DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'
SRWEE-LA'-NUM-NII~-MA~S (MAY) 2025 - Volume 32, Issue 5
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start expansion under way
Existing school
Artist's rendition of what the Head Start building will look like when the new addition is finished.
The $3.5 million expansion of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's Head Start facility in Smith River is underway and, when completed, will enable the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt (Howonquet) Early Head Start Program to provide childcare and educational services for up to 16 children ages 0-3.
The grant-funded expansion project will add approximately 6,500 square feet that will include two classrooms, space for services, and educational and social experiences for children, parent and teachers.
The Nation will hire four full-time teachers, two full-time teacher assistants and one classroom aide. Completion of the project is tentatively set for spring of 2026.
The expansion compliments the Nation's existing Head Start Program, created in 2007, which currently serves 34 children ages 3 to 5.
See Expansion, Page 18
MVN-' UTLH-TEE-DVN 2025 GENERAL ELECTION
ELECTION DAY: Saturday May 17, 2025
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Tribal Regional Justice Center, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd.
All ballots must be received by 3 p.m. at the polling location. All registered voters will receive an election packet. Provisional ballots available onsite. NEW! Starting at 3 p.m., registered Tribal voters may observe the closing of the election process, including the confirmation of signatures and counting of ballots, from a designated viewing area.
More information on Page 5
HONORING OUR PAST • SERVING OUR TRIBAL FAMILY
New Building
Land next to the existing Head Start building has been cleared and leveled for the new addition and expanded parking area.
The meaning of the word Howonquet
Howonquet is the English version of the Tolowa word Xaa-wan'-k'wvt, which means “along there uponit.” It’s the name of our largest ancestral village — one of many within our territory — set within the ecologically rich area where the Smith River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Located near our revered place of origin, Xaa-wan'-k'wvt holds a deep and profound place in Tolowa identity. It was a major municipality where tribal leaders discussed and decided important issues, and it served as a gathering place for food, housing and worship. Tolowa ancestors occupied the site since time immemorial prior to the arrival of the first Euro-Americans. Sadly, many of these villages were destroyed and their inhabitants killed by state-funded militias in the 1850s.
Today, it is Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village & Resort (XVR), which is currently undergoing massive redevelopment and will eventually feature ecologically friendly lodging, trails and interpretive signage.
Learn to speak Tolowa using our online app: https://tolowa.netlify. app/#/
All Tribal Council: council@tolowa-nsn.gov
Chairperson, Jeri Lynn Thompson (707)951-3875, jeri.thompson@tolowa-nsn.gov
Vice Chair, Scott D. Sullivan (707)954-6127, scott.sullivan@tolowa-nsn.gov
Secretary, Debbie Boardman (707)951-0966, dboardman@tolowa-nsn.gov
Treasurer, Jaytuk Steinruck (707)954-5971, jaytuk.steinruck@tolowa-nsn.gov
Council Member, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti (707)218-6569, joseph.giovannetti@tolowa-nsn.gov
Council Member, Amanda O’Connell (707)954-5271, amanda.oconnell@tolowa-nsn.gov
Council Member, Dorothy Wait (707)218-7346, dwait@tolowa-nsn.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. 1174, cynthia.ford@tolowa.gov
DAY MIN’-NE’
Clean-up, Elders'
Srwee-la'-num-nii~-ma~s (May) 2025 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. 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 Nation. For information, contact Public Information Officer: Scott Graves, scott.graves@tolowa.com,
The Smith River flows past the Tolowa site of See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm-dvn, Redwood National & State Parks.
2025 Ch'i~s-lu Chay-yii-ne Lhetlh-xat
(Cemetery Clean-up and Elders' Gathering)
Sunday May 18, 2025 at 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 9 a.m. at the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center. The clean-up will follow at the Howonquet Indian Cemetery. 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.
If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to take the time to care for the resting places of our ancestors that are not at Howonquet Indian Cemetery.
To RSVP or for more information contact Kelsy Padgette at 707-487-9255 ext. 1710 or email kelsy.padgette@tolowa.gov.
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, fill out a request for Affidavit of Registration and return it To the Voter Registrar. You only need to register once.
Your signature on the official ballot is VERIFIED with your signature on file. 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
NOTE: For security purposes, Ballot return envelopes will be delivered to a P.O. Box at Smith River Post Office.
Hodges
CH' EE-NVK-T'I
sets his sights on shooting competition
Tribal Citizen Isaiah Hodges, a 15-year-old archer from Brookings, is preparing to compete at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships from June 21-27 in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Hodges, a member of the Brookings Livestock and Shooting Sports 4-H Club, has been an archer for four years. He has attended the state competition for the past three years and is excited about the opportunity of competing nationally for the first time.
“I’ve learned a lot from my coaches and teammates,” Hodges said. “They’ve helped me improve my skills and confidence.”
The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships is the largest shooting competition in the world, with participants from all over the country competing in various disciplines, including archery, muzzleloader, shotgun and more.
To help cover the estimated $8,000 cost of attending the national competition, Hodges and his coach, Matt Thompson, are actively fundraising. They’ve raised approximately $2,000 so far through candy bar sales and are hoping to secure additional support from local organizations like the Oregon Hunters Association and the local 4-H Association.
Hodges credits archery with teaching him valuable life skills like patience, discipline, confidence and communication. He’s also grateful for the support of his parents, coaches, and fellow archers, including James Andersen, who competed at nationals last year and has been mentoring Hodges.
-Information courtesy of the Curry Coastal Pilot
DNHS baskeball player Steinruck earns Big 5 All-League recognition
Tribal Citizen Tsinte Steinruck is one of three Del Norte High School girls basketball players who recently received Big 5 AllLeague recognition. Steinruck was named to the conference all-league first team.
This is the second straight year the senior standout has been honored by the league, having also received an all-league honorable mention as a junior in 2024. Her teammates Bliss Blackburn and Jaylee Keeling also received an all-league honorable mention this year.
Steinruck, who is a threesport athlete for the Del Norte Warriors, also was an all-league selection on the volleyball courts in the fall and an all-league honorable mention on the
softball fields last spring. And it was her consistency and allaround performances that stood out in basketball this winter.
“Tsinte had a good senior year,” said Del Norte head coach Dylan Nelson said, referring to her efforts helping lead the Warriors to a 13-13 overall record. “She was one of our most consistent offensive players, our best rebounder — despite playing out of position — and always took one of the top defensive assignments.”
Earlier this year, Steinruck committed to playing on the College of the Redwoods softball team upon graduating Del Norte High School.
-Information courtesy of the Del Norte Triplicate
Beware heated tobacco products marketed to youth
— Submitted by Michael Sanchez, HPE Specialist, UIHS's NATIVE Tobacco Project
I was first aware of "I Quit Ordinary Smoking (IQOS) last year while on one of five Teen Advisory Group (TAG) trips to the
State capital in Sacramento. I remember getting gas and one of the youths called my attention to a modern-looking, colorful advertisement designed to create interest and wonder, with the letters IQOS in the futuristic font. The ad pictured something
none of us had seen before, but we all agreed it had something to do with smoking tobacco. As the days passed, we noticed the same brand advertised at every gas station we visited, including some stores. Since that trip, we have taken a few others and I continue to see IQOS advertisements everywhere, especially in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties.
IQOS is a battery-operated device that heats tobacco sticks wrapped in paper to 350 degrees Celsius to create an aerosol, eliminating combustion, fire, ash and smoke. This new experience is portrayed as a healthy alternative to smoking, but these claims have not been substantiated. While it may be true that IQOS exposes users to lower levels of harmful chemicals, it is also true that this same device can expose users to higher levels of other harmful substances. Let us not forget there are no benefits associated with commercial tobacco use, so if you haven't started, don't.
