COUNCILOR APPOINTED TO STAC NVN-NVST-AA~-TA Councilor Giovannetti appointed to serve as California Alternate for the Health and Human Services Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee.
Dr. Joseph Giovannetti, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation (Nation) Councilor, has been appointed to serve as the California Alternate on the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC). Councilor Giovannetti represents the Nation on this platform. He attended his first meeting in Wisconsin in late September.
the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC), was one key piece of this plan. The STAC works to bring the work of HHS’s reform and improvement efforts to a whole new level.
The STAC signals a new level of attention to the Government-toGovernment relationship between The United States has a unique legal and political relationship with Indian tribal HHS and Indian Tribal Governgovernments, established through and confirmed by the Constitution of the ments. In addition, their primary purUnited States, treaties, statutes, executive orders, and judicial decisions. In pose is to seek consensus, exchange recognition of that special relationship, under Executive Order 13175 of Noviews, share information, provide vember 6, 2000, executive departments and agencies are charged with engaging advice and/or recommendations; or in regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in facilitate any other interaction relatthe development of Federal policies that have tribal implications and are respon- ed to intergovernmental responsibilisible for strengthening the government-to-government relationship between the ties or administration of HHS proUnited States and Indian tribes. grams, including those that arise explicitly or implicitly under statute, On February 4, 2010, in compliance with President Obama’s Memorandum for regulation or Executive Order. This purpose will be accomplished through fothe Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, signed on November 5th, rums, meetings, and conversations between Federal officials and elected Tribal 2009, HHS proposed a set of initial activities to step up the Department’s efforts leaders in their official capacity. to improve services, outreach, and consultation efforts. The establishment of
FEE LAND INTO TRUST SHOULDN’T HURT. The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation is exploring the possibility of seeking legislation to facilitateLOVE trust acquisition of any land currently held in fee title in California by the Nation. For tribal Nations, a fee-to-trust land acquisition is a transfer of land title from an eligible Indian Tribe to the United States of America, in trust, for the benefit of the eligible Tribe. In general, the fee-to-trust process creates many benefits for Tribes and Tribal Citizens. The process allows Tribes to enhance housing opportunities for their citizens, realize the full development potential of their lands, negotiate the use and sale of the natural resources, and protect tribal ways of life including subsistence hunting and agriculture. While there is an administrative process within the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for putting fee land into trust, that process is timeconsuming, burdensome and expensive, and it can take years to put a single property into trust. While it is very difficult to pass legislation in Congress, if successful, legislation would allow the Nation to move fee land into trust in a way that saves tens of thousands of dollars and would reduce the timeline by years if not decades. In other words, it would allow the Nation and its citizens to enjoy the benefits of putting land into trust without having to wait years and years. Any legislation the Nation seeks will be narrowly crafted and focus exclusively on trust acquisition of land currently owned in fee status. This legislation will have no impact on our neighbors in and around Smith River. It will not affect anyone’s ability to utilize state and federal parkland and will in no way impede the ability of local law enforcement to do their job. There will be no impact on property values, local land use, access to water and other natural resources, or local development. Even with a very narrow scope, we will be conducting community outreach, and working with leaders in the county to move forward in a collaborative way. During this process, the Nation will be transparent and inclusive, and will strive to answer questions that arise during the process. If you have any questions contact Darrel Aubrey, Self-Governance Officer at (707) 487-9255 ext. 1159 or email at darrel.aubrey@tolowa-nsn.gov
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LHETLH-XAT-NE All Tribal Council: council@tolowa.com Chairperson, Jeri Lynn Thompson 707-951-3875, jeri.thompson@tolowa.com Vice Chair, Scott D. Sullivan (707) 954-6127, scott.sullivan@tolowa.com Secretary, Debbie Boardman (707) 951-0966, dboardman@tolowa.com Treasurer, Jaytuk Steinruck (707) 954-5971, jaytuk.steinruck@tolowa.com Council Member, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti (707) 218-6569, joseph.giovannetti@tolowa.com Council Member, Amanda O’Connell (707) 954-5271, amanda.oconnell@tolowa.com Council Member, Dorothy Wait (707) 218-7346, dwait@tolowa.com
HOLIDAY HOURS All Tribal Offices will close at noon on Friday, December 22nd and will be closed on Monday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas Holiday. Offices will also close on Monday, January 1, 2024 for the New Year Holiday. The Tribal Council and Staff wishes to extend everyone a Xii-chuu-dvn Sri’-lhxvn (Happy Solstice).
