qyuuqs News May 2023

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Traditions of Our Ancestors: Honoring Them with Their Stories | PG. 20

No. 3 VOL. 57 MAY 2023
2 CONTENTS Editor's Note 3 United States District Court BNSF Railway Ruling 5 Public Health Update 6 Letter to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community BNSF Train Derailment 8 Obituary: Karen Joe 11 2023 Swinomish Committee, Board, & Commissions 12 May Tide Table 16 Being Frank: Hatchery Salmon Hold The Ecosystem Together 17 Easter 18 Traditions of Our Ancestors Honoring Them with Their Stories - Lorraine Loomis 20 Harvesting The Garden of the Sea 22 Dig Into Camas 23 Harvesting in Moon of Whistling Robins 24 Dental Clinic Sealant Week 25 Loran James Joins the La Conner School Board + Education Save The Dates 26 Gathering of Native Americans Youth Conference 27 Swinomish Pet Care 28 Being Active is Traditional 30 My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? 31 Swinomish Police Lieutenant Velma Lockrem Received an Appointment to the Washington State... 32 Police Department Life Jacket For Kids Loaner Program + How long does long COVID last? 34

Learning to mend a net during a previous workshop opened a part of me that wants to research and learn how to create Indigenous tools for fishing. The fisherman’s drive in me continues to evolve.

Harvesting is this month’s editorial theme. I hope you enjoy reading the feature articles throughout the publication.

There is a new update from Swinomish Public Health on PAGE 6.

The events for May and June are listed in the Community Happenings section on PAGE 7, where you can also find a Swinomish Tribal Member Notice regarding the Christmas Distribution Mailing.

The U.S. District Court - BNSF Railway Ruling can be found on PAGE 5.

A letter from Chairman Edwards to Swinomish Tribal members regarding the BNSF Railway Derailment is on PAGE 8.

Enjoy the spring sun!

goliahlitza

Caroline Ammons

Moon of the Digging Time

pedVa?ed (pud-CHA-ud)

Much of May is the "moon of digging time," because the roots and 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, such as salmonberries, currents, gooseberries, wild onions, elderberries, and thimbleberries. Shellfish harvest and curing continues. The spring Chinook run is strong during this moon.

Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: e 13 Lunar Phases, and How ey Guide the Swinomish People’.

Thurs. May 11, 2023 for the June qyuuqs

Thurs. June 8, 2023 for the July qyuuqs

Please submit your story, photo, celebration to qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

qyuuqs Submission Deadline
3 editor’s NOTE
COVER PHOTO Bin of recycled Easter eggs

TRIBAL SENATE

yal le ka but

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

siwelce?

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

sOladated

Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 333.9487 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

stoolsta

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

qws stania

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

sapelia

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

spi sta yup ton

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

taleq tale II

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

ya qua leous e

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

kuts bat soot

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

kani?ted

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

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov

@SwinomishSenate

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

*SUBMISSIONS

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

Submission deadline: 10th day of the month

QYUUQS NEWS

Caroline Ammons, Editor qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS

Heather Mills, Communications Manager

Sarah Kellogg, Content Journalist

Katie Bassford, Staff Photographer

Communications@swinomish.nsn.us

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul

This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/qyuuqs

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

Facebook: Swinomish qyuuqs News

Linkedin: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

*qyuuqs News is made available for viewing on the Internet

When submitting information, stories, and/or photos, please be aware everything published in the print version of qyuuqs News is also published on the Internet and is available to the world. Please consider carefully whether your submissions contain anything you feel may not be suitable or appropriate for the Internet. By submitting your information, stories, and/or photos to qyuuqs News, you agree to publishing your submission in both the print and online versions of qyuuqs News. qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.

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United States District Court BNSF Railway Ruling:

Tribe’s land

MARCH 28, 2023 – The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington issued a decision concluding the liability phase of trespass litigation filed by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community against BNSF Railway (BNSF), ruling that “BNSF willfully, consciously, and knowingly exceeded” limitations in an easement to cross the Tribe’s land.

In response to the March 28, 2023, ruling, Swinomish Chairman Steve Edwards stated that “the Tribe takes its agreements very seriously and it expects them to be honored, and we are thankful that BNSF is being held to the promises it made.” Chairman Edwards continued, “We look forward to proceeding with the compensation phase of this case and finally concluding this dispute with BNSF.”

In its decision the court ruled:

BNSF has not shown that it had good faith belief that its common carrier obligations overrode the easement limitations at any point after the unit trains started running. It failed to acknowledge, much less evaluate, the unique circumstances impacting its ability to provide the service requested. BNSF willfully, consciously, and knowingly exceeded the limitations on its right of access from September 2012 to May 2021.

In previous rulings, the court held that BNSF intentionally trespassed and breached the easement by running more trains and cars than the easement allowed. In its ruling issued Monday, the court held that BNSF had willfully, consciously, and knowingly exceeded the easement’s limitations, and that BNSF could not rely on its claimed belief that its common carrier duty to its shipping customers allowed it to do so. Monday’s ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which will now proceed to the second phase dealing with compensation for the trespass.

Additional Background

A 1991 easement agreement between the Tribe and BNSF allows rail traffic to cross the Swinomish Reservation in Skagit County but limits the size and frequency of the trains. In September 2012, BNSF began exceeding the

easement’s limitations by shipping hundred-car “unit trains” of Bakken crude oil across the Reservation without the Tribe’s required consent. The Tribe filed suit against BNSF for violating the easement in April 2015.

The District Court had ruled in 2017 that BNSF’s common carrier duty under federal law was “not a defense to any of the claims asserted in this litigation” and did not allow it to ignore the requirements of the easement agreement. BNSF appealed, and in March of 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Court and held that the Tribe’s lawsuit against BNSF was not precluded by the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act and could proceed. In 2022, the District Court entered a partial summary judgment in favor of the Tribe, but deferred to trial a ruling on whether the BNSF’s trespass was willful, conscious, or knowing. The trial began or March 20 and concluded on March 22, 2023.

Train tracks running across the northern edge of the Reservation were laid in the late 1800’s without consent from the Swinomish Tribe or federal government. In 1991, the Tribe and BNSF signed an agreement settling a prior lawsuit filed by the Tribe and the United States in 1976 for nearly a century of trespass. This agreement granted BNSF an easement, but subject to important conditions: only one train of 25 railcars would cross the Reservation in each direction daily, and BNSF would regularly update the Tribe on the type of cargo crossing Tribal land. In return, the Tribe agreed not to “arbitrarily withhold permission” if there should be a future BNSF request to increase the number of trains or cars.