Because IQOS delivers the same nicotine levels as combustible cigarettes, it is safe to assume the industry would like to see smokers switch from what they are using now to heat-not-burn-type devices. Like putting lipstick on a pig, the commercial tobacco industry is trying to reinvent itself by introducing a product that they would have the public believe is better than what was offered in the past.
If you would like to quit using commercial tobacco, we can help. Kick-It California is a free program that uses proven sciencebased strategies to help people quit smoking and nicotine. It is no secret that participation in this program doubles your chances of quitting. Kick-It California is available twentyfour hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-300-8086 to talk with a quit coach.
UIHS’ NATIVE Tobacco Project is in the final stages of developing cessation workshop to be offered to the public later this year. Please keep your eyes on our Facebook and Instagram pages or contact your local UIHS office.
"Pinwheels for Peace" a family unity activity
Tribal families discovered that the pinwheel serves as a radiant emblem of peace during “Pinwheels for Peace” family unity activity at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center in April.
The event was hosted by the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program and the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program, both of Community and Family Wellness.
The blue pinwheel, chosen in 2008 as the national symbol for child abuse prevention, shines brightly with its vibrant colors and simple elegance. It evokes memories of carefree childhood — a time when tranquility reigned.
This initiative invites all the participants to craft their own pinwheels and display them in public spaces, sending forth a visual proclamation of peace. These whimsical creations offer a platform for youth and families alike to voice their thoughts and feelings on themes of peace, conflict, tolerance, and other vital matters. Moreover, the pinwheel
stands as a clarion call, urging individuals and communities to embrace their roles in fostering safe and nurturing havens for our children.
The evening began with ch'eetr'a~ (dinner). As the meal was finished, we all gathered to follow along with this month’s story
“The Forever Sky,” by Thomas Peacock and illustrations by Annette S. Lee.
Each da'-ye' (family) received a copy of the min'-ch'v-ghvt-t'e'sr
(book) to take home with them. At the end of the evening, in appreciation for this participation, each da'-ye' received a stress relieving healing kit.
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 and Alaskan
LEFT: Cari Nelson, Nellie Fox and Nellie Westbury-Fox work on their pinwheels.
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!
Please contact Maggie Wyckoff for any question about future Family Unity Activities at 707487-9255 ext 1135; or email maggie.wyckoff@tolowa.gov. —Submitted by Community & Family Wellness
Left to right: Sarah Wentz, Rachael Jeli, Autumn Jeli, Neillie Westbury-Fox, Nellie Fox, Cari Nelson, Tia Early and Anna Jean Mason.
Nellie Westbury-Fox and her pinwheel.
RIGHT: Sarah Campbell and Maxton Campbell with the pinwheel that he created.
Students get hands-on fire fighting experience
Students at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start learn about fire safety and how to use powerful water hoses from members of the Smith River Fire Department who visited in April.
Economic Summit spotlights Nation's contributions
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal leaders shared information about recent projects and contributions to the community during the 2025 Economic Summit hosted by the Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce on April 16.
The all-day event at the Lucky 7 Casino Event Center featured multiple presenters, including TDN Executive Director Troy Ralstin, Administrative Services Director Emily Reed, and Lucky 7 Casino General Manager Ken White. This year's summit focused on "The economic impact of tourism: Strategies for growth." Community
leaders, business owners and local and state officials gathered to discuss and share information on current and future projects for Del Norte County.
TDN's presentations highlighted topics such as:
•$94,000 in community donations to 116 community organizations.
•Recent major construction projects and how more than $2 million has been spent contracting with local businesses and source materials locally.
•Improvements to Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery.
•Building of a new Tribal Regional Justice Center.
•Upcoming expansion of Early Head Start building.
•The Annual Dee-ni' Day scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025.
The Lucky 7 Hotel and Casino presentation focused on:
•The addition of new slot machines and table games.
•The opening of the Prince Island Coffee shop at the Lucky 7 Fuel Mart.
