qyuuqs News June 2025

JUNE 2025 VOL. 59 No. 5

Blessing of the Fleet | PG. 20

CONTENTS Editor's Note

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Firework Safety

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Tribal Code Pertaining to the Use of Fireworks 15-02.135 General Use Provisions

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SWEEC Playground Grand Reopening Celebration

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Memorial Day Service + Swinomish Honors Connie LeSourd

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Swinomish Lushootseed App

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MMIWP Healing Dinner

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Skagit River Fishing

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Career Fair

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Swinomish Ladies Golf Clinic 2025

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Tribal Warrants Bill Takes Effect, Closing Long-Standing Jurisdictional Gap

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Intertribal Elders Luncheon

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Blessing of the Fleet

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Sgt. Shaun Beasley and Lt. Velma Lockrem Earn School of Police Staff Certificates + Tribal...

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National Honor Society Inducts Swinomish Students + Kiwanis Middle School Student of the Month 24 Congratulations College Graduates + Congratulations on Earning Your Certification!

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Northwest Career Technical Academy Honors Swinomish Students

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Mindful Money Matters Disaster Preparedness + Foodbourne Illness

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La Conner School District Track Senior Night + Junior Nathan Bailey Named A WIAA Athlete...

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Weekly Wednesdays Preschool and Daycare Toothbrush Visits

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Swinomish Spring Cleanup

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Recreational Beach Bacteria Monitoring

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Boys & Girls Club Summer Events

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Elders June 2025 Activities

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Elders June 2025 Menu

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editor’s NOTE It seems the days just keeping speeding up the closer we get to summer. We hope you have your calendars out because more sun and longer days means more outdoor time with family and friends at all our Swinomish events! Make sure to peek at this month’s Community Happenings section. We also make daily updates and additions to our phone-friendly community calendar on the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov.

This month marks the start of summer but also the end of another school year. Those nights of studying and homework are paying off for many and it’s time for all of us to recognize the hard-earned achievements of our students. If you have a youth in school or know one, make sure to share some good words of appreciation for their job well done – and be sure to show your support at the Education Dinner on June 17, 6 p.m. at swǝdǝbš Park.

And how about all our graduates? Whether it’s your child, grandchild, nephew, niece, cousin, or friend, it is a momentous time of celebration for our students and our Tribe. Congratulations Class of 2025!

From the School of Police Staff and Northwest Career Technical Academy to the La Conner Honor Society and La Conner Kiwanis Club, this issue recognizes community members who completed various certificates and received awards.

The Wa Walton Event Center was a packed house for the Senior Center’s annual Intertribal Elders Luncheon. “It’s a Tie Dye Revolution” was the theme, which certainly added color to a room already filled with so many colorful personalities. Be sure to check out all the photos!

Independence Day is approaching; we recommend reviewing the prohibited fireworks areas within the Swinomish boundary map and reading the fireworks safety message submitted by Swinomish Public Health.

As always, stay safe, Swinomish!

We hope you enjoy this month’s qyuuqs News and look forward to seeing you at all events this summer!

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The official news publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community TRIBAL SENATE

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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Submission deadline: 10th day of the month

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

QYUUQS NEWS Caroline Ammons, Editor

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qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

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SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills, Communications Manager Sarah Kellogg, Content Journalist Katie Bassford, Staff Photographer Jordan Ekdahl, Graphic Designer

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communications@swinomish.nsn.us

Alana Quintasket (360) 302-0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us Greg Edwards (360) 854-8612 | gedwards@swinomish.nsn.us Tandy Wilbur (360) 770-3050 | tandywilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul

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

This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/who-we-are/page/ qyuuqs-news

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

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

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

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate 4

Facebook: Swinomish qyuuqs News

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

FIREWORK SAFETY STACEY ANDERSON, PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGER

Summer is right around the corner. This means warmer days, celebrations, and fireworks! Unintentional injuries from fireworks can ruin the party. Follow the tips below when celebrating to protect yourself, family, friends, and the land!

Be Prepared

Be Safe

Be Responsible

Before you light fireworks

When lighting fireworks

After your done

‣ Store fireworks out of children's reach. ‣ Keep your pets safe indoors. ‣ Only use fireworks outside. ‣ Choose a safe place to launch fireworks, and clear the area of any flammable items like dry grass or leaves. ‣ Have a bucket of water nearby.

