STICK GAMES: Tradition is alive and
The highlight of the Nation's annual "Dee-ni' Day" are the stick games, with athletes of all ages battling for bragging rights and cash prizes in front of cheering spectators. This year the reigning champions will return to defend their titles against new and returning teams hoping to emerge victorious.
well
"It'shighlycompetitive.You'reaskingpeopletodosomething thatisveryphysicalanddifficult,"saidGuylishBommelyn, long-timeparticipantandorganizerofthestickgames. "Peopletrainallyearroundforthesegames."
Stickgamesareoneofmanyfree,familyeventscelebrating Tolowacultureduringthe17th annualDee-ni'Day,withthe stickgamesstartingat11a.m.Thegamesfeaturesmenand womencompetinginfouragedivisionsforcashprizes:9-11 yearolds,$150;12-14yearolds,$200;15-17yearolds,$250; and18andolder,$600.
The stick games, often referred to as sticks, is a strenuous sport for men and women that combines the strength and agility of wrestling and rugby with the quick action of field hockey. Game play can get rough, with players often tackling or wrestling one another to the ground.
See Stick Games, Page 2
17th Annual
Dee
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: The 17th annual celebration of Tolowa culture.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7. TIME: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stick games at 11 a.m.
WHERE: 101 Indian Ct., Smith River, across from the Lucky 7 Casino.
ACTIVITIES: Food & art vendors, demonstrations, horseshoe tournament, More activities Pages 4 -5.
STICK GAMES
Whatmayappeartosomeas afun,yetintensebeach gameisasportsteepedinTribalhistoryandspirituality. It'sagamethatteachestheplayersdiscipline,strength, enduranceandskills,andpromotesTribalvaluessuch asteamworkandfairness.
StickshasbeenplayedbyDee-ni,YurokandWiyoton thecoast,andtheHupaandKarukinland.Thegame hasbeenplayedfromtimeimmemorial,wheretraining,respect,anddisciplineareimportantspiritualrequirements.Sticksarenotonlyplayedherebutinthe spiritworldbyourancestors.Inthepast,thegamewas usedtosettleconflictsordisputesamongvillages.
"Peopleshouldrememberthatthisisatraditional gamethatweplayonourancestralland.It'salongstandingpartofculture,ofwhoweare,"Bommelyn said."Atthesametime,it'salotoffun.Peoplecome out,cheerfortheirfavoriteteams.It'sagreattime, whenwegettomeetpeople,makenewfriends."
WelantukSteinruck,11,whohasbeenplayingsticks sincehewas4yearsold,islookingforwardthegames. "It'salotoffunandIliketacklingandhittingpeopleso hard.It'salotlikewrestling.Ilovewrestling."
How it’s played: In each game, two teams of three players each face off with the sole mission of using long sticks with curved ends to snag and throw a small tossel twopiecesofwoodlinkedbyaleather strap across the opponent's goal line. Sticks is played on an open field, river bar or the beach in an area that is 150 to 300 yards long depending on space. Each team consists of three players: a center man, an anchor man, and a runner. Teams align themselves with their counterparts: anchor against runner, center against center and runner against anchor. Each pair of opponents stand approximately 50 feet or more from the next pair. Players use sticks typically made of iron wood, hazel, mock orange thatareapproximately36incheslongwitha2-inch curvedendapproximately1inchindiameter. The sticksareusedtosnarethetosselonthegroundand
tossitdownthefieldtotheteam'sleft.Playerscannot hit,poke,chokeorbiteopponents
Whichever team wins two-out-of-three rounds wins the game. At the start of each round, a coin toss determines which team's center man gets the tossel, which is held in his mouth. The two end men lock up wrist and arm, and stick in mouth, while the two center men etch an X in the dirt or sand with their sticks, anticipating the drop of the tossel. Once the tossel hits the ground, the centers try to snare and toss it in the direction of their goal line. Otherplayers runafterthetosselinthehopesofmovingittoward thegoalline.The player running behind can tackle his opponent, holding him to the ground while his teammates try to snag the tossel. It's not uncommon for one player to hold two opponents down so his teammate can grab the tossel and score.
For more information or to register to play, email Guylish at guylish.bommelyn@tolowa.com or call 707-487-9255, ext. 1550.
