qyuuqs News June 2024

editor’s NOTE

The qyuuqs News team compiled some great photo features for this issue. We highlighted Earth Day and the 13 Moons Elder Garden dedication, the MMIWG march, career fair co-sponsored by Swinomish and the La Conner School District, the Blessing of the Fleet & First Salmon Ceremony, and more!

Be sure to read about the state legislators who visited the didgʷàlič Wellness Center and check out who retired from the Skagit River Systems Cooperative after an impressive 99 combined years of service. There are stories about the DEP Shoreline and Sensitive Areas Technical Assessment and Recommendations Report project, and the SRSC Similk Bay Estuary restoration.

We also have some big events for our students this month – it is that time of the year when we honor our graduates and those that are moving up a grade. Congratulations to all students!

Caroline Ammons goliahlitza

TRIBAL SENATE

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Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840-5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

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Alana Quintasket, Vice Chair (360) 302-0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us

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Brian Porter | Secretary (360) 840-4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us

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Barbara James | Treasurer (360) 391-3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us

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Aurelia Bailey (360) 853-6376 | awashington@swinomish.nsn.us

sapelia

Sophie Bailey (360) 853-6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

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Greg Edwards (360) 854-8612 | gedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

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Bruce James Jr. (360) 708-5779 | brucejames@swinomish.nsn.us

sa-ba-shal-good

Rodney John (360) 708-1387 | rjohn@swinomish.nsn.us

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Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770-7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

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Tandy Wilbur (360) 770-3050 | tandywilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

The official news publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

The mission of qyuuqs News is to provide monthly communication to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Members near and far. We are committed to serving as an apolitical forum for the Swinomish governing officials and all Community Members. qyuuqs News is not intended to reflect the official position of the governing body at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community but rather reflects the ideas, events, and thoughts of individual Community Members and Tribal staff. As such, the Swinomish Tribe makes no claim as to the accuracy or content of any of the articles contained therein.

QYUUQS MAILING ADDRESS

17337 Reservation Road, La Conner, WA 98257

Phone (360) 466.7258

*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

Jordan Ekdahl, Graphic Designer 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.

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Website: swinomish-nsn.gov

@SwinomishSenate

qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.

didg w àliV A Visit From State Legislators

MAY 9

State Sen. Liz Lovelett and Claudia Kauffman, as well as legislative staff, visited didgʷàlič recently. Lovelett, who represents the 40th District, is the Chair of the Senate Local Government, Land Use, and Tribal Affairs Committee. Kauffman (Nez Perce), also on the committee, was a sponsor of SB 6099 “Creating the tribal opioid prevention and treatment account”.

Signed into law in March the bill recognizes that tribal communities have been hit the hardest by the opioid epidemic, and directs 20% of the state’s opioid lawsuit settlement to be put into an account for tribal opioid prevention and treatment efforts.

Reinforcing the importance of these partnerships between Swinomish and the state, Swinomish Senator J.J. Wilbur shared that “It’s important for all of us to try to heal the state.”

Swinomish Senator J.J. Wilbur (center), Sen. Claudia Kauffman (center left), and Sen. Liz Lovelett (center right) along with didgwàlič and legislative staff

$305,000

2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, plus office 990 square feet, plus single car garage, fenced yard, and all appliances included.

July 1

Accepting applicants

July 1-3

Accepting offers from cash buyers

July 8-10

Accepting offers from buyers with full, approved financing

Please contact the Housing Division with questions homes@swinomsh. nsn.us or call or text 360-708-3139.

Use naloxone to stop a fentanyl overdose.

Someone may be overdosing if they:

• Can’t wake up.

• Are breathing irregularly or not at all.

• Are making a gurgling sound.

• Are turning blue, gray or purple, or their skin feels cold.

If you think someone may be overdosing, call 911 and give them naloxone (Narcan).

HOW TO USE NALOXONE

Lay the person down if they’re sitting or slumped.

1

2

Open the box and packaging.

Place the nozzle inside either nostril.

3

4

Press the plunger all the way (until it clicks).

If they don’t respond in 2 or 3 minutes, use another dose. It could take several doses to work. Keep giving them naloxone or do CPR until they wake up or help arrives.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

JUNE 11

DEP Environmental Learning Series - Wetlands: Why They Matter

JUNE 18

Monthly Community Update Meeting, 6 p.m. via Zoom

Topic: Opioids Crisis Response Update

Register online at sitcgov.us/20240618-Update

JUNE 20

Sobriety Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Boys & Girls Club

JUNE 25

DEP Environmental Learning Series: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection

EDUCATION EVENTS

SAT. JUNE 1

LC Alumni Banquet, La Conner Elementary - Gym

TUES. JUNE4

LC Awards Ceremony for Seniors, 6 p.m. Time Bruce Performing Arts Center

WED. JUNE 5

LC 8th Grade Promotion, 6:30 p.m.

LC Middle School - Gym

THURS. JUNE 6

LC High School Graduation, 5 p.m. Whittaker Field

FRI. JUNE 7

Last Day of School (11:45 a.m. release)

THURS. JUNE 13

Education Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Boys & Girls Club

Childcare Moving Up & Preschool Graduation, 11:30 a.m.

John K. Bob Ball Field - Tents

2024 GRADUATES

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Swinomish

Taylor Rae Cayou

Savanna Edwards

Joyce Jack

Kiona Kaubin

Victoria Murguia-Morales

Alfonso Sampson

Ivory Damien

Raymond Baker

Colin Mitchell

Marissah Williams

Marriah Williams

Other Tribal

Jack Rose

David Holt

Alex Martin

Nizhoni Slowman

Hallie Walls

COLLEGE GRADUATES

Nov-Dec 2023

Nakesha Edwards, MLS Indigenous People’s Law, University of Oklahoma

Michael Cladoosby-Page, BS Accounting & Finance, Western Washington University

Michael Willup, BS Construction Science & Management, Clemson University

Apr-July 2024

Devin Blankenship, BS Exercise Science, Eastern Washington University

Kalona Revey, AA General Direct Transfer, NWIC

Zanetta Cayou, BS Family & Human Development, Arizona State University

Mary Lou Cladoosby-Page, BS Psychology, Washington State University

Aubrey Stewart , BS Respiratory Therapy, Seattle Central College

Cameron Wilbur, AA General Direct Transfer, Skagit Valley College

Swinomish Earth Day & Clean Up Day

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Even in the rain, SRSC staff are all smiles

Swinomish Dental tidying up around one of the hats

Shelly Vendiola shares words with her family next to her

Julie Bobb honors her son Doug

Matt Stone and Chas James lead the march with the Canoe Family

SRSC RETIREES

ERIC BEAMER, STAN WALSH, CURT VELHUISEN

With 99 combined years of service to salmon recovery, the Skagit River System Cooperative celebrated the retirements of Eric Beamer, 40 years; Stan Walsh, 35 years; and Curt Veldhuisen, 24 years.

The three were honored during a lunch at the Casino, where words were shared about their important work, blanketed, and gifted with a cedar hat. Recognizing the impact of their work, Sen. Brian Porter shared “I don’t know where the Skagit watershed would be without you.”

Collectively, their work encompassed the whole of the Skagit watershed; Curt in the forests with the timber industry, Stan negotiating hydro relicensing and monitoring impacts on salmon, and Eric walking all of the streams and developing the “gold standard” for Chinook recovery.

Brian concluded his remarks with “We’re salmon people, where would we be without salmon?”

MARINE DEBRIS REMOVAL

MONDAY, MAY 13

In 2022 and 2023 the Swinomish Tribe contracted with Natural Resource Consultants, who worked with Swinomish vessels and divers to remove derelict fishing gear and other marine debris in Similk Bay and around the tribe’s commercial fishing docks.

A total of 61 commercial and recreational crab pots were removed from Similk Bay!

Most of these pots were equipped with an escape cord (also known as rot cord), which will degrade over time, eventually allowing crabs to escape the lost pots. Without an escape cord a lost crab or shrimp pot can continue to kill crab and other wildlife for years.

Three pots collected from Similk Bay did not have this legally compliant escape cord, and 17 Dungeness crab were inside of these pots. In all, 44 Dungeness crabs were found in the recovered pots, eight of which were dead.

An additional 190 crab pots were removed from the Swinomish Fishing Docks, along with 227 other pieces of debris including 42 shrimp pots, 15 fishing nets, and other items.

Almost 25,000 pounds of marine debris were removed throughout this effort! This removal effort took 18 days of time on the water to complete.

Special thanks to the members of the Swinomish fishing fleet who assisted with this effort: J.J. Wilbur, Chase Wilbur, Tanner Wilbur, Matt Johnston, Fred Cayou, Tandy Grossglass, and David Grossglass aboard the F/V Nicole C, F/V Mistress, and F/V Brena Marie.

