qyuuqs News June 2021

JUNE 2021 VOL. 55 No. 4

The Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony

76TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES | PAGE 20

CONTENTS Editor's Note ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 COVID-19 Emergency Economic Assistance & Stay the Course! ................................................................. 5 COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program For Swinomish Members ............................................. 6 The Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony ...................................................................................... 8 An Ordinance Establishing A Process For Requiring Isolation and Quarantine .......................................... 9 An Emergency Broadband Benefit to Help Households Stay Connected During the Pandemic ............ 12 Welcome New Intern! ................................................................................................................................... 14 July Tide Table ................................................................................................................................................ 16 Being Frank ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 76th Annual Memorial Day Services ............................................................................................................ 20 Light Trap Updates and Critter Spotlight ..................................................................................................... 22 Management of the Forest ............................................................................................................................ 23 Protect Mother Earth Community Engagement Group .............................................................................. 25 Wildlife Program Begins A New Project Studying Wolves and Other Large Mammals .......................... 28 The Water Takes Care of Us When We Take Care of Them & Between Two Worlds ............................... 30 Congratulations Graduates ........................................................................................................................... 31 Swinomish 2020 Water Quality Report ....................................................................................................... 32 Mrs. V's 2 Cents .............................................................................................................................................. 34 Art Corner: Poetry ......................................................................................................................................... 35

The Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony

2

editor’s NOTE Moon of the Salmonberry

pedsteGad

(puds-teh-GWAD)

We entered June and we can look forward to the beautiful summer days ahead. I am still very mindful when I am out in the public and indoors that COVID-19 is still here, and you should be too! Continue to be cautious about

Much of June is the "moon of the salmonberry." During

the risk of exposure for you and your loved ones. We

this moon, fruits such as salmonberry and red huckleberry

will get through this; each of us has to continue to do

are ripening and ready to harvest. Ripe salmonberries

our part to protect each other.

signal the start of many salmon runs during this moon, including summer Chinook and sockeye salmon. Salmon are caught using weirs and reef nets made from willow and cedar branches. Sockeye salmon, also called reds, are valued for their fat and flavor. This moon also signals the time when the daytime tide is extremely low, allowing access to scallops, geoduck clams, and giant red sea urchins as well as may other shellfish. Shellfish harvest and curing continues.

”Nostalgia” is this month’s editorial theme. With society’s current nostalgic pulses created by each generation on the rise, it appears as if the generations from 30 to 40 years ago are coming back in style! I can attest to this, my fellow 80s peers will often perpetuate the now retro look comfortably and most often with great intent to reminisce... therefore, are often being nostalgic!

I’m taking our readers back to 2011 in this publication of qyuuqs News, when we hosted Paddle to Swinomish!

Can you believe we hosted Canoe Journey a decade ago?

Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: The 13 Lunar Phases, and How They Guide the Swinomish People’ By swelitub (Todd A. Mitchell) and Jamie L. Donatuto

Can you remember preparing for one of our community’s most memorable events? The teachings of “loving, caring, and sharing” are continually being remembered today. We gained even more strength as a community back then, and those songs and dance we engaged are still bringing healing to our community today.

Caroline Edwards, goliahlitza 3

TRIBAL SENATE

yal le ka but

Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

kuts-bat-soot

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

sOladated

Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

sapelia

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

spi sta yup ton

Greg Edwards (360) 854.8612 | gedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

stoolsta

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

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

taleq tale II

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

SM OK O LO

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

ya qua leouse

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

Barbara James (360) 391.3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us

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

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

Photos credits: qyuuqs News Staff or as credited. All rights reserved.

siwelce?

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

kani?ted

Tandy Wilbur tandywilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate 4

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.

COVID-19 EMERGENCY ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE The Swinomish Tribe received COVID-19 emergency

The first opportunity to submit your completed application

funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. The Tribal

for same-day processing is TUESDAY, JUNE 8 at the

Senate approved an assistance program to respond to

Smokehouse (enter by the canoe shed). For efficiency,

the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 suffered

please arrive at the following times (alphabetical order

by Swinomish households.

according to your last name): A-C at 12 p.m., D-I at 1

The program will provide $1700 to assist with COVID-19

p.m., J-O at 2 p.m., and P-Z at 3 p.m.

related financial expenses for all eligible Swinomish

If you are unable to take advantage of the opportunity

enrolled members.

on June 8, you can submit or mail your completed form

Application forms can be found outside the Social Services Building and will be mailed to members who live further away. Applications are also available online at tinyurl.com/3xmjzzs5.

Applications will be accepted from June 8 to July 8, 2021.

to: Social Services, 17337 Reservation Road, La Conner, WA 98257 –or– email it to ccasey@swinomish.nsn.us.

Questions? Call Tracy James at (360) 540-2702.

For more information about the Emergency Economic Assistance Program: tinyurl.com/pj2sp9m8

STAY THE COURSE! A video message about COVID-19 from our Tribal Senators as we head into the busier summer months can be viewed by following the YouTube link below: youtu.be/obWMVWWGpIA

5

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Swinomish Members Have you lost income because of COVID-19? Are you

• Renting from a family member or friend with a lease agreement

having trouble paying your rent? The Swinomish Tribe may be able to assist qualified households with grant funds for members who have fallen behind in rent since March 13, 2020.

» Renters past due on payments can apply for financial support for the following bills: • Electric

The term “eligible household” refers to households of

• Water/sewer

one or more individuals who are obligated to pay rent on

• Gas

a residential dwelling, with respect to which the eligible

• Garbage pick-up

grantee involved determines:

• Internet

A)

That one or more individuals within the household

can verify the following: 1) Qualified for unemployment benefits –OR—

Items you will need to have in order to apply include household personal information, income verification, and COVID-19 impact documentation such as: • Proof of unemployment or wage/job loss

2) Can prove a reduction in household income,

• Landlord information

incurred significant costs, or experienced other

• Copy of rental agreement

financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the

• Landlord statement of past due balance

COVID-19 outbreak

• Past utility bills

One or more individuals within the household can

If you need help with the application to know if you qualify,

demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness

please contact Candace Casey at (360) 466.7218 or email

or housing instability

ccasey@swinomish.nsn.us.

B)

C)

The household is a low-income family that meets

the 80% of low-income limits listed as follows: » Renters living in the following situations may be eligible for assistance • Staying in a hotel/motel • Renting a home or apartment Continues on PAGE 7

6

The rental assistance graph below shows examples of persons in the family and family income examples; including low income categories as guidelines.