In late 2012, the Tribe learned from media reports that crude oil “unit trains” of 100 railcars or more were beginning to cross the Reservation. By April 2015, BNSF was reportedly running six 100-car “unit trains” per week across the Reservation, more than four times as much traffic as permitted by the easement. The tracks are adjacent to the Tribe’s economic center, including a hotel and casino and other facilities. The intended development of this economic center was one of the primary reasons for the limitation of the number of trains and cars incorporated into the easement.

“BNSF willfully, consciously, and knowingly exceeded” limitations in an easement to cross the Swinomish
5

Public Health Update

SWINOMISH PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM

The COVID-19 vaccination process just got a whole lot simpler!

Unvaccinated? People age 6 years and up who  never received a COVID-19 vaccine can now get a single COVID-19 bivalent dose – it is as easy as that!

Do you have your booster? People ages 6-65 who are not immune compromised AND have received an updated mRNA bivalent booster vaccine are up to date at this time.

Age 65+ and/or immune compromised? If it has been four months or longer since you received a bivalent booster, it is time for another one!

The evidence is clear that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccinating will help keep you and your friends, family, and community alive and out of the hospital.

Call the Swinomish Medical Clinic at (360) 466-3167 with any questions you have or to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Education SAVE THE DATES

May

Mon. May 15: Family Engagement Event - SWEEC Family Tea Party - 3 p.m.

Thurs. May 25-Tuesday, May 30: Cedar Cap Making & Cedar Pulling (Time-TBA) (Behavioral Health)

June

Thurs. June 1: Toddler Moving Up Celebration (Location and Time-TBA)

Thurs. June 15: Preschool Family Engagement Activity and Graduation/Moving Up Celebration

Tues. June 20: Last Day of ECEAP School Year

Wed. June 21 and Thursday, June 22: Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wed. June 22: Education Dinner 5:30 p.m. John K. Bob Ball Field

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SWINOMISH TRIBAL MEMBERS:

TUES. MAY 2

Regular Senate Meeting

FRI. MAY 5

MMIWP Discussion Panel

See details on PAGE 33

TUES. MAY 16

Bi-Weekly Senate Meeting

THURS. MAY 18

Blessing of the Fleet

See details on PAGE 21

MON. MAY 29 Memorial Day

TUES. JUNE 6

Regular Senate Meeting

SUN. JUNE 4-WED. JUNE 7

Salish Summit

See details on PAGE 10

THURS. JUNE 15 + SAT. JUNE 17

Pride Day Celebration

TUES. JUNE 20

Bi-Weekly Senate Meeting

THURS. JUNE 22

Education Dinner

5:30p.m. @ John K. Bob Ball Field

HOLIDAYS MAY 5

Cinco de Mayo

MAY 14

Mother's Day

MAY 29

Memorial Day

Update your address for the Holiday Distribution Mailing happening November 2023 Please update your mailing address using the link or QR below. sitcgov.us/InfoUpdate
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
7

Letter to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community BNSF TRAIN DERAILMENT

Dear Swinomish Community Members,

I wanted to provide a brief update on the cleanup efforts that have taken place since the BNSF train derailment at the Swinomish Casino last month. It has been a busy time, and many of you may have read newspaper articles or seen TV reports aboutthis, but I wanted to reach out to you as well.

The BNSF trains that derailed around midnight on March 15th were thankfully not full of oil, and thankfully did not fall into the water. But, the train derailment did cause somewhere between 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel to spill from two train engines onto the grass outside of the Casino and near Swinomish Channel. This caused a big mess that had to be cleaned up.

After the train derailed, our staff were onsite immediately and continuously for many days. Swinomish Casino staff, Chief Cowan and the Swinomish Police, and Swinomish Tribal departments including Emergency Management, Cultural Resources, Fish & Game Enforcement, Wildlife, Environmental Protection, Legal, and Environmental Policy all pulled together to coordinate a huge response to make sure our Tribal lands and water resources were protected and restored as much as possible.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state Department of Ecology (Ecology) also spent a significant amount of time working to respond to the derailment. They required BNSF to dig up all the soil that was contaminated with diesel fuel. In total, BNSF dug up over 2,100 cubic yards of soil – this is about 200 dump trucks full of dirt, so quite a lot. It was a big hole!

In digging up the soil, BNSF dug down to the groundwater, about 13-feet below the surface, and found some diesel fuel in the water. BNSF then pumped out over 4,000 gallons of groundwater to try and remove as much of the contamination as possible. Then, EPA and Ecology required BNSF to dig groundwater monitoring wells in the area surrounding the derailment, and those wells have allowed us to test the groundwater for any remaining contamination. So far, there is only a small amount of contamination showing up, but we are going to continue to monitor the groundwater, and EPA may require BNSF to take additional measures to clean it up.

BNSF has filled the huge hole they dug in removing the contaminated soil, and we have re-seeded the grass and replanted the wetland area on the water-side of the train tracks. We will continue to make sure these plants grow and that invasive weeds do not take over. We want to ensure that our Reservation is restored back to normal.

I want you to know that our staff are still working with EPA and Ecology, as well as experts we hired, to review all the groundwater test samples and we will make sure that no contamination is left behind.

I want to thank all of our many dedicated staff who dropped everything the night and days after the derailment and have worked hard to make sure that our Reservation is restored and that no harm to our lands and waters remains.

Thank you,

8
OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY 10 AM START TIME THURSDAY, JULY 27 TH 2023 SAVE THE DATE – 1ST ANNUAL GO L F TOURNAMENT –BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SWINOMISH Swinomish Golf Links 12518 Christianson Rd Anacortes, WA 98221 OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY SWINOMISH UNIT For more information contact Mike Smyth (425) 422-9386 TRIBAL COMMUNITY MARCH 15, 2023 BNSF Train Derailment
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Photo by Robin Carneen
10

Karen Denise Joe

Ta-wi-yut

JUNE 25, 1958-FEBRUARY 18, 2023

Karen “Nanners Joe, 64, of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, passed away on February 18, 2023. She was born on June 25, 1958, to Isabelle Paul Yakanak and Alexander Paul Sr. in Nespelem, WA.

After Karen graduated from La Conner High School in 1977, she went on to receive some college education. She worked at the Swinomish Bingo Hall as a floor clerk and enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. She made delicious fry bread and potato salad and we bring her food to share at family gatherings. She enjoyed beading and was part of the ground crew of Salmon Dancer, a canoe skippered by Brian Cladoosby. She also cooked for Brian’s crew beach seining at Lone Tree. Over the years she’s cared for various pets, leaving “Moma” cat behind. She was affectionately known as Nanners. Her brother Kevin would frequently tease her by saying, “Karen Paul did it!” She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and cousin and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son Jason (Angela) Paul, grandchildren Jaylen and Bryson K Paul, brothers Kenny (Jeanine) Paul, Kevin (Pat) Paul, Greg Yakanak, sister Kim (John Garcia) Anderson, uncle Narcisse “Froggy” Paul, god child Gabby Topaum, as well as beloved, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Isabelle Paul Yakanak and Alexander Paul Sr., brothers Alex Paul Jr., George Paul and Curtis Paul, sister Kathy Sutton, granddaughter Kerriah Paul, sister-inlaw Twyla Paul, nephew Billy Sutton.

OBITUARY
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2023 Swinomish Committees, Boards & Commissions

Committees support the Senate by serving in an advisory capacity for identifying and understanding the needs of the Swinomish people and recommending policies and actions that work to fulfill those needs.

Executive

Steve Edwards, Chair

Alana Quintasket, Vice Chair

Eric Day, Secretary

Brian Wilbur, Treasurer

Budget

Brian Wilbur, Chair

Sophie Bailey, Vice Chair

Alana Quintasket

Jeremy Wilbur

Brian Porter

Barbara James

Aurelia Bailey

Tandy Wilbur

Greg Edwards

Eric Day

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Nicole Lewis, Advisor

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Buildings and Facilities

Aurelia Bailey, Chair

Greg Edwards, Vice Chair

Andy John

James Washington

Joseph Bailey

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Planning Department Director, Advisor

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Casino Gaming Commission

Alana Quintasket, Chair

Eric Day, Vice Chair

Stephanie Bailey

Lenee Edwards

Marcia Julius

Ron Williams, Advisor

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Notification regarding open positions will be sent out in coming days. Swinomish members who are at least 21 years old are eligible to apply. Appointments are determined on qualities such as background, experience, responsibility, and understanding of tribal goals.

Cultural and Cemetery

Sophie Bailey, Chair

Alana Quintasket, Vice Chair

Brian Porter

Merla Rae Martin

Rodney John Jr.

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Aurelia Bailey, Advisor

Josephine Jefferson, Advisor

Fred Cayou, Advisor

Krista Hamburg, Advisor

Emily Haley, Attorney

Weston LeMay, Attorney

Dental Licensing Board

Brian Wilbur, Chair

Dr. Rachael Hogan, Vice Chair

Dr. Louis Fiset

John Stephens

Cheryl Rasar

Sarah Chagnon, Alternate

Asiah Gonzalez, Alternate

Marybeth Kinney, Advisor

Katrice Rodriguez, Advisor

Elder Services

Barbara James, Chair

Eric Day, Vice Chair

Sophie Bailey

Diane Vendiola

Myrtle Rivas

Carneen Allen

Lona Wilbur

Mandy Buck, Advisor

Melissa Simonsen, Attorney

Election Board

Janet Wilbur-Charles, Chair

Sandra Topaum

Velma Lockrem

Stephanie Edwards

Michele Perry

Krista Hamburg

Wendy Otto, Election Officer

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Tribal Emergency Planning (TEPC)

Alana Quintasket, Chair

James Washington

Enedina Silva

Woody Weiss

Lucas Villard

Rodney John

Sarah Wilborn

Jacob Tully

Heather Mills

Brian Geer, Advisor

Keri Cleary, Advisor

Melissa Simonsen, Attorney

Enrollment

Barbara James, Chair

Sophie Bailey, Vice Chair

Dianne Edwards

Sandra Topaum

Patricia John

Ivan Willup

Greg Edwards

Jenny Nguyen

Aurelia Bailey

Janie Beasley, Advisor

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Environmental and Lands

Alana Quintasket, Chair

Greg Edwards, Vice Chair

Eric Day

Tandy Wilbur

Charlie Edwards

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Weston LeMay, Attorney

Clyde Halstead, Attorney

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Fireworks

Greg Edwards, Chair

Jennifer LaPointe, Vice Chair

Eric Day

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Weston LeMay, Attorney

Fish and Game Commission

Brian Porter, Chair

Fred Cayou, Vice Chair

Joe McDonald

Bruce James Jr.

Rodney John

Jeremy Wilbur

Kurt Bassford

Aurelia Bailey

Joe Day Sr.

Richard “Hawk” Wilbur

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Tandy Wilbur, Advisor

Tino Villaluz, Advisor

Emily Haley, Attorney

Weston LeMay, Attorney

Gaming Enterprise Management

Board

Jeremy Wilbur, Chair

Aurelia Bailey, Vice Chair

Tandy Wilbur

Charlie Edwards

Greg Edwards

Bruce James

Cheryl Rasar

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Brock Hochsprung, Advisor

Rachel Sage, Attorney

HESS

Brian Wilbur, chair

Alana Quintasket, vice-chair

Marlo Quintasket

Janet Wilbur-Charles

Diane Vendiola

Holle Edwards

Hilary Edwards

Anna Cook

Tracy James

Dr. Rachael Hogan

Michael Vendiola

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Katrice Rodriguez, Advisor

Sarah Wilborn, Advisor

Julia Ortiz, Advisor

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Housing Commission

Sophie Bailey, Chair

Ray K. Williams, Vice Chair

Brian Porter

Cathi Bassford

Janet Wilbur-Charles

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Lance Simons, Advisor

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Kukutali

Alana Quintasket, Chair

Katherine Paul

Todd Mitchell

Amy Trainer

Weston LeMay, Attorney

Law and Order

Brian Porter, Chair

Aurelia Bailey, Vice Chair

Alana Quintasket

Rodney John

Lenora Cook

Stephanie Edwards

James Washington

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Earl Cowan, Advisor

Mary Cardoza, Advisor

Joe Bailey, Advisor

Melissa Simonsen, Advisor

Laurence Blakely, Public Defender

Legal

Tandy Wilbur, Chair

Jeremy Wilbur, Vice Chair

Fred Cayou

Tracy James

Amy Trainer

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Personnel

Barbara James, Chair

Brian Porter, Vice Chair

Brian Wilbur

Sophie Bailey

Alana Quintasket

Jeremy Wilbur

Aurelia Bailey

Tandy Wilbur

Greg Edwards

Eric Day

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Alethia Edwards, Advisor

Jennifer LaPointe, Advisor

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Planning Commission

Greg Edwards, Chair

Alana Quintasket, Vice Chair

Eric Day

Josephine Jefferson

Janie Beasley

Stef Steinhorst

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Planning Department Director, Advisor

