SPECIAL ELECTION
A special election was held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment. 232 voters participated in the special election with 80% voting yes to approve the amendment
The majority who participated voted by absentee with twenty two individuals who voted in person at the polling location. There were 3 ballots voided due to an unverified signature.
Out of the 789 registered voters, a participation of 232 is about 29 % of the voting citizenship.
There are just over 1,000 eligible citizens to vote but not registered. We encourage you to register to vote and participate in the electoral process.
There is one opening on the election board. If you are interested in serving we encourage you to submit the committee application to be considered for appointment before the general election in May. See the Election Board flyer on page 16 for more information.
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
Executive Director, Troy Ralstin
(707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.com
Administrative Services Director, Emily Reed (707) 487-9255 , ext. 1182, emily.reed@tolowa.com
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
Community Development Director, Tim Hoone (707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@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
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
Records Manager, Staci Barr
707-487-9255, ext.1180, staci.barr@tolowa.com
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
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
Lucky 7 Casino Ad……………………………………………………………………...…………………24
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Taa-xee Num-nii~-ma~s (March) 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.
Ee-sru’Srii-nis HappySt.Patrick'sDay
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Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Citizen Honored by Secretary Haaland in Historic Preservation Leaders for Extraordinary Work in Their Communities
On Friday, January 19th 2024, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland honored four government and Tribal employees with the annual Secretary of the Interior Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the preservation of historic places and artifacts.
One Tribal Employee that was honored was Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Citizen, and former Tribal Heritage and Preservation Officer (THPO), Suntayea Steinruck.
The Secretary’s award recognizes individuals from federal, state, Tribal and local governments, whose contributions surpass their regular duties and have significantly fostered the overall goals of the National Historic Preservation Act.
“Through historic preservation, we look at history through different lenses, ask new and challenging questions of the past and learn new things about our history and ourselves,” said Secretary Haaland in pre-recorded remarks to the award winners. “Your efforts help us find purpose in this work and inform our work to identify the stories we need to tell.”
The award for a tribal historic preservation officer was presented to Suntayea Steinruck, former Tribal Historic Preservation Officer with the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Steinruck served as the historic preservation officer for her tribe from the time the THPO office was first established in 2006 until 2017.
To stretch and maximize limited funding, staffing, and time available, Steinruck collaborated with her fellow tribal historic preservation officers on common issues. The tribal historic preservation offices she spearheaded is a vital conduit for sharing information and providing support for the historic preservation work across California. In addition, Steinruck initiated an annual summit, that continues to provide an ideal venue for communication, collaboration, and networking among tribal, local, state, and federal agency representatives.
“As a result of Suntayea’s coordination, determination and passion to protect and honor her tribal legacy, California now has a cohesive working
California and across the United States,” said Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
The Secretary of the Interior Historic Preservation Awards are distinguished from other historic preservation award programs in that it focuses on the accomplishments of individual employees and not on programs or projects. The award recognizes the contributions of employees at multiple levels of government.
Suntayea relocated to Washington state after her time in THPO, but returned home last year, and currently serves as Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Workforce Development Specialist. In her new role, Suntayea continues to utilize her experience and knowledge in preservation of historic places, artifacts and culture; developing a partnership and programming with the current THPO Office, for tribal youth to participate in the tribe’s recently developed Tee-ne Na’ sr-dvtlh-nvsh (Pathways to Workplace) Program. This program conducts workforce development projects throughout the calendar year that are focused on habitat conservation, cultural restoration, forest health and wildfire resilience along with outdoor access and recreation with the emphasis on climate change, stewardship, and the environment.
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MARCH
General Membership Meeting
Nominations for two Council seats
Deadline for Council nominees to accept or decline nomination
Campaign Letters Due by 5:00 pm at the tribal office
ELECTION TIMELINE
Saturday, March 16 2024
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 (300 words or less, NO pictures)
APRIL
General Election Information and Ballot mailed to ALL registered voters
MAY
Voter Registration Closes
Friday, March 29, 2024
Friday, May 3, 2024
(Youcanstillregisterafterdeadline,butcannotvoteuntilthenextelection)
ELECTION DAY (8:00am - close 3:00pm)
Noballotsacceptedafter3pm
Saturday May 18, 2024
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.
YoursignatureontheofficialballotisVERIFIEDwithyoursignatureonfilewiththerecordsdepartment. Werequirean updatedsignatureeverythreeyears. Ifyoursignatureonyourabsenteeballotdoesn’tmatchwhatisonfile, theElectionBoardcanmakethedecisiontovoidtheballot.
The Voter Registration form is available at the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Office and on the Website for new voters. Mail,faxoremailthe 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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CULTURAL ELK HUNT
Winners were chosen for the First Semester good Grade and Great Attendance . Students were awarded gift cards from the JOM program.
18 students turn in their grades, some of these did not turn in their attendance.
Congratulations!!!!
Good Grades Winners:
Kalven Xiong
Madison Bommelyn
Malena Bates
Scarlet Stodola
Great Attendance Winners:
Baylie Castellaw
Rowan Israel
Melody Campbell
Marlee Reed
Higher Education & Vocational Training Funding Program STUDENT REMINDER
HigherEducationFundingis availableforTolowaDee-ni’ Citizenswantingtofurthertheir educationorattendVocational Training. TheTolowaDee-ni’ NationEducationDepartment canalsoprovideassistance, for HighSchoolStudentswhoare enrolledinandtakingcollege coursesinconjunctionwiththeir highschoolclasses.
HigherEducationFunding applicationsareavailableonour TDNwebsiteunderEducation Department.Theycanalsobe
pickedupattheoffice.
Ifyouneedfurtherassistance,or haveanyquestions,contact DianaBommelyn,Education Technician,(707)487-9255ext. 1557, education.training@tolowa.com.
Dianaisalsoavailabletooffer assistance, inperson,ifa studentneedsassistancefilling outtheapplication.The educationofficeislocatedat300 Dat-naa-svt~LoopinSmith River,CA95567.
HIGHER EDUCATION
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 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 Dat-naa-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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Service Area
Restrictions Apply!
HOMELESS HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION
Areyouhomelessandstrugglingtofindhousing?
Haveyoufoundhousingandcantaffordmoveincosts?
Doyouhavehousingthatyouareatriskoflosing?
Doyouneedassistanceinaccessingandnavigating tribalandcommunityresources?
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 MVN’ -DVN
CH’EE-NVK-T’I
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XAA-WAN’ -K’WVT HEADSTART
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XAA-WAN’ -K’WVT HEADSTART
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"Fitness & Yoga"
Family Unity Activity
On January 29th, 2024 the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Native American Child Victim of Crime (NA) program, both of Community and Family Wellness, hosted a "Fitness & Yoga" family unity activity at Howonquet Hall Community Center.
The evening began with an opening prayer and a shvn (song) followed by ch’ee-tr’a (dinner). In appreciation for their participation, each da’ye’ (family) received an Imagine Meditation Cards set. Those who completed surveys also received either a Mood Tracking Journal or a Thoughts and Feelings Journal.
This activity was led by instructor Darla Lewis. Darla demonstrated several different fitness techniques, stretches, and activities throughout the evening for families to learn and practice. Participants had opportunities to use medicine balls and tension bands, and learned how they can be used effectively for different purposes.
The evening ended with families listening to this month's story "Walking Together" written by Albert Marshall and a closing shvn (song). Each family received a copy of the book to take home with them.
If you would like to join us at future Family Unity Activity events please register with the link provided on our flyers that are posted monthly on TDN social media sites and listed in the newsletter. These activities are open to Native American/Alaskan Native families residing in our service area with at least one child under the age of 18 living in the home.
Shu’ shaa nin-la to all who participated in this month’s activity!
Submitted by Community and Family Wellness
Please contact Maggie Wyckoff for any questions about future Family Unity Activities at
707-487-9255 ext 1135
Xii-dvn (Wintertime) Prevention Activity
This year's Xii-dvn (Wintertime) Prevention Activity hosted by Community and Family Wellness was a family craft creating winter themed dioramas. This activity took place over the course of a few weeks from December 26, 2023 through January 22, 2024. This activity was provided to families with at least one eligible youth from ages 7 to 17. Each approved family received a craft supply kit with various art supplies and a wellness kit with a calendar, yoga mats, yoga cards, and jump ropes.
Families were tasked with the activity to create a winter themed diorama with the prompt of "What would you do if you were snowed in?". Families could then pick one out of the five
categories: Snow Play, Game Night, Movie Night, Crafting, or Baking. Families were encouraged to be creative and work together crafting their chosen theme. Once completed, families submitted their dioramas as an art contest entry for anonymous judging by CFW staff. Selected winners received gift baskets related to their theme entry to enjoy together as a family.
Shu’ shaa nin-la to all who participated in this activity!
Community and Family Wellness
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Congratulations to Trevan Donahue and Clyde Jones for being nominated as the Sophomore and Senior class homecoming princes. The two young men stand with their mothersAmanda Bommelyn andAshely Newton at the Del Norte High School Gymnasium in January.
Trevan and Calvin are both doing incredibly well in school and make their families proud.
CH’EE-NVK-T’I
CH’ EE-NVK-T’I
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CH’ EE-NVK-T’I
Honor the Elders and Volunteers Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 13th
It will be from 11:30am to 1:00pm. UIHS Staff will be there with table information as well as seeds and possibly plant starts. The suggested donation is $1 for Elders, and $5 for non-Elders.
Please help us celebrate our elders and volunteers by having a large turnout of friends and family to visit with.
Jama Nova
Elder Nutrition Supervisor
(707) 487-0215 opt #3
(707) 457-7915 cell phone after 2pm
United Indian Health Services
Smith River Site
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NUU-DA’ -YE’ -DVN
Kory Allen
Timothy Anderson
Rebeca Aseere
Dixie Ault
Eevee Barbee
Jay Bardwell
Sophie Bartow
Ch’Ulh’-Ts’As’-Ne
Bates
Cheryl Blagden
Adam Boatsman
K’Ee-Xach Bommelyn
Edith Bowen
Paige Bravo
Marilyn Bray
Andrew Brundin
Mercedes Byas
Gabriel Byas
Cameron Cain
Rebecca Carlile
Mariah Carlile
Liylla Carlile
Wanda Coleman
Chelsey Cornelis
Ezekiel Corona-Sells
Bryce Cox
Pamela Davis
Kaison DavisBodenstab
Kaedin Davis-Clewell
Davina Dillard
Jonah Dobrec
Maisy Early-Epes
Phoenix EllingtonMattice
Brennan Ellis
Tiffany Elshadid
Cannon Evanow
Jessika Evans
Jeanine Fender
Joseph Finigan
Jerico Fouts
Lillian Fowlkes
Zachary Fralich
Detrick Frombach
Daniel Frombach
Tiffany Fry
Michael Fullam
Xavier GarciaRichards
Ridge Gardner
Robert Gilkey
Penley Giola
Alyson Giola
Preslea Giovannetti
Valerie Greene
Russell Greene
Nadine Gutierrez
Kristina Halverson
Brexlee Hampson
Thomas Harte-Lopez
Cannon Harte-Lopez
Alice Harte-Lopez
Heather Hawkins
Ronald Hendrickson
Tara Hernandez
Westin Hill
Grace Hinshaw
Finn Hinshaw
Scott Hodges
Emma Hodges
Kalea Hubbart
Ryan Hurd
Serenity Hurd
Justin Irvine
Evelynne Jacobs
Donald James
Tohtet James
Lonnie Jocsing
Christian Joy
Cody Kahoalii
Preston Kasinger
Henry Kellough
Jakoby Kirby
Felicia Lamborn
James Land Jr.
James Lear
Alison Lee
Jennifer Lopez
Neal Lopez
Tara Lopez
Alixzander Lopez
Thorpe LopezJohnston
Agnes LopezJohnston
Anna Mason
Teagan May
Georgiana McCallum
Christopher McGuire
Keyten McKuhn
Ridge McLennan
Dennis Melton
Taylor Melton
Ashton Mickelson
Kurt Miller
Alder Mitchell
Darin Moffett
Manuel Moon
Dan’Des’Ne
Moorehead
Karen Morgan
Jordan Morgan
Sianna Moulton
Christina Murff
Holly Murff
Isaac Navarrete
Kathleen Neal
Anice Nelson
Natalynn Newton
Kash Norbury
Austyne Nyborg
Rachel Ochoa
Cynthia Olds
Grant Olds
Jasmine O’Loughlin
Kenai O’Loughlin
Benjamin Padgette
Daniel Parke
Markus Parras
Damian Parras
Tammy Parsons
Leslie Payne
Dillon Perry
Maximus Petrie
Elizabeth Petrie
Roberta Phillippi
Kim Phillips
Damien Pizarro
Dawn Popanz
Christopher Potter
Kaitlyn Rasmussen
Bryon Remington
Tucker Renfro
Emma Renfro
Travis Rhodes
Brittany Rhodes
William (Bill)
Richards
Shawn-Tay Richards
Nikolas RichardsDavis
Leslie Richmond
Maxwell Richmond
Alison Ringler
Pennie Roberts
Amber Robinson
Samuel RodgersJackson
Larresa Rogers
Kailina Romo
Susan Salcedo
Florinda Salcedo
Gerald Sanderson
Christopher Schriver
Danika Scott
Hannah Scott
Katie Sells
Billy Sesher
Kathleen Silva
MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH
ELDER NUTRITON MENU
The doors to the nutrition site open at 11:30am. Please call for reservations
Reserve Lunch by 10 a.m.
707-487-0215 press option 3
Suggested donations:
Elders 55+, $2 (some are free)
Under 55, $7
Indian Child Welfare Advisory Board
First Wednesday of the month
March 6, 2024 at 12:00pm
House of Howonquet, River Room
Education Committee
First
TAA-XEE NUM-NII~-MA~S (MARCH)