FY 2020

Median

FY 2020

Income Limit Area

Family Income

Income Limit

Persons in Family

Category

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

27,450

31,400

35,300

39,200

42,350

45,500

48,650

51,750

16,450

18,800

21,720

26,200

30,680

35,160

39,640

44,120

43,900

50,200

56,450

62,700

67,750

72,750

77,750

82,800

Very Low 0.5 Income Limits ($) Extremely Low Income

MOUNT VERNON, WA ANACORTES, WA

78,400

Limits ($) Low (80%) Income Limits ($)

BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIFT CARD REMINDER! Back-to-school gift cards will require a wellness

ESTATE PLANNING WILLS

AND

ESTATE PLANNING

Wills and Estate Planning for Swinomish Tribal members and spouses

check and dental exam prior to receipt. Please plan

You SHOULD have a will and estate plan if:

early. Contact the Medical Clinic and Dental Clinic

1. You have or may inherit tribal trust property or any real property.

to arrange appointments. Completed wellness

3. You want to have control over the distribution of your property.

checks and dental exams can be submitted to Kalona Casey in Social Services.

Questions?

Contact Michael Vendiola at

2. You have children or dependents.

This is a free service that the Swinomish Indian Senate has arranged for Swinomish Tribal members Contact attorney Kate Jones to schedule an appointment: (206) 370-1034 or katejoneslaw@gmail.com

mvendiola@swinomish.nsn.us or (360) 707-1482

7

THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET & FIRST SALMON CEREMONY

MAY 11, 2021 – Blessing of the Fleet

2021 Seniors (from left): Elijah Porter, Charles Baker, Selena Bailey, Zebadiah Joe, Daniel Rapada 8

Lorraine Loomis

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR REQUIRING ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE APRIL 28, 2021 — It is the resolve of the Swinomish

This new Swinomish law authorizes Swinomish Tribal

Indian Tribal Community to protect and promote, as

Court to issue orders directing isolation or quarantine of

much as possible, the health of all of our community

an individual or individuals if evidence provided by the

from the risks of COVID-19. Testing and contact tracing

Swinomish Public Health Officer proves these methods

are the only tools we have at this time for discerning

are necessary for the prevention of serious and imminent

COVID-19 infection or the potential of infection in

risk to the health and safety of others. The Swinomish

individuals; and isolation or quarantine of those that

Tribal Court orders may be enforced as a civil infraction

have or are suspected as having infection are the

with a fine of up to $1,000, or up to $500 per day in the

methods we must engage to help stop the spread.

case of a continuing infraction.

While voluntary isolation or quarantine is encouraged

We encourage everyone to follow instructions from our

and always preferred, there are cases where the

Swinomish Public Health Officer to isolate or quarantine.

Swinomish Public Health Officer may determine

We hope that we won’t ever have to go to Tribal Court for

that seeking voluntary compliance is ineffective and

an order. We are in this together and we all win when we

therefore creates risk to the health and safety of others

respect our Public Health Officer’s instructions and keep

should further action not be taken. With every intent to

each other safe.

protect the entirety of the community while respecting the individual rights of all, the Senate has enacted an ordinance establishing a process for requiring isolation and quarantine.

Title 10, Chapter 12 - COVID-19 Communicable Disease: swinomish-nsn.gov/ media/118403/1012communicabledisease.pdf

ATTENTION: AFTER-HOURS HOUSING & UTILITY EMERGENCIES

9

May 11, 2021 –Swinomish Fleet receiving a blessing from Fr Mel Straz.

May 11, 2021 –Swinomish Canoe Family singing at the Blessing of the Fleet.

10

11

AN EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS STAY CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) speed:

commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/

recently launched the temporary Emergency Broadband washington-statewide-broadband-act/speedtestsurvey.

Benefit (EBB) program to help families and households Knowing the status of broadband in our area will help struggling to afford Internet service during the tribal efforts to improve broadband access on the COVID-19 pandemic. Swinomish is an outreach partner Swinomish Reservation. in this effort, which enables tribal residents to receive access to these benefits.

EBB provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through participating broadband

providers

(provider

search

getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me),

tool: or

online through the Universal Service Administrative Company at getemergencybroadband.org, or by mailed in application. To learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, visit fcc.gov/ broadbandbenefit.com or call 833-511-0311.

To help the Tribe evaluate broadband uses and opportunities in the reservation area, please visit the Washington State broadband to test your broadband 12

THE MOBILE VACCINE CLINIC MAY 16 – MOBILE VACCINATION CLINIC Swinomish Health Programs staff: Dr. Monica Carrillo, Marlys Baker, and Laura Kasayuli stand with a local EMT

13

WELCOME NEW INTERN! Hello Swinomish Community and my extended family, I hope you are all doing well. I am known as Eric Dennis Jr. My Indian name is Austenco Leeds and I am a multi-ethnic Cherokee. I am happy to have an opportunity to introduce myself as a Northwest Indian College (NWIC) intern. I am a new contribution to the outstanding 13 Moons Community Garden and Community Environmental Health program team.

I am a sophomore NWIC and am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science.

I am allowed to research and study nearly any global and local environmental issue or potential concerns right now. I started out wanting to be a park naturalist, so I could volunteer and teach youth the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.

I began my educational journey by studying the decline in pollinating species because I consider nearly all pollinating species to be capstone species and crucial for the survival of the human race. This study is aimed to understand the reasons for the decline in pollinating species. I realized the largest cause for their decline is habitat loss. I shifted my studies to researching natural practices to regrow lost habitat because a natural solution is the only true solution. I am in search of more ways to kick start succession in lost habitats needed for all of the life cycles of native species. This study led me

My schoolwork and independent studies have turned into motivation and disciplined work towards a goal, which is to learn how to naturally protect native species. Knowing that all Indigenous nations crucially need access to their traditional foods for health, connection to land, and to preserve their cultures, I understand sustainability is key – even more so now than ever! The hard times have been rough for all Indigenous nations and in order to be happier and healthier throughout the pandemic, we all need access to our traditional food systems.

I have been working with the land most of my life and I am content to be able to help the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community reclaim food sovereignty through a decolonized diet. For me, as a Native environmentalist in training, the best way I can serve our community is by helping regrow the Swinomish Tribe’s native species to promote biodiversity, and also help regrow the traditional food network so that it can be more sustainable and thrive once again.

to realize how increasingly fast all species are dwindling.