NA’SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.com CFW Director, Teela James
DAY MIN’-NE’
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.com
Documentary Film……………………………………………………………….…...…..….….…..…1
Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck
STAC Appointment………………………………………………...……………………………....……2
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.com
Tribal Council Motions ……………...………………..….……………………...….…………...4
Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar
Housing……………………………………………………………………….………….....…....5
707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.com Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.com
Natural Resources ………..……………………………………………………………………6-7 Human Resources………………………………………………………………………….….…8
Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson
Title Vi……………………………………………………………………………………..…….9
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.com
Education…………………………………………………………………………………….10-13
IT Manager, Kevin Sargent
UIHS…………………………………………………………………………………………….14
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1204, kevin.sargent@tolowa.com
Community and Family Wellness ……………….………………………………….………15-16
Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707) 487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.com
Enrollment & Elections…………………………………………………………………….…...17
Planning Director, Tim Hoone
Announcements and Events………………………………………………………...……….18-21
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.com
Birthdays ……………………………....…………………….………………...…….……....….22
Records Manager, Staci Barr
Elder Nutrition Menu & Committee Meetings…………………………………...…..…….…...23
707-487-9255, ext.1180, staci.barr@tolowa.com
Lucky 7 Casino Ad …………………………………………………………………..……....…24
Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey 707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@tolowa-nsn.gov
Tribal Council Attorney, Karen Pennington 707-487-9255, ext. 1165, karen.pennington@tolowa-nsn.gov Tribal Court Administrator, Elsie Petrie 707-487-9255, ext. 1162, elsie.petrie@tolowa.com Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707) 487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.com Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707) 487-9255, ext. 1174, cynthia.ford@tolowa.com
Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December) 2023 All rights reserved. Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Phone: 707-487-9255. Website: www.tolowa-nsn.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Editor: Emily Reed, Public Relations Manager (707) 487-9225 ext. 1182 public.relations@tolowa.com
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K'II-DAA-NAA-DVN LHETLH-XAT-NE MOTIONS MOTIONS AUGUST 24, 2023 WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (Sullivan/Boardman) 6-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Cultural monitoring agreement lower Stotenburg Creek Coho Habitat Enhancement; Cultural monitoring agreement Tedson Backwater Project 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (O’Connell/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve agenda moving number IIV to number V and the addition of Resolution 2023-32 Emergency Declaration Due to the Smith River Complex Wildland Fires. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (O’Connell/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2023-32 Emergency Declaration Due to the Smith River Complex Wildland Fires. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE (TERO): M/S/C (Wait/Boardman) 6-0-1 Motion to approve updated TERO Ordinance go out for 30-day citizen comment period. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS): M/S/C (Wait/O’Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Gun Safety Billboard design. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson M/S/C (O’Connell/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve CFW staff to submit the annual non-competitive renewal grant application with Cal OES and to authorize Council Chairperson or designee to sign applicable forms and authorization letter. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson M/S/C (Boardman/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting Cal-OES unserved/underserved victims/survivors of crime grant application and to authorize the Council Chairperson or designee to sign applicable forms and authorization letter. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING): M/S/C (Steinruck/Boardman) 6-0-1 Motion to approve comment letter to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) regarding the Tribal Government and Tribal Member Toll Exemption, and request for consultation from ODOT after the new Toll Rules are adopted to discuss
implementation and process. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson XAA-WAN’-K’WVT (HOWONQUET) HEADSTART EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM: M/S/C (O’Connell/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve 2023-24 Office of Head Start non-competing continuation grant application and budget. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MOTIONS SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
tract CT-2351-1272 with Terranet Systems Inc. for Broadband Project Coordination in the amount not to exceed $20K, with Darryl Yarak. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (Boardman/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to approve with changes, and addition of acknowledging that the airport is on Tolowa ancestral lands, a Letter of Commitment (LOC) to Ryan Cooley, Airport Director at Border Coast Regional Airport, committing to providing $77K of the matching funds needed to meet the match funding deadlines required in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan
WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (Steinruck/Boardman) 4-0-1 Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee M/S/C (Boardman/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve submitting a grant for “Ghvtlh-k’vsh shu’-srnelh-‘i~ (Kelp Guard-la: Sullivan ians)” to the accelerating Kelp Forest Restoration and research in California grant program from Sea Grant for WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): $1.3M. M/S/C (O’Connell/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to adopt the 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; consent agenda with the removal of Contract CT-2271Xwee-la: Sullivan 1131 w/ Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI) modification #1 until updated budget modification is received: M/S/C (Steinruck/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Surveillance Policies & Procedures section 6: Cards, Resolution 2023-37 supporting grant application for Tribal changing color of new Blackjack cards; 2023 GMM Meeting Nature Based Solutions Program. This would provide fundminutes; Regular meeting minutes for 7.13.23; ing for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s garden and nursery 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; coordinator that would work with our staff in our facilities. Xwee-la: Sullivan 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan DEE-NI' K'WEE-CH'VT-T'E'SR-DVN (ENROLLMENT): Motion to approve Resolution 2023-37 was rescinded by M/S/C (Giovannetti/O’Connell) 4-0-1 Motion to approve motion makers. Resolution 2023-36 Tribal Membership X27 M/S/C (O’Connell/ Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve ap'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; pointing Marva Jones to the Natural Resources & HarvestXwee-la: Sullivan ing Committee. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; TR'VM-DAN' DEE-NI'-DVN (TRIBAL HERITAGE Xwee-la: Sullivan PRESERVATION OFFICE): M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve ConM/S/C (Boardman/ Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to approve tract award 959006-23-C-0009 for Tribal Cultural Landmodification #1 extension of time and TERO fees on Conscape Assessment for proposed Bureau of Ocean Energy tract CT-2040-0977 with Theresa Allaway for the Native Management Curry County area wind energy in the amount plant nursery. of $319,072.83. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (Boardman/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Letter of Support (LOS) for Elk Valley Rancheria’s Coastal Conservancy Grant Application. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING): M/S/C (Giovannetti/O’Connell) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2023-35 Community Resilience Centers Grant Program. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (Boardman/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Con-
MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION): M/S/C (Giovannetti/Boardman) 4-0-1 Motion to approve with the addition to the resolution to state Lucky 7 Enterprises. Resolution 2023-34 California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) to update primary delegate as Jeri Lynn Thompson and the secondary delegate as Chairperson Richard Armstrong. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2023-33 Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) membership, Delegates, and dues. 'Ay~: Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan
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MVN' -DVN HOMELESS HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION
Service Area Restrictions Apply!
Are you homeless and struggling to find housing?
Have you found housing and cant afford move in costs?
Do you have housing that you are at risk of losing?
Do you need assistance in accessing and navigating tribal and community resources?
If you are struggling with any of these types of problems call Myrtle in the Housing Division 707-487-9255 ext 1602 Let us see if we can help you through our new Homeless Assistance and Prevention Program.