Marine debris is harmful to the environment impacting the health of our waters, and threatening wildlife such as Dungeness crab. It also costs time and money to remove.

You can help prevent marine debris and keep our waters clean! A few easy steps include picking up trash before it gets into the water, securing items when you are on or near the water, and reporting any lost fishing gear so it can be recovered as soon as possible.

NWIC Elder Garden Blessing

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

The Swinomish 13 Moons Elders Garden, created and maintained by the Swinomish Community Environmental Health Program, is dedicated to the program's cofounder, Swinomish Elder Wanaseah Larry Campbell, who devoted his work to improve the health and wellbeing of all Indigenous peoples.

Maple Avenue Apartments Blessing

MONDAY, MAY 13

Patricia Solomon offered up a prayer and Huge Edwards sang to bless the buildings and the construction workers who will be completing the remodel of the apartments and neighboring house on Maple Avenue.

The didgwàlič Wellness Center purchased the apartments and home from Swinomish at the end 2023 and is converting them into transitional housing.

There will be space for about 60 clients as well as onsite counselors and security once the project is complete. Having access to stable, safe housing helps those with opioid use disorder stay on course with recovery.

Patricia Solomon, Huge Edwards, and other didgwàlič staff at the blessing of the Maple Avenue apartments site and for the work that is about to commence

Blessing and dedication of the 13 Moons Elder Garden

Ivory Damien, Charles Edwards, CJ Edwards

(L-R) Rachel Bill, Kellie Cayou-Lockrem, Jade Damien, Aaliyah Gonzalez, Dela Damien, Katarina Edwards and Taylor Rae Cayou

Not pictured: Helen Joe + coaches Loran James and Taysha James-Sherman

CAREER FAIR AT LCSD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Josiane Sams and Christy Williams

LCMS students stop by the Swinomish DEP table

Aurora Cayou and another high school students talk with Stephanie Edwards from Swinomish Human Resources

Shoreline and Sensitive Areas Technical Assessment and Recommendations Report Project

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

What do sea level rise, restoration, erosion, staircases, community events, clams, and development all have in common? You can find all of them on our shorelines!

The Swinomish Shorelines and Sensitive Areas (SSA) Code (STC 1904) guides how our community manages what happens in our shorelines and sensitive areas.

The Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Planning and Community Development, and the Office of the Tribal Attorney are now working on a twoyear project called the SSTARR (S horelines and S ensitive areas Technical Assessment and Recommendations Report) Project to help update our SSA Code. With climate change rapidly affecting our shorelines and sensitive areas, Swinomish needs to update our code to better protect the reservation and our community.

A code represents a community’s values. Our SSA Code represents the Swinomish Community’s values on what we want to protect on our shorelines and sensitive areas and how we will do so. In order to gather the community’s values on how to manage our shorelines, the SSTARR project will begin with a six-part community workshop series this summer. At the workshops, community members will be able to share food while learning about and sharing their values on each of the following topics that the code covers: shorelines, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, geohazards, sea level rise, and aquifers

‣How should we manage beach access?

‣What is shoreline armoring?

‣Where should we use soft armoring?

‣What are the pros and cons of soft armoring your house?

These are some of the questions and topics we will cover in the community workshop series. We hope you can join us from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 11, June 25, July 9, August 13, and September 10. The workshops are held at NWIC Swinomish Campus and on Zoom: sitcgov.us/ELS2024. Registration is requested, but not required: sitcgov.us/ ELS2024-Registration.

During the SSTARR Project, we will be conducting research related to our code. We will be working with an environmental consulting firm to research the best available science around how climate change is affecting our shorelines and sensitive areas. We will be researching what are the best methods for protecting our shorelines and sensitive areas in our code.

This project will culminate in the SSTARR Report, which will provide value-driven and research-based recommendations for a Shoreline and Sensitive Areas Code update. In the summer of 2025, there will be a SSTARR project symposium the SSTARR report will be presented to SITC staff and leadership.