‣ Only adults should light fireworks. ‣ Protect your eyes. ‣ Do not use fireworks while using drugs or alcohol. ‣ Light one firework at a time. ‣ Keep a safe distance after lighting a firework. ‣ Do not try to relight fireworks that don't ignite.

‣ Clean up used fireworks and litter in the area. ‣ Soak used fireworks in water. ‣ Keep matches and lighters away from children.

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Prohibited Fireworks Areas Within the SITC Regulatory Boundary Per Swinomish Tribal Code 15-02.135 SITC Committees, and Washington State Park Rules, 6/28/2023

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Tribal Code Pertaining to the Use of Fireworks 15-02.135 GENERAL USE PROVISIONS a) No fireworks shall be used within fifty (50) feet of any fireworks sales stands, within the North End sales area parking lot, or on the south side of Highway 20 within three hundred (300) feet of the wholesale sales area. b) There shall be no use of fireworks that are explosive (e.g., rockets, night displays, etc.) or noisemakers on the Reservation between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., except on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. c) Fireworks shall not be thrown at, or in the direction of, any person or groups of persons or passing cars or any building or homes, or in any way be used to create a hazardous situation to life or property. d) No fireworks shall be exploded or used within any building or adjacent to any community building, including churches and businesses on the Reservation, or in the ball park or any other recreational or play area of the Reservation or where there is any group of people congregated who are not involved in the use and enjoyment of fireworks, or within three hundred (300) feet of any Tribal building or Tribal business, including the Swinomish Casino. No fireworks are to be lit off within the horseshoe area of the North End fireworks stands. e) Fireworks shall not be used in any area where their use would create a fire hazard. f) No firecrackers shall be used that are not classified as Class C, “Consumer Fireworks”. g) No fireworks may be used that have been banned as hazardous substances by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS JUNE 4 Fire District 13 Meet & Greet, 6 p.m. 17433 Snee-Oosh Road JUNE 5 Swinomish Cruise, 4 p.m.

Cedar Hat Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Cedar Hat Pavilions JUNE 7 LCSD Alumni Dinner, Janie Beasley being honored, 5 p.m. Middle School gym JUNE 10 SWEEC Moving Up Ceremony, 11 a.m.

LCSD Senior Awards, 6 p.m.

JUNE 11 Middle School promotion, 6:30 p.m.

JUNE 12 LCSD Graduation, 5 p.m.

JUNE 13 Swinomish Ladies Golf Clinic, 10 a.m. Swinomish Golf Links Dental Graduation Celebration, 4-7 p.m. Wa Walton Events Center JUNE 16 Play Day, 12-4 p.m. John K. Bob Ball Field Sobriety Dinner, 6-8 p.m. Boys & Girls Club JUNE 17 Tasting Table with Michelle, 12-1 p.m. Fitness Center kitchen Education Picnic, 6 p.m. Cedar Hat Pavilion JUNE 18 Community Update Meeting: Swinomish Housing Authority, Swinomish Utility Authority + Planning Housing Division, 6 p.m. Senate Chamber or Zoom JUNE 26 Swinomish Pride Day Celebration TBD JUNE 28 Youth Budget Bootcamp, 9 a.m.-1p.m. Social Services Smart Money Financial Literacy, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Social Services

HOLIDAYS

JUNE 19 Juneteenth Tribal Administration is CLOSED 7

SWEEC PLAYGROUND GRAND REOPENING CELEBRATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

The community was invited to tour the Susan Wilbur Early Education Center’s new playground on a beautiful day! Besides exploring all the new things to do on the playground, attendees had their faces painted and enjoyed live music, good food, and lots of laughter.

There was also an Open House where you could see the classrooms and meet with the staff!