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.com
Administrative Services Director, Emily Reed (707) 487-9255 , ext. 1182, emily.reed@tolowa.com
Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.com
CFW Director, Teela James (707) 487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.com
Community Development Director, Tim Hoone (707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.com
Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck (707) 487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.com
Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar 707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.com Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.com Human Resources (707) 487-9255, ext. 1213, hr@tolowa.com
Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707) 487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.com
Records Manager, Staci Barr
707-487-9255, ext.1180, staci.barr@tolowa.com
Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey 707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@tolowa-nsn.gov
Tribal Court Administrator, Elsie Petrie 707-487-9255, ext. 1162, elsie.petrie@tolowa.com
Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707) 487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.com
Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707) 487-9255, ext. 1174, cynthia.ford@tolowa.com
Lha’ - duy num-nii~-ma~s (September) 2024 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Phone: 707-487-9255. Website: www.tolowa-nsn.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation.
Editor: Emily Reed, emily.reed@tolowa.com
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Xee-nvs: Students document a Tolowa tradition
Students capture history, building of canoe as part of film workshop
Five Tribal youth participated in a summer workshop where they learned the basics of filming and helped create a short documentary film about building of a traditional Xee-nvs (canoe).
Manager for the Department of Education.
The Nation's ACE Program collaborated this summer with the nonprofit Wild Rivers Film Festival and the Southwestern Community College to
18 years old. Twenty teens long course, valued at Students spent the first four days of the course getting filmmaking instruction at the college. Classes focused on screenwriting, storytelling, story boarding, film structure, film editing and production. The staff set up a mock film set at the college and had students act in various roles such as assistants, assistant directors and camera operators. They learned set dressing and selection of props, as well as received hands-on experience with sound and camera equipment. Their main goal of the workshop was to create a short documentary film. The workshop coincided with the Nation's building of a traditional canoe, the first time in nearly 100 years. The Nation had the opportunity to harvest
interview key Tribal Citizens. The result is the film "Canoe," which is currently in post-production, awaiting additional shooting.
"The canoe is a big deal for the Nation and I'm glad our youth were able to participate in capturing this moment in Tribal history," StClair said.
There are no dates set to premiere the film publicly, but StClair hopes it will be screened for Tribal Citizenssoon, and at the 2025 Wild Rivers Film Festival.
InadditiontotheNationandtheWild RiversFilmFestivalgroup,fundingfor theworkshopwasprovidedbyTheFord FamilyFoundationandtheBrookingsHarborEducationFoundation.
Photo courtesy of the Wild Rivers Film Festival
Students participate in the carving of a redwood tree, transforming it into a Xeenvs (canoe) as part of filming the process for a summer film workshop.
Photo courtesy of the Wild Rivers Film Festival
Tolowa Education Director Sheryl Steinruck discusses Tribal traditions related to the canoe as students film footage for their short documentary call “Canoe.”
Photo courtesy of the Wild Rivers Film Festival
Film student Theron Fox shoots footage of the canoe carved from a redwood tree.
COUNCIL MOTIONS
Families Coalition, comments letter on the California Child and Family Services Plan.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENTAGENDA):
M/S/C (Sullivan/Boardman) 4-0-2 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Request for Consultation with North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board; Flat roof repair L7C; Generator repair L7C; approval of purchase Coin wrapping machine L7C; Meeting minutes 1.25.24; Meeting minutes 2.22.24; Comment letter to USGS re: 3D imaging request; Letter to USGS re: Magnetic Geophysical data; Renewal of Jennifer Silva’s Biennial Gaming License TGC; 2024 Fiscal Budget Modification;; Letters of Support – RNSP Superintendents; JD Home Visiting Liaison(CFW); Homelessness Intervention Coordinator (CFW); Peer Support Technician; Director of Public Safety (ADM); Public Information Officer (ADM).
