DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'
DVN-CHI' NUM-NII~-MA~S (APRIL) 2025 - Volume 32, Issue 4
Targeting illegal street drugs in our community
Guest speaker shares insights, tips with TDN staff
With an increase in illegal drug overdoses affecting our communities, the Nation invited former police officer and national drug expert Chris Cuestas to conduct a multiple-day “street drug” awareness training in March with staff of the Nation’s Justice, Community and Family Wellness, and Education departments.
“Street drugs have become an epidemic across our nation. Knowing what to look for and how to respond is only the first step in slowing it down,” said Cuestas. He shared sobering statistics and heartwrenching stories of the oftenlethal impacts on human lives, particularly those in Tribal communities.
Cuestas, a nationally recognized expert in street gangs and juvenile violence, is a consultant with Tribal Law and Policy Institute who works
closely with Tribal entities on issues such as illegal drugs, gangs, human and sex trafficking prevention, education and missing indigenous people. He conducted a workshop at the Nation’s new Regional Tribal Justice Center the week of March 3.
HONORING
The workshop included discussions on what types of illicit drugs (opioids, fentanyl, hallucinogens, inhalants and methamphetamine) are popular, their street names, and how they get into Tribal communities.
See Drugs, Page 18
National drug expert Chris Cuestas discusses the dangers of street drugs with staff at the Regional Tribal Justice Center.
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
Assistant Executive Director, Thomas Metz (707)487-9255, ext. 1229, thomas.metz@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 Director, Jeff Davis (707)487-9255, ext. 1213, jeff.davis@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
DAY MIN’-NE’
Dvn-chi' Num-nii~-ma~s (April) 2025 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Website: www.tolowansn.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, scott.graves@tolowa.com,
Afternoon sunshine bathes the redwood forest in Del Norte County.
General Membership Meeting 2025
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Citizens gathered for the 2025 Annual General Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 15, at the Tolowa Event Center at Lucky 7 Casino.
The event included free breakfast and lunch, and a full schedule of presentation by the Tribal Council, executive staff, departments, Lucky 7 Casino, and Xaa-wan'k'wvt Village and Resort. The meeting ended with a public comment period and 13 people were nominated for two open seats on the Tribal Council.
The Voter Registrar issued 22 new Tribal identities, took four changes of address, registered 12 new voters, and updated 15 Tribal Citizen signatures.
The meeting also featured tables where Nation staff provided information and displays about our Foster Care Program, employment opportunities, TERO and the Tribal Heritage Preservation Office.
The event included a raffle, during which used laptops, computers and hand-crafted birdhouses made by Tribal Council Member Jaytuk Steinruck were given away.
Tribal regalia and photos on display courtesy of staff from our Tribal Heritage Preservation Office.
Tribal Chair Jeri Lynn Thompson greets citizens. Brian Millett, Tribal Employment Rights Office.
Administrative Director Emily Reed, left, with Enrollment and Election Specialist Angel Escobar.
Billy Fender takes home a handmade (mvn') birdhouse.
All eight Tribal Citizens who have served as chair for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council since it was formed in 1992 were present. (Left to right) Leann Babcock-McCallum, Scott Sullivan, Jeri Lynn Thompson, Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn, Bill Richards Sr., Kara Brundin-Miller, Denise Padgette and Dorothy Wait.
Tribal Citizens gather in the Tolowa Event Center for shared meals, a raffle and presentations by the Tribal Council and various Nation departments.
Ken White, new General Manager of Lucky 7 Casino, shares the 2024 financial information and upcoming plans for the casino and hotel.
Executive Director Troy Ralstin gives an overview of the Nation's recent and upcoming projects and financial plans for the 2025 fiscal year.
MVN-' UTLH-TEE-DVN
2025 GENERAL ELECTION
APRIL
General Election Information and Ballots arrive in mailboxes. (Mailed to all registered voters on Monday, March 31, 2025.)
MAY
Voter Registration Closes Friday, May 2, 2025
Citizens can still register after deadline, but would need to vote in person on May 17, 2025.
ELECTION DAY
Saturday May 17, 2025
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Tribal Regional Justice Center, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd.
All ballots must be received by 3 p.m. at the polling location. All registered voters will receive an election packet. Provisional ballots available onsite. Starting at 3 p.m., registered Tribal voters may observe the closing of the election process, including the confirmation of signatures and counting of ballots, from a designated viewing area. For more information contact the Voter Registrar.
Requirement for Voting
1)You must be enrolled. Enrolled means being accepted by the Enrollment Committee, approved by an action of Tribal Council and placed on the Membership List.
2)You must be 18 years of age by the voter registration deadline. You can still register after the registration deadline but you will not be able to vote until the next election.
3)To register, fill out a request for Affidavit of Registration and return it To the Voter Registrar. You only need to register once.
Your signature on the official ballot is VERIFIED with your signature on file. We require an updated signature every three years. If your signature on your absentee ballot doesn’t match what is on file, the Election Board can make the decision to void the ballot. The Voter Registration form is available at the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Office and on the website for new voters.
Mail, fax or email the form back to:
Attention Election Board, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567
NOTE: For security purposes, Ballot return envelopes will be delivered to a P.O. Box at Smith River Post Office.
Campaign Letters
Eight Citizens running for two Tribal Council seats
Eight Tribal Citizens are running for two seats on the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council, with the election set for Saturday, May 17. A total of 13 Tribal Citizens were nominated leading up to and during the March 15 General
The candidates who accepted the nominations:
Dr. Paula Aubrey
Dr. Joseph Giovannetti
Lenora Hall
Cara Khun
Kurt Miller
Lisa Richards
Dorothy Wait
The candidates were invited to submit campaign letters for this newsletter and seven of the eight responded by the March 25 deadline. To serve on the Tribal Council Citizens must be an enrolled member, 21 or older at the time of nomination, have never been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude in any jurisdiction, and has continuously resided within Del Norte, Humboldt, Curry, Josephine or Coos counties for a period of one year immediately prior to being
Campaign Letters
Campaign Letters
Campaign Letters
The Nation shines at tourism conference
Emily Reed, the Nation’s Director of Administrative Services, along with Public Information Officer Scott Graves, recently attended the annual Travel Southern Oregon Coast (TSOC) Network Conference in Coos Bay, Oregon.
“Speaking about the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation at a conference for business owners and tourism leaders is crucial because it reminds visitors that the Indigenous people of this area are still here, thriving, and part of the cultural fabric of the community,” Reed said.
Reed was a featured presenter, sharing information about Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation to a group of 80-plus people from various businesses, organizations, and public agencies from throughout the South Coast region. Reed was joined by two other Oregon based tribes on the panel: Jared Schmidt, Coquille Indian Tribe, and Jesse Beers, Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians of Oregon.
The TSOC Network Conference brings regional tourism partners together to learn, build relationships, and find solutions to the challenges they face as an industry. TSOC hosted a tour of the area followed by a network reception on Monday evening. The next day included a full agenda of valuable insights, networking
opportunities, and collaborative sessions.
Reed said that sharing the Nation’s history, traditions, and presence ensures that its story is not only acknowledged but respected. It also leads to more meaningful and authentic tourism experiences, fostering cultural awareness and mutual respect.
“For businesses, this can create opportunities to build stronger connections with Indigenous communities, promote sustainable tourism, and offer visitors an enriched understanding of the land and its people,” she said.
Speakers who shared information about regional tribes at the conference included (left to right): Jesse Beers, Emily Reed, and Jared Schmidt.
TDN's Administrative Services Director Emily Read gives a presentation at the conference. Emily Reed meets with a fellow conference participant.
CH' EE-NVK-T'I
Welcome to the world!
Leo M. Lopez
We are happy to announce Leo M. Lopez, who was born at 12:51 p.m., January 9, 2025, at Oregon at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. Leo was born to Adrian and Lauren Lopez, who are both Tribal Citizens and employees of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. Leo weighted 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20 inches long.
Welcome to the world!
Kenai Sturgeon
We are so smitten to announce the birth of Kenai Sturgeon, who arrived healthy and precious on January 24, 2025, to Matthew Sturgeon and Tasheena Stowe. He is baby brother to eight siblings including Jazlynn, Paetynn and Karmynn. He is also the 15th grandchild of Florinda Salcedo, and grandson of Kevin Stowe, and Brett and Dawn Hester. He will undoubtedly be loved beyond measure!
Current Job Openings Employee of the month
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Office
Community Family and Wellness Department
Administrative Assistant II - Full Time
Project Specialist - Full Time
Community Development Department
Construction worker - Full Time/Temp
Planner III - Full Time
Human Resources Department
Generalist - Part Time
Tribal Employment Rights Office
Tribal Corps Youth Crew Lead - Full Time/Temp
Lucky 7 Casino
Bartender - Part Time
Fuel Mart Cashier - Part Time
Dishwasher - Part Time
Host/Server - Part Time
Soft Count Worker - Part Time
Casino Cashier - Full Time
Prep Cook - Part Time
Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department.Job descriptions and applications are available at www.tolowa-nsn.gov/jobs
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
(Title 25, USC, Section 472). If you are claiming Indian Preference, you must submit your Tribal documentation with your application.
Patricia Clayton Housekeeping (Community Development Department)
As our Housekeeper, Patricia is an incredibly hard working and self-motivated individual who takes great pride in her work. Her dedication to maintaining a spotless environment enhances our workplace and contributes to a more productive and positive atmosphere for everyone. She takes initiative to keep busy with an attention to detail along with a positive attitude make her more than deserving of this recognition. Congratulations Patricia and great job!
TANF and CCDF activities bring families together
Giving Hearts, February
On February 10, the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program, both of Community and Family Wellness, hosted a "Giving Hearts" family unity activity at Xaa-wan'K'wvt Hall Community Center.
"Having a giving heart can mean different things to different people, but for most of the participants it was to show kindness and love to others without expecting anything in return," said Maggie Wyckoff, TANF Program Technician.
Using their creative talents, participants created their unique giving sree-ye' (hearts) adorned with kind and inspiring words. Participants took their completed sree-ye' home to give to their loved ones.
The evening began with an opening prayer followed by ch'ee-tr'a~ (dinner). The evening continued with families listening to this month's story "Remember," written by Joy Harjo and beautifully illustrated by Michaela Goade. Each da'-ye' (family) received a copy of the min'-ch'v-ghvt-t'e'sr (book) to take home with them. At the end of the night, in appreciation for their participation, each da'-ye' (family) received a smudge kit with an abalone shell.
Protecting water, March
On March 10, families participated in a “Protecting Water with Watercolors” family unity activity at Xaa-wan'-K'wvt Hall Community Center.
"Our water warriors were inspired by "We Are Water Protectors!" and brainstormed fun ways to keep waters clean, like the "Tap Out!" idea to conserve water while brushing or washing," Wyckoff said.
Families expressed their creativity with watercolors and markers, creating art that showcased their relationship with water and their role in protecting it, with some even using large butcher paper for bigger masterpieces.
The evening began with an opening prayer followed by ch'ee-tr'a~(dinner). Afterward, families gathered around to listen and follow along with this month’s story “We Are Water Protectors” written by Carole Lindstrom, with beautiful illustrations by Michaela Goade. Each da'-ye' (family) received a copy of the min'-ch'v'ghvt-t’e’sr (book) to take home with them. At the end of the evening, in appreciation for their participation, each da'ye' (family) received an essential oil diffuser.
If you would like to join in future Family Unity Activity events, please register with the link provided on our flyers that are posted monthly on the Nation's social media sites and listed in the newsletter.
These activities are open to Native American/Alaskan Native families residing in our service area with at least one child under
the age of 18 living in the home.
Please contact Maggie Wyckoff for any questions about future Family Unity Activities at 707-487-9255 ext 1135; or send an email to maggie.wyckoff@tolowa.com.
— Submitted by Community and Family Wellness
Tasheena Cole and her daughter Paetynn.
Elena Sisneros, Rudy Lopez and his children Sri ge lush, Swele and Non yos te.
Tahnee Thomas and her children Casey and Gavin.
Angelique Sisson displays her watercolor paintings.
Tina Whipple-Hall and granddaughters Diane Hall-Richards and Angela Camacho.
Drugs
Continued from Page 1
He also touched on the impact that drugs have on Tribal youth and Tribal courts and Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court and TYP grantees.
As for drugs getting into Tribal communities, Cuestas explained that Mexican drug cartels and Chinese syndicates are in an ongoing race to control the distribution and market in the United States, taking advantage of rural and low-income areas lacking in law enforcement. That was particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a lack of law enforcement and manpower sent a “clear message” to drug-smuggling organizations, resulting in an unexpected growth in fentanyl and opioid making ingredients coming into the country.
“It is literally an invasion of the United States by outside forces who don’t care if their products are killing our children,” he said. “And technology has become a game changer in the last decade. From the cartels to the street dealers, they are all using (social media) apps to market and sell their drugs.”
To combat the increase in drug use among Tribal Citizens, Cuestas suggested:
•Create a Fentanyl Response Plan.
•Gauge access points and impacts on local youth.
•Access and survey the community and youth.
•Get input from Elders and local leaders.
•Enlist area and regional partners.
•Develop a targeted approach for each age group.
•Connect with existing regional resources. Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court Judge Richard Blake said Cuestas' presentation could not have been better.
"His powerful presentation provided information on drug identification, trends and much needed information.," Blake said. "His information provided staff and community members with up to date information and his interactive presentation was well received and on point."
Staff and children with the Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Early Learning Program enjoyed a field trip to the Smith River U.S. Post Office on February 26. The children toured the facility, sent letters to parents, and each child took home a coloring book given by Post Office staff.
