November 2026 newsletter by tolowadeeni

TRIBAL GOVERNMENT NEWSLETTER

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA' NEE-SAN-LHA'-CH'AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (November) 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 11

Renewing our land with fire Nation conducts culture burn at See-tr'-ee-ghin-dvm-dvn

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and partners conducted a cultural burn at See-tr'-ee-ghin-dvm-dvn within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park on October 13. "This is a village site with important cultural significance for our Nation," Tribal Council Treasurer Jaytuk Steinruck explained during the pre-ignition briefing. "This is the second year in a row that we've got to do this, and I appreciate all

the hard work that's gone into this and everyone being out here today to make it happen." Staff from the Nation's Department of Public Safety, Natural Resources Department, and Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, were joined by staff and crews from California State Parks, Del Norte Fire Safe Council, CalFire, and the Cultural Fire Management Council.

See Fire, Page 12

HONORING OUR PAST • SERVING OUR TRIBAL FAMILY PROTECTING OUR CULTURE & INDEPENDENCE • CONTROLLING OUR FUTURE

Annette Reed named 2026 'Change Maker' Annette Reed, a member of the Nation and dean of Wileety Native American College at California State University, Sacramento, was recently named a 2026 "Change Makers" by the Sacramento Bee newspaper and the Nehemiah Leaders Program. Reed was one of 60 people this year to receive the Change Makers award, which honors regional leaders from Black, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native American communities who make a difference across the Sacramento area. A story in the Sacramento Bee explained that Reed was chosen for the award because of her long-standing, ongoing efforts to empower Native American students and create opportunities to succeed at Sacramento State and beyond. “As a community, we need to encourage people to figure out what their gifts are,” Reed was quoted in the story. “All of us have gifts. The thing about life is knowing what they are and figuring out how to utilize your gifts into something meaningful for ourselves.” Her path in education started at age 19 with studying Native American Studies at San Francisco City College. She later earned a PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters Degree at UC Davis. She served as professor and chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Sacramento, where she taught for more than 20 years. Reed came out of retirement in 2025 to serve as the first dean of Wileety Native American College—a new university initiative aimed at advancing Native-based education and creating pathways for academic and professional service.

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 This aerial photo taken during Dee-ni' Day in September shows Xaa-wan'-k'-wvt Hall Community Center, Lucky 7 Casino, Fuel Mart and the Smith River estuary in the background.

Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@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 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 Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707) 487-9255, ext. 1701, cynthia.ford@tolowa.gov

DAY MIN’-NE’

Monster Bash for Tribal households ............................................................................4 Xaa-wan'-k'wvt boat ramp renovation ..........................................................................6 AmeriCorps Senior Volunteer program ........................................................................7 Free CPR, first aid class ..............................................................................................9 Nation participates in Ocean Alliance summit .............................................................9 Head Start children pick pumpkins ............................................................................10 Tribal employment opportunities ...............................................................................18 Event calendar and elder lunch menu .......................................................................19

Nee-san-lha'-ch'aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (November) 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.

Monster Bash Dozens of Tribal household children filled the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center in October for the Monster Bash, which offered a variety of fun games, prizes and food. Adults and children alike wore awesome costumes. The event was hosted by the Nation's Community and Family Wellness Department. Shu' shaa nin-la (thank you) to the staff and parents who made it a spooky, good time!

Financial boost for Xaa-wan'-k'wvt boat ramp project Renovation of the Nation's Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort received a financial boost In October—a $315,000 grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to revitalize an existing boat ramp near the mouth of the Smith River. Prior to the Nation's purchase of the property, the ramp and facilities had fallen into disrepair. The Nation plans to renovate the ramp and make it more accessible to the elderly, families with children, and those with limited mobility. “Improvements of Xaa-wan'k'wvt are an important part of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s broader vision to restore and revitalize our riverfront," said Tribal Council Chair Debbie Boardman. "This project will help improve safe and reliable access to the Smith River while strengthening a place that holds deep cultural and community importance to our people. “We are grateful to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for supporting the design of these much-needed improvements and helping move this vision forward," Boardman said. The CDFW grant to the Nation is part of $2.7 million statewide grants awarded in October for six projects that support boating in state waters and to combat invasive golden mussels. The state agency's Boating Access Grant Program, which provides funding for the projects, is supported with federal funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program. Money for the program comes from tax revenue on sport

The boat launch at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village & Resort offers boaters and kayakers access to the estuary near the mouth of the Smith River.

