September 2026 newsletter by tolowadeeni

TRIBAL GOVERNMENT NEWSLETTER

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA' LHA'-DUY NUM-NII~-MA~S (September) 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 9

Dee-ni' Day and Dee-ni' Night

Spotlight on Tolowa culture!

19th Annual Dee-ni' Day IF YOU GO: WHAT: The 19th annual celebration of Tolowa culture. WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12. TIME: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Stick games at 1 p.m.) WHERE: 101 Indian Ct., Smith River, across from the Lucky 7 Casino. ACTIVITIES: Food & art vendors, demonstrations, kid activities. More information on Pages 4-5.

The Nation is hosting its 19th annual Dee-ni' Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center in Smith River, across from Lucky 7 Casino. The free event is open to the public and the entire community to enjoy. For Tribal Citizens, the Nation is hosting our annual Dee-ni' Night on Friday, Sept. 11, from 5-8 p.m. at the Lucky 7 Casino Tolowa Event Center. Doors

open at 4:30 p.m. All Tribal Citizen households are invited to this free dinner and celebration honoring our graduates, elders and veterans. Also on Friday, Dee-ni' Night For Kids, ages 5-12, will be held at at the Dat-naa-svt Community Center from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 4:15 p.m. There will be a free dinner, games and activities. Pre-registration is encourged. (More information on Page 5.)

Saturday's public Dee-ni' Day event will feature cultural demonstrations including regalia and necklace making, and the baking of traditional sand bread. There will be a tribal citizen art show, men's card games, shell dice tournament and a regalia showcase. There will also be 60-plus food and art vendors offering items such as jewelry, apparel, fine art, woodwork, glasswork, baskets and more. See Celebration, Page 4

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

Cultural paddling adventure on the Smith River Nation staff with Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Learning Program spent a day floating the Smith River courtesy of the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Language and Culture Division), which hosted the Nii~-lii~-ne (River People Time) adventure. "The employees had the opportunity to participate in the Nii~-lii~-ne in August, and we had an amazing time!" said the Nation's Head Start Manager Amanda Bommelyn. "We want to make it a yearly activity for our staff." The river trip was just one of 11 scheduled this summer by the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~. The mission of each trek trip is for Native and non-Native people to explore beautiful places while learning, hearing and speaking Tolowa language as it relates to the natural world. "We are the people of Nvn-nvst-'a~ (Mother Earth), deeply connected to the land, animals and natural systems and rhythms," said Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones. "We believe that we are all one and that we are meant to live in balance with our environment. Spending time in nature and near the waterways strengthens this connection." For additional information about the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ and it's language and cultural programs, contact (707) 487-9255, ext.1174 or email mattie.bommelyn@tolowa.

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 Individuals at the Lopez/Brown fish camp at Lopez Creek dry freshly-caught smelt on driftwood logs. Every year, family and friends gather for the annual smelt run, catching them with traditional nets and drying them on logs and gravel beds.

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 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’

Dee-ni' Day and Night .............................................................................................4-5 Summer work experience for Tribal youth ...................................................................6 Connecting with nature at the ranch ............................................................................8 Kinship Movie Night .....................................................................................................9 Tes-dvm-ne: Trail People Time ..................................................................................10 Remembering Jeanine Lois Fender ..........................................................................12 Tribal Citizen accomplishments .................................................................................13 Tribal Citizen birthdays ..............................................................................................16 Event calendar and elder lunch menu .......................................................................19

Lha'-duy num-nii~-ma~s (September) 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.

Celebration Continued from Page 1 There will be a variety of children and adult activities such as bounce house and a horseshoe tournament. Several Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation departments and local nonprofit organizations will host booths to share information, opportunities and services as well. A highlight of Dee-ni' Day are the stick games, starting at 1 p.m., with athletes of all ages battling for bragging rights and cash prizes. The games, held on the beach below the community center, 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 tackling or wrestling one another to the ground. Parking: Parking for the general public is available at the Lucky 7 Casino, the Howonquet Indian Cemetery, and the Tribal Headquarters. A shuttle bus will pick up people at the casino and Tribal Headquarters every 15 minutes (approximate). Note: Parking at the basketball court near the hall is reserved for elders and the disabled. For information, call 707487-9255 ext.1183, email scott.graves@tolowa.gov.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Food & Art Vendors Children Activities Cultural demonstrations 9-2:00 Art Show display/voting 10:00 Welcome (stage) 10:30 Regalia Showcase (stage) 11:00 Shell Dice Tournament Mens Gambling (stage) 9:00

Parking: Lucky 7 Casino, Howonquet Indian Cemetery, Tribal Headquarters. Shuttle bus running every 15 minutes.

12:00 Sand bread samples 1:00 Stick Games (at the beach) 2:00 Marvin Richards Horseshoe Tournament 2:00 Art Show Voting Closes 3:30 Art Show Winners Announced 4:00 Event Ends Inside the hall Art Show Display/Voting Cultural Demonstrations Photo booth

Youth learn and earn with summer program For much of the summer, 22 Tribal youth were busy nearly five days a week doing paid internships with the Nation's staff in 14 departments and divisions as part of our annual Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, which provides youth ages 15-18 with paid work experience and career exploration, is hosted by the Nation's Na'sr-dvtlh-nvsh Waa-tr'uu-nii-dvn (Tribal Employment Rights Office-TERO). The program prioritizes wellness and culture opportunities, supporting the whole person in their journey through physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual wellness. Career pathways was another core part of the program, which gave summer youth the opportunity to learn essential skills to prepare them for adulthood, such as resume building, financial responsibility, as well as presentations from speakers from a variety of career fields. Alongside their internship placements, which gave youth the opportunity to experience a typical work schedule with their own responsibilities and employee expectations, some of the career pathways and wellness activities included Mvs-yee-

Interns Annalena Reed, Seaira Brundin, Cadence Travis, and Deja Travis with Head Start Manager Amanda Bommelyn and Education Coordinator Nicole Aubrey.

se'-ne, Cultural Monitor Training, and a trip to College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. The program has been a staple in the community for decades — many of the

Intern Ethan McCallum helped the crew at the House of Howonquet restaurant by delivering food, cleaning up and resetting tables and organizing dishware.

Nation's staff and community members served as Summer Youth Workers themselves in the past. Continued on next page

Jadelin Castellaw, Renewable Energy Coordinator, with Intern Jozaveena Ramirez.

Intern Taylor Bommelyn with Youth Workforce Development Specialist Katlyn Don Carlos.

"The 2026 Summer Youth Employment program would not have been possible without all of the departments and divisions who hosted interns, helped facilitate program events, and made our tribal offices a welcoming place for tribal youth to gain their footing in a workplace environment," said Katlyn Don Carlos, the Nation's Youth Workforce Development Specialist. She added, "We would also like to thank all of the youth who participated, and we are honored to give them a platform to build valuable skills as they transition into adulthood. Shu'shaa nin-la for a wonderful summer!"

Youth participated in stewardship activities at Mvs-yee-se'-ne, a culturally-significant tribal site.

Interns participated in the cultural monitoring training, which included lessons on cultural artifacts and invasive species identification.

Intern Takoda Andersen, left, with Construction Manager Allen Bommelyn.

Interns moved from table to table during a 5-minute "speed-dating" style interview process with prospective department managers and directors.

Interns worked at one of two Tolowa family fish camps, turning smelt and making sand bread.

Twenty-two youth participated in this year's Summer Youth Employment Program.

Interns helped make and display the Nation's float at Crescent City's annual July 4th parade.

Tribal youth visit ranch, connect with nature

In August, the Community and Family Wellness Department partnered with Cornerstone Youth Ranch near Gold Beach, Oregon, for a three-day in-person activity for Native youth ages 7-17 who reside in the Nation's five-county service area. The activity, called mvlhxwvn'-nay-ghe shin-dvn (summertime), exposed youth to horses, life on a ranch, outdoor exploration, teamwork, wellness and connection with nature. Youth participated in horse rides, nature hikes, games and a painted pony contest. "This was the first time we've partnered with Cornerstone Youth Ranch and it was a big success," said Monica Calvillo, CFW's Self Sufficiency Manager. "The youth had fun and really learned a lot about the outdoors and horses."

Tes-dvm-ne: Trail People Time Outdoor journey through Tolowa culture, history and language

A dozen Tribal Citizens and community members enjoyed a summer hike to The Grove of Titans, a scenic grove in the Redwood National and State Parks that contains some of the world's largest measured redwood trees. The hike was one of five scheduled this summer as part of Nation's Tes-dvm-ne (Trail People Time) program. Guided by Guylish Bommelyn, a language teacher for the Nation's Language and Culture Division, participants in the program's various summer hikes explored local mountains, forests and coastline learning about Tolowa Dee-ni' culture, history and language. On the leisurely hike to the Grove of Titans in August, hikers traverse dirt trails and elevated walkways through lush vegetation and the ancient redwoods, stopping occasionally to learn and pronounce Tolowa words. The trail features many interpretive signs and displays featuring Tolowa language and culture. For more information about future opportunities, contact the Language and Cultural Division at 707-487-9255, ext. 1174.

Mii-naa-ghaytlh-nvsh (We Remember) Jeanine Lois Fender (1948-2026) In loving memory of Jeanine Lois Fender, March 3, 1948, July 13, 2026, Smith River, California Tolowa ancestor Jeanine Lois Fender, 78 years old, a lifelong resident of Smith River, CA. passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at her home on Oceanview Drive that she shared with her beloved husband Bill Fender. She was born in Crescent City, CA. at Seaside Hospital on March 3, 1948, to Floyd and Elinor Richards. One of four children. Jeanine’s siblings are her dear brothers Jesse Richards, Floyd Richards Sr., and Frank Richards. Jeanine married her soul mate Bill Fender on June 30, 1972, in a ceremony held at Cupid’s Arrow Wedding Chapel in Reno, NV. They were married for 54 years and Bill adored her. “She is one in a million” he tells us. Jeanine was showered with love and his constant presence every day of their marriage. Bill’s devotion to her knew no bounds and he cared for her lovingly until her last breath. They shared a true testament of love and Jeanine always knew she could count on him. Many knew Jeanine as a gently soul with a kind heart. She liked to laugh and tease with a twinkle in her eye. She

loved cherry season, crab season and a good cold glass of Diet Pepsi. She occupied her time in the home making homemade cookies (peanut butter) and watching The Young and the Restless. She doted on her mother and father and lived up the hill from the house which was built by her Grandfather Edward Richards. Jeanine was a true daddy’s girl and adored her Dad Floyd Richards, Sr. dearly. Jeanine was a proud mother of Dorothy (Rosie) Kendrix and William (Bill) Fender Jr. She had 4 grandkids who brought a love and smile to her always. Sierra Fender, Alicia Fender, Marcus Kendrix Jr. and Alexis Kendrix. She was blessed to be a Greatgrandmother to Aubrey, Sophia, Anakin, Elinor and Mateo. As her Grandson Marcus expressed on July 21 during her burial on our hallowed ancestor land at Howonquet Indian Cemetery “I hope we can all take time to reflect on the gifts Grandma (Jeanine) left us with; all of the love and the laughter we shared with her and all the

wisdom she shared with us. Grandma, I want to Thank You for the time we had with you, and for the legacy of love you leave behind." Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has held our family in your prayers

and supported/assisted us during this difficult time. Mom, Thank You for being my mother and we will be together again one beautiful and joyful day. Rest in Peace now your legacy will continue on.

– Dorothy (Rosie) Fender-Kendrix

Youth enjoy fair success Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation youth Casey Thomas and Gavin Thomas earned high honors for their animal husbandry efforts during the annual Del Norte County Fair in Crescent City in August. The Fort Dick siblings are members of the local 4-H Club and participated in the handson raising and stewardship of livestock in preparation of showcasing their work at the county fair. Casey Thomas, 12, who raised her steer starting in September,

won overall showmanship in her age class for beef. She also won second in the market category and first in breed and fed category. She also shows sheep and won second place in showmanship. Gavin Thomas, 9, received his lamb in March and showed it at the fair and received third place in the market category. The animals were later sold at the county fair auction. Congratulations to our youth for a job well done! Gavin Thomas

Hampson earns rodeo title

Tolowa Citizen Brexlee Hampson competed in the Del Norte County Rodeo Queen competition with her horse Steve. Together they had to compete against other girls and horses to demonstrate horsemanship skills in multiple disciplines including gymkhana

events, carrying a sponsor flag, trail course patterns, and other competitive courses. Brexlee won the title of Del Norte Senior Rodeo Princess and will have the opportunity to attend future rodeos and continue competing in rodeo and gymkhana events.

Casey Thomas

Abrams named university's 'Student Ambassador' Tolowa Citizen Estee Abrams was recently selected as an American Indian College Fund Student Ambassador for Alaska Pacific University. "Through this role, I will have the opportunity to represent Indigenous students, share my educational journey, and advocate for the importance of higher education within Tribal communities throughout the nation," Abrams said. She is currently pursuing a dual degree: a Bachelor of Business Administration in Non-Profit Management and a Bachelor of Health Science in Healthcare Management, and expects graduation May of 2026. Abrams was also selected as a Student Advocacy and Generational Empowerment (S.A.G.E.) Fellow for the 20262027 academic year. The S.A.G.E. Fellowship is a leadership program designed to empower Native students to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers who

strengthen their campuses, Tribal Nations, families, and communities through purposeful action. "These opportunities are especially meaningful to me because they allow me to represent the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation while continuing my educational and leadership journey," she said. "I am grateful for the support of my family, community, and Tribe, and I look forward to using these experiences to serve others, support Native student success, and make a positive impact for future generations. Shu' shaa nin-la."

COUNCIL MOTIONS Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

Motions for June 11, 2026

WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve agenda with the following changes, Tabling agenda item 2026-272 Sea Otter Reintroduction Contract; and move Consent agenda item i. to X. d. to present. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (O'Connell/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Regular Meeting minutes 3.26.26; Tribal Collection Loan Request #47; Tribal Collection Loan Request #48; Tribal Collection Loan Request #49; JD's (2) Vessel Coxswain and Marine Coordinator; GRANT - Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund grant submission for sonar project; Contract CT-26711499 with John Acuna; Contract CT-2665-1505 with Class V Company. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING): M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT2650-1500 with Strahm's Sealcoat and Striping in an amount not to exceed $13,973.00. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson,

M/S/C (Wait/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve the Rural Tribal Assistance Program Grant Award in the amount of $2,499,000 for the Connected Communities Pedestrian Bridge Gateway project. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT2618-1512 with SEE Renewal in an amount not to exceed $42,750 for Development of Transformative Climate Communities Grant Application. 'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (Thompson/Sullivan) 6-01 Motion to approve Tim Hoone presented for approval Contract CT-2618-1513 with Cascadia Consulting in an amount not to exceed $63,000 for the Climate Adaptation Plan. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Project Statement number G8480-260007 for the proposed project amount of $383,707 with Redwood National Park. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve budget modification to 280, 9483 as presented for the completion

of the electrical for the Food Sovereignty Building. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

Albacore LLC for Crab Trap Retrieval. 'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan

M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 6-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2651-1503 with Northridge Electric in an amount not to exceed $227,725. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 5-01 Motion to approve a Letter of Support (LOS) regarding Redwoods Rising Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program applications to CalFire's Forest Health Grant Program. 'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan

M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 6-01 Motion to approve with edits Resolution 2026-18 Approval of PacificCorp Pole Attachment Agreement. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (O'Connell/Thompson) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Chairperson signature on Pole Attachment Agreement with Frontier Communications. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Steinruck/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting an Active Transportation Program grant application for the Ocean View Drive Multi-use Path Project. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (Steinruck/Thompson) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2640-1501 in an amount not to exceed $14,500 with BCG

M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 5-01 Motion to approve a Letter of Commitment (LOC) for the Hiouchi-Smith River Forest Resilience & Fire Protection Project application to CalFire Forest Health Program. 'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan MVSH-XE NAA-DVTLHNVSH-NE (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES): M/S/C (Steinruck/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-19 Tolowa Deeni' Nation Tribal Membership (6). 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION): M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 5-01 Motion to approve Contract CT-2660-1516 with Joseph J. Wiseman, Wiseman Law Corporation in an amount not to exceed $20K. 'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan

Motions for June 25, 2026 WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 4-0-1 Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 4-01 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: MOA - Last Chance Grade Cultural Resources; LOS - UIHS Food is Medicine; LOS - USDA Rural Development - Meat Processing Facility; LOS CA Senate Committee & Taxation CNIGA AB 2167; Fiscal - US Bank Fuel Tax Account; Legal - IMSA Agreement Legal Review; Regular meeting minutes for 4.16.26, 5.14.26, and 5.28.26. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS): M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 4-0-1 Motion to approve submission of the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 26-CSBG-401 in the amount of $2,589 and to authorize the chairperson to sign the MOA and all other documents necessary to accept the funding. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (Giovannetti/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-17 Resolution authorizing entering into a funding agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for lower

Smith River pollution exposure and mitigation plan grant (R25AP00436). 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE): M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-20 Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Energy Sovereignty Plan Work Plan. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS): M/S/C (Wait/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to approve the Community Family Wellness (CFW) Department to submit the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) Transitional Housing Assistance competitive three (3) year grant in the amount of $600K. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN (EDUCATION): M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2671-1517 with Jennifer Ried dba Inquiry + Impact Consulting in an amount not to exceed $26,875. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION): M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 4-0-1 Motion to approve with corrections Resolution 2026-21 ReAppointment of Scott D. Sullivan to Board of Directors for Dee-ni' Development Incorporated. 'Ay~: Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan

Motions for July 9, 2026 WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (Sullivan/Thompson) 6-01 Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Tribal Collection Loan Request #50; CA State Fair Tribal Flag Display; JD- Surveillance Technician I/II for TGC; Budget Mod. for Fund 700, Contracts (5600) Line Item; Budget Mod. Fund 719 - Increase FY25 5600 Surveillance Budget; Budget Mod - Fund 712 (5690) 2026 Fiscal - FY2024 Audit; Contract - Midwest Professionals P.L.L.C FY2024 Tribal Single Audit. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES): M/S/C (O'Connell/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve staff to send the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Treatment as a State application to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING): M/S/C (Wait/Steinruck) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-22 Approval for Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Planning staff to apply for the Tribal Housing PreDevelopment Fund.

'Ay~: Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Sullivan M/S/C (Giovannetti/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) OLINK and letter authorizing total tribal enrollment for calculating the "needs" portion of the Federal FY 2027 Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG). 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE): M/S/C (Thompson/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve the recommendation and appointment of Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn to the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Culture) Committee. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman YUU-NVLH-TS'IT-DVN (EDUCATION): M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve the National Park Service (NPS) Agreement No. G8480-26-0004 under Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) G848024-0003 for $88,800 to support the Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' focused Artist-in-Residence Program in multimedia artistry. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman NA'-LE' K'II-DAA-NAADVN (TRIBAL GAMING COMMISSION): M/S/C (Wait/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-23 Appointment of Tribal Gaming Commissioner Ray Martin to the open seat on the commission. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH Estee Abrams Rodger Allen Joshua Arlandson Jaxson Arlandson Pania Baines Mila Balcom Machelle Bates Kamila Benevich Eliza Bergman Olivia Blaise James Blodgett Debbie Boardman Margaret Boatsman Autinayea Bommelyn Ruben Bowen Kevin Bravo John Bravo Alicsia Bravo Matthew Bravo Landon Bravo Isaac Buckmaster

Mitchell Burshem Logan Burshem Jacklyn Byers Kyle Cadotte Alice Calderon Dolores Calvery Sfii-Nvks CampbellRamirez 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 Bradie Ekman Chandler Ekman Amber Fauteaux William Fender Jr. Declan Fouts Briannon Fraley Shirley Freeman Xytellarayanna Freeman Sawyer Friedrich Sawyer Fry Sage Fry Grace Gardner Jemil Gardner Sophia Gillis Harper Giola James Gochanour Sherry Goodlin Merlin Goodlin William Gordon 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 Boston Kahoalii Gage Kastl Ashlin Kelly Kevin Kennedy Jr. Tyler Kennedy Thalia Keuth Steven Keuth Ethan Knauss Caden La Fazio Robert Lamborn Leah Lamborn John Land Bernice Larson Kylie Leavelle Levi Lemmon Elizabeth Lindke

Tribal Job Opportunities Tribal Office

• Battalion Chief (Public Safety)-On-Call

• Family Support Specialist (CFW)- FT

• Division Chief (Public Safety)-On-Call

• Homelessness Intervention Coordinator (CFW)-FT

• Fire Apparatus Operator (Public Safety)-FT

• Housing Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)

• Firefighter (Public Safety)-FT

Technician I (CFW)-FT

• Senior Firefighter (Public Safety)-FT

• Shelter Stability Advocate I (CFW)-FT

• AmeriCorps Seniors Program Supervisor-PT

• Social Worker I or II (CFW)-FT • TANF Prevention Technician (CFW)-FT • TANF Child Welfare Project Coordinator (CFW)-FT • Victim Services Project Coordinator (CFW)-FT • Classroom Aide (Education)-On-Call

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.

Robert Lopez Brice Lopez Ana Maria Lopez Sri-Ge-Lush Lopez Kya Lopez Nont-Yos-Te Lopez Emerald Lopez Rosalee Magana Rosemary Maggard Ray Martin Jacklyn Martin Carolina Martinez Jeffery Mathison Jr. Ju'-La-Tra Mattice Franklin McKuhn Michael McMahan Cynthia McMahan Carly McMahan Ivan Mendoza Aylah Meyer Scott Meyer Jr. Cecilia Miller Jacob Molina Cobin Moon Valerie Mora Fernandez Azariaah MorenoRamirez John Myers Borge Nelson Jr. Borge Nelson Araeli Noble Damian Ochoa Madeline Ochoa Ashley Olson Ava O'Reilley Chase Owen Henry Payne Channon Payne Nicholas Payne Wyatt Petrie Jason Piazza

Bryce Poole Shylee Post Cailee Potter Christopher Potter Maisie Pruett Weston Pruett Marlie Pruett Anessa Ram Inez Ramirez Dahlia Reynoso Raven Reynoso Tyler Richards Marcus Richards Mary Jane Richards

Serenatee RichardsNunez Christopher Richmond Alexis Ridders Elora Rodriguez Jud Rook Sarah Rosina Sahaar Samudrala Jennifer Sanders-Myers Maile Scaglione Noah Schlosser Linda Schonberger Robert Senn Corbin Shand

Brody Shelander Ryder Shelander Hayley Sherman Christopher Sherman Daniel Sherman Kyla Simpson Rose Smith Lucas Smith Taygan Smith Rollin Smith IV Henry Smith Benjamin Smith Sean 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 Kristy Weir

Dylan Weir Erica Wieland Shawn Wilburn Keaton Wilk Logan Wilson Nolan Wilson Phoebe Wilson Kolton Wonnacott Rhonda Wood Virgil Woolfolk David Wyland Kalven Xiong Khira Zappe

NA'SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN Welcome new Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation new staff

Brianna Mercado Teacher's Assistant Education

Heather Stack Teacher's Assistant Education

Sierra Fender Classroom Aide Education

Zoraida Baltodano de Johnson Teacher's Assistant Education

Perla Aguilar Cook Education

Reece White Classroom Aide Education

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

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

31 Vegetable

1 Beans and

2 Sack lunch

3 Chicken

4 Kielbasa and

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

8 Tuna salad

9 Elk stew

10 Teriyaki

11 Western

chili

bacon

All Tribal Offices closed for Labor Day Holiday

14 Pasta salad

21 Veggie soup

egg sal sand

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

egg scramble

scramble

chicken

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

15 Ham & scallop 16 Chicken potatoes

noodle soup

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

Housing Committee 5:30 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Wednesday of month

22 Beef tamale pie

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

28 Chili relleno 29 Hot dog bake

Ceasar salad

with bun

23 Sack lunch Women's Healing Circle Xaa-wan'-k'-wvt Hall (See Page 17) Culture Committee 5 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month

Dee-ni' Night Tolowa Event Center Lucky 7 Casino (See Page 5)

17 Beef & veggie 18 Pancakes, lasagna

sausage/egg

24 Chicken salad

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

Dee-ni' Day Xaa-wan'-k'-wvt Hall Community Center (See Page 4)

All Tribal Offices closed for Native American Day

30 Pork & green chili stew

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

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2026 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER