qyuuqs News May 2022

MAY/2022 VOL. 56 No. 3

Connecting With Community

Connection is Survival | PAGE 20

CONTENTS Editor's Note ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Help When You Can Treat Every Day Like Earth Day ..................................................................................... 6 Obituary: Virginia Scott Stone ......................................................................................................................... 8 May is "Save Your Tooth Month" .................................................................................................................. 10 You May Be Eligible For Homeowner Assistance Funds ............................................................................. 11 Swinomish Member Velma Lockrem Promoted To Police Lieutenant ...................................................... 13 Being Frank: Marine Mammal Predation On Salmon Is Out of Control ..................................................... 14 Tide Table: May .............................................................................................................................................. 16 Has COVID-19 Affected Your Sense Of Wellness? ..................................................................................... 17 Knowledge Of Water ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Connection is Survival .................................................................................................................................. 20 Between Two Worlds: Spring Updates & Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day is May 5 ...... 22 Well Water Survey ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Mental Health ................................................................................................................................................ 24 Swinomish Wellness Program: Gamble Responsibly ................................................................................. 25 Mrs. V's 2 Cents and Mindful Money Matters: Inflation Woes .................................................................. 26

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repeats itself, both the good and the bad. This painting we all face is not yet finished, and the inability to see the

editor’s NOTE

whole picture is hard on the eyes. It’s unsettling.

The lessons of adapting truly come down to what we believe in and picking up what our ancestors passed on to us – the ability to connect with each other and survive

The smeariness of the effects from all the causes being exerted around the world are making it seem eerily silent.

My view on society is that we can’t see forward from backward and everyone seems to be okay with that. It’s

in two worlds.

Connecting with Community is this month’s editorial theme. I hope you enjoy reading through the publication.

Here are two important community events you don’t want

exhausting. It’s as if it is the calm before the burst!

With the war happening between Russia and Ukraine, I am haunted by the question “What if?” What if this was my community? What if we had to flee our homeland?

to miss: the Blessing of the Fleet is Friday May 13 at 11 a.m. (details PAGE 5) and save the date for the Sobriety Dinner drive-thru on May 27.

Where would we go? Being thankful for the values we

goliahlitza

follow here at Swinomish is a lifelong lesson. History

Caroline Edwards

pedVá?ed

Pud-CHA-ud

Moon of the Digging Time

Much of May is the "moon of the digging time," because the roots and the bulbs of many plants are dug during this moon. Blue camas flowers cover the tended camas fields, whose bulbs provide an important source of starch.

Camas bulbs are dug up and steamed between layers of dry grass over hot rocks covered by soil. Some bulbs are eaten and some are made into flour for storage. Camas continues to be harvested into the late fall. At the end of this moon, other plants are ready to harvest – salmonberries, currants, gooseberries, wild onions, elderberries, and thinbleberries. Shellfish harvest and curing continues. The spring Chinook run is strong during this moon.

Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: The 13 Lunar Phases, and How They Guide the Swinomish People’ By swelitub (Todd A. Mitchell) and Jamie L. Donatuto 3

TRIBAL SENATE

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

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

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

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

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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

Aurelia Bailey *SUBMISSIONS (360) 853.6376 | awashington@swinomish.nsn.us

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Send your news tips, stories, and photos to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

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

Submission deadline: 10th day of the month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tandy Wilbur (360) 770.3050 | tandywilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate 4

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.

MID-YEAR GENERAL ELECTION MEETING Our hands go up to all who voted in this year's election and participated in General Council – ťigwicid. As there is still so much to discuss and voices that need to be heard, we are planning a "mid-year" General Council meeting for September 10. We will provide details as the time gets closer, but in the meantime, please save the date!

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TREAT EVERY DAY LIKE EARTH DAY AND HELP WHEN YOU CAN! 13 MOONS AT WORK

Overall, our Earth Day projects were a huge success this year. Thank you to all the committed volunteers for sharing the day with the 13 Moons crew. Let’s continue to treat every day as Earth Day and help when we can!

If you missed out on these projects but still want to help, please direct messages to us! We’re always looking for volunteers and looking for more community involvement.

Thank you all again and HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Earth Day Project Success Part 1 Thank you to those who came out to clean up swәdәbš Park!

Earth Day Success Part 2 Our rain garden is getting cleaner with every piece of garbage picked up. Big thanks to all the helping hands!

Earth Day Success Part 3 The Wapato Bog is now in place at our very own 13 Moons community gardens. So excited to see how this continues to grow.

Earth Day Success Part 4 Thank you for spreading your reach throughout Swinomish!