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Port Authority

Jeremy Wilbur, Chair

Fred Cayou, Vice Chair

Sophie Bailey

Joe Bailey

Ida Edwards

Elissa Kalla, Advisor

Rachel Sage, Attorney

SDA

Jeremy Wilbur, Chair

Brian Wilbur, Vice Chair

Joseph Bailey

Aurelia Bailey

Vince Wilbur

Alana Quintasket

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Nicole Lewis, Advisor

Elissa Kalla, Technical Advisor

Rachel Sage, Attorney

Sydney Safley, Attorney

Swinomish Golf Links Board of Directors

Greg Edwards, Chair

Brian Wilbur, Vice Chair

Vince Wilbur, Secretary

Brock Hochsprung, Treasurer

Steve Edwards, Board Member

Rachel Sage, Attorney

Sydney Safley, Attorney

Continues on PAGE 14

13

Tallawhalt

Barbara James, Chair

Aurelia Bailey, Vice Chair

Sophie Bailey

Greg Edwards

Jeremy Wilbur

Alana Quintasket

Bruce James Jr.

Planning Department Director, Advisor

Liz Miller, Advisor

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Calvin Rapada, Attorney

Tax

Eric Day, Chair

Brian Wilbur, Vice Chair

Tandy Wilbur

Brian Porter

Jumada Schwinden

Dean Dan

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Nicole Lewis, Advisor

Weston LeMay, Attorney

TERO

Eric Day, Chair

Shaun Beasley, Vice Chair

Becky Villaluz

Josephine Jefferson

Lona Wilbur

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Brian Porter, Advisor

Rachel Sage, Attorney

Utilities

Brian Wilbur, Chair

Stuart Hutt, Vice Chair

Cathi Bassford

John Petrich

Terrence Carroll

Steve Edwards, Ex Officio

Michael Poppe, Advisor

Weston LeMay, Attorney

2023 POLICY DELEGATES TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OUTSIDE OF SITC

American Indian Health Commission

Jennifer LaPointe, Delegate

Sarah Sullivan, Alternate

Brian Wilbur, Alternate

IPAC

Tracy James, Delegate

Marlo Quintasket, Alternate

Janet Wilbur-Charles, Alternate

Jennifer LaPointe, Alternate

Local Indian Child Welfare

Janet Wilbur-Charles, Delegate

Tracey Parker, Alternate

Northwest Indian Health Board

Cheryl Rasar, Delegate

Sarah Sullivan, Alternate

Brian Wilbur, Alternate

Northwest Indian Fish Commission

Tandy Wilbur, delegate

Fred Cayou, alternate

Portland Area Indian Health Board

Jeremy Wilbur, Delegate

Jennifer LaPointe, Alternate

Katrice Rodriguez, Alternate

Sub Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO)

Steve Edwards, Delegate

Jeremy Wilbur, Alternate

Youth Services

Eric Day, Chair

Loran James, Vice Chair

Christina Adams

James Washington

Greg Edwards

Tracy James, Advisor

Charlie Edwards, Advisor

401k

Brian Wilbur, Chair

Tandy Wilbur, Vice Chair

Alethia Edwards

Dawn Fidler

John Lyden

Reneth

Jennifer LaPointe

Marlo Quintasket

Cheryl Rasar

Terry Glance

Nicole Lewis, Advisor

Stephen LeCuyer, Attorney

Skagit Community Action Agency

Tracy James, Delegate

Marlo Quintasket, Alternate

Skagit Council of Governments

Steve Edwards, Delegate

Jeremy Wilbur, Alternate

Brian Wilbur, Alternate

Skagit River System Cooperative

Fred Cayou, Board

Brian Porter, Board

Tandy Wilbur, Board

Clyde Halstead, Attorney

Continued from PAGE 13
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May 25th 8:30am-3pm BETWEEN TWO WORLDS WHALE AND WILDLIFE WATCHING BOAT TRIP Free + lunch + giveaways! Max 27 people. Meet at Social Services. Call (360) 812-1174 or email dep@swinomish.nsn.us to sign up! 15

TIDE TABLE: MAY 2023

7 Sun High 5:51 AM 10.3ft 8:27 PM 11.7ft Low 1:07 AM 6.4ft 1:04 PM -1.8ft Sunrise: 5:39 AM Sunset: 8:34 PM 14 Sun High 1:53 AM 11.6ft 1:46 PM 7.9ft Low 8:26 AM 4.1ft 7:50 PM 2.3ft Sunrise: 5:29 AM Sunset: 8:43 PM 21 Sun High 5:50 AM 10.2ft 8:32 PM 11.6ft Low 1:15 AM 7.0ft 1:10 PM -1.9ft Sunrise: 5:20 AM Sunset: 8:52 PM 28 Sun High 1:06 AM 10.7ft 12:40 PM 6.7ft Low 7:51 AM 5.0ft 6:30 PM 3.3ft Sunrise: 5:14 AM Sunset: 9:00 PM 1 Mon High 3:20 AM 10.6ft 3:30 PM 8.3ft Low 9:50 AM 3.7ft 9:28 PM 3.2 ft Sunrise: 5:48 AM Sunset: 8:25 PM 8 Mon High 6:19 AM 10.1ft 9:21 PM 11.7ft Low 1:55 AM 7.1ft 1:44 PM -2.0ft Sunrise: 5:37 AM Sunset: 8:35 PM 15 Mon High 2:33 AM 11.6ft 3:08 PM 8.7ft Low 9:13 AM 2.5ft 8:53 PM 3.3ft Sunrise: 5:27 AM Sunset: 8:45 PM 22 Mon High 6:18 AM 9.7ft 9:19 PM 11.4ft Low 2:05 AM 7.3ft 1:48 PM -1.5ft Sunrise: 5:19 AM Sunset: 8:54 PM 29 Mon High 1:40 AM 10.7ft 2:05 PM 7.2ft Low 8:32 AM 3.9ft 7:31 PM 4.1ft Sunrise: 5:13 AM Sunset: 9:02 PM 2 Tues High 3:48 AM 10.6ft 4:24 PM 9.0ft Low 10:22 AM 2.5ft 10:13 PM 3.7ft Sunrise: 5:47 AM Sunset: 8:27 PM 9 Tues High 6:53 AM 9.8ft 10:19 PM 11.7ft Low 2:51 AM 7.6ft 2:29 PM -1.8ft Sunrise: 5:36 AM Sunset: 8:37 PM 16 Tues High 3:09 AM 11.6ft 4:15 PM 9.6ft Low 9:56 AM 0.9ft 9:50 PM 4.2ft Sunrise: 5:26 AM Sunset: 8:46 PM 23 Tues High 6:45 AM 9.2ft 10:08 PM 11.2ft Low 2:59 AM 7.5ft 2:26 PM -0.8ft Sunrise: 5:18 AM Sunset: 8:55 PM 3 Wed High 4:15 AM 10.7ft 5:14 PM 9.8ft Low 10:54 AM 1.4ft 10:56 PM 4.3ft Sunrise: 5:45 AM Sunset: 8:28 PM 10 Wed High 7:34 AM 9.4ft 11:19 PM 11.6ft Low 4:01 AM 7.8ft 3:22 PM -1.3ft Sunrise: 5:34 AM Sunset: 8:38 PM 17 Wed High 3:44 AM 11.5ft 5:15 PM 10.4ft Low 10:36 AM -0.5ft 10:44 PM 5.1ft Sunrise: 5:25 AM Sunset: 8:47 PM 24 Wed High 7:13 AM 8.6ft 10:57 PM 11.0ft Low 3:59 AM 7.6ft 3:07 PM -0.1ft Sunrise: 5:17 AM Sunset: 8:56 PM 4 Thurs High 4:40 AM 10.6ft 6:02 PM 10.5ft Low 11:24 AM 0.3ft 11:39 PM 5.0 ft Sunrise: 5:45 AM Sunset: 8:28 PM 11 Thurs High 8:27 AM 8.7ft Low 5:18 AM 7.6ft 4:23 PM -0.6ft Sunrise: 5:33 AM Sunset: 8:39 PM 18 Thurs High 4:17 AM 11.3ft 6:09 PM 11.0ft Low 11:16 AM -1.4ft 11:35 PM 5.9ft Sunrise: 5:24 AM Sunset: 8:49 PM 25 Thurs High 7:49 AM 8.0ft 11:44 PM 10.8ft Low 5:03 AM 7.4ft 3:51 PM 0.7ft Sunrise: 5:16 AM Sunset: 8:57 PM 5 Fri High 5:04 AM 10.5ft 6:49 PM 11.1ft Low 11:55 AM -0.6ft Sunrise: 5:42 AM Sunset: 8:31 PM 12 Fri High 12:16 AM 11.5ft 9:57 AM 8.0ft Low 6:30 AM 6.9ft 5:32 PM 0.3ft Sunrise: 5:31 AM Sunset: 8:41 PM 19 Fri High 4:49 AM 11.0ft 6:59 PM 11.5ft Low 11:54 AM -2.0ft Sunrise: 5:22 AM Sunset: 8:50 PM 26 Fri High 8:43 AM 7.4ft Low 6:06 AM 6.9ft 4:39 PM 1.5ft Sunrise: 5:15 AM Sunset: 8:58 PM 6 Sat High 5:27 AM 10.4ft 7:37 PM 11.5ft Low 12:22 AM 5.7ft 12:28 PM -1.3ft Sunrise: 5:40 AM Sunset: 8:32 PM 13 Sat High 1:08 AM 11.6ft 12:07 PM 7.6ft Low 7:33 AM 5.7ft 6:42 PM 1.3ft Sunrise: 5:30 AM Sunset: 8:42 PM 20 Sat High 5:20 AM 10.6ft 7:46 PM 11.6ft Low 12:25 AM 6.5ft 12:32 PM -2.1ft Sunrise: 5:21 AM Sunset: 8:51 PM 27 Sat High 12:28 AM 10.7ft 10:45 AM 6.8ft Low 7:03 AM 6.1ft 5:32 PM 2.4ft Sunrise: 5:14 AM Sunset: 8:59 PM
30 Tues High 2:11 AM 10.6ft 3:15 PM 8.0ft Low 9:08 AM 2.6ft 8:32 PM 4.9ft Sunrise: 5:12 AM Sunset: 9:03 PM 31 Wed High 2:40 AM 10.6ft 4:13 PM 9.0 Low 9:42 AM 1.3ft 9:30 PM 5.6ft Sunrise: 5:11 AM Sunset: 9:04 PM 16
Snee-Oosh Point

BEING FRANK

Hatchery Salmon Hold The Ecosystem Together

Salmon are a keystone species in the Pacific Northwest – a central part of the food chain and our way of life.

Throughout the region, salmon runs are imperiled by the cumulative effects of habitat degradation and a changing climate. Tribal and state co-managers are working tirelessly to keep them from going extinct, and that depends heavily on our extensive hatchery system.

In 2022, tribes released more than 39 million salmon from 24 hatcheries, 15 rearing ponds, five marine net pens, and two remote site incubation facilities.

These fish provide harvest opportunities for everyone in the region. Without them, none of us would be able to fish. Hatchery fish are treaty fish. For tribes, losing the ability to harvest salmon not only deprives us of our traditional way of life, it also is a violation of the rights we reserved in treaties with the U.S. government in the 1850s.

Despite this, hatcheries continue to be targeted by frivolous lawsuits that threaten salmon recovery and the health of the entire ecosystem. The groups behind these lawsuits misrepresent the risks of hatcheries in scientific literature while ignoring the ecological benefi ts. Divisive legal strategies squander our collective strengths at a time of unprecedented urgency for our region’s salmon. We should be working together to attack the causes of habitat loss and salmon predation, not one another.

We shouldn’t have to rely on hatcheries. We would rather have a properly functioning ecosystem that supports natural salmon production. But with uncertain ocean conditions and warming temperatures, we need hatcheries more than ever. They mitigate for lost spawning habitat and help preserve and recover populations listed under the Endangered Species Act.

There’s a significant misunderstanding that if we take the hatcheries away there would be a miraculous recovery of wild salmon, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If the lawsuits were successful in shutting down our state’s hatcheries—removing this keystone species from the ecosystem—the effects would be catastrophic.

Salmon contribute to more than human sustenance and ways of life. They nourish species as small as plankton and as large as orcas. Dwindling salmon runs are thought to contribute to the poor health of southern resident orcas, and a statewide task force recommended increasing salmon hatchery production significantly to help feed the struggling killer whales.

The nutrients that adult salmon bring back from the

ocean contribute to the life of the entire ecosystem in the watershed where they return. When salmon carcasses decay after spawning, insects, terrestrial birds, and other mammals feed on them. Salmon recovery plans often include the distribution of carcasses from hatcheries into the watershed to help recover invertebrate populations essential for the health and survival of juvenile salmon. Even trees benefi t. Numerous studies have shown increased growth in trees near rivers where salmon have died.

