDAY - NO PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE BRUNCH Brunch 11AM-12:30PM & Christmas Program 12:30-2:00PM sw d bš qyuuqs News
31
e e
Mrs. V’s 2 Cents Diane Vendiola
Indigenous | in·dig·e·nous: having originated in, and being produced, growing, living or occurring naturally in a particular region. The Americas were a region with many different languages before European or Asian explorers arrived. In pre-contact times, over 300 indigenous languages were spoken in North America. Of these, about 165 are still spoken today, at least to some extent. Lushootseed is the name of the indigenous language spoken in the Puget Sound and Skagit River drainage region. It is the language of our ancestors. During the early 1800s U.S. government officials decided that indigenous languages were “inferior” to the English language. Educators, missionaries, and government authorities began immediate efforts to inhibit the speaking of indigenous languages, including Lushootseed, and to promote English-only policy. There were indigenous people who disagreed with these ideas and actions, and held onto their native languages. Despite the risk of serious penalties, these indigenous speakers continued to speak their language amongst themselves. Today, few elders remain who learned Lushootseed as their first language. The U.S. government’s perspective regarding indigenous languages evolved over time. During World War II the government benefitted from the ability of Navajo code
talkers to communicate important war information in their language, which enemy forces could not decipher. In October 1990, the U.S. government enacted the Native American Languages Act. Through this act the federal government aimed to encourage and support the educational instruction of indigenous languages. It was now the policy of the United States to "recognize the right of Indian tribes and other Native American governing bodies to use the Native American languages as a medium of instruction in all schools funded by the Secretary of the Interior." I was born in 1937. I first heard our indigenous language spoken by my grandparents when I was a child. They spoke Lushootseed only after they thought I was asleep. In learning English and Lushootseed, I learned there can be a world of difference between an English and Lushootseed word. For example, indigenous: having, originated in, and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region. And the Lushootseed word: ?áciAtalbix, meaning human being, person, people. I understood a few non-English words from my FilipinoSwinomish background: from my mother- “gwuchidah” (meaning: Be careful. Watch yourself). From my father“sigeh” (meaning: Proceed. Move forward.) For me, different languages offer us contrasting views of our world and the place where we belong in it. Language offers us words to communicate what is important about the plants and animals and environment in which we exist. We use language to share wisdoms we may or may not have learned during our lifetimes. "A song, or a prayer, or a story, is always but one generation removed from extinction. The risk of loss is constant, therefore, and language is never to be taken for granted." -N. Scott Momaday, Native American Poet and Writer
West Skagit Community Emergency Response Team Training Tuesday, January 9, 2018-February 17, 2018 Classes are held on six Tuesdays and one Saturday
Location: Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner, WA 98257 Registration is open as of December 1 Email: SkagitCoCERT@gmail.com | Call: Rick Wallace (360) 202.3106 Sponsored by: Skagit County Emergency Management, Anacortes Fire Dept.-Burlington Fire Dept., Skagit Co, Fire District 13, Mt. Erie Fire Dept.-La Conner Fire Dept., Guemes Island Fire Dept., Shelter Bay Safety Committee and Swinomish Tribe
32 sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
DECEMBER 2017
ELDERS’ LUNCH 4 MON
5 TUES
6 WED
7 THURS
Lasagna Garlic Bread Cooked Spinach Fresh Fruit Bowl
Chicken and Dumplings Celery Carrots Oranges
Fish Macaroni Salad Green Beans and Roll Jell-O with Fruit
Eggs and Bacon Banana Bread Mixed Fruit Salad Vegetable Juice
11 MON
12 TUES
13 WED
14 THURS
Fish Sandwich Tomato Soup Veggie Tray and Dip Fresh Fruit Bowl
Beef and Vegetable Stew Biscuits Pears
NO SERVICE
Christmas Celebration! Join us to celebrate with Winter First Foods.
18 MON
19 TUES
20 WED
21 THURS
French Dip Sandwich Potato Chips Coleslaw Fruit
Split Pea and Ham Soup Biscuits Cut Tomatoes Pears
Fish Rice Carrots Fruit Salad
Pancakes Eggs Berries Vegetable Juice
25 MON
26 TUES
27 WED
28 THURS
SITC HOLIDAY - NO SERVICE *Lunch served Mon-Thurs. No take away meals until 11AM. Call (360) 466.3980 to cancel home delivery.
Please Join us at the Senior Center December 14, 2017 For Celebrating Winter First Foods
Milk served with all meals.
Community Dinner DECEMBER 20, 2017 6PM Youth Center sw d bš qyuuqs News 33 e e
Community Voices October 25, 2017 Greetings family and friends, As many of you know, I am currently attending Northwest Indian College here at Swinomish. While on my educational journey I am exploring my place within our community. Many of us have made decisions to get involved in our community, and some of us may have questions that require more than a one-hour meeting. I propose we work to communicate and share our concerns weekly. I propose that we call it — Community Discussion. Can we have a meeting where Senators and tribal members exchange information and provide solutions to community concerns? Would any tribal members be willing to participate in the Community Discussion? If so, please contact me. My overall goal is to get people involved in solution-based communication. We would need a building or a house to facilitate these meetings. Let’s work together to make this happen for our community, for our youth, and for our spirit! “Every society needs educated people, but the primary responsibility of educated people is to bring wisdom back into the community and make it available to others so that the lives they are leading makes sense.” -Vine Deloria Jr Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from our community members! Respectfully, Dean Dan Jr. My contact Information: Cell phone (360) 202.2502 | Email: dean3428@gmail.com or deandan@students.nwic.edu
La Conner School District's New Bus
La Conner School District's new bus, courtesy of joint funding from Tribal Tax revenue and the school's budget. Jeremy Wilbur, Brian Cladoosby, Whitney Meisner (LC Superintendent), Jennifer Wilbur, Bonnie Haley (LC Director of Finance), Alicia Neely, Kevin Paul.
36 sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
SKAGIT COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 13 Winter Safety Tips DRIVING
Infants: • Bright red, cold skin • Ice and snow, take it slow — when temperatures • Very low energy drop below freezing, stay safe by slowing your speed, acceleration, steering, and braking. • Drive with your headlights on and remember to keep Frostbite can be a problem when the wind chill factor is low. Watch for these warning signs: them clean. Keep your windows and mirrors free of • Numbness ice, fog, and grime. • Stiffness or rigidity • Drive for the conditions. Do not become over• Swelling confident with four-wheel drive, it does not help • Change in skin appearance to a red, blue, or white you stop faster. Winter road conditions require color longer stopping distances. Drivers should maintain • Be watchful of snow loads on flat or low-pitch additional room between their vehicle and other roofs. Barns, garages, and sheds are particularly vehicles. vulnerable. • Stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires • Snowmelt can cause dangerous flooding on streets. extra time and distance. If you have anti-lock brakes, Help keep street drains open. press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. • Trucks take longer to stop. Do not cut in front of INDOOR SAFETY them. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but it can kill a • Slow down when approaching intersections, offperson in minutes at high levels. Carbon monoxide (CO) is ramps, bridges, or shady spots. These areas are produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, likely to have black ice. wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of carbon monoxide produced is usually not hazardous. WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE • Check the ignition, fuel, exhaust, and cooling To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: systems • Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the • Check the fluid levels of your oil, antifreeze, garage door open. windshield washer, etc. • Never run a generator in the home, garage, or • Check belts, brakes, tire pressure and tread, and crawlspace. Opening windows or using fans will NOT purchase snow tires if needed prevent CO build-up. • Replace non-working lights • When running generators outdoors, keep it away • Replace worn wiper blades from open doors or windows. • Never burn charcoal in homes, tents, vehicles, or OUTDOOR SAFETY garages. Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because a person • Never install or service combustion appliances may not know it is happening. Watch for these warning without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. signs: • Never use a gas range, oven, or dryer for heating. Adults: • Never operate an un-vented gas-burning appliance in • Shivering, exhaustion a closed room or in a room in which you are sleeping. • Confusion, fumbling hands • Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives! You can • Memory loss, slurred speech find them at a local hardware store. • Drowsiness sw d bš qyuuqs News 37 e e
Learn how to use it. Call the Wellness Program at (360) 466-1024 to pick up a kit.
Housing for Adults in Recovery
38 sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS - As of November 29 As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. Other perks include generous paid time off and discounted meals. To view details about open positions and download our General Employment Application, visit swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers. All positions are “Open until filled” unless specified. Email applications to: jobs@swinomishcasino.com Fax applications to: (360) 299.1677 Mail or hand deliver to: Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA 98221 Questions? Call Human Resources at (360) 299.1642
CAFE BUSSER (PT) SERVER (PT/ FT)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AV/IT INTERN (PT) KITCHEN COOK (FT) DISHWASHER (FT) LEAD COOK (FT) PREP COOK (FT)
FACILITIES ENGINEER I (FT) HEAVY DUTY CLEANER I (FT) HEAVY DUTY CLEANER II (FT)
LODGE GUEST SATISFACTION ASSOC. (FT) ROOM ATTENDANT (FT)
FOOD & BEVERAGE TEAM MEMBER SUPPORT (OC)
MARKETING BRAND AMBASSADOR (OC)
FOOD COURT BUSSER (PT) CASHIER (FT) LINE COOK (FT)
SECURITY SECURITY OFFICER/ EMT (FT) SECURITY OFFICER (PT/FT)
FINANCE CAGE CASHIER (FT) GAMING SLOT ATTENDANT (FT/PT) SLOT TECHNICIAN (FT) TABLE GAMES DEALER (FT/PT/OC) KENO RUNNER-WRITER (FT) GUEST SERVICES PLAYERS CLUB ASSOCIATE (FT)
SPORTS BAR BARBACK (FT) BARTENDER (FT/OC) BUSSER (PT) COCKTAIL SERVER (PT/FT) TABLE SERVER (FT/PT/OC) VALET VALET ATTENDANT (FT)
JOB OPENINGS • • • • • • • • • •
Environmental Policy Analyst Wildlife Science Technician Housing Authority Executive Director Certified Medical Assistant CDP Prevention Specialist Land Management Specialist Planning Director Tribal Home Ownership and Rehabilitation Coordinator Environmental Policy Analyst Police Officer - Entry Level or Lateral
Full descriptions of the job announcements listed above are available on the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources HOW TO APPLY: Return completed application, cover letter, and resume to: Personnel Office Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 11404 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257 Fax applications to: (360) 466.1348 Or email to: aiedwards@swinomish.nsn.us Applications must be received in the Personnel Office by 5PM on or before the job closing date. Questions? Call the Personnel Office at (360) 466.1216 or (360) 466.7353
13 MOONS PANTRY COOK 2 (PT)
sw d bš qyuuqs News 39 e e
BANQUET BARTENDER (OC) SERVER (OC)
HUMAN RESOURCES & TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE (TERO)
qyuuqs News
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Permit #35 ANACORTES, WA
17337 Reservation Road La Conner, WA 98257 qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
Recyclable Paper
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
I AM SWINOMISH,
I WILL GRADUATE. NB3 Day at Swinomish