MEE-XWVTLH-YAA~-DVN
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SI~S-XAA-DVN Community Gathering to Review and Evaluate PhD Thesis Proposal with Kelsey Miller Friday, December 8th at 5:30pm at Dat-naa-svt Community Center FREE dinner! Please join us to discuss and evaluate a proposed research project focused on lat (seaweed) harvest practices and climate change impacts on our coastal territory. Kelsey Miller is a graduate student of settler ancestry who has partnered with Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Marine Division since 2018 on the Tribal Intertidal Digital Ecological Surveys (TIDES) project, which creates high resolution 3D models of our rocky intertidal areas. At this gathering, Councilman Steinruck, Marine Division staff and Kelsey will present to the community our proposed collaborative research developed with the Tribal Marine Stewards Network, the Kumeyaay, Scripps Oceanography and Simon Fraser University (where she is currently a graduate student). This gathering will provide an opportunity for any community members to learn more about the proposed research, give feedback, voice any questions or concerns and ultimately decide if and how the potential research might move forward. Importantly, Councilman Steinruck and Kelsey are hosting this gathering to provide Tribal citizens the opportunity to evaluate and make decisions about the future of the proposed research before the academic examination committee (of which Councilman Steinruck is also a member) is able to do so, which returns some of the power to our knowledge system rather than the western-biased university system. Please join us to set new standards for academic partners by gathering as a community to decide if and how the collaborative research proposed with a non-Indigenous student meets our community goals and values sufficiently to move forward. Kelsey will only go on to the required academic evaluations if the majority of participants at this gathering decide the proposed work is worthy of continuing. If you want to help shape the future of our collaborative research on how climate change is impacting lat (seaweed) harvest and what we can do about it, please attend the gathering on December 8th. Join us on December 8th at 5:30pm at the Dat-naa-svt Community Center!
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NA'SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN HR Corner
Accepting the Job
Welcome Back! Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s, Naa-dvtlh-nvsh-nee-dvn, Human Resources Department’s helpful tips to land that job you’ve been dreaming about!
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This month I’ll be focusing on the summary of your job search from start to finish.
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The phone call – When you accept, your first day, pay amount and start time will all be discussed. Dress code – if they don’t mention it, ask. Be ready for paperwork – Your employer will probably have you come in or email you a list of paperwork to fill out. Make sure you don’t miss anything as this can delay your start date.
This is the highlights from each article. I hope this has helped you find your perfect job, and good luck on your career!
First Day and New Employee Orientation
Job Search/Types of searches
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Computer Searches Door to door Word of mouth Newspapers
Applying for the Job •
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Type your application or print as legibly as you can Always include a cover letter with your resume and application Be thorough on applications Have a friend or family help you proof read your information; Follow up the next week after turning in the application.
Organizing and Checking In • •
Be consistent; Once a week is a good timeframe to communicate with the company you applied to. Check in with your references; Make sure it’s still okay to use them as a reference and their preferred method of contact, and when a good time to contact them.
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Check list - Get ready and make a list of things to do for your first day. Set your alarm clock!! Outfit or Clean Clothes ready, papers, ID, Banking info, Social Security card, and family info, for beneficiary reasons. Paperwork - Be ready to fill out even more paperwork for your job, W4, I-9, Benefits enrollment and various company acknowledgments. Pack a lunch the night before
Next year, 2024 will focus on Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s new hire interviews, and department specific spot lights on what they do and how to successfully secure a position in that department. We may also focus on monthly helpful hints to do with career goals, or other Human Resources information. Submitted by, Tim Thomson, HR Generalist Email us at HR@tolowa.com Come work for us at www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs **Scan our QR code with your phone’s camera to see our most recent job openings**
The Interview • • •
Be Ready! Have answers ready for those hard interview questions, e.g. Tell us about yourself. Practice – hold mock interviews; Get the jitters out ahead of time. Research – what do you know about the company? Wow them! Show them your interested.
Employment opportunities are available! Stop by, call or go online for more information. www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs www.lucky7casino.com/employment/
Human Resources
Human Resources
Phone 707-487-9255 hr@tolowa.com
Phone 707-487-7777 gail.viellieux@lucky7casino.com
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TITLE VI EDUCATION PROGRAM
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XAA-WAN’-K’WVT HEADSTART
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MEE-XWVTLH-YAA~-DVN Higher Education We can serve our Tolowa Dee ni' Nation Citizens in several ways. First, for our High School students, we can assist high school Juniors and Seniors who are simultaneously taking college courses in conjunction with their high school courses. Students must be dually enrolled at both schools. Funding would be provided at the spring and fall semesters. These funds are intended to help with costs associated with attending a college. Students maintaining a 2.0 GPA or above would be able to access these funds for all 4 semesters. Second, for our students going on to further their education at a college or university there are funds available. The funding has a yearly cap amount, dispersed either per semester or quarter depending on the school they choose to attend. Student must maintain a 2.0 GPA or above to qualify and to continue to receive funding. Funding is based on whether a student is a full-time student, which is 12 units per term, or a part time student. Third, we offer funding for Vocational Training. We recognize that some of our students will look for alternatives to achieving their future career fields. For these students we can help fund the costs associated with the training. At Tolowa Dee ni' Nation Education Department we want to encourage our youth to look to their futures. As they look for and find this path we are here to support that effort. Higher Education Funding Applications can be found at the Tolowa Dee ni' Nation website, https://www.tolowa-nsn.gov. from there go into the Yuu-nvlh-ts'it-dvn (Department of Education) and you can download the application. You can also contact us by email to request an application at higher.education@tolowa.com
Yuu-nvlh-ts'it-nee-dvn (Youth Services Division) The Youth Services Division of the Education Department manages the A.C.E. (Accessing Choices in Education) program. We provide a variety of educational services to Native American youth grades K-12 in Del Norte and Curry Counties. Our program is developed from parent input to assess student needs within the community. We organize events, recurring classes, after school programs, and one on one tutoring sessions in a variety of subjects including; Academic, Cultural, Outdoor, Arts, Wellness, Tech & Media, Mentoring, and more.
Our goal is to increase school success for Native American Students. Measured by performance on the state CAASPP exam, a successful transition into high school, and achieving college readiness by high school graduation. We aim to meet these standards by offering cultural / enrichment activities, increasing parent involvement and engagement, and working regularly with families to identify student needs. Visit our portal www.tolowa.us for more information.
Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Early Learning Program We love children and it is our sole purpose to teach them when they are young and their brains are in the early stage of development. At our facility we have two Head Start classrooms and one ELC classroom that is Tribal run and also acts as a Wrap-around classroom for working parents. We consist of a Program Manager, Administrative Analyst, Health, Disabilities and Education Coordinator, Family Liaison, three teachers, three assistant teachers, and three classroom aides. We also have a great cook that will soon have an assistant. We are here to teach the children but also to help the parents with setting goals for their families, give them resources for any need that they may have and to just be there for them to celebrate their accomplishments and console with their sorrows. We are a culturally based pre-school where the Tolowa Dee-ni’ culture is celebrated and the children get to learn the language and traditions of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. We have great things happening at the school this year and there will be a lot of changes that will we can all rejoice in.
We look forward to a great 2023-2024 year and welcome anyone that would like to come and see our facility. 12840 Mouth of the Smith River Rd 707-487-1113
Our Education Technician is available to answer any questions you may have, or help fill out your applications Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. thru 4:30 p.m. or call (707) 487-9255 ext. 1557.
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MEE-XWVTLH-YAA~-DVN JOM Student Incentive Program Students K-12th Grade *Must live in Del Norte or Curry County to participate. The Incentive Program will be awarded to selected students twice in the 2023/2024 School Year. A drawing will be held for 4-Students for good grades and 4-students for good attendance per semester. For the Fall Semester Awards please submit your child's report card with grades and attendance by Friday February 9th 2024, with the drawing to be held on Monday February 12th 2024. For the Spring Semester please submit your child's report card with grades and attendance by Friday June 14 th 2024 with the drawing to be held on Monday June 17th 2024. Contact Diana Bommelyn, Education Technician for further questions. (707) 487-9255 ext.1557 or diana.bommelyn@tolowa.com You can drop off or mail in your report cards off at the main Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation office at: 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River California 95567 You can also drop them off at Diana's office at 300 Dat-naa-svt Loop, Smith River, CA 95567.