The tribes and our state co-manager operate hatcheries based on the latest, best available science to make sure the programs do not interfere with salmon recovery. Hatchery facilities have as minimal of an impact on the environment as possible because of how carefully they are monitored. Several NWIFC member tribes have their own water quality standards regulating discharge. Overall, the discharge released from the facilities where fish are raised is well below what is released from other operations with discharges, like wastewater treatment plants.

Right now, most Chinook salmon that return to our region come from hatcheries. Orcas and the multitude of other species that rely on salmon as part of their diet do not distinguish between hatchery and natural-origin fish.

If we didn’t have hatcheries, not only would tribes lose their treaty-protected rights to harvest salmon, but the ecosystem would suffer as well. We must acknowledge and protect the ecological benefi ts of hatchery programs as we continue salmon recovery efforts—and stand against any legal threats to curtail them.

Being Frank is a column by Chairman Ed Johnstone of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. As a statement from the NWIFC chairman, the column represents the natural resources management concerns of the treaty tribes in western Washington.

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EASTER

Vernitta Lewis and her great-granddaughter, Eliza Bailey find the perfect egg Sabrina Herrera Oakley Maxwell
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The kids are given the go ahead to hunt for the eggs! Shawntay, Jaxson, Lucetta, and Alexi pose with their mother, Autumn after the egg hunt Caylen Bobb Nehemiah Cassimere
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Group shot of the crowd, waiting to see if their names are called for a raffle prize

Traditions of Our Ancestors Honoring Them with Their Stories

SWINOMISH TRIBAL ARCHIVE

Lorraine Loomis

Every May the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community honors their fisherman with the annual Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony. For many years, this event was overseen by the late Lorraine Loomis. Lorraine was born July 25, 1940, to Tandy Wilbur Sr. and Laura Wilbur on the Swinomish Reservation. Growing up not only was she involved with tribal fisheries, but witnessed her parents aid in the fight for tribal fishing rights.

On February 12, 1974, Federal Judge George Boldt issued a historic ruling which continues to uphold the rights of Treaty Tribes in Washington to fish in usual and accustomed areas. Shortly after the 1974 ruling, Lorraine began her 46year journey as the Fisheries Manager for the Swinomish Tribe. Before becoming the manager, she worked as a fish processor. Not only did she fight for the fishing rights of her tribe, but for all of the Washington Treaty Tribes. She served on the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for 43 years; serving as Vice-Chair alongside Billy Frank Jr. from 1995-2014, and succeeded Billy as chairperson from 2014-2021. These are two of the many committees she served on over the years.

Although the First Salmon Ceremony can be recalled as being practiced by our ancestors, it wasn’t fully resurrected in Swinomish until around 1986. Lorraine’s daughter, Kim Murphy, recalled how the blessing was done out of Lorraine’s home in the early years and as the event began to blossom, it would eventually move to the gym. Kim said, “The Blessing was her way of showing everyone the love she had for her community.” “She wanted to honor her fishermen (and women) to make sure they always had a safe and prosperous season.”

The ceremony begins with everyone sharing a meal together, the main course being seafood caught by the tribal fisherman. During the meal, words are shared by community members. The gathering then proceeds to the tribal docks, where a blessing is done for the tribal fishermen. As part of the blessing, there are four ceremonial baskets filled with offerings that are then gifted to the water. These baskets are placed in 4 different directions: the north end of the Swinomish Channel, the south end of Skagit Bay, east to the Skagit River, and west to Deception Pass. These baskets are offerings to Mother Earth for a safe and bountiful harvest for our fishermen.

Thanks to Lorraine we can continue practicing the traditions and teachings of our ancestors for many years to come. This is just a glimpse into the decades’ worth of work Lorraine did for her community.

If you would like more information relating to this article or another topic please reach out to the Tribal Archive: (360) 466-7382

khamburg@swinomish.nsn.us

For more history on the Blessing of the Fleet, please refer to past qyuuqs article written by Theresa Trebon May 2014 [issuu.com/swinomish/docs/05-2014_qyuuqs_ may2014_online ]

c. 1980’s Jim Gibson Collection Swinomish Tribal Archive May 2018 Blessing of the Fleet Swinomish Tribal Archive
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c. 2003 Lorraine Beach Seining with family at Lone Tree Point Swinomish Tribal Archive
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HARVESTING THE GARDEN OF THE SEA

The stories of fishing stem from the many generations that fished this territory. The Swinomish Channel was once the greatest fishing channel. After what changed the course of fishing, the generations that followed are left with very little to fish. We fish to revitalize what makes us whole. We are a fishing community.

Fishing, hunting, and gathering is a way of life. Harvesting the garden of the sea is what we’re driven to do.

The following is tribal member submission - Harvesting:

APRIL 4, 2023
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Tino Villaluz and George Villaluz Jr. caught a 119 lb. halibut

Dig Into Camas

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

May marks the Moon of the Digging Time, and one of the many edible plants harvested during this moon is camas. Camas is a purple-flowering plant in the Asparagus family; the bulbs of which are one of the most important Indigenous cultural foods in the Pacific Northwest. Two species of camas occur on the west side of the Cascades: common camas (Camassia quamash), and great camas (Camassia leichtlinii ).

Common camas and great camas can be found in meadows and rocky slopes both along the coast and in the mountains, and bloom from April to June with peak bloom time occurring in May. The purple lily-like blooms of camas help distinguish the plant from the similar but poisonous plant known as death camas (Toxicoscordion venenosum), which has smaller and more numerous white flowers. After the flowers have gone to seed the plant goes dormant. Through the remainder of the dry summer months and into the cold wet winter, the bulbs wait underground to emerge again in late winter and early spring when the soil temperatures rise.

Camas bulbs are harvested from late April through November with digging tools made from materials such as yew, ironwood, bone, or our modern steel digging tools. The nutritious bulbs can be dried, steamed, boiled, baked, or slow-roasted for a variety of uses. Camas is rich in nutrients as well as the prebiotic inulin, which when cooked is converted into the sweet tasting carbohydrate fructans. The bulbs can be cooked for 12 to 48 hours, and the longer they are cooked the sweeter they become. Cooked bulbs can be eaten on their own, added as sweeteners to other foods, or dried for future use, and have a pleasantly sweet taste that is described as similar to a sweet potato or a baked pear.

With the conversion of meadows to farmland and the removal of Indigenous land management practices such as burning, camas has lost most of its historical habitat and no longer covers the land in a vast sea of purple blossoms as it once did. While camas does not grow as abundantly today as it did in the past, the beautiful flowers are still a stunning sight to behold and are visited by many different beneficial pollinators. A historical population of camas can be viewed on the Swinomish Reservation at Martha’s Beach where it grows on the coastal bluffs along the trail located on the northern end of the beach.

The Department of Environmental Protection is working on revitalizing camas to provide this culturally important and nutritious first food to the Swinomish people. Harvesting camas has been an integral part of Indigenous culture since time immemorial, and we’re working towards bringing camas back into the diets of the Swinomish Community members – a connection to their traditional food.

People say that April showers bring May flowers, and this May keep an eye out – and leave room in your stomach –for the beautiful and delicious camas!

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Harvesting in Moon of Whistling Robins

MYK HEIDT, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

pedHiWaacus, Moon of the Whistling Robins, covers much of April. The sounds of bird song signals springtime when spring greens, fish, and shellfish are harvested. Ocean spray (also called ironwood) is collected, the blossoms and leaves of which are dried for tea; excellent for upset stomachs, no matter if you are a youth or an elder. Mature trunks are harvested to make fish sticks.

Edible spring greens include stinging nettle, miner’s lettuce, cleavers, wood sorrel, and fir tips. The powerhouse of spring green nutrition is stinging nettle. Nettle is so full of minerals and vitamins that it is known as a tissue builder, and can aid in building strong teeth, bones, and hair.

Nettle can be used to make a steamed green, like spinach, or made into a delicious pesto to serve with pasta, crackers, or with fish for extra nutrition. There are recipes for nettle cake and ice cream too – it is a very versatile plant to cook with.

Delaney Bill helped make this nettle pesto recipe at the Boys & Girls Club:

Roughly 6 cups of young, fresh nettle

½ cup Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated

1/3 cup nuts of your choice; walnuts, almonds, pine, etc.

1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil

1-3 cloves garlic

Juice of ½ lemon, seeds removed

Blanch the nettles in boiling water for 1 minute, strain, and place in blender. Blend roughly, then add the rest of the ingredients. Blend until it’s almost smooth. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Keep refrigerated and use within one week. Delicious!

Harvesting Ethics

Wear gloves and protective clothing. Using scissors, clip nettle, but leave some bottom leaves so the plant can keep growing. Do not harvest where there is industry, heavy traffic, or agricultural areas with a lot of chemical spray.

Check out the video of Moon of Whistling Robins: youtube.com/watch?v=3aJAIrtplcM

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SEALANT WEEK

Dental Clinic
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River John, Maddy Miller, Joey Williams, Tori Wilbur, Aurora Cayou and Kim Williams take the annual ‘jumping’ photo on Sealant Day.

LORAN JAMES JOINS THE LA CONNER SCHOOL BOARD

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MARCH 13, 2023 – Loran James was sworn in by La Conner Superintendent Nelson at the La Conner School Board meeting. Theresa James (wife) and Taysha JamesSherman (daughter) were present while Loran took his Oath of Office to serve as La Conner School Board District #2. (Photos by La Conner School District)

Gathering of Native Americans Youth Conference

Boys & Girls Club youth on the last day of GONA

Brandy talking to a small group about cedar work and

Jozlynn LaPointe shows off the cedar rose she learned how to make. Indica Torres and Alexi Perry preparation.
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Swinomish Pet Care

ROBIN CARNEEN, SWINOMISH HOUSING AUTHORITY

Pets are great companions that have been a part of our lives and community for generations, and during the pandemic there was an increase of people adopting pets. We want to support tribal pet owners living within the Swinomish boundaries, and remind them of the Swinomish Housing Authority policies and Swinomish Police Department (SPD) pet laws. This includes getting your pets vaccinated, and for dogs, licensed with the SPD. To get a dog license, you need to show proof of vaccinations and pay a $3.00 fee at the SPD station.

SHA policy requires that all tenants register their pets. A pet deposit is no longer required, but you should consider paying one in anticipation of damage that may be caused by the pet(s) living in your home. Tenants are only allowed two pets per household, and they are required to be spayed or neutered.

Vouchers are available for vaccinations and spay and neuter services. Contact SHA or Robin Carneen and let us know you are going to make an appointment – preferably with NOAH at thenoahcenter.org/clinic/. If you have trouble making an appointment online, please contact Robin at (360) 588-2887. We also pay for vaccinations through NOAH; we will issue you a voucher before your appointment. You will be responsible for the payment of any of the additional services that NOAH offers.

If you only need vaccinations, contact SHA and we will give you a voucher for Cedardale Veterinarian Clinic. We prefer that your pet already be spayed or neutered before going to Cedardale. We are also able to offer surrender services through the Humane Society, but you will need to make arrangements and coordinate a drop off time through SHA or Robin Carneen.

CEDARDALE VETERINARY CLINIC

1105 Dale Ln, Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Walk in clinic ONLY!

Admitting hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9-11 a.m. 1:30-4 p.m. Friday 9-11 a.m.

Call Us for details & pricing (360) 424-5676

“Specializing in pet wellness and care, we offer vaccinations and thorough exams. We make sure to keep our costs low because it is important to us that we provide affordable routine care, and that hasn’t changed in 25 years!” –Cederdale Veterinary Clinic

Services offered are the following: (No spay or neutering services)

Wellness Exams Vaccinations Companion Care Microchipping Flea care

ATTENTION: AFTER-HOURS

HOUSING & UTILITY EMERGENCIES

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FIRE DISTRICT 13 FUNDRAISER

Main Event: June 17, 2023

Other painting sessions:

June 3, 2023: At the La Conner Middle School

June 10, 2023: At the Shelter Bay Clubhouse - 1000 Shoshone Drive La Conner, WA 98257

June 14, 2023: At the Swinomish Boy’s and Girl’s Club

Sign up by Saturday, June 3, 2023 to Adopt a Hydrant at a Painting Session. Make an adoption individually or with your neighbors.

Email, text, or sign up at our Fire Station: 17433 Snee Oosh Road La Conner, WA 98257. Contact Logan James: (360) 202-0384 or loganljames@outlook.com

Northwest Indian Bar Association Governing Council Elects Hilary Edwards

March 29, 2023 Congratulations to Hilary Edwards on being elected to serve on the Northwest Indian Bar Association's Governing Council

Learn more about NIBA: www.nwiba.org/

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BEING ACTIVE IS TRADITIONAL

For generations, Native people have lived active lives: growing crops, hunting, fishing, and gathering berries, herbs, and traditional medicines. Cultural ways are active, such as dancing, running, drumming, carving, and playing games. Being active improves mental and spiritual well-being—it is good medicine. Movement helps muscles use sugar for energy, which may improve blood sugars. Any increase in movement is good for you.

