qyuuqs News July 2025 by Swinomish qyuuqs News

Oysters & The La Conner Town Lot | PG. 20

editor’s NOTE

In addition to summertime events and happenings, we have “all things graduation” covered in this issue! We are celebrating the first-ever graduating class of the dəxʷx ayəbus SVC Dental Therapy Program, the SWEEC moving-up ceremony, La Conner School District’s eightgrade promotion and high school graduation, and our very own Swinomish Education Picnic and Cedar Cap Ceremony.

Back in April, Swinomish Public Health asked community members to participate in a health survey – and 308 of you responded! A summary of the top five findings is on page 5.

The Tribe recently received grant funding to implement updates to the Swinomish Shorelines and Sensitive Areas (SSA) Code, STC 19-04, which regulates what

happens on our shorelines and in sensitive areas across the reservation. You can be part of the change by reading the article about it on page 18 and then attending the SSA forum hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection in September (ad, page 19).

Starting on page 20, From the Tribal Archive: Swinomish Oysters and the La Conner Town Lot features an interesting historical look at the Swinomish Shellfish Company.

Let tribal youth member Ruby swalcelitca Billy inspire you through her volunteerism in the article True Community Champion on page 29.

We hope you enjoy the July qyuuqs News! I will close with a culturally relevant thought from Swinomish Behavioral Health’s article submission about storytelling – “We are all worthy of being heard. Through storytelling, we begin to heal. Through healing, our stories continue.”

Please submit your story ideas, articles, photographs, announcements, and celebrations to qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us. We appreciate every community contribution we receive!

TRIBAL SENATE

ya lə ka but

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

ya qua l us

Brian Porter, Vice Chairman (360) 840-4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us

kuts bat s t

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

sa-bal-sha-g d

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

nu-was-k -luk

Fred Cayou (360) 708-2401 | fcayou@swinomish.nsn.us

siwəlcəʔ

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

spi sta yup tun

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

kaniʔtəd

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

qws stania

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

taləq talə II

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

y llakab l

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

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Jordan Ekdahl, Graphic Designer

communications@swinomish.nsn.us

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul

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ECOLOGY DECLARES DROUGHT

EMERGENCY IN 19 WATERSHEDS

WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY

June 5, 2025 ― The Washington Department of Ecology is expanding the drought emergency declared in April to include areas in the North and Central Cascade Mountains and parts of the Puget Sound area.

Since the initial declaration, conditions in all of Whatcom and Skagit counties, and portions of Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanagan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson and Ferry counties have deteriorated due to early and rapid snowmelt, combined with unusually dry April and May weather.

The warmer-than-normal April also led to rapid snowmelt – two to four weeks earlier than normal across the Central and North Cascades. This means that less water will be available in summer and early fall when it’s needed most for farms and fish.

“With an especially early spring snowmelt, we saw the need to take action to protect water supplies for the hot months ahead,” said Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller.

“Expanding our drought declaration will make more of our state eligible for tools and funding to deal with drought impacts, and help us protect Washington’s farmers, fish and the communities that depend on snowmelt for their water supplies.”

In Washington, drought is declared when there is less than 75% of normal water supply and there is the risk of undue hardship or impacts on water users and the environment. Both the hardship and water supply conditions were met in 19 watersheds – Nooksack, Lower Skagit-Samish, Upper Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Cedar-Sammamish, Duwamish-Green, Puyallup-White, Nisqually, ChambersClover, Elwha-Dungeness, Methow, Okanogan, Chelan, Wenatchee, Entiat, Nespelem, Sanpoil, and Kettle.

Read the full news release at sitcgov.us/drought

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

JULY 16

Community Update Meeting: Domestic Violence + Workforce Development, 6 p.m. Senate Chamber or Zoom

JULY 17

Boys & Girls Club Golf Fundraiser

JULY 26

Swinomish Landing

JULY 31

Paddle to Elwha - Landing

AUGUST 1-5

Paddle to Elwha - Protocol and Celebration

AUGUST 5

National Night Out AUGUST 6

March Against Addiction

AUGUST 7-10

Swinomish Days

AUGUST 13

Back-To-School Bash

EVA ISABELLE PAUL

Eva Paul was born on February 10, 1987, in Anacortes, Washington. She was Swinomish, Colville, and an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. Raised on the Swinomish Reservation and deeply connected to her Yakama roots. Eva’s life was shaped by the land, the water, and the love of her life. She passed away on May 28, 2025.

Eva was a radiant presence – funny, beautiful, and full of sharp, quiet brilliance. She could light up a room with her laughter, and her sense of humor was one of her truest gifts. She was an artist through and through, creating stunning beadwork that reflected her spirit, her culture, and her deep connection to her ancestors. A skilled and patient teacher, Eva shared he knowledge with others, passing on not just technique, but pride and care.

She found joy in the everyday – going on walks, cooking meals for those she loved, browsing store isles while shopping, and spending quiet hours at the public library with her children. She especially loved teaching beading and designing her own beadwork patterns, creating pieces that carried stories and care in every stitch. Her creativity was a constant thread in her life, and something she generously offered to others.

Eva was a devoted mother of six, and there was no love in her life stronger than the love she held for her children. She cared for them fiercely and wholeheartedly. Her strength lived in the way she raised them – with gentleness, play, and an unwavering sense of protection.

She loved being outdoors – walking, watching, feeling the land beneath her feet. She especially loved picking berries and digging roots, acts that connected her to

the seasons, the land, and the teachings passed down through generations. Her love for the Earth was quiet and enduring, like her spirit.

That connection to the land began early, playing outside on the Swinomish Rez with her cousins, laughing under open skies and building memories that would last a lifetime. She enjoyed spending time with her aunties and uncles, often gathering with family for meals filled with warmth, love and laughter.

She was deeply bonded with her sister Lushy and held her relationships with her family close to her heart. Her grandfather Alex affectionately called her Evening Star –a name that speaks to the light she carried and the quiet beauty she brought to those around her.

Eva’s spirit was strong, her love was fierce, and her presence was unforgettable. She lives on in her children, in the beadwork she created and taught, in the berries she picked, the roots she dug, and the land she loved, and in every heart she touched just by being herself.

Preceded in death by: Alex & Twyla Paul, Alex Paul Sr., Isabelle Alexander Yakanak, Johnny Jim, Matilda Stahi Jim, Karen Paul, Kathy Paul, Lillie Yallup, Leona Jim, Diretha Jim, Maryann Jim, Donna Jim, George Paul, Johnny Jim.

Survived by: Lushy Paul, Michael Paul, children Twyla, Elizabeth Paul, Alex Paul III, Kevin & Pat Paul, Kenny & Jeanne Paul, Kimberly Anderson, Greg Yakanak, Penny Jim, Geraldine Jim.

MELISSA RENEE EDWARDS MILLER

CIS-TO-WHIL

A matriarch in every sense, Melissa Renee Edwards Miller poured her soul into her family. Her love knew no limits – her home always open, her strengthen a pillar for all, and a gift for conversation. A balance of grit and gab, you could always count on Melissa to know everyone, regardless of where she was, walking in the room with her VIP status.

Born in Anacortes, Washington on May 31, 1973, Melissa grew up on the Swinomish Indian Reservation. She graduated from La Conner High School in 1991. Of all of her achievements in life, none meant more to her than being a mom to Scottie, Kennedy, and Maddy. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children and considered them her proudest accomplishment. Melissa’s fondest memories were of her and her dad on the boat.

Melissa was a hustler – not just in the way she worked, but in how she moved through the world: resilient, resourceful, and unstoppable. Generosity doesn’t even begin to encompass her larger than life heart. She made sure that every kid on the sports team had the right equipment, rides to the games, food in their belly’s, and a fan in the stands. Whether on the boat, in the sports stands, winning at the casino, or just driving around the rez with Maverick, Melissa made sure she did everything with style, courage, and unmatched tenacity.

When she wasn’t supporting kids, Melissa enjoyed getting her nails done, baking, dancing, crafting, hosting holiday

parties, being creative, going to the beach, and most of all a good trucker hat. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every soul she inspired, and every cultural piece, such as drums, cedar hats, necklaces, carvings, etc. she brought into her home.

She was one of one. And we are forever grateful she was ours.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman – a devoted mother, relentless hustler, fearless cultural leader, and unwavering advocate for all – Melissa Renee Edwards Miller. On June 27, 2025, our lives were changed when Melissa made her journey to be with the ancestors. She is survived by her parents Glen and Nancy Edwards; children Scottie, Kennedy (Quan), Maddy Miller; their dad Scott Miller; siblings Alethia (Jerome) Edwards, Glen Edwards Jr., and Russell (Jessica) Edwards; spouse Rob George Jr; loyal canine companion Maverick; and many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Melissa is preceded in death by great grandma Oregon, son Chase Cuny; nephew Drake Edwards; paternal grandparents Russell and Alfreda Edwards; maternal grandparents Robert and Arlene Nelson; aunties Susan Wilbur, Carolyn, Ida, and Sharon Edwards; uncles Louie, Dave, and Russell Edwards; cousins Jessica McDonald, Tony and Amy Edwards; and beloved pets Drake, Molly, Missy, and Benny.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

College

Marlys Baker

Kaliana Bill

Kenneth Cayou

Sarah Cook

High School

Josephina Adams

Sam Cayou

Jaydin Eagleheart-Clark

Charles "CJ" Edwards

Marlon Edwards Jr.

Reylean George-Johnson

Lydia Grossglass

HS+

Jennifer Arellano

8th Grade

Anthony Cladoosby

Isaac Cladoosby

Gavin Day

Sophia Edwards

Bentley Hockenberry

Preschoolers

Kayson Joseph

Jasper Reems

Haven Wilbur

Natasha Damien

Erica John

Hazel Johnny

Kennedy Miller

Divinity Kochuten

Eyowyn Sams-Gustafson

Kialah Seymour

Matthew Stone

Tia Bailey

Robert George III

Mikailah Johnston

Jordan Johnston

Dominik Johnson

Jozlynn LaPointe

Dashawn Siddle

Frances Cayou

Alina George

Kacelynn Cayou

Ariadwyn Sams Gustafson

Madison Jimmy

Robert Miller Jr.

Rain Ruh

Domenic Wilbur

Mailee Nguyen

Vaden Smith

Lily Dougliss

Baylee Smith

Randy Ikebe

Melissa Marks

Gabriel Joe-Thomas

Brayden Moses

Kason Williams

William Yakanak

Austin Damien Jr.

Xoi Fornsby Cook

Amiyah Cayou

Senior Center and Dental Clinic staff cheer on the Swinomish graduates

AUGUST 13 3–6 PM at JOHN K. BOB BALL PARK SWINOMISH EDUCATION

School Supplies

Funds Distribution

Activities, Snacks, Prizes

Meet with La Conner

Schools & Swinomish Departments

Graduates Parade

Cedar Cap Ceremony

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Back row, left to right: Tia Bailey, Sam Cayou, Charles "CJ" Edwards, Jaydin Eagleheart-Clark, Lydia Grossglass, Eyowyn Sams-Gustafson, Matthew Stone, Marlon Edwards Jr.

Front row, left to right: Kialah Seymour, Divinity Kochuten, Lily Dougliss, Josephina Adams, Mailee Nguyen, Reylean George-Johnson

La Conner 8th Grade Promotion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

Frances Cayou's family surrounds her after the 8th Grade Promotion

Isaac and Anthony Cladoosby

Class of 2029

LA CONNER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

MAJOR MILESTONE FOR DENTAL THERAPY PROGRAM AND FIRST-EVER GRADUATING CLASS!

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Skagit Valley College, the Swinomish Tribal Community, and students celebrated a major milestone this June as they witnessed the first-ever graduating class of the dəxʷx ayəbus SVC Dental Therapy Program. Six students – four from Washington state, one from Oregon, and one from Michigan – are the first to complete this groundbreaking program.

The rigorous program, co-located at the SVC Mount Vernon campus and here at the Swinomish Dental Clinic, spans more than three academic years and combines intensive classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience. To graduate, students spend an average of 40 hours a week applying evidence-based learning and research toward providing culturally appropriate patient care. Second year students train onsite at Swinomish Dental, performing procedures on patients.

“The SVC Dental Therapy Program represents a powerful partnership between education and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, offering essential health services while fostering economic growth and workforce development,” said Swinomish Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards. “It’s an extraordinary moment to celebrate these students’ achievements and the transformative impact this program will have across the state and beyond for years to come.”

1975-1997: Swinomish works out of a dental trailer provided by Indian Health Services

New Swinomish Dental Clinic built with four operatories, one additional added in 2010

Swinomish commits to bring dental therapy to tribal lands

Swinomish hires its first dental therapist, which is the first in the lower 48 states

Swinomish expansion planning begins in preparation for dental therapy school

Swinomish Dental Clinic expansion project is complete with 14 initial operatories. Two Swinomish Tribal Community members complete the dental therapy program in Alaska and return to Swinomish

dəxʷx ayəbus Dental Therapy Education Program granted initial CODA accreditation

Two additional operatories added for a total of 16 operatories, six reserved for dental therapy students

Celebrating the first-ever graduating class of the dəxʷx ayəbus SVC Dental Therapy Program

Graduates left to right: Nick Runningwolf, Dana Obey, Eleanor Jackson, Kaela Tyler, Jessica Greene, and Keana Cruse. Photo by: Katie Bassford

The Future of Swinomish Shorelines and Sensitive Areas

SWINOMISH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Have you ever wanted to remove a tree on your property? Or build a new structure on a property with a wetland? Repair a deck on a waterfront property?

If so, your project needs to follow the Swinomish Shorelines and Sensitive Areas (SSA) Code, STC 19-04, which regulates what happens on our shorelines and in sensitive areas across the reservation. Wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, geological hazards, and areas susceptible to flooding and sea level rise are all governed by various sections of this code.

The Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with the Office of Planning and Community Development and Office of the Tribal Attorney (OTA), is wrapping up a two-year SSA code evaluation project. The current version can be confusing to navigate and is in need of updates that reflect the latest scientific research to protect these critical areas and guard against the impacts that climate change will bring.

The Tribe recently received grant funding to implement these updates in a Shorelines and Sensitive Areas Technical Assessment and Recommendations Report (SSTARR). The project includes examining the current SSA code and identifying areas of potential enhancements that are inclusive of both Swinomish values and the latest science-based practices.

DEP staff hosted a series of Swinomish workshops throughout the summer of 2024 to share information with the community and obtain priorities for protecting and managing the reservation’s shorelines and sensitive areas. This recorded feedback will guide the SSA code update process.

Over the past year, consultants from the Seattle-based company Environmental Science Associates have also been reviewing and researching necessary updates to the SSA code. They used the latest scientific research, compared codes from other jurisdictions, and developed a report summarizing their recommendations. DEP will compare these recommendations to the feedback gathered from the community, assuring Swinomish values remain front and center.

We invite you to learn more and welcome your feedback at SSA Futures: Community, Culture, and Code – A Community Forum on Swinomish Shorelines and Sensitive Areas. The forum will be an opportunity for you to dive into the results of the two-year project, hear from the consultants, and provide input on the finished report.

Please join us Wednesday, September 10, at the Wa Walton Event Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch and giveaways when you sign up in advance! Please register at sitcgov.us/SSAfutures

Imani Espinoza and Nani Luna congratulate the class of 2025

For the Swinomish people, oyster cultivation and shellfish harvesting have been a way of life since time immemorial. Today, shellfish remain a staple in our diets, with the Swinomish Shellfish Company serving as a powerful symbol of this tradition.

Time Immemorial: Oysters have served as a vital staple for the Swinomish people, integral to their foodways, economy, and cultural identity for countless generations.

1905: Oyster beds were initially established in Similk Bay, the same waters where the Swinomish Shellfish Co. now conducts its operations.

1928: With the rise of the "resort era" in western Skagit County, R. D. Turner's Similk Bay Development Company initiates construction of the Similk golf course. This development also includes plans for cottages, a pier, and a café.

1929: A University of Washington report concluded Similk Bay wasn't suitable for oyster cultivation, leading resident John Wold to abandon his efforts and discard oyster spawn in the bay.

1930: The following year, R.D. Turner, owner of the Similk Golf Course, made a pivotal discovery: Wold's oysters had actually grown. This unexpected success inspired Turner to venture into the oyster business, thus beginning oyster cultivation on Similk Beach.

1934: Swinomish plant oysters in Padilla and Skagit Bays with hopes to generate income for the Tribe.

1941: George Fuji, an employee of The Eagle Rock Oyster Company, provided support to Swinomish in their oyster operations.

1941: Swinomish acquired a warranty deed for the La Conner lot from the La Conner State Bank.

1954: Fish caught at the Swinomish fish traps are distributed at the La Conner town lot dock.

1960: No Trespassing law was established, prohibiting non-tribal individuals from harvesting oysters or digging clams on Tribal Lands.

1964: Swinomish begin a shared lease with Turner's Oyster Company to cultivate oysters at Similk Beach, generating employment for tribal members.

1970: Swinomish open new fish handling facility on the Reservation, vacating their building in La Conner.

This timeline explores the history of shellfish and the profound importance of this town lot to our heritage and the future of our people.

1975: Wayne Hancock & Associates performed an appraisal of the Tribal office located on the La Conner lot, noting it as vacant.

1979: Old Tribal office on La Conner lot is demolished.

1990's-early 2010's: Two shacks are built on the town lot, they will be used to house tribal businesses.

2013: Swinomish Tribe purchases Similk Bay Golf Course, tidelands, and surrounding property. -Over 250 acres

May 2018: Groundbreaking ceremony of Swinomish Shellfish Company on Similk Bay.

May 2019: Swinomish Shellfish oysters made available for sale to the public.

Petites: $10.35/dozen ; $49.50/5 dozen

Extra-smalls: $11.25/dozen; $54.00/5 dozen

Smalls: $12.15/dozen ; $58.50/dozen

March 2025: Swinomish town lot buildings are demolished. The Swinomish Shellfish Company plans to use the site for pop-up oyster sales during the spring and summer.

Puget Sound Mail News Article || 03/28/1934 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

No Trespassing Sign || c. 1960 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Aerial View of Similk Beach and Golf Course|| c. 1929

Photo by Ferd Brady || Wallie V. Funk Collection Courtesy of Anacortes Museum

Similk Bay Oysters Ad || c. 1930's || Turner's Oysters Collection || Swinomish Tribal Archive

Fish Distribution for Tribal Members from Fish Trap at LC Town Lot || Photo courtesy of Museum of History and Industry || Swinomish Tribal Archive

Puget Sound Mail News Article || 09/17/1970 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Puget Sound Mail News Article || 03/18/1965 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Photo from Appraisal done by Wayne Hancock & Associates || c. 1975 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Swinomish Businesses on La Conner Town Lot || c. 1991 || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Swinomish Shellfish Oyster Company Oysters Going to Market for First Time || Photo taken by Tino Villaluz || Courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive

Public Notice: Fentanyl

Local police departments are concerned about a recent increase in counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances like fentanyl and xylazine. These pills pose a serious risk to all communities, as they are often indistinguishable from legitimate medications.

Important information about fentanyl and overdose response:

Signs of an opioid/fentanyl overdose include unresponsiveness or inability to wake up; slow, shallow, or no breathing; cold, blue, or gray skin.

You cannot overdose by being near or touching someone who is overdosing on fentanyl. It does not easily absorb through the skin.

If you know someone who uses, encourage them to never use alone and let them know that resources and help are available: didgwalic (360) 588-2800, Swinomish Wellness (360) 466-1024.

Secondhand exposure to opioids or meth

You won’t overdose from brief exposure to secondhand smoke, residue, or drug paraphernalia. It’s safe to help someone overdosing. Should you touch fentanyl or any unknown powder, wash with soap and water —do not use hand sanitizer.

For exposure questions or to report found drugs, call for guidance and safe disposal.

Swinomish Police: (360) 466-7237

Fire District 13 CARES Team: (360) 391-4554

WA Poison Center : (800) 222-1222

Suspect an overdose?

Call 911

Administer naloxone (Narcan)

Watch & wait—give a second dose if there is no response in 2-3 minutes, plus two rescue breaths if you know how Stay until help arrives

RENAMING THE FORMER DUNLAP TOWING CO. LOG YARD

The Swinomish Port Authority is renaming the former Dunlap Towing Co. Log Yard at 1720 Reservation Road – and we’re seeking community input on the new name!

One idea under consideration is to divide the area into four sections, naming each section after the original land allottees whose lands border the property – Harry Yabeelt, Willie Yahhub, Big Sam Skoolkadim, and Joseph Tallawhalt.

Please share your thoughts on this proposed naming convention, suggest modifications, or propose your own ideas!

To do so, visit sitcgov.us/RenameDunlap or scan the QR code. A map of the area is included on the adjacent page for your reference.

Prefer email or a phone call? Contact Swinomish Harbormaster Brett Lizotte at blizotte@ swinomish.nsn.us or (360) 708-3397.

Janie Beasley Honored by La Conner High Alumni Association

Janie Beasley was honored as the school’s outstanding alumnus at the La Conner High Alumni Association’s 111th annual banquet. Headlining the evening, she addressed the class of 2025 with words of encouragement. “Don’t be afraid to do things,” she said, urging students to live life to the fullest as she shared her experiences skydiving and paragliding.

Janie’s public service and leadership roles for the Tribe and throughout Skagit County span decades. Her positions include serving on the La Conner School Board, Skagit Valley College Foundation Board, and Leadership Skagit Curriculum Committee.

SWEEC MOVING UP CEREMONY

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

28 28

2025 La Conner High School Senior Award Ceremony

June 10 – In addition to receiving Swinomish Scholarship awards, 2025 La Conner High School

Swinomish graduates Josie Adams, CJ Edwards, and Reylean George-Johnson were awarded a combined total of $31,500 in scholarships.

Josie Adams

La Conner Garden Club

Chuck Hedlund Scholarship Award

Rotary Academic Scholarship

La Conner Soroptimists

La Conner Community Foundation Scholarship Award

Gail & Colleen Thulen Leadership Scholarship

CJ Edwards

Rotary Academic Scholarship

La Conner Soroptimists

La Conner Community Foundation Scholarship Award

Jack Whitaker Service Scholarship

Reylean George-Johnson

Rotary Academic Scholarship

La Conner Soroptimists

La Conner Community Foundation Scholarship Award Erickson Scholarship

Baylee Smith, Alaska Native

La Conner Volunteer Firefighters Association Scholarship

Congratulations graduates!

Josie Adams speaks for the graduating class

Eyowyn Sams-Gustafson

Ruby swalcelitca Billy is a True Community Champion

La Conner High School Varsity in Volunteerism (ViV) group member Ruby Swalcelitca Billy was recognized for completing more than 100 volunteer hours this school year. The recognition came during a celebration at the Mount Vernon Library Commons on May 22.

Ruby finished ninth grade at La Conner High School this year and is Junior Miss Swinomish for 2024-2025. She is the daughter of Jennifer Peters and the granddaughter of Beverly Peters and the late Francis Peters. Her great grandmother is the late Rosemary Posie Williams.

“To me, volunteering means going out and helping my community with what they need help with,” Ruby said. “It makes me feel proud that I could help and represent.”

Ruby’s recognition was an opportunity to shine a light on Swinomish cultural activities, which made up most of Ruby’s volunteer hours.

“Her experience highlighted the importance of service among tribal members,” says La Conner High School ViV Advisor Christine Valdez.

Ruby received a varsity letter in recognition of reaching the 100-hour mark. If she continues as a member of ViV and volunteers at least 100 hours in each of her remaining high school years, she will earn a graduation cord.

Varsity in Volunteerism (ViV) is open to any La Conner High School student, including incoming ninth graders. Students who sign up now can begin submitting their time and accumulate up to 40 hours before the 2025-2026 school year starts. ViV is a countywide program with local chapters in Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and Mount Vernon.

Ruby Billy and Christine Valdez

Storytelling As Healing: Reclaiming Voice, Identity, and Connection

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Storytelling is one of the oldest healing practices known to humanity. Long before modern psychology and therapy existed, people gathered around fires under the stars and shared their stories.

Stories are part of our cultural fiber and tell of survival, belonging, transformation, and meaning. Storytelling is part of community building and cultural revitalization, and remains a powerful medicine. It is a tool for reclaiming voice, witnessing pain, and affirming identity. When shared in safe and sacred spaces, stories become pathways to healing.

The Healing Power of Story

Trauma often thrives in silence. When people experience deep pain – whether through violence, loss, oppression, or disconnection – they may internalize the belief that their story is “too much,” or doesn’t matter. At Swinomish Behavioral Health, we believe that telling one’s story begins to break that silence. It gives shape to wounds and works to release pain from the body.

Reclaiming Voice and Agency

Many experiences of trauma involve feelings of being voiceless, helpless, or unseen. Storytelling reverses this dynamic. When a person tells their story on their own terms and is heard with compassion, they reclaim their power. They are no longer a character in a story written by others, they are the narrator.

Rewriting the Narrative

Healing often involves telling the story – and reframing it. Through guided reflection or therapeutic support, a person can start to see themselves as courageous, resourceful, and evolving, not broken or weak.

At Swinomish Behavioral Health, we believe your story matters. We believe your story of hardship can become your story of resilience, your story of grief can become your story of love, and your story of struggle can become your story of strength.

Connection and Witnessing

Humans are relational beings, and storytelling builds bridges. When we share our stories and are witnessed without judgment or fixing, we experience the profound healing of being seen and heard. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation.

Cultural Storytelling and Intergenerational Healing

For Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized communities, storytelling is also a way to preserve memory, resist erasure, and heal from generational trauma. Stories carry culture forward.

Storytelling as a Practice

Healing through story doesn’t always require a formal setting. Healing comes from journaling or personal reflection, in music, poetry, art, film, and soon in our digital storytelling youth projects.

At Swinomish Behavioral Health, what matters most is creating a safe container emotionally and culturally where stories are held with care, confidentiality, and respect. In a world that often demands silence, conformity, or forgetting, storytelling is a radical act of self-love and cultural continuity. It reminds us that we are more than what happened to us.

We are all worthy of being heard. Through storytelling, we begin to heal. Through healing, our stories continue.

Lorraine Loomis Clam Garden Naming Ceremony

AUGUST 22

9:30am-12:30pm

Elders meet at the caretaker's house for a ride to the clam garden.

Lunch provided. No pets.

A Bit of History About Our Annual Sobriety Dinner

The Swinomish Alcohol Program sponsored the first “Sobriety Dinner” on December 7, 1998. More than 200 community members – together representing 1,363 years of sobriety – gathered to share words and a meal of seafood, elk, and pizza. In the December 1998 issue of Kee-Yoks, it was reported that “Renown Native American musician Robert Marshall gave us some awe-inspiring violin music and some wonderful words of wisdom. Kevin Paul and Leon John manned the microphone. And everywhere there was a need, the rest of the committee and volunteers took over.” Scheduled for May 1999, plans for the second Sobriety Dinner were already underway at this first event.

About the Joe Dunn Inspirational Award

"Joe Dunn passed away in 2007, and the first award in his honor was given to Kurt Bassford at the 2008 Sobriety Dinner."

Joe Dunn was hired by Swinomish in 1970 as the alcoholism coordinator and counselor. As the founder of the Swinomish Wellness Program, he held his position until his health declined in 2004. Over the course of his career, Joe supported many Swinomish Tribal Community members on their sobriety journeys. His work included counseling, hosting AA meetings, organizing prevention activities, and writing proposals and grants for programs such as aging services, community health, and summer school.

Sobriety Dinner 2025

MONDAY, JUNE 16

Tribal members Lona Wilbur and Lorna Dan were honored at this year's Sobriety Dinner. Lona Wilbur was nominated for the Elders Inspirational Sobriety Recognition and Lorna Dan was nominated for the Joe Dunn Memorial Inspirational Sobriety Recognition. ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Joe Dunn

SOBRIETY DINNER AWARDEES

Joe Dunn Memorial Inspirational Sobriety Recognition

1) 2008 – Kurt Bassford

2) 2009 – Joe Williams

3) 2010 – Barbara James

4) 2011 – Julie Anne Siddle

5) 2012 – Vince Cayou Sr.

6) 2013 – Steve Edwards

7) 2014 – Bruce James Jr.

8) 2015 – Jeremy "JJ" Wilbur

9) 2016 – Loran James

10) 2017 – James Bobb Sr.

11) 2018 – Stephanie Edwards

12) 2019 – Sally Wilbur

13) 2020 – Kurtis Perry

14) 2021 – Greg Edwards Jr.

15) 2022 – Holle Edwards

16) 2023 – No Dinner

17) 2024 – Josephine Jefferson

Elders Inspirational Sobriety Recognition

1) 2010 – Eileen Charles

2) 2011 – Mike Cladoosby

3) 2012 – Susie Emily Billy

4) 2013 – Joe McCoy Sr.

5) 2014 – Ray A. Williams

6) 2015 – Edythe "Honey" Clark

7) 2016 – Michael Porter

8) 2017 – Shirley Cassimere

9) 2019 – Sophie Bailey

10) 2020 – Julie Bobb

11) 2021 – Beverly Peters

12) 2022 – Kurt Bassford

13) 2023 – No Dinner

14) 2024 – Barbara James

2012 – Sobriety Dinner Award gift

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB PLAY DAY

MONDAY, JUNE 16

Play Day participants wait in line for their sundaes

Ronnie Edwards and Angie Ball

The Boys & Girls Club has a fun summer planned with weekly themes and coordinated activities that include movies, ﬁeld trips, and even a Seattle Storm training camp!

Registering your youth is free and easy – stop by the Boys & Girls Club, and staff will help you with signing up.

July 7–11 Fossil Week

Jurassic Park Movie / Fossil Dig