Issuu

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'

(MAY) 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 5

Nine Citizens running for three Tribal Council seats

Nine Tribal Citizens are running for three seats on the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council, with the election set for Saturday, May 16.

Ballots can be mailed or dropped off on May 16 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Dee-ni' Ee-ta Lheewii-dvn (Regional Justice Center). Provisional ballots will be available onsite. A total of 13 Tribal Citizens were nominated. Four nominated individuals either formally declined or have defaulted to decline after not responding by the deadline. Candidates who accepted the nominations are:

• Paula Aubrey

• Debbie Boardman

• Garrett Campbell

• Brigette Finigan

• Kurt Miller

• Hannah Pavola

• Lisa Richards

• Jaytuk Steinruck

• Scott Sullivan

The candidates were invited to submit campaign letters, which are published in this newsletter (starting on page 5). The letters were also included in your election packet and are available via our online Citizen Portal. If you are a registered voter and have not yet received your election packet, please contact Enrollment and Election Coordinator Angel Escobar at 707-487-9255, ext. 1181 or email angel.escobar@ tolowa.gov.

INSIDEInformation about the May 16 General Election plus candidate letters

2026 Ch'i~s-lu Chay-yii-ne Lhetlh-xat (Cemetery Clean-up and Elders Gathering)

9 a.m. Sunday, May 17 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 707-4879255 ext. 1710 or send an email to kelsy.padgette@tolowa.gov.

Changes made to facilities policy

The Nation recently updated its policy regarding facilities available for rent to Tribal Citizens, Nation departments, and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all Nation facilities remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for all users.

New changes to the policy include:

• All security deposit checks will be deposited (not held) and the money will be fully or partially reimbursed (depending on inspection) after the conclusion of each event.

• Rental of facilities is limited to three times per person/organization per year.

• Reservations cannot be made more than eight months before the date of event.

Here is a list of who can rent the Nation's three facilities:

•Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center: Tribal Citizens, Nation departments and nonprofit organizations.

• Shaa-xu'-xat: Tribal Citizens, Nation departments and nonprofit organizations.

• Lopez Creek Beach Access: Tribal Citizens and Nation departments.

Reservation for these facilities can be made through the Administrative Services Department at the Tribal Headquarters, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd, Smith River.

Reservation for Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center and Shaa-xu'-xat can also be made via Tolowa.gov by clicking on the "Government" menu item. For more information about the rental policy or agreements, call 707-487-9255 or visit the Tribal Headquarters.

Reservations for Dat-naa-svt Community Center and Chit-xu Mee-ne' are handled by the Housing Division of the Community Development Department.

Note: The Nation does not handle reservations for the Tolowa Event Center at Lucky 7 Casino or the Gathering Hall at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort (XVR). Please contact those entities directly for more information. Lucky 7 Casino: 707-487-7777. XVR: 707-487-3141.

All 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

Public Safety Director, Tim Sanderson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1260, tim.sanderson@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’

Srwee-la'-num-nii~-ma~s (May) 2026 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River, CA 95567. Find our website at 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, call 707-487-9255.

View of the estuary at Da'-chvn-dvn from Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort.

Welcome to the world

Wyatt Eric Lee Pincombe

We are happy to announce Wyatt Eric Lee Pincombe, who was born on March 14, 2026, at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City, California.

Wyatt was born to Colton Pincombe and Grace Jacobs. Wyatt weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and measured 21 inches.

Campaign Letters

Chit-dvn (Brookings-Harbor).

Campaign Letters

Smith River

Campaign Letters

Nii~-li~ (Smith River)

Campaign Letters

Chit-taa-ghii-li (Chetco River).

Campaign Letters

Ee-nii-k'wvt, Crescent City.

Photo: Jake Geremia

$2.5M boost for gateway/pedestrian bridge project

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation has received a $2.5 million federal grant to fund earlystage efforts to construct a monument gateway and pedestrian bridge near a hazardous intersection on Highway 101 in Smith River. At the same time, the Nation has established a cooperative partnership with the California Department of Transportation to move forward on the Nation's multiyear Connected Communities Plan, of which the pedestrian bridge is one aspect. The Nation established the plan in 2023 to address longstanding safety concerns and build a multi-use path system in the area.

Connected Communities Plan area

"This funding is a huge win for our community. It will improve safety for the residents and visitors alike while creating a meaningful cultural landmark along Highway 101 that reflects the Nations identity and presence," said Julian Markussen, Planner III for the Nation's Community Development Department.

Gateway/pedestrian bridge

The $2.5 million grant is part of $54.2 million awarded by the Build America Bureau through the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program. Funding went to a total of 49 rural and tribal projects—31 rural and 18 tribal—across 25 states. The grants provide early-stage development assistance for rural and tribal infrastructure projects across the country.

The Nation will use its $2.5 million grant for the initial feasibility study, preliminary design and engineering for

a dual-purpose gateway monument and safe, ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge on Highway 101 near Lucky 7 Casino in Smith River, said Markussen.

The bridge is necessary for the safety of Tribal and non-tribal citizens and visitors, particularly young people, elderly and families, who currently must walk across busy Highway 101 to reach community facilities, businesses and residential neighborhoods. The architectural features of the gateway monument bridge will integrate traditional Tolowa designs, the Tolowa Dee-ni' language and art created in collaboration with cultural advisors and community members.

"This funding allows us to move forward on a project that enhances safety, honors culture, and leaves a lasting impact for the Tolowa people and everyone who travels through and experiences this place," Markussen said.

Connected Communities Plan

The California Department of Transportation has scheduled significant work along Highway 101 through the Tolowa Deeni' region and, through early discussions with the Nation, it became clear that several elements of the Nation's Connected Communities Plan, particularly the multi-use path, intersected directly with their planned improvements.

Continued on next page

LUCKY 7 CASINO

Possibly location of gateway/pedestrian bridge

"Rather than waiting for the state's project timelines, the cooperative partnership allows the Nation to proactively complete a key portion of the work in advance," Markussen said. "Doing so accelerates progress, prevents redundant construction efforts, and ensures the Nation's priorities are integrated from the beginning. By working together, we will shave approximately one-year off the project timeline."

He said Caltrans leadership has the partnership as groundbreaking and can be considered as a model for future state-tribal collaboration.

"They are genuinely excited about working with the nation and have mentioned the profound impact the community engagement meetings have had on them regarding the safety of Highway 101 in Tolowa country and the Connected Communities Plan," he said. "They are in support of a cooperative approach that advances mobility, safety, and community connectivity while respecting Tribal sovereignty and long-term planning goals."

Postpartum Kitchen Make and Take

$200,000 for chis-chu habitat restoration

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation has received $200,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore habitat connectivity and enhance Chis-chu (Roosevelt elk) habitat in our service area in Northern California.

The funding is part of more than $6.6 million awarded by the USFWS to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitat, including species of cultural or traditional importance to Indigenous communities.

“Tribes are vital partners in wildlife conservation, and we’re proud to support projects that reflect their connection to the land and leadership in protecting it,” said USFWS Service Director Brian Nesvik. “These investments support tribal sovereignty while advancing our shared

conservation goals."

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's Natural Resources Department will use its funding to restore and enhance Chis-chu habitat connectivity and quality across the coastal watersheds of northern California, the ancestral territory of the Tolowa Dee-ni'. Timber harvesting, recent wildfires, and other challenges have diminished the range and connection to viable elk habitat, causing herds to remain in lower coastal areas where human-wildlife conflicts have increased.

"We are grateful for the support of the USFWS in our efforts to improve Chischu habitat and its connectivity across the southern portion of the Nation's territory," said the Nation's Natural Resource Director Rachel McCain. "Natural Resources staff are continuously soliciting funding to weave together in support, ultimately, of implementing our Harvest Title to its fullest potential and providing ample opportunities for harvest on Tribal

lands. These long-term projects would not be possible without the dedication of our staff and willingness to work across disciplines."

According to McCain, Chis-chu herds co-mingle with cattle on pastureland, putting them at risk of disease, create hazardous conditions on roads and highways due to frequent crossings, and are becoming a nuisance for residential areas. This project focuses on restoring the connection to viable upland habitat for elk and encourage their natural migration through the following actions: strengthening collaboration with regional partners on wild land management; monitoring herd dispersal in the coastal areas; focused survey of over 400 acres of the Nation's property to prioritize areas where Chis-chu are moving; and the restoration of 10 acres prairie habitat within their migration corridor.

Continued on next page

The Natural Resource Department staff has been collaborating with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) staff to monitor Chis-chu populations and movement for more than five years. Grant funding supports the Nation's ongoing work with CDFW that includes capacity building for the Nation's staff in Chis-chu data collection and analysis and the completion of the inter-agency co-management agreement on Chis-chu. Habitat restoration activities performed by the Nation include invasive species management, controlled burning, and restoration of native grasses and plants that are preferred by Chis-chu and important to the Nation for traditional medicine, food, and cultural materials.

Nation staff working under these grants will work toward comprehensive habitat inventory and restoration for Chis-chu, with the overall goal being increased presence and health of the animals on Tribal lands, according to Elena Sisneros, the Nation's Habitat and Wildlife Division Manager.

"Encouraging chis-chu movement into our uplands and away from agricultural operations in the Smith River bottoms, which are likely contributing to the proliferation of Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD), will increase herd and individual animal health by providing ample range in areas of higher soil and vegetation quality," Sisneros said.

Tribal Job Opportunities

• IT Systems Administrator I (Administration) - Full Time

• Network Administrator (Administrative Services) - Full Time

• Administrative Assistant I (CFW) - Full Time

• Home Visiting Program Coordinator (CFW) - Full Time

• Housing Disability Advocacy Program Technician - Full Time

• TANF Prevention Technician (CFW) - Full Time

• Tribal TANF Child Welfare Project Coordinator - Full Time

• Victim Services Project Coordinator (CFW) - Full Time

• Classroom Aide (On-Call) (Education) - On-Call

• Cook (Education) - Full Time

• Head Start Manager (Education) - Full Time

• Head Start Teacher (Education) - Full Time

• Battalion Chief (Public Safety) - On-Call

• Division Chief (Public Safety) - On-Call

• Fire Captain (Public Safety) - Full Time

• Summer Youth Worker (TERO) - Seasonal

• Tribal Court Clerk II (Tribal Court)- Full Time

• Tribal Corps Youth Crew Leader (TERO) Temporary

Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department. Job descriptions and applications are available at www.tolowa.gov/jobs. Contact Human Resources at 707-487-9255.

At-home activity kits for youth

Community and Family Wellness will distribute athome activity kits for youth ages 7-17 to bring the joy of spring into your homes. Registration is open until 5 p.m. May 15, 2026.

Each T'an'-nast-lii~-dvn activity kit is packed with hands-on activities to spark creativity, learning, and family fun.

To participate, you must:

• Have at least one Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation citizen in the home.

• Complete a 2026 Annual Prevention Activity Application.

• Reside within the Nation's five-county service area.

(Other exclusionary criteria applies.)

Registration Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Register online at surveymonkey.com/ r/2026springprevention. For more information contact Maggie Wyckoff at 707-487-9255, ext. 1135 or email maggie.wyckoff@ tolowa.gov.

This project is made possible by the Temporary Assistance for the Need Families and Child Care Development Fund (24TJCACCDF).

Joseph Adams

Kimber Adams

Jack Aldape

Danual Allen

Blake Allen

Mason Allen

Apollo Anderson

Declan Anderson

Margaret Arias

Thomas Balcom Jr.

Madison Balcom

Benjamen Balswick

Belle Balswick

Christopher Barr

Summer Barr

Gavin Bartoo

Fredrick Bartow

Malena Bates

Jon Batini

Joseph James Baugh

Sharon Bergmann

Berkeley Betts

Gregory Blodgett Jr.

William Bommelyn Sr.

William Bommelyn Jr.

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

Brycen Carrillo-Speciale

Jamie Castellaw

Ezekiel Chavez

MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH

Sergio Chavez III

Estella Colvin

Debra Conard

Christina Coulson

Kansas Coulson

Conner Cox

Seth Cutright

Maya Dalton

Myriah Davis

Douglas Dobrec

Evelyn Early

Alisha Eber

Janie Ekman

Anakin Felix-FenderRamirez

Craig Fletcher Jr.

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 Jr.

Wilma Hoffman

Susan Hogue

Maile Horn

Calla Hostler

Heather Howell

Sikai Hubbart

Maddox 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

Hank Luerra

Donna Magana

Evan Marry

Whitney May

Kyla May

Jacqueline Maynard

Rogan McCann

Chloe McCann

Johnny McDonald Jr.

Miguel Mendoza

Kirsten Miller

Mikaela Mitchell

Jennifer Mogess

Janie Mooney

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 IV

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

William Snow

Raven Solberg

Tanner Sopiwnik

Derek Soule

Sadie Spargur

Kanyon Starkey

Welantuk Steinruck

Teonna Stepro

June Sullivan

Jace Swafford

Emitt Swanson

Annette Taylor

Seleya Teurn

Casey Thomas

Brayden Throop

Perry Tripp

Brandon Tripp

Sekeenek' Tuttle

Mark Tvrdik

Sunnae Walker

Cindy Warde

Deidre Warren

Gavin Warren

Azure Wecksler-Richmond

Whitney Werner

Toni Whipple

Tara Wieland

Kaiyess Willburn

Benjamin Williams

Constance Wilson

Raymond Workman-Smith

Julie Zeltvay

Lorenzo Zeman

Taylor Zwierlein

Motions for February 26, 2026

COUNCIL MOTIONS

WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUYNII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):

M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 4-0-1

Motion to approve agenda with the addition of Agenda item 2026-142 Resolution 2026-08.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA):

M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 4-0-1

Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Mod #1 Smith River Fire Protection District Agreement; Contract CT-2650-1486 w/ DaBella Exteriors, LLC.; Contract CT2650-1487 w/ Discount Flooring; Agreement - Amendment to Property Purchase; Regular meeting minutes for Feb. 12, 2026; Contract with Kleinschmidt Associates Fish Passage Improvement Project 2nd Opinion; LOS - Caltrans LCG FY 2026 BUILD grant Application

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):

M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 5-0-1

Motion to approve Contract CT2514-1552 Mod #1 with Walt Keays Consulting for additional time and cost not to exceed $49,140.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Wait/Thompson) 5-0-1

Motion to approve Resolution 2026-

08 Proposal of Lease Under Section 105(L) of Public Law 93-638.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (O'Connell/Giovannetti) 5-0-1

Motion to approve Contract CT-26831481 with Key Line Construction in an amount not to exceed $5,717,445, Key Line Construction will install 20Mile Middle-Mile and Last-Mile Fiber Network.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE):

M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract Ct-2680-1488 with Calkin Public Affairs in an amount not to exceed $88,000.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

Motions for March 12th, 2026

WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUYNII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):

M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1

Motion to approve agenda with changes, tabling agenda item IX. a. 2026-158 Chis-chu Resolution and agenda item IX. b. 2026-159 Marine Species Resolution. Addition of a letter of support to be sent to the state concerning health services and traditional healers.