Ilearned that exercise could mend this old body. I found out that exercise is the key. I found out I can control diabetes. I am the person who has to take care of my body. It is up to me to stay well. It’s so simple.

Why be active?

• Feel less stress and have a happier mood.

• Increase strength, balance, and flexibility.

• Improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

• Achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

How to get started

• Talk with your health care team about what is safe and best for you.

• Set a day and time for your activity, and write it on your calendar.

• Ask a friend to join you.

• Plan indoor and outdoor activities.

Fun ways to get moving

• Gardening, gathering berries and greens, and doing yardwork.

• Yoga and tai chi for balance and flexibility.

• Brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming and bike riding.

• Fitness classes and strength training.

• Chair exercises and arm movements.

• Do what you enjoy!

— Melva Withers (Alutiiq)
Produced by the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention For more diabetes information and materials, visit www.ihs.gov/diabetes 05/2022 Melva, doing a chest press at the gym.
Fitness Center 30

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

» Feeling a little down

» Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework

» Some trouble sleeping

Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:

» Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)

» Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)

» Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule

» Eating healthy

» Talking to a trusted friend or family member

» Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

» Difficulty sleeping

» Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes

» Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood

» Difficulty concentrating

» Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable

» Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities

» Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek help.

Seek help by calling a Swinomish Counselor:

Julia Ortiz (360) 707-1904

Laura Lindberg (360) 708-3916

Hannah Geggenheim (360) 708-3573

Sabrina James (360) 682-7490

If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org , or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

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Swinomish Police Lieutenant Velma Lockrem Received an Appointment to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission From Governor Jay Inslee

On March 9, 2023, Swinomish Police Lieutenant Velma Lockrem received an appointment to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission from Governor Jay Inslee.

She will serve a three-year term as the commissioner representing Tribal Law Enforcement across the state. The Commission is made up of 21 members from within both the law enforcement community and the community at large. The Commission’s primary functions include guiding the direction of law enforcement within the state, ensuring our officers receive the highest level and quality of training, and certifying and – when necessary – decertifying peace officers.

Lt. Lockrem currently serves as second in command of the Police Department and has 10 years of law enforcement experience. In addition to her normal duties, she is also a graduate of Basic SWAT Officer training, an FBI trained Crisis Negotiator, and is currently pursuing certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Lt. Lockrem is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Leadership Trilogy Program, and has attained Career Level Certification as a First Line Supervisor through WSCJTC.

“It’s been amazing to watch her growth, having known her, her entire life. She is a blessing to our community and role model for our women who may want to go into that line of work. She has always set the bar high for herself and we’re so proud of her.” said Chairman Steve Edwards.

“Lt. Lockrem continues to show great leadership within the department and I am excited to see her grow into the role of representing our Tribal Police Agencies at the table.” said Chief Earl Cowan.

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Sponsored by Swinomish Behavioral Health | SAMHSA Grant Numbers: COC SM083015 NC SM082677 33

Police Department Life Jacket For Kids Loaner Program

The Swinomish Police Department has partnered with Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to allow children between the ages of 0-18 to borrow a lifejacket for the day or weekend at no charge.

How does the program work?

The Swinomish Police Department was awarded 12 life jackets to be loaned as needed.

If a boating family discovers they don’t have enough properly-fitting children’s life jackets on board, they can visit Swinomish Police Department and sign out the appropriate size jacket. Sizes rage from Infant 1-30lbs, Small child 30-50lbs, Medium Child 50-90lbs , and Large Child/Teen 90lbs and over.

How do I Borrow a Life Jacket?

The Life Jacket Loan Program is designated for one day or weekend use.

Call or stop by the Swinomish Police Department during business hours Mon-Wed 8:00 am-6:00 am Thursday 8:00 am to 5:30pm Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm. If a life jacket is required after business hours, please call Skagit County Non-Emergency Line at (360) 428-3211 and ask to speak with a Swinomish Officer.

Across the United States and including the District of Columbia there are over 575 BoatU.S. Foundation Life Jacket Loaner sites that combined loan jackets 140,000 times a year at no cost. To learn more about the national effort to provide safe boating experiences for kids please visit http://www.boatus.org/life-jacket-loaner

Swinomish Police Department

17353 Reservation Road

La Conner WA, 98257

(360) 466-7237

How long does long COVID last?

AIHC TRIBAL AND URBAN INDIAN HEALTH IMMUNIZATION COALITION

Mild or moderate COVID-19 lasts about two weeks for most people. But others experience lingering health problems even after the fever and cough go away and they are no longer testing positive for the illness.

People who experience long COVID symptoms most commonly report:

» Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life

» Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort

» Fever

» Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

» Cough

» Chest Pain

» Heart palpitations

» Brain fog

» Headache

» Sleep problems

» Change in smell or taste

» Depression and anxiety

» Joint or muscle pain

The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected. Call your tribal health provider to schedule your vaccine booster today.

Source: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

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35

MAY CELEBRATIONS

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ZAIDEN ANTHONY! Love, Mom, Dad, Brother, & Sissy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE BORN IN MAY

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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/

HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB OPENINGS

• Medical: Clinical Pharmacist

• Medical: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Medical: Chronic Care Management Nurse

• Human Resources: Generalist II

• Housing: Project Manager

• Education: Education Student Advocate

• Fisheries: Fisheries Technician (Part-time)

• IT: Systems Administrator

• Medical: Certified Physical Assistant or Advanced Registered Nurse

• Planning: Planning and Community Development Director

• Community Environmental Health and Wildlife: Community Health and Wildlife Associate

• Planning: Senior Planner -Team Supervisor

• Health Programs: Medical Operations

• Finance: Accountant I

• Planning: Permit Tech (Part Time)

• Communications: Graphic Designer

• Swinomish Dental: Dental Assistant

• Police Officer

• Swinomish Defense Services: Social Worker

• Certified Medical Assistant

Full descriptions of the job announcements listed above are available on the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources

DIDGWALIC WELLNESS CENTER

The didgwalic Wellness Center is an integrated clinic serving clients with substance use disorder and related conditions.

Employment is managed by the didgwalic Human Resources Department. Please contact HR at (360) 288.5800 or email hr@didgwalic.com with your inquiries.

didgwalic Wellness Center website: didgwalic.com

HOW TO APPLY TO THE SWINOMISH TRIBE:

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

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