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The qyuuqs News submission deadline is the 10th of every month!

The next deadline is May 10 for the June qyuuqs.

Please submit your articles, stories, celebrations, announcements and photos to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS FRI. MAY 13 Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony See details on PAGE 5 MON. MAY 16-WED. MAY 18 Swinomish Dental Sealant Week FRI. MAY 27 Sobriety Dinner Drive-Thru See details on PAGE 12

HOLIDAYS SUN. MAY 8 Mother's Day MON. MAY 30 Memorial Day

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Obituary

whe-che-lista “Baby Doll”

Virginia Scott Stone 02/28/1937-03/10/2022

Virginia “Baby Doll” Scott Stone, whe-che-lista, peacefully passed away at her home on the morning of March 10.

Baby Doll came home after spending some time at Life Care Center and Skagit Valley Hospital. She was happy to spend her last days at home with her family.

Virginia was born to James and Elizabeth (Tom) Scott on February 28, 1937. She attended school at Chemawa Indian School. She was employed for many years as a housekeeper at the Wild Iris, she was also a fisherwoman on the Skagit River and Skagit Bay. Baby Doll was a longtime resident of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community where she and her husband Gus Stone Jr. raised all their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They both worked hard their entire lives to provide a good home for their large family. “Mom Baby Doll” was the glue that held her family together, she cooked large dinners every night, she cleaned, she prepared their clothes and she provided lots of nurturing and love to everyone in her family. She always supported all their sports and fishing events; she would bring food and drinks for the whole team or for all the fisherman.

Baby Doll was a member of the Swinomish Ladies Club, a member of the Swinomish Smokehouse, baptized in the Catholic Church and the “assistant coach” to Stoney for Swinomish Girls Softball Team. A highlight for the Stone family was beach seining at Lone Tree Point. She also enjoyed clam digging, going to garage sales, going on long drives around the reservation and to the Skagit River. She also enjoyed traveling to the intertribal meetings with Marilyn, where she would go to relax and visit with people from other tribes. She also liked crocheting, spending time with the grandchildren and family.

Throughout the years, Baby Doll has survived many losses, even though there were many hardships she continued to be so loving and compassionate to everyone. She carried so much beauty and light to her family every day!

Baby Doll was preceded in death by her husband Gus “Stoney” Stone Jr.; her parents James and Elizabeth Scott; her children Phillip, Darla, Marlene, Lenora, Leona Stone; grandchildren Cora Clark, Clayton Day, Lenora Siddle, Lance Fornsby. Siblings Rosemary Phair, Irene Smith, Ada Cagey, Bernice and Lincoln Scott.

She is survived by Marilyn Scott, Deanna and John Stone, Lamar Clark, Michael Smith, Crystal Day, Nolita Bob, Gus Siddle, Leanna Johns, Shawnna Stone. Several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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May is "Save Your Teeth" Month SWINOMISH DENTAL

The month of May is about focusing on saving your

Improving your mental health can even start by taking

natural teeth. Yes, there are other options like implants

care of your teeth. We have eight providers at the

and partials, but saving what you have is always the best

Swinomish Dental Clinic to help you do so. This includes

choice when possible. For example, a tooth fracture or

three dentists, three dental therapists, and two hygienists

cavity could be affecting the nerve, but there may be a

who love to see your beautiful smiles!

lot of your natural tooth left to work with. If this is the case, we are more than likely able to save it with a root

Call 360.466.3900 to make your appointment!

canal Root Canal Awareness Week happens to be the second week in May! The Swinomish Dental Clinic prioritizes your wants and needs when providing the best quality of care. Some root canals can be performed at the clinic while others are referred out to great local root canal specialists such as North Sound Endodontics or Skagit Endodontics.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Swinomish is a family-based community where we all care about one another and want everyone to achieve their best selves.

Some topics that coincide with your mental health are: ♦ Balanced diet ♦ Regular exercise

May 11 is National Receptionist Day! ♦ Enough sleep ♦ A sense of self-worth ♦ Development of coping skills ♦ Emotional awareness ♦ Connections to family, friends, and community 10

Our receptionists go above and beyond to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. They are our super heroes and we are so very grateful for the hard work and dedication they put in every single day. We love you front desk staff!

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUNDS You may be eligible for financial relief under the Swinomish Homeowners Assistance Fund program if you experienced pandemic-related hardship that has reduced your ability to make mortgage or meet other financial obligations related to home ownership.

The Tribe is conducting a brief survey to help determine how to distribute assistance funds in a way that provides maximum benefit to the community.

