qyuuqs News November/December 2020

NOV|DEC/2020 VOL. 54 No. 8

"When mother nature is speaking we shall listen."

ALL MY RELATIONS | PAGE 20

CONTENTS Editor's Note ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

5 Medical Clinic Holiday Schedule & Mental Health Counseling Services: Holiday Coverage .................... 7 Update On Shell Refinery Chemical Release ................................................................................................. 8 COVID-19 Case Count ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Olympia Oyster Hide & Seek ....................................................................................................................... 10 Obituaries ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Introducing Our New Susan Wilbur Early Education Center Lead Teachers ............................................. 14 Congratulations Graduate! & Northwest Indian College ........................................................................... 15 Tide Table: December ................................................................................................................................... 16 DEP: Stream Crossing Signs, Coming Soon! ................................................................................................ 17 Being Frank ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 Elder Stipends Mail Dates & Dental Clinic: Holiday Schedule .................................................................. 19 All My Relations ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Mrs. V’s 2 Cents ............................................................................................................................................. 22 Swinomish Photovoice Contest ......................................................................................................... 24-35 North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Info ........................................................................................ 36 Letter to Swinomish from the Chairman .........................................................................................................

Photo by: Velma Lockrem "When mother nature is speaking we shall listen."

Velma won first place in the Swinomish Photovoice Contest!

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Moon of the Dog Salmon

editor’s NOTE

pedIexic

(pud-kwuh-HWEETS) Much of November is the "moon of the dog salmon.

Salmon continue to be fished until the end of this moon. The last of the bracken fern roots and camas are harvested. Shellfish harvest begins again and continues to increase the food supply through the winter months. Hunting waterfowl and game continues.

Stay safe, Swinomish We cannot give in and lose hope. Each of us needs to do our part to protect our families by continuing to quarantine ourselves and the people we live with.

The coronavirus cases at Swinomish are continuing to rise at an alarming pace. This is concerning because these are our people

pedIexic (pud-kwuh-HWEETS) Late November/Late December, is the "moon to put your paddles away." This moons signals a time to move indoors for the coming winter season. During the winter moons, tools, baskets, and other items are constructed. Sea-run cutthroat trout, blackmouth 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

We are all withdrawn from each other and being one as a community; removing our way of healing. However, the thing to remember is this pandemic cannot take away from us our belief in our culture and our people. Digging deeper into our cultural roots makes all of us stronger. Our ancestors taught us to care for each other as one. We have to be one, in our homes. One day our people will gather as a community and it will be so uplifting and healing for each of us. Stay safe and stay home!

Remember to wear a mask when out in the public, social distance – 6 feet apart, and wash/sanitize your hands often. Be kind to yourself this season. With the holidays looking much different, try not to feel so pressured. 2020 began with a pandemic, causing all of us to work in emergency mode conditions, which was never part of the plan, but here we are. Take care.

Caroline Edwards goliahlitza sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

Moon to Put Your Paddles Away

– our neighbors, friends, and family – our community members.

3

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

sapelia

Sophie Bailey (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

wa lee hub

Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com

The official news publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 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 MAILING ADDRESS 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

SM OK O LO

QYUUQS NEWS Caroline Edwards, Editor cedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

ya qua leouse

SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills, Communications Manager hmills@swinomish.nsn.us

kuts-bat-soot

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/qyuuqs

Leon John (360) 421.0406 | ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us

Brian Porter (360) 840.4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us

Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770.7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

stoolsta

Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us

siwelce?

Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

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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.

LETTER TO SWINOMISH FROM THE CHAIRMAN NOVEMBER 23, 2020 Dear Swinomish Tribal Community members, Reservation residents, and Tribal staff, I am sure you’ve heard that Governor Inslee has announced new restrictions across Washington to help slow the spread of COVID-19. What does that mean for Swinomish? The Senate has been working with our Swinomish Public Health Team to answer this question and to keep our Reservation community safe and health.

The COVID-19 Resolutions adopted by the Senate last summer are still in place today, and the existing Swinomish guidance is similar to the Governor’s current restrictions: SOCIAL GATHERINGS: Indoor and outdoor gathering with people outside your household have been and will continue to be discouraged.

RETAIL STORES: The Senate has reduced retail capacity limits in the COVID-19 Requirements from 30% to 25% in light of increasing infection rates. Face coverings remain mandatory in retail stores.

REAL ESTATE: No open houses are permitted on the reservation.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Churches are working in collaboration with Swinomish Public Health on safety plans that include 25% capacity limits. Group singing indoors is discouraged.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Work from home is encouraged for all Tribal employees when possible.

There are some areas in which the Senate has decided on guidance that is different from Governor Inslee and that is tailored to the Swinomish Reservation: WEDDINGS/FUNERALS: Swinomish will not be mandating a 30-person limit on weddings and funerals, as the State has done. Instead, it is recommended that families work together with Swinomish Public Health to make plans for these events to assure safety for all.

GYMS/FITNESS CENTERS: Swinomish Fitness Center will remain open to Tribal Members at very limited Continues on PAGE 6

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LETTER TO SWINOMISH FROM THE CHAIRMAN

CONTINUED

capacity, by appointment only. Outdoor ventilation and intensive cleaning will continue.

MISCELLANEOUS VENUES/INDOOR DINING: Swinomish Casino is designated as an essential business and will remain open. We have implemented policies to maintain the safest environment we can for patrons and staff such as no smoking (temporary), 500 person capacity limit for the property, 50% capacity limit for dining, face coverings required, temperature screening, and staff COVID-19 testing required every 14 days.

We have worked hard over the past several months to keep COVID-19 out of our community. We can be very thankful that we have cared for and protected each other so well during this pandemic. But to keep that good record for our community, when making plans for the upcoming holidays we urge you not to gather with people outside your house and not to travel. With rising cases everywhere, we cannot let our guard down. I know it is not easy for any of us, especially in the holidays, but it is more important than ever that every one of us follow Public Health recommendations to keep each other safe and healthy.

This holiday week, let’s all remember the Swinomish Public Health guidance and avoid the three C’s: 1) Crowded places with many people nearby.

2) Close contact settings especially where people have close-range conversations.

3) Confined and enclosed spaces.

As Public Health has taught us, the risk is even higher in places where 2 or 3 of C’s exist.

Take care, stay healthy, and enjoy your Thanksgiving in a safe and good way.

Sincerely, Steve Edwards Chairman

Official signed letter to Swinomish from the Chairman

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Medical Clinic Holiday Schedule

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Community events cancelled due to the Coronavirus: December Community Dinner, Christmas Eve Party DECEMBER 16 Christmas Food Distribution 12-2pm @ Fish Plant Elders - please line up first Until supplies last!

The clinic will be open for limited services through the Tribe’s holiday break.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Mon. 12/21, 9AM-5PM

JANUARY 16 Swinomish Primary Election More details to come in the January Election issue

HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day

Tues. 12/22, 9AM-5PM Wed. 12/23, 9AM-12PM

JANUARY 1 New Year's Day

CLOSED 12/24 and 12/25 Mon. 12/28, 9AM-5PM

JANUARY 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tues. 12/29, 9AM-5PM Wed. 12/30, 9AM-12PM CLOSED 12/31 and 1/1/2021

Mental Health Counseling Services: Holiday Coverage Julia Ortiz DECEMBER 18-24 Laura Lindberg DECEMBER 25-31 Julia Ortiz, Mental Health Organizer (360) 707.1904 Laura Lindberg, MH Counselor (360) 708.3916 Denise Miller, MH Counselor (360) 214.4397 sw d bš qyuuqs News

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UPDATE ON SHELL REFINERY CHEMICAL RELEASE NOVEMBER 12, 2020 ―

We believe it is very important to document any health

Dear Swinomish community and colleagues, This is a brief update about the Shell Refinery chemical

symptoms or illness that you or community members felt

release that occurred on September 29, 2020.

from the Shell Refinery. The Tribe has created a short

We have asked for, but do not yet have, complete

electronic form that you may use to record the basic

substantive information from Shell or Skagit County

information relating to your experience. You may access

about the type or quantity of chemicals that were

the form at the following link to a Google document:

released. With the help of our Air Quality staff, the Tribe

forms.gle/4ng9qtdYE1d6J4aA7

conducted independent air quality sampling on the reservation. None of the samples showed chemicals in concentrations above federal toxic exposure thresholds.

The following chemicals were detected: Benzene (0.25 ppbv). Shell’s initial outreach indicated that no Benzene was released. Although some Benzene was detected, Air Quality staff did not observe abnormally high concentrations. Normal air concentrations for Benzene are between 0.02 ppbv and 36 ppbv (higher in

The form asks whether you or community members experienced any of the following medical symptoms, rating them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe: 1) Lightheaded/dizziness 2) Coughing and throat irritation 3) Nausea and gagging

urban areas).

4) Headaches and migraines

Carbon Disulfide (16 ppbv). This chemical is most likely

5) Breathing problems, including asthma symptoms

responsible for the sulfur smell reported by community

exacerbated

members. Carbon Disulfide is known for both chronic and acute toxicity. Symptoms of Carbon Disulfide exposure

6) Eye irritation

include tingling, numbness, and lack of appetite.

7) Sinus irritation and congestion

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (1.6 ppbv). Methyl Ethyl Ketone

8) Lung and chest pains

(MEK) is a known nose and eye irritant.

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as a result of breathing the odors and chemicals released

The Tribe plans to aggregate data collected through

COVID-19 Case Count GLOBAL

As of December 17, 2020 Coronavirus Cases 74,702,055 these forms anonymously. The Tribe anticipates that the anonymized data may be shared with the Environmental Protection Agency and/or the North West Clean Air Agency.

In addition, Shell has established a claims telephone number for the September 29th event, which is provided here: (844) 216.2521 Finally, you may wonder about the timing of the text message notices sent from the emergency alert system during the September 29 event. It is our understanding that the refinery’s emergency alert system was down on September 29 at the time of the incident, resulting in delayed emergency notifications. We understand from Skagit 911 that the system is fully operational again,

Deaths 1,658,645 Recovered 52,525,117

UNITED STATES

As of December 17, 2020 Coronavirus Cases 17,401,787 Deaths 314,694 Recovered 10,175,185

WASHINGTON STATE

As of December 16, 2020 Coronavirus Cases 206,594 Deaths 3,042

SKAGIT COUNTY

unfortunate coincidence.

As of December 15, 2020 Coronavirus Cases 2,741

Please share this message with any community members

Deaths 31

and we hope to obtain more information about this

who may not have seen it.

Thank you, and take care,

SWINOMISH

As of December 17, 2020 Coronavirus Cases 52

Steve

Deaths *2

Stephen T. LeCuyer, Director

* Swinomish's total positive cases includes two (2) members who were in off-reservation nursing care and have previously been reported.

Source: Worldometers.info; doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/ COVID19/DataDashboard; swinomish-nsn.gov/community/ coronavirus-information-updates.aspx

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Office of the Tribal Attorney

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Olympia Oyster Hide & Seek LINDY HUNTER, FISHERIES TECHNICIAN

A microscope image of Olympia oyster, mussel and clam larvae.

Olympia oysters have historically

oyster’s dwindling numbers began

native oyster babies, called larvae,

thrived within the water of Skagit

at Swinomish Fisheries nearly a

were ending up, we devised a giant

Bay. Proof of their nutritional

decade ago. During that time, we

game of hide and seek. Those of you

and cultural significance to the

have learned about their preferred

who have played hide and seek before

Swinomish people was discovered

habitat, reproductive cycle, effects

will understand the importance of

by tribal archaeologists within

on other intertidal critters, and their

setting up boundaries for the search.

shell middens uncovered on the

ability to cope with changes to their

We limited ourselves to the shifting

reservation. Yet, time and the

local environment. Most recently we

surface waters in and around Skagit

growth of our own human population

have expanded our understanding

Bay and Lone Tree Lagoon.

have taken a strong toll on these

of where our homegrown Olympia

tiny but mighty creatures and now

oyster babies go once they are

less than 5 percent of their original

released from the shell of their

population remains in our regional

parent oyster.

waters. Efforts to restore this native sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

10

To investigate where the free-floating

A few very specific tools helped us in seeking out these microscopic oyster larvae. The first of these is a tool aptly named a “drifter.” Once deployed in the water, drifters float

along on the surface current while

a lot about larvae and we managed

is relevant because these oyster

collecting location and speed data.

to win our game of hide and seek!

larvae float with the current and,

By tracking water circulation patterns

We discovered that, although our

therefore, are leaving the lagoon on

in this way, we were able to map

primary oyster restoration bed is

the ebb and being transported north.

out potential routes for our hiding

located within Lone Tree Lagoon,

Although our population is still small

larvae. Locating the oyster babies

baby oysters were more often found

and the challenges our oysters

within the water column was done

offshore or at intertidal sites. This

face are great; targeted habitat

with aid from a modified waterproof

discovery guided us to redirect our

enhancement, natural recruitment,

vacuum pump. This device allowed

habitat enhancement efforts toward

and careful management may be

us to collect water samples which

the intertidal zone instead of within

able to guide this important native

we used to take sneak peeks as to

the lagoon. We also learned that

oyster population out of hiding and

whether baby oysters were floating

the waters off of Lone Tree move

back into the lives of the Swinomish

around in that area.

in a clockwise spiral as the tide

community.

Throughout this process we learned

ebbs out and a counter clockwise spiral as it floods back in. This

SCIENCE CHALLENGE Help the Fisheries Department count baby oysters in the water sample! In this picture there are two baby oysters, can you spot them all? We also found baby mussels and clams, can you spot the differences?

The ANSWERS can be found on PAGE 23 sw d bš qyuuqs News 11 e e

Obituaries

RONALD ARTHUR SOLOMON SR. Ronald Arthur Solomon Sr. chuuimens made his journey

days off Patsy and Ron would go play Bingo, Ron always

on October 15, 2020, his wish was to go home to spend

reminded Patsy to go buy her Lotto tickets, he was sure

his final moments with the ones he loved most.

that one day she was going to win big and they would be

Ron was very humble, he cherished his family more than anything. Ron fought hard to be here as long as he could.

Ronnie was born on March 28, 1949 to Dewey and Ruth (Morris) Solomon. He grew up on the Lummi Reservation with his siblings and 200 plus first cousins.

Ronnie attended Ferndale Schools, he worked several jobs in construction. Ron was a fisherman in a time that the industry was a way of life, he lived many years on the

able to travel the world. Ron had a smile that would light up a room, a laugh that was contagious, and love that was unconditional. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Ron is proceeded in death by his father Dewey Solomon, son Ronald Solomon Jr., grandson Christopher Damien, brother Arthur Solomon, grandparents Felix and Dora (Williams) Solomon, Raphael and Maryann (Kelly) Morris.

water making money to provide for his family but also

Ron is survived by his wife Patsy (Day) Solomon, mother

making memories that his children will have for the rest

Ruth (Morris) Solomon, daughter Paula (Shane) Oldham,

of their lives. He spent lots of good times fishing and

son Brian Solomon, grandsons Kyle, Corey, Matthew

camping at Point Roberts, Bellingham Bay, Samish Bay,

Damien, sisters Virginia Alaniz, Ruth Solomon, brothers

and the Nooksack River; always with the entire Solomon

Dewey “Nick” Solomon, Richard Solomon, Ray Solomon

family.

and Leo Solomon, fur babies Scoobert, Scrappy, and

On October 5, 1968 Ronnie married a beautiful Swinomish girl, Patricia Day, he moved to Swinomish and raised his family at the homestead on Indian Road. Ronnie taught his family to work hard, to be kind, and to love and care for each other. Ronnie was a true 12th man, “go Hawks,” he also enjoyed watching the Mariners, his favorite shows were American Pickers and Counting Cars. In the younger days he played co-ed softball, he loved to smoke and BBQ Salmon. Over the years Ron and Patsy canned many cased of sockeye salmon, Ron always made sure to teach his grandsons to carry on his traditions. On their sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

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Asha. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

BRENT JASON BOBB SR. d'zteus Brent Jason Bobb Sr. d’zteus passed away on October 29, 2020 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Brent was born in Mount Vernon, Washington on February 13, 1965 to Joan Zenter Bobb and Cary Bobb Sr.

impressive trip – going to London with the Seahawks!

They were also Seattle Storm fans, they went to many concerts, they traveled all across Indian Country for stick games, basketball tournaments, canoe races, canoe

Brent and Cary Jr. grew up in the Swinomish Village

journey, and powwows. They loved to travel to Las Vegas

– Pioneer Parkway, the original part of the Swinomish

and California just for family vacations.

Reservation. They played up and down the street with all the neighborhood kids and would often hear Mr. James calling out “Tally Ho!”

This last year was a real struggle for “the Brents,” life without his wife and Brent Jr.’s mom has been unbearable.

Brent fought hard to overcome his grief, but it was too

Brent attended the La Conner Schools, where his mom

difficult. His health suffered and his heart shattered.

worked as the Library Aide so she could be near the boys.

However, it was a true blessing that Brent Jr. got to spend

Brent was an all-star athlete, an overall good student, and

the last two months laying in the hospital bed with his dad,

very active in several extracurricular events. Cary Sr. and

they reminisced about their good times and talked through

Joan always supported their boys, Brent played football,

some healing of bad times. Brent Jr. gave his dad the will

basketball, skied, and he especially enjoyed fixing up his

to fight a little bit longer.

muscle car. Brent graduated from LCHS in 1984 and went on to attend Puget Sound University, in Lacey, Washington.

Throughout his life he was a commercial fisherman, he worked in construction, and most recently worked as a maintenance technician for the Swinomish Housing Authority. He joined the Swinomish Smokehouse.

The happiest time in Brent’s life was when he married Susan Ann Clark and they had their son Brent Bobb Jr.; they lived every day of their lives for little Brent. They made their son their priority, they always made sure that one or both of them attended his games, kept him connected to his culture, and wanted to give him the experience to travel the world. The three of them were inseparable. They loved the Seahawks, they traveled to several home and away

Brent Sr. is preceded in death by his wife Susan Ann Clark Bobb; parents Cary and Joan Bobb; brother Cary Bobb Jr; grandparents Alvin and Sally Bobb; William Zenter and Doris Edwards.