fishing equipment, fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and the portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. “From culturally significant riverfronts to popular recreation areas, these six projects will expand access to California’s waterways for more people of all backgrounds and with varying outdoor interests,” said CDFW Director, Meghan Hertel. “We are proud to support investments that

improve public access, honor our local communities and help protect our waters from emerging threats.” For countless generations, the Smith River has provided food, spiritual connection and cultural teachings to the people of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. Today, the river continues to serve as a shared gathering place for both Tribal and non-Tribal community members in Del Norte County. The boat ramp project is part

of an ongoing renovation and redevelopment of the resort. This summer the existing RV camping area was completely overhauled, including re-grading and repaving the property, and installing new utilities such as water, sewer and electricity to the RV spots. The work also included the installation of a new drinking water main line, fire hydrants, lighting and concrete pads.

Program for Tribal elders and our youth The Nation's TERO Na'srdvtlh-nvsh Waa-tr'uu-niidvn was awarded a grant to continue the AmeriCorps Seniors Demonstration program. This grant allows us to work with tribal elders in collaboration with our youth programing. The AmeriCorps Seniors program will be from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Those interested in participating as a senior volunteer are encouraged to contact Tribal Employment Rights Officer Suntayea Steinruck at 707-487-9255, ext. 1225. In December, the new Youth Workforce Certification Cohort will launch in collaboration with the AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers (our elders). This Certification Cohort will be for Tribal Teens ages 15-18 and will serve as resumebuilding content to make our tribal youth more competitive candidates in the workforce. The first session topic will be a food server and waiter/ waitress certification course and will take place on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. The AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers will take part in approving the certification for participants by assisting with hands-on training on the second day. "We will continue to host various courses similar to this training in collaboration with our elders to bolster our youth workforce," said Steinruck. Find more information about the Food Server Certification Course on Page 15.

Welcome to the world

Dionicio Angel Jose Rafael Martinez Miralda Join us in celebrating the birth of Dionicio Angel Jose Rafael Martinez Miralda, who arrived on Sept. 25, 2026, to Ethelia Martinez and Carlos Doinicio Miralda. Dionicio, who weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces, was born at 2:15 p.m. at Swedish First Hill Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He is the grandson of Catherine Kimble and Jose Martinez, and Rafael Miralda. "Words from heaven are hard to find as today I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy that grew his wings like the angel from above!" said Ethelia Martinez Marin.

Ocean Alliance summit focuses on stewardship The Nation's ongoing efforts to steward our marine and inter-tidal resources were the highlight of the recent annual Tribal Caucus Meeting of the West Coast Ocean Alliance in Smith River. Approximately 50 tribal and partner representatives attended the September conference and shared their own progress on intergovernmental stewardship and protection of marine landscapes. A potluck dinner of traditional foods was shared on the first night, followed by a visit to Yaa-ghii~-'a~ Xwee-ghatlhghelh-dvn (Yaa-ghii~-'a~ Fish Camp) the next morning. The West Coast Ocean Alliance serves as a unifying force, aiming to harmonizing the efforts of state, tribal, and federal government

Tolowa Dee-ni' staff and summit participants gather for a potluck dinner of traditional foods on the bluff above Dat-naa-svt.

partners within an inclusive, non-regulatory framework. It formed the annual caucus to support collaboration and engagement between Tribal Nations on the West Coast. It now has 20 Tribal Nations members.

Attendees at September's caucus learned about new and existing ways to partner with other tribal governments, tribal organizations, agencies, and private funders to strengthen marine programs.

The Nation is grateful to all those who attended and shared their knowledge and insight on the many challenges facing the west coast marine and intertidal ecosystems and relationships.

Nation hosts free first aid, CPR class Nov. 14 The Nation is hosting a free CPR/First Aid class for the community from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Dat-naasvt Community Center, 300 Dat-naa-svt Loop, Smith River. The class, presented by Del Norte Ambulance, is open to ages 12 and older. The course is designed for individuals who are not healthcare providers or professional rescuers who desire or are occupationally required to be trained and certified in CPR/AED.

Course topics include sudden cardiac arrest, CPR and defibrillation, chain of survival, rescue breathing, using an AED, opioid-associated emergency and relief of choking. The course reflects the latest resuscitation science and treatment recommendations published by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Registration is required. Call 707-4871116.

Pickin' Pumpkins! Children up to age 5 at the our Head Start enjoyed a cool October morning doings crafts and searching for pumpkins. Thank you to Ocean Air Farms for the great selection and to the parents of students who came out to spend time with us.

CalFire staff use burning fuel in metal containers called "drip torches" to ignite dry grass.

FIRE Continued from Page 1 The area is of ecocultural significance and is home to Oregon white oak trees, tanoaks, redwood, hazel, and other plant and wildlife species, all of which are utilized in traditional practices and ceremony of the Tolowa Deeni'. Prior to igniting the burn, the Nation's Tribal Employment Rights Officer Suntayea Steinruck gave a prayer and song. Crews ignited small fires using pitch sticks and modern drip torches, while the holding resources, positioned along the perimeter ("green side"), monitored stray embers or creeping flames before they crossed the line. Fire apparatus, including a water tender recently purchased by the Nation's Department of Public Safety, were parked nearby in case flames needed to be extinguished quickly. Since time immemorial, Tolowa Dee-ni' and many other

Participants in the burn watch for fire spreading beyond the established boundaries.

Indigenous peoples have used fire as a tool to steward landscapes such as oak woodlands, prairies, and coastal forests. Deliberate and controlled burning during the appropriate season enhances natural processes by promoting the establishment of desired plant communities and the cultivation of resources for basket weaving, medicine, and traditional foods. The use of fire also maintains open foraging spaces for wildlife and reduces environmental risks, such as catastrophic wildfires and pest infestations. The criminalization of traditional fire practices during colonization was part of the state-sanctioned effort to eradicate Indigenous people and forcibly remove them from their ancestral homelands. Today, the recognition and application of cultural burning can begin to repair and rebalance what has been lost. The Nation is grateful for the support of our partners in the effort to re-establish good fire Cynthia Ford, the Nation's Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer, ignites dry vegetation using a across the territory. natural torch during the October cultural burn at See-tr'-ee-ghin-dvm-dvn.

1. Personnel patrol the fire's perimeter, using hand tools and water to extinguish errant embers or active fire that crosses established lines. 2. The Nation's new water tender is filled with water and ready to be called into action. 3. Tribal representatives welcome participants to the burn. Right to left: Tribal Councilman Jaytuk Steinruck, Suntayea Steinruck, and Cynthia Ford. 4. Participants keep an eye on flames burning the undergrowth beneath several oak trees. 5.Tribal staff and fire crews receive final instructions before beginning the burn.

5 13

COUNCIL MOTIONS Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman Motions for August 27, 2026 WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve agenda with the addition of a Letter of Support (LOS) to Governor Gavin Newsom re: AB 2770 (Alvarez) under agenda XII. b.; and removing agenda items IX. e. & f. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 6-01 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Tribal Collection Loan Request #52; Tribal Collection Loan Request #53; Tribal Collection Loan Request #54; Contract CT-26121496 Mod #1 w/ M. Peterson; Budget Mod 818 Wildland Fire Program Budget Increase Request; Capital Purchase Request Type 1 Tactical Water Tender; JD - TERO Officer/ Workforce Manager; Grant Rural and Tribal Assistance Program No-Cost Extension (polling); Agreement - YES Pledge Online Sports Wagering in CA the nation will not be participating; Regular meeting minutes August 13, 2026; Team Member Alcohol Consumption Policy (L7C). 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson,

NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2140-1056 Mod #5 with Kleinschmidt Associates for an extension of time until December 31, 2026, and an additional $15K and new contract amount not to exceed $322,730.00. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Wait/Thompson) 6-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2440-1397 Mod #4 with West Coast Contractors for an extension of time ending December 31, 2026. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Steinruck/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2540-1460 Mod #1 with Ryan Nelson for an extension of time through September 30, 2026. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT2642-1534 with Ryan Nelson in an amount not to exceed $27K. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman MVSH-XE NAA-DVTLHNVSH-NE (ADMINISTRATIVE

SERVICES): M/S/C (Giovannetti/Wait) 6-01 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-32 Appointment of the 2026-2027 Election Board Members. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE): M/S/C (Thompson/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2671-1472 Mod #1 with Kazhe Law Group for an additional $15K and not to exceed $25K. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve signature on a Letter of Support (LOS) AB 2770 respectfully asking the Governor to sign the bill. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman Motions for Sept. 10, 2026 WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (Thompson/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (Sullivan/Thompson) 5-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Budget Mod.