If you are a Swinomish member homeowner and are interested in financial relief from hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, please scan the QR code on this page and take the anonymous survey by May 25, 2022.

To scan a QR code with your smartphone: Open your camera and point it at the QR code. Make sure the QR code is inside the box on your screen, and then tap the banner that pops up.

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It will be great to see everyone! Lunch, entertainment, door prizes!

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SWINOMISH MEMBER VELMA LOCKREM PROMOTED TO POLICE LIEUTENANT April 18, 2022 – The Swinomish Police Department is

proud to announce the promotion of Swinomish Tribal Community member Velma Lockrem to the rank of Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Lockrem is a graduate of both the FBI Crisis Negotiator and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) trainings and has successfully earned the prestigious Trilogy Award from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive

Now serving the department as second in command,

Development Association (FBI-LEEDA). She has also

Lieutenant Lockrem is a proven leader with a broad

completed the Sergeants’ Academy course and is a

range of experience and training. Lieutenant Lockrem

certified Washington State Criminal Justice Training

is a state certified police officer and 10 year veteran of

Commission First Level Supervisor.

the department. She has served as a training officer and police boat skipper during her tenure and also leads the department’s youth programs.

“Lieutenant Lockrem demonstrates only the highest level of commitment,” said Police Chief Earl Cowan. “She is a shining example to our youth and a dedicated leader in

Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards sums Lieutenant

our community. We are blessed to have her leading our

Lockrem’s great accomplishment up with these words:

patrol team.”

“I am proud of Lieutenant Lockrem’s dedication and the commitments she’s made to her community, her family, and most importantly, herself. She represents all women,

Lieutenant Lockrem is currently spearheading several innovative programs for the community.

which is a blessing for Swinomish and our surrounding

“I want to thank the Swinomish Senate and the department

community. She has done and continues to do the hard

for trusting me with this responsibility,” said Lieutenant

work and consistently proves to our youth that the sky is

Lockrem. “I am excited to be a part of the team leading

the limit – she earned this.”

us towards a 21st century police department!”

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Being Frank: Marine Mammal Predation On Salmon is Out of Control ED JOHNSTONE, NWIFC CHAIRMAN

MARCH 10 – Our tribal fishermen are being out-fished

has created an imbalance in the natural world, and we

by marine mammals.

need to act now to get it under control.

When I was growing up in the 1950s and ’60s, it was

This is happening against a backdrop of habitat loss that

rare to see a sea lion at the mouth of the Quinault or

will take years to recover. While our recovery plans work

Hoh rivers. But now in Grays Harbor, you can’t even walk

to restore habitat, the most immediate thing we can do

down on the docks because sea lions are everywhere.

to protect salmon is reduce the impact of predation and

I remember standing with Billy Frank Jr. at Frank’s

account for the loss of the resource.

Landing in 2010 when we saw about 13 sea lions lying on

When tribes in western Washington signed treaties with

the sand bar. “These sea lions have never been here like

the U.S. government, we reserved the right to continue

this before,” Billy said. “This is not their home ground.”

hunting and fishing as we always have. Salmon are a

They’ve migrated here to eat our salmon and steelhead.

treaty-protected resource, and that means we have

Harbor seals also have been traveling way up the Nisqually and Puyallup rivers to feed. Our fishermen are sitting on the banks while the pinnipeds are fishing.

The explosive growth of marine mammal populations 14

a treaty right to manage the populations of marine mammals that threaten the health of the ecosystem.

Seals and sea lions take six times more salmon in the Puget Sound and Olympic coast than tribal and nontribal fisheries combined. Studies found that they eat about 1.4

million pounds annually of threatened Chinook in Puget

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s

Sound alone.

National Marine Fisheries Service has a responsibility to

Not only are seals and sea lions out-fishing us, but

work with us to restore the balance in our ecosystem.

they also are intercepting the hatchery Chinook we’ve

A new marine mammal strategy is needed to control

produced to benefit southern resident orcas.

predation in rivers throughout western Washington to

Between 1975 and 2015, harbor seal populations in the Salish Sea grew from about 8,500 to nearly 78,000.

protect out-migrating smolts and returning adult salmon and steelhead.

On the outer Washington coast, the number grew from

The state legislature already has directed the Washington

fewer than 7,000 in 1980 to more than 20,000, according

Academy of Science to learn more about the marine

to aerial studies by the Washington Department of Fish

mammal problem, identify knowledge gaps and evaluate

and Wildlife.

the effectiveness of potential management solutions.

