DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'
SRCH'EE-TE NUM-NII~-MA~S (July) 2025 - Volume 32, Issue 7
Tvm-chaa-me' celebration!
Heritage, language, community and watershed
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, along with Redwoods National & State Parks and Redwood Parks Conservancy, hosted the annual Tvm-chaa-me' Day on June 16 at Chvn-su'lh-dvn (Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park). It was a wonderful celebration of Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' Wee-ya' (Tolowa People's Language) and our heritage, community and watershed.
The event offered Tribal Citizens, members of the local community and visitors to the park an opportunity to learn more about the Nation and our rich, natural environment.
Highlights of the day included a Tolowa Dee-ni' waa-tr'vslh-'a ~ (cultural & language) presentation, a wee-ya' (language) competition, Redwood dugout xee-nvs (canoe) rides, Mvsr-tan'-ne' (food) demonstrations of san-chvn t'uu-'i' (acorn soup), baa-shuk ghvt-sra (sandbread), and lhuk daa-tr'vlh-t'es (open-fire salmon roast). Several local agencies and organizations were on hand to provide information.
More photos on Page 2
Trevor, Sadie and Carlie Mouser take a ride on the newly-blessed xee-nvs (canoe).
Tvm-chaa-me' Day
1. Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn, left, and Jaytuk Steinruck bless a refurbish Xee-nvs during a birthing ceremony prior to the start of the event.
2. Antonio Padilla prepares traditionally cooked salmon for the celebration.
3. Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones, right, and Tsinte Steinruck read the names of past and current Tribal Citizens fluent in the Tolowa language.
4. Rock painting (left to right): Keexach Bommelyn, Jamie Castellaw, Lincoln Anderson, Shelana deSilva, Ratausha Ray and Ashley Newton.
5. Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn and Sheryl Suudaachu Steinruck discuss the history of Chvn-su'lh-dvn and Tolowa names for various landmarks.
6. Left to right: Leonel Arguello, Redwood National and State Parks Deputy Superintendent; Wiliam Xwe'-nin'-dvn Bommelyn, Sr.; Tolowa Deeni' Master Wood Carver; Jaytuk Steinruck, Tolowa Dee-ni' Tribal Council; Patrick Taylor, Interpretation and Education Program Manager, Redwoods National and State Park; Cynthia Y'ulh-dee-na Ford, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer, and Victor Bjelajac, District Superintendent, North Coast Redwoods District, California State Parks.
All Tribal Council: council@tolowa.gov
Chairperson, Debbie Boardman (707) 951-0966, dboardman@tolowa.gov
Vice Chair, Scott D. Sullivan (707) 954-6127, scott.sullivan@tolowa.gov
Secretary, Jeri Lynn Thompson (707) 951-3875, jeri.thompson@tolowa.gov
Treasurer, Jaytuk Steinruck (707) 954-5971, jaytuk.steinruck@tolowa.gov
Council Member, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti (707) 218-6569, joseph.giovannetti@tolowa.gov
Council Member, Amanda O’Connell (707) 954-5271, amanda.oconnell@tolowa.gov
Council Member, Dorothy Wait (707) 218-7346, dwait@tolowa.gov
Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.gov
Assistant Executive Director, Thomas Metz (707) 487-9255, ext. 1229, thomas.metz@tolowa.gov
Administrative Services Director, Emily Reed (707) 487-9255 , ext. 1182, emily.reed@tolowa.gov
Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.gov
CFW Director, Teela James (707) 487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.gov
Community Development Director, Tim Hoone (707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.gov
Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck (707) 487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.gov
Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar 707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.gov
Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.gov
Human Resources Director, Jeff Davis (707) 487-9255, ext. 1213, jeff.davis@tolowa.gov
Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707) 487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.gov
Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey 707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@tolowa.gov
Tribal Court Administrator, Elsie Petrie 707-487-9255, ext. 1162, elsie.petrie@tolowa.gov
Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707) 487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.gov
Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707) 487-9255, ext. 1701, cynthia.ford@tolowa.gov
DAY MIN’-NE’
Crews extinguish driftwood fire....................................................................................4 Fair carnival ride wristband giveaway...........................................................................5 New elder housing under construction..........................................................................7
Srch'ee-te Num-nii~-ma~s (July) 2025 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Find our website at www.tolowa.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 Nation. For information, contact Public Information Officer: Scott Graves at scott.graves@tolowa.gov or call 707-487-9255.
Tribal Citizens Nants'vn Jones-Scott, left, and Race Richards paddle Xee-nvs on the Smith River.
Crews pounce on Dat-naa-svt driftwood fire
Multiple fire agencies and Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation fire crew members responded to and quickly contained a wind-whipped driftwood fire on Dat-naa-svt Beach below the Howonquet Indian Cemetery that was reported around 6:30 a.m. on June 2. No structures were threatened and the fire remained a safe distance from the cemetery and hillside below. Crews used water hoses to extinguish the flames and smoldering driftwood, and used hand tools to create firebreaks to halt the fire's progress.
Shu' shaa nin-la (thank you) to our local and regional fire crews as well as our Tribal fire crews for the quick response.
Replacement of Dr. Fine Bridge continues
Work continues on the Dr. Fine Bridge replacement over the Smith River on U.S. 101 in Del Norte County. During the summer season through October, there will be no boat access beneath the bridge. Boat launching via the informal access point under the bridge at South Bank Road also will be restricted. Those who typically access the river underneath this bridge are encouraged to share this information with anyone who may be interested.
Traffic is currently estimated to shift over to the new bridge this coming winter, barring unforeseen setbacks. For more information, visit https://dot. ca.gov.
Source: Caltrans District 1
Fair ride wristband giveaway!
Wednesday, July 16
The Nation will give away carnival ride wristbands to children in Tribal Citizen households ages 2-18, with a choice between the Curry County Fair or Del Norte County Fair. Wristbands will be on a first-come, first-served basis (no wristbands will be held). Youth must be present to receive a wristband.
Pick up wristbands at the Tribal Headquarters, 12801 Mouth of Smith River, Smith River
Kid's Day!
Kids 12 and younger get in free with a paid adult. Sponsored by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation.
Curry County Fair
Wednesday, July 23
Del Norte County Fair Thursday, July 31
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Court
NOTICE OF HEARING
In the matter of Joel, Angel and Xavier Garcia, Case No. GRD-001
To: Brittany Rhodes, Joel Garcia Sr. and relatives
A Petition for Guardianship has been filed for Joel, Angel and Xavier Garcia in the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Court.
The Tribal Court has set a hearing on the petition for guardianship on August 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Tribal Court at 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River, CA, 95567.
You have the right to personally appear at this hearing and be represented by legal counsel. If you fail to appear at this hearing or other hearings in this matter without good cause, the Tribal Court may find that you have waived your legal rights.
Please contact the Tribal Court at 707-487-6425 with questions or to arrange an appearance by phone or on Zoom.
New elder housing under construction
Applications are being accepted for four new incomebased elder housing units at See-waa-dvn in Smith River. Four one-bedroom units are currently under construction and are expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2026.
Applications are available at the Housing Division Office, 300 Dat-naa-svt Loop, Smith River, and online at tolowa.gov. To receive an application by mail or learn more about housing, call 707-487-9255, ext. 1601 or 1605.
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, in partnership with Healthy Families, has launched a new Home Visiting Program that focuses on the safety of children ages 0-3 while at the same time providing support to those who care for them. The comprehensive preventive program provides parents and family members with access to resources, education, and guidance related to parenting, child development and family wellbeing.
The Nuu-da'-ye'-dvn (Community and Family Wellness Department) launched the program on June 7 with an information meeting open to all community members. The meeting was led by staff members Viviana Taylor, Tiffani Ronda, Erhan Cam and Monica Calvillo. For more information call Tiffani Ronda at 707-487-9255, ext. 1197
Viviana Taylor, left, and Tiffani Ronda, of the Community Family and Wellness Department, welcome the public during the June 7 launch of the new program at the Howonquet Hall.
Happy Birthday!
Join the Fourth of July Parade!
The Nation is seeking volunteers to join the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation float as part of Crescent City's annual 4th of July Parade.
You are welcome to sit on the float or walk alongside it and help pass out candy. We would love to have you and your family involved! Just show up on the day of the parade at 9 a.m. at the corner of 9th and H streets. For more information send an email to ace@tolowa.com or call Emily Reed at 707487-9255
Happy 66th Birthday John! Many years to come! - From all of us . .
