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!
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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Rodney John, Secretary (360) 708-1387 | rjohn@swinomish.nsn.us
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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
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Aurelia Bailey (360) 853-6376 | awashington@swinomish.nsn.us
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Barbara James (360) 391-3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us
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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
Heather Mills, Communications Manager
Sarah Kellogg, Content Journalist
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Jordan Ekdahl, Graphic Designer communications@swinomish.nsn.us
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul
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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
Before you light fireworks
‣ 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.
Be Safe
When lighting fireworks
‣ 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.
Be Responsible
After your done
‣ Clean up used fireworks and litter in the area.
‣ Soak used fireworks in water.
‣ Keep matches and lighters away from children.
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
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.
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
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
Aaliyah Jack Sophie Bailey and Barb James
Join us in celebrating our graduating preschoolers & those moving up from childcare
Enjoy bouncy castles, snow cones, games, Indian tacos, and cupcakes
SWEEC staff
MONDAY, MAY 26
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.
Honored Veterans: Janie Beasley (Mira Beasley), Doug York, Laura Kasayuli, Kenneth Cayou, Dennis Dan, Ray Williams, Ernest Jamison Sr. Swinomish Tribal Archive
Connie LeSourd, pictured with husband John and son Jeremiah
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.
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 language. “
They 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.”
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.
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.
If you want to download the iPhone/iPad version now, go to: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swinomishlushootseed/id6743545810
The Android version is available on Google Play, https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.languagepal. swinomishlushootseed&pcampaignid=web_share
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
Skagit River Fishing
JUNE
26
Kayson Cayou out at the Skagit River watching and waiting for fish.
Kayson Cayou watching for fish for grandpa Louis Cayou.
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
Swinomish Ladies Golf Clinic 2025
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.
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.
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.
After Governor Inslee signed SB 6146 last year (July 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.
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 expands the ability to keep everybody safe.”
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
Photo courtesy of Washington State Legislative Support Services
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
Shirley Cassimere and Colleen Williams
Gina Bob, Sophie Bailey, and Brenda Bob
Ian Kanair, Lona Wilbur, Brian Wilbur, Nancy Wilbur, Les Kneeland
HEALTHY SNACK WITH THE NUTRITIONIST
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
Michelle Skidmore and Boys & Girls Club kids make fruit kabobs
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Senator Aurelia Bailey surprises Joe McCoy with a birthday cake
Grossglass Family prepare the BBQ salmon
Josiane Sams prepares the offerings
Senator JJ Wilbur Senator Fred Cayou
Colby James, Senator Bruce James and Chairman Steve Edwards prepare the crab
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Father Mel blesses the fishermen and fisherwomen
Marlon Edwards, Josie Adams, Matthew Stone
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.
National Honor Society Inducts Swinomish Students
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.
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 Kellie!
by Velma Lockrem
into the
Bella is doing Running Start at the Skagit Valley College through La Conner.
Congratulations Bella!
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
Kellie Cayou-Lockrem
Photo
Bella Long
Bella Long was inducted
National Honor Society for high academic GPA at the La Conner High School.
Photo by Brian Cladoosby
Right to left: Kellie Cayou-Lockrem stand with her best friend Iris Turner
Congratulations College Graduates!
The Swinomish Education Department is pleased to 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
Erica John
A.A. General Direct Transfer, Northwest Indian College
Kennedy Miller
A.A. General Direct Transfer, Skagit Valley College
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
Congratulations to all on your achievements and best wishes as you journey forward!
Congratulations On Earning Your Certification!
The Swinomish Education Department is pleased to announce the following certification completions:
Kevin Day CDL Class A certification, Taylor Made Truck Driving School
Velma Lockrem
School of Police Staff & Command certification, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
Shaun Beasley
School of Police Staff & Command certification, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
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
Interested in Furthering Your Education?
Any tribal members interested in earning a degree or pursuing a vocational program can contact Lisa James, Swinomish scholarship manager at ljames@swinomish. nsn.us or 360.333.9947.
Those interested in earning their high school diploma or diploma equivalency, please contact Sally Schroeder, sschroeder@swinomish.nsn.us, or 360.630.3723.
Northwest Career Technical Academy Honors Swinomish Students
Eyowyn Sams-Gustafson
Eyowyn is being honored this quarter as an Outstanding Student in our PM Dental Assisting Program! Congratulations Eyowyn!
“Eyowyn has a positive attitude and always give extra care and to produce neat and consistent 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
Katie Cayou-Lockrem
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!
"Mom and dad are proud of you." – Velma Lockrem
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
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 Athleticslcsd.wednet.edu/article/2171613
Nate Bailey Photo by Bill Reynolds
Keaton Bailey
Jessica, Lydia and Zach Grossglass
Kali, Josie, Jeremy and Isaiah Adams
Weekly Wednesdays Preschool and Daycare Toothbrush Visits
Athena Williams
Elaina Guzman
Ambrose Joe
Swinomish Spring Cleanup
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Tredamas Casey and Jeremiah Williams on curbside pickup duty
DEP staff tidy up the raised garden bed at 13 Moons Garden
Gus Siddle
Dental Clinic staff
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.
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
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.
Snee-Oosh Beach Kiosk
May 22 – SWEEC students
singing in Lushootseed at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon Swinomish Tribal Archive
ELDERS ACTIVITIES JUNE 2025
Senior Center staff Nicole Lockrem and Tashina Villaluz hold up raffle items at the Intertribal Elders Luncheon
ELDERS LUNCH
2 MON
Tomato Soup
Egg Salad Sandwich
Vegetable Tray/Dip
Fresh Orange
3 TUES
Roast Pork/Gravy
Rice
Green Beans
Pears
9 MON
BBQ Chicken
Macaroni Salad/Roll
Green Beans
Cut Melon
10 TUES
Beef Tartar Tot Casserole
Steamed Carrots
Roll
Applesauce
JUNE 2025
4 WED
Fish
Baked Potato Bar
Corn on the Cobs
Mixed Fruit Salad
Yogurt
11 WED
Fish
Brown Beans & Rice
Steamed Zucchini
Strawberries
Yogurt
5 THURS
Eggs & Sausage Links
French Toast
Syrup/Butter
Raspberries
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
Juneteenth
Tribal Holiday No Service
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
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
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!
For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/humanresources HUMAN RESOURCES
For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/
For the latest open positions, please visit: didgwalic.com
11406 Moorage Way
La Conner, WA 98257
qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
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