February 2024 Newsletter

Special Election to Vote on proposed amendment to the Constitution

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS In conducting the review of the Articles of the Constitution required by Article XIII, Section 1, Tribal Council has determined that the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Constitution has conflicting eligibility requirements for candidates for election to the Tribal Council.

There are two articles of the Constitution that relate to qualifications to run for election to Tribal Council, Article III and Article IX. Article III, Section 5 currently states that “Any eligible voter, as defined in Article IX, Section 4, shall be eligible to be a candidate for election to the Tribal Council.”

Article IX, Section 4(a) states, in pertinent part, that: All members of the Nation, eighteen (18) years of age or older and registered to vote with the Nation shall be eligible to vote in all elections provided for in this Constitution.”

By contrast, Article IX, Section 3 has the requirements currently utilized for election to Tribal Council. It requires nominees for Tribal Council membership to be 21 years of age, with no felony or moral turpitude criminal convictions and with continuous residence for one year within Del Norte, Humboldt, Curry, Josephine, or Coos Counties before being nominated.

The Tribal Council proposes to eliminate the conflict by consolidating the eligibility requirements currently utilized by the Nation in a single section of Article III and by striking the duplicative portion of Article IX, Section 3: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Article III, Section 5 of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Constitution shall be amended to read as follows: “Section 5. Any eligible voter shall be eligible to be a candidate for election to the Tribal Council, provided however, that the following requirements are met: (a)

Each nominee shall be registered to vote with the Nation;

(b)

Each nominee shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of nomination;

(c)

Each nominee shall never have been convicted of felony or a crime of moral turpitude in any jurisdiction; and

(d)

Each nominee shall have continuously resided within Del Norte, Humboldt, Curry, Josephine, or Coos counties for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to being nominated as a candidate for the Council.”

and Article IX, Section 3 shall be amended by striking the following language: Section 3. Nominations for Council persons shall be made at a regular Council meeting of the Nation. Procedures for the nominations process shall be set forth in an election ordinance. Provided, however, that each nominee shall be a member of the Nation who is registered to vote with the Nation, twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the nomination, who has never been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, and has continuously resided within Del Norte, Humboldt, Curry, Josephine, or Coos Counties for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to being nominated as a candidate for the Council.

Amendment:

Do you support an amendment to the Nation’s Constitution Article III, Section 5 which would provide that members of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation are eligible to be nominated for election to the Tribal Council if they are registered to vote; are at least twenty-one (21) years of age; have not been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude; and have continuously resided for one year before nomination in Del Norte, Humboldt, Curry, Josephine, or Coos Counties and to delete duplicative language in Article IX, Section 3?

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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

NA’SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.com CFW Director, Teela James (707) 487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.com Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck (707) 487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.com Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar 707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.com Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.com Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.com IT Manager, Kevin Sargent (707) 487-9255, ext. 1204, kevin.sargent@tolowa.com Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707) 487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.com Planning Director, Tim Hoone

LHULH-TE SRII-NIS SRI’-LHXVN HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

DAY MIN’-NE’ Special Election…………………………………………………………………………………………………...….1 Proposed Amendment……………………………………………………………………………………….…….....2 Table of contents ………………………………………………………………………………………..…3 General Membership Meeting …………………………………………………………….………….4-5 Election Timeline…….………………………………………………………………………….…..……...6 Education………………………………………………………………………………………….………...7-9 Howonquet Head Start…………………………………………………………………….….…….…..10 Community Development Department ……………………………………………………...…….11 Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame……. ……………………………………………………..…….12 Community and Family Wellness…………………………………………………………….....13-15 Natural Resources…... ……………………………………………………………………...…………..15 Announcements and Events……………………………………………………………….……...16-21 Birthdays……………………………………………………………………………………….……………..22 Elder Nutrition Menu & Committee Meetings………………………………….………………...23 Lucky 7 Casino Ad……………………………………………………………………...…………………24

(707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.com Records Manager, Staci Barr 707-487-9255, ext.1180, staci.barr@tolowa.com 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

Naa-xee Num-nii~-ma~s (February) 2024 . 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.tolowansn.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

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING LHETLH-XAT-NE MOTIONS

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GMM– YOUTH ACTIVITY NVN-NVST-AA~-TA

FEE LAND INTO TRUST LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT.

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ELECTION TIMELINES MARCH General Membership Meeting

Saturday, March 16 2024

Nominations for two Council seats Deadline for Council nominees to accept or decline nomination

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Campaign Letters Due by 5:00 pm at the tribal office

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

(300 words or less, NO pictures) APRIL General Election Information and Ballot mailed to ALL registered voters

Friday, March 29, 2024

MAY Voter Registration Closes

Friday, May 3, 2024

(You can still register after deadline, but cannot vote until the next election)

ELECTION DAY (8:00am - close 3:00pm)

Saturday May 18, 2024

No ballots accepted after 3pm Requirement for Voting

1) You must be enrolled. Enrolled means being accepted by the Enrollment Committee, approved by an action of Tribal Council and placed on the Membership List.

2) You must be 18 years of age by the voter registration deadline. You can still register after the registration deadline but you will not be able to vote until the next election.

3) To register to vote, fill out a request for Affidavit of Registration and return it to the Voter Registrar. You only need to register once.

4) To be nominated you must live in the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation 5 county service area (Del Norte, Humboldt, Coos, Curry, Josephine).

5) You must be 18 years old to nominate a candidate and 21 years old to serve on Tribal Council.

Written Nominations for Tribal Council will be accepted until 5pm on Friday March 15, 2024 and read out loud during the General Membership Meeting, nominations for Tribal Council period.

Your signature on the official ballot is VERIFIED with your signature on file with the records department. We require an updated signature every three years. If your signature on your absentee ballot doesn’t match what is on file, the Election Board can make the decision to void the ballot.

The Voter Registration form is available at the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Office and on the Website for new voters.

Mail, fax or email the form back to: Attention Election Board, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567 Official Ballot return envelopes will be addressed to a P.O. Box at Smith River Post Office for security purposes.

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CH’EE-NVK-T’I 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 14th 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 Datnaa-svt Loop, Smith River, CA 95567.

The office is in the back of the Dat-naa-svt Community Center.

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WEE-YA’ COMMITTEE

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XAA-WAN’-K’WVT HEADSTART

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CH’EE-NVK-T’I 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.

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CH’EE-NVK-T’I Dr. Joseph Giovannetti was a national caliber middle-distance runner at Humboldt State from 1969-1972. The Lumberjacks established themselves as a middle-distance power in that era in both the Far Western Conference and the NCAA College Division.

At Humboldt State College (now California State Polytechnic University), Giovannetti’s running talent flourished under the guidance of Giovannetti established 17 middle-distance running records in his renowned coach Jim Hunt, career, including 10 individual Humboldt State freshmen and varsity displaying remarkable conmarks, three relays, two stadium and two dual-meet records. He was sistency and excellence in the national leader in the NCAA College Division 880 yard run dur- middle-distance running. He ing March of 1971. qualified for the NCAA College Division national chamHe was also an NCAA College Division finalist at 880 yards in 1971 pionships all four years of (8th place finish) and a two-time NCAA College Division semifinal- his college career. One of his ist in the half mile (1972 and 1971). He was coached by legendary most notable achievements coach Jim Hunt and inducted to the Humboldt Athletics Hall of Fame came in 1971 when he finin 1999. ished eighth in the NCAA College Division 880 national championship finals. This He was reared by his grandparents from infancy. His grandfather, would be recognized as a First Team All-American honor by today's Delmar Whipple Sr., also a member of Tolowa Tribe, was a big instandards. fluence on his life. Whipple was a well-known baseball player, a semi-pro catcher with a "rifle arm." He played for Rolph Shipyards in Emeryville during World War I. Joe's brother and uncle also Giovannetti's list of accomplishments is extensive. He set multiple played baseball. congratulations to Joseph Giovannetti (73, Journal- records, including the Humboldt State 660 record, co-holding the ism, '79 MA Educational Leadership) on his induction to the North HSU 880 record at 1:51.8 (equivalent to 1:51.1 in 800 meters), and American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame! A member of the contributing to HSU's 4X880 yards relay team in 1971. His excelTolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Giovannetti established 17 middle-distance lence extended to other events as well, playing a key role in HSU's running records and was the national leader in the NCAA College Sprint Medley Relay record in 1970 and the No. 2 all-time 4X440 Division 880-yard run in relay team in 1971 against Sacramento State University.

Joseph Giovannetti, a proud Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation member and ac- Off the track, Giovannetti has made significant contributions to his Indigenous community and academia. He was a Professor Emeritus complished middleof Native American Studies at Humboldt State University, making distance runner, was born in Eureka, Cali- invaluable contributions from 1994 to 2018. He earned his Ph.D. from Sierra University and has been an active member of the Tolowa fornia. His athletic prowess first shone at Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council since 2007.

Eureka High School; in 1967, he claimed Joseph Giovannetti's legacy is one of resilience, achievement, and victory as the Humboldt-Del Norte coun- advocacy. His journey as an athlete and scholar has left an indelible ties varsity mile cham- mark on the Indigenous community. As a citizen of the Tolowa Deepion, marking the be- ni' Nation, Giovannetti serves as an inspiration to future generations, showcasing that determination and dedication can lead to greatness ginning of his stellar both on and off the track. career. In 1968, he clinched the North Coast Section Division Dr. Joe was inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics III 880 title and set the Hall of Fame at the beginning of 2024. Congratulations!

EHS 880 school record with a time of 1:55.7.

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NUU-DA’-YE’-DVN

NA’ SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN This months HR Corner features a new employee at Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation for February 2024.

Pets?

None at the moment but may change down the road.

Bri LaFerla CFW TTCW Project Coordinator Start date 1/9/24

Music Genre?

All genres of music

What brought you to work here at the Nation?

My family recently relocated to the area a year ago.

Movie Genre?

Comedies & Musicals – Sound of Music/Good Will Hunting

Hobbies? Hiking, Swimming

WELCOME TO THE TEAM BRI! 13

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ILLEGAL DUMPING The Natural Resources department prioritizes monitoring illegal dumping on our tribal lands due to the adverse effects it can have on our waterways, wildlife, and Tribal Citizens. Illegal dumping can bring sickness to both wildlife and people, pollute our creeks and water systems so that we can no longer use them as a viable source of drinking water, or even simply for recreational use.

With Illegal dumping going on around Gilbert Creek, the purity of our creek can be greatly diminished if illegal dumping continues.

If you see something,

CH’EE-NVK-T’I

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Higher Education & Vocational Training Funding Program

Higher Education Funding applications are available on our TDN website under Education Department. They can also be picked up at the office.

STUDENT REMINDER

If you need further assistance, or have any questions, contact Diana Bommelyn, Education Technician, (707) 4879255 ext. 1557, education.training@tolowa.com.

Higher Education Funding is available for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Citizens wanting to further their education or attend Vocational Training. The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Education Department can also provide assistance, for High School Students who are enrolled in and taking college courses in conjunction with their high school classes.

Diana is also available to offer assistance, in person, if a student needs assistance filling out the application. The education office is located at 300 Dat-naa-svt~ Loop in Smith River, CA 95567.

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CH’ EE-NVK-T’I 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.

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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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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MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH Ridge Adams

Edward Capoeman Lopez

Angel Hagen-Hernandez

Siena Lopez-Johnston

Lucy Reynolds

Kit-’Si Stowe

Justus Arlandson

Elaine Capoeman Lopez

Michael Halverson

Shane Lopez-Johnston

Shelly Reynolds

Katherine Swan

Herbert Arlandson

Diane Carr

Hollie Hanson**

Sierra Losh

Kolton Richards

Eloy Thomas-Mata

Jolynn Arlandson

Anthony Chisman

Donna Haynes

Ivan Manso

Michael Richards

Maya Travis

Paula Aubrey

Owen Costa

Kyle Hinshaw

Jamie Maynard

Dian Richards

Eva Upton

Frank Ault

Qwynn Coulson

Darren Hodges

Hollie McCallum

Kolton Richards

Melody Vance

Hattie Baines

Austin Cox

Brandon Hodges

Charlotte McClung

Nevarra Ridders

Adam Vickers

Brandy Baker

Joseph Criteser

Adison Hodges

Brady McConaghy

Tricia Romo

Fred Bartow

Heavenly Dizick

Brent Hodges

Chella Mendoza

Kelley Salcedo

Francisco Villegas-Lopez Jr.

Charles Batini

Michael Dobrec Sr.

Frank Hostler II

Sara Mitchell

Kehlani Salcedo

Rogen Baty

Ashley Eldredge

Joseph Houston

Audrey Mogess

Donivan Salyer

Alora Bergman

Deanna Ellis

Jenell Howell

Heath Moon

Jenna Sanders

Brendon Berry

Cheylei Erkkila

Jolene Hubbart

Kolbe Sanders-Myers

Aleah Bimemiller

Kayla Fillippa

Ye’Wome”Y James

Dylan Moorehead-O’ Loughlin

Emily Bimemiller

Celeste Fillmore

Marilyn Jocsing

Wade Bravo

Rose Fowlkes

Nantsvn Jones-Scott

Maegan Bravo

Margaret Fralich

Patricia Kelly

Jeremy Bravo

John Frantz

Christopher Kelly

Shayla Bray

Josette Freeland

Michael Kennedy

Claire Brown

Brittani Fugate

Catherine Kimble

Eric Brundin

Kate Gertsch

Joseph Lemley

Martha Brundin-Losh

Nash Giola

Sandra Lewis

Jacqueline Bruschi

Charles Gochanour

Sela Lopez

Ayda Burshem

Dena Gorbet

John Lopez Jr.

Christy Cadotte

Erika Gravatt

Shenandoah Lopez

Alexis Calderon

Doyle Green

Alicia Lopez

Raelee Campbell-Vawter

Willow Haddad

Holly Lopez

Michael Murrell Aaron Newton Summer Norbury Landon O’Reilley Delilah Ochoa Blake Owen Luke Parry Haleigh Pavola Meagan Payne

Corey Payne Elsie Petrie Lexus Pittman Virginia Porter

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?

Public Relations: 707-487-9255 ext. 1182 public.relations@tolowa.com

Hallie Scaglione

Nantsvn Jones-Scott Wesly Sells William Sesher David Smith Harrison Smith Aleena Solomon Lisa Sopiwnik Bobby Sossaman Caleb Sossaman Vicki Spargur Robert Spargur

Alia Vistalli-Alvarado Dorothy Wait Marilee Walker Paul Ward Jr. Nicole Weber Colin Weeks Nellie Westbury-Fox Jonathan Wilber Shelby Wilson Lennox Wilson Karie Wood Hunter Woolery Emma Yingling Isabella Younker

Aria Zeman Gabriel Zorea

Kreek Starkey Nadine Starritt

Attention Tribal Citizens Call the 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/ *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.

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ELDER NUTRITON MENU MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1) Sweet and Sour Pork

2) Breakfast

5) Macaroni and Cheese

6) Chicken Divan

7) Split Pea Soup

8) Chicken Pot Pie

9) Meatloaf

12) Vegetable Soup and 1/2 Egg Sal Sandwich

13) Spaghetti

14) Kale soup w/ Italian Sausage

15) Tuna Noodle Casserole

16) Baked Fish

19) Chili Relleno Bake

20) Beef Stroganoff

21) Chicken and Rice Soup

22) Beans w/ Bacon

23) Shepard’s Pie

26) Cheesy Mexican Spoon Bread

27) Ham and Cheese Casserole

28) Sack Lunch

29) Beef Gravy/Mashed Potatoes

The doors to the nutrition site open at 11:30am.

Please call for reservations

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 Indian Child Welfare Advisory Board

Housing Committee

TERO Commission

Third Wednesday of the month

Fourth Tuesday of each month

First Wednesday of the month

February 21, 2024 at 5:30pm

February 22, 2024 at 5:30pm

February 7, 2024 at 12:00pm

House of Howonquet, River Room

TDN Headquarters Building

House of Howonquet, River Room

Education Committee First Monday of the month February 5, 2024 at 5:30pm Dat-naa-svt Community Center

Wee-ya' Committee Fourth Thursday of the month February 22, 2024 at 5:00pm House of Howonquet, River Room

Culture Committee Fourth Wednesday of the month February 28, 2024 at 5:00pm House of Howonquet, River Room

300 Dat-naa-svt Loop

Natural Resources and Harvesting Committee Third Tuesday of the month February 20, 2024 at 5-7pm Natural Resources Office

Enrollment Committee Fourth Monday of the month February 25, 2024 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

NAA-XEE NUM-NII~-MA~S (FEBRUARY)

2024 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

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