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NEE-SAN-LHA'-CH'AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (NOVEMBER) 2025 - Volume 32, Issue 11

Setting of the Stones

A memorial and testament to the resilience of the Tolowa people

The Setting of the Stones Ceremony on Oct. 13 at the Crescent City Cultural Center was a well-attended and meaningful event that brought families together for an evening of reflection, connection, and community.

Guests enjoyed a sit-down meal and the opportunity to visit while viewing the ongoing construction of the Tolowa Cultural

Trail through the cultural center’s windows. Informational panels in the room offered a glimpse into the future of the Tolowa Cultural Trail.

Large displayed photographs of ancestors were hung gallery-style in the foyer and the main hall was decorated with black tablecloths, redwood rounds, tea light candles, and fern greenery, creating an inviting autumn atmosphere.

See Stones, Page 2

Tribal Citizen Marva Sii-xuutesna Jones reads the names of ancestors who survived the massacres and hardships of colonization.

The evening began with an opening song and prayer by Tribal Citizen Loren Me'lash-ne Bommelyn, Guylish Bommelyn, and Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Councilmembers Scott D. Sullivan and Jaytuk Steinruck. Crescent City Manager Eric Wier then shared the background of the project and the years of dedication and grant work that brought it to life. Recognition was given to the Culture Committee, comprised of the Tolowa Nation, Elk Valley Rancheria, the Historical Society, and Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, for their collaboration.

Crescent City Mayor Ray Altman shared thoughtful and encouraging words about the importance of the project, and Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn spoke about the historical timeline of the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' people and the significance of reclaiming and sharing the Tolowa story in this space— something that hasn’t been possible for generations.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Tribal Citizen Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones read the names of ancestors who survived the massacres and the hardships of colonization. Attendees were invited to write their ancestors’ names and glue them to a mat that will later be set in the stone path, symbolizing those whose strength carries us forward.

This pebble mosaic will become a public art feature at the Tolowa Cultural Trail Welcome Station, where visitors will walk across thousands of pebbles arranged to represent the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' population before and after colonization—10,000 pebbles symbolizing the pre-contact population, and 504 pebbles representing those counted in the 1906 Bureau of Indian Affairs census. The mosaic will stand as both a memorial and a testament to the resilience of the Tolowa people.

The Welcome Station will introduce visitors to the Tolowa Cultural Trail, setting the tone for the journey ahead—a space dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage, traditions, and stories that define us as Taalaa-wa dee-ni' people.

Left: Attendees write the names of their ancestors

stones that will later be set in a stone path.

Above: Photographs of Tribal ancestors are displayed in the foyer of the Cultural Center.

Bottom: Tribal families write names of their ancestors on stones and glue them to a mat.

Top left: Tribal Citizen Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn welcomes guests to the ceremony.

Top right: Guests visit and enjoy a meal.

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

Tribal Resource Specialist Jesse Nolan emerges from the Smith River after scouting the water for the best spot to catch adult Chinook and steelhead for Rowdy Creek Hatchery. See story on Page 12.

DAY

MIN’-NE’

Kinship movie night.......................................................................................................4 Citizens address water quality issues...........................................................................5

Petitioner's Election Candidates...............................................................................6-9

New fencing for Yan'-daa-k'vt Chi~s-lu.........................................................................11

Propagating salmon broodstock..................................................................................12 Guerrero wins Bronze Medal......................................................................................14

Hodges takes 8th in archery contest..........................................................................16 Council Motions..........................................................................................................18

Nee-san-lha'-ch'aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (November) 2025 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Find our website at www.tolowa.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation or their staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Nation. For information, contact Public Information Officer Scott Graves at scott.graves@tolowa.gov, call 707-487-9255.

FAMILY SERVICES KINSHIP MOVIE NIGHT

The Nation's Family Services Division hosted a family movie night this fall in honor of Kinship Awareness Month, during which Tribal families enjoyed a meal, snacks and a raffle while watching "Lilo and Stitch."

The staff shared educational information before the movie. The event concluded with families sharing the unique strengths and challenges faced by kinship families.

Tribal Citizens address Smith River water quality issues

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation citizens and staff joined dozens of community members at the Oct. 8 Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board hearing focused on development of an agricultural order to regulate cultivation of Easter lilies in the Smith River Plain.

Individuals were invited to express their concerns about impacts of the industry and its heavy use of chemical pesticides that runoff into the lower Smith River.

The Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board, a division of the California Environmental Protection Agency, called a special meeting in Taa-'at-dvn (Crescent City) to hear testimony from residents, scientists and environmental organizations seeking to regulate discharges of residues and other harmful runoff associated with lily bulb cultivation into the estuary.

The Board did not take any action at the meeting, which was scheduled ahead of the release of a draft Smith River Plain Easter Lily Bulb Order and Draft Environmental Impact Report in

January. Once it's adopted, the Order will “incorporate adaptive management strategies to prevent or minimize water quality impacts from lily bulb agricultural discharges,” the Water Board’s staff report states.

The Tribal Cultural Resources Baseline section of the Draft EIR was prepared by Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer Cynthia Ford and Natural Resources Director Rachel McCain – a first for the Nation and the state alike.

During the meeting, the water board's staff presented findings from recent water quality monitoring studies and provided an update on the development of water

quality regulations for lily bulb growers. Afterwards, community members spent several hours sharing their concerns and described their negative experiences with how pesticides have impacted their health and the river's quality.

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation was represented during an extended comment period by Councilman Jaytuk Steinruck, Education Director Sheryl Suu-daa-chu Steinruck, and Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Language and Culture Division Manager) Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones. They shared context regarding the Nation's history and present struggles with declining water quality in the lower Smith River. Staff members Rachel McCain and Monica Hiner also provided comments, as well as concerned Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation tribal citizens.

The Nation appreciates the effort and testimony presented by everyone who are concerned about pesticide pollution and want to protect the health and environment of our communities.

Tribal Councilmember Jaytuk Steinruck, left, Language and Culture Division Manager Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones, middle, and Education Director Sheryl Steinruck, speak during the water board hearing.

Rachel McCain, the Nation's Natural Resources Director, provides data to water board members.

Monica Hiner, Environmental Protection Manager, addresses the water board.

PETITIONER'S ELECTION 2026

Eight apply for Tribal membership status

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council has approved eight candidates for the Jan. 17, 2026, Petitioner's Election: Julie Davis, Daniel Fry, Michelle Malloroy, Denise McKenzie, Janie Mooney, Kelsy Padgette, Preslynn Shaw and Annette Taylor.

As required, each candidate has submitted a campaign statement to be published in this edition of the Tribal newsletter for Tribal Citizens to review.

Requirements 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, return 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.

Please mail, fax or email the form 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. Contact the Voter Registrar at 707-487-9255, ext. 1181 or email angel.escobar@tolowa.gov.

Hello,

My name is Daniel (Danny) Fry My family and are longtime locals. My sister is Kelsy Padgette for those who know her. I am asking for your vote for citizenship.

I would love th e opportunity to b e a part of your community and share my knowledge and skills, uplift one another, and strengthen each other.

Thank you for your consideration, Danny Fry

PETITIONER'S ELECTION 2026

Dr. Fine Bridge set to open this winter

Caltrans District 1 reports good progress on the new Dr. Fine Bridge on Highway 101 in Smith River, which should be open this winter. Crews recently finished pouring the last segment of concrete on the bridge deck, and now they're removing the formwork. This week, they are scheduled to tighten steel cables inside the bridge to strengthen the structure. After that, the bridge can hold itself up and the temporary supports can be removed. Through the winter, crews will keep removing those supports, build the short road pieces that connect to the bridge, and move utilities onto the new structure.

The old bridge from 1940 needed replacement and this new bridge is built to modern earthquake safety standards and gives more room for drivers, walkers, and cyclists. Caltrans plans to shift traffic onto the new bridge this winter and finish the whole project by next summer. Boat note: through October there is no boat access under the bridge, and launching from the informal spot at South Bank Road is restricted. Boat access will not be restricted beginning in November.

New fencing installed at Yan'-daa-k'vt Chi~s-lu

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation recently finished the replacement of the fences at Yan'-daa-k'vt Chi~s-lu (Yan'-daa-k'vt Cemetery), known as the Tolowa Deeni' Center of the World. It is also the site of the second largest recorded massacre of American Indian People in the United States in 1853.

Yan'-daa-kvt remains a critical tribal cultural landscape to the Tolowa Dee-ni' and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Through consultation with the California State Parks, the Nation procured milled redwood lumber to replace the aging fences bordering the Yan'-daa-k'vt Chi~s-lu. The project was implemented by the Nation's Public Facilities Division and California State Parks, under supervision of the Tribal Heritage Preservation Office (THPO).