•Exciting changes to the menu and ambiance of the casino's Howonquet Restaurant.
Ken White, General Manager of Lucky 7 Casino, speaks during the annual Economic Summit.
Tribal Cultural Protectors
For 10 straight months, when any dirt, rocks, trees and vegetation were disturbed during construction of the new Dr. Fine Bridge in Smith River, Tribal Cultural Monitor Don Steinruck was there watching.
From February to November, the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's cultural monitor worked through rain, snow, hail, high winds, heat and freezing cold, keeping an eye out for potential Native American artifacts or anything else of cultural significance.
"Any time the land is being disturbed it's
of ancestral
Training participants learn about the cultural significance of an area in Tolowa territory they are about to explore.
Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn shares information about Tolowa history, culture and language during day one of the 3-day training.
Cultural Monitors ancestral resources
important to have a monitor on site," Steinruck said to a group of aspiring cultural monitors gathered at the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Gathering Hall. "This job is a commitment. It is a responsibility. It is a job. It has relevance. It has dignity. It has times of compassion. It has times of sorrow."
Two dozen Tribal Citizens attended the free Cultural Resources Monitor Training and Certification workshop hosted by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation in April.
See Monitors, Page 14
Participants carefully thread their way through vegetation with a guest archaeologist looking for signs of potential historic or cultural items.
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Cultural Monitor Don Steinruck shares his on-thejob experiences with those seeking a similar career.
Monitors
The 3-day workshop provided participants the opportunity to meet and interact with cultural resources specialists, including archaeologists, botanists and geologists, and members of the Nation's Tribal Heritage Preservation Office (THPO), Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), and the Tribal Corps Program.
"You are a self-contained unit – carrying your own food, water, and clothing to protect yourself from the elements," said Steinruck, a retired schoolteacher who has worked as a contracted cultural monitor for the Nation for more than a decade. "It's not uncommon to work 10 to 12-hour days. You're walking on a variety of terrain, wearing boots, a hard hat, rain pants. The hazards include heat, falling, standing for hours, poison oak, insects and cars speeding by inches from where you are standing on the highway."
The job also entails daily and hourly record keeping, he explained. Monitors often take photographs and scribble down notes describing their observations along with current condition of the soil, the weather, and human activity happening at any given time. Monitors often talk with different professionals onsite, sharing what they know about the location and how it relates to Tribal history and culture.
The workshop provided participants with brief lessons in Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation history, culture and language, provided by Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn, Darrel Aubrey and Cynthia Ford. And guest speakers included archaeologists, ecologists and botanists from Redwood National and State Parks, Six Rivers National Forest, and CalPoly Humboldt University.
Workshop topics included an overview of monitoring equipment, recording procedures, legal responsibilities, safety practices, and quick studies on geology, botany, and how to differentiate between ancient artifacts and more recent items.
On the final day of the workshop, participants visited two Tribal locations
where they put what they learned into practice. This included searching for and identifying potential artifacts and archaeological sites, and using GPS and mapping software to mark their progress. The also learned about non-ground disturbing methods and historical and modern cultural burning practices.
“As a tribal Nation our priority is to not only protect tribal resources from the archaeological view point, but to preserve our way of life,” says Cynthia Ford, Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer, “we are not entitled to these resources, we are all responsible for the stewardship of our ancestral lands and lifeways. We strive to develop opportunities for our tribal community, especially our youth, to participate in this critical work.”
That goal of offering a platform for Tribal Youth to participate was especially prevalent during this training, as the training itself was developed in part to provide this important resource to tribal youth in the Tribal Corps program, better known by its program name, Tee-ne Na'srdvtlh-nvsh (which loosely translates to “pathways to work”). It is an innovative workforce education and training program developed between a partnership with THPO and TERO that assists tribal youth
in obtaining educational, career, and personal development pathways while learning, contributing and participating in programming to address weatherization and climate resilience.
Youth participate in the preservation and restoration of cultural and/or historical resources, as well as stewardship and construction projects. Participants engage in five projects that take place on Tribal lands to learn and understand their responsibility as a steward of their land. They then take the skills and education that they’ve learned and apply it to seven projects in the summer months in partnership with the Redwood National and State Parks Youth Corps Crew.
“The overall objective of this program is to teach and educate the upcoming generation about their role as an environmental steward, and then to empower those Tribal youth to gain skills and knowledge in conservation and stewardship efforts,” says Tara Lopez, Tribal Corps Program Coordinator, “It also informs and educates them on the tribe’s relationships with various agencies, as well as different environmental requirements, with the ultimate goal of empowering TribalCorps members with competitive workforce skills to obtain employment.”
California State Parks Archaeologist Breezy Akeson presents types of bones found at archaeological sites.
Mii-naa-ghaytlh-nvsh (We Remember)
Elaine Yvonne Richards Allen (1935-2025)
Elaine Yvonne Richards Allen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away at her home on March 17, 2025. She was a lifelong resident of Del Norte County, California.
She was born at Knapp hospital in Crescent City on August 29, 1935, at 5 a.m. to Clyde and Etta Henry Richards. She grew up in Smith River, California, where she attended Smith River Elementary School. She attended Del Norte High School and received her diploma in 1953.
She met Robert Allen and later married him on February 20, 1954, in Fortuna, California. Robert was a co-owner of B&W Sales and Elaine was a homemaker. Robert succumbed to complications from Diabetes in 2010. They were married for
56 years.
One of their many adventures, when Elaine was 45 years old, Robert and Elaine went on a 7,000-plus-mile motorcycle tour across America. They rode a fully equipped Gold Wing 1000 through 18 states from California to Florida and then back through Missouri.
Elaine was a member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. Her family is from Nelechundun on the Smith River.
Elaine and Robert accepted Jesus as their Savior in 1967 and then became charter members of Smith River Baptist Church. They attended faithfully for many years. She later became a member of Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church in Crescent City.
In an envelope labeled obituary was one item: the handwritten verses John 3:16-18.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Elaine taught Good News Clubs, took kids to church and
wanted all people to know about her Savior, Jesus Christ. She kept prayer journals and prayed for friends and family regularly.
Elaine is preceded in death by a newborn son in 1960, husband Robert Edgar Allen, brother Dewayne Richards, sister Myrtle Husberg and brother Eugene Richards.
She is survived by her four sons, Danual (Sharon), Rodger (Cheryl), Byron (Sarah), and Austin (Jami) Allen, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grand-
children, her sister Meredith (Mark) Keeter and numerous nieces, nephews and extended cousins. She is loved and will be missed by many people.
A Memorial Service and potluck will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at Howonquet Hall, 101 Indian Ct. in Smith River. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Elaine's memory to the Pregnancy Care Center Mommy Market, 110 W. Washington Blvd., Crescent City, CA 95531.
Tribal Job Openings
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Office
Community Family and Wellness Department
•MMIP Project Coordinator (CFW) - Full Time
•Family/Victim Advocate – Full Time
•Administrative Assistant I - Full Time
Community Development Department
•Construction worker - Full Time/Temp
Human Resources Department
•HR Generalist - Full Time
Education Department
•Teacher Assistant (Education) – Full Time
Natural Resources Department
•Tribal Resources Field Technician - Women in Fire – Full Time
Lucky 7 Casino
• Bartender – Part Time
• Dishwasher – Part Time
• Host/Server – Part Time
• Line Cook – Full Time
• Casino Housekeeper – Part Time
• Hotel Front Desk Clerk – Part Time
• Fuel Mart Cashier/Barista – Part Time
• Hotel Housekeeper – Part Time
• Soft Count Worker - Part Time
• Maintenance Worker - Full Time
Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department. Job descriptions and applications are available at www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs
Employee of the month
Angel Escobar
Enrollment and Election Specialist (Administrative Services Department)
Angel Escobar recently attended a Tribal Enrollment Certification training and achieved an outstanding 92 percent on the final exam, the highest score among all attendees. This accomplishment reflects her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. She consistently strives to improve her work ethic, demonstrating a deep commitment to her job and the vital work she does for our people and community. She is responsible for two of the most critical functions that define us as a Tribal government: enrollment and elections. Her dedication, hard work, and passion make her highly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations Angel!