2024 Annual Report now available!
The Nation's staff and Tribal Council members work together to ensure the day-to-day needs of our people are met, even when those needs are not always visible to the public. These efforts include protecting our land, advocating for policies that support economic development and cultural preservation, and managing vital resources that boost the sustainability of our community.
Learn more by reading our 2024 Annual Report, which Tribal Citizens can access online via the Citizens Portal at www.tolowa-nsn. gov.
Request a printed copy of the report by calling the Headquarters Office at 707-487-9255 and one will be mailed to you.
Baylee Abrams
Blair Anderson
Jonathon Andruss
Frank Ault
Kylie Baines
Rhyan Baines
Mar Dee Balswick
Charlie Barbee
Ashley Benson
Sterling Bergman
James Bommelyn
Guylish Bommelyn
Tasheena Bray
Edie Brundin
Charlie Brundin
Annemarie Brundin
Anastasia Brundin
MAA-XUSLH-GHALH
Ava Frantz
Lanche Frantz
Roxanne Fugate
Fletcher Gardner
Bo Gertsch
Matea Gillis
Joseph Giovannetti
Timothy Gochanour
Seth Gorbet
Darren Green
Darlene Hiner
Aaron Hodges
Brandon Hodges
Nicholas Hodges
Scarlett Hoiem
Freya Hoiem
Dale Hostler
Scott Howell
Lauren Isham
Kamikwe James
Juliana Jarvis
Tr'Vlh-Xee-Li' Hazel Campbell
Melody Campbell
Gentry Carpenter
Jace Castagnaro
Aliyah Cavalier
Tasheena Cole
Vivian Craddick
Angelina Daoheuang
Kenai Davis-Bodenstab
Eathan Dotterer
Mila Doyle
Shelby Eldredge
Elizabeth Engelking
Hannah Evanow
Brigette Finigan
David Fletcher
Lathan Fouts
Autumn Jeli
Sondra Jennings
Edward Jones
Chvski Jones-Scott
Jayden Joy
Alexander Joy
Travis Kahoalii
Khloe Kasinger
Wallace Keays
Kari Kelly
Alexis Kendrix
Juliet Kessler
Cara Kuhn
Cheyenne Laverty
Dylan Lee-Reidel
Hokw-Chek Lehr
Nekwel Lehr
Tamara Lewis
Edward Lopez
Russell Lopez
Luetta Lopez
Heather Lopez
Damien Lopez
Felicity Lopez
Payton Lunsford
Megan Macchione
Amelia Mahan
Jenna Martin
Daraxa Mattice
Zayn Mattingly
Michael Maynard
Lori McMahan
Brycen Mismash
Terri Mitchell
Olivia Mogess
Sandra Moore
Carlie Mouser
Cari Nelson
Sandra Netzel
Clayton Netzel
Jerod Newton
Aaron Norbury
Claire Norwood
Daylen Owen
Denise Padgette
Michael Payne
Jimmy Phillips
Lorie Piazza
Randi Pittman
April Pittman
Atticus Rasmussen
Breanna Richards
Kyriah Richards
Hannah Richards
Ayla Richards
Dawn Richards
Lisa Richmond
Thomas Richmond
Melania Salcedo
Harriet Sanders
Josie Scaglione
Tahnee Scott
Erin Scott
Clinton Smith
Aleah Smith
Ronald Smith
Mae Lenna Smith
Michael Smith
Nii-li Smith
Paul Stallard
Lukum Steinruck
Rose Stewart
Timothy Thornton
Ryan Timm
Cadence Travis
Neela Travis
Jasmin Tripp
Tannis Vickers
Brandy Voegeli
Levi Weber
Kevin Weeks
Marcella Wells
Cecelia Wetherell
Joni Wilburn
Cary Wilson
Brayden Wilson
Jaxon Wonnacott
Eleanor Woolfolk
Holly Workman
Gemma Wright
Aleena Wyland
Colt Yingling
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
Education Committee
5:30 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Monday of month
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Tuesday of month
Natural
5 - 7 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Tuesday of month
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Wednesday of month
a.m.
Nation Headquarters 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd. 2nd Wednesday of month
Housing Committee 5:30 p.m.
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Wednesday of month
House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month Fresh Food Giveaway Drive Through 12-3 p.m. 16450 Oceanview Dr.
TDN Headquarters building 4th Monday of month TERO Commission 5:30 p.m. TDN Headquarters building 4th Tuesday of month Culture Committee
Enrollment Committee 12:30 p.m.
Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation
12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd.
Smith River, CA 95567