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell;Duu:0;Xwee-la:Thompson;Wait
NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY ANDFAMILYWELLNESS):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve CFW to submit the 2024-2025 Tribal, Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program noncompeting continuation renewal and approve the chairperson or designee to sign necessary documents.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
LHETLH-XAT-NE (TRIBAL COUNCIL):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Giovannetti) 5-0-1
Motion to approve sending a comment letter to California Department of Social Services. The comments are for the 2025-2029 California Child and Family Services Plan.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN(EDUCATION):
Application Letter.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/O’Connell) 5-0-1 Mo-
tion to approve Contract CT-2471-1355 with Sarah Overstreet in an amount not to exceed $15k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/Giovannetti) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2371-1253
Modification #1 with Joseph Marshall in an amount notto exceed $15k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Giovannetti) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-22711163 Modification #1 with Denise McKenzie in an amount not to exceed $15k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Boardman/O’Connell) 5-0-1
Motion to approve Resolution 2024-24 FY 2024 Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Native Language Maintenance and Preservation Grant Application.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT&PLANNING):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2415-1356 with EnerTribe, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $56,500k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/Boardman) 5-0-1 Motion to approve with said changes the annual Native American-owned Property TaxExemption Certification.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
removal of the Hotel and Restaurant at Xaa-+wan’ -k’wvt Village and Resort.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION):
M/S/C (Boardman/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2412-1351 with AMR, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $105k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2460-1354 with Hobbs, Straus, Dean and Walker in an amount not to exceed $25k to provide legal services.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Boardman) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-24601353 with Armstrong Law Office in an amount not to exceed $25k to provide general legal services.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (Sullivan/Giovannetti) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2460-1352 with Berkey Williams, LLP in an amount not to exceed $60k to provide legal research and analysis.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
MotionsforMay23,2024
M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve agenda with the removal of the Policy Development and Amendment Policy on the consent agenda.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENTAGENDA):
M/S/C (Wait/Boardman) 5-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda with said cor-
rection; Meeting minutes 3.16.24 GMM; Meeting minutes 3.28.24; Meeting minutes 4.25.24; Exterior Hotel exterior &
'Ay~:Sullivan,Boardman,Steinruck,O'Connell, Wait;Duu:0;Xwee-la:Thompson
NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILYWELLNESS):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2430-1358 with Native Wellness Institute in an amount not to exceed $65,500k.
'Ay~:Sullivan,Boardman,Steinruck,O'Connell, Wait;Duu:0;Xwee-la:Thompson
M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve thechairpersonsignatureontheletterofinterest (LOI) for the Tribal Dependency (TDR) representation program for Fiscal Year (FY) 20242025.
'Ay~:Sullivan,Boardman,Steinruck,O'Connell, Wait;Duu:0;Xwee-la:Thompson
TR'VM-DAN' DEE-NI'-DVN (TRIBAL HERITAGEPRESERVATIONOFFICE):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Boardman) 5-0-1 Motion to approve National Park Service 2024 apportionment for Tribal Heritage Preservation Budget, in the total amount of $87,231k.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT&PLANNING):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2451-1346 with Associated Drywall Service in an amount not to exceed $330.592.50.
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
M/S/C (O’Connell/Wait) 5-0-1 Motion to approve submitting a grant application to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research’s Adaptation Planning Grant Program (APGP).
'Ay~: Sullivan, Boardman, Steinruck, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Thompson
NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):
M/S/C (O’Connell/Steinruck)
5-0-1 Motion to approve the 2024 Chis-chu Naa-tr’vlhxat Elk Hunting Regulations.
'Ay~:Sullivan,Boardman,Steinruck,O'Connell, Wait;Duu:0;Xwee-la:Thompson
Back to School Carnival: A big success
Games and delicious food were the highlights of the 2nd annual Back To School Carnival held Aug. 6 for Tribal youth and families. It also was an opportunity for them to receive much needed school supplies and educational information from the Community and Family Wellness Department.
Nearly 100 people crowded the Howonquet Hall, where staff greeted families with smiles, school supplies and hosted various carnival-type games and information booths . Many of the activities focused on learning the Tolowa language.
Kathleen Daignault and Debbie Magana prepare nachos at the Howonquet Hall Community Center.
Garrett Campbell helps a girl prepare her stick pole for a language fishing game.
Maggie Wyckoff runs the prize wheel for the raffle.
Siblings race each other to the finish line during the sack races held outside the Howonquet Hall.
A father helps his son score at the hoop game.
Children scoop up healthy food at the carnival.
The hula hoops were a popular carnival challenge.
A whimsical sign featuring Tolowa and English language words greets people as they entered the Community Center.
A $786K boost for Tolowa language project
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation has received a $786,245 grant for Native language project from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), part of $7 million awarded to nine Tribal communities across the country.
Over the next three years, the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation will embark on the 'A'-t'i Xwee-ghayt-nish project – a comprehensive initiative designed to address the priorities outlined in the Nation’s new 2024-2029 Comprehensive Tolowa Dee-ni' Language Strategic Plan.
