WARMEST HOLIDAY WISHES FROM THE SWINOMISH ARCHIVE | PG. 20
editor’s NOTE
With the days feeling shorter and the temperature dropping, it feels a lot like winter. In this issue, we feature some holiday jokes and a holiday icebreaker to do with a friend. Be sure to go down memory lane with the Swinomish Archive and take a look at past generations for some added Christmas cheer!
Have you noticed the construction happening at the former Dunlap log yard? A new salmon habitat restoration project is underway at doosdawhub Creek. Read more about it on PAGE 18. It’s king tide season, check out the dates and times of the upcoming king tides on PAGE 19.
During the Behavioral Health Department’s Mind Your Mental Health Fair on November 20, tribal departments set up information booths for community members to check out. The Behavioral Health Department also wrote some tips in an article about supporting your mental health during the holiday season, read them on PAGE 12.
Swinomish tribal members Nakiya Luna and Nakesha Edwards created Coast Salish salmon carvings for the Skagit PUD, check out their artwork display on PAGE 25.
The Boys & Girls Club introduces some of their staff and the December Youth of the Month – Ryan Larsen. They also asked the youth, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?” There are some great answers from them.
As we get closer to ending the year, remember to turn the leaf or so they say, and revitalize yourself for the new year ahead.
Happy holidays!
Caroline Ammons goliahlitza
Photo by Boys & Girls Club Photography Club member Angelina Jimmy
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 bal sha 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.
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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
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Website: swinomish-nsn.gov
@SwinomishSenate
qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.
Notice of Senate Candidate Certification
Senate Seat 1
Brian Wilbur
Eric Day
M.Brian Cladoosby
Fred Cayou
Senate Seat 2
Alana Quintasket, Incumbent
Holle Edwards
Anna Cook
Pursuant to STC 2-01.130, a PRIMARY ELECTION is required for SEATS 1 and 2
Primary Election - January 18, 2025
Pursuant to STC 2-01.230(A), the Swinomish Election Board shall certify the first and second place finishers for each Senate position subject to the PRIMARY ELECTION as candidates for the GENERAL ELECTION.
General Election - February 8, 2025
ATTENTION:
AFTER-HOURS
HOUSING & UTILITY
EMERGENCIES
Holiday Hours & Closures
MEDICAL CLINIC
• OPEN Mon-Fri. Dec. 20-Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• CLOSED December 24 and 25, and January 1
• After-hours call line: (360) 466-3167
SKIDMORE PHARMACY
Dec. 23: Regular hours/deliveries, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 24: Hours/deliveries 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 25 + 26: Closed
Dec. 27: Regular hours/deliveries, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed
DENTAL CLINIC
CLOSED Dec. 20-Jan. 2. Staff will check voicemails during closure and return calls to help triage dental emergencies. Call (360) 466-3900
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
CLOSED Dec. 20-Jan. 2. Phone messages will be checked during work hours. Callers will receive a response the same day. Call (360) 466-7375. Call 911 for emergencies, or the Suicide Hotline at 988.
SWINOMISH ADMINISTRATION
CLOSED Dec. 23-Jan. 2. All departments and programs will resume normal operations January 6, 2025.
WED. DEC. 11
Community Holiday Distribution, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Details this page THURS. DEC. 12
An Evening Tending Our Clam Garden, 7:30-10 p.m. @ Kukutali Island, Details PAGE 13 FRI. DEC. 13
Community Christmas Movie Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Boys & Girls Club, Details PAGE 9
Holiday Bazaar, 1-6 p.m. Social Services Bldg. SAT. DEC. 14
Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Social Services Bldg. SUN. DEC. 15
Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Social Services Bldg. TUES. DEC. 17
Senate Meeting, 9 a.m. @ Zoom or Senate Chamber Community Update Meeting: Housing Plan, 6 p.m. @ Zoom WED. DEC. 18
Holiday Bazaar, 4-8 p.m. Swinomish Casino & Lodge TUES. DEC. 24
Santa & the Grinch are Coming for Christmas Eve! @ 6 p.m. @ Boys & Girls Club, Details PAGE 9
SWINOMISH SEEKING $20 MILLION
– WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
Our Tribe is seeking $20 million in funding through the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program. If awarded, one major project that would be funded includes weatherization and energy e iciency upgrades for ALL tribal member households on the reservation, regardless of income.
Help us fine tune the application by completing the survey by December 17. Please visit: sitcgov.us/2024CommunitySurvey
Ra le winners announced December 18 for those who enter!
HALLOWEEN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
Breana Nguyen gives candy to Princess Tiana (Zuri Kerrin)
Daniel Rapada Cody, LeCree-Sha, and Suzanna as Cruella Devil and her dalmatians
Logan James Kasey, Ophelia, and Courtney Squiemphen as Sully, Boo, and Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.
Aurora Cayou as T-Bo from iCarly
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SUPPORTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
SWINOMISH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Late November to late December is the Moon to Put Your Paddles Away. This moon signals a time to move indoors for the coming winter season. During the winter moons, tools, baskets and other items are constructed.
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be a time of stress or trigger us into states of anxiety, shame, loneliness, grief, and sadness.
Some people are impacted by seasonal affective disorder, a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression triggered by seasonal changes as the days get shorter. While this form of depression often improves in the spring and summer, it can be helpful to talk to your health care professional and/or seek out spiritual cultural healing and teachings.
Tips to help during this season
Pay attention to your feelings. Remember that it is okay to feel unhappy during the holidays. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.
Develop a plan for when you are feeling stressed, sad, or lonely. This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, listening to music, or watching a favorite movie. Having a plan ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable. Cultural traditions, activities, and healing have long helped people during these times. Beading, weaving, powwow, prayer, stories, songs, gathering seasonal foods and storing for winter nurture the spirit, mind, and body.
Connect with community and with the land. If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays look to gatherings, meals, and other community activities. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family, friends, and other helpers as well.
Support others. During this time of year feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. This includes elders or others who are isolated, vulnerable, or mobility challenged. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.
Set limits and boundaries. It’s OK to say no. Give yourself compassion. Practice daily self-care. Stay hydrated. Eat healthy meals. And get your rest, sleep is important.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness can reduce the risk of substance use.
Know when to seek help. If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available. Below are free and confidential resources that can connect you with effective treatment and support.
You are not alone. Here’s who you can call if you need immediate help:
24-HOUR toll-free crisis hotline: 1 (800) 584-3578 and free Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams.
SAMHAS’S National Helpline: 1 (800) 622-HELP (4357)
988: Text or call 24/7 to support those thinking about suicide, concerned about substance use, worried about a loved one, in need of emotional support, and more.
Extension 1 is the Veterans Crisis Line, 2 for support in Spanish, 3 for the LGBTQ1+ Youth Line, and 4 for the Native and Strong Lifeline. For all other callers, stay on the line or dial 0 to be connected to a crisis counselor.
Swinomish Behavioral Health is dedicated to supporting individual, family, and community healing and growth, providing high-quality, accessible, and culturallyappropriate resources and services for the Swinomish Tribal Community.
Updates from the Community Environmental Health Program
Food and medicine for the soul: Community Environmental Health has been busy this fall processing the summer harvest. Our department has worked hard researching Swinomish U&A, and has spent hours exploring areas where native plant foods and medicines are harvestable. We have located many places with easy access for our community. Our “Thursday Harvest Day” will continue through the fall and into winter to bring back plants for community use.
Harvesting: In November we harvested rosehips for our cranberry rosehips sauce, as part of our elders traditional lunch gift giveaway. Over the summer we harvested cedar and sage to dry, and have been working on cedar sage Epsom salts soak – an antifungal and antibacterial, also good for sore muscles. The blue elderberry was a favorite this year and we went searching for it many times. Thanks to Skagit River Systems Cooperative (SRSC), we now have some growing in the 13 Moons Garden for future harvesting.
All of our teas, medicines, preserves, and goods are at the 13 Moons Garden Apothecary located in the Swinomish Senior Center.
Garden: Joe Quintasket has been busy preparing the garden beds for the winter. He pulled all of our fall harvest this month and planted some of our fall bulbs. He also went with SRSC to the Skagit River where he planted wapato, knee deep in the mud. Joe will be cooking some of the wapato that they donated for the elders traditional lunch, and burying some to be preserved through the winter.
Education: CEHP is continuing the 13 Moons lessons with the pre-school and daycare. The Boys & Girls Club will continue to participate in cultural events, including maintaining our Swinomish clam garden in December.
Coming up!
December 7 – Medicine of the Trees: Evergreen trees and cedar wreaths
December 12 – Swinomish clam garden
December 14 – Madrona and devils club
December 18 – Christmas Gifts: Cedar bath soaks, lavender rice bags, medicinal salves and teas
Produce Wednesday & elder delivery: CEHP continues to provide fresh produce every Wednesday to the stands located at the preschool, daycare, Boys & Girls Club, Medical Clinic, Fitness Center, Senior Center, and Northwest Indian College. We also deliver to elder homes.
If you would like to be added to our elder delivery list, or have any questions about participating in harvesting activities or workshops, please contact Beth Willup: bwillup@swinomish.nsn.us or (360) 708-8144
Blue elderberry
CEHP doing 13 Moons lessons with the preschool and day care
Join Swinomish Workforce Development and the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship for a FREE course that will help you quickly “kick the tires” on your business idea!
2 Four-Hour Sessions
Lunch Provided! Jan. 18+25, 10am–2:30pm
Questions? (360) 961-0408 Register: sitcgov.us/SmallBusiness
Photo by Boys & Girls Club Photography Club member Alexi Perry
Climate Change Adaption Strategies for Shellfish Strategy Two: Reduce Non-Climate Stressors
LINDY HUNTER, FISHERIES TECHNICIAN
In the last qyuuqs News issue we delved into the first strategy of this plan, unpacking what it means for Swinomish to attempt to preserve intact ecosystems. Below, we dive into a deeper understanding of the second strategy, reducing non-climate stressors, and highlight ways that tribal members can take part.
In the face of climate change, stressors surround our marine resources. Fortunately, some of them can be reduced though monitoring, preparation, and responsible management. Runoff from western farming practices, industry, and roadways dump excess nutrients and toxic pollutants into our waterways and burden our coastal communities with avoidable stress.
Improper harvesting can also be stressful on marine communities; the amount taken, seasonal timing, and harvest methods can have huge impacts on resources populations. Monitoring these risks and having a plan and resources in place to deal with them are central goals of strategy two.
Responsible ancient and modern shellfish and farming practices can be used to work towards the goals of strategy two. Using bycatch limiting fishing practices, like 100% cotton rot cords on crab pots, can help Swinomish move closer to harvest sustainability. Tending beaches by turning the beach over, subsistence clam harvest, and adding shell to tidelands are ways that we can improve the available habitat for clams and oysters.
Strategy 2: Reduce Non-Climate Stressors
Goal 1: Reduce Nutrient Loading
Actions
‣ Increase monitoring of nutrients and harmful algal blooms
‣ Enhance bivalve e.g., clams, and oyster populations in low oxygen, high nutrient input areas
‣ Encourage Indigenous and western sustainable farming and agricultural practices
Healthy, abundant populations of these filter feeders can help consume excess nutrients from the water before those additions cause stressful, low oxygen or toxic situations. Applying more regenerative farming practices can also help reduce nutrient and pesticide inputs into the waterways, making better environmental conditions for both human and non-human communities.
As a final part of strategy two, Swinomish is utilizing the best available science and modern technology to help us chart a course through areas of uncertainty. Swinomish Fisheries continues to use sensitive monitoring equipment to learn more about our local waterways, identify environmental stressors, and fill in knowledge gaps surrounding sustainable harvest management.
Life is full of stress and uncertainty, that’s not going anywhere; but it is also full of joy, mystery, excitement, learning and love and is well worth fighting for. As we pick our battles lets take some deep breaths and reduce the avoidable stress on us and the planet. We are all in this together.