814 Wastewater - Lift Station Control Panel Replacements; Job Description — Planner III – Energy; Contract CT2560-1565 - Mod #1 w/ Hobbs Strauss; Budget Mod - 474 Tribal Code Audit; L7E - Policy - Relocation Policy; L7E - JD Sales Event Coordinator; Contract CT- 2651-1537 - with LKML Plumbing; Contract CT2651-1538 - with Northridge Electric LLC; After Care Program Contract and Parent Handbook; Job Description - Director of Human Resources; West Coast Contractors Retainage Release – Agreement; Indigenous Stewardship Network Agreement. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS): M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Fiscal Year 2027 Cal OES Native American Child Abuse Treatment Program grant application in the amount of $156,869.00, approval of the Proof of Authority Letter and authorize Community Family Wellness to submit the noncompetitive grant application. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Giovannetti/O'Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve the Cal OES Unserved/Underserved Victim Advocacy and Outreach (UV) Program grant application for the Fiscal Year 2027 in

the amount of $196,906.00, authorize the Chairperson or designated representative to sign the Proof of Authority Letter and execute all necessary documents related to the administration of the grant. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 California State Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families budget as presented. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Giovannetti/ Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve the three-year Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Budget in the amount of $329,410 for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman LHETLH-XAT-NE (TRIBAL COUNCIL): M/S/C (Thompson/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-33 Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Membership Dues and Delegates for 2026-2027. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH Callie Abrams Bowman Adams Jadyn Allen Wiley Anderson Justin Andruss Atlas Arlandson Lonie Baldridge James Baldridge Christine Barbee Crosswhite Ryler Barnes

William Bartow Amber Bartow Harriet Batini Antorious Bell Kimber Benevich Ryker Bird Mabel Boardman James Boatsman Allie Bommelyn-Castellaw Sara Bravo-Steevens Todd Buckmaster Jeanne Burton Angela Camacho Tessa Chapman

Diego Chavez Stephanie Chisman Erin Colvin Amelia Colvin Lyla Coon Hope Cutright Norene Darnell Denton Dewey Christina Dizick Madison Downs Brittany Ellis Lily Emery Gatlin Evanow Lucas Fahl

Aubrey Fahl Amber Felts Sierra Fender Alicia Fender Robin Fox James Freeland Sterling Gardner Matt Gertsch Lacey Hackett Lenora Hall Bryce Haney Sharyne Harper Madison Harralson Asher Haynes Teresa Hegnes Zoey Hempel Austin Hodges Isaiah Hodges Matthew Honnies Sabrina Hostler Andre Hostler Michael Hurt Grace Jacobs Jeramey James Jesse James Brooklyn James Dustin Jenson Siobhan Jentry-Rakestraw Talon Jentry-Rakestraw Shealynn Johnson Addison Jones Yaameta Jones-Scott Deanna Kahoalii Gianna Kasinger Diana Kaufman Savannah Kelly Robert Kirby Claire Klabouch Contessa Kliever-Kerr Evangeline Lampley Jacinda Lampley

Benjamin Lear III Renni Loftin Richard Lopez Lance Lopez Tyler Lopez Adrian Lopez Kylie Lopez Katelyn Lopez Kaitlynn Lopez Eugene Lopez Baron Lopez Zyaire Lopez Hadley Lynch Maggie Martinez Rosilynn McCann Tiffany McCormack Zachary McDaniel Karen McGuire Luis Mendoza Monica Miller Dennis Moffett Selina Montanez Dirk O'Reilley Troy Padgette Lisa Padilla Hannah Pavola Natalie Payne Blakely Preston Melissa Ram Marlee Reed Willow Reed

Cora Reynolds Dakota Richards River Richards Zachery Richards Huxxson Richards Jesse Richards Sr. Oscar Rogers Whitney Rook Sara Sampels Kylie Scaglione Karlie Scott Kara Scott Julie Sesher-Harris Linda Smith Julia Smith Brayden Sopiwnik Sage Sopiwnik Jocelynn Soule Bernard Spillar Jr. Keisha St. Clair Jaytuk Steinruck Gerald Stewart Jr. Silvie Stifel Christie Swafford Denyce Thomas Maria Thomas-Mata Ramiro Torres Landon Torres Kenzie Torres Molly Waddington Kaleb Ward

TRIBAL OFFICES

will be closed Nov. 11 Veterans Day Nov. 26 & 27 Thanksgiving

Cody Weeks Samantha Weeks Brooks Werner Kathleen Whipple Andrew Whipple Jr. Aliana Williams Calib Wilson River Wilson Devlynn Winishut

Leonard Wonnacott Robyn Woodsman Abigail Woolfolk Alyssa Woolfolk-Hash Mckenzie Workman Jaden Workman Benjamin Workman Smith Tiffany Wyland Jade Yingling

Congratulations Graduates!

Sri-ge-lush Lopez

Sri-ge-lush Lopez, son of Rudy Lopez and Sefanee Kirk, graduated eighth grade at Smith River School. His Tolowa ancestors are grandmother Tara Lopez-Eck, greatgrandmother Luetta Lopez, day-sri Robert Lopez and Lena and Edward Lopez. Sri-ge-lush, who grew up in Dee-ni dvn – Chit-xu and Taa-'at-dvn, participated in baseball and track, and he received a "Kindness" award. He is now attending Del Norte High School.

S-we-le Lopez S-we-le Lopez, daughter of Rudy Lopez and Stefanee Kirk, graduated from eighth grade at Smith River School. Her Tolowa ancestors are grandmother Tara Lopez-Eck, greatgrandmother Luetta Lopez, day-sri Robert Lopez and Lena and Edward Lopez. S-we-le, who grew up in Dee-ni dvn – Chit-xu and Taa-'at-dvn, participated in softball, track and band. She is now attending Del Norte High School.

NA'SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN Employment Opportunities Tribal Office

• Division Chief (Public Safety)- On-Call

• Hotel Housekeeper Supervisor- FT

• Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CFW) - FT

(Seasonal)

• Line Cook- FT

• Family Support Specialist (CFW) - FT

• Fire Apparatus Operator (Public Safety) -

• Hotel Housekeeper- PT

• Homelessness Intervention Coordinator

FT (Seasonal)

• Receptionist- FT

(CFW) - FT

• Firefighter (Public Safety) - FT (Seasonal)

• Human Resource Manager- FT

• Housing Disability Advocacy Program

• Senior Firefighter (Public Safety)- FT

• Hotel Front Desk Clerk - PT

(HDAP) Technician I (CFW) - FT

(Seasonal)

• Fuel Mart Cashier (2) - FT

• Shelter Stability Advocate I (CFW) - FT

• Tribal Court Clerk III (Tribal Court) - FT

Lucky 7 Casino

• TANF Prevention Technician (CFW) - FT • Victim Services Project Coord. (CFW)- FT

• Slot Attendant- FT

• Classroom Aide (Education) - On-Call

• Barista- FT

• Battalion Chief (Public Safety) - On-Call

• Casino Housekeeper (Graveyard)- PT

(Seasonal)

• Casino Cashier- Part Time

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 HR at 707-487-9255.

Staff promotes Domestic Violence Awareness Month The Nation's staff on October 15 wore purple at work in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple represents peace, courage, survival, honor and a shared commitment to ending

relationship and domestic abuse. Shu' shaa nin-la (thank you) to everyone who stood in solidarity with survivors, honored victims and promoted conversations about preventing abuse in our community.

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

Suggested donations: Elders 55-plus $2 (depending on income) Under 55 $7 Menu subject to change without notice

NOVEMBER 2026 SUNDAY

MONDAY

2 Spinach &

cheese ravioli

TUESDAY

3 Beef taco salad 4 Clam

chowder

Education Committee 5:30 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Monday of month

Language Committee 5 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Tuesday of month

9 Cream of

10 White beans

broccoli soup

WEDNESDAY

and ham

11 Chicken

tortilla soup

All Tribal offices closed for Veterans Day

15 Food Giveaway Srtaa-dvn Smith River See Page 7

16 Tomato soup, 17 Asian chicken 18 Hamburger 1/2 tuna salad sandwich

salad

Natural Resources and Harvesting Committee 5 - 7 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Tuesday of month

23 Chili relleno

24 Turkey and

Enrollment Committee 1 p.m. TDN Headquarters building 4th Monday of month

TERO Commission 5:30 p.m. TDN Headquarters building 4th Tuesday of month

bake

stuffing

soup

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5 Hot dog

6 Bacon & egg

12 Tuna noodle

13 Sausage &

with bun

casserole

burrito

egg, English muffin

Tribal Council Meeting 9 a.m. Tribal Headquarters Smith River

19 Ham & cheese 20 Sausage links 21 sandwich

and eggs

Housing Committee 5:30 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room Women's Healing Circle Xaa-wan'-k'-wvt Hall

25 Elk chili Culture Committee 5 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month

All Tribal offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday

30 Cheesy

Mexican spoon bread

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd. Smith River, CA 95567

NEE-SAN-LHA'-CH'AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (November)

2026 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER