May Newsletter 2024

2024 Ch'i~s-lu Chay-yii-ne Lhetlh-xat

(Cemetery Clean-up and Elders' Gathering)

Sunday May 19, 2024 @ Howonquet Indian Cemetery

Tribal citizens and community members are invited to join us for the annual cemetery clean-up and elders gathering. This is an opportunity to gather and socialize as a tribal community, while we care for the resting place of our loved ones and ancestors.

Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am at Howonquet Hall Community Center. The clean-up will follow at the Howonquet Indian Cemetery, 9:00 am-2:00pm. Limited supplies will be available; we encourage you to bring cleaning supplies such as gloves, garden rake, garden shovel, and any other necessary tools. Small flags will be provided for veterans. To

LANGUAGE HUNTER RESOURCE LIST

Website

Weeyadvn.com

https://tolowa.netlify.app/#/

https://nuuweeya.bombastic.org/

Smart Device Applications

Language Pal App - available on the Google Play or Apple Store. Search Tolowa Dee-ni'

Naa-ch'vlh-mvs-ne App - Search Naach'vlh-mvs-ne on Google Play Apple Store.

Description

Searchable database with lessons

Free on the.

Language Pal Application - language learning resource website

Searchable database.

Language Pal Application - language learning resource.

Downloadable searchable database that works offline.

Marva.jones@tolowa.com

Guylish.bommelyn@tolowa.com

Mattie.bommelyn@tolowa.com

(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

Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey

707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@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

DAY MIN’ -NE’

Srwee-la'-num-nii~-ma~s (May) 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.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, emily.reed@tolowa.com

NVN-NVST-'AA~-TAWAA-TR’VSLH‘A~ LAND TRUST

By resolution, on March 28th, 2024, Tribal Council created the Nvn-nvst-'aa~-ta waa-tr’vslh‘a~ Land Trust, Inc. This is a nonprofit land trust incorporated under the Nation’s Title 3 Tribal Business Entities code to steward, create access to, and facilitate ownership of the Nation’sAboriginal lands. The areas of which encompass the lands and watersheds of Daa-ghestlh-ts'a' Taa-ghii~-li~ (Wilson Creek) to the south, the Ts'aa-xwii-chit (Sixes River) to the north, east to the Taa-xuume' (Applegate) watershed in the Coastal Range, and west to the Pacific Ocean horizon, all sea stacks including Point St. George Lighthouse, and all usual and accustomed places.

It's in the Nation’s best interest to secure access to and undertake the stewardship of its significant cultural and natural resources through acquisition of legal interests inAboriginal lands, water, airspace, including fee ownership, leaseholds, or in holding conservation easements, or through co-governance, co-management or co-stewardship arrangements with Tribal, Federal, State, or local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations.

The Nvn-nvst-'aa~-ta waa-tr’vslh‘a~ Land Trust, a nonprofit corporation, with tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code will strive to achieve and assist in maintaining the protection of the Nation’s cultural and natural resources within itsAboriginal territory. It will also function as an arm of the Nation and share the sovereign immunity of the Nation from unconsented suit.

CAMPAIGN LETTERS

Tribal Resource Field Technician

Hobbies or Artistic Abilities?

Various arts & crafts, Cooking, Sitting in the sunshine

Pets?

Two dogs, Kubeba & Champ

Sports Team?

Rams

True Stories

Books? Anne Frank Diary

NA’SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN

New Employee:

Barbara Lawton – Grants & Contracts Compliance Officer

Fiscal Department

What brought you to work here at the Nation?

To work with/for a Native American Tribe.

Hobbies or artistic abilities?

Sewing (mainly collecting fabric), reading & watching movies

Music Genre?

A wide variety

Movie Genre?

Comedy

Books?

Non-Fiction & Fiction. Some of my favorite authors are Debbie Macomber, Janet Evanovich, and Francine Rivers.

Family Unity Activity

On March 11th, 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 "Medicine Bags" 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). Families then listened to this month's book "Coyote Medicine Bag" written by Steven Coyote and Jennifer Polk. Each family received a copy of the book to take home with them.

During this month's activity, participants learned about different herbs and their uses. Each participant was able to sew their own medicine bag using sinew and leather. They then had their choice of ch'aa-may (herbs/medicines) to put inside. One of the traditional herbs used was sraa~-lhk'i (angelica root). Sraa~-lhk'i when burned can be used to cleanse the air; it is traditionally burned during our prayers. Participants learned that each medicine bag is unique and customized to the person making it as to what holds significance to them.