While harbor seals may have reached their carrying

Some of the short-term methods that have been tried

capacity, the number of California sea lions along the

with limited success include hazing with projectiles or

west coast of the United States has risen as high as

boats, targeted acoustic startle technology, mechanical

300,000. The combined impact on our fisheries is out of

barriers, and relocation. To solve the problem in the long

control.

term, we must evaluate how many seals and sea lions the

These pinnipeds have been protected under the 1972

habitat can support and control their populations.

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which was

The tribes and others have invested billions of dollars and

meant to protect fur seals, dolphins, and whales in

countless hours to try to recover salmon populations. We

response to significant population declines caused by

have reduced our fisheries by 80 to 90 percent over the

human activities.

past 40 years. Our federal trustee is obligated to support

No marine mammal species has gone extinct in U.S. waters since the MMPA was enacted. But sea lions and harbor seals were never in danger of extinction, and because of MMPA protections, they have become invasive species.

our efforts to manage marine mammals and fix the imbalance caused by the MMPA. We have much work to do.

Being Frank is a column written by Chairman Ed Johnstone of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. As

The MMPA has an important role to play, but it didn’t

a statement from the NWIFC chairman, the column

address carrying capacity or maximum sustainable yield,

represents the natural resources management concerns

so now we have too many pinnipeds and not enough prey.

of the treaty Indian tribes in western Washington.

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TIDE TABLE: MAY 2022 Lone Tree, Snee-Oosh, North Skagit Bay

1 Sun

2 Mon

3 Tues

4 Wed

5 Thurs

6 Fri

7 Sat

Low 12:17AM 4.9ft 12:34PM -0.6ft

Low 1:01AM 5.6ft 1:07PM -0.7ft

Low 1:45AM 6.3ft 1:40PM -0.6ft

Low 2:31AM 6.8ft 2:13PM -0.3ft

Low 3:24AM 7.3ft 2:48PM 0.1ft

Low 4:29AM 7.5ft 3:29PM 0.6ft

Low 5:40AM 7.5ft 4:19PM 1.1ft

Sunrise: 5:48AM Sunset: 8:26PM

Sunrise: 5:46AM Sunset: 8:27PM

Sunrise: 5:45AM Sunset: 8:28PM

Sunrise: 5:43AM Sunset: 8:30PM

Sunrise: 5:41AM Sunset: 8:31PM

Sunrise: 5:40AM Sunset: 8:33PM

Sunrise: 5:38AM Sunset: 8:34PM

8 Sun

9 Mon

10 Tues

11 Wed

12 Thurs

13 Fri

14 Sat

Low 6:48AM 7.1ft 5:17PM 1.7ft

Low 7:46AM 6.4ft 6:21PM 2.2ft

Low 8:31AM 5.4ft 7:25PM 2.6ft

Low 9:09AM 4.2ft 8:25PM 3.1ft

Low 9:43AM 2.8ft 9:20PM 3.6ft

Low 10:17AM 1.3ft 10:12PM 4.2ft

Low 10:51AM -0.1ft 11:02PM 4.9ft

Sunrise: 5:37AM Sunset: 8:36PM

Sunrise: 5:35AM Sunset: 8:37PM

Sunrise: 5:34AM Sunset: 8:38PM

Sunrise: 5:32AM Sunset: 8:40PM

Sunrise: 5:31AM Sunset: 8:41PM

Sunrise: 5:30AM Sunset: 8:42PM

Sunrise: 5:28AM Sunset: 8:44PM

15 Sun

16 Mon

17 Tues

18 Wed

19 Thurs

20 Fri

21 Sat

Low 11:27AM -1.4ft 11:53PM 5.7ft

Low 12:06PM -2.4ft

Low 12:45AM 6.4ft 12:48PM -3.0ft

Low 1:39AM 7.0ft 1:34PM -3.1ft

Low 2:39AM 7.4ft 2:24PM -2.7ft

Low 3:47AM 7.5ft 3:18PM -1.9ft

Low 4:59AM 7.2ft 4:19PM -0.8ft

Sunrise: 5:27AM Sunset: 8:45PM

Sunrise: 5:26AM Sunset: 8:46PM

Sunrise: 5:25AM Sunset: 8:48PM

Sunrise: 5:23AM Sunset: 8:49PM

Sunrise: 5:22AM Sunset: 8:50PM

Sunrise: 5:21AM Sunset: 8:51PM

Sunrise: 5:20AM Sunset: 8:53PM

22 Sun

23 Mon

24 Tues

25 Wed

26 Thurs

27 Fri

28 Sat

Low 6:10AM 6.4ft 5:23PM 0.4ft

Low 7:16AM 5.3ft 6:29PM 1.6ft

Low 8:12AM 3.9ft 7:33PM 2.8ft

Low 9:01AM 2.5ft 8:34PM 3.9ft

Low 9:43AM 1.2ft 9:31PM 4.8ft

Low 10:21AM 0.1ft 10:23PM 5.5ft

Low 10:58AM -0.7ft 11:12PM 6.1ft

Sunrise: 5:19AM Sunset: 8:54PM

Sunrise: 5:18AM Sunset: 8:55PM

Sunrise: 5:17AM Sunset: 8:56PM

Sunrise: 5:16AM Sunset: 8:57PM

Sunrise: 5:15AM Sunset: 8:59PM

Sunrise: 5:14AM Sunset: 9:00PM

Sunrise: 5:13AM Sunset: 9:01PM

29 Sun

30 Mon

31 Tues

Low 11:33AM -1.2ft

Low 12:00AM 6.6ft 12:07PM -1.4ft

Low 12:46AM 7.0ft 12:41PM -1.4ft

Sunrise: 5:13AM Sunset: 9:02PM

Sunrise: 5:12AM Sunset: 9:03PM

Sunrise: 5:11AM Sunset: 9:04PM

High 12:26AM 10.4ft 9:04AM 7.5ft

High 4:31AM 11.1ft 6:22PM 11.5ft

High 10:17AM 7.9ft

High 5:01AM 11.0ft 7:15PM 12.1ft

High 12:49AM 11.7ft 12:04PM 7.5ft

High 5:34AM 10.9ft 8:08PM 12.4ft

High 1:34AM 11.6ft 1:39PM 7.6ft

High 5:20AM 9.9ft 8:01PM 11.3ft

High 7:10AM 8.9ft 10:35PM 10.5ft

High 2:31AM 10.8ft 2:32PM 7.7ft

High 3:03AM 10.9ft 3:36PM 8.6ft

High 6:11AM 10.7ft 9:04PM 12.4ft

High 6:52AM 10.2ft 10:01PM 12.3ft

High 2:15AM 11.5ft 2:59PM 8.2ft

w

mo

on: May

High 2:51AM 11.3ft 4:06PM 9.0ft

High 7:35AM 8.5ft 11:32PM 10.4ft

High 3:33AM 11.0ft 4:34PM 9.7ft

High 7:40AM 9.6ft 11:00PM 12.1ft

High 3:25AM 11.1ft 5:03PM 9.7ft

ul lm

F

High 4:54AM 10.2ft 7:20PM 11.2ft

High 1:56AM 10.6ft 1:12PM 7.1ft

High 6:51AM 9.3ft 9:42PM 10.7ft

30

High 8:11AM 8.0ft

High 4:02AM 11.1ft 5:28PM 10.7ft

High 8:42AM 8.8ft 11:57PM 11.9ft

High 3:56AM 10.9ft 5:52PM 10.3ft

6 oon: May 1

La

qu

9 ar ter: May

tq

s

st

Fir

16

High 1:15AM 10.5ft 11:05AM 7.0ft

High 6:33AM 9.7ft 8:54PM 10.9ft

Ne

High 4:26AM 10.6ft 6:38PM 10.8ft

High 6:10AM 10.2ft 8:08PM 11.0ft

ua r

2 ter: May

2

High 5:45AM 10.6ft 7:24PM 10.9ft

HAS COVID AFFECTED YOUR SENSE OF WELLNESS? SWINOMISH WELLNESS PROGRAM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES

Many of us, if not all of us, were stuck at home for days,

guidance, resources, support, and empathy. There is

weeks, sometimes months on end during the pandemic,

no shame in coming in or coming back. We say “no” to

which we are still facing. Isolating like this can affect our

shame!

mental health. Maybe you don’t realize why, but perhaps you’re feeling unhappy, less in control, out of sorts, and unable to integrate back into daily living? Maybe COVID-19 weakened your sobriety and strengthened your addiction? Or perhaps you gained a new addiction

Addiction does not discriminate against culture, age, sexual orientation, religion, or race – and neither do we!