Goal 2: Monitor Toxic Pollutions
Actions
‣ Increase local monitoring of toxic pollutants
‣ Ensure oil spill response resources are sufficient, plans are current, and execution is efficient
Goal 3: Promote Sustainable Harvest
Actions
‣ Restore ancient Indigenous shellfish mariculture practices
‣ Use best available science to fill research gaps and better inform sustainable harvest management policies
‣ Reduce fisheries related bycatch through research and outreach
BURNING DRY WOOD FOR CLEAN AIR
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
High pressure weather systems are becoming more common during winter in our region. These systems often occur with cold air and clear skies. Normally, our winters are wet and mild; clouds which bring our rainy weather act like a blanket keeping the heat in when the sun sets. When the skies are clear the ground cools quickly at night, which in turn makes the air in direct contact with the ground even colder. This is called an inversion, when the ground air is cooler than the air above. When an inversion happens, pollutants get trapped in the cold, dense air near the surface, which can impact our air quality.
In our region we have another ingredient that makes these inversions even more intense: the mountains. When air at the top of the mountains sinks towards the surface, it gets warmer and creates a sort of cap or lid over the cold layer at the surface. Since the warmer air cannot penetrate the dense cold air below it, there is very little wind or mixing between the two layers. This stronger inversion is referred to as a stagnation event, because there is low wind. Now, in addition to pollutants being trapped at the surface, they also don’t leave. This builds up over time causing worse and worse air quality.
What are winter sources of air pollution?
Smoke from wood burning is one of our main sources of air pollution in winter. Firewood, particularly unseasoned or wet wood, releases higher amounts of smoke when burned.
Wood smoke consists of fine particles and a mixture of gases like benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The fine particles in wood smoke can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues; including worsening asthma symptoms, triggering heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure. Burning seasoned firewood reduces wood smoke pollution, and helps keep our air quality good for the health and safety of our community and environment.
How to know if your firewood is seasoned?
Seasoned firewood is wood with less than 20% moisture content. Seasoned wood has been either air-dried for about six months or kiln dried to achieve this lowmoisture content.
If you don’t know the source of your firewood, or how it has been treated, there are a few visual indicators if firewood is seasoned. Seasoned firewood is lighter in weight, duller in color, has loose bark, is easier to split, and has deep radial cracks. A low-cost moisture meter is a quick way to test the moisture content of your firewood, and ensure that it is seasoned and ready to burn.
Burning seasoned wood has many benefits, besides producing less smoke and having less of a negative impact on air quality. These benefits include:
‣ Easier to start, build, and burn hot fires
‣ Less wood provides the same amount of heat output
‣ Less creosote build-up, reducing the risk of chimney fires
How you store your firewood is an important step in keeping it dry or seasoning it before burning. Wood should be stored raised off the ground, covered to keep rain off of it, and with open sides to allow for air flow to help remove moisture. We also recommend storing wood at least 20 feet away from your home due to increasing wildfire risk in our region as well as pest prevention.
Doosdawhub Restoration
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
A new salmon habitat restoration project is underway along the Swinomish Channel at Doosdawhub Creek! This site, now known as Doosdawhub, was named by the Cultural Committee after the original allottee. This project restores estuarine marsh at the northern end of the former Dunlap log yard. This habitat is critical for juvenile Chinook salmon and other native salmon species traveling from the Skagit River to Padilla Bay and the ocean.
Skagit River Chinook salmon are currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and habitat loss is one of the biggest causes of decline. Tidal marsh habitat is an important ‘nursery’ habitat for juvenile salmon passing out of the Skagit River delta. However, an estimated 73% of tidal marshes have been lost in this area since the 1860s. This is especially true along the Swinomish Channel, where juvenile salmon exiting the north fork of the Skagit River migrate on their way to the ocean. Currently, there is not enough estuary habitat to support enough juvenile fish for populations to recover. The project will restore 4.9 acres of historic marsh and reconnect 1.5 acres of remnant marsh and Doosdawhub Creek along the channel edge, creating important resting and rearing habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon. The restoration of estuarine tidal marshes along the Swinomish Channel provides a safe transition place for growth and adaption before traveling to the open ocean, and helps to ensure that salmon stocks are available for treaty fishing.
