JUNE 2020 Issue
No. 2
Take care of each other.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
INFORMATION & RESOURCE GUIDE
TRIBAL SENATE yal le ka but
Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us
squi-qui
Joseph Williams, Vice Chair (360) 853.5629 | jwilliams@swinomish.nsn.us
taleq tale II
Barbara James, Secretary (360) 391.3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us
sOladated
Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us
NOTICES June 16, 2020 HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD WAVES RENTAL PAYMENTS THROUGH JULY
To help alleviate financial burden during the partial closure of many of our offices and businesses, the Housing Authority Board has elected to waive rental payments for our Housing rental tenants. Payments will resume as normal for August unless the Housing Board again decides to waive rents at our July Housing Board meeting. Thank you, Lance Simons - SHA Executive Director
sapelia
Sophie Bailey (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us
wa lee hub
Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com
SM OK O LO
Leon John (360) 421.0406 | ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us
ya qua leouse
Brian Porter (360) 840.4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us
kuts-bat-soot
Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770.7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us
stoolsta
Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us
siwəlcəʔ
Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us
Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate
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This is a publication of Swinomish Communications, in lieu of this month's qyuuqs News. While qyuuqs News is temporarily suspended while we support communications efforts related to the coronavirus pandemic, please continue to submit your stories, news, announcements, and photos!
CONTENTS Senate Authorized Essential Business and Government Activities .............................................................. 4 Honoring Our 2020 Graduates and Those Moving Up With a Loud and Proud Parade ............................... 6 Guidelines for Summer Fireworks 2020 .......................................................................................................... 7 Community Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony ......................................................................... 8 Udall Foundation Selects Tribal Member Hilary Edwards ............................................................................. 9 Swinomish Dental .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Swinomish Health Programs: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge ....... 12 Wellness and didgwalic Support Groups via Zoom | Native Action Network .......................................... 13 Community Food Distribution ...................................................................................................................... 14 Unemployment & Your Relationship Keeping it Healthy in Uncertain Times ......................................... 15 The Integration of Indigenous Aquaculture Practices | Part 1: A Day With the Ancestors ...................... 16 The Integration of Indigenous Aquaculture Practices | Part 2: Hui MÄ lama Loko i'a Gathering ............ 18 Cedar Graduation Cap Ceremony ................................................................................................................. 20 Drone & Tell ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Protect Mother Earth Subcommittee ........................................................................................................... 23 Proper Use of Disinfectants .......................................................................................................................... 24 COVID-19 Youth Interview ........................................................................................................................... 25 Safe Start Washington - A Phased Approach to Recovery ......................................................................... 26 Mrs. V's 2 Cents .............................................................................................................................................. 27 COVID-19 Timeline ....................................................................................................................................... 28 May & June Special Announcements .......................................................................................................... 33 Community Resources .................................................................................................................................. 34
SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills communications@swinomish.nsn.us
QYUUQS NEWS
Caroline Edwards qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
FACEBOOK @qyuuqsNews
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AS CORRECTED JUNE 03, 2020
SENATE AUTHORIZED ESSENTIAL BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES Government/Businesses/Employers Employees whose duties can be performed remotely should continue to do so. The following essential business and government activities are authorized, provided that they are carried out in compliance with all applicable COVID-19 pandemic health and safety plans and precautions: Health care operations (including health systems management, billing, and health information), including:
• Swinomish Medical Clinic • Swinomish Dental Clinic • didgʷálič Wellness Center (also designated by the State as an essential public facility)
Grocery and convenience stores, including:
• Swinomish Village Market • Swinomish Market at the Casino • Swinomish Market at the Links
Food supply chains, including:
• Swinomish Shellfish Company • Businesses that deliver food and other supplies to grocery and convenience stores
Pharmacies and stores that supply medicinal cannabis, including:
Salish Coast Cannabis
Swinomish Casino & Lodge, including:
Casino & Lodge amenities (including its RV park) and service and product vendors
Golf course operations and activities, including:
Affiliated driving ranges and putting greens
RV Parks/Campgrounds, including:
Cabins on site
Seasonal fireworks sales
As authorized by the Senate Fireworks Committee and pursuant to a safety plan approved by the Senate
Construction activity, including:
Construction on critical infrastructure projects, such as Swinomish sponsored housing or essential public facilities, and projects permitted as of March 23, 2020, in compliance with all Swinomish COVID-19 Jobsite Requirements as well as a Phase 1 Jobsite Safety Plan that is maintained at the jobsite and available at the request of the Tribe
Retail sales, including
• Pacific Blanket Trading Post • 1000 Trails Trading Post/store
Estate sale of property owned by a resident who has passed away Any other businesses listed in Washington’s Essential Critical Infrastructure Worker publication 4
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide
Resolution No. 2020-06-120 amends the Tribe’s COVID-19 Precautionary Orders to provide guidance to both residents and businesses on the Swinomish Reservation. These pages provide a brief summary of the Resolution. To view the Resoluton in full, visit the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov/community/coronavirus-information-updates/senate-resolutions.aspx
Social services, including:
• Provision of food, energy, support, and other assistance • Family services, including child welfare and adult protective services • Limited youth programs and services, with priorities for participation set by the Tribe • Caring for children and youth ordered into the custody of Department of Children, Youth, and Families by Washington Superior Courts with visitation at the discretion and direction of the home or facility where the child/youth or family member is residing, so long as it is consistent with the terms of any visitation order of the Washington Superior Court and with appropriate COVID- 19 pandemic safety and health precautions in place
Housing, including:
Operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities as directed by the Housing Board
Public Safety, including:
Swinomish Police
Fisheries and Game Management, including:
Resource monitoring, management and administration
Treaty Right Activities, including:
Treaty resource and habitat protection, restoration, monitoring and sampling activities within, and necessary associated travel to, from and within, the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing grounds and stations or open and unclaimed lands
Environmental Protection and Policy, including:
Monitoring and data collection
Public Works, including:
• Services necessary for the sanitation, safety, maintenance, operation and repair of government buildings • Maintenance and operation of Public Works facilities • Maintenance of government grounds, including lawn and landscaping
Communications and Information Technology, including:
Maintenance of communications infrastructure and continued operation of physical and cyber information technology systems
Swinomish Utilities, including:
Maintenance, operation, inspection and repair as directed by the Utility Board
Gaming Regulation, including:
Essential Gaming Regulatory activities necessary to maintain continuity during the Swinomish Casino & Lodge preparation for reopening and operation
Governance and administration, including:
• Swinomish Indian Senate, including personnel supporting the Senate • Swinomish Tribal Court, including prosecution, defense and probation services • Accounting, Human Resources, Grants, Planning and Legal services Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 5
HONORING OUR 2020 GRADUATES AND THOSE MOVING UP WITH A LOUD AND PROUD PARADE JUNE 10 — Sponsored by the Swinomish Education Department, a socially-distant celebration parade of decorated vehicles traversed our reservation neighborhoods in honor of our 2020 Swinomish graduates and those who are moving up on their educational path. The sound of Swinomish Canoe Family singers and music coming for DJ Heidi’s truck was punctuated by both the blaring sounds of fire engine and police car sirens and the constant cheers from community witnesses standing alongside the road. While the coronavirus pandemic is casting a shadow on graduation and moving-up traditions, it was impossible to hold back all the positive energy and pride felt for all the students and their accomplishments. The Swinomish Canoe Family led the parade while 2020 graduates and the following Swinomish departments and entities followed behind or showed their support in other ways: Swinomish Senate, Education Department, La Conner School District, Youth Recreation & Prevention, lop-che-ahl Early Education Center, Police Department, Skagit Fire District #13, Swinomish Health Programs including the Dental and Medical Clinics The proud energy could be seen throughout the reservation as the parade loudly and proudly rolled through. A single eagle could be seen soaring high over everyone’s heads as the planned parade route came to an end at the John K. Bobb Ball Field—fly high 2020 graduates and those moving up!