The project took place over several years and included participation of the Nation's Shin Xaa-ghii-ne (Summer Youth) and Tee-ne Na'sr-dvtlh-nvsh (Tribal Youth Corps) programs. Youth

Submitted by Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation

Tribal Heritage Preservation Office

participants had the opportunity to learn the history of Yan'-daa-k'vt, engage in stewardship of our tribal lands, and receive one-on-one training from THPO staff and State Park's archaeologists on cultural monitoring.

Public Works staff member Frank Ault directs Tribal youth Calvin Aubrey as he works on the entrance.

Tribal youth Marcos Arias and California State Parks Archaeologist Kelly Hollveiser at the cemetery.

Ensuring a

The Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, in partnership with the Tolowa Deeni' Nation, completed three mainstem Smith River Chinook Salmon broodstock collection events in October.

"Propagating broodstock collected from the mainstem Smith River will allow the Nation and the hatchery to produce fish with genetic diversity more representative of the whole watershed," said Jennifer Jacobs, the Nation's Fisheries Manager.

Broodstock are the adult fish collected from the wild and spawned in the hatchery to provide the facility with eggs that are hatched and reared for release. The Nation's staff, staff from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and volunteers deployed a 330-foot seine net by boat near the riverbank and stretched it across the channel, and then downstream.

The set is designed to encircle schooling fish and gently pull them toward shore. Fish remain in the net until they are removed, then each fish is identified to species and sex and checked for an adipose clip to determine whether the fish is of wild or hatchery origin. Fish are then released unless selected for hatchery broodstock, except for captured hatchery-origin fish, which are harvested for tribal subsistence use. Fish selected for use as hatchery broodstock are transported by live-well trailer to Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, where they are held until ready to spawn.

Follow Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery's Facebook page for more information about the hatchery and future activities.

future supply of fish

PFW Worker Frank Ault gently transfers a Chinook salmon from a rubber tube sling into a water-filled tank on a hatchery trailer.

LEFT: Natural Resources staff Brittany Ford and Jennifer Jacobs prepare to catch and take salmon from the river to a holding tank.

ABOVE: Community Development Department's Troy Padgette shows off an adult salmon taken from the Smith River.

BELOW: PFW worker Bradley Tripp slowly release a seining net as volunteers on a driftboat carry the other end down river.

Alicia Guerrero wins bronze medals at World Para Athletics Championships

Congratulations to Tolowa Dee-ni' Tribal Citizen Alicia Guerrero who won the Bronze medal with a throw of 29.45 meters in the F64 Discus category at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, on Monday, Sept. 29. She also won a bronze medal in the shot put F64 event with a throw of 10.02 meters. Alicia, out of Wapato, Washington, was one of 40 athletes selected to represent the United States at the championships. "It was an honor to be able to represent

the United States alongside my teammates," Alicia said via Instagram. "Not only did I have an amazing time competing with them but I also had an amazing time being coached by @throwsfromthethrone and @adrisue. Thanks to the support of these amazing coaches and my amazing teammates I get to go home with my first international medal!"

Guerrero, who grew up and attended school on the Yakama Reservation, lost her left leg in a lawnmower accident in 2005 at the age of two years old. Beginning her Para Athletics career in 2018, she broke multiple Washington State records as a high school freshman and has since competed nationally in the F64 category for shot put and

Previously, Guerrero competed in wheelchair basketball and throwing events at the University

Champaign before transferring to San Diego State University in 2024 to fully dedicate herself to her competitive throwing career. Beyond the field, Guerrero is passionate about education, with aspirations to become an elementary school teacher serving Native American communities.

Learn more about Alicia at: teamusa.com facebook.com/usparalympicstrackandfield instagram.com/reel/DPMYTWLCGxQ/

Staff removes dumped trash

The Nation's Natural Resource Department staff members recently found and collected 1,420 pounds of illegally dumped trash, including 17 tires, at Gilbert Creek, in Smith River. This act violates the federal and state codes by dumping within 150 feet of a waterway. Not only is this a public health risk, a toxin identified as 6PPD-Q, which originated from tires, has been directly linked to acute mortality of coho salmon.

The Nation’s Environmental Division retrieved evidence linked to the origin of the illegally dumped trash and will be working with California Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement to hold the guilty parties accountable. The cost to clean up and dispose of the trash cost the Nation and the Del Norte Transfer Station more than $800.

Thank you Ted and Kyra from the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority for your aid in keeping our Tribal Lands and waterways clean.

Sunshine filters through a local coastal forest on a fall afternoon. The Tolowa word for "good afternoon" is Waa-ghii~-'a~shvm.

Hodges takes 8th in 4-H archery national competition

Isaiah Hodges, a 15-year-old archer from Brookings, competed for the first time at the national level this past summer at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.

"Shooting the bow and meeting people are my favorite parts of the sport," Hodges said.

Hodges competed in the compound archery division. He, and the team, competed against other archers from across the country.

The event brought together 33 states and 124 competitors in the compound archery discipline alone. Held over a full week in Grand Island, Nebraska, the schedule was packed from start to finish, from equipment checks and practice sessions to opening and closing ceremonies, and of course, three full days of intense competition.

Day one featured the FITA round, day two was the Field competition, and day three was the 3D Target event. Team Oregon proudly held their own among the nation’s best, finishing 8th in the nation, an achievement to be incredibly proud of.

The weather in Nebraska brought extreme heat, high humidity, sudden thunderstorms, and even a record 7.5 inches of rain in a single night, an amount they hadn’t seen in years. That storm nearly canceled the 3D Target event, but thanks to the efforts of organizers and volunteers, all the targets were moved to a different field. The competition went forward, though it started late and extended well into the hot, humid evening.

And then, there was the wind. Strong, unpredictable gusts swept across the open fields, making every shot even more difficult. It tested the skill and focus of each competitor in a way that no indoor practice ever could.

“The young archers showed true grit and resilience, standing out in the open for hours with no shade, pushing through fatigue, heat, wind, and storms and never gave up,” said Tiffany Hodges, Isaiah’s

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 Anderson, who competed at nationals last year and has been mentoring Hodges.

"I've learned a lot from my coaches and teammates," Hodges said. "They've helped

me improve my skills and confidence."

Hodges is hopeful that competing at nationals will open doors for him, including potential scholarships and opportunities to compete at higher levels. He's also excited to represent Brookings, and Oregon, at the national competition.

"It's been amazing to watch these kids grow as archers and as individuals," said Thompson who is proud of the progress Hodges and the other archers in the club have made. "They're learning valuable life skills and developing a strong sense of community."

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.

"I'm proud to be part of the Brookings 4-H community," Hodges said. "I'm grateful for the support I've received and I'm excited to see what the future holds."

Written by Linda Lee (Curry Coastal Pilot)

Tiffany Hodges

Photos by

Isaiah Hodges, center, and his 4-H team compete in the compound archery division in Nebraska.

Isaiah, in the middle wearing green, readies his bow and takes aim during the competition.

Members tapped for various boards and committees

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Tribal Council has approved the appointment of Tribal Citizens and staff to a variety of boards and committees.

Election Board: Sharyne Harper, Marva Jones, Sandra Netzel, Cherry Richards and Mattie Bommelyn. The Election Board's purpose is to implement fair and uniform procedures for voter registration, qualification, and participation in the electoral and petition processes in accordance with the Constitution of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation.

Dee-ni' Development Inc. Board of Directors: Tribal Councilors Dorothy Wait, Jeri Lynn Thompson, and Scott Sullivan, and administrative staff Thomas Metz and Jose Tercilla. This newlycreated board manages the business affairs of the Corporation, determining its policies or changes therein within the limits of the by-laws, and will actively promote its purposes.

Language Committee: Lacey LopezMartinez. This committee is a key part of the Nation's Language program, established in 1969. The committee is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing our language, which is vital to our cultural identity and connection to our ancestral knowledge.

Housing Committee: Norene Darnell, Leann Babcock-McCullum and Emily Reed. The committee's purpose is to provide input from its tribal citizens in the implementation and development of the Nation's Housing Policies. The mission is to develop appropriate housing opportunities for all Native Americans of Federally Recognized Tribes with preference given to its Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Citizens who reside within our fivecounty service area.

Motions for July 24, 2025

COUNCIL MOTIONS

to approve Contract CT-2540-1562 Mod #1 with Ch'ulh'-ts'as'-ne Bates in an amount not to exceed $6,470.

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

M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve agenda as amended, tabling IX. a. OPC Marine Stewards Plan, IX. d-h 2025 Season Regulations.