Brent Sr. is survived by his son Brent Bobb Jr.; sister Andrea Bobb Champman; nephews Joey and Jonathan; nieces Samantha and Summer; aunties Helen Lewis and Patty John; cousins Anita, Chavus and Dorris; grandnieces and grandnephews Cary and Caylen Bobb, Makenzie, Alexis, Athena, Cleopatra, Sianna, Scotland and Joey Jr., god children Aurora Cayou, Jaydin Clark and Holle Edwards.

Numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Seahawks games, totally committed “12s.” Their most sw d bš qyuuqs News 13 e e

Introducing Our New Susan Wilbur Early Education Center Preschool Lead Teachers - Clarissa James, Kyle Bailey, and Olivia Bailey JEANNE ROBISON, EARLY EDUCATION CENTER PRESCHOOL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Clarissa James has been a lead teacher for Early Head Start programs with the Tulalip Tribes and Lower Elwa Klallam Tribe, as well as lead teacher in Samish Indian Head Start. Most recently she has worked in the Swinomish ECEAP Program.

Both Kyle and Olivia Bailey have been actively studying Lushootseed language for over seven years. Kyle has been a lead teacher to preschool children at Tulalip Early Learning Academy. Olivia also worked in the Tulalip Lushootseed Department and has been a lead teacher with children ages 2-5.

All have had their own children attend the Swinomish child care and preschool programs. This gives them the added understanding of the parent perspective – the questions, the concerns, the wondering, and the expectations of a preschool parent.

have also been working with Swinomish Community Environmental Health Program (CEH) staff and the 13 Moons Curriculum. CEH staff have been teaching lessons from the curriculum on traditional plants and their uses for over a year. The lessons have been adapted

Creating an environment infused with Lushootseed

with young preschooler in mind and activities are hands-

language for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is a

on and outside as much as possible. Lushootseed is

priority. Our vision includes culturally-relevant activities

incorporated into each lesson, along with songs and

woven into a program which holds equally important the

traditional stories about the plant being studied.

goal of having children be kindergarten ready – the focus is on readiness in both skills and confidence!

The Susan Wilbur Early Education Center Preschool Program is a Washington State Early Achievers site and follows The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. We sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

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We are excited to move forward with our program to meet the needs of young children and continue to inspire their joy of learning.

Congratulations Graduate!

LISA JAMES, SCHOLARSHIP MANAGER/HS+/GED SUPPORT

The Swinomish Education Department is happy to announce that Christina Adams earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Tribal Governance and Business Management, with a concentration in Tribal and Public Policy and a certification in Entrepreneurship, from NWIC summer quarter.

Congratulations on your achievement and thank you for continuing to be a positive role model for other community members! The Education Department will formally recognize Christina’s achievement at a later

Northwest Indian College: Swinomish Campus Registration for WINTER QUARTER is November 9, 2020-January 5, 2021. The Northwest Indian College at Swinomish will be ALL virtual learning for winter quarter 2021. All classes will be distance learning only; there will be no in-person, face-to-face instruction. This decision was made based on recommendations from academic leadership and department chairs.

For registration, contact: Gaylene Gobert NWIC Swinomish Site Manager

date.

Phone: (360) 255.4435 or (360) 399.8094

COVID-19 may have changed the way we

Email: ggobert@nwic.edu

learn, but it hasn’t changed our desire to continue learning or the importance of doing

Or by Facebook Messenger

so.

a vocational program can contact Lisa James, Swinomish Scholarship Manager/HS+/GED Support, by emailing ljames@swinomish.nsn.us or calling (360) 333.9947.

Those interested in earning their high school diploma or diploma equivalency can contact instructor Kathy Humphreys by emailing khumphreys@nwic.edu or calling (360) 201.4735, or by contacting Lisa James.

La Conner ECEAP Preschool The La Conner ECEAP Preschool offers *Free preschool to all qualifying families. We are now enrolling, and space is limited, please do not wait!

Contact: John Haley Phone: (36)391.5920 jhaley@lc.k12.wa.us sw d bš qyuuqs News 15 e e

Tribal members interested in earning a degree or pursuing

TIDE TABLE: DECEMBER 2020 Lone Tree, Snee-Oosh, North Skagit Bay

.8 ter: Dec

Ne

w

6 Sun

High 10:16 AM 11.4ft 7:50 PM 7.6ft

1 on: Dec.

7 Mon

High 11:01 AM 11.4ft 9:42 PM 7.1ft

3 Thurs

4 Fri

5 Sat

High 6:33 AM 11.2ft 4:32 PM 9.8ft

High 7:14 AM 11.4ft 4:56 PM 9.5 ft

High 7:57 AM 11.4ft 5:24 PM 9.2ft

High 8:43 AM 11.4ft 6:00 PM 8.8ft

High 9:30 AM 11.4ft 6:46 PM 8.3ft

Low 12:05 PM 6.8ft 11:51 PM -1.2ft

Low 12:50 PM 7.1ft

Low 12:22 AM -1.1ft 1:40 PM 7.4ft

Low 12:56 AM -0.9ft 2:38 PM 7.4ft

Low 1:33 AM -0.5ft 3:42 PM 7.2ft

Sunrise: 7:39 AM Sunset: 4:19 PM

Sunrise: 7:40 AM Sunset: 4:19 PM

Sunrise: 7:42 AM Sunset: 4:18 PM

Sunrise: 7:43 AM Sunset: 4:18 PM

Sunrise: 7:44 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

8 Tues

9 Wed

10 Thurs

12 Sat

12:23 PM 11.5ft

High 1:12 AM 8.0ft 1:03 PM 11.6ft

11 Fri

High 11:43 AM 11.5ft 11:41 PM 7.2ft

High

High 2:27 AM 9.2ft 1:42 PM 11.6ft

High 3:31 AM 10.3ft 2:22 PM 11.6ft

Low 2:17 AM 0.0ft 4:44 PM 6.6ft

Low 3:09 AM 0.9ft 5:41 PM 5.6ft

Low 4:09 AM 1.8ft 6:32 PM 4.2ft

Low 5:19 AM 2.9ft 7:19 PM 2.5ft

Low 6:36 AM 4.0ft 8:04 PM 0.8ft

Low 7:48 AM 4.9ft 8:47 PM -0.8ft

Low 8:53 AM 5.6ft 9:31 PM -2.2ft

Sunrise: 7:45 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:46 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:47 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:48 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:49 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise:7:50 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:51 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

13 Sun

14 Mon

15 Tues

16 Wed

17 Thurs

18 Fri

19 Sat

High 4:29 AM 11.4ft 3:03 PM 11.6ft

High 5:23 AM 12.1ft 3:44 pm 11.4ft

High 6:14 AM 12.5ft 4:28 PM 11.1ft

High 7:04 AM 12.6ft 5:13 PM 10.6ft

High 7:52 AM 12.5ft 5:59 PM 9.9ft

High 8:40 AM 12.2ft 6:49 PM 9.0ft

High 9:27 AM 11.9ft 7:48 PM 8.1ft

Low 9:52 AM 6.2ft 10:15 PM -3.2ft

Low 10:48 AM 6.6ft 11:00 PM -3.6ft

Low 11:43 AM 6.8ft 11:45 PM -3.5ft

Low 12:38 PM 7.0ft

Low 12:30 AM -3.0ft 1:35 PM 6.9ft

Low 1:16 AM -2.1ft 2:34 PM 6.7ft

Low 2:02 AM -1.0ft 3:37 PM 6.3ft

Sunrise: 7:52 AM Sunset: 4:17PM

Sunrise: 7:52 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:53 AM Sunset: 4:17 PM

Sunrise: 7:54 AM Sunset: 4:18 PM

Sunrise: 7:55 AM Sunset: 4:18 PM

Sunrise: 7:55 AM Sunset: 4:18 PM

Sunrise: 7:56 AM Sunset: 4:19 PM

20 Sun

21 Mon

22 Tues

23 Wed

24 Thurs

25 Fri

26 Sat

Low 2:49 AM 0.3ft 4:39 PM 5.6ft

Low 3:39 AM 1.7ft 5:37 PM 4.8ft

Low 4:32 AM 3.0ft 6:30 PM 3.8ft

Low 5:31 AM 4.2ft 7:17 PM 2.7ft

Low 6:36 AM 5.2ft 7:59 PM 1.7ft

Low 7:39 AM 5.9ft 8:38 PM 0.7ft

Low 8:37 AM 6.4ft 9:14 PM -0.1ft

Sunrise: 7:56 AM Sunset: 4:19 PM

Sunrise: 7:57 AM Sunset: 4:19 PM

Sunrise: 7:57 AM Sunset: 4:20 PM

Sunrise: 7:58 AM Sunset: 4:21 PM

Sunrise: 7:58 AM Sunset: 4:21 PM

Sunrise: 7:58 AM Sunset: 4:22 PM

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:23PM

27 Sun

28 Mon

29 Tues

30 Wed

31 Thurs

High 4:16 AM 9.8ft 2:33 PM 10.2ft

High 4:59 AM 10.5ft 3:05 pm 10.1ft

High 5:40 AM 11.1ft 3:37 PM 10.0ft

High 6:19 AM 11.5ft 4:09 PM 9.9ft

High 6:57 AM 11.8ft 4:38 PM 9.7ft

Low 9:30 AM 6.7ft 9:50 PM -0.8ft

Low 10:18 AM 6.9ft 10:25 PM -1.3ft

Low 11:05 AM 7.0ft 11:00 PM -1.6ft

Low 11:50 AM 7.1ft 11:34 PM -1.8ft

Low

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:23 PM

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:24 PM

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:25 PM

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:26 PM

Sunrise: 7:59 AM Sunset: 4:27 PM

High 10:56 AM 11.2ft 10:34 PM 6.9ft

High 12:05 AM 6.9ft 12:14 PM 10.7ft

High 1:27 AM 7.4 ft 12:51 PM 10.5ft

High 2:35 AM 8.2ft 1:25 PM 10.4ft

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sw d bš qyuuqs News

High 11:37 AM 11.0ft

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Stream Crossing Signs, Coming Soon!

DEAN DAN JR. & TODD MITCHELL, SWINOMISH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection

allotee names was an acceptable form of indigenizing

is currently taking efforts to place road signs where our

place-based locations. Drafts of the stream crossing

creeks and streams cross Reservation Road and Snee-

signs will be made and brought to the appropriate

Oosh Road within Swinomish tribal lands. These will

committees for review with the hope that we can get the

be similar to signs elsewhere in the area saying “Yours

new signs installed with cooperation of Skagit County by

to Protect” and “Stream Drains to Bay” as an indicator

next spring.

to protect our water quality and salmon habitat. Our signs will also include the modern English name, and the traditional name in Lushootseed. Lone Tree, SneeOosh, and Fornsby Creeks have easily identifiable traditional names for us to use. However, Munks Creek and an unnamed creek, both draining eastward to the

Lastly, we are currently researching tribal and Department of Environmental Protection records to help us identify other places within our tribal lands, ultimately indigenizing specific places located on the Swinomish Reservation.

Swinomish Channel, do not have easily identifiable traditional names.

Place-based knowledge became the foundation for identifying traditional names for the creeks without them. We decided to gather research and information from Swinomish elders in this effort. Our initial attempts to communicate with elders resulted in three responses.

Each of the elders provided vital information pertinent to our research methodologies and encouraged us to keep up our efforts and emphasized that they are always available for these types of discussions.

Drawing upon indigenous research methods (interviewed three Swinomish elders), as well as westernized

Flows to Skagit Bay

research methods (gathered documents; tribal archives,

naming of creeks and streams via identifying the original

The Department of Environmental Protection will be placing 'Yours to Protect' signs where there are creeks and streams that cross Snee-Oosh Road and Reservation Road.

sw d bš qyuuqs News 17 e e

Swinomish DEP records, etc.) we determined that the

which led to Judge Boldt’s 1974

BEING FRANK LOOKING BACK AT THE FISH WARS 50 YEARS LATER LORRAINE LOOMIS

ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Boldt decision in 1979.

In 50 years, we’ve gone from fighting one another to honoring the struggle that has led us here today. Today, the bridge spanning the site of the

This fall marked the 50th anniversary

patterned after Dr. Martin Luther

of an event that sparked the landmark

King Jr.’s strategy in his civil rights

ruling by federal Judge George Boldt

campaign. “We marched with Dr.

in U.S. v. Washington that upheld

King, and when we returned home, we

our treaty-reserved rights to hunt,

continued the struggle by protesting,

fish, and gather.

getting arrested, getting out of jail,

Still, the fight for recognition of

and doing it all over again,” wrote our

treaty rights continues throughout

longtime leader, Billy Frank Jr.

the world. Today in Nova Scotia,

It was September 9, 1970, the height of the Fish Wars that had rocked western Washington since the early

“We had a fish camp under the

1960s. The state of Washington

Puyallup River Bridge and the state

refused to recognize our treaty

came down on us that day, just like

rights, and when we tried to exercise

they had many times before, to stop

them we were arrested – often

us from exercising our treaty right to

beaten – and thrown in jail. Our

fish. They gassed us and threw us all

boats, motors, nets, and other gear

in jail. But someone else got gassed

were confiscated along with any fish

that day, too. His name was Stan

we might have caught.

Pitkin.”

Treaty rights are civil rights, just like

A

your right to vote, and are protected

Washington, Pitkin was part of the

under the U.S. Constitution as the

crowd that came to watch the arrest

“supreme law of the land.”

of more than 60 men, women, and

To defend our rights, tribes mounted

18

nonviolent

resistance

sw d bš qyuuqs News e e

a

effort

U.S.

Puyallup Bust has been named the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge, or yabuk’wali, which means “place of a fight.”

Canada, the Sipekne’katik and other First

Nations

are

experiencing

violence and threats from non-Indian fishermen and others as they try to exercise their treaty-guaranteed right to harvest lobster. Despite a 1999 Supreme Court ruling upholding the First Nations’ treaty fishing rights, the Canadian government has done little to address the issue.

Attorney

for

western

teenagers. Troubled by what he saw, he took the first steps to file U.S. v.

Washington on behalf of the tribes,

The Boldt decision established us as natural resources co-managers with the state and upheld our right to half of the harvestable salmon returning annually to Washington waters.

But, 50 percent of nothing is nothing,

and that’s the direction our salmon stocks are heading. The reason is that

ELDER STIPENDS MAIL DATES

Elder Stipends will be mailed on the following dates. Be advised during

we continue to lose salmon habitat

the coronavirus pandemic all checks will be mailed on the date noted

faster than it can be restored and

below. Any changes to this will be announced as new information is

protected.

available. Direct deposit is highly encouraged and will help ensure

It’s easy to get discouraged about salmon recovery and other natural resources issues

given

the

unprecedented

rollback of environmental protection laws over the past few years. Those who were gassed, beaten, and arrested underneath the Puyallup River Bridge on that day in 1970 were also discouraged after years of effort. But they didn’t give up and neither will we.

It might take another 50 years or more to achieve salmon recovery, but we will get

there are not delays in receipt of the funds.

Wednesday...

January 20, 2021 February 17, 2021 March 17, 2021 April 21, 2021 May 19, 2021 June 16, 2021 July 21, 2021 August 18, 2021 September 15, 2021 October 20, 2021 November 17, 2021 December 15, 2021

there. Indian people have always lived in western Washington and we always will. We will never stop fighting for the health of our cultures, communities, and natural resources – and we will

Holiday Schedule

never stop defending our treaty rights.

Swinomish Dental will be open for emergency appointments only. If

Being Frank is a column written by the chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. As a statement from the NWIFC chair, the column represents the natural resources management

you experience a dental emergency, please call (360) 466.3900 to be scheduled.

12/21-12/22: 8AM-4PM 12/23: 8AM-12PM 12/24: CLOSED

12/28-12/29: 8AM-4PM 12/30: 8AM-12PM 12/31: CLOSED

interests and concerns of the treaty

If you need to leave a voicemail, please leave your name and a valid phone

Indian tribes in western Washington.

number. Dental staff will be checking voicemails frequently. sw d bš qyuuqs News 19 e e

All My Relations

Since March 2019, they have had +975,000 downloads, +37,000 listeners, +1,770 five-star ratings on iTunes, hundreds

of

messages

of

encouragement

and

connections from all across the globe with episode downloads on every continent. They currently average 2,000 episodes listens per day and are humbled and grateful for their consistent growth and support.

Many college and high school educators have added All All My Relations, is a podcast that explores what it means to be a Native person in 2020. To be an Indigenous person is to be engaged in relationships— relationships to land and place, to a people, to non-

My Relations as part of their required syllabus, filling spaces with Indigenous women speaking to topics of Indigeneity that had not be previously available to a wider audience.

human relatives, and to one another. All My Relations

Allies alike are grateful to listen and learn critical lessons;

is a place to explore those relationships, and to think

“I am beginning to understand that my lineage does not

through Indigeneity in all its complexities.

give me the right to claim Native culture but instead gives

On each episode, hosts Matika Wilbur (Tulalip and Swinomish) and Dr. Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation),

me the responsibility to Native people still living under the weight of colonization.”

delve into a different topic facing Native peoples today, bringing in guests from all over Indian Country to offer perspectives and stories.

What their listeners are saying: "Every podcast leaves me feeling like I want to know and be more, both within myself and my community.”

“It’s not often that it happens for me, but this podcast makes me feel.

Like I exist."

20 sw d bš qyuuqs News

e e

All My Relations podcast came from a desire to have more Indigenous voices accessible in mainstream media while also celebrating and uplifting our communities and cultures. We want this space to be for everyone—for Native folks to laugh, to hear ourselves reflected, and give us a chance to think deeper about some of the biggest issues facing our communities, and for non-Native folks to listen and learn.

All My Relations is available for free on multiple streaming platforms with conversations curated for first for Indigenous communities and made available to our diverse listenership on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay.

All My Relations Podcast link: allmyrelationspodcast.com sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News 21 e e

Mrs. V's 2 Cents

“No man is an island.” This saying comes from an

My grandson Randolfo who lives in Marysville, shared a

understanding that an island stands alone and is self-

story at our weekly family Zoom meeting. He learned the

sufficient. It compares man to an island, but unlike an

story during his online Lushootseed class sponsored by

island, man cannot do everything by himself. The saying

Marysville Pilchuck High school at the Tulalip Tribe.

further implies that man must rely on the company and comfort of others to prosper.

Humans are social beings. We are beings living and working in a social world.

The story goes that a long, long, time ago, our people, our community, had a big problem.

The problem was that the sky was so low that community members sometimes bumped their head on the low sky

Each one of us is born into a group, a family group. My

and when tall community members went about doing

family consists of grandpas, grandmas, Godmothers,

their work they had to stoop when they worked, which led

Godfathers, maids of honor, best men, aunties,

to painful back problems, which led them to be flat on

uncles, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandsons,

their backs not working.

granddaughters, great grandchild, cousins, and adopted relations, or relations who adopt us. A family community.

Our community leaders of long ago, our ancestors decided to sit down together to discuss addressing the

We enter another community when we go to school, a

problem of the sky being low and the fact that maybe

community of schoolmates. Then, when we graduate

even the sky was getting lower (or the community

high school, we enter the work or college community.

members were growing taller).

We work together because many hands make light work.

There were no computers or iPhones in those days, so

When we work and live together we each become a part

our ancestral leaders devoted their full attention and

of something bigger than ourselves. If we are fortunate to

brain power to the problem at hand. Still it took days

live long enough, we come to recognize that sometimes…

and days and days of talking. Days, and days, and days

too many cooks can spoil the fish head soup.

of humming and hawing. Days and days of effortful

22 sw d bš qyuuqs News

e e

listening to each other. Finally, they came to agreement!

our ancestors and their competency in communication

The solution was to communicate to all the relations four

because now we don’t have to bump our heads on the

vital bits information: 1) The importance of lifting up the

sky when we go out for a walk or to work in our gardens.

sky, 2) why lifting up the sky was important, 3) why each community member has a valuable contribution in the effort to lift the sky, and 4) upon reaching agreement to participate in the effort to lift the sky, deciding on a word that would signal the united effort!

My grandson’s relation to this story, once again, reminded me of the ingenuity and loyalty to “community” and of

SEE PAGE 11 FIRST

FISHERIES SCIENCE CHALLENGE: ANSWERS

sw d bš qyuuqs News 23 e e

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM:

Swinomish Photovoice Contest

Climate Change Air Pollution Health

The purpose of the Photovoice project is to hear from the

Our first place winner is Velma Lockrem. There is a tie for

Swinomish Community, to learn and see your thoughts

second place: Eric Day and Camas Logue. Robin Carneen

and feelings about climate change, air pollution, and

won third place. Congratulations everyone!

protecting Swinomish health and wellbeing.

We are interested in speaking with Swinomish Community

In November, Swinomish Community members submitted

members (Swinomish Tribal members and their families)

photos that showed what climate change and/or air

about which photos you like best, and how you see them as

pollution means to them along with a short explanation.

connected to climate change, air pollution, and Swinomish

We received many amazing photos!

health and wellbeing. If you are willing to participate in a short

The Photovoice contest was opened up to voting by community members, who were able to vote for their favorite photos from the submissions, the first week of December. Thank you to everyone who participated!

phone call or Zoom meeting with a Swinomish Community Environmental Health staff member, please email CEHP@ swinomish.nsn.us. We are offering a $20 Chevron card for participants. Thank you and happy holidays!

February 8, 2017 The year it didn't just rain cold, wet, Washington slush - it actually snowed!

24 sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News

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First place winner: Velma Lockrem "When mother nature is speaking we shall listen."

sw d bš qyuuqs News 25 e e

Second place tie winner: Eric Stooltsa Day "There was once a glacier on Mt Rainer, now all that’s left is rocks."

Second place tie winner: Camas Logue "Two bald eagles sit amidst the air once clean now breathing in what floats down from the oil refinery."

Swinomish Photovoice Contest

Third place winner: Robin Carneen July 26 – Day moon shot "A reminder we are just one fragile planet in the universe."

Rebecca Swinton 26 sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News

Anna Cook "Mother Nature connects us to our culture and to each other. It's important to take a moment and look around us to be reminded of our resilience as Indigenous peoples and the resilience of the Earth.

Taking walks through nature and learning the names of the plants not only awakens the plants spirits, but also ours."

Claude Wilbur Jr. "Collage in my view, in stage four liver cancer. Climate change is real."

e e

Sea level rise, storm surge, and forest fires are the top three impacts to the Swinomish Reservation identified in the 2009 Swinomish Impact Assessment.

Ian Kanair "I tried to incorporate a juxtaposition of water, cloud cover, and air pollution (via refinery emissions) showing vulnerability of traditional use areas and reservation landmarks to sea level rise, atmospheric changes, and air pollution."

Swinomish Climate website: swinomishclimate.com/ swinomishclimate-changeinitiative

Amanda Bourgeois "I CAN'T BREATHE!" Shell Puget Sound Refinery Facebook post: September 29

Angela Paul "Changes on the water. The things that move us forward today hold us back tomorrow."

sw d bš qyuuqs News 27 e e

"On the morning of September 29th the Puget Sound Refinery experienced an operational disruption that resulted in intermittent flaring and some odors being detected by nearby residents to the south of the refinery..."

Swinomish Photovoice Contest

Dean Dan "It is an early morning image of smoke generated from the 2019 Canadian wildfires."

Lenora Cook "Fuel spills, raging fires across the country with irritable smoke hundreds of miles away, plus so many other pollutants equates to warming waters that damage our First Foods and takes away from our food sovereignty as well."

Jennifer Peters "Smoke in air quality."

28 sw d bš qyuuqs News

Gail Cayou "This is a marsh tea bog. It's the end of October, so where’s the water?"

Robin Carneen "Smokey Skagit Summer Skies -air quality severely compromised by wildfires in our state and from neighboring states. Humans and wildlife suffering from the heavily laden smoke. We were all instructed to Shelter in place due to historical levels of poor air quality. I'm very worried at the loss/reduced numbers of species and increase in health problems due to what is in that heavy smoke we were exposed to. My asthma and allergies were definitely triggered."

e e

Coin Hale "Climate change is important to me as it seems not many people realize what climate change is and that is very worrying to me as a young person who has less authority over our planet, however I think our earth is very beautiful and preserving what we have is key to understanding how it works. Me and my step mom as well as my dad went to pick camas in the summer time, the soil was dense in some parts but we dug and fluffed the soil and grabbed camas route from the ground that we later on made soup out of these plants were nourished by the earth and were in good condition with lots of sun and rain. When we replant things after taking something, it insures more produce and keeps the place that we took from healthy and ready for next time."

Angela Paul "The fine line."

sw d bš qyuuqs News 29 e e

Jennifer Peters "Fall and cold."

Kaliana Bill "The picture shows smoky fog when I was fishing in September."

Swinomish Photovoice Contest

Caroline Edwards "Eerily cold and smoky. A deer walks along the water's edge...

Drinking saltwater from the Swinomish Slough. Recognize the signs."

Lenora Cook "Many scientists believe that the climate change we are experiencing has caused a worldwide pandemic. We must wear masks; social distance 6 feet or more; gather only in small groups; not allowed to be with our loved ones as they suffer through their illnesses; not practice our cultural ways [with each other] when our loved ones pass on. All while we get COVID-19 testing at least every other week if not weekly just for a peace of mind that at that moment we may be COVID-19 free, hoping not to contract the virus [by]stepping out into our daily lives that used to be normal.

For example: Going to the grocery store, gathering for our cultural traditions, ceremonies and even just visiting our family and friends freely. I believe that our mother earth is speaking loud and clear.”

With increased forest fires, there will be increases in respiratory illnesses and diseases.

30 sw d bš qyuuqs News

Talia Bill "Plants and trees help create oxygen by cleaning the air, with the help of clouds, rain and sun.”

e e

Ian Kanair "I tried to incorporate a juxtaposition of water, cloud cover, and air pollution (via refinery emissions) showing vulnerability of traditional use areas and reservation landmarks to sea level rise, atmospheric changes, and air pollution."

Coin Hale "The water is also important, our ancestors went across these waters before, keeping the waters clean and preserved helps generate kelp and fish that we harvest or catch, maintaining good water is important or else you can’t eat from the water and you can’t swim and you can’t use it. Keep the earth clean do your part, earth’s such a beautiful place."

Katherine Paul " Climate change affects all living things, including our huckleberries"

We are already seeing increased storm surge and resulting destruction to our nearshore buildings and habitat. In the next fifty years, up to 1/3 of beach areas, which are habitat for first foods such as clams, will be destroyed.

Swinomish Climate website: swinomish-climate.com/ swinomish-climate-change-initiative sw d bš qyuuqs News 31 e e

Claude Wilbur Jr. "Collage in my view, in stage four liver cancer.

Climate change is real."

Robin Carneen "Honeybee in the La Conner WA Lavender : Bee populations need support , important to encourage & establish gardens for our pollinators."

Jason Paul "I’m a crabber, and never seen smoke there before come from Canada, it burned my eyes, I couldn’t breath - I wonder will this affect our climate?”

Shelly Vendiola "It’s in our hands—protect mother earth.” Water ceremony at March Point.”

32 sw d bš qyuuqs News

Oliver Currin "This photo relates to climate change because of the chemical stuff that gets put and spayed on the ground, and certain kinds of fertilizer kills and dries out the ground and kills things like worms and other bugs that help your food grow.”

e e

Pat Paul "Tree trunk of a failing tree due to climate change.”

Talia Bill "This picture is one of my favorites, because that's when the salmon starts to swim into our gill net in large amounts. When it's sunny, but cool, I feel is the best time to go fishing. Sunsets, bring me peace. Brings memories of my late grandma.”

Anna Cook "Our world is filled with plastic, but I believe that as Indigenous peoples we are making steps in the right direction. Eventually each of us making small changes daily, we will make big changes long term.

As an Indigenous community, we need to stick together and keep moving forward."

sw d bš qyuuqs News 33 e e

Swinomish Photovoice Contest

Caroline Edwards "The dense wildfire smoke continues to spoil the air we all breathe.”

Oliver Currin "This photo relates to climate and just disturbing and uprooting nature because it shows how many boats and factories there are, boats let out gases and smoke into the water and pollute it. Factories pump all sorts of weird stuff into the water and make it so fish and seals and other water creatures can’t live or even swim there.”

34 sw d bš qyuuqs News

Pat Paul “A tree weakened by climate change attracts lichen.”

e e

Oliver Currin "This photo relates to climate change because the ocean is one of the most polluted places on earth, it it’s where they dump loads of Nuclear waste each year and many other chemicals that’s melt ice and make water toxic.”

THANK YOU SWINOMISH PHOTOVOICE PARTICIPANTS! The Swinomish Tribe Job Listing and the Swinomish Casino & Lodge Job Listing can be found at: swinomish-nsn. gov/resources/human-resources.aspx & swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/ sw d bš qyuuqs News 35 e e

NORTH INTERTRIBAL VOCATIONAL RAHABILITATION HELPING NATIVE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES FIND SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT!

Are you interested in gaining or maintaining employment?

NIVRP Can help you...

» Counseling and guidance » Mental health counseling » Advocacy

» Evaluate your disability » Choose an employment goal

To Schedule Your Assessment at Swinomish

» Tackle any barriers

Please call (360)672.7626

» Advocate for accommodations

NIVRP Services Include...

Locations Nooksack: Tammy Cooper-Woodrich (929)459.2844

» Assessment of disability

Sauk-Suiattle: Jana Finkbonner (360)231.9197

» Goal setting

Stillaguamish: Gena Brockhaus (360)595.4847

» Developing a plan for employment

Swinomish: Gena Brockhaus (360)595.4847

» Addressing barriers caused by disability

Bellingham: Tammy Cooper-Woodrich (929)459.2844

» Advocating for accommodations

Tulalip: Sandy Gotts (360)435-3985

ATTENTION: AFTER-HOURS HOUSING & UTILITY EMERGENCIES

36 sw d bš qyuuqs News

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I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE. Fall 2020 - Youth Center - high school, middle school and elementary students.