The office is in the back of the Dat-naa-svt Community Center.
CH’EE-NVK-T’I This program reimburses the registration fees only. Processing of reimbursements take a minimum of 2 weeks. Fill out a separate form for each child and for each activity. Don’t forget to attach a copy of your receipt. Each enrolled youth 18 and under, or still in high school, qualify for up to $250 per year.
Reimbursements for the 2023 year will not be made after January 12, 2024. 12
MEE-XWVTLH-YAA~-DVN
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UIHS NATIVE TOBACCO PROJECT Cigars and Your Health
increased the prevalence of use among adolescents. Cigar use is higher among youth who use other tobacco products or other drugs (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants) than among youth who do not use these products.
Elidia Adams-Loya, Health Promotion & Education Specialist, NATIVE Tobacco Project United Indian Health Services, Inc. Cigars contain the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and are not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
A cigar is defined as a roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco Health Effects or in a substance that contains tobacco. Cigars differ from cigarettes in that cigarettes are a roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in • Regularly smoking cigars is associated with an increased risk for cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx (voice box), and oral cava substance that does not contain tobacco. The three major types ity (lip, tongue, mouth, throat). of cigars sold in the United States are large cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars. In 2021, cigars were the third most used tobacco prod- • Cigar smoking is linked to gum disease and tooth loss. uct among U.S. middle and high school students. The availability of • Heavy cigar smoking and inhaling cigar smoke deeply may increase risk for developing coronary heart disease. flavors in cigars that are prohibited in cigarettes (such as cherry), • Heavy cigar smoking increases the risk for lung diseases, such and the fact that they are commonly sold as a single stick, has as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. raised concerns that these products may be especially appealing to youth. In 2021, among middle and high school students who used There are so many resources available to help you in your journey cigars in the past 30 days, 44.4% reported using a flavored cigar with quitting! during that time. Little cigars are the same size and shape as ciga- Here are a few that can help: rettes, often include a filter, and are packaged in a similar way, but KICKITCA (Formerly known as California Smokers’ Helpline)they are taxed differently than cigarettes. Rather than reduce con- • KICKITCA.ORG sumption, people who smoke and are cost-conscious might switch • To quit vaping, call 1-844-8-NO-VAPE (1-844-866-8273) from cigarettes to cheaper little cigars. Historically, cigar smoking • Teen Helpline to quit smoking, Call: 1-800-662-8887 in the United States has been a behavior of older men, but the industry’s increased marketing of these products to targeted groups Source: www.cdc.gov
XII– CHUU-DVN SRI'-LHXVN
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UIHS NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA TOBACCO PROJECT NUU-DA’-YE’-DVN
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CH’EE-NVK-T’I
Lena V.Ault
Clay E. Hostler
Mary B. Ault
Kenneth C. Hutsell
Brandon L. Bentley
Amy J.Idol
Andrew D. Bravo
Tyler James
Joseph T. Criteser
Dewayne J. Lopez
Joshua D. Criteser
Daniel Lopez-Arcos
Samuel W. Criteser
Jacklyn N. Martin
Dylan A. Hall
Ethan A. Mead
Joseph Halverson
Kirsten M. Miller
Kristina Halverson
Landon M. O'Reilly
Michael Halverson
Julie Sesher-Harris
Brendon Harralson
Adam D. Vickers
TRIBAL CITIZENS Do you have something you would like to submit to the newsletter? A new baby, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, hunting or fishing photos, sports, obituaries or other? Email them to public.relations@tolowa.com Reminder: the monthly newsletter is also available to view on the website: www.tolowa-nsn.gov
Sami J. Criteser Amy J. Idol Jeremy K. J. May
Kirsten M. Miller Alyssa R. Piazza
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CH’ EE-NVK-T’I AND WAA ‘EE-LEE-TE
Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation- YouTube Tribal Citizens: We encourage you to go subscribe to the official Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation YouTube page by searching @tolowadeeni. A video highlighting 2023 Dee-ni’ Day was recently posted, we encourage you to go check it out!
Public Relations: 707-487-9255 ext. 1182 public.relations@tolowa.com
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CH’ EE-NVK-T’I
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CH’EE-NVK-T’I Congratulations to TJ Kahoalii for officially signing his National Letter of Intent to the University of Louisville to play Division 1 Men’s Soccer in the ACC on National Signing Day, Wednesday November 8th. TJ was very excited to sign his National Letter of Intent after verbally committing to the University of Louisville in early March of 2023, as a Junior. TJ was one of the first National Recruits to verbally commit for Men's soccer in the 2024 graduating class, and first to verbally commit for the 2024 class at the University of Louisville Men’s soccer program. TJ has been accepted to the College of Business at the University of Louisville. TJ is also the recipient of the College Board’s National Indigenous Recognition Program Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, as well as the recipient of the College Board’s National AP Scholar with Honors Award. We are all very proud of TJ who will be representing himself, his family, the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and our culture in the next step of his Athletic and Academic Career. Congratulations TJ! We are rooting for you!
Want to wish a Happy 70”Anniversary to Lee and Laura Gardner. Lee is our eldest male Tribal Citizen. Celebrating 7 Decades of Memories 840 Months of Happiness 3,652 weeks of Love 25,567 days of Wisdom 613,608 hours of laughter 1 Amazing Couple
Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary! 20
CH’ EE-NVK-T’I
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MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH Huntlee Adams Kimberly Aldape Austin Allen Michael Austin Maximus Baines Guy Balcom Will Baldridge Brielle Balswick Gary Batini Ashton Baty Karen Bimemiller Noella Boak Megan Boardman Anna Boatsman Andrea Bravo Andrew Bravo Gwyn Brooks Seaira Brundin Esperanza Calderon Dominic Campos Huxton Canaday Kourtney Cari Mya Carpenter Makayla Chapman Zackary Chapman Jalissa Cole Christy Crawford Stormy Criner Timothy Criteser Aleena Dass Devry Davis
Kalynn Davis Kalaya Davis-Bodenstab Victor Dobrec III Trista Donaldson Cole Estrada Alvina Fairchild Whitley Fouts Nellie Fox Ari Frombach Felicia Fugate Abaline Gardner Ty Ann Gary Cheantel Gernert Vancha Gilkey Everly Giovannetti Steven Gochanour, Sr. Thomas Gochanour Paz Gomez Lynne Gonzalez Heather Griffin Arnold Hempel Elizabeth Hernandez Cheyanne Hinshaw Wesley Hinshaw Arianna Hooper Nicholas Husted, Jr. Angel Idol Elody James Roman Janeiro Tisha Johnson Tyler Johnson
Jericho Johnson Brannan Jones Dean Jones John Jones Marva Jones Michael Jones Trevion Jones Lorena Joy Garison Kamisky Landon Kamisky Terile Keevil Kaitlin Kendall Kevin Kennedy III Ethan Kennedy Ezekiel Kirby Tasheena Kirby Jaz Leddy Iven Lemmon Amee Lopez Richard B. Lopez Robert N. Lopez Shalawn Lopez Vernon Losh II Sierra Marry Rosalie Maynard Daniel McCann Elise McClung Mitchel McKuhn Levi McLennan Harvey Mitchell Kris Moorehead
TOLOWA VETERANS Are you on our Veterans list? Do you need to update your information? Change of name, address or contact number? Do we have your photo? Do we know which branch of military you are serving in or have served? Need to update your years in service or have you received any special awards/recognitions?
Hannah Mouser Oliver Myers Jaxen Newton Maggi O’Brien Kristina O’Loughlin Zachary Olds Keth’nu O’Reilley Kaydence Owen Amanda Parke-Duncan Lucinda Parras Nicco Parras Holly Pittman Jacob Rader Marissa Ram Robin Rasmussen Constance Reynolds Jesse Richards III Marvin Richards, Jr. Elijah Richards Emma Richards Laurene Richards Rocky Richards See-lhsrik Richards-Davis James Richmond Braquel Roberts Ricardo Rojas Jess Sanders Frances Schriver Philbert Sesher Katrina Simpson Anthony Smith
David Smith Iris Smith Sharon Smith Gabrielle Solomon Zaydie Stoll Phillip Sullivan Scott Sullivan Cheryl Templer Jason Thomas Harold Thornton Tyler Travis Marlee Tribur Alvin Tripp, Sr. Chvn-was-na Tuttle Arden Upton Laura Valley Olivia Valley Shane Vistalli-Alvarado Tina Whipple-Hall Remi White Brayden Wilber Tyler Wilber Adaline Williams Adie Wilson Skylar Windham Treyvon Wolfe-Easley Kyley Workman Jennifer Zeman
Attention Tribal Citizens Call the Records & Enrollment Office to confirm your mailing address. Once you have confirmed your mailing address and made any updates to your name, address or phone number you are eligible to receive a $150* gift certificate to an online website. You are able to purchase food products only from this website, including razor clams, tuna, sockeye, crab, smoked sturgeon, steelhead and coho. https://www.quinaultpride.online/
Public Relations: 707-487-9255 ext. 1182
*while supplies last, one per household. Cards were purchased through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration- National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS)—COVID-19 relief grant funds.
public.relations@tolowa.com
Call Records & Enrollment at 707-487-9255
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ELDER NUTRITON MENU MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY 1) Bev’s Retirement Luncheon
4) Fettucine Alfredo w/ Vegetables
5) Chicken Fiesta
6) Split Pea Soup
7) Sack Lunch
8) Meatloaf
11) Chili Macaroni
12) Sweet and Sour Pork
13) Sack Lunch
14) Spaghetti
15) Baked Fish
18) Chili Relleno
19) Chicken Divan
20) Potato
21) Beans w/ Bacon
22) Christmas
Bake
Chowder
25) HOLIDAY
26) HOLIDAY
Luncheon
27) Lentil Soup w/ Sausage
The doors to the nutrition site open at 11:30am. Please call for reservations
28) Tuna Noodle
29) Shepherds Pie
Casserole
Suggested donations: Elders 55+, $2 (some are free) Under 55, $7
Reserve Lunch by 10 a.m. 707-487-0215 press option 3
COMMITTEE MEETINGS ICWA Committee
Housing Committee
First Wednesday of the month
Third Wednesday of the month
Community Language Planning Meetings
December 6, 2023 at 12:00pm
December 30, 2023 at 5:30pm
Third Wednesday of the month
House of Howonquet, River Room
House of Howonquet, River Room
December 20, 2023 at 10am12pm
Wee-ya' Committee
Dat-naa-svt Community Center
Education Committee First Monday of the month December 4, 2023 at 5:30pm Dat-naa-svt Community Center
Third Wednesday of the month December 20, 2023 at 5:00pm
300 Dat-naa-svt Loop
Dat-naa-svt Community Center
Culture Committee
300 Dat-naa-svt Loop
Fourth Wednesday of the month December 27, 2023 at 5:00pm
Natural Resources and Harvesting Committee Third Tuesday of the month December 19, 2023 at 5-7pm Natural Resources Office 110 W. First Street
Enrollment Committee
House of Howonquet, River Room
Third Monday of the month due to the Christmas holiday December 18, 2023 at 1:00pm Tribal Headquarters 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd.
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Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd. Smith River, CA 95567
NEE-SAN-NAA-XEE-CH’AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (DECEMBER)
2023 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER
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