I was born to work with the land not against it, so it rarely

All of my research is showing trends in decline in nearly

is work at all. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to

all species except pest species.

speak to the community.

14

SwinComm2021

15

TIDE TABLE: JULY 2021 Lone Tree, Snee-Oosh, North Skagit Bay

qu

ar ter: July

L as

Low 7:02 AM 3.4ft 6:07 PM 4.2ft

Low 7:51 AM 2.4ft 7:09 PM 5.4ft

ua

r ter

Sunrise: 5:11 AM Sunset: 9:16 PM

Sunrise: 5:12 AM Sunset: 9:16 PM

Sunrise: 5:12 AM Sunset: 9:16 PM

: J ul y

7 Wed

8 Thurs

9 Fri

10 Sat

1&

High 12:09 AM 11.2ft 12:43 PM 7.1ft

High 12:46 AM 10.8ft 2:08 PM 7.5ft

4 Sun

5 Mon

6 Tues

High 2:33 AM 10.2ft 5:09 PM 9.7ft

High 3:09 AM 10.0ft 5:53 PM 10.4ft

Low 8:36 AM 1.5ft 8:15 PM 6.3ft

Low 9:18 AM 0.6ft 9:18 PM 6.8ft

Low 9:57 AM -0.2ft 10:14 PM 7.1ft

Low 10:35 AM -0.8ft 11:05 AM 7.3ft

Low 11:12 AM -1.2ft 11:53 PM 7.3ft

Low 11:48 AM -1.5ft

Low 12:39 AM 7.3ft 12:23 PM -1.6ft

Sunrise: 5:13 AM Sunset: 9:15 PM

Sunrise: 5:14 AM Sunset: 9:15 PM

Sunrise: 5:15 AM Sunset: 9:15 PM

Sunrise: 5:15 AM Sunset: 9:14 PM

Sunrise: 5:16 AM Sunset: 9:13 PM

Sunrise: 5:17 AM Sunset: 9:13 PM

Sunrise: 5:18 AM Sunset: 9:12 PM

11 Sun

12 Mon

13 Tues

14 Wed

16 Fri

17 Sat

High 5:31 AM 9.6ft 8:23 PM 11.8ft

High 6:10 AM 9.3ft 8:59 PM 11.8ft

High 6:55 AM 9.0ft 9:33 PM 11.8ft

High 7:47 AM 8.5ft 10:07 PM 11.6ft

15 Thurs

High 8:53 AM 8.0ft 10:41 PM 11.5ft

High 10:21 AM 7.6ft 11:15 PM 11.3ft

High 11:58 AM 7.6ft 11:51 PM 11.2ft

Low 1:24 AM 7.2ft 12:57 PM -1.5ft

Low 2:08 AM 7.0ft 1:30 PM -1.2ft

Low 2:53 PM 6.7ft 2:04 PM -0.7ft

Low 3:40 AM 6.2ft 2:30 PM 0.2ft

Low 4:30 AM 5.3ft 3:20 PM 1.3ft

Low 5:20 AM 4.3ft 4:06 PM 2.7ft

Low 6:12 AM 3.0ft 5:01 PM 4.1ft

Sunrise: 5:19 AM Sunset: 9:12 PM

Sunrise: 5:20 AM Sunset: 9:11 PM

Sunrise: 5:21 AM Sunset: 9:10 PM

Sunrise: 5:22 AM Sunset: 9:09 PM

Sunrise: 5:23 AM Sunset: 9:08 PM

Sunrise: 5:24 AM Sunset: 9:07 PM

Sunrise: 5:25 AM Sunset: 9:07 PM

18 Sun

19 Mon

21 Wed

22 Thurs

23 Fri

24 Sat

1:30 PM 8.1ft

High 12:30 AM 11.1ft 2:55 PM 9.1ft

20 Tues

Low 7:04 AM 1.6ft 6:12 PM 5.6ft

Low 7:58 AM 0.1ft 7:42 PM 6.7ft

Low 8:51 AM -1.2ft 9:06 PM 7.3ft

Low 9:43 AM -2.2ft 10:14 PM 7.5ft

Low 10:33 AM -3.0ft 11:13 PM 7.3ft

Low 11:22 AM -3.3ft

Low 12:07 AM 7.0ft 12:09 PM -3.1ft

Sunrise: 5:26 AM Sunset: 9:06 PM

Sunrise: 5:28 AM Sunset: 9:05 PM

Sunrise: 5:29 AM Sunset: 9:04 PM

Sunrise: 5:30 AM Sunset: 9:02 PM

Sunrise: 5:31 AM Sunset: 9:01 PM

Sunrise: 5:32 AM Sunset: 9:00 PM

Sunrise: 5:34 AM Sunset: 8:59 PM

25 Sun

26 Mon

27 Tues

28 Wed

29 Thurs

30 Fri

31 Sat

High 5:47 AM 10.6ft 8:05 PM 12.4ft

High 6:41 AM 10.1ft 8:44 PM 12.2ft

High 7:36 AM 9.5ft 9:21 PM 11.8ft

High 8:34 AM 8.8ft 9:57 PM 11.4ft

High 9:37 AM 8.1ft 10:32 PM 11.0ft

High 10:51 AM 7.6ft 11:06 PM 10.5ft

High 12:13 PM 7.5ft 11:42 PM 10.1ft

Low 12:59 AM 6.6ft 12:55 PM -2.6ft

Low 1:49 AM 6.0ft 1:39 PM -1.7ft

Low 2:40 AM 5.5ft 2:21 PM -0.4ft

Low 3:31 AM 4.9ft 3:02 PM 1.0ft

Low 4:23 AM 4.2ft 3:43 PM 2.4ft

Low 5:15 AM 3.6ft 4:27 PM 3.9ft

Low 6:06 AM 2.9ft 5:19 PM 5.2ft

Sunrise: 5:35 AM Sunset: 8:58 PM

Sunrise: 5:36 AM Sunset: 8:56 PM

Sunrise: 5:37 AM Sunset: 8:55 PM

Sunrise: 5:39 AM Sunset: 8:54 PM

Sunrise: 5:40 AM Sunset: 8:53 PM

Sunrise: 5:41 AM Sunset: 8:51 PM

Sunrise: 5:42 AM Sunset: 8:50 PM

High 1:22 AM 10.6ft 3:21 PM 8.2ft

High

16

4 oon: July 2

tq

F

ul lm

Low 6:08 AM 4.4ft 5:11 PM 2.8ft

High 11:15 AM 7.2ft

1

31

st

3 Sat

Ju ly

10 on: July

2 Fri

7

mo

Fir

Ne

w

1 Thurs

High 1:57 AM 10.3ft 4:20 PM 9.0ft

High 1:16 AM 11.0ft 4:04 PM 10.1ft

High 2:07 AM 11.0ft 5:03 PM 11.1ft

High 3:45 AM 9.9ft 6:33 PM 10.9ft

High 3:01 AM 11.0ft 5:55 PM 11.8ft

High 4:20 AM 9.8ft 7:11 PM 11.3ft

High 3:57 AM 11.0ft 6:41 PM 12.2ft

High 4:55 AM 9.7ft 7:48 PM 11.6ft

High 4:52 AM 10.9ft 7:25 PM 12.4ft

Hosted by:

17

BEING FRANK WHAT ARE THE TRUE COSTS OF THE SKAGIT RIVER HYDROELECTRIC DAMS? LORRAINE LOOMIS, NWIFC CHAIR MAY 3 – It is time for Seattle City

off downriver transport of spawning

three-quarter mile reach of the Skagit

Light to address the damage its

gravel and woody debris that helps

River – referred to as the Gorge

three hydroelectric dams have

create diverse salmon habitat.

bypass reach – cutting salmon off

caused over the past 100 years to the Skagit River, the tribes who have always lived here and their treatyreserved fishing rights.

Not surprisingly, salmon, steelhead and bull trout populations in the Skagit River have declined despite

from miles of spawning and rearing habitat. The Upper Skagit Tribe calls the area its Spirit Valley.

some being listed as threatened

For many years Seattle City Light has

The utility has begun the process

under

Endangered

relied on one historical account as its

of relicensing the Skagit River

Species Act. The decline of summer

basis for claiming that salmon were

Hydroelectric Project for 30-50 more

and fall chinook are especially

never able to reach the upper Skagit

years. A coalition of tribes, state

worrisome because they are the most

watershed. But the Upper Skagit

and federal agencies, environmental

abundant and healthiest naturally

Tribe has documented steelhead and

groups and others have joined the

spawning Chinook in Puget Sound.

coho fry in the Gorge Dam bypass.

Swinomish, Sauk-Suiattle and Upper

Chinook are also the preferred food

Skagit tribes in demanding that

of endangered southern resident

Seattle City Light study the impact

orcas.

the dams have had on fish passage.

the

federal

The Upper Skagit Tribe says that all options – including removal of the Gorge Dam – should be on the

Seattle City Light claims that the

table as Seattle City Light seeks to

The Gorge, Diablo and Ross dams

dams were built above natural

relicense the project.

were constructed from the 1920s

barriers that prevented fish passage

to the 1950s and provide about 20

upstream, but that’s not the case,

percent of Seattle’s electricity while

especially with the Gorge Dam,

blocking 40 percent of the Skagit

according to the Upper Skagit Tribe.

River. The dams also disrupt the

The dam’s reservoir provides no

river’s natural functions by choking

flood storage. It dewaters a nearly

18

Upper

Skagit

tribal

member

Janelle Schuyler has started a petition, Return the Sacred Skagit, Remove the Gorge Dam, which has

nearly

50,000

signatures,

encouraging Seattle to begin the

reach but did not provide details.

Seattle City Light – one of the nation’s

Gorge Dam removal assessment

The utility also agreed to conduct

largest publicly owned utilities – may

study.

33 studies to address water quality

be beginning to see the light when it

and flow, fish habitat, cultural

comes to the true costs of Seattle’s

protection, wildlife and other issues.

progress. That progress has been

It further plans to establish a $2.5

paid by the Skagit River, its people

million initial investment and provide

and natural resources for the past

$500,000 annually to benefit ESA-

100 years.

Besides improving fish access to habitat, removing the dam would improve the river’s water quality and ecosystem. The remaining two dams would still meet Seattle’s electricity needs.

listed species in the watershed that would be overseen by a board that

After months of foot-dragging and

includes tribal, state and federal

denial of the dams’ impacts, Seattle

representatives.

City Light yielded recently to public, political and media pressure and agreed to re-water the Gorge bypass

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

We don’t know how the hydroelectric

the natural resources management

project relicensing process will

interests and concerns of the treaty

play out, but we’re encouraged that

Indian tribes in western Washington.

MAY 31, 2021 - Memorial Day Services 19

76th Annual Memorial Day Services Fallen Soliders

Edwards, Kenneth

Sampson, James

Day, Ronald Sr.

Aleck Lucian

Edwards, Lawrence Sr.

Sampson, Martin

Dressler, Tyler

Antoine, William

Edwards, Loren Sr.

Scates, Walter

Edge, Bernard Jr.

Bailey, Ernest

Edwards, Thomas Sr.

Sias, Joseph T.

Edge, Lorna

Bailey, Lawrence

Fornsby, Richard

Sneetlum, Charles Sr.

Hook, Jim

Bailey, Walter

Farrell-George, Henry

Stone, Gus Jr.

Hook, Jody

Billy, Arthur

George, Johnny Ray

Sullivan, Fred

Kasayuli, Laura

Billy, Boyd

Hillaire, Edmond

Troeh, Arnold

James, Andrew

Billy Harry

Hillaire, Franklin

Vendiola, Rodolfo Paul

Jamison, Ernest Sr.

Bobb, Cary Sr.

Irvin, George

Washington, Joseph

Lockrem, Jeremy

Bobb, Ernest

James, Doreen

Wilbur, Claude Sr.

Martin, Millie

Bobb, John K.

James, Landy

Wilbur, John Sr.

Mc Cloud, Mary

Bobb, Leonard Sr.

John, Duane

Wilbur, Frank

McCloud, A. Vern

Cassimere, Darryl

John, Ernest Sr.

Wilbur, Tandy Jr.

Mitchell, Raymond

Cassimere, Francis

John, Robert

Williams, Emery

Paul, Kenneth

Cayou, Chester Sr.

Kadim, Phillip

Williams, Emil Sr.

Sampson, Benedict

Cayou, Fredrick Sr.

Kadim, Sam

Williams, Merle Sr.

Valenzuela, Jim

Charles, Benjamin

Knight, Sam

Williams, Raymond K. Sr.

Williams, Ray K. Jr.

Charles, Jimmy

Knight, Grant

Williams, Stan

Willup, Ivan Sr.

Cladoosby, Marvin

Lowell, Gale

Williams, Thomas

York, Doug

Cladoosby, Michael

Mc Donald Andrew

Willis, Robert

Damien, Walter Sr.

Mc Cloud, George Sr.

Dan, Alvin

Mc Cloud, George Jr.

Veterans

Cassimere, Elizabeth

Dan, Phillip

Moses, Richard

Bailey, William

Cayou, Kenneth

Daniels-Black, Adeline

Paul, Chester

Baker, Ace Sr.

Egbers, Talon

Day, Garfield

Peters, Francis

Beasley, Janie

Edge, Bernard Sr.

Quintasket, Ron

Cayou, Chester Jr.

Edge, James Jr.

Rice, Russell

Conca, Michael

Edwards, Alfred

Rice, William

Damien, Jackie

Edwards, Allison

Ross, Melvin

Dan, Dennis

Edwards, Charles

Sampson, Eugene

Day, Kevin Sr.

20

Active Duty

This list and agenda was provided by the Swinomish Veterans Committee and the Cultural Events Department.

MAY 31, 2021 SWINOMISH CEMETERY AGENDA: Invocation - Janie Beasley MC - Brian Porter Remembering Past Veterans Blessing of the Graves - Prayer Warriors Current Veterans Active Duty Military Solider Boy - Kevin Paul Honor Song - Canoe Family Warrior Song - Canoe Family

21

LIGHT TRAP UPDATES & CRITTER SPOTLIGHT LINDY HUNTER, FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

Populations are made up of individuals and each individual has a beginning. Therefore, when Swinomish Fisheries dove headfirst into learning about the longSpiny Lithoide crab

Larvae

term prospects for our local Dungeness crab population, we decided to start at the beginning – specifically… their beginning.

Three years ago, the Swinomish Fisheries Department began a project aimed at learning boatloads about the beginning of life for local Dungeness crab. “Boatloads” is now a drastic understatement for what this project has revealed.

To mention a few products of this research: Swinomish

Juvenile

has now built the foundation of a growth model for early crab development; created maps of locations for when and where baby Dungeness arrive in our waters; and, developed charts comparing the amount of young arriving at different locations throughout multiple years.

In addition, we have expanded this work throughout Puget Sound, down the west coast of Washington, and up into

Adult Critter Spotlight - Spiny Lithode Crab (Acantholithodes hispidus) Photo credits: Sarah Grossman, Erin McKittrick and Damian Stephanie Many creatures, other than Dungeness crab, are attracted to light traps – including this spikey, young critter. It may not look like much competition now, but when this spiny lithode crab grows up, the shrimp in your traps could end up on its menu. Its slow demeanor, however, prevents it from being much of a predator under natural conditions.

22

British Columbia. The collective learning potential from the developing network of the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) has broadened our goals and strengthened our hopes for building predictive models for future populations and harvest forecasting.

To learn more, visit pnwcrab.com or check out the introduction to this project on page 28 of the April 2018 edition of the qyuuqs.

Management of the C'etxálep KENNA BARNES, FORESTER

The Swinomish Forestry Program

larger forest management activities

began in 1996, after reaching

can occur!

a

series

of

self-governance

agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The program is charged with managing forestlands within the reservation boundary.

A huge shift has been made from passive to active management since the program’s foundational start.

One major goal to reach is thinning from below (i.e. removal of smaller and/or less desirable trees) in stands that are overstocked. Due to the decrease in competition, this would provide for increased availability of nutrients, sun, and water to remaining trees. These trees could then grow

This shift allows for objectives to be

taller and wider faster than before.

met within a time frame that nature

The new availability of resources

could not accomplish on its own due

would also extend to sub-climax

to previous management regimes.

plant species which would then

Forestlands within the boundary are

create a rich spatial distribution. In

managed for multiple uses, including

addition to increased healthy forest

but not limited to: traditional and

growing potential, thinning from

medicinal plant gathering, hunting,

below creates stands more resilient

fishing, spiritual value, cultural site

to wildfire by encouraging growth of

preservation, revenue generation,

fire-retardant herbaceous species,

and aesthetics.

removing ladder fuels, and enabling

Current projects within the program include the development of a BIA-

establishment of resilient, mature trees.

approved forest management plan,

To learn more about the Swinomish

maintenance of native tree plantings,

Forestry Program, contact Kenna

and firewood collection to support

Barnes

the Elder wood bank program. Upon

of

publication of the approved plan,

kbarnes@swinomish.nsn.us

from

the

Environmental

Department Protection

at 23

PROTECT MOTHER EARTH

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GROUP » Collaborating on climate change education and awareness efforts » Updating the current climate change proclamation » Creating workshops » Strengthening

communication

and

cross-

community relationships; including the La Conner School District and beyond The Swinomish Protect Mother Earth Subcommittee

This process will enable us to offer the community

(PME) and the Swinomish Department of Environmental

a menu of options that will inform the next steps for

Protection (DEP) have partnered with consultant Shelly

climate adaptation and mitigation strategies moving

Vendiola of the Community Engagement & Peacemaking

forward in the next ten plus years.

Project (CEPP) to support the development of a new

THE SCOPE OF WORK

climate adaptation curriculum - A Way Forward Toolkit.

PME has been “building up” our work during the past ten

This toolkit will be informed by the feedback given

circles around the sun; meaning, the past ten months

by staff and community members in the 10+ Climate

on the Swinomish Climate Action Plan update. This

Change Adaptation Plan Update. This two-pronged

important work is a substantial undertaking, but it is

approach to mitigating the climate crisis will help

critical for the future of Swinomish.

the PME Subcommittee with efforts to further raise awareness, educate, and engage Swinomish Tribal Community members to support our way forward, together.

Joshua Dennis, DEP climate research intern, has been working closely with Dr. Rebecca Paci Green from Western Washington University and is currently attending Dr. Paci’s disaster management course. Student interns

The subcommittee seeks to partner with many Swinomish

at Swinomish will be led by Joshua in the collaboration

departments and programs including Emergency

between Swinomish and WWU.