Opportunities for Citizens to serve
The Nation currently has openings on the following committees, boards and commissions:
• Election Board
• Enrollment Committee
• Housing Committee
• Tribal Gaming Commission Tribal Citizens, regardless of geographic location, are invited to apply to serve on any of these positions. Applications can be found online at tolowa.gov and at the Nation's Headquarters at 12801 Mouth of Smith River, in Smith River. Send applications to Tribal Council Secretary Shelly Reynolds at recording. secretary@tolowa.gov.
Schedule a Free Narcan Training today
The Nation is offering free Narcan training to owners and staff at all businesses and organization, as well as caregivers, first responders and individual community members.
Trainings can be scheduled Mondays through Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 4 p.m.
This training could save a life! Schedule a training by contacting the Community and Family Wellness Department at 707-487-9255 ext. 1198.
Congratulations Graduates!
Elizabeth Hernandez, daughter of Misty Hernandez (Whipple) and Christopher Hernandez, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock. She made the Dean's List and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Her ancestors include James Rickey Whipple and James Wesley Whipple. While at the university she participated in the art club and worked for the art gallery on campus. Her plans include saving up money for graduate school and she is currently looking at schools in Oregon where she can pursue a master’s degree.
Her words of advice: "At first, school can seem very daunting and stressful, but support systems are always available. The people around you are probably going through similar things, so don’t feel discouraged."
Renni Loftin, daughter of Reggie and Jenni Loftin, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in child development from California State University, Chico. She graduated Cum laude and made the Dean's List with straight A's while taking 18 credits in the spring 2025 semester.
Renni grew up in Crescent City and her ancestors include Toni Whipple, Charlie Whipple and Thelma Richards.
She said she has always dreamed of becoming a teacher and completing her higher education is the first step toward realizing that dream. She said, "I am beyond excited to live my dream."
Her advice: "Time goes on anyway so start now."
Taylor King, daughter of Dawn and Dennis Melton and grandson of Norene Darnell, graduated from Rogue Community College with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
Taylor grew up in Crescent City and her ancestors include her great grandma Mabel Smith.
She is interested in working in the healthcare field and plans to pursue a career in Oregon as a Cardiac Registered Nurse. She said she is motivated by "wanting to make my family proud and proving to myself that I can do challenging things."
Her words of advice: "You can do hard things!"
Elora Rodriguez-Lopez, daughter of Andromeda Lopez and Robert Rodriguez, graduated from Baker Web Academy and plans to pursue a career in special effects makeup and the film industry.
Elora, grew up in Smith River, Calif., and later moved to Brookings, Oregon. Her ancestors include Edward Lopez and Lena Smiley, Robert Lopez and Ethel Van Pelt, Mary Lopez and Michael McCarthy, and Robin Lopez. Her words of advice: "Things get tough. It's not easy. Just don't give up. It's worth it in the end."
Elizabeth Hernandez
taylor king
Elora Rodriguez
Renni Loftin
Toby Lampley, son of Miranda Thompson and the late William Lampley, graduated from Brookings-Harbor High School. He plans to attend Southwestern Community College and pursue vocational training and an apprenticeship.
Toby grew up in Brookings and his ancestors include his grandmother Linda Blagden and great-great grandmother Elsie Criteser McClung.
He plans to pursue a career as an electrician and possibly work in the field of diesel mechanics. In his spare time he likes to hunt, fish and work on vehicles.
In high school, Toby played on the basketball team. He received the Warren and Dolores Glaze Principal's Award for demonstrating extreme growth and transformation over the years.
His words of advice: "Try to enjoy every year at high school and participate in activities that challenge you."
Shoshoni Lena Lopez, daughter of Charleen and Edward Lopez, graduated from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, Calif., and has been accepted to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. She wants to pursue a career in business. Shoshoni grew up in Montclair, Calif., and her ancestors include Edward Joseph Lopez Sr. and Lena Smiley Lopez.
While in high school, she participated in track and field and the Winona of All Nations club.
Her words of advice: "Stay curious and engaged. Embrace learning both inside and outside the classroom. Explore different subjects, join clubs, or participate in extracurricular activities that interest you. This is a great time to discover your passions."
Derrick Michael Hernandez, son of Misty Hernandez (Whipple) and Christopher Hernandez, graduated from Grace Davis High School in Modesto, Calif. He plans to attend junior college in that area and take general education classes.
Derrick grew up in Modesto and his ancestors include James Whipple and James Wesley Whipple. His words of advice: "Be nice to your peers because you never know their situation."
Cecilia Miller, daughter of Kurt and Megan Miller, graduated from eighth grade at Redwood Elementary School and will attend Del Norte High School in the fall.
Cecilia grew up in Hiouchi, Calif., and her ancestors include Thomas Brundin, Betty Green, Laura Scott, Santaachu, Annie Haynes, Kara Brundin Miller, and Alice Charley Hoppell.
She enjoyed participating in dance classes at Redwood Elementary School. Her words of advice: "Wear deodorant."
shoshoni lena Lopez
toby lampley
derrick m. hernandez cecilia miller
Sign up for the Art Show
Tribal Citizens 8 years and older who have created native baskets, hair ties, necklaces and dresses, as well as paintings, drawings, sculptures and other forms of art, are encouraged to sign up for the Sept. 6 Dee-ni' Day Xvsh tr'vlh-sri (Art Show).
"If you have created any form of art – at home, at school or as part of a Tribal workshop – we'd like to see it during the annual Dee-ni' Day Art Show!" said coordinator Jadelin Castellaw.
Participants must fill out an application and entries are accepted on the day of the event from 8 to 9 a.m. The show is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the winners announced at 3:30 p.m. Find the application online at www. tolowa.gov/329/DEE-NI-DAY
There are four categories: adult traditional, adult contemporary, and youth traditional and youth contemporary. Adults are those 18 years of age and older. Youth are those 8-17 years of age.
Cash prizes for 1st-3rd place winners in the adult traditional and contemporary categories are $150, $100, $75. The cash prizes for 1st3rd place winners in the youth traditional and contemporary categories are $80, $60, $40. For more information about eligibility contact Jadelin Castellaw at 707-4879255 ext. 1228 or jadelin. castellaw@tolowa.gov.
Three Tribal graduates earn $500 scholarships
Congratulations to three of our Tribal young adults who received $500 scholarships during the Del Norte Scholarship Foundation Banquet at Del Norte High School on June 5.
Tribal Council Vice-Chair Scott D. Sullivan and Tribal Council Member Amanda O'Connell attended the event on behalf of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. They presented $500 scholarships, given in memory of past tribal leaders, to the following high school graduates:
• Neela Travis, Day-sri Marian Lopez Scholarship for her accomplishments in athletics.
• Tsinte Steinruck, Day-sri Berneice Humphrey Scholarship for her dedication to the study of the Tolowa People's Dee-ni' Weeya' (ancestral language).
• William Aubrey, Day-sri Murray Richards Scholarship for his dedication to community service. We are proud of these young people and know they will excel as they pursue a bright and successful future.
(Left to right): Tribal Council Member Amanda O’Connell, Tsinte Steinruck, William Calvin Aubrey, Neela Travis, and Tribal Council Vice Chairperson Scott D. Sullivan.
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Office
• Administrative Assistant (TGC) – Full Time
• Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CFW) – Full Time
• Construction Laborer (Community Development) – Temp/Full Time
• Director of Public Safety (Public Safety) – Full Time
• Health & Disabilities Coordinator (Education) Full Time
• Homeless Intervention Coordinator (CFW) – Full Time
• HDAP Technician 1 (CFW) Full Time
• MMIP Project Coordinator (CFW) - Full Time
• Tribal Resources Technician – Habitat & Wildlife (2) Full Time
• XELP Classroom Aide (Education) – Part Time
• XELP Teacher (4) (Education) – Full Time
Lucky 7 Casino
• Barista– Part Time
• Bartender -Part Time
• Custodian/Graveyard – Part Time
• Fuel Mart Cashier – 2 Full Time
• Hotel Front Desk Supervisor - Full Time
• Line Cook – PartTime
• Marketing Specialist – Part Time
• Dishwasher – Part Time
• Shift Manager - Full Time
• Host – Part Time
Series
episode featuring the Nation earns television award
The 2025 docuseries "For Our People" received five 2025 Telly Awards, recognizing excellence in storytelling, the innovation of Tribal Nations, and the power of Tribal Self-Governance in action. The series' episode entitled "Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation – Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area" was selected as the Gold Winner in the Sustainability category by the Telly Awards. The episode highlights Indigenous-led marine conservation rooted in sovereignty and cultural lifeways. It focuses on the efforts of The Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, the Tolowa Deeni' Nation, and the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria to establish the Yurok-Tolowa Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area, protecting nearly 700 square miles of ancestral waters. As climate change threatens traditional foods and practices, the Tribes blend traditional knowledge with modern science to monitor ocean health and reclaim their role as stewards of the coast.
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village & Resort
• Guest Services Coordinator – Part Time
• Maintenance – Full Time
• Security Officer – On Call
Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department. Job descriptions and applications are available at www.tolowa.gov/jobs
"For Our People" was created and produced by the SelfGovernance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) and submitted to the Telly Awards as an online show or segment designed to promote environmental welfare, awareness, and/or responsibility.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, the Tellys spotlight outstanding work in digital content, documentary, and more. Watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TeKI97mU-5U.
Rudy Lopez, left, and Race Richards of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's Natural Resources Department, are among many Tribal Citizens featured in the episode.
COUNCIL MOTIONS
Motions for April 24, 2025
WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):
M/S/C (O'Connell/Sullivan) 5-0-1
Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA):
M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 5-0-1
Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Contract CT-2140-1056 Mod #1 w/ Kleinschmidt Associates Recirculating Aquaculture System; Contract CT-24401397 Mod #1 w/ West Coast Contractors Steelhead Recirculating Aquaculture System; Contract - CT-25761435 Wahlund Construction, Inc. Tribal Cultural Monitoring; Contract CT-2330-1242 Mod #2 w/ Darla Lewis; Reservation Ranch Consent AgreementRestoration Plan Phase 3 - Human Remains Detection Proposal; Native American Heritage Commission; HHS Reorganization Comments; Political Contribution - Val Hoyle; Final Regular meeting minutes 2/13/25; Final regular meeting minutes 2/27/25; Final regular meeting minutes 3/27/25.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):
M/S/C (Steinruck/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve with edits Resolution 2025-11 Title 8 Chapter 6 Solid Waste Disposal and Management Code Revision.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):
M/S/C (Boardman/Sullivan) 5-0-
1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2551-1438 with McLennan Excavation LLC., for Xaawan'-k'wvt Village and Resort (XVR) RV Park Renovations in an amount not to exceed $3,012,555.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Wait/Boardman) 5-01 Motion to approve chairs signature on subcontract agreement with Advocates for Human Potential in the amount of $150k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MVSH-XE NAA-DVTLHNVSH-NE (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES):
M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve the Giving Honorariums and Gifts Policy
OP-25-001.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE):
M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve entering into annual Funding Agreement with Redwood National and State Parks to provide Tolowa Deeni' Nation with up to $30k to execute the scope of work in the agreement
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 5-01 Motion to approve job descriptions, one is the Tribal Corps – YCC Crew Lead, and the other is for Tribal Corps –YCC Liaison Lead.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
Motions for May 22, 2025
WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):
M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 6-0-1
Motion to approve agenda as amended.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xweela: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA):
M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 6-0-1
Motion to adopt the consent
agenda including: Agenda 2025-336: Final Regular meeting minutes for 4.24.25; Agenda 2025-275: rescind the Enrollment Confidentiality Policy due to redundancy, current policies already address the content in this policy; Agenda 2025-374: Grant - IMSACatalyst-fund_2025; Agenda 2025-357: BIA FY 2025 Tribal Enrollment Collection Form; Agenda 2025-372: ContractMontrose - Lily Bulb Discharge Permit- CEQA Contract; Agenda 2025-377: Campaign contributions x 2; Agenda 2025-278: JD - Head Start Job Description Updates; Agenda 2025-219: JD - Enrollment Coordinator; Agenda 2025360: JD - TGC- Administrative Assistant I; Agenda 2025-358: JD - HDAP Program Technician; Agenda 2025-375: JD's for Setlh-xa~ Coffee Co. Barista & Supervisor
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xweela: Boardman
YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN (EDUCATION):
M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 6-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT-2471-1350 Mod #1 with Wild Rivers Film Festival in an amount not to exceed $38,500, ending September 30, 2025.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xweela: Boardman
COUNCIL MOTIONS
M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 6-0-1
M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT2371-1443 with Del Norte County Office of Education (DNCOE) in an amount not to exceed $50,000, ending September 30, 2025.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (Steinruck/Giovannetti)
6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2571-1444 with Alex Landt, dba Sea Wolf Surf, LLC. In an amount not to exceed $34,200, ending September 30, 2025.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (O'Connell/Thompson)
6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2571-1445 with South Coast Community Aquatics in an amount not to exceed $3,130, ending September 30, 2025.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS):
M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 6-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT2530-1446 with California Indian Legal Services (CILS) in an amount of $96,571.
Motion to approve the Chairs signature and submission of the Title IV-B Kinship Navigator Funding Request.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):
M/S/C (Steinruck/O'Connell)
6-0-1 Motion to approve resubmission of the application for the Tribal Wildlife Grant to the US Fish & Wildlife Services.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):
M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck)
6-0-1 Motion to approve chairs signature on Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Indian
Health Services for funding support to replace part of the filter system.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (Sullivan/Giovannetti)
6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2414-1311 Mod #1 with Kazhe Law Group in the amount of $10K.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 6-0-1
Motion to approve with addition of the spelling of Howonquet be changed to Xaa-wan'-k'wvt in the letter, chair to sign the letter to send to the Office of Head Start that the entire facility will remain available for use by Head Start Programs.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti,
O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (Steinruck/Wait) 6-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT2514-1552 with Walt Keays in an amount of $49,140.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION):
M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1
Motion to approve Resolution 2025-13 appointment of the California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) Membership and Delegate. The Nation appoints Dorothy Wait as the Tribe's delegate and Jeri Lynn Thompson as the alternate delegate.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
Eight volunteers carry a refurbish xee-nvs (canoe) to the Smith River in preparation for the Tvm-chaa-me' celebration.
Nii~-lii~-ne: River People Time
Spend time on the river and explore beautiful places with the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Language and Culture Division) this summer!
Learn, hear and speak more language related to our natural world during a series of raft trips scheduled in July and August (see dates to the right).
Participants will meet at and depart from the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ office 380 Datnaa-svt Loop, Smith River, at 9:30 a.m. each morning and head to the river dropin site.
Things You'll Need:
Water Bottle
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Quick Dry T-Shirt
Quick Dry Shorts
River Sandals or Sneakers
Fleece/Jacket/Sweater
Sunny Hat or Baseball Cap Sunglasses
Registration is required and can be done online at bit.ly/45vfDYT. Contact (707) 487-9255, ext.1174 or email mattie. bommelyn@tolowa.gov.
Cultural Background
We are the people of Nvn-nvst-'a~ (Mother Earth), deeply connected to the land, animals and natural systems and rhythms. We believe that we are all one and that we are meant to live in balance with our environment. Spending time in nature and near the waterways strengthens this connection.
Our language has evolved from our natural surroundings and the sounds made by animals. Using our Indigenous language in the natural world is essential for the survival of our Tolowa Dee-ni' Wee-ya'.
When our youth are exposed to River Culture, and the use of language in their environment, it helps them build their cultural identity and promotes a positive self-image. We are introducing our youth to water to help them develop a relationship with the environment and understand how we are connected to it. Water sustains and supports every aspect of our lives. As Indigenous people, it is our responsibility to maintain this balance.
We cannot cultivate appreciation and a sense of responsibility without establishing relationships and familiarity with our environment. We are entering a new era where our Nation can enhance its capacity to provide services that promote youth development and job placement.
- Submitted by Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones
Ronald Adams
Riley Allen
Hubert Allen
Braxxtyn Allen
Emily Andruss
Cole Arlandson
William Aubrey
Leann Babcock-Mccallum
Louis Baca
Bradley Baines
Koadah Barr
Shawna Bartow
Reese Bartow
Benjamen Batini
Leimanaokeali'I'Aukai
Baugh
Priscilla Bear
Bobby Bergman
Aiden Betts
Rowan Betts
Aria Blake
Liam Boatsman
Loren Bommelyn
William Bommelyn
Madison Bommelyn
Hune' Bommelyn
Taylor Bommelyn
Creed Bones
John Bravo
Raelene Bravo
Tracy Brown
Thomas Byers
Kendra Campbell
Shawn Campbell
Ava Carns
Kala Chapel-Sanders
Easton Chapman
William Costa
MAA-XUSLH-GHALH
Sami Criteser
Taylor Cubberly
Darci Dalton
Aubrey Dalton
Kayden Darlington
Peter Dobrec
Morgan Dobrec
Cora Donaldson
Zachariah Dungan
Cameron Fahl
Rita Farol
Elinor Felix-Fender-
Ramirez
Koda Fite
Michael Folkins
Jonah Fouts
Adamous Fowlkes
Elias Fralich
Lorie Franck
Heather Friedrich
Parker Friedrich
Lorena Gardner
Jess Gardner
Daizee Gardner
Kelsey Geedey
John Giovannetti
Grant Giovannetti
Cherish Giovannetti
Ta'Zareis Gleaton
Vivian Gochanour
Travis Goodlin
Samuel Goodlin
Andres Gutierrez
Diane Hall-Richards
Emmitt Hamilton
Kevin Harmon
Rose Hartmann
Marlia Hash
Wyatt Hegnes
Taylor Hempel
Derrick Hernandez
David Hodges
Isaac Hodges
Jacob Hodges
Brittany Hostler
Clay Hostler
Conrad Husted
Nilaya Husted
David Idica
Jeanie James
Donlee Jarvis
Welantuk Jones
Teexeeshe' Jones-Scott
Johnathan Kahoalii
Kalei Kahoalii
Jacqualine Kartes
Meredith Keeter
Jennifer Kelly
Trina Kennedy
Samuel Kennedy
Blake Lopez
Matthew Lopez
Rudy Lopez
Paula Lopez
Brooklyn Lopez
Hadley Lopez
Clarie Magana
Linus Martin-Lopez
Madison McKuhn
Mason McKuhn
Victor Meza-Lopez
Lincoln Miller
Tyler Mitchell
Alonzo Mora Fernandez
Miley Moreno
Elysha Murdock
Shawna Noon
James Norbury
Adelie Olds
Alexis Owen
Arvid Payne
Janece Payne
Cidney Payne
Alyssa Piazza
Isiah Piazza
Max Pittman
Alyssa Ram
Alonzo Randolph
Rachel Rasmussen
Annette Reed
Emily Reed
Billy Reynolds
Mark Richards
Ruby Richards
Shana Richards
Allison Richards
Melanie Richards
Ronald Richmond
Alyse Richmond-Murphy
Elleanna Rios
Anastasia Rodgers
Peyton Sambrana
Elizabeth Sarina
Lilian Schlosser
Tyler Scott
Shaya Sells
Alexander Sesher
Zachary Sesher
Kaizer Sesher
Elie Simonsen
Alisha Slavsky
Laurence Smith
Michael Smith
Raven Smith
Cody Snipes
Samantha Southwick
Courtney Stodola
Kail Swafford
Colt Swanson
Miranda Thompson
Katrina Thompson-Upton
Florene Travis
Michele Vagle
Trinity Vance
Ethyn Vickers
Chenoa Walters-Thornton
Janet Watson
Dawson Weber
Tristan WeckslerRichmond
Finley Werner
Sophia White
Landon Wilber
Donald Wilson
Nathan Wilson
Tashina Wolfe
Jesse Wood
Chanda Woodman
Brenden Woolfolk
Nicholas Wright
Lisa Younker
Jorden Zappe
Interested in serving on a Tribal board, commission or committee? Seats are open on the Election Board, Enrollment Committee, Housing Committee, and the Tribal Gaming Commission. Fill out an application and send it to recording.secretary@tolowa.gov or call 707487-9255.
ELDER NUTRITION MENU & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Doors to nutrition site open at 11:30 a.m.
Reserve lunch by 10 a.m. 707-825-3467, option #3
JULY 2025
Education Committee
5:30 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Monday of month
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Tuesday of month
12 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Wednesday of month
a.m.
Nation Headquarters 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd. 2nd Wednesday of month
Suggested donations: Elders 55-plus $2 (depending on income) Under 55 $7
Menu subject to change without notice
Fourth of July Parade in Crescent City! All welcome to sit on the Nation's float or walk alongside and hand out candy. Arrive at 9 a.m., corner of 9th & H streets.
Enrollment Committee 12:30 p.m.
TDN Headquarters building 4th Monday of month
Natural Resources and Harvesting Committee
5 - 7 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Tuesday of month
TERO Commission 5:30 p.m.
Housing
5:30 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Wednesday of month
TDN Headquarters building 4th Tuesday of month Culture Committee 5 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month
Fresh Food Giveaway Drive Through 12-3 p.m.
16450 Oceanview Dr.
Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation
12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd.
Smith River, CA 95567