2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES FROM SWINOMISH
Arjuna Adams, Tredamas Casey, Cynthia George, Arianna Murchison, Mary Lou Page, Domenic Wilbur, Ian Heartbroker, Tyler Luvera, Chelsea Tom, Devin Blankenship, Bryan Wolf, Claudia Parker, Isabella McDonald, Jaxon Adams (HS+)
2020 COLLEGE GRADUATES FROM SWINOMISH Anna Cook, Jennifer Peters, Zanetta Cayou 6
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fly high & move up doctorate
GUIDELINES FOR SUMMER FIREWORKS 2020
MASTER’S
bachelor’ s Associate’s rade 12th g e rad g e 1 1 th rad g e 10th
rad g h t 9 8th grade 7th grade
6th grade 5TH gra de 4th grade 3rD grade 2nd GRADE
1st grade
kindergarten early education
» Masks and facial coverings. Masks protect the people around you. Our workers are required to wear masks at all times for YOUR protection. Please protect us as well – masks or facial coverings are required to enter fireworks sales area or all customers are strongly encouraged to wear masks or facial coverings. » Physical distancing. Please practice physical distancing of 6ft from other groups or individuals not travelling with you. » Standing in line. Please respect all physical distancing while standing in line and completing your transaction.
The Swinomish Education Department & the entire tribal community recognize each and every student and all of your successes
» No loitering in the parking area. This includes smoking and vaping. » Unnecessary gathering. Please refrain from social visits and unnecessary gathering. » If you are sick please stay home. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 7
COMMUNITY BLESSING OF THE FLEET & FIRST SALMON CEREMONY MAY 21, 28, 29 – If May 2020 happened upon us like any other May before the coronavirus pandemic, we would’ve recently celebrated our Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony together as a whole community. However, since we’re in these very odd times, annual events were planned to look a lot different this year. And due to even further unforeseen circumstances, the annual event ended up taking place on three separate days. Two of the three days were dedicated to preparing and distributing traditional foods to the tribal community – prawn and crab to-go lunches were served via drive-thru on May 21 and a to-go salmon meal was served via drivethru on May 28. May 29 was dedicated to the blessing of our Swinomish fleet and the blessing on the water. With the protection of our fishermen and people at the forefront of importance, a limited attendance community blessing ceremony livestreamed over Facebook was what could be offered. Continuing the Swinomish teachings and protecting the land and our people is important more than ever; nourishing our Indigenous spirit with traditional foods provides healing and comfort, providing more resilience to persevere and guide our people through this pandemic. We raise our hands to everyone who participated in the success of the Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony this year.
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UDALL FOUNDATION SELECTS TRIBAL MEMBER HILARY EDWARDS FOR A 2020 NATIVE AMERICAN CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP Native Nations Institute (NNI) announced the selection of the 2020 Native American Congressional Interns, which includes Swinomish tribal member Hilary Edwards! The program’s newest class of Udall Interns comprises 12 students representing 12 tribes and nine universities from around the country. Hilary was selected along with the other 2020 Udall Interns by an independent review committee on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to careers in tribal public policy. Hilary is currently a first-year law student at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU). In addition to pursuing her Juris Doctorate, Hilary is interested in obtaining the Indian Law and the Health Law and Policy Certificates. She is currently a researcher for the ASU project on violence against American Indians. After graduating, she looks forward to advocating on behalf of American Indians, specifically on issues regarding the missing and murdered Indigenous women movement and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Udall Interns are placed in Senate, House, and Federal agency offices in Washington, D.C. for an intensive nine-week summer program. Additional professional development and enrichment activities are hosted throughout the internship program and provide opportunities for the Udall Interns to meet and network with key decision makers. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Udall Foundation and NNI have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Udall Internship program. As a result, all of the 2020 Udall Interns have been offered spots in the 2021 program. In the interim, staff from the Udall Foundation and NNI are working together to provide the 2020 Udall Interns with online professional development and networking opportunities to keep the class connected and supported. From 1996 through 2019, 278 Native American and Alaska Native students from 124 tribes have participated in the
Hilary Edwards
Native American Congressional Internship program. Two Udall Interns have been members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship Program, funded and comanaged by NNI, provides Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate, graduate, and law students with the opportunity to gain practical experience with the federal legislative process in order to understand firsthand the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the Federal Government. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 9
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CLINIC HOURS Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm Friday, 8am-5:30pm CALL (360) 466-3900
To Our Swinomish Dental Families: We are finally ready to get back and see everyone’s smiling faces! We hope this letter finds everyone safe and healthy. The COVID-19 pandemic has managed to affect everyone’s life in some way, and we have all had to make sacrifices in this changed world that we live in. At the Swinomish Dental Clinic, the health of our patients and our team is our top priority. We are re-opening our office to routine care late June. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible, and we thank you for your continued patience during this period. We look forward to rescheduling and seeing all of you that have missed your appointments over the past months. We will reach out to each of you that have had appointments cancelled and will attempt to reschedule you for a similar day and time. Please keep in mind that our daily patient appointment load will be decreased by more than half to ensure social distancing and accommodate schedules of alternating dental teams. The following are temporary changes and protocols to make your appointment safer.
APPOINTMENTS
» If you or anyone you have come in contact has been sick in the past two weeks, please reschedule. » Please call (360) 466-3900 or text our office from your vehicle upon arriving for your appointment. We will have a team member greet you at the front door when it is time to come in for your appointment. » When entering the clinic, please wear a mask and use the hand sanitizer available. » Everyone that visits our office will be asked a quick set of COVID-19 related screening questions and we will check your temperature. Patients with answers that indicate symptoms or recent exposure to COVID-19 will need to be rescheduled at an appropriate future date and time. The same screening will be completed on each Swinomish Dental Clinic team member on a daily basis. » We have a policy in place limiting visitors. One parent or guardian may accompany a child for appointments. Please bring your own mask to wear while in the office. Please have other family members or friends wait outside or in the car. We appreciate your understanding.
OFFICE
» We will continue following all of the WISHA disinfection and sterilization guidelines. In addition, we will frequently disinfect common areas, door handles, and shared items. » Social distancing guidelines will be maintained in the office. All treatment chairs are positioned at least 6-feet apart. Our waiting room will remain closed.
We truly appreciate your understanding with the new changes in the office as well as the cancellation/ rescheduling of your appointments. We are very excited to get to see you once again and we will try to make that happen as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our new changes and we will try to accommodate you. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 11
SWINOMISH HEALTH PROGRAMS
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) TESTING AT THE SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE
JUNE 11 ― Swinomish Tribal Public Health Officer Sarah Wilborn along with Swinomish Medical Clinic staff and Swinomish Casino & Lodge employees administer drive-thru COVID-19 testing safely to Swinomish enterprises staff in the casino parking area. To date, a total of 544 Swinomish enterprises employees have been tested for COVID-19. All results came back negative!
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WELLNESS AND DIDGWALIC SUPPORT GROUPS VIA ZOOM Our lives have been disrupted during the COVID-19 crisis, and it is on our hearts at didgʷálič Wellness Center to a create space where tribal and community members can support each other and connect.
Native Action Network
HONORS TRIBAL MEMBER JANIE BEASLEY WITH 2020 ENDURING SPIRIT AWARD
didgʷálič Wellness Center is offering two community support groups! Both groups can be accessed through Zoom online video conferencing, and you are invited to join in and check them out. We are currently offering guided imagery sessions. These sessions offer resourcing through guided imagery and visualization to enhance our mind/body’s natural healing system. Resourcing, or guided imagery, is a simple yet powerful self-awareness tool. This technique uses words and images to help move your attention away from worry, stress, and pain to help you find your own inner strength and creativity. These tools bring natural powers of the mind into health and wellbeing.
GUIDED IMAGERY SESSIONS
Zoom meeting link: us02web.zoom.us/j/83210542016 Meeting ID: 83210542016 Password: SUPPORT Or, you can use this phone number to call into the meeting: 1 (253) 215-8782
GENERAL SUPPORT
We also offer a general support group where you can seek and lend support and connection to one another every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. Zoom meeting link: us02web.zoom.us/j/86772716354 Meeting ID: 86772716354 Password: TOGETHER Or, you can use this phone number to call into the meeting: 1 (253) 215-8782
he Enduring Spirit Award recognizes the lifetime achievements T of Native women who through their commitment of time, energy, and volunteerism contribute to healthy communities. The issues they champion are varied and include: environment, education, youth and family, holistic health (mind, body, spirit), continuation and retention of culture, preservation of treaty rights, sacred sites, and economic empowerment to name a few. 2020 Enduring Spirit Award honorees include Janie Beasley (Swinomish), Becky Bendixen (Unangax), Renee Swan-Waite (Lummi), and Sondra Segundo (Haida/Katzie)! To learn more about the Enduring Spirit Award and about Janie and the other honorees, visit: enduringspirit.org/honorees Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 13
COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTION So far, 1600 food boxes have been distributed to the Swinomish Tribal Community!
ti’gwicid to the Food Distribution Front Liners! If anyone deserves thanks, it's you! The Front Liners Tracy James, Aurelia Bailey, Angela Ball, Loran James, Dave Heenan, Marlo Quintasket, Alyssa McCormick, Jay Jefferson, Jo Jo Jefferson, Taysha James, Katie Bassford, Zanetta Cayou, Budda Luna, Theresa James, Lauren Reynolds, Lisa James, Mandy Buck, Heidi Darling, Erica John, Tanner Wilbur, Shaun Beasley, Melissa Mirales, Ken Henderson, Heather Mills, Caroline Edwards.