We now offer a larger variety of group topics including cultural art and gambling services.

such as video gaming or online gambling? Maybe you

If you or a family member needs our services, call (360)

started drinking or taking pills again to cope or you just

466.1024 and make an appointment to meet with one of

can’t seem to separate yourself from your cell phone.

our Swinomish Wellness team members: Ginger, Jennifer,

We are here to help! Wellness is multi-dimensional and

Jessica, and Steve are here to help! YOU are worth it!

our specialties include helping you find your way back

There is no shame in coming in or coming

to serenity and peace. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs,

back. We say “no” to shame!

gaming, gambling, or smoking cigarettes, we can provide

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KNOWLEDGE OF WATER LINDY HUNTER, FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

The necessity of water to sustain life is a fundamental

the only oceanographic monitoring station in the upper

understanding for all. Its presence among and through

Whidbey Basin, the instruments on this buoy will help

different creatures and ecosystems reveal the true

to build a detailed picture of what is happening within

interconnectedness of this planet. The foundational

local waters as climate change alters water properties

knowledge that everything, from the tissues of our

and impacts the conditions crab, salmon, and clams live

bodies to the traditions of our communities and the

and grow in. Measurements of temperature, dissolved

riches of our economies, cannot thrive without this

oxygen, pH, chlorophyll, and conductivity are now being

clean, healthy resource may be one of the few truths

collected. This information will be incorporated into

accepted by all of humanity. Therefore, the Swinomish

restoration activities, management decisions, and policy.

Fisheries Department is determined to learn more about the building blocks of our local waters and how changes are impacting important marine resources.

Although most of what we know of water hasn’t come from books or precisely calibrated sensors, gathering facts and understanding interpretations of those facts

The Swinomish Fisheries Department has set up an

are essential for responsible resource management.

environmental monitoring buoy offshore between

The data gathered off this buoy will be available for all

Flagstaff and Skagit Island. Located between the floods

to learn from, but most importantly, these data provide

from Deception Pass and the outflow of the Skagit River,

Swinomish with a pathway to continue to expand on the

this buoy will allow the Swinomish Tribe to gain a deeper

traditional knowledge of these waters and prepare for

understanding of how these two sources interact. As

changes to the climate, local ecosystems, and our future.

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Connection is Survival CAROLINE EDWARDS

The distance and time spent isolated from one another

of the situation we’re in as a community will be our

put pressure on society’s most rewarding principle

success and gift to the future.

– the human connection. The stressful ripples of COVID-19 isolation are still impacting our circles of tribal community connection.

Our tribal community needs each other. The survival of our wholesome community spirit relies on our ability to connect in meaningful ways. Each of us has a role in

This value of connection is ingrained in us. We’ve never

our community. Seeking out your crucial role will guide

needed each other more than we do now, and in such a

you and our community. We are not all going to travel

great capacity, in our lifetime. Or maybe we only notice

at the same pace or achieve the same level of what we

this now because our community connection as we know

personally believe is an “I’m okay” status. It’s going to

it to be has been taken away from us for what feels like

take time to get back on track together. Like most life

an eternity. Our community connectedness feels so far

lessons we encounter, the healing begins when we

away and it doesn’t help that so many unknowns still

accept what is.

linger.

The hope of gathering again never goes away, so we

We didn’t plan for the pandemic to take place two years

must figure out more ways of fulfilling the void we’ve

ago, but there it came and here it is – and here it still

been missing. We’ve been here before and keeping the

is. We’re still being affected in the oddest of ways.

momentum of moving forward is going to require us all.

Connecting with community is handling the situation

Connection is survival.

we’re in as one, even when we’re separated. Keeping our community together is critical for our present generation and future ones.

This “test of life” has us questioning most everything, including our willpower to strive and succeed as a community that is still whole. The dynamics of our community are special. We must continue practicing the value of caring for one another because it doesn’t stop here – the times we’re in are not ordinary. It can get difficult to comprehend the intenseness of keeping up with the now let alone the future. Riding out the longevity 20

Connecting With Community

21

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS - SPRING UPDATES We are grateful for the extra sunlight in our days while we

discussing nearshore sciences, sharing stories, and

near completion of a full year of teaching our Swinomish

talking about our usual and accustomed places.

youth! Since the start of school in September, we have taught units on Indigenous science, tribal sovereignty, evergreen conifers, water quality, air quality, nearshore, restoration, cultural resources management, and art and science in Swinomish culture. We even took a mudflat safari!

Upcoming units include lessons about the Skagit River and marine debris, with a focus on micro and macro plastics. We will wrap up the year with an Elders speaker series.

Interested in the summer program and/or in registering for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year? Contact Environmental Education Specialist Jen Willup at jwillup@swinomish.nsn.us.

Also, we recently had to say good-bye to Between Two Worlds instructor Dean Dan Jr. (Wapada) who will be continuing his higher education journey by pursuing a master’s degree in law. We are grateful for Dean’s invaluable efforts in the successes we’ve had in the program and are thankful for the wonderful experience.

Once school ends for the summer, Between Two

We all say t’igwicid and good luck in all your future

Worlds summer program students will be offered an

endeavors!

informal overnight mini canoe journey with Senator Eric Day leading the way. The trip will include taking water quality tests and samples, harvesting traditional plants,

Our program is hiring an Environmental Education Coordinator. Contact Jen Willup for more information.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day is May 5 The current reports of abduction and murder of Native

is important to understand the connection between

women are alarming and represent one of the most

domestic, dating, and sexual violence and the high

horrific aspects of the spectrum of violence committed

incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous women

against Native women.

(MMIW) in the United States.

The murder rate of Native women is more than ten

This long-standing crisis of MMIW can be attributed

times the national average on some reservations.

to the historical and intergenerational trauma caused

These disappearances or murders are often connected

by colonization and its ongoing effects in Indigenous

to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,

communities stretching back more than 500 years.

stalking, and sex trafficking. The intersection of genderbased violence and MMIW is heavily intertwined. It 22

Source: niwrc.org/mmiw-awareness

WELL WATER SURVEY The

Swinomish

Department

of

Environmental

Protection’s groundwater program is conducting an inventory and sampling of groundwater wells located on the Swinomish Reservation – and we need your help!

reservation residents have access to safe drinking water.

The collected water samples will be analyzed at an accredited lab at no cost to the well owner and we will provide the well owner with the results. The EPA

Accurate and up-to-date information about any wells

recommends that all drinking water wells be tested

on your property is essential to documenting existing

annually to ensure the water is safe to consume.

conditions. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete and can be found online by using your smartphone camera to scan the QR code, or by typing the following web address into your browser: https://bit.ly/3O5UPfa

If you indicate in your survey that you would like to participate, we will contact you to arrange a sampling visit at a time that

We would also like to measure water levels and collect

is convenient for you. Call

samples from wells where it is possible to do so. This

Karen Mitchell at (360) 588-2728 or email kmitchell@

information will be used to evaluate water availability

swinomish.nsn.us

and quality that will help us in our work to ensure all

23

Mental Health NAKESHA EDWARDS, SWINOMISH HEALTH PROGRAMS

Did you know?

That the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many people experience.

What is new with the Swinomish Health Programs?

We now have three new programs: Native Connections; Circles of Care, and Youth Spirit Program Want to talk with someone but don’t know who?

You can call our tribal counselors Julia Ortiz and Laura Lindberg.

Julia Ortiz Office: 360.466.7278 After hours: 360.707.1904 Laura Lindberg Office: 360.466.7375 Cell: 360.708.3916

24

Swinomish Wellness Program Gamble Responsibly LOW RISK Gambling is done: ♦ As a form of recreation, not to make money or make up for losses ♦ With limits on time, frequency, and duration ♦ In a social setting with others ♦ With money you can afford to lose

HIGH RISK Gambling is done: ♦ Coping with grief, loneliness, anger, or depression ♦ Under financial pressure or stress ♦ Recovering from mental health or substance abuse disorders ♦ Using alcohol or other drugs

♦ Under legal gambling ageIf gambling becomes a problem, there’s hope.

The Swinomish Wellness Responsible Gambling Program provides a safe place for people to talk about how gambling has affected their lives. It is a place of healing for those who have lost too much time and money to gambling. It is a place of healing for their families.

We provide group and individual counseling from a holistic perspective. “Holistic” means treating the whole person – spirit, mind, and body.

We look forward to joining you on your journey to wellness!

Call us at (360) 466.1024 or visit: Swinomish Wellness Program Social Services Building 17337 Reservation Road La Conner, WA 98257

25

Another old man lived on the other side of Old Man. He

Community Mrs. V's 2 Cents

was Filipino and his name was Tom. Dad would give Tom a perch when we caught a lot of them down at the docks.

A Black woman who told us to call her Miss Velvet lived down the hall from Tom. She had a fancy room with

My late brother George Villaluz Jr. (Junior) and I were raised in Seattle’s Chinatown in what is called a singleroom occupancy (SRO) hotel. Climbing the twenty or so stairs to reach our rooms was an effort. One reason we

matching pink and red everything that always smelled like perfume. She gave Junior and me lemon drops and told us stories about all of us being in the same boat and how we each needed to pull our own weight.

loved visiting my grandparents, Ganga, and Christine

There was diverse group of people from many parts of the

every summer was the fact there were no stairs. Even

world living on our floor. We shared a dish washing space

Auntie Agatha’s house was flat on the ground.

and one bathroom with a shower and bathtub with these

An older German man lived in the room next to ours. We were never properly introduced so we only knew him as Old Man. He used to walk the streets salvaging odds and ends, which included cracked and broken chocolates

folks and other “roomers”. In our SRO neighborhood, everybody was cordial. Each person let their preferences regarding using these amenities known, except for an Italian woman who was always angry.

from an expensive candy store. Once a week he would

This was the community that I was raised in. My parents

give Junior and me a handful of them — delicious! I

usually cooked a big meal at Christmas and invited

would often wash Old Man’s dirty dishes as a way of

everybody on our floor over to eat. Sometimes my mother

saying thanks.

would just fix a plate for a neighbor who couldn’t come.

Mindful Money Matters: Inflation Woes I hear inflation is the reason prices are rising. What’s go on?

Signed, Worried Budget Dear Worried Budget, The simplest and best way I know to describe inflation is how much more you have to pay this year than last year to achieve the same level of well being. We all know that over time things go up in price – rent, food, cars, college 26

Continued: Inflation Woes

and traveling again, businesses are struggling to keep up. The businesses pay more for inventory and to hire employees. Then they pass these costs onto consumers by raising prices. The global computer chip shortage is another factor driving up prices for big ticket items like vehicles and appliances. This all makes life tough for families who have to pay bills. High inflation is also bad

degrees. Rising prices are no joke and I’m old enough to

for investors because asset prices usually tumble when

remember when you could fill up a gas tank for ten bucks

an economy goes south.

and buy a cheeseburger for less than three quarters.

We’re all paying more now for everything from donuts

A little inflation is a normal part of a healthy economy,

to doorknobs with some retail stores and restaurants

but if inflation gets too high and things get too expensive,

hiking prices by as much as 4%. We’re also seeing

consumers cannot afford some of the rising costs. This

fewer discounts and “shrink-flation” which occurs when

has a big effect on the economy and creates problems

products don’t come with a higher price tag but are

for businesses and consumers. High inflation is usually

repackaged in smaller weights and quantities. Like a few

caused by a really strong economy where consumers

years ago when orange juice bottles magically shrunk

have spare funds to spend. Everybody wants to buy,

from 64 ounces to 59 ounces. Talk about a day without

which puts pressure on materials and labor for goods

sunshine. Some businesses are even sneakier about

and services as well as transportation. Limited supply

passing higher costs to consumers. Like hotels that

and strong demand causes price increases – always has,

only change sheets between guests or cancel the free

always will.

airport shuttle. Or restaurants that tack a 3% COVID-19

According to the consumer price index (CPI), which is a

surcharge to your bill.

tool for measuring inflation, we’re currently experiencing

I think we’re going to be dealing with these higher

the steepest rise in inflation in four decades. CPI is a

prices for the foreseeable future. So, a good way to

gauge which calculates the price changes of about 300

fight inflation is to put away a few extra bucks to inflate

common goods and services. As of January, consumer

your savings cushion.

prices are up 7.5% from the year before. That’s almost triple the inflation rate typically seen in the U.S.

This article was submitted by Debra Johnson, Swinomish Land Management. It is provided by First Nations

This current bout of inflation is mostly the result of a

Development Institute with assistance from the FINRA

strong post-pandemic economic recovery that’s gotten a

Investor Education Foundation. For more information, visit

little too hot. With so many people eating out, shopping,

www.firstnations.org.

27

MAY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAY 13 HAPPY BIRTHDAY Zaiden Revey LOVE MOM, DAD, AND BROTHER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE BORN IN MAY!

28

SWINOMISH MARKETS NOW ACCEPTNG SNAP BENEFITS We are happy to announce that we accept SNAP benefits (EBT) at all Swinomish Markets locations.

All Chevron station cash registers are equipped with EBT pin pads — simply inform the cashier you would like to use SNAP benefits and they will turn the pin pad around for you. We were able to set up directly thru our point of sale equipment at Swinomish Markets at the Links, so no pin pad is necessary.

Please remember there are restrictions for using SNAP benefits: We cannot authorize cash back or fuel purchases and all age restricted products are prohibited.

29

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/

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Environmental Education Coordinator Assistant Wildlife Science Technician Procurement Manager Part-Time Fisheries Technician Mental Health Counselor Harbor Master Geoscience Specialist 2 - Analyst Environmental Education Outreach Specialist Content Journalist Human Resources Generalist Accountant II Patient Registration Business Office II GIS Technician Youth Center Program Assistant II 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

30

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