Tribal TANF programs
The primary goals of TANF is to provide monthly assistance to needy families; increase employability of needy families; prevent and reduce incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and encourage formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Supportive services
•Work participation-related expenses.
•Educational activities designed to increase economic selfsufficiency.
•Substance abuse education and prevention services.
•Parenting skills and training.
•Educational, vocational, job training, and employment development related services.
•Domestic violence counseling.
•Culturally relevant supportive services that foster selfsufficiency by strengthening community involvement and support, and promote knowledge of culture.
Non-needy caretakers
TANF can provide monthly cash assistance to non-needy caretaker families.
A non-needy caretaker household consists of one or more children residing with a non-parent relative who has been determined to be the caretaker relative of the child(ren). We will not count the income or resources of the caretaker relative, so long as the caretaker relative is non-needy. Call 707-487-9255, ext. 1135.
Expansion
Continued from Page 1
Many of the families with enrolled children do not have placement for their children under the age of 3. This creates a barrier for employment, as childcare costs exceed the affordability factor for parents. Further complicating the matter, working parents of multiple aged children are currently forced to travel for services at separate locations due to the age factors between Early Head Start and Head Start.
Building the facility
Most of the heavy construction is planned for June, July and August, when most students and families are not present. This ensures a minimum of disruption to the existing program while allowing crews to work efficiently, typically in 10-hour days during the long daylight summer months. Interior work can proceed in Fall and Winter without disruption to the Head Start Preschool.
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation will serve as Construction Contractor for the project. TDN Construction Division will be responsible for certain aspects of construction (i.e., framing, interior finish work). Specialized work for individual trades (i.e., plumbing, electrical) and site-level work (i.e., grading, paving) will be subcontracted via competitive bid. The Nation’s construction crew is staffed with highly-skilled carpenters, equipment operators, and construction workers – 100 percent of whom are TDN Tribal Citizens.
"The Tolowa Construction Division, led by Construction Manager Allen Bommelyn, is handling the entire project: from site prep to walls and trusses, and then all the finish work. The crew's ability to lead entire jobs is impressive," said Tim Hoone, the Nation's Community Development Director.
The design of the new addition includes classrooms, a conference space where teachers and parents can discuss Individual Educational Plans for children, activity and social gathering space, meeting space for the Parent Advisory Committee, meals, storage
and separate wings for each program.
The site location plan improves the existing entrance to the Head Start Facility, creating a centralized, single entrance and lobby for both Head Start and Early Head Start.
The parking lot and entrance improvements include LED street lighting to provide an
energy efficient means of increasing visibility and safety. The new shared lobby area is designed for simplicity of parents of children enrolled in both programs, as there will be a single main entrance to the building. Once in the lobby, preschoolers go to the left, Early Head Start children to the right.
COUNCIL MOTIONS
Motions for January 9, 2025
WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUYNII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck)
5-0-1 Motion to approve agenda with the addition of two (2) letters of nomination to two (2) different committees for Dr. Joseph Giovannetti. Department of Health & Human Services, Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) committees.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA):
M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 4-01 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: DOI LetterSecretary Haaland and Solicitor Anderson; Draft Regular Meeting Minutes 10/10 & 10/24, 2024; Surveillance Policy & Procedure modified Section 12 Chain of Command.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson; Wait
NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):
M/S/C (Sullivan/O’Connell) 5-0-1
Motion to approve and post the revised Solid Waste disposal management ordinance for public comment.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman,
Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN (EDUCATION):
M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT-2465-1412 with Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI) for language revitalization and preservation in an amount not to exceed $45k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Sullivan) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT2471-1404 with Inquiry + Impact Consulting, LLC. In an amount not to exceed $36,875.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Boardman)
5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2465-1411 with Loren Bommelyn in an amount not to exceed $54k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):
M/S/C (Sullivan/Boardman)
5-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-01 Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity for Regulatory Agreement for Tax Credit Housing Project, and signature on Regulatory
Agreement with California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Steinruck/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve CT-2514-1416 with SHN Engineers for phase one (1) Environmental Study for Early Head Start Expansion Project not to exceed $8,950.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Boardman/Steinruck)
5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2414-1414 with Graening and Associates, LLC for an updated environmental study for FeeTo-Trust (FTT) application in an amount not to exceed $8,232.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 5-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2414-1413 with Cascade Integration & Development in an amount not to exceed $10k for control system support.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve chairperson signature on letter responding to Del Norte County’s comments on the Nation’s Fee-To-Trust Application.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman,
Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS):
M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve the submission and request of the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) plan, sections 2.2.1.12, 2.2.1.12(i), and 3.2.1.1 to fulfill unmet requirements outlined in the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 2014 and the CCDF regulation at 45 CFR Part 98.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION):
M/S/C (Boardman/Sullivan) 5-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2511-1415 with Accelerate Strategies in an amount not to exceed $252,648.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve letter of nomination for Dr. Giovannetti to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Wait/O’Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve and sign a letter to nominate Dr. Joseph
COUNCIL MOTIONS
Giovannetti to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) committee.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
Motions for January 23, 2025
WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUYNII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):
M/S/C (Wait/Boardman) 5-0-1
Motion to approve agenda as amended with the addition of the election report and resolution.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA):
M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 5-0-
1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Contract CT-2412-1351 MOD #2 W/ AMR Inc.; Gaming License Approval T. Whipple.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MVSH-XE NAA-DVTLHNVSH-NE (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES):
M/S/C (Sullivan/O’Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-02 Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Membership (15).
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Boardman/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Resolution 2025-04 Resolution of the 2025 Petitioners Election.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck)
5-0-1 Motion to approve Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Brand Book.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Steinruck/O’Connell)
5-0-1 Motion to approve Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Media Policy.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN (EDUCATION):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck) 5-01 Motion to approve Contract CT2571-1417 with Delfinia Danner in an amount not to exceed $44,400k and ending October 31, 2025.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):
M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve modification of 23-GN-11-051000-029 Good Neighbor Agreement to extend the Performance period to May 2033.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu:
0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Boardman)
5-0-1 Motion to approve with the addition of discussed costs, to submit a proposal under Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA’s) Reserved Treaty Right Lands (RTRL) program, requesting 3M dollars for a 3-year project beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):
M/S/C (Sullivan/Boardman) 5-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2415-1310 Mod #1 with Grey Snow Communications in a new contract amount not to exceed $802,181.96 for design, engineering and project management of the broadband fiber project.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Boardman/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Contract CT2315-1272 Mod #2 with Terranet Systems for broadband and telecommunications consulting in an amount not to exceed $185k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN
(COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS):
M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 5-0-1
Motion to approve the Tribal Family Assistance Plan (TFAP) that is used to administer the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program with removing the word “all” and replace with “eligible”.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Steinruck/O’Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve sending an extension letter with the chairpersons signature to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requesting a 90-day extension to the comment period for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Humboldt Wind Energy Area.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Boardman/Wait) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Resolution 2025-03 Formation of the YurokTolowa Dee-ni’ Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area Advisory Council and Appointment Council Vice-Chairperson Scott D. Sullivan and Council Treasurer Jaytuk Steinruck as the two representatives and Council member Amanda O’Connell as the alternate to serve the initial 3-year term on the advisory Council.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
Joseph Adams
Kimber Adams
Jack Aldape
Danual Allen
Blake Allen
Mason Allen
Apollo Anderson
Declan Anderson
Margaret Arias
Thomas Balcom
Madison Balcom
Benjamen Balswick
Belle Balswick
Christopher Barr
Summer Barr
Gavin Bartoo
Fredrick Bartow
Malena Bates
Jon Batini
Joseph Baugh
Sharon Bergmann
Berkeley Betts
Gregory Blodgett
William Bommelyn
William Bommelyn
Amanda Bommelyn
Mattie Bommelyn
Tenaya Brandon
Joel Bravo
Jason Bravo
Terry Bray
Tanner Brown
Alexandrew Brundin
Avery Brundin
Santino Buckman Baca
Emberlyn Canaday
Ken Carey
MAA-XUSLH-GHALH
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-FenderRamirez
Craig Fletcher
Rebeca Forrest
Joscelyn Fouts
Ian Fralich
GraceAnne Fralich
Brandi Garcia
Joel Garcia
Adriana Garcia
Preston Gerovac
Jennifer Gleba
Paisley Glerup
Randy Gochanour
Darby Gore
Addison Griffin
James Griffin
Sarrah Tovah Grof
Athena Guerrero
Diesel Haddad
Audrey Hamner
Makennah Handsaker
Christal Hash
Sunshine Hempel
Mark Hempel
Rebecca Hempel
Wesley Hinshaw
Donald Hodges
Wilma Hoffman
Susan Hogue
Maile Horn
Calla Hostler
Heather Howell
Sikai Hubbart
Gavin Hurt
Amy Idol
Forest James
Hayden James
Dennis 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
Natasha Lopez
Armando Lopez
Austin Lopez
Shaniqua Lopez
Taya Lopez
Elijah Lopez
Darla Loucks
Wendy Luerra
Donna Magana
Evan Marry
Whitney May
Jacqueline Maynard
Rogan McCann
Chloe McCann
Johnny McDonald
Miguel Mendoza
Kirsten Miller
Mikaela Mitchell
Sierradawn Mora
Fernandez
Berkley Morse
Sadie Mouser
Charlene Myrick
Rowan Nelson
Josalyn Netzel
Brannon Nyborg
Laurel O'Reilley
Layla Owen
Madison Parke
Lucian Parke
Jayden Parras
Wallace Payne
Harry Payne
Joey Payne
Candace Penney
Shane Persinger
Izabella Pittman
Aniya Pizarro
Madonna Plants
Jozaveena Ramirez
Nelson Randolph
Sheila Reed-Flores
Patsy Reynolds
Bronson RhodesBodenstab
Frank Richards
Kenyon Richards
Cherry Richards
Nevyn Richards-Davis
Matthew Rodgers
Taylor Rogde
Logan Rogde
Mary Safko
Jesse Salmans
Miller Sampels
Nathaniel Samuelsen
Jaden Sanders
Debra Sanderson
Aaron Schlosser
Ieshia Searle
Sasha Searle
Brandon Sells
Crystal Shade
Darrell Sherman
Travis Silva
Gunnar Simonsen
Kirsten Simpson
Raven Solberg
Tanner Sopiwnik
Derek Soule
Sadie Spargur
Kanyon Starkey
Welantuk Steinruck
Teonna Stepro
June Sullivan
Jace Swafford
Emitt 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 Wieland
Kaiyess Willburn
BenjaminWilliams
Constance Wilson
Raymond Workman-Smith
Julie Zeltvay
Lorenzo Zeman
Taylor Zwierlein
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
Interested in serving on a Tribal committee?
Fill out an application and send it to recording.secretary@tolowa.com or call 707-487-9255.
Committee
p.m.
of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Tuesday of month
Education Committee 5:30 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Monday of month Natural Resources and
Free blood pressure and glucose screening 10-11 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
p.m.
of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Wednesday of month Enrollment
p.m.
of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month Fresh Food Giveaway Drive Through 12-3 p.m. 16450 Oceanview Dr. Breakfast: Eggs and sausage