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UNEMPLOYMENT & YOUR RELATIONSHIP
KEEPING IT HEALTHY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES LORI NASH, M.A, LMFT, COUNSELOR AT SWINOMISH
You lose more than just a paycheck when, suddenly, you’re unemployed. Of course, being let go or furloughed during this Coronavirus outbreak is not your fault, but it can still take a toll on your emotional wellbeing and your relationship. Here are six tips to keep your feelings and your relationship feeling solid while the rest of the world seems shaky.
1) MAINTAIN STRUCTURE IN YOUR LIFE
Work gives you a feeling of purpose in life. It also brings a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. This is why it’s important that you maintain structure in your days. Watching television or playing video games in your sweats for hours might be okay for a day or two, but in the long run, this behavior will make you feel depressed and without purpose. So, set goals for yourself! Get up and go to bed at about the same time as you would if you were still working. Do home projects together that you’ve been putting off. Use your mind by reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning something new that’s always intrigued you. Use your body; go for a walk, find a fun exercise or yoga video on YouTube and do it with your partner in your yard or living room. This will help give you a sense of control.
2) MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR PARTNER
3) WORK TOGETHER TO SET FINANCIAL GOALS, AND COME UP WITH A BUDGET This can be tricky, as you both might have different ideas how your money should be spent. Listen to each other’s perspectives with respect, so the conversation doesn’t spiral down into a fight. For fun, make a list of things you can do together that don’t cost any money.
4) MAKE IT A HABIT TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO EACH OTHER EVERY DAY Thank each other for the compromises and sacrifices you’re both making right now. Express your love daily, and tell each other one thing you appreciated about them that day. This simple exercise can make a huge positive impact on your relationship.
5) GET OUT OF THE HOUSE TOGETHER OFTEN WHILE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING WITH OTHERS Go for walks, play catch or Frisbee, have a picnic, enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s no surprise that some doctors prescribe time in nature to improve their patients’ health!
6) COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS TOGETHER
For some, it’s natural to withdraw during stressful times, but more than ever, this is a time to maintain your Number a sheet of paper from 1-100, and over a week’s time, complete a list of 100 things you are grateful for. connection You’ll be surprised how this simple exercise can shift your perspective. Set aside some uninterrupted time each day to connect (put away phones, computers, and tablets). Take turns This pandemic is scary, unpredictable, and there are a lot talking and listening and get everything out on the table of unknowns; but we’ll get through it. Things will return for discussion. to a “new normal” that you and your partner can work Both of you will experience different feelings during a together to create for yourselves and your family. time of unemployment, and it’s not either of your jobs to fix each other’s feelings. Your jobs are to listen, accept what your partner has to say, and attempt to understand where she/he is coming from. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 15
THE INTEGRATION OF INDIGENOUS AQUACULTURE PRACTICES
Supporting Indigenous aquaculture practices is a central focus for the Swinomish Shellfish Program. In addition to the clam garden project, program staff joined a network of key stakeholders and traditional stewards including First Nations in British Columbia; Washington Sea Grant, Hawaii Sea Grant, and Alaska Sea Grant; local non-profit organizations; Hawaiian communities; universities; and Northwest Indian College. The goal of the network is to promote Indigenous aquaculture practices in the broader Pacific region to enhance local, ecosystem-based marine food production. The Shellfish Program, with assistance from Sea Grant funding, were able to support tribal members, leadership, and tribal staff travel to Oahu with Pacific Northwest tribes, First Nations in British Columbia, Pacific Islanders, and Sea Grant staff to learn about loko i’a, a traditional Hawaiian aquaculture system, from Native Hawaiians. Opportunities for communities to directly share knowledge strengthens partnerships and advances efforts to revive Indigenous practices that enhance food security, sovereignty, and community health and wellbeing. PART 1
A DAY WITH THE ANCESTORS ALANA QUINTASKET
AUGUST 31, SALT SPRING ISLAND, CANADA — It was August, the best month of the year. Life is busy, there are always things to do, places to be – Canoe Journey, Omak Stampede weekend, Swinomish Clambake, the employee picnic, my birthday, and anything else that can be squeezed in during those shortening summer days. I remember how excited I was when I was invited to a clam garden. I had no idea what to expect, and I didn’t understand how such a large part of who we are had been kept from me my entire life.
It was a cold, grey morning when we met at the marina in La Conner. I was not prepared for a breezy boat ride, but I toughed it out. Going through customs to cross the “border” was much simpler than going by car. On the canoe, like our ancestors, we see no “border” and we usually paddle across with no disturbance from the Coast Guard or U.S. Customs. When we arrived at the clam garden, we were dropped off at the rock wall that we would later learn that the oldest relics were carbon-dated to be about 4,000 years old!
A CLAM GARDEN, what?! Clams are one of my favorite foods – I couldn’t wait to learn more about our ancestors’ We started with a circle, where we learned about how relationship with the clam garden! work was resumed at this clam garden just over a decade 16
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ago. People could see the rock walls at low tide, and were curious; after doing research, they found it was a part of an old Indigenous clam garden that had been left alone for about 300 years. The garden is about 20 meters wide and 800 meters long. It is formed by a slanted rock wall where rocks were placed strategically at the intertidal level, which is where clams grow. This allows more space for clams to grow larger and healthier, and there can be more of them. It is a method of cultivating the natural environment for food. The Coast Salish people from Puget Sound to Northern British Columbia and up to Alaska had clam gardens such as this one. Clams, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and other sea life thrive because of this garden. Indigenous people, Parks Canada, and volunteers work together year-round to maintain the garden. The time we visited, it was not a harvesting time. We were instructed that there were different tasks to do that morning. The people in the front were to pull up seaweed and put it in a bucket to bring over to the tree/brush-line to dry out. It would later be brought into the woods to act as fertilizer for berry bushes. The next group would be picking up the larger rocks to make it easier for the people coming behind them doing the tilling. When the water started to come through the wall, it was time to finish up and gather our things and get to the wall where we waited for the boat. At the end of the work time, about half the bed was tilled, which allowed more water and nutrients to seep down to the growing clams. I think about standing there, admiring the garden and the land around it, and this also made me think of something our Hawaiian relatives said about the wall of their fish pond, that when you stand on it, you are standing on
years of ancestral knowledge of the tide. Our ancestors were brilliant! Our ancestors worked for food; their lives revolved around it because their lives depended on it. Now, more than ever, it is essential for us to not only memorialize or honor what our ancestors did but to uphold by practicing their life ways that were passed down generation after generation. To restore the health of the sea, the people and all life. Restoring this practice is an opportunity to build community, to bring the people together and allow everyone to have a role while we all work toward a common goal. This is food sovereignty, the ability to feed the people of our community food that is genetically built for our bodies, that feeds our spirit and reconnects us to the sea and our ancestors. I only needed to go there one time and work for just a few short hours to decide that it was one of the best experiences of my entire life; it inspired me to do all I can to restore this practice and our relationship with the clams and the life of the sea. I just needed one day with the ancestors, to work in a place where they once did, and not have to think about the outside world. To be in that moment, working, not for money but to one day feed the people. To sing, pray, and just feel full of life; working in such a beautiful place with beautiful relatives. I pray for more days like this, and to one day be able to do it with our community. When that day finally comes when we get the go-ahead to move forward on building a clam garden, who will be ready to start moving rocks? It’ll certainly be an exciting time to bring the people together to build community and work toward food security for future generations.
Salt Spring, Canada Alana Quintasket, Joe Quintasket, Raven Edwards
Salt Spring, Canada Tanner Wilbur
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Pae Pae Hei’eia Photo: Nicole Norris
Loko i’a ~ Hawaiian Fishpond Photo: The Hui
PART 2
HUI MALAMA LOKO I’A GATHERING & INDIGENOUS AQUACULTURE SUMMIT CAROLINE EDWARDS
FEBRUARY 5-8, OAHU, Hawai’i — It was February, my stomach was in knots of excitement because I was flying to Hawai’i, a place I’ve never been! In an experience like no other, witnessing an ancient Loko i’a, a Hawaiian fishpond! The coronavirus (COVID-19) was in the background and giving me hesitating thoughts while on this trip. I traveled with the following Swinomish Tribal Community members, leadership, and staff: Larry Campbell, JoJo Jefferson, Alana Quintasket, JJ Wilbur, Joey Williams, Myk Heidt and her husband Ed, Julie Barber, and Courtney Greiner. We travelled with representatives, students and affiliates from the First Nations in Canada, the University of Washington’s Sea Grant, and the Northwest Indian College. While on the plane ride across the ocean, my ancestors came to mind, I will understand “why” later on, near the end of the trip. A piece of me was discovered on this journey; a layer of connection was unfolded with the expansion of my horizon. A gathering of sharing Indigenous knowledge and culture; and building relations across the sea. 18
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It was how the warm wind blew above my shoulders and the way it rained on my face, the force and magnitude of all who protects these volcanic islands were present, especially at night. It was the spirit of their language that unified our Hawaiian Native hosts. I found myself longing for that same connection. The hospitality of being treated like family made those of us who welcome others as family feel right at home! It was the first day of the summit when we witnessed how the Natives of this land offer prayer in their Hawaiian language, and gifting the water. Our first meal, and every meal thereafter during our stay, had local foods that came from the ocean and the land; it doesn’t get any fresher than that! Then, the work began! The Loko i’a fish pond we worked on was the Pae Pae Hei’eia. I treasured every moment of putting my hands in the mud and moving rocks — all while listening to locals speak about their traditional knowledge of this ancient practice of building a rock wall that will be firmly stable for centuries.
There were exchanges of traditional knowledge through the sharing of our creation stories. I had the opportunity to share a few legends of Swinomish with some of the locals: The Boy with the Magic Robe; Sun, Moon, and Stars; and Ko kwhal alwhoot, the Maiden of Deception Pass. I didn’t participate, but there was another group that was in the water collecting an invasive seaweed. It was said that historically the females would gather the seaweed while the males built the rock wall. While we were dredging and stacking rocks, I learned some traditional Hawaiian history. This is how I interpreted it: » The Hawaiian people have an intrinsic relationship with what they describe as being protectors, or shape-shifters, that protect each fish pond — hence, the gifting to the water and the rituals performed as a people. » There are very large beings, who I believe are in the afterlife, who run with torches protecting the volcano leaving their imprints along the edges at night. » The Hawaiian Gods live on the island at what is currently known as Pearl Harbor. It was so healing for me to have had the privilege of exchanging our cultural histories. I learned so much and feel as if my own horizon expanded once I connected with this culture. The days following the first day were filled with workshops held by various participants who shared their cultural knowledge. Examples include: Yellow Cedar foot bath bags; sunscreen; turmeric health tonics; cedar roses; and wool weaving. We also visited a sacred site where we had the opportunity to swim next to a double waterfall.
Northwest Indian College Students and Staff
On my very last day, our group chose to travel to an ancient fish pond that was recently discovered on Pearl Harbor. Our hosts began with a prayer and asked that we think of one of our ancestors to bring in with us to the sacred site of one of the oldest fish ponds. I chose my late aunt, Susan Wilbur. I’m deeply thankful that our hosts acknowledged our ancestors, which is a layer of a connection I never knew could be unfolded. I had to leave for the airport that very day. As I was giving my gratitude and offering my appreciation to one of the Hawaiian elders, he said, “When the settlers arrived here, some of our people travelled by water to where you all come from.” He put his hand up and said, “We’re family!” It was as if our stars aligned – an experience like no other! Our Swinomish tribal journey of embracing a connection to the ancient aquaculture practice has only begun!
BACKGROUND OF HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS: Loko i‘a (Hawaiian fishponds) are unique aquaculture systems that exist throughout Hawai‘i, and continue to feed and connect communities around the islands. The Hui Mālama Loko iʻa (Hui) is a growing network of fishpond practitioners and organizations from across ka paeʻāina o Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian archipelago). Source: kuahawaii.org
Pearl Harbor JJ Wilbur, Jo Jo Jefferson, Alana Quintasket, Caroline Edwards, Myk Heidt, Joey Williams
Julie Barber, Melissa Poe, and Courtney Grenier
Larry Campbell and Nicole Norris
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 19
CEDAR GRADUATION CAP CEREMONY JUNE 5, CEDAR HAT PAVILIONS – Six Swinomish high school graduates walked to the front of the amphitheater stage as six eagles circled high above and a song from the Swinomish Canoe Family filled the air. This gathering was organized for high school graduates as an honor to them from our community for their first of many ultimate life achievements – graduating from high school! In honor of their successes, the Cultural Events Department honored each student by gifting them a cedar graduation cap. Powerful words were spoken about what it means to wear traditional woven cedar, and teachings about how to care for the caps were shared. Each graduate’s efforts will never go unnoticed. Even though these students couldn’t experience a traditional graduation ceremony, our community organized a safe honoring event respecting social distancing for our graduates and their families. Our community’s prayer warriors, leadership, and members ensured the opportunity to give words of faith, encouragement, and motivation to each of the graduates and the whole community. Tribal Senator and faith leader at St. Paul’s Spiritual Center Barbara James, with assistance from Cultural Events Director Aurelia Bailey, blessed each student with cedar. As the students exited the stage to be with their families, the ceremony ended with another song from the Canoe Family.
Congratulations to the CLASS OF 2020!
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La Conner School District Arjuna Adams Mary Lou Page Cynthia George Tredamas Casey Ian Heartbroker Arianna Murchison Domenic Wilbur
Tyler Luvera, Mt. Vernon High School Isabella McDonald, Vantage Point High School (CO) Claudia Parker, Tulalip Heritage High School Chelsea Tom, Choice Academy Devin Wilbur-Blankenship, Concrete High School Bryan Wolf, Friday Harbor High School
05-2020 SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS
Swinomish Education & the entire Tribal Community recognize:
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 21
DRONE-AND-TELL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) uses drone aerial imagery to inform several environmental projects around the Swinomish Reservation. Drones can be used to capture miles of land in minutes and provide an encompassing perspective in far less time than ground surveys and photo points. DEP’s largest ongoing drone-captured imagery project is to assess the effects of the recent tombolo restoration completed at Kukutali Preserve in August 2018. Staff monitor the physical changes occurring at the Kukutali restoration area by utilizing the drone to capture aerial imagery on an approximately monthly basis.DEP staff are interested in tracking driftwood, elevation, and geomorphic changes post-restoration. Ground control points with known measured elevations are set up prior to flying the drone in order to establish an elevation gradient and to track changes in elevation over time. In addition, staff lay out ground control targets, track them via Global Positioning System (GPS), and use them in the processed mosaic. Images are run through software called AgiSoft after they are taken. These images show the ground control targets, and since the targets have accurate GPS coordinates, staff are able to locate where each target is in space. 3-D models are built using those data and mosaicked images. The 3-D models are then used to track post-restoration changes.
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PROTECT MOTHER EARTH SUBCOMMITTEE Our Vision
Preserving our culture by connecting our people to their natural and human environment through honorable community engagement
Our Mission
Protecting our cultural lifeways by identifying impacts of climate change and engaging our community in the care of Mother Earth
Protect Mother Earth Members
Todd Mitchell (Chair), Shelly Vendiola (Vice Chair), Laura Kasayuli, Diane Vendiola, Jen Willup, Brian Wilbur, Caroline Edwards, Tara Satushek, Janie Beasley, Eric Day, Lindy Hunter, Heidi Bock, Andrea Pitz, Lindsay Logan (Recording Secretary)
Protect Mother Earth meeting via Zoom
We look forward to seeing everyone in person soon!
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 23
PROPER USE OF DISINFECTANTS AIR QUALITY PROGRAM
A disinfectant is a chemical solution used on inanimate objects to destroy harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Disinfectants are crucial in fighting COVID-19, but it is important to make sure the right steps are followed so that the disinfecting process works, and that you are safe while using these hazardous chemicals.
USING BLEACH AS A DISINFECTANT
When you are purchasing a disinfectant, look for the EPA’s Design for the Environment Safer Disinfectants logo. Although it may be tempting to make a homemade disinfectant, the EPA does not advise this since they may be ineffective. In addition, the chemicals needed to make effective disinfectants can cause skin or lung irritation, injury, or burns. So, once you have selected a safe product and are ready to disinfect a surface, follow these eight steps:
First of all, don’t mix bleach with anything but cool water. Bleach plus ammonia creates extremely toxic vapors, which can cause severe burning of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. In fact, any acid including vinegar or alcohol could create mustard gas, so be sure to use a clean, dry container to mix your bleach solution in. When working with bleach, be sure to use gloves and eye protection in a well-ventilated area. Label the bottle of bleach solution before mixing so you don’t forget. Put the contents, ratio, and date mixed on the bottle.
Step 1: Read the label Use the proper concentration. Note the contact time on the label. Follow product label hazard warning instructions. Do not use around children. Step 2: Take precautions Use gloves and eye protection in well-ventilated area, or as directed by the product label. Step 3: Prepare the surface Clean the surface with soap and water, rinse, and dry with a clean towel. Step 4: Follow instructions carefully Step 5: Leave surfaces visibly wet for required contact time Set a timer for the required contact time. While you are waiting, dispose of wipes in the trash. If reusable cloths were used, place directly in washing machine. Step 6: Remove gloves and discard them in the trash Step 7: Rinse surface with potable water This is required if the surface may come into contact with food. Step 8: Wash and dry your hands 24
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Bleach is a type of disinfectant that you may already have in your home. It is a pretty intense chemical, so it’s good to know how to use it without causing any adverse health effects. Bleach can cause asthma, so choose a different disinfectant if anyone in your household has asthma.
PRECAUTIONS
MIXING
Now it’s time to mix your bleach solution. Use five tablespoons of bleach mixed with one gallon of cool water, or four teaspoons of bleach per one quart of cool water if you’re using a smaller container. Make a fresh solution daily as the solution will lose its strength quickly.
DISINFECTING
Clean the surface with soap and water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a paper towel. Apply bleach and water solution to the entire area to be disinfected. Allow the surface to air dry for at least two minutes and then rinse the surface with a clean wet towel.
ASTHMA-FRIENDLY DISINFECTANTS
When choosing a disinfectant to use in your home, you may want to avoid certain chemicals that can cause asthma. Take a look at the list of ingredients on the product label and look for the following chemicals:
SAFER INGREDIENTS
Hydrogen peroxide; lactic acid; citric acid; alcohol-ethyl alcohol; isopropyl alcohol
THESE MAY CAUSE ASTHMA
Quaternary ammonium compounds (widely used as surface disinfectants); bleach; acetic acid (found in vinegar); thymol; glutaraldehyde; peracetic acid
TIPS ON USING DISINFECTANTS AND CLEANERS
» Do not spray chemicals into the air; spray directly onto a towel held far away from your face and then apply to surface. » COVID-19 can float in air for three hours, live on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, live on cardboard for 24 hours, and live on copper for four hours. » When choosing a cleaner, look for Green Seal Industrial and Institutional Cleaners Standard, UL Ecologo Hard Surface Cleaners Standard, and EPA (Fragrance-Free) Safer Choice. » People choosing to avoid alcohol products can use hydrogen peroxide. It is just as effective as alcohol-based disinfectants. » Microfiber cloths and mops are helpful in cleaning. They have more surface area so they’re very absorbent and effective. In addition, they have a positive charge so they attract negatively charged dirt and grease that viruses and bacteria may be stuck to. » If you are in the practice of washing groceries when you bring them home from the store, it is better to use dish soap than disinfectant, since you want to avoid consuming any kind of disinfectant. Make sure you thoroughly rinse your groceries after cleaning them.
Take care of each other.
COVID-19 THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES: INTERVIEW WITH KINA BOBB
Kina, age 7
1. What is the coronavirus? It’s a black and invisible ugly thing that’s bad for you. 2. Who is the president? Yuck, Trump! 3. How many days have we been in lockdown? 35,000 years 4. Do you want to go back to school? Umm, I don’t know. 5. Who is the first person you are going to hug when lockdown is over? Uh, Radley and Raven (nephew and niece) 6. Where is the first place you want to go? Chuck E. Cheese 7. What do you think we can do to get rid of the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Get magical powers – very, very magical powers and kick it out of the world. 8. Is mom a good teacher? Definitely. 9. How did the coronavirus start? I feel like someone evil sent it out to try and make us all sick and die. 10. If you had to wear protective clothing to help you, what would it be? Umm, diamond armor with super enchantments that would push the sickness back from where it came from. Everyone should wear it to not get sick. (Minecraft) 11. Are you enjoying the lockdown? Yes, it feels like summer vacation, but I also don’t like that I can’t see other family. 12. What is your favorite thing we do at home? Snuggle time. Playing Minecraft online with Radley, and sit on the bed together and color and play games. Ask your children questions about their thoughts and feelings regarding COVID-19. Be sure to ease their fears while also being honest, and enjoy a giggle with their enlightened and candid responses! Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 25
SAFE START WASHINGTON A PHASED APPROACH TO RECOVERY
PHASE PHASE
1
High Continue to Stay Home, Risk Stay Healthy Populations*
2
PHASE
3
PHASE
4
Continue to Stay Home, Stay Healthy
Resume public Continue to Stay Home, Stay interactions, with physical Healthy distancing
Recreation
Some outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, golf, boating, hiking)
Outdoor recreation involving 5 or fewer people outside your household (camping, beaches, etc.)
Outdoor group recreational sports activities (<50 people) Recreational facilities at <50% capacity (gyms, public pools, Resume all recreational etc.) activity Professional sports without audience participation (horseracing, baseball, et
Gatherings (social, spiritual)
None Drive-in spiritual service with one household per vehicle
Gather with no more than 5 people outside your household per week
Essential travel and limited non-essential travel permissible activities
Essential travel and limited non-essential travel for Phase I & II permissible activities
Essential businesses open Existing construction that meets agreed upon criteria Landscaping Auto/RV/Boat/ORV sales Retail (curb-side pick-up orders only) Car washes Pet walkers
Remaining manufacturing Additional construction phases In-home/domestic services Retail Real estate Professional services/office-based businesses Hair and nail salons/barbers Pet grooming Restaurants/taverns <50% capacity, table size no larger than 5 (no bar-area seating)
Travel
Business/ Employers
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Allow gatherings with no more than 50 people
Allow gatherings with >50 people
Resume non-essential travel
Continue non-essential travel
Restaurants/taverns <75% capacity/table size no larger than 10 Bar areas in restuarant/taverns at <25% capacity Movie theaters at <50% capacity Customer-facing government services (telework remains strongly encouraged) Libraries Museums All other business activities not yet listed except for nightclubs and events with greater than 50 people
Nightclubs Concert venues Large sporting events Resume unrestricted staffing of worksites, but continue to practice physical distancing and good hygiene
another shelf, no luck.Finally, I found a small bag of rice on the very top shelf in the back. I poured the rice into the little pot and made a beeline to the faucet to wash it. The sink was located right next to the kitchen back door, but there was no longer a sink there! Where could the sink be? I looked and looked and then threw open the back door in dismay—there it was! There was a new addition built on the back porch and the sink was located there.
MRS. V'S 2 CENTS DIANE VENDIOLA
Fifty years ago my family and I lived in a three-bedroom house in Seattle. The other night I dreamt of this very same house. I found myself opening the door to that old home of mine, and everything in the living room was just as I had left it 50 years earlier. The only thing different was there was a casket placed near the far wall, and sitting in a chair next to it was a young man with his face in his hands weeping silently . Down the hallway leading from the living room door was the kitchen. I saw a bunch of my relatives and friends there, hurrying back and forth with food, pots, and plates. I could smell foods cooking and desserts baking. I was overjoyed to see my friends but sensed this was a serious moment, so I did not smile and greet them with hugs as they hustled and bustled about quietly preparing food for comfort and love.
I washed the rice and put the pot on to boil. The soup requires ginger, garlic, and chicken bones, so I began yet another search for these ingredients. First, I looked in the fridge to see if I might locate my chicken. No luck! I searched for a freezer in hopes of finding frozen chicken (I had to find the freezer first, of course). I finally found it in the basement with chicken inside! I hurried up the stairs to the kitchen stove to add my find to my little pot sitting on the back burner, but the little pot of rice was not there! I was beginning to get a little impatient and irritated. “Who moved my rice?” I thought to myself. I looked in the sink, and then on the table crowded with salads, breads, baked potatoes, clam chowder, and pies. No little pot with rice in it. I went back to the stove and noticed the handle of my little pot on a shelf above the stove. I put the chicken in the pot with rice and squeezed it back on the stove in between simmering stew and fish head soup. Now I started my search for the ginger and garlic. Thankfully, I noticed a bin of onions earlier. I went back to the bin and found garlic and ginger among the onions! I had been feeling confident about knowing where I could find the essential ingredients for my healing soup, but everything was not where I expected it to be. The experience of expecting to find the essentials I needed for my healing soup threw me off.
Instead, I decided I would make the weeping young man a dish that I always prepared for my kids when they were sick or sad. My husband and I called this dish “soup rice.” So, I went to the kitchen cupboard near the big oldfashioned stove where I used to keep my pots. Lo and behold there was one little pot and cover right there on the shelf! I then went to the spot where I typically stored my bag of rice, a metal container on the other side of the stove, but the rice was not there!
I decided to find a place to sit on the back porch to calm myself down and work at regaining a sense of balance. I sat down on the door step to catch my breath and gather my thoughts. Then, from around the corner came the young man whom I had seen weeping. He looked at me and walked toward me. He then stood right in front of me asked, “Would you tell me what you think?”
I would have to search for it. No problem! I knew this kitchen and the little pantry connected to it like the back of my hand. I looked into a cupboard, and a drawer, and
I think this dream may have something to do with the experience of uncertainty and sudden change as we all work to survive this pandemic. God - guide us all.
This question made me suddenly very wide awake.
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COVID-19 Timeline
Brown = Global Yellow = United States Teal = Washington State Red = Swinomish
June 18, 2020 *GLOBAL Coronavirus Cases
8,384,043
April 14
Deaths
After receiving blame for his handling of the coronavirus in the U.S., Mr. Trump ordered his administration to halt funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recovered
April 14
*UNITED STATES Coronavirus Cases
April 17
449,695
4,102,111
2,164,497
The global economy slid toward contraction. The International Monetary Fund warned that the global economy was headed for its worst downturn since the Great Depression.
Deaths
President Trump encouraged protests against some state restrictions. In a series of all-cap tweets, Mr. Trump encouraged right-wing protests of social distancing restrictions in some states.
Recovered
April 19
117,783
592,191
*John Hopkins University coronavirus.jhu.edu/ map.html
Timeline sources The New York Times nytimes.com/article/ coronavirus-timeline.html Business Insider businessinsider.com/ coronavirus-pandemictimeline-history-majorevents-2020-3 Seattle PI seattlepi.com/coronavirus/ article/washington-statecoronavirus-outbreaktimeline-15188450.php
Chile issued ‘immunity cards’ to people who have recovered from the virus.
April 21
Govenor Inslee announces Washington’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
April 21
Officials discovered earlier known U.S. coronavirus deaths in California. Officials in Santa Clara County announced that two residents there died of the coronavirus on February 6 and February 17, making them the earliest known victims of the pandemic in the United States.
April 21
The European Union, pressured by China, watered down a report on disinformation.
April 24
The president was criticized over disinfectant comments. After Mr. Trump at a White House briefing suggested that an “injection inside” the human body with a disinfectant like bleach or isopropyl alcohol could help combat the virus, the makers of Clorox and Lysol pleaded with Americans not to ingest their products.
April 26
The global death toll surpassed 200,000.
April 27
Swinomish website swinomish-nsn.gov
Oxford scientists led the race for a vaccine.
IHME covid19.healthdata.org/ united-states-of-america
The Swinomish Senate passes a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2020-04-73, 2929-03-076 2020-04-100 To Further Extend and Clarify the Tribe’s Stay Home Order.
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April 30
Airlines announced rules requiring face masks.
May 1
A message from Swinomish Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards: Swinomish Senate decided to extend its Stay Home Order until May 18.
May 1
The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency approval for the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19.
May 3
Several countries targeted China over the coronavirus. A backlash was building against China for its initial mishandling of the crisis.
May 4
A message from the Kukutali Management Board: The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks would like the public to know that Kukutali Preserve State Park will not reopen to the public on May 5th and that park access continues to be restricted until further notice.
May 5
Although the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community “Stay Home” order is still in effect, the Swinomish Senate approved a limited Phase 1 construction restart.
May 5
Phase I of reopening the state Washington begins.
May 5
The coronavirus reached France in December, doctors said, rewriting the epidemic’s timeline.
May 16
Barack Obama criticized the U.S.’s virus response.
May 17
Japan and Germany, two of the world’s largest economies, enter recessions.
May 18
Inslee announces restart of all medical services in the state of Washington.
May 21
Reported coronavirus cases top 5 million worldwide.
May 22
Infections in Latin America continue to rise.
May 22
Inslee releases statement regarding the progression of the state of Washington’s Safe Start phases. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 29
COVID-19 Timeline Continued
May 23
Brown = Global Yellow = United States Teal = Washington State Red = Swinomish
The U.S. has more than 1.6 million cases of COVID-19. A top infectious disease expert said it’s “conceivable” the U.S. could have a coronavirus vaccine by December.
May 23
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 5.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, as well as at least 340,000 deaths.
May 23
43rd member of the NYPD dies of COVID-19 complications.
May 24
The U.S. is barring travel from Brazil.
May 24
Houses of worship around the world face tough choices in reopening.
May 24
Hong Kong protesters, subdued for months by the virus, are back on the streets.
May 24
Tourism and cultural life are creeping back around the world, with a raft of caveats.
May 24
The U.S. loosens restrictions, even as it nears 100,000 deaths.
May 25
Mr. Trump honors U.S. military’s fight against coronavirus on Memorial Day.
May 25
White House adviser says unemployment rate could reach “north of 20%” this month.
May 25
Brazil reports more than 11,000 new coronavirus cases in past 24 hours.
May 26
An emergency program’s slow start leaves millions of hungry children waiting.
May 26
Mexico sees largest single-day increase in new cases and deaths.
May 26
California is in an “economic free fall” after its early shutdown.
May 26
Govenor Inslee extends proclamation relating to COVID-19. The intent of this amended proclamation is to continue to protect CARES Act stimulus payments, as well as state and federal unemployment payments, from bank account garnishments. 30
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May 26
Brazil inaugurates its first hospital wing dedicated to Indigenous people.
May 27
Workers removed from a Gulf of Mexico oil platform test postive for the virus.
May 27
Swinomish Senate Resolution on COVID-19 Precautions
May 27
Minneapolis demonstrators put aside virus concerns to protest a death that happened in police custody.
May 28
A break in a 124-year tradition; no Boston Marathon.
May 28
Cyprus will pay the vacation cost for tourists who contract coronavirus.
May 29
Mr. Trump says the U.S. will end its relationship with the WHO, alarming health experts.
May 30
Major U.S. cities edge closer to reopening, but as global infections near 6 million, cautionary tales abound.
May 30
After the WHO loses U.S. support, the European Union doubles down.
May 31
Govenor Inslee issues Safe Start proclamation for count approach to reopening.
May 31
The U.S. has sent two million doses of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil.
May 31
Nations expand reopenings as global cases pass 6 million.
May 31
As protesters flood streets across the country, officals worry that they could be spreading the virus.
June1
Congo, already battling the coronavirus and measles, has a second Ebola outbreak.
June 1
A new projection finds the who virus costing the U.S. economy $7.9 trillion. Poor countries face debt crises.
June 4
The virus surges in regions where populist leaders thought theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been spared.
June 5
Skagit County received approval from the Department of Health to officially move to Phase 2 of the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Safe Start- Reopening Washington Plan. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 31
SwinComm202006
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MAY & JUNE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE BORN IN MAY & JUNE!
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, ZAIDEN ANTHONY REVEY LOVE, MOM & DAD
HAVE YOU BEEN LAID OFF OR HAVE YOUR HOURS BEEN REDUCED DUE TO COVID-19? You may be eligible for expanded unemployment benefits through the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). This includes people who work for tribes, tribally owned businesses, small businesses, independent contractors, artisans and musicians.
Apply online: esd.wa.gov/unemployment/UI-one-stop -OR- call 1-800-318-6022 If you are denied unemployment benefits, the Unemployment Law Project (ULP) may be able to help you. Call ULP: (206) 441-9178 or toll-free 1-888-441-9178 (Seattle). Or, if you think you’re low income, call the Northwest Justice Project’s (NJP) CLEAR Hotline at 1-888-201-1014 weekdays between 9:15 am-12:15 pm.
TIPS
» When applying for unemployment, start with the website (esd.wa.gov) before you call. » Due to an unprecedented increase in unemployment, the Employment Security Department (ESD) is very busy. Keep calling! Don’t give up! » Because the laws have changed and ESD needs time to set up the systems to handle all the changes, you may be denied initially. Don’t despair! You have the right to appeal the denial and a legal advocate from ULP or NJP may be able to help you.
RECENT CHANGES UNDER FEDERAL LAW TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE » Job search requirements are optional in most cases. » There is no waiting week before you get benefits. » Although the federal stimulus package has passed, ESD estimates that it will take them until April 18, 2020 to get the Unemployment Assistance portion of the legislation up and running. ESD will then be able to make retroactive payments for both the weekly benefit amount owed as well as the additional $600 per week. Drafted by the Native American Unit of the Northwest Justice Project. Last Revised April 15, 2020. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) prepared this for general information purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current and is subject to change without notice. NJP strongly recommends that you consult with legal counsel regarding your specific circumstances.
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 33
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Culture & Archive CULTURAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT
The Swinomish Tribal Government is closely monitoring the public health threat posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Your Senate and staff are working hard to keep our community as safe as possible while making resources and services available to you. Please monitor the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov for updates, as things can change quickly.
Administration ADMINISTRATION
Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards Phone: (360) 840-5768 Shelley Preston-Roberts Phone: (360) 840-4231 Requests regarding Senate meetings, agendas, minutes
Enrollment & Humans Resources ENROLLMENT
Leon John Phone: (360) 466-7211 Email: ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us Enrollment continues to issue and accept enrollment applications. When requesting an application, staff will ask you a set of questions in order to provide you with the correct application. For renewing regular tribal ID cards or Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), please call or email. The Senate has authorized the issue of regular ID cards (not ETC) to members who may not be able to come to the Enrollment office. If you need information that we have on file for you, please make the request by email or leave a voicemail.
Aurelia Bailey Phone: (360) 853-6376
The department is providing assistance to elders, families, and the community with food and supplies distributions, shopping, and deliveries. Staff are also helping to get public safety notices and flyers out to the community and encouraging culture practices through social networking and social distancing. Songs, prayers, and dancing!
TRIBAL ARCHIVE & RECORDS Theresa Trebon Email: ttrebon@swinomish.nsn.us
The Tribal Archive & Records Building remains closed. Staff are available for questions by email.
Substance Use Disorder Services DIDGWALIC WELLNESS CENTER The center is open Phone: (360) 588-2800 Email: info@didgwalic.com
didgʷálič Wellness Center continues to fight the opioid epidemic and is providing essential substance use disorder (SUD) services, mental health treatment, and primary care to those in need. If you or a loved one needs help with a substance use disorder, please call.
SWINOMISH WELLNESS PROGRAM Jessica Grossglass Phone: (360) 708-9378 Email: jessica.grossglass@didgwalic.com
The Wellness Program is open Monday-Thursday from 8AM-6PM and Friday 8AM-12PM. See page 13 for
HUMAN RESOURCES Alethia Edwards Email: hr@swinomish.nsn.us
TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE Brian Porter Email: bporter@swinomish.nsn.us
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Taxation TAX AUTHORITY
Alicia Neely Phone: (360) 540-4592 Email: tax@swinomish.nsn.us Call for assistance with unemployment applications.
Social Services SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Candace Charles Phone: (360) 982-8584
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE April James Phone: (360) 391-0773
Call for LIHEAP applications, commodity delivery day, elder monthly stipends, and all other Social Services programs.
SENIOR SERVICES & COMMUNITY FOOD PROGRAM Tracy James Phone: (360) 540-2702
Aurelia Bailey Phone: (360) 853-6376 A final food distribution will be Wednesday, July 1 at the Fish Plant at 12 p.m. for Swinomish enrolled member households. The food program will be put on hold after this to stock pile food in case there is a second wave, and if there is another stay-at-home issued, the program will begin immediately to ensure food security so members can stay home safely.
ELDERS MEALS ON WHEELS Call for service Phone: (360) 661-2384
FAMILY SERVICES Tracey Parker Phone: (360) 466-7222
Education EDUCATION
Michael Vendiola Phone: (360) 707-1482 Email: mvendiola@swinomish.nsn.us Loran James Phone: (360) 503-9921 Email: lcjames@swinomish.nsn.us Lisa James Phone: (360) 333-9947 Email: ljames@swinomish.nsn.us For inquiries regarding education, email Michael Vendiola. To coordinate with La Conner School District for student support, contact Loran James. Contact Lisa regarding Swinomish scholarship program services and for HS+ support.
EDUCATION
Jeanne Robson Phone (360) 333-7496
Hours of services are Monday-Thursday from 8-6 p.m. Summer childcare applications can be picked up at the Please leave a voicemail with a call-back phone number if Childcare Center or in front of Social Services. Please you need family support services. return your completed applications as soon as possible. After the application is complete, your child must be YOUTH CENTER: tested for COIVD-19 if they are over the age of two.
RECREATION & PREVENTION Angela Ball Phone: (360) 420-3812
The Youth Center is open with limited hours and new guidelines. Reopening hours are noon-3:00 p.m. with lunch and a snack provided. You will need to fill out an application in order for your youth to participate in the Swinomish Youth Center Summer Program. You can pick up an application (and drop it off when completed) in front of the Youth Center.
More details are available on the forms, application, or by calling Jeanne. There is a priority list of services to families. First priority is given to Swinomish families who have both parents/guardians working outside the house. All other slots are filled by remaining services of priority.
NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE Gaylene Gobert (360) 399-8094 Email: ggobert@nwic.edu
Students, contact Gaylene to register for classes. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 35
Health Programs MEDICAL CLINIC
The clinic is open Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM, Friday 8AM-5:30PM Phone: (360) 466-3167 See service details opposite page
DENTAL CLINIC
The clinic is open on a limited basis Call (360) 466-3900 if you have urgent care needs Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM, Friday 8AM-5:30PM See service details on page 11. The clinic will reopen to routine care late June. Clinic staff will reach out to those who have had appointments cancelled and will attempt to reschedule for a similar day and time. Please keep in mind that the daily patient appointment load will be decreased by more than half to ensure social distancing and accommodate schedules of alternating dental teams.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Consults are available via phone, Zoom, and Skype. Outdoor social distancing sessions are also available. AFTER HOURS & WEEKENDS: (360) 707-1904 Julia Ortiz, MSW, LMHC, EMMHS Phone 1: (360) 466-7278; Phone 2: (360) 707-1904 Monday 8AM-6PM; Thursday 8AM-5:30PM Working remotely Tuesday and Wednesday Lori Nash, LMFT Phone1: (360) 588-2836; Phone 2: (360) 682-8201 Tuesday 1PM-6PM; Friday 8AM-1PM Working remotely Wednesday and Thursday Laura Lindberg, M.A., LMHC Phone 1: (360) 466-7375; Phone 2: (360) 708-3916 Tuesday 8AM-1PM; Friday 1PM-5:30PM Working remotely Wednesday and Thursday Denise Miller, M.A., LMHC Phone 1: (360) 466-7323; Phone 2: (360) 214-4397 Wednesday 8AM-6PM Working remotely Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
EMERGENCY RESOURCE NUMBERS • Call 911 • 1-800-584-3578 (Local Crisis Line) 36
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text START to 741741 • 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) • 1-360-757-7738 (Skagit County Crisis Center) • 1-866-488-7836 (Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth)
SWINOMISH WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN PROGRAM (WIC) Michelle Skidmore Phone: (360) 319-2756
Telehealth WIC visits are now available for all clients. We provide nutrition and food services to pregnant and postpartum women, and children under 5 years. Family placement and foster parents can apply. Call (360) 4667269 to see if you are eligible for Swinomish WIC services. Recently laid off due to COVID-19? We can help young families with food they need. $50-$100 per client each month! Skagit County Diaper Bank partners with Swinomish WIC for FREE diapers to families in need. Children are eligible for 48 diapers, plus wipes, once a month. To receive diaper services, call (360) 466-7269
FITNESS CENTER
Colleen Mavar Email: cmavar@swinomish.nsn.us The Swinomish Fitness Center is closed until further notice. Email Colleen for at-home fitness recommendations.
YOUTH SPIRIT PROGRAM Tanisha Gobert Email: tgobert@swinomish.nsn.us
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Myk Heidt Email: mheidt@swinomish.nsn.us Facebook: @13MoonsAtWork
Email Certified Wild Plants & Medicine Educator Myk Heidt with questions about wild plants, their medicinal benefits, what’s ready to harvest, and how to use! Another resource is the recently published 13 Moons First Foods and Resources Curriculum. Staff are happy to provide a copy of the curriculum to anyone in the community.
CLINIC HOURS Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm Friday, 8am-5:30pm CALL (360) 466-3167
Your medical team is here to serve you. We have been working to make the clinic a safe place during these times. Please do not put off routine medical care. Call for an appointment If you need to see us. WHAT IS THE CLINIC DOING TO MAKE IT SAFE? » Routine patient screening
» Continuing telemedicine and outdoor services for patients with symptoms » Continuing to offer telemedicine as an option to all patients » Increased cleaning of all areas » Masks required for all staff and patients » Immediate rooming for patients (no waiting room time) » Adding scales to each exam room to reduce shared stations for patients
HOW CAN PATIENTS HELP KEEP THE CLINIC SAFE?
» Wear mask at all times (unless your provider needs you to remove it for care) » Only bring extra people to the appointment when necessary » Call ahead if you are sick
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I COME TO THE CLINIC?
If you have no COIVD-19 symptoms and schedule an appointment at the clinic, come in the front door to check in as you normally would. Please stop at the station in the entry, sanitize your hands, and put on a mask. If you wore your own mask to the clinic, we ask that you either switch it out for the mask provided or simply place the mask provided over your mask (this helps us ensure masks are meeting medical standards). When you get to the desk they will ask you basic screening questions. If you are symptom free, you will be checked in and immediately shown to a room. Your provider team will see you.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM NOT FEELING WELL AND I NEED TO BE SEEN?
If are not feeling well, please call the clinic. The front desk will schedule you with a provider for a telemedicine visit. The provider will contact you for the visit. The provider will determine if they can treat through telemedicine, clear you to come in the clinic, or set up to see you outside. If you do not have access to a phone, please come to the clinic and ring the back door bell and we will be happy to serve you. Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 37
Natural Resources FISHERIES
Lorraine Loomis Phone: (360) 333-8043 Laura Clifton Phone: (360) 391-2492 The Fisheries Department is working full-time for the community to ensure, to the best of our abilities, that tribal fisheries will continue despite this time of uncertainty. The department will continue to open Lone Tree for C&S clam harvest twice a month; only butters and cockles can be harvested and harvest is not to exceed one five-gallon bucket per day. Clam beaches located off the reservation remain open for subsistence harvest and harvest is not to exceed one five-gallon bucket per day (no more than ½ bucket of manila/native littleneck clams at select beaches). The community will be notified of future salmon, halibut, crab, shrimp, and other shellfish openings with the release of a regulation and corresponding message on the Fisheries Hotline in advance of any planned opening. Clam fisheries will also be posted via the Swinomish Fish & Wildlife Enforcement's Facebook page. All announcements will be made as details are finalized. Permits for these fisheries can be obtained by calling or texting Laura Clifton and asking to be added to the permit list, which is then provided to Fisheries Enforcement. Tribal fishers must observe social distancing and comply with other appropriate COVID-19 safety and health precautions.
WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Tino Villaluz Phone: (360) 630-9544 Email: vvillaluz@swinomish.nsn.us Your Wildlife staff is working remotely. We're still available to the community for discussion and advice. We are working closely with leadership as well as other Point Elliott Treaty Tribes to asses and plan in these most uncertain of times. This is an evolving situation and can change at any point. We will do our best to monitor and balance community needs while considering the risk associated with any task. Protecting our community is the absolute most important consideration. Please feel free to contact Tino Villaluz with any needs or concerns. 38
Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide
SKAGIT RIVER SYSTEM COOPERATIVE Jeff Meyer Phone: (360) 391-4641 Email: jmeyer@skagitcoop.org
Marcie Haase Phone: (360) 466-7370 Email: mhaase@skagitcoop.org
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
All staff are working remotely or are field based. Voicemails can be left at (360) 466-7280. This line is checked daily for messages. General information or assistance: Todd Mitchell Phone: 360-661-0684 Environmental Permitting: Scott Andrews Phone: 360-854-8526 Environmental Science: Nicole Casper Phone: 360-661-0683 The Between Two Worlds high school science program in-person is suspended until further notice. For remote BTW assignments, contact Jen Willup or Dean Dan Jr, 360-399-9120.
LAND MANAGEMENT
Voicemails, including Thousand Trails reservations, can be left at (360) 466-7280. Please leave a detailed message. This line is checked daily for messages. Elissa Kalla Phone: (360) 770-5382 Email: ekalla@swinomish.nsn.us Residential leasing and other realty questions Merla Rae Martin Phone: (360) 466-7302 Email: mrmartin@swinomish.nsn.us For mapping or address questions Jacob Tully Phone: 360-630-7157 Email: jtully@swinomish.nsn.us
Planning
Law Enforcement
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Zam DeShields, Planning Director (360) 853-6586 Tara Satushek, Senior Planner (360) 927-1506 Rebecca Villaluz, Assistant Planner (360) 770-3960 Alana Quintasket, Senator/Intern Wendi Martin, Permit Technician (360) 707-1379 Josephine Jefferson, THPO Officer (360) 488-3860 Keri Clearly, Project Manager (360) 739-8653 Robert Pell, Project Manager (360) 780-6531 Rodney John, Public Works, Janitorial (360) 333-6666
Department Office Staff Phone: (360) 466-7237 Call during business hours Monday-Friday
Voicemails can be left at (360) 466-7280. This line is checked daily for messages.
The safety and well-being of our staff and the community is our highest priority. As the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, changes, we are committed to staying up-to-date and responding to recommendations from local public health officials. We will continue to keep the community updated with any changes through the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov. Email permit applications and permitting questions to: permits@swinomish.nsn.us If you are unable to submit by email, you may physically mail application materials to the address below. Please note mailed applications will take longer to review. All payments must be submitted by check via mail. Permits will be issued by email or paper copy if you do not have access to email. SITC Planning and Community Development Dept. Attn: Permit Technician 11430 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257
Housing & Utilities HOUSING AUTHORITY On-call maintenance Phone: (360) 466-7223
UTILITY AUTHORITY
On-call maintenance and billing questions Phone: (360) 466-7223
Chief Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amelio: (360) 202-4059 Lt. Cowan (425) 754-6784
Bridgette Solomon Victim Witness Advocate Phone: (360) 399-8795 Email: bsolomon@swinomish.nsn.us Officers are working 24/7. The department office is still open to the public, but staffing is limited. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message and your call will be returned in the order it was received. You may also call (360) 428-3211 to request assistance from an officer. Always call 911 for emergencies.
FISH AND WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT Joe Bailey Phone: (360) 466-2501 Email: jbailey@swinomish.nsn.us
Tribal Court TRIBAL COURT
Blair Paige Phone: (360) 982-1779 Email: bpage@swinomish.nsn.us Parties can contact the Senior Court Clerk Blair Paige between 8:30AM-5:00PM Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday
TRIBAL ADVOCATE
Laurence Blakely Phone: (360) 708-4493 Email: lblakely@swinomish.nsn.us Please reach out by phone if you have questions about a pending criminal matter.
TRIBAL PROSECUTOR
Melissa Simonsen Phone: (360) 854-8952 Email: msimonsen@swinomish.nsn.us Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 39
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I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE.
Swinomish Royalty gets ready for the celebration parade hosted by the Education Department in honor of the 2020 graduates and those who are moving up.