Skagit River System Cooperative has been leading the restoration project in partnership with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection. The project removed 55,000 cubic yards of fill material that was previously placed at the site and cutting off tidal flow. Fill removal began in October, and took a several weeks to complete.
A king tide is a non-scienti c term used to describe exceptionally high tides. They occur when the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun creates the strongest gravitational pull, often happening during a new or full moon when the moon is closest to Earth (perigee).
WHAT IS A KING TIDE? IMPACTS
King tides can cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas, particularly when combined with storm surges. Whether on roadways or anywhere else, do not drive into or enter flood waters. King tides can also contribute to storm surge, as well as erosion, saltwater intrusion into agricultural areas, home and infrastructure damage, and general disrup tion to daily living.
IMPLICATIONS
King tides are a preview of what higher sea levels will look like in the future. As the planet adapts to climate change, the tides we see during king tides today could become the new normal.
WHEN CAN WE EXPECT KING TIDES HERE?
Nov 16 (5:49AM)
Nov 17 (6:42AM)
Nov18 (7:36AM) Nov 19 (8:30AM)
Dec 16 (6:38AM)
Dec 17 (7:24AM)
Dec 18 (8:09AM)
Jan 1 (7:08AM) Jan 2 (7:44AM)
Jan 3 (8:19AM)
Jan 4 (8:53AM) Jan 13 (5:42AM)
Jan 14 (6:21AM) Jan 15 (6:58AM) Jan 16 (7:32AM) Jan 30 (6:31AM) Jan 31 (7:02AM) Feb 1 (7:32AM)
WARMEST HOLIDAY WISHES FROM THE SWINOMISH ARCHIVE
Christmas has always been a time of joy and togetherness for the Swinomish people. The spirit of "loving, caring, and sharing," as expressed by our late elder Chester Cayou Sr., shines through in our annual holiday traditions. From goodie bags, and Christmas gifts to holiday programs and other special gatherings, these practices reflect our community’s rich heritage and love.
This year, and every year, we fondly remember our ancestors who have passed these traditions down to us. We hope that you enjoy these glimpses of our past holiday celebrations.
Want to see more? Our collection includes many other photos and newspaper articles. Feel free to reach out or visit us anytime.
Happy holidays! Krista Hamburg & Scottie Miller
December 1987
L-R: Bob Joe Sr., Susan Wilbur, Brian Cladoosby, and Chester Cayou Sr. at Christmas Program in Social Services Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 24, 1981
L-R: Rodney John Jr., Nathan John, Bobby Wilson, and Henry Cayou
Skagit Valley Herald Article Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 1989
Back L-R: Katie Bassford and Jason Topaum. Front L-R: John Dan Jr., Brad Joe, Lorna Dan, John Wilbur, Cheri Wilbur, Christopher Damien and Walter Clark Preschool Photo Collection Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 23, 1954
Puget Sound Mail Article Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 1953
Christmas Program
Song List
Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 25, 1969
Puget Sound Mail Article
Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
December 1988
Christmas Tree in Swinomish
Social Service Building
Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
Swinomish Members Nakiya Luna and Nakesha
Edwards
Present Their Carvings to the Skagit PUD
NOVEMBER
21, 2024
Nakiya Luna and Nakesha Edwards present four salmon carvings to Skagit PUD for their new building
Nakiya (Kalea) and Nakesha (Nani)
How Well Does Your Friend Know Your Holiday Habits?
What you will need: The questions below and two different color pens.
Instructions:
‣ Give these questions to a friend with one of the pens. Ask them, what would I answer? Please underline.
‣ Then, circle your answer using the other pen. How well does your friend know you during the holidays?
1) Tree up before Thanksgiving or after Thanksgiving?
2) Real tree or fake tree?
3) Star or angel?
4) Snowmen or snow angels?
5) Mittens or gloves?
6) Socks or sweaters?
7) Unwrapping gifts on Xmas Eve or Xmas morning?
8) Christmas or New Years?
9) Snoop for presents or be surprised?
10) Gift wrap or gift bags?
11) Homemade gifts or store-bought gifts?
12) Finish shopping early or finish shopping last minute?
13) Indoor Xmas lights or outdoor Xmas lights?
14) Eggnog or hot chocolate?
15) Cozy sweaters or pajamas?
16) Rudolph or Frosty?
17) Wreaths or stockings?
18) Santa hats or reindeer antler headbands?
19) Ugly sweater party or Christmas party?
20) Gift cards or cash?
21) Gingerbread houses or gingerbread men?
22) Peppermint or gingerbread?
23) Candy canes or chocolates?
24) Ice skating or snowball fights?
25) Secret Santa or White Elephant Exchange?
26) Shop in store or shop online?
Source: teambuilding.com/blog/christmas-icebreakers
HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS JOKES
1) What did the stamp say to the Christmas card?
Stick with me and we’ll go places
2) What did the judge say to the angry advent calendar?
Your days are numbered!
3) What music do Santa’s elves like best?
Wrap music!
4) What should you give your parents at Christmas?
A list of what you want
5) What falls but never gets hurt?
Snow
6) Why did the Christmas tree go to the barber?
It needed to be trimmed
7) What is every parent’s favorite Christmas carol?
Silent Night
8) What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the regular alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has noel
9) What’s a Christmas tree’s favorite candy?
Orna-mints
10) Which reindeer always gets sent to the principal’s office?
Rude-olf
11) What do grouchy sheep say during the holidays?
Baaaaaa humbug!
12) Why did Santa Claus get a parking ticket on Christmas Eve?
He left his sleigh in the snow parking zone
13) What do you call a cat sitting on the beach on Christmas Eve?
Sandy Claws
14) How does the snow globe feel this year?
A little shaken
15) What do you call Santa when he stops moving?
Santa Pause
16) Where does Santa keep all of his money?
At the local snow bank
17) How does Rudolph know when Christmas is?
He refers to his calen-deer
18) What do you call a greedy elf?
Elfish
19) What’s the weather report every Christmas Eve?
There’s a 100% chance of reindeer!
20) Why are Christmas trees so bad at knitting?
They drop all of their needles
Source: rd.com/list/christmas-jokes-for-kids/
Photo by Boys & Girls Club Photography Club member Zoey Squiemphen
Brian and Trish Wilbur Honored With National Sportsmanship Award
Brian and Trish Wilbur were honored in November with the Al Salazar Award for Sportsmanship at the North American Shuffleboard Championships. In addition to receiving this award, the top player in the country asked them to play on his 4-man team at the Championships – their team won the Pro Division 4-person event. Brian shared that “It was a great memory and experience for us.”
Shuffleboard is a game that has been around since 15th century England. While the game has changed since then, it still takes place on a long, smooth surface, and players take turns to slide their weights into a scoring area at the opposite end while trying to prevent their opponents from scoring. Brian said, “Shuffleboard is a very fun game that mixes strategy and eye-hand coordination to deliver a weight down the board that can score 1 to 4 points.” There are different variations including a floor version, and variations with different scoring rules. The popularity of shuffleboard has changed over time but is currently experiencing a revival that began in the 1990s.
How long have you been playing, and how did you get involved?
We started playing in local leagues in Skagit County in 2004, but didn’t get really serious about it until 2016 when we started playing in tournaments. We won our first tournament in Oregon in 2016 and then our first national tournament in Reno in 2016, from then on, we were hooked.
My uncle Marvin Wilbur introduced us to the game in 2004 and taught us how to play on tables located in Burlington and Edison.
Where are your favorite places to play?
Locally, we like to play at the Old Edison Inn and the Burlington Eagles Club. On the road, our favorite places would be in Arizona and Reno. We have seen some amazing historical sites after the tournament when we go to Arizona.
Do you play competitively often?
We play almost exclusively in competitive formats. We run small tournaments twice a week locally, and about once a month with travel to Shelton where we compete in different tournament formats against a broader base of players. Formats could be singles, doubles (bring a partner or draw a partner) or draw team events.
About four or five times a year we travel to tournaments hosted in other states and compete against a whole range players with different levels of skill. We have competed in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Nevada, and Canada.
Have you played at the championships before?
We have played at the Reno Championships since 2015, held in November each year. We’ve missed maybe two years. In that time Trish and I have won two championships together, one in Division II Doubles and one this year in a Pro Division 4-person team event, and I won one championship with another player in Division I Doubles. We’ve also both had high finishes in other events including a 6-man team event, singles and AB draw events in Reno and other tournaments around the country. We are the only husband and wife team to win a Championship in Reno’s 34-year history.
The four-person winning team: Brian Wilbur, Trisha Wilbur, Mike Taylor, and Heather Harris. Mike, the highest rated player in the country, is the pro player who assembled the team.
“He called us in September and asked if we were on a team. We said 'not yet' and he asked if we wanted to play with him. It was kind of a no-brainer.”
One of Trish’s most memorable tournaments was at a women’s tournament in Downey, California in 2018. She took first in Singles, first in Doubles, first in the ABC draw and second in the AB draw. We won a Pro Division Championship in Arizona in 2024, a Division I Championship in Exeter, California in 2023 and a Championship in an Open Doubles event in Medford, Oregon in 2024. Trish also won a Championship in Detroit, Michigan at a Women’s Tournament in 2023 where she played with a Pro player from California.
What is your favorite thing about playing shuffleboard?
My favorite thing about playing shuffleboard is the competition and friendships that we have developed with people across the country. Every tournament is like a family reunion.
About the Al Salazar Sportsmanship Award
Al Salazar was a player out of Arizona. Many considered him to be one of the humblest, most easy-going players in the sport. He never got mad, was very courteous, and a good coach to his team players. He was a great sportsman to his competitors and gracious whether winning or losing. He personified “Friendship Through Competition”. He passed away two years ago and John McDermott, one of the sports leading sponsors and the director of the Reno tournament (the biggest and longest running tournament in the sport) created an award to honor players who demonstrated adherence to the same principles as Al Salazar. Each year John honors one man and one woman, it was by coincidence that we happened to be married and John wanted to give the award to us both.
We were at a tournament in Dallas, Texas, over New Years Eve, 2023-2024 when John approached us and asked if we would consider accepting the Al Salazar award in Reno in November of this year. We kind of looked at each other, shocked and not really knowing what to say. He told us to take a little time to think about it, but he wanted to announce it at the beginning of this tournament. We looked at each other and said “did he just ask us if we wanted to accept the Al Salazar award?” We couldn’t believe it, of course we did, but were shocked. We didn’t waste too much more time and told him we would be honored to accept it. It was a very humbling experience and we are honored and excited to receive it. Every year at this National Tournament John gives away two, now three, awards and we never thought we would be sitting up there one day.
How can other people learn more about shuffleboard and how to play, and do you have any advice for newcomers? We typically play at the Old Edison Inn on Wednesday nights, and are more than willing to talk to anyone about the game and give pointers on how to play. There are many instructional videos on YouTube, and many matches featuring pros and amateurs playing at venues across the country.
A couple of other players here at Swinomish are Charlie Edwards and Greg “Hubba” Edwards. Both of them have played in the local leagues and are great resources to the game. Maybe someday the Boys & Girls Club can get a shuffleboard table.
One old time pro used to say shuffleboard is a chess game with good eye-hand coordination. Go out with friends and have fun through friendly competition. If you want to play competitively you have to put in the work and the results will come.
Mind Your Mental Health Fair
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Dakota Johns-Leos, Breyden George, Nehemiah Cassimere
No Wrong Door
DIDGWALIC WELLNESS CENTER & SWINOMISH WELLNESS PROGRAM
Beginning December 12, there will be an on-site healthcare provider at the Swinomish Wellness Program on Thursday afternoons from 12-3:30 p.m. The provider is available to prescribe Suboxone for tribal members and their families only. Suboxone prescriptions will be sent to your chosen pharmacy for convenient pickup.
Tribal members requesting methadone can go to Swinomish Wellness between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wellness staff will assist you in obtaining methadone services, including arranging transportation to didgwalic. All counseling services for either Swinomish Wellness or didgwalic can be completed at Swinomish Wellness.
There is no wrong door to addiction treatment.
Please visit Swinomish Wellness or didgwalic for help. Our goal is to provide individualized treatment and evaluation. Call (360) 466.1024 for further information.
SENIOR CENTER: ELDERS ON THE GO
Puyallup Luncheon Motown Vibe 60's
Front row left to right: Carol Keel, Janet Charles, Patricia Solomon
Back row left to right: Nancy Wilbur, Lona Wilbur, Margie Joe, Vernitta Lewis
Vernon and Margie Joe at the Puyallup Luncheon
Cynthia O'rock, Lori Dimond on Halloween
Shirley Cassimere first time voting in years
Elders Annual 12/11
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
WA
Doors 10am + Buffet 11:30am
BINGO WITH PRIZES
Open to Swinomish and community resident elders 55+ and their spouses
*No home meal delivery this day
The Boys & Girls Club
Meet the Staff
Rickey Richards
Rickey has been a youth development professional for the Boys & Girls Club since August of this year. His favorite color is black and he loves himself some good seafood. When he is jamming to music, he prefers jazz. His animal of choice is a dog. Rickey enjoys spending time at the beach and his favorite season is winter. When choosing a movie to watch his go to is “Scarface,” and if he had to pick a favorite sport it would be wrestling. Some of Rickey’s favorite hobbies are coaching and cooking. A fun fact about Rickey is that he is the tallest in his family. When he grows up, he wants to be “an old man.”
Alex Stewart
Alex joined the Boys & Girls Club crew as a youth development professional this past summer. His favorite food is pad thai, and he loves to listen to “divorced dad rock.” He is a huge sports fan and loves basketball. Alex’s favorite color is royal blue, and his preferred season is fall. His favorite animal is a bear and all-time favorite movie is “Django.” Some of Alex’s hobbies include collecting baseball cards and playing basketball. When asked what a fun fact about himself is, he said “I was my mom’s favorite child.” When Alex grows up he says he wants to be “King Griffey Jr.”
December Youth of the Month
Ryan Larsen
Ryan Larsen is our December youth of the month. Ryan is 9 years old and in the fourth grade. Her favorite color is red or purple. Ryan's all-time favorite food is her Auntie Cathi's goulash. She loves watching “Saved by the Bell” and “Bee Movie,” and her favorite music is by Taylor Swift. Ryan's hobbies are finger knitting, and she started beading three months ago. Ryan wants to go to college to become a doctor or a nurse because she loves helping people. She is currently our Miss Little Swinomish and loves to go to Culture Night and Canoe Club. Ryan has been selected as our youth of the month for her caring nature, willingness to always help others, and her natural ability to lead.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
December Clubs + Activities
‣ Sewing Club with Lynn Beebe - Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
‣ Snack making with Michelle Skidmore - Tuesdays
‣ Photography Club with Katie Bassford - December 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
‣ Teen Night - December 13, 14, and 21
‣ Cooking Club with Rickey - December 4, 11, and 18
Indica Torres - Alaska Vivian Tom - Hawai’i Jeremy (JC) Cayou - Great Wolf Lodge Ava Day-Sams - Disneyland
Peyton Charles-Bueno - The Zoo Caylen Bobb - Jungle Play Land Jayde Torres - Fiji Islands Jozlynn LaPointe - London
Jaxson Fornsby-Cook - Paris
T’anna Yakanak - New York Angus Poprycz - Africa
Boys & Girls Club staff attend the Mind Your Mental Health Fair
BASKETBALL
La Conner Middle School boys basketball
Photo by Boys & Girls Club
Photography Club member Jordynn Washington
For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/humanresources HUMAN RESOURCES
didgwalic.com
For the latest open positions, please visit: didgwalic.com swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources
For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/
swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/
qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
Please submit articles, photos, announcements and celebrations to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
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