"This project, made possible by funding support from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), is a significant step towards preserving our ancestral language and culture," said Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones, Waa-tr'vslh-'a, Language & Culture Division Manager.
The intentional input from Tribal Citizens over the past three years has underscored the need for increased language learning opportunities in both formal and informal settings, as well as place-based lessons that are deeply connected to our ancestral culture.
"The'A'-t'iXwee-ghayt-nishprojectwilllaunch threebranchesoflanguagelearningopportunities forlearnersofallagesandabilities,makingaprofoundimpactonourcommunity,"Jonessaid.
The Nation is at a critical point of language loss, with only one remaining fluent speaker, no remaining first language speakers (L1), and only one certified Dee-ni' Wee-ya' language teacher outside of Master Linguist Loren Me'lashne Bommelyn. This urgent situation calls for the immediate action and support by everyone.
JonessaidtheNation’sapproachtothe'A'-t'iXwee -ghayt-nishprojectisstructuredintothreedistinct branches.ThefirstbranchistheTribalKnowledge EnhancementProgram(TKEP),whichaimsto enhanceourunderstandingandappreciationof ourancestrallanguageandculture.Thesecond branchinvolvesthedevelopmentofouronline Dee-ni'Wee-ya'LanguageResourceCenter,an interactiveplatformdesignedforlanguagelearning.
Thethirdbranchfocusesonexpandingand updatingourexistinglanguageresources,ensuring thattheyremainrelevantandaccessible.
TheHHS'sAdministrationforChildrenandFamilies (ACF) Administration for Native Americans (ANA) funded eight projects under the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance program and one project under the Esther Martinez Immersion program. These new awards are in addition to $10 million for 37 continuing language projects, for a total ANA investment of $17.3 million in Native languages.
“Our language is who we are,” said Patrice H. Kunesh, ANA Commissioner. “Only a people’s own language can communicate the full experience of their culture and identity. We need to keep this knowledge alive.”
ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild added, “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to Indian Country and continues to support self-determination. The vitality of Native
languages is critical to preserving traditional culture, ceremonies, identity and sovereignty. ACF continues to increase access to funding that supports language preservation and culturally specific services in Native communities.”
Specifically, eight Native communities will collectively receive $6.2 million under the P&M grant program . These new projects will foster family and cultural connections through Native languages.
For example, during the pandemic, the Forest County Potawatomi Community (FCPC) lost many fluent Bodwéwadmimomen (Potawatomi) speakers. To revitalize their language, FCPC plans to create an immersion-style language model to support new speakers.
Other awardees, such as the Arctic Village Council and Waadookodaading Ojibwe , plan to create educationalmaterials,dictionariesand interactiveprograms.
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Ashley Carroll
Education Dept. Head Start
Early Learning Program classrom aide
What brought you to work here at the Nation? My passion for early childhood education.
Hobbies/artistic abilities: Photography.
Pets: A beta fish.
Music Genre: Classic rock.
Movie Genre: Comedy.
Books: “The Outsiders.”
Scott Graves
Administrative Services Department
Public Information Officer
What brought you to work here the Nation? Using my skills to inform and spotlight community life.
Hobbies or artistic abilities: Drumming, surfing, hiking, kayaking, stunt kite flying.
Pets: Dog and McCaw.
Music Genre: Too many choose, but love classic rock and 80s.
Movie Genre: Science fiction.
Books: Non-fiction, fantasy and sci-fi.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
ni' Nation Employee of the Month:
Shelly Reynolds, Recording Secretary
Shelly is hardworking, dependable and has a great sense of humor, which is important when working with others.
Martinez, Lowe receive Tribal leadership training
Lacey Martinez, the Nation’s Administrative Specialist for Natural Resources Department, attended the adult track of Tribal Leadership and Governance training at Bear River August 5
As a participant in the training, sponsored by the California Tribal College, Martinez learned about Federal Indian Law, Tribal Supreme Court, ICWA, PL-280, BIA 638 Contracts, Robert's Rules of Order, and water rights.
“It was an amazing experience. It opened up my eyes to so many things about Tribal law,” Martinez
At the same time, Vincent Lowe, a Tribal Youth Corp student, attended the Youth Tribal Leadership and Governance training at Bear River, where he learned about traditional Tribal leadership, Tribal justice, civic engagement, relationship building, and more.
“It was an honor to meet with current and past council members as they shared their knowledge of Tribal Leadership, and we had the honor of meeting virtually State Assembly Chair Ramos who sits in the 45th district seat,” Martinez said.
Student Vincent Lowe, above, and Lacey Martinez, right, receive certificates upon completing their training at the Tribal Leadership and Governance workshop.
TRADITIONAL DRUM MAKING
The Nation's Youth Service Division was busy this summer providing fun, cultural learning opportunities such as canoe building, hide processing and drum making through the ACE program. Male students participating in the August drum-making workshop at Gilbert Creek spent several days cutting, sanding and assembling redwood frames and attaching hides. The workshop was led by Guylish Bommelyn, language teacher for the Education Department.
Regalia hair ties reflect Tribal culture, history
Tolowa K-12 grade girls in August participated in a weekslong See-ghvlh Yvlh-srii-dvn (hair ties making class). The program, sponsored by Education's Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ Division and the Youth Services Division, serves as introduction to traditional regalia making skills, focusing on sewing, beading and leather work to create hair ties using materials such as abalone, shells, and pine nuts. The ties make sounds that contribute to each woman’s song. The women often make ties to match their regalia dresses. The next class, scheduled in September, will focus on making wraps to go with the ties. For more information, contact ace@tolowa.com
FINAL RESULTS
Special Petitioners Election
The final results for the July 20, 2024, Petitioners Special Election show that four petitioners were approved to become Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Citizens: Sherry Andruss, Judy Haynes, Darlene Hiner and Nieca Wright.
TRIBAL GRADUATE
Bachelor of Social Work
Amber Boardman
Amber Boardman graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. Her immediate plan is to find a job working in social services such as mental health, addiction, family or child services.
"I'm still looking, and I know the right one will come along," Boardman said.
During the past eight years, Boardman has found social services, especially that of Child Protective Service, to be interesting and satisfying work that involves
not solving people's problems but helping them find their own solutions.
"I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me through college and my life," she said. "This has been a long, long rollercoaster ride and they have been by my side through it all."
Boardman's advice to other young people: "Keep pushing for the goals you want. At times they may seem out of reach. At times you'll want to give up. You might just give up for a time. I did. But then I got back into the groove and couldn't be more proud of myself. Become the person you're proud of."
A Ch’uu-K’et-ni (Great Blue Heron) hunts for food at the Da’ -chvn-dvn (Smith River mouth).
Tolowa float wins first place at Crescent City’s 4th of July Parade
Tribal youth and staff of several of the Nation’s departments planned and decorated the Nation’s float for this year’s Crescent City 4th of July Parade, earning a first place in the “Theme and Creativity” category. Shu’ shaa nin-la (thank you) to the Public Works and Facilities crew for their assistance with construction and providing the truck and trailer.
www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs www.lucky7casino.com/employment/
Higher Education and Vocational Training Funding Program
HigherEducationFundingis availableforTolowaDee-ni’ Citizenswantingtofurther theireducationorattend vocationaltraining.
TheTolowaDee-ni’Nation EducationDepartmentcanalso provideassistanceforhigh schoolstudentswhoare enrolledinandtakingcollege coursesinconjunctionwith theirhighschoolclasses.
HigherEducationFunding applicationsareavailableon ourTDNwebsiteunder EducationDepartment.They canalsobepickedupatthe HeadquartersOffice.
Ifyouneedfurtherassistance, orhaveanyquestions,contact Education,(707)487-9255.
TDN MISSION STATEMENT:
To exert and protect the inherent sovereignty endowed upon the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation to promote our tribal identity, and the well-being of our people, community, and environment by building a strong foundation, managing resources, and perpetuating our cultural lifeways and legacy.
HOMELESS HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION
Areyouhomelessandstrugglingtofindhousing?
Haveyoufoundhousingandcantaffordmoveincosts?
Doyouhavehousingthatyouareatriskoflosing?
Doyouneedassistanceinaccessingandnavigating tribalandcommunityresources?
Rodger Allen
Jaxson Arlandson
Joshua Arlandson
Pania Baines
Mila Balcom
Machelle Bates
Kamila Benevich
Eliza Bergman
Olivia Blaise
James Blodgette
Debbie Boardman
Margaret Boatsman
Autinayea Bommelyn
Ruben Bowen
Matthew Bravo
Alicsia Bravo
John Bravo
Kevin Bravo
Landon Bravo
Isaac Buckmaster
Logan Burshem
Mitchell Burshem
Jacklyn Byers
Kyle Cadotte
Alice Calderon
Dolores Calvery
Sfii-wvks Campbell-Ramirez
Kyler Canaday
Grayson Cardozo
Kyla Castagnaro
Brock Chapman
Kayla Clemons
Julie Coney
Destiny Cooper
Rhonda Corrales
Billy Costa
Mila Coulson
Samuel Criteser
Julia Curry
Faith Cutright
Gracee Dizick-Kaleese
Aiden Duke
Mason Duncan
TiAnna Early
Brandie Ekman
Chandler Ekman
Amber Fauteaux
William Fender Jr.
Declan Fouts
Briannon Fraley
Shirley Freeman
Xytellarayanna Freeman
Sawyer Friedrich
Grace Gardner
Jemil Gardner
Sophia Gillis
Harper Giola
James Gochanour
Merlin Goodlin
Sherry Goodlin
Edwin Gravatt
Alta Gunter
Alder Hamner
Jimmy Harmon Jr.
Kenneth Harris
Leon Hinshaw
Ethan Hodges
Logyn Hoiem
Austin Hurd
Jolanda Ingram
Joseph Isham Jr.
Miranda Jordan
Keith Judah
Boston Kahoalii
Gage Kastl
Ashlin Kelly
Kevin Kennedy Jr.
Tyler Kennedy
Steven Keuth
Thalia Keuth
Ethan Knauss
Caden La Fazio
Leah Lamborn
Robert Lamborn
John Land
Bernice Larson
Kylie Leavelle
Levi Lemmon
Elizabeth Lindke
Ana Maria Lopez
Brice Lopez
Kya Lopez
Nont-Yos-Te Lopez
Robert Lopez
Sri-Ge-Lush Lopez
Rosalee Magana
Rosemary Maggard
Jacklyn Martin
Ray Martin
Carolina Martinez
Jeffery Mathiso Jr.
Ju’-La-Tra Mattice
Franklin McKuhn
Carly McMahan
Cynthia McMahan
Michael McMahan
Ivan Mendoza
Aylah Meyer
Scott Meyer
Cecilia Miller
Jacob Molina
Cobin Moon
Valerie Mora Fernandez
John Meyers
MAA-XUSLH-GHALH
Borge Nelson
Borge Nelson Jr.
Ava O’Reilley
Damian Ochoa
Madeline Ochoa
Ashley Olson
Chase Owen
Channon Payne
Henry Payne
Nicholas Payne
Wyatt Petrie
Jason Piazza
Bryce Poole
Shylee Post
Cailee Potter
Christopher Potter
Maisie Pruett
Anessa Ram
Dahlia Reynoso
Marcus Richards
Mary Jane Richards
Tyler Richards
Serenatee Richards-Nunez
Christopher Richmond
Alexis Ridders
Elora Rodriguez
Jud Rook
Sara Rosina
Jennifer Sanders-Meyers
Maile Scaglione
Noah Schlosser
Linda Schonberger
Robert Senn
Corbin Shand
Brody Shelander
Ryder Shelander
Christopher Sherman
Daniel Sherman
Hayley Sherman
Kyla Simpson
Rollin Smith IV
Benjamin Smith
Henry Smith
Lucas Smith
Rose Smith
Taygan Smith
Tsinte Steinruck
Scarlett Stodola
Adrienne Thomas
Benjamin Thomas
Jeri Thompson
Donna Thorpe
Skylar Throop
Tenley Travis
Bradley Tripp
Aiden Turpin
Lil’Ko’E’ Tuttle
Thunder Tvrdik
Hailey Weeks
Hudson Weideman
Dylan Weir
Kristy Weir
Erica Wieland
Shawn Wilburn
Keaton Wilk
Phoebe Wilson
Logan Wilson
Nolan Wilson
Kolton Wonnacott
Rhonda Wood
Virgil Woolfolk
David Wyland
Kalven Xiong
Khira Zappe
Estee Zorea
ELDER NUTRITON MENU & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Doors to the nutrition site open at 11:30 a.m.
Please call for reservations. Reserve lunch by 10 a.m. 707-487-0215, option 3
pm
pm
Suggested donations: Elders 55+ $2 (some are free) Under 55 $7
Interested in serving on the Election, Housing or Language committee?
Please fill out an application and send it to recording.secretary@tolowa.com
Call: (707) 487-9255
See Page 20 for openings.
Macaroni & Cheese
Taco Salad