Skagit County Vessel Turn-In Recycling Day

Port of Skagit End of July 2024

You will be noti ed of date and location after you have been pre-approved

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

It’s a FREE Vessel Turn-In event hosted by the Skagit Marine Resources Committee, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Skagit County, Port of Skagit, La Conner Maritime Services, Northwest Straits Commission, and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help prevent boats from becoming derelict or abandoned and to keep pollution out of our marine habitats.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Participation is open to anyone who is a WA resident and has proof of ownership or the legal authority to dispose of the vessel.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

1. Fill out DNR’s Vessel Turn-In application (see link at right) and get pre-approved BEFORE June 24th, 2024.

2. Email your completed application and photos of your vessel to: dvrp@dnr.wa.gov, include “Skagit Vessel Turn-In Event” in the subject line.

3. Prior approval is required for this event. Space will be limited and lled in the order applications are received and approved. We will accept vessels 34 ft or less in length. Vessels 35 ft or larger will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If you cannot drop off your vessel at the speci ed location, you are encouraged to apply and if approved, transport can be coordinated or DNR can add you to the list and coordinate alternative vessel turn-in options.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call 360-902-BOAT (2628) or Email: dvrp@dnr.wa.gov. Swinomish Tribal members in need of assistance can reach out to Catey Ritchie by email: critchie@swinomish.nsn.us , 360-708-3120, or Brett Lizotte, Swinomish Harbormaster, blizotte@swinomish.nsn.us , 360-708-3397.

REGISTER TODAY!

Download the Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) application: www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/aqr_vtip_ application_2023.pdf

Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) website: bit.ly/3qhmG5e

PARTNERS AND FUNDING

SIMILK BAY ESTUARY RESTORATION

The Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC) is working with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection, Swinomish Golf Links, the Swinomish Shellfish Company, and Skagit County to restore a 17 acre “pocket” estuary on Swinomish land at Similk Bay. The project will also restore a coastal stream that drains the Golf Links via a series of ditches and pipes.

The stream is named q iq elax ad in Lushootseed, meaning broken fence – the traditional name for the Similk Bay area.

Pocket estuary habitat is important for a significant subset or “life history type” of juvenile Chinook that migrate from the Skagit River every spring. This habitat provides young fish a safe harbor with limited predators, good food foraging opportunities, and beneficial physical conditions like temperature and low salinity that decrease stress on fish at this sensitive stage of their lives as they transition to salt water.

To accomplish this, a primary tidal channel 75 feet wide will be excavated through Satterlee Road, and a network of tidal channels will be excavated in the marsh north of the road and connected to the stream channel from the golf course.

The road and shellfish operation area will be raised to accommodate sea level rise, and an approximately 105foot bridge will be constructed over the primary channel. To accommodate tides and riparian plantings in the golf course the orientation of tees, fairways, and greens at holes 4, 5, and 6 will change slightly.

The golf course phase of construction is planned for this September, and SRSC hopes to construct the rest of the project in the summer through fall of 2025. Construction is expected to cost $6.7 million. SRSC secured $4.5 million from federal grants through NOAA, and is requesting $2.7 million through Washington State.

Below: Design overview schematic of the project

Current conditions

THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Taylor Rae Cayou, Tia Bailey, Ivory Damien, Savanna Edwards

Father Mel blesses the fishermen and women

Joe McCoy

Bettina Sylvester with her daughters Kialah and Paisley

Jaydin Clark

Chas James Zaiden Revey, Taven Revey

Josiane Sams prepares the water offerings

Swinomish Senator Rodney John

Glen Edwards Jr.

Swinomish Senator Bruce James Jr., Ronald Day Jr.

Valentino Villaluz, Fred Cayou

Garrett Wilbur, daughter Lennon, Lenora, Jonah and Anna Cook with Marvin Wilbur Sr.

Tracy James, James Bobb

Ryan Larsen prays with the Edwards Family

Elias Bailey approves of the frybread

Gabby Lon, Tyler, and baby Olina

Trish John with grandson Richard

Savanna Edwards, Ivory Damien, Tia Bailey and Taylor Rae Cayou

Marlo Quintasket, Caroline Ammons

Drea Gould, Melinda Edwards, Ryan Larsen, Stephanie Edwards, Kalona Revey, Janet Charles, Jenny Peters

Swinomish Fish and Game Sergeant, Dave Heenan and Officer Jesse Edwards

Swinomish Senator Barb James watches as her family passes by Joe Williams, Chas James

St Paul’s Catholic Church

Father Doug

STROKE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

SUBMITTED BY THE SWINOMISH MEDICAL CLINIC

During a stroke, every minute counts! Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that a stroke can cause. By knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke, you can take quick action and perhaps save a life—maybe even your own.

What are the signs of stroke?