In appreciation for their participation, each da'-ye' (family) received a smudge kit to take home. Those who completed surveys and submitted photos of their medicine bags also received a backpack with Native American designs.

If you would like to join us at future Family Unity Activities 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.

"Rainsticks"

Family Unity Activity

On April 8th, 2024 the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Native American Child Victim of Crime (NA23 06 1627) program, both of Community and Family Wellness, hosted a "Rainsticks" 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). Families then listened to this month's book "The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm" written by LeVar Burton and Susan Schaefer Bernardo. Each family received a copy of the book to take home with them.

During this month's activity, participants learned that working together as a family to make it through rough times can be hard. They were encouraged to allow these rainsticks to be a reminder that together you are strong enough to make it through the storm Each participant was able to create their own rainstick using a variety of art mediums to decorate in their own style. Participants learned that each rainstick is unique and customized to the person making it as to what holds significance to them.

In appreciation for their participation, each da'-ye' (family) received weighted blankets. Those who completed surveys and submitted photos of their rainsticks also received a “Do You Know Your Family” game to take home.

If you would like to join us at future Family Unity Activities 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.

Howonquet Indian Cemetery

Howonquet Indian Cemetery is located on the Tolowa Dee Nation Reservation in Smith River, California. This location is the Tolowa Village of Tr'in-des-'a~ (James' Place). In 1906, following winter's high waters, in an effort to protect the graves located on the Island of Srdvn-das-'a~ (Tillas Island), our ancestors relocated as many graves as possible to Tr'in there was a pre-existing village and cemetery. From this time the Cemetery has been known as the Howonquet Indian Cemetery. This Cemetery serves as a final resting place for our ancestors, family and community members.

and PWF. Per our Culture Committee, any excess soil from graves remains in the Cemetery, and is used to fill low lying areas. We rely on staff, citizens and community members to care for our Cemetery; we hope that this message will help to guide appropriate use of the Cemetery.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Attention

Graduates!!

Are you graduating in 2024 from 8th grade, high school or college?

If so contact the Education Department. We ask each graduate to fill out a questionnaire and submit a photo so they can be recognized at the Dee-ni' Night Celebration. Phone: (707) 487-9255

Higher Education & Vocational Training Funding Program

STUDENT REMINDER

haveanyquestions,contact Education,(707)487-9255 higher.education@tolowa.com.

Thehighereducationofficeis locatedat300Dat-naa-svtLoop inSmithRiver,CA95567.

*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 Education (707) 487-9255 ext.1557 or higher.education@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 300 Dat-naa-svt Loop, Smith River, CA 95567. The office is in the back of the Dat-naa-svt Community Center.

HigherEducationFundingis availableforTolowaDee-ni’ Citizenswantingtofurthertheir educationorattendVocational Training. TheTolowaDee-ni’ NationEducationDepartment canalsoprovideassistance, for HighSchoolStudentswhoare enrolledinandtakingcollege coursesinconjunctionwiththeir highschoolclasses.

HigherEducationFunding applicationsareavailableonour TDNwebsiteunderEducation Department.Theycanalsobe pickedupattheoffice.

Ifyouneedfurtherassistance,or

Diana Bommelyn has taken another position with Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and will be assisting Education in the transition.

We don’t want to lose contact with our students in the interim. Please send all your education inquires to higher.education@tolowa.com

HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION

Join us at the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Learning Program to congratulate our graduates

Joseph Adams

Kimber Adams

Jack Aldape

Blake Allen

Mason Allen

Danual Allen

Apollo Anderson

Margaret Arias

Thomas Balcom Jr.

Madison Balcom

Benjamen Balswick

Christopher Barr

Summer Barr

Gavin Bartoo

Fredrick Bartow

Malena Bates

Jon Batini

Joseph Baugh

Sharon Bergmann

Berkeley Betts

Gregory Blodgett Jr.

William Bommelyn Sr.

William Bommelyn Jr.

Amanda Bommelyn

Mattie Bommelyn

Tenaya Brandon

Jason Bravo

Joel Bravo

Terry Bray

Tanner Brown

Alexandrew Brundin

Avery Brundin

Santino Buckman Baca

Emberlyn Canaday

Ken Carey

Jamie Castellaw

Debra Conard

Christina Coulson

Kansas Coulson

Conner Cox

Seth Cutright

Maya Dalton

Myriah Davis

Douglas Dobrec

Evelyn Early

Alisha Eber

Janie Ekman

Jennifer Evans

Anakin Felix-Fender-Ramirez

Craig Fletcher Jr.

Rebeca Forrest

Joscelyn Fouts

Ian Fralich

Brandie Garcia

Joel Garcia

Adriana Garcia

Preston Gerovac

Jennifer Gleba

Paisley Glerup

Randy Gochanour

Darby Gore

James Griffin

Addison Griffin

Sarrah Tovah Grof

Athena Guerrero

Diesel Haddad

Lindsay Hall

Audrey Hamner

Makennah Handsaker

Charlene Harralson

Christal Hash

Mark Hempel

Sunshine Hempel

Rebecca Hempel

Wesley Hinshaw

Donald Hodges Jr.

Wilma Hoffman

Susan Hogue

Maile Horn

Calla Hostler

Heather Howell

Sikai Hubbart

Gavin Hurt

Amy Idol

Hayden James

Dennis James

Forest James

Kailynn Jentry-Rakestraw

Jacob Jones

Cassius Jones

Jaret Kahoalii

Kinsley Kasinger

Sophia Keeling

Noa Kirby

Lillian Kliever

Karyne Lame Bull

Cesilio Lamere

David Land

Gunner Lawson

Oliver Lawson

Blaire Lesina

Leah Linville

Shaniqua Lopez

Austin Lopez

Franklin Lopez

Natasha Lopez

Armando Lopez

Taya Lopez

Darla Loucks

Wendy Luerra

Donna Magana

Evan Marry

Whitney May

Jacqueline Maynard

Chloe McCann

Rogan McCann

Johnny McDonald Jr.

MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH

Miguel Mendoza

Kirsten Miller

Mikaela Mitchell

Sierradawn Mora Fernandez

Sadie Mouser

Rowan Nelson

Josalyn Netzel

Brannon Nyborg

Laurel O’Reilley

Layla Owen

Madison Parke

Lucian Parke

Jayden Parras

Wallace Payne

Joey Payne

Harry Payne

Candace Penney

Shane Persinger

Izabella Pittman

Aniya Pizarro

Madonna Plants

Jozaveena Ramirez

Nelson Randolph

Elijah Reed-Atrian

Sheila Reed-Flores

Patsy Reynolds

Branson Rhodes-Bodenstab

Frank Richards

Kenyon Richards

Cherry Richards

Nevyn Richards-Davis

Matthew Rodgers

Taylor Rogde

Logan Rodge

Mary Safko

Jesse Salmans

Miller Samples

Nathaniel Samuelsen

Jade Sanders

Debra Sanderson

Aaron Schlosser

Leshia Searle

Brandon Sells

Crystal Shade

Darrell Sherman

Travis Silva

Kristen Simpson

Tanner Silva

Derek Soule

Sadie Spargur

Kanyon Starkey

Welantuk Steinruck

Teonna Stepro

June Sullivan

Jace Swafford

Emmitt Swanson

Seleya Teurn

Brayden Throop

Perry Tripp

Brandon Tripp

Sekeenek’ Tuttle

Mark Tvrdik

Sunnae Walker

Cindy Warde

Deidre Warren

Azure Wecksler-Richmond

Whitney Werner

Toni Whipple

Tara Weiland

Kaiyess Willburn

Benjamin Williams

Connie Wilson

Raymond Workman-Smith

Julie Zeltvay

Taylor Zwierlein

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

Indian Child Welfare Advisory Board

First Wednesday of the month

May 1, 2024 at 12:00pm House of Howonquet, River Room

Education Committee

First Monday of the month

May 6, 2024 at 5:30pm

Dat-naa-svt Community Center

300 Dat-naa-svt Loop

CHousing Committee

Third Wednesday of the month

May 15, 2024 at 5:30pm House of Howonquet, River Room

Wee-ya' Committee

Fourth Thursday of the month

May 23, 2024 at 5:00pm House of Howonquet, River Room

Enrollment Committee

Normally meets on the Fourth Monday of the month. Enrollment is closed during the general election.

TERO Commission

Fourth Tuesday of each month May 28, 2024 at 5:30pm TDN Headquarters Building

Kale w/ Italian Sausage Soup