Education Director, Loran James honors Project Manager, Wil James and Senators Rodney John Jr., Brian Porter, Fred Cayou

Lana Fornsby (right) plays with the kids in the sand pit

Darrell Sylvester III 8

Aaliyah Jack

Sophie Bailey and Barb James

SWEEC staff

Join us in celebrating our graduating preschoolers & those moving up from childcare

Enjoy bouncy castles, snow cones, games, Indian tacos, and cupcakes

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MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE MONDAY, MAY 26

Honored Veterans: Janie Beasley (Mira Beasley), Doug York, Laura Kasayuli, Kenneth Cayou, Dennis Dan, Ray Williams, Ernest Jamison Sr. Swinomish Tribal Archive

Swinomish Honors Connie LeSourd WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 A lifelong community member and friend to many Connie LeSourd, who owned and operated the Kern Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, retired this year. The Swinomish community recognized Connie by wrapping her in a blanket to protect her on her next journey in life. Connie has a kind heart, is mindful of our culture and way of life, and was a respectful helping hand during our families’ times of grief and loss. Community members lined up to shake hands and give their gratitude to Connie for her years of service to the tribe and the entire Skagit Valley. Her kindness does not go unnoticed, and her love for our community cherished by all.

Connie LeSourd, pictured with husband John and son Jeremiah 10

Swinomish Lushootseed App Launched

BY ROBIN CARNEEN

A Lushootseed language app, developed by Thorton Media Inc. in collaboration with Swinomish and the La Conner School District, is now available on Apple and Google Play. The app, called “Swinomish Lushootseed,” is the newest contemporary “tool” to help teach and preserve this vital and almost endangered oral dialect.

Vi Hilbert, an Upper Skagit Elder, revived the nearly lost language (Southern and Northern Lushootseed) over 20 years ago. Throughout those years, she inspired countless others to learn and teach it for generations to come. If she were still alive today, she would be amazed at the use of technology that is now being put in the hands and minds of Lushootseed language learners by a team of two language visionaries, Kyle and Olivia Bailey.

Back in 2012, Swinomish members Kyle and Olivia Bailey started taking Northern Lushootseed language classes together on the Swinomish campus of Northwest Indian College (NWIC). They completed more language classes about five years later at the Tulalip NWIC campus, where they were simultaneously teaching the language to young children through a Tulalip-based program.

They chose Thorton Media Inc., whose expertise has been to help other tribes across the United States create apps for their own languages. Thorton Media Inc. said the goal was to keep the app within 600 words and phrases. In order to attain this, the Baileys asked various departments at Swinomish for input, along with permission from the Tribal Archives for the use of photos, audio, and video footage. They wanted familiar Swinomish faces and voices integrated so the app was strongly relatable, and they were happy that even some of their students are featured. To further assure this, they also used images of Swinomish members dressed in regalia, from a photo session at Swinomish hosted by Thorton Media Inc. For this soft launch of the app at this time, there are 571 common words and phrases that are considered easier to learn. The user, after downloading the app, can select from 27 different categories. Topics range from food and beverages to everyday clothing; colors; numbers; animals; traditional phases; people; jobs; etc.

Olivia added, “there is also a cultural notes (category) where you can hear 10 Swinomish Family Canoe songs and there is one video available featuring the 2011 Paddle to Swinomish.” She said they have purchased 13 iPads for youth to use and two for the Senior Center.

Oliva said, “With the preschool kids, their little brains soak it up so fast… with the older kids and adults, it’s really hard for them to come out of their comfort zone, because it is an oral If you want to download the iPhone/iPad version now, language. “ go to: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swinomishThey landed jobs closer to home in 2019 at the La Conner High School to continue teaching Lushootseed, but mostly to high school students. They also offered classes to different grades for anyone interested, “You do not have to be Native American,” Kyle said, “it’s for whoever needs language credits.”

lushootseed/id6743545810

The Android version is available on Google Play, https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.languagepal. swinomishlushootseed&pcampaignid=web_share

They have had great interest and an impressive turn out for their classes over the years, offering in-person classes for about 50 students, at an average of an hour a day, four days a week. The Baileys have combined their engaging teaching styles to make it a fun experience to help students learn and remember the language.

For example, Olivia likes to play guessing games like Pictionary, which is an oral and visual way to help create association to the words and phrases; while Kyle teaches the pronunciation and phonetics component of the language.

Even though their in-person approach to teaching the language was helping to create more Lushootseed speakers, they felt like they weren’t reaching everyone who wanted to learn. So to fulfill that goal, about three years ago they started researching and approaching different language companies who could develop an app just for the Lushootseed language.

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MMIWP HEALING DINNER MONDAY, MAY 5 The Swinomish community recognized Red Dress Day and honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Peoples on May 5 at the Boys & Girls Club. This event was co-hosted by the Swinomish Behavioral Health, Cultural Department and Domestic Violence. The community shared a meal and listened to speakers.