Management, Behavioral Health, Environmental Policy, Planning, and more to establish processes and practices in an effort to work towards: 24

There has been ongoing study in key aspects of what affects the Swinomish Reservation and surrounding areas in the past ten years, since the last climate

adaptation update. This research has been broken down

emissions. It will see the largest polluters buy credits

into three primary case studies being developed now:

from the state for each ton of greenhouse gas they

uplands/agricultural lands, shoreline, and emergency

create.

management. The next steps will include collecting and compiling statuses for each case study that will be included in the 10+ Climate Adaptation Plan, which is expected to be published next year.

We are doing our due diligence in seeking education and information to share with the community and tribal leaders. Over the past six months we have attended trainings and meetings with the Indigenous Environmental

The student interns will be conducting interviews with

Network regarding carbon pricing and “cap and trade.”

staff and community as a means to uncover the latest

One recently shared resource is a toolkit booklet called

findings. As we are still in a time of uncertainty due to the

Hoodwinked in the Hothouse. We found this to be very

COVID-19 pandemic, the interns will be working remotely

informative. In consideration of the recent Washington

to complete their tasks.

State passage of the cap and trade bill, some excerpts

Aside from the Swinomish Climate Action Plan update,

worth sharing are:

PME’s scope of work includes the development of the

“In the last decade, carbon pricing systems have

“Swinomish Climate Change Resilience Toolkit.” This

emerged as the primary strategy to address the

toolkit is to be utilized as a way to educate and engage

climate crisis. However, approaches that assign

the Swinomish community; faculty and students in

a monetary value to greenhouse gas pollution

the field of climate resiliency at partner institutes; and

mask the fact that carbon pricing allows fossil

training events and/or symposia. The toolkit will also be

fuel extraction to continue unabated under the

made available to other tribal communities within the

false assumption that market forces will drive

Northwest region and beyond.

significant emissions reductions.” From a cultural

Much of the toolkit will be in electronic form and available on the Swinomish Climate Change Initiative website (swinomish-climate.com) provided successful planning and authorizations.

stance this type of market approach is counter to natural law and does not support the emission reduction levels necessary for decreasing global warming more rapidly as this climate crisis warrants.”

STAY INFORMED WITH US Cap and Trade

“Cap and trade and offset programs do not directly

The Washington House of Representatives passed a cap-

reduce emissions or fossil fuel use. Instead, they

and-trade measure in April. The program would require

allow industries to keep polluting by paying for

Washington to set a statewide “cap” on greenhouse gas

more allowances or reductions elsewhere. This Continues on PAGE 26

25

Continued from PAGE 25

results in emissions only being reduced where it is economically viable (if they are reduced at all), leaving pollution to persist in areas

seas washing away coastlines, and the simultaneous increase of drought and flooding as dry areas get increasingly dry and wet areas get increasingly wet.

disproportionately populated by communities of

Maui County Council member Kelly Takaya King shared

color and poor communities.”

these words at a press conference on Zoom, “King tides,

Moreover, the research concludes that:

coastal erosion, long droughts, and extreme rains have impacted all our communities in the past few years,

“These markets are set up by profit-driven private

confirming that indeed the climate emergency is here…

companies and conservation organizations to sell

Only a coordinated effort that matches the speed and

offset credits to consumers, polluters, airlines

scale of climate change will make the progress needed

and corporations.”

to protect our environment, our livelihoods, and our

“Carbon offsets are often exploitive and restrict

culture.” (quotes found in Grist article)

land sovereignty and rights of Indigenous People.”

The non-binding emergency resolution is titled:

“Further, carbon brokers in the voluntary market

DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND

have increasingly targeted the governmental

REQUESTING STATEWIDE COLLABORATION

leadership of Indigenous nations in order to gain

TOWARD AN IMMEDIATE JUST TRANSITION

access to rights to the carbon on their lands.”

AND EMERGENCY MOBILIZATION EFFORT TO

A just transition requires sound research based upon

RESTORE A SAFE CLIMATE.

proven science, free prior and informed consent, and

The measure acknowledges that an “existential climate

the ability to embrace adaptation strategies necessary

emergency threatens humanity and the natural world”

to mitigate this climate crisis, to honor the earth, and

and calls for an immediate, statewide mobilization “that

uphold cultural sovereignty as embedded in our tribal

is rooted in equity, self-determination, culture, tradition,”

treaty rights. To learn more about Hoodwinked, you can

and the belief that people have the right to drink clean

visit climatefalsesolutions.org or contact one of us at

water and breathe unpolluted air.

the contact information below.

YOUTH FEATURE

Climate Emergency

In future qyuuqs articles, we will begin adding PME youth

In April, Hawaii became the first state to declare a

features. If you know any youth in the community who

“climate emergency.” Being the only island state in the

are doing good work to lift, protect, and care for the

U.S., Hawaii faces a diminishing freshwater supply, rising

Swinomish way of life and Mother Earth, please reach

26

out via the contacts provided below to let us know who Our members: Diane Vendiola (Elder/Advisor), Janie these honorable people are.

Beasley (Lushootseed Circle Coordinator), Shelly

STAYING CONNECTED

Vendiola

(Community

Engagement

Consultant/

The Protect Mother Earth Community Engagement Group Facilitator), Brian Wilbur, Todd Mitchell (Director, (PME CEG) is a community-centered group with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection), majority of members being Swinomish Tribal members.

In protection of Mother Earth and the spirit of yehaw’ (proceeding forward)...

Our vision: Preserving Swinomish culture by connecting Swinomish people to their natural and human environment through honorable community engagement strategies.

Caroline Edwards (Communications Coordinator), Eric Day, Becky Villaluz, Joe Williams, Katherine (KP) Paul, Joshua Dennis (Climate Researcher), Morgan Brown (PME Coordinator), and Nakesha Edwards.

For questions, concerns or more information please contact Morgan Brown, PME Coordinator, mbrown@ swinomish.nsn.us,

Our purpose: Protecting Swinomish cultural life ways by Engagement

Shelly

Facilitator,

Vendiola,

Community

msvendiola@gmail.com,

or

identifying impacts of climate change and engaging our Todd Mitchell, Swinomish Department of Environmental community in the care of Mother Earth.

Protection, tmitchell@swinomish.nsn.us

27

Wildlife Program Begins a New Project Studying Wolves and Other Large Mammals BRANDON NICKERSON, WILDLIFE PROGRAM

The Swinomish Wildlife Program kicked off an exciting new project to examine elk, deer, black bear, cougar, and wolf populations in the greater Skagit Valley and western North Cascades foothills in April. The project, funded through an external grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aims to provide wildlife managers at Swinomish and beyond with the necessary information to responsibly steward these populations into the future. In doing so, we not only ensure these animals continue to be a part of the region’s ecology, but also remain available to Swinomish Tribal Community members as a resource to support cultural and subsistence traditions.

The project will be divided into two parts, both of which will rely on the use of camera traps (motion-activated, remote trail cameras) for data collection. In half of the project, Wildlife Program personnel will deploy camera

28

traps opportunistically in order to document the number

achieve the multiple benefits of conserving these wildlife

and distribution of wolves coming into the area from

populations.

populations east of the Cascade Range and north in British Columbia. Working closely with colleagues at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, this part of the project will help Wildlife Program staff understand when wolves arrive on the landscape in an ecologically meaningful way. This will help inform how populations of wolves, their prey (elk and deer), and their competitors (cougars and black bears) are managed as we balance conservation of these species with continued access to them as natural resources for the community.

Beyond providing important management data, the grant supporting this project also increases the capacity of the Wildlife Program by supporting additional personnel to work on the project. We are very fortunate to be joined in this new endeavor by Brennan Watson. Welcome, Brennan!

Brennan Watson Joins the Wildlife Program Hello, my name is Brennan Watson. I am the new wildlife science technician within the Wildlife Program.

In the second part of the project, Wildlife Program staff

I have worked in the wildlife field since graduating from

will systematically deploy a grid of camera traps that

the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2017. I have met

will remain in place for an extended period of time (e.g.

many incredible people along the way and have worked

several years) so that we can track how populations of

with many different wildlife species, including time

elk, deer, black bears, and cougars respond to the arrival

supporting wolf recovery in the southwestern United

of wolves – whether populations increase, decrease,

States. I am excited to meet and work with the people of

or remain relatively constant. Again, this will help us

the Swinomish Tribe. I will do my best to help the Wildlife

balance the various management goals through time to

Program ensure the sustainability of wildlife resources.

29

The Waters Take Care of Us When We Take Care of Them

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

SASHA PARROTT, LAND MANAGEMENT

Spring is in full swing here with summer just around the

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community conducted a

JENNIFER WILLUP, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

corner!

marine debris clean up pilot project in 2017. Over 3,000

With many of our tribal students back in our Swinomish

pounds of garbage was taken from the Swinomish

administrative buildings, the Department of Environmental

Channel fishing docks and 89% of the debris was derelict

Protection Between Two Worlds Indigenous Science team

fishing gear (DFG). The majority of the DFG found was

has joined them as well. Jen Willup and Dean Dan Jr. are

crab and shrimp pots. DFG is dangerous for the local

excited to finally see the real faces of students, not Zoom,

ecosystems and the local economy as it continually

and are adapting the curriculum to the new schedule.

captures marine life. For example, crab and shrimp pots continue to catch crab, shrimp, and other species long after the fishing gear has been lost in the water.

With the 2020-2021 school year coming to an end, program staff are wrapping up the year with a class project to make signs for traditional plants around Swinomish Village.

Although the debris pulled from the docks is a huge step

Students researched traditional plants, their Lushootseed

in the right direction, the job isn’t finished! Only a fraction

names, scientific names, habitat, and traditional uses. They

of the total marine debris was successfully removed from

also designed the signs and participated in the processes of

the channel and there is still much to do. A marine debris

getting approval from our boards and our Tribal Senate. Fall

clean up grant recently awarded by the National Oceanic

students will pick up the project and place the signs around

and Atmospheric Administration will greatly help the

their respective plants.

removal of the remaining debris under the community’s fishing docks, as well as in Similk Bay.

As everyone knows, this year has not been easy to navigate.

While our staff has worked hard to be available and tailor

Keeping our waters clean is everyone’s responsibility

content to changing policies, it is our students who have

and there are a few ways fishers can help. The best way

done the most work of all. They have shown up every day

to prevent the loss of fishing gear is to perform routine

despite many challenges: spotty Wi-Fi, COVID-19 outbreaks,

maintenance checks on your gear and to properly dispose

chaotic schedules, loss of social time with peers, emotional

of old, unusable gear. Another way to prevent damage to

and mental health impacts, and more. For this, we raise our

the ecosystem is to use crab pots with biodegradable

hands to our students for their perseverance and ability to

escape panels so that the pot does not continue to

remain flexible. We hope they enjoy the summer, and for our

capture animals long after the gear has been lost.

seniors leaving us, we say: “Good luck, you got this!”

30

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Even though 2021 is continuing to be one of distance

Kathy Humphreys, NWIC HS+/GED Instructor

learning, our Swinomish students are successfully

Email: khumphreys@nwic.edu, phone: (360) 201.4735

navigating their paths towards graduation.

Lisa James, Swinomish Scholarship Manager/ABE

The Swinomish Education Department is pleased to

Support

announce the following winter quarter graduates:

Email: ljames@swinomish.nsn.us, phone (360) 333.9947

Candice Caston Alvin Day Carissa Washington

Makenzie Wanchena

These students earned their Washington State high school

Congratulations on your achievement and thank you for

diplomas through the HS+ (High School Plus) program

continuing to be a positive role model!

offered through a partnership between Northwest Indian College and Bellingham Technical College (BTC).

Are you a community member interested in earning your high school diploma through the HS+ program or GED (diploma equivalency)? If so, please contact one of the following individuals:

Makenzie earned a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies

from

Western

Washington

University.

Tribal members interested in earning a degree or pursuing a vocational program can contact Lisa James by emailing ljames@swinomish.nsn.us or calling her at (360) 333.9947. *The Swinomish Education Department will recognize the achievements of these students at a later date.

Judi Wise, BTC Transitional Studies Coordinator Email: judi.wise@btc.edu, phone: (509) 761.9577

31

SWINOMISH 2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT Where does my water come from?

are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing

The Swinomish Utility Authority Water System is supplied

all contaminants would be extremely expensive, and in

by the City of Anacortes (PWS # WA5302200) under

most cases, would not provide increased protection of

a long-term contract. The Tribe also has two separate

public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may

groundwater wells which can be used in the event of an

improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional

emergency. Anacortes treats surface water from the

value.

Skagit River near Mount Vernon, WA.

The EPA or the State requires us to monitor for certain

Source water assessment and its availability

contaminants less than once per year because the

Request this information from City of Anacortes water utility.

concentrations of these contaminants do not vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this contamination. As such,

Water Quality Data Table

some of our data, though representative, may be more

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA

than one year old.

sets regulations to limit contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all contaminants that were detected during 2020. Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water.

All sources of drinking water contain some naturally

Mike Poppe, Field Operations Manager P.O. Box 340 La Conner, WA 98257 Phone: 360-466-7223 mpoppe@swinomish.nsn.us

occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances 2020 REGULATED CONTAMINANTS DETECTED CONTAMINANT

SAMPLE DATE

RESULT OR RANGE

COPPER

2020

0.0175 (90TH PERCENTILE)

1.3

MG/L

Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing system

CONTAMINANT

SAMPLE DATE

RESULT OR RANGE

MCL

UNITS

CONTAMINANT DESCRIPTION

HALOACETIC ACIDS

2020

0.007

0.06

MG/L

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES

2020 0.019

0.08

MG/L

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

MG/L

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

NITRATE [MEASURED AS NITROGEN] 32

2020

0.13

ACTION LEVEL UNITS

10

CONTAMINANT DESCRIPTION

2020 City of Anacortes Water Quality Data - Anacortes Wholesale Customers Compounds and Units

Average Level Detected

Range of Detections

Violations

0.68-1.23

NONE

RAW WATER Total Organic Carbon (ppm)

0.91 FINISHED WATER

Total Organic Carbon (ppm)

0.44

0.37-0.47

NONE

Nitrate (ppm)

0.014

0.13-0.15

NONE

Total Coliform Bacteria

0%

N/D: Not Detected

NONE

Chlorine (ppm)

1.23

1.08-1.48

NONE

Haloacetic Acids 5 (ppb)

14.85

11.1-18.5

NONE

Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)

16.93

8.5-27.1

NONE

Sodium (ppm)

5.03

5.0-5.1

NONE

Barium (ppm)

0.1

.008-.012

NONE

Flouride (ppm)

N/D: Not Detected

N/D: Not Detected

NONE

Turbidity (NTU)

0.02

0.014-0.065

NONE

Compounds and Units

90th Percentile Level

Homes Exceeding Action Level

Date of Sample

Lead (ppb)

0.000

0 out of 32

2019

Copper (ppm)

0.041

0 out of 32

2019

33

Mrs. V's 2 Cents

I am so happy and genuinely proud to think of the times

Orlando, Joe, and myself on one side, and Yachi and his

back in 1949 when I was 11 years old.

four siblings on the other side. If you missed twice, you

At that time, my brother Jr. and I, along with our buddies

were out! Each team could have three outs.

Joe Parapatta and Orlando Rivera would stand outside

Those of us who played baseball back in the day

the hotel where Yachi and all his family lived and yell

remember that moment when the pitch is coming right

Yachi’s name until he appeared at his window.

at us, and our grip tightens up on the bat and we chew

We would say, “Hey, want to play some ball before it gets dark?”

our bubble gum faster. Our body is poised just so... and we kind of wiggle in preparation and, oh, my goodness, we hit the ball right on T, and we are off running as fast

Yachi would turn around and say something to somebody

as we can - touch first base, around to second - and

behind him and then he would look back down at the four

“Holy smoke! I think I can make it to third.” Run like heck,

of us.

and, WOW, they fumbled the ball! RUN! FOR HOME! Jr.,

Then he said “Yeah. At the lot?” We would all nod our heads.

And I said, “Yeah, at the vacant lot.”

Orlando, and Joe are jumping up and down and yelling at the top of their lungs, “RUN!” Man! I tell you, nothing like being nostalgic about the home run I made; nothing like having lived to make

We then headed to the lot to put some cardboards down

a home run. I love my life. Making a home run is the

to serves as bases.

meaning of life.

Our gear included a sawed-off broom and a rubber ball about the size of a tennis ball.

This is how we played: The pitcher would throw the ball up and you had to hit it after it bounced once. It was Jr., 34

Art Corner: Poetry When the Waves Break DEAN DAN JR., SWINOMISH

When the waves break; We can hear the ancestors speak; Values shared, voices heard; A love sent through the generations; A connection to a time of dispossession, Relatives and not thinking like relatives, Placing imperialism at the forefront for life; Life’s stories are told... when the waves break When the waves break; The people begin to move, Actions of love, radiating compassion A life well lived in Skagit County, Epically, eternal sunrises and sunsets; A beauty all our own... is Skagit Valley; The islands of people, close in proximity Yet, galaxies from each other... come together, When the waves break When waves break, drums come to life, When the waves break, the canoes come to life, When the waves break, our youth begin to sing, When the waves break, our songs become our strength Our strength becomes our identity, the song becomes who we are…

When the waves break... we are here…

When… the waves... ... break…

35

38

HUMAN RESOURCES JOB OPENINGS

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. Other perks include generous paid time off and discounted meals.

To view details about open positions and download our General Employment Application, visit swinomishcasinoandlodge. com/careers. All positions are “Open until filled” unless specified.

Email applications to: jobs@swinomishcasino.com Fax applications to: (360) 299.1677 Mail or hand deliver to: Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA 98221 Questions? Call Human Resources at (360) 299.1642 For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Assistant Wildlife Science Technician Gaming Agent Level I (closes 6/4) IT Systems Network Engineer IT Systems Administrator Youth Center Program Assistant II (closes 5/25/21) Water Resources Technician (closes 5/28/21) Shellfish Community Liaison (closes 5/18/21) Tribal Gaming Agent Credit Recovery/Completion Specialist Mental Health Counselor Police Officer (closes 5/5/21) Housing Development Manager Dentist Staff Attorney Security & Low Voltage Technician Medical Operations Director Youth Center Director Registered Nurse Certified Medical Assistant CMA/CNA Registered Medical Assistant

Full descriptions of the job announcements listed above are available on the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources HOW TO APPLY: Return completed application, cover letter, and resume to: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community ATTN: Human Resources 11404 Moorage Way, La Conner, WA 98257 Fax applications to: (360) 466.1348 Or email to: hr@swinomish.nsn.us Applications must be received in the Personnel Office by 5PM on or before the job closing date.

Questions?

Call the Personnel Office at (360) 466.1216 or (360) 466.7353 39

qyuuqs News

PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Permit #35 ANACORTES, WA

17337 Reservation Road La Conner, WA 98257 qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

Recyclable Paper

@qyuuqsNews

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE. Elijah Porter, Charles Baker, Selena Bailey, Zebadiah Joe, Daniel Rapada