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking , dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone else has any of these symptoms

How can you prevent a stroke?

You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health conditions you may have.

Healthy living

Many strokes could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with your health care team to control health conditions that raise your risk for stroke.

Choose healthy foods and drinks

• Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.

• High cholesterol and high blood pressure increase your chances of having a stroke.

Keep a healthy weight

• Overweight or obesity increases your risk for stroke. Get regular physical activity

Stay active

• Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• The surgeon general recommends 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity for adults each week, such as a brisk walk.

• Children and teens should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.

Don’t smoke

• Cigarette smoking greatly increases your chances of having a stroke. If you smoke, quitting will lower your risk. Talk to your doctor about medicines to help you quit.

Limit alcohol intake

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, women should have no more than one.

Control your medical conditions

Talk with your doctor about steps you can take to lower your risk for stroke. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you can take steps to lower your risk for stroke.

Check cholesterol

• Your doctor should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years.

Control blood pressure

• High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Talk to your health care team about how often you should check your levels. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a doctor’s office, or at a pharmacy.

• If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might prescribe medicine, suggest some changes in your lifestyle, or recommend that you choose foods with lower sodium (salt).

Control diabetes

• It is important for adults to be tested for diabetes.

• If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar in the normal range can reduce your risk of stroke.

Treat heart disease

• If you have certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), your health care team may recommend medical treatment or surgery.

• Taking your medications as prescribed and getting regular check-ups can help reduce your risk of stroke.

Take your medicine

• If you take medicine to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, taking the medication as prescribed will help reduce your risk of stroke.

• Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.

• Stopping your medicine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist can put you at a higher risk of having a stroke.

Swinomish Canoe Club

Lone Eagle II’s first paddle

SWINOMISH POLICE OFFICER SAVES

A LIFE AND DELIVERS A BABY

Swinomish Police Officer Brian Geer had an eventful couple of days earlier this year. In late January, he responded to a 911 call about a capsized kayaker in Skagit Bay. He sped to the scene, borrowed a kayak, and paddled about 200 yards to Steve Barker. Steve was holding on for his life in the water with the help of his girlfriend’s son, John. Geer tied a rope to their kayak and brought both men to safety. It was Geer’s first time in a kayak.

In another first, not even 12 hours earlier Officer Geer had been heading home after working late. He saw a car speeding and driving erratically, so he turned the lights on and pulled the vehicle over. “There’s a moment when the car is pulling over and you have to be ready for anything,” Geer said in an interview with King 5 News. A woman in the vehicle was in labor, and less than a minute later Geer had delivered a baby girl.

“It was a weird 10 to 12 hours, that’s for sure,” Geer said in the interview. “Sometimes it really is all in a day’s work. It really is.”

Source: king5.com/article/news/ local/officer-does-double-dutysaving-life-delivering-baby/28147df3087-271f-4621-bb2278b1d74f043c

Hailey Ruzicka, Sasalia McCraigie-Jack, and Jonny Joe show off their new shades

Noah Grossglass puts his glasses on the toy lion in the play area

High schoolers Lorena Edwards, Brent Bobb, and Katarina Edwards with Patient Care Coordinator Lauren Reynolds

Dental Therapist Asiah Gonzalez performs an exam

Swinomish Boys & Girls Club: Youth of the Month

Quentin Edwards

The Boys & Girls Club would like to congratulate Quentin Edwards as the April Youth of the Month. Quentin is 14 and a freshman at La Conner High School. Quentin loves the color green and playing soccer. Q’s favorite meal is lasagna, and in his free time you can find him reading. His favorite book is Fahrenheit 451. After Quentin graduates from college, he would like to find work in the field of environmental protection. Quentin was chosen as YOTM for his kindness, helpfulness and caring nature. If you see Quentin around, please congratulate him for this honor!

Damon Wolf John

Congratulations to Damon Wolf John, the Boys & Girls Club May Youth of the Month. Damon is 14 years old and in the 8th grade. Damon’s favorite food is pepperoni pizza, and his favorite color is red. His favorite superhero is Batman, but if he could have any super power he would want to be able to time travel. Damon likes to split his spare time between the Boys & Girls Club, gaming, and playing catch. Damon plans to be a youth worker at the gym this summer, and when he gets through school, would love for him to work full time. Damon was chosen as the YOTM because of his gentle spirit, kind heart, and willingness to try things. If you see Damon, please congratulate him on this honor!

qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

@qyuuqsNews