Wilma Peters shows off a red handprint, honoring MMIWP

Domestic Violence Department Staff

Juna Hart, Ryan Larsen, Spe’cum Charles and Zoey Squiemphen

Marcia Julius and family speak after receiving a hand painted drum by Nakesha and Lailoni Edwards, in honor of her mother, Valerie Jefferson

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Skagit River Fishing

Kayson Cayou out at the Skagit River watching and waiting for fish.

Kayson Cayou watching for fish for grandpa Louis Cayou.

JUNE 26 13

Career Fair WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Swinomish Workforce Development hosted another successful career fair at the La Conner High School. With a mix of tribal departments, enterprises, and outside organizations, students and community members had the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers.

Swinomish Mentorship Program Coordinator James Napolitano shared that two popular tables this year were Swinomish’s Hunting and Wildlife program and the FBI. Students also expressed interest in job training programs such as Job Corps, a federal program that offers job training and support to low-income youth.

Wil James

Clarissa Williams

Ellen Clark, Timara Morris, Gavin Day and Deshawn Siddle check out the tank

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Swinomish Ladies Golf Clinic 2025 FRIDAY, APRIL 25 A wonderful morning spent at the Swinomish Golf Links.

The event was designed to teach the basics of golf, improve their skills and enjoy the game in a supportive environment. The fundamentals of full swing, chipping and putting were taught by Pepper Morse.

Questions? Call us at (360) 466-3160 or Email: Fitness@swinomish.nsn.us Come join us in the sun at the next Swinomish Ladies Golf Clinic, June 13, 2025 9:30a.m.-12:00p.m.

S W I N O M I S H

GOLF CLINIC SWINOMISH GOLF LINKS

June 13

Refreshments 9:30AM–10AM Clinic 10AM–1PM Visit or call Swinomish F itness to sign up: (360) 466-3160

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TRIBAL WARRANTS BILL TAKES EFFECT, CLOSING LONG-STANDING JURISDICTIONAL GAP Beginning July 1, legislation will authorize Washington State police to enforce tribal warrants, closing a longstanding jurisdictional gap that allowed individuals who committed crimes on tribal lands to evade prosecution by fleeing to state lands.

It also grants tribes standing in state court hearings on tribal extradition, and clarifies that the bill does not apply to juveniles. Those breaking their terms of bail, probation, or parole can also be charged with a crime by the state.

“It’s definitely a win for Indian Country and criminal justice across the state,” said Swinomish Police Chief Earl Cowan for an article for the Salish Current. “Because those offenders that are out in those communities, they’re committing those crimes there too. This After Governor Inslee signed SB 6146 last year (July expands the ability to keep everybody safe.”

Currently, those who commit crimes on tribal land can avoid prosecution by fleeing to state lands where there is no process for extradition. However, state law enforcement will soon be able to transport individuals with tribal warrants back to tribal lands.

2024 qyuuqs News), a governor’s task force was convened. The task force, consisting of state and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and leaders, developed the processes of implementation. The result is HB 1829, which was signed into law by Governor Ferguson on May 13.

HB 1829 amends and adds onto the previous bill outlining the processes through which tribes can file arrest warrants through the state. A key addition is the language that perjury, false swearing, and intimidating or tampering with a witness or juror can now be charged in state court for conduct in a tribal investigation or court proceeding.

Photo courtesy of Washington State Legislative Support Services 16

Swinomish Prosecutor Melissa Simonson and Chief Cowan, both members of the task force, attended the bill signing.

Funding for the initial working group - comprising tribal leaders, tribal police, and state sheriffs - that developed the bill and brought it to the state legislature was provided through the Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) grant awarded to the Swinomish Tribal Community

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Intertribal Elders Luncheon THURSDAY, MAY 22

Canoe Family dancers partner with elders for a special dance for two

Fish cooks, Lawrence Finkbonner, Eric Day, Ted Donato, Marty Cladoosby and Ronald Day

Ian Kanair, Lona Wilbur, Brian Wilbur, Nancy Wilbur, Les Kneeland 18

Shirley Cassimere and Colleen Williams

Gina Bob, Sophie Bailey, and Brenda Bob

HEALTHY SNACK WITH THE NUTRITIONIST

Michelle Skidmore and Boys & Girls Club kids make fruit kabobs

Attendees will be entered to win a $30 Safeway gift card

June 17, 12–1PM

Swinomish Fitness Center JOIN US at the TASTING TABLE and try our summer smoothie bowls

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BLESSING OF THE FLEET THURSDAY, MAY 15

Senator Aurelia Bailey surprises Joe McCoy with a birthday cake

Grossglass Family prepare the BBQ salmon

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Josiane Sams prepares the offerings

Senator JJ Wilbur

Senator Fred Cayou

Colby James, Senator Bruce James and Chairman Steve Edwards prepare the crab

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BLESSING OF THE FLEET

Father Mel blesses the fishermen and fisherwomen

Marlon Edwards, Josie Adams, Matthew Stone

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Sgt. Shaun Beasley and Lt. Velma Lockrem Earn School of Police Staff Certificates A big congratulations to Sgt. Shaun Beasley and Lt. Velma Lockrem! On May 21, they received their certificates for completing the School of Police Staff and Command through Northwestern University.

This program is an intensive law enforcement management and leadership program that helps prepare personnel for senior command positions.

They both expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with Val sharing that the experience has inspired her to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Tribal Self-Governance Conference 2025

Swinomish Senators attended the 2025 Tribal Self-Governance Conference in April. During the conference they met with leadership from the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs to advocate for priority funding, tribal self-governance, and fulfillment of the trust and treaty obligations of the federal government.

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National Honor Society Inducts Swinomish Students

Right to left: Kellie Cayou-Lockrem stand with her best friend Iris Turner

Kellie Cayou-Lockrem

Bella Long

Kellie Cayou-Lockrem was inducted into the National Honor Society, which recognizes students who have maintained a high academic GPA of 3.5 or better for at least three semesters, while also demonstrating community service, leadership, and character development.

Bella Long was inducted into the National Honor Society for high academic GPA at the La Conner High School.

During her free time, Kellie is a student representative on the La Conner School Board and is a captain on the La Conner Girls Varsity Softball team.

Congratulations Bella!

Bella is doing Running Start at the Skagit Valley College through La Conner.

Photo by Brian Cladoosby

Congratulations Kellie!

Photo by Velma Lockrem

Kiwanis Middle School Student of the Month On April 28, the La Conner School District honored Sophia Edwards as the Kiwanis Middle School Student of the Month. She is in the eighth grade and is the daughter of Glen Edwards Jr. She enjoys her P.E. and leadership classes, and plays basketball every chance she gets.

Sophia is already planning for her future, aspiring to attend college and pursue a career as either a therapist or an elementary school teacher.

Source: La Conner School District Facebook page

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Congratulations College Graduates!

Congratulations On Earning Your The Swinomish Education Department is pleased to Certification! announce the following college graduates: Kenneth Cayou A.A. Public and Tribal Administration, Northwest Indian College Sarah Cook A.A. General Direct Transfer, Skagit Valley College

The Swinomish Education Department is pleased to announce the following certification completions: Kevin Day CDL Class A certification, Taylor Made Truck Driving School

Erica John A.A. General Direct Transfer, Northwest Indian College

Velma Lockrem School of Police Staff & Command certification, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety

Kennedy Miller A.A. General Direct Transfer, Skagit Valley College

Shaun Beasley School of Police Staff & Command certification, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety

Hazel Johnny A.S. Medical Office and Billing Specialist, Ultimate Medical Academy Kaliana Bill B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, Eastern Washington University Rain Ruh B.S. Business Administration Management, Western Governors University Domenic Wilbur B.S. Marketing and Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Washington Robert Miller Jr. M.S. Athletic Administration, Central Washington University Marlys Baker B.S. Nursing, Western Governors University Natasha Damien B.A. Human Services, CARES program, Northwest Indian College

HS+/GED Help is available in the new temporary location upstairs at the Social Services building.

Text or call Sally Schroeder at 360.630.3723 for help creating an education plan

Congratulations to all on your achievements and best wishes as you journey forward!

Interested in Furthering Your Education?

Any tribal members interested in earning a degree or Those interested in earning their high school diploma pursuing a vocational program can contact Lisa James, or diploma equivalency, please contact Sally Schroeder, Swinomish scholarship manager at ljames@swinomish. sschroeder@swinomish.nsn.us, or 360.630.3723. nsn.us or 360.333.9947.

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Northwest Career Technical Academy Honors Swinomish Students

Eyowyn Sams-Gustafson

Katie Cayou-Lockrem

Eyowyn is being honored this quarter as an Outstanding Student in our PM Dental Assisting Program!

Congratulations Eyowyn!

Katie received several awards for highly sought by employers, perfect attendance and is recognized as an Outstanding Ambassador for Northwest Career & Technical Academy. Good job Katie!

“Eyowyn has a positive attitude and always give extra care and to produce neat and consistent "Mom and dad are proud of you." – Velma Lockrem work.” – Karha Cramer A student who received an NCTA Outstanding Award has been nominated by their teacher for displaying characteristics of achievement, effort, or attitude that line up closely with NCTA’s Professional Expectations.

Examples of students who have been recognized before include outstanding attendance, consistent perseverance in the face of a challenging task, collaboration and support within a team, or exceptional skill and expertise within a program. Outstanding students represent themselves, their work, and NCTA to the highest level.

Source: Northwest Career and Technical Academy Facebook Page

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Mindful Money Matters DISASTER PREPAREDNESS These recent hurricanes have me a little worried. What’s the best way to prepare for a natural disaster?

Signed, How to Hunker Dear How to Hunker: Having experienced firsthand Hurricane Helene’s destruction in western North Carolina, I’m familiar with disaster preparedness. Beyond generic tips of storing water, dried and canned foods, other essentials, and not panicking, here’s what I learned.

Communities can spin out of control very quickly when people lose power, water, fuel, and access to services. Add on damaged roads or bridges that slow or block travel even for folks with full gas tanks, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos.

My biggest takeaway is to never underestimate or dismiss the potential for a disaster. It’s very easy to ignore warnings for a hurricane, tsunami, tornado, earthquake, blizzard, or wildfire because they often miss their projected targets or fizzle out before the threat is about to happen. After a few false alarms, the emergency supply kit that’s packed away with bottled water, batteries, and canned food gets ransacked or expires and life goes on.

Don’t let that happen. Protect yourself and your family before you find yourself stuck in a dark house with dwindling resources. Instead, take notice of those warnings and try to evacuate to a safer area while you can. Hotels are great if you can afford them – but think of your nearest friends and family who are outside the disaster area. And forget about smartphones and credit cards.

None of those systems work when power, internet, and cellular services go out. Cash is king in chaos so hit the ATM before it’s too late.

In the event you can’t evacuate, preserve enough drinking water and nonperishable food to last at least a week. If you don’t live near a clean stream or river, invest in a small five-gallon camp shower to maintain cleanliness and fill it before the taps run dry. Next, fill all your bathtubs with water so you can flush toilets. Lastly, a good supply of firewood and charcoal will provide heat in freezing conditions and a way to prepare hot meals.

Generators can provide electrical power, especially fancy ones that are permanently installed and connected to natural gas. However, smaller portable generators you find at hardware and home improvement stores suck up gasoline quickly, and I’m always leery of storing large amounts of highly combustible fuel at home. Therefore, I’d recommend a propane powered generator which can run for days on a 100-pound tank.

When services and utilities are finally restored, they’re often slow and unreliable. Banks might also limit withdrawals while businesses ration supplies. So be patient while not overlooking your emotional and mental health which can also suffer enormously under high stress and uncertainty.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay sovereign!

This article was adapted from information provided by First Nations Development Institute with assistance from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org.

FOODBOURNE ILLNESS MICHELLE SKIDMORE, NUTRITIONIST, CPS-T

Camping and picnic season offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, but these warm weather events also present risk for foodborne illness. Cold foods can get warm in the summer, allowing food bacteria to multiply rapidly. Bacteria and their toxins can make people sick.

Tips for enjoying the outdoors with cold foods: Keep cold food cold, at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less, with ice or frozen gel packs. Fill the whole cooler with ice, not just part way. Pack meat, poultry, and seafood frozen so that they stay colder longer.

Keep food coolers closed. Limit the number of times the food cooler is opened to keep the contents cold longer.

Have a beverage cooler. Pack drinks and food separately. Open and reopen the beverage cooler for drinks, and keep food cooler closed to warm outdoor air temperatures.

Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood juices from contaminating ice and other food that will not be cooked. Use sealed containers to store raw meats and their juices.

Clean your produce. Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables before packing them in the cooler. Germs on their skins can get on ice and contaminate the cooler foods.

When in doubt throw out. Cold foods out of the cooler need to be eaten within two hours, or within one hour in weather above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

More food safety information: doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/ food-safety/barbecue-and-picnicfood-safety 27

LA CONNER SCHOOL DISTRICT

TRACK SENIOR NIGHT

Junior Nathan Bailey Named A WIAA Athlete of the Week for His Dominant Performance on the Mound!

APRIL 25, 2025 – Braves baseball is on fire – and now statewide recognized! On April 17, Nathan pitched 6.1 innings, striking out 18 batters while allowing just one hit and contributing offensively with an RBI single to help lead the Braves to a 7-0 win over Coupeville.

Nathan’s hard work, skill, and leadership exemplify what it means to be a Brave – both on and off the field. Way to represent, Nathan! We are proud of you!

Source: La Conner Athletics lcsd.wednet.edu/article/2171613

Keaton Bailey

Jessica, Lydia and Zach Grossglass

Kali, Josie, Jeremy and Isaiah Adams 28

Nate Bailey Photo by Bill Reynolds

Weekly Wednesdays Preschool and Daycare Toothbrush Visits

Ambrose Joe

Elaina Guzman

Athena Williams 29

Swinomish Spring Cleanup THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Tredamas Casey and Jeremiah Williams on curbside pickup duty

Gus Siddle

Dental Clinic staff 30

DEP staff tidy up the raised garden bed at 13 Moons Garden

RECREATIONAL BEACH BACTERIA MONITORING DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

With summer approaching, now is a good time to remind you that the Department of Protection (DEP) conducts bacteria monitoring at six popular recreational beaches around Swinomish to help ensure you can safely enjoy your swim and other water-based activities.

The DEP samples the water at Swinomish beaches for Enterococcus bacteria. These bacteria are an indicator of potential fecal pollution and other fecal-associated pathogens in the water body, which pose a human health risk, such as causing gastrointestinal illnesses. Gross, we know! Don’t worry – our monitoring helps keep you informed so you can enjoy your time in and on the water.

June through August, we monitor Martha’s Beach, SneeOosh Beach, Lone Tree Point, the Swinomish Docks, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Swinomish Flats five times per month! During the off-season, September through May, we monitor once per month. Collected samples are processed and incubated in the lab for 24 hours. We will issue an advisory if results show the bacteria levels are unsafe for water contact.

To determine if a beach is considered safe for recreational uses, we use the Beach Action Value, which is a precautionary threshold. This threshold is based off the chance of illness (risk) for recreators, given the concentration of bacteria present. If a sample has bacteria counts above this threshold, we issue a recreational advisory and resample the following day.

To date, none of our beaches have results that indicate a chronic source of bacteria inputs or persistent risk to recreational users. Advisories are often lifted after the resampling.

We also note site conditions and use the samples to measure conventional water quality parameters such as temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen so we can look for trends and sources of bacterial contamination.

Bacterial exceedances are typically associated with precipitation events or high temperatures. Warmer temperatures allow for bacteria to grow more quickly in the water, and stormwater, which collects pollution upstream, is often untreated before it enters the local water body.

What can you do? ‣ Stay in the know – sign up for Swinomish text notifications and follow the DEP’s social media to stay up and check for advisories before recreating at local beaches. ‣ Avoid swimming for 24 hours after a precipitation event, and avoid swimming near stormwater outfalls. ‣ Pick up your dog’s poop to help keep our water quality safe, especially at the beach. We are working with Thousand Trails and Swinomish Land Management to install dog waste stations at Lone Tree beach, which will encourage dog owners to scoop their dog’s poop. Dog fecal pollution can lead to unsafe swimming and shellfish habitat conditions in both fresh and marine waters.

How can you find out about a recreational beach advisory? ‣ Swinomish text notifications – Text Swinomish1 to 91896 and reply YES to opt-in (note that these will include all notifications from the Tribe, including advisories) ‣ DEP’s social media (@SwinomishDEP) – all results ‣ Kiosks at Martha’s Beach, Lone Tree, Swinomish Docks, and Snee-Oosh Beach ‣ Online: DEP website and StoryMap – all results

Snee-Oosh Beach Kiosk 31

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May 22 – SWEEC students singing in Lushootseed at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon Swinomish Tribal Archive

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ELDERS ACTIVITIES

JUNE 2025

2 MON

3 TUES

4 WED Walking Group Leave at 10a.m.

Come Make Graduation Lei's 12:30p.m.

5 THURS Graduation Parade 4p.m.

6 FRI Craft Time 11a.m.-4p.m.

Cedar Cap Ceremony to Follow

9 MON Volleyball Practice 12p.m.

Boys & Girls Club or Outside of the Senior Center

10 TUES Shopping Mount Vernon Area Stores Leave at 11a.m.

11 WED La Conner 8th Grade Promotion 6:30p.m.

Auditorium

12 THURS La Conner High School Graduation 5p.m.

Football Field

13 FRI Father's Day BBQ and Bingo 12p.m.

16 MON Volleyball Practice 12p.m.

Boys & Girls Club or Outside of the Senior Center

17 TUES Education Dinner at the Cedar Hats 6p.m.

18 WED SHIBA Appointments With Tashina Call to Schedule

19 THURS Juneteenth Tribe is Closed

20 FRI Happy Friday!

23 MON Volleyball Practice 12p.m.

Boys & Girls Club or Outside of the Senior Center

24 TUES Shopping WINCO Leave at 11a.m.

25 WED Tulalip Bingo Lunch provided at Bingo to Elders Leave at 10:30a.m.

26 THURS Swinomish Pride Celebration TBD

27 FRI Samish Luncheon

30 MON Volleyball Practice 12p.m.

Boys & Girls Club or Outside of the Senior Center

Elders Services Staff work Monday-Friday normal work week 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.

Amanda Buck: (360) 499-4056 Nicole Lockrem: (360) 853-5372 Tashina Villaluz: (360) 853-5372 Janet Wilbur: (360) 929-7441 Elder Abuse Concerns: Maggie Finkbonner (360) 708-3028 Calendar is subject to change, thanks!

Questions - call or text Elder Staff

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Senior Center staff Nicole Lockrem and Tashina Villaluz hold up raffle items at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon

ELDERS LUNCH

JUNE 2025

2 MON Tomato Soup Egg Salad Sandwich Vegetable Tray/Dip Fresh Orange

3 TUES Roast Pork/Gravy Rice Green Beans Pears

4 WED Fish Baked Potato Bar Corn on the Cobs Mixed Fruit Salad Yogurt

5 THURS Eggs & Sausage Links French Toast Syrup/Butter Raspberries

9 MON BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad/Roll Green Beans Cut Melon

10 TUES Beef Tartar Tot Casserole Steamed Carrots Roll Applesauce

11 WED Fish Brown Beans & Rice Steamed Zucchini Strawberries Yogurt

12 THURS Eggs & Ham Hash Browns English Muffins Peaches

16 MON Beef/Vegetable Stew Biscuit Pears Yogurt

17 TUES Chicken w/Yakisoba Noodles Stir Fry Vegetables Pineapple

18 WED Fish Scallop Potato/Roll Broc/Caul/Carrots

19 THURS

23 MON Clam Chowder/Cracker BLT Sandwich Mixed Fruit Salad Yogurt

24 TUES Beef Chili Mac Casserole Roll Mixed Green Salad Jell-0 w/Fruit

25 WED Fish & Potato Hash Biscuit Steamed Carrots Strawberries

26 THURS Eggs Sausage Gravy Biscuits Peaches

30 MON Hamburger Lettuce/Tomato/Onion Potato Salad/Baked Beans Cut Melon

Juneteenth Tribal Holiday No Service

In house dinning and to go box service 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m.

Meal Deliveries call (360) 466-3980 to cancel Milk served with all meals Jennifer Peters with Senior Center staff Mandy Buck at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon 35

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or caring for a child under 5, you may be eligible for support from WIC! WIC is a government program that supports all types of families with healthy foods, personalized nutrition support, breastfeeding guidance, prenatal support, healthcare referrals, and more!

Learn more and see if WIC is right for you: www.signupwic.com/about or call Swinomish WIC (360) 466-7269

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HUMAN RESOURCES

For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/humanresources

For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/

For the latest open positions, please visit: didgwalic.com

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OR CURRENT RESIDENT

I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE. SWEEC students after performing Lushootseed songs for the Elders at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon.