Suquamish Tribal Council meets April 15 & 24. Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN texts.
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets April 2 & 16, 9:30-11am at Suquamish Museum. Call Angela Brainerd at (360) 394-8652 for details.
Suquamish Warriors meet April 2 at 5:30pm at the Warriors Vet Center. Garage Sale Fundraiser April 5-7.
Suquamish Seafoods Board meets April 16. Call Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.
PME Board meets April 17. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@clearwatercasino.com for details.
Suquamish Museum Board meets April 18, 10am-noon at Museum. For info call (360) 394-8499.
Elders Council meets April 16, 2-4pm at Elders Lodge. Call (360) 394-8417 for details.
On the cover ...
Culture Night, April 3, 5-7 pm, House of Awakened Culture. Canoe awakening at beginning of event.
Family & Friends Spring Break, April 1-5. For info, contact Jana Mills at (360) 394-8576 or fandfcenter@suquamish.nsn.us.
Suquamish Language classes begin, April 9 at Old Tribal Center (OTC) on Sandy Hook Rd.
Culture Committee meets April 9, 1-3pm at OTC and online. To add to agenda or attend, email Katelyn Carper at kcarper@suquamish.nsn.us.
Indian Island Nettle Gathering with Traditional Foods & Medicine, April 16. Sign up by April 9. Email kcarper@suquamish.nsn.us.
Processing Nettle with Traditional Foods & Medicine on April 17. OTC Kitchen. For info, contact kcarper@ suquamish.nsn.us.
Lunchtime Forum on Legal issues, April 18 at noon. See ad on pg 9.
CKA re-enrollment deadline April 19 for returning students. For info email tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us.
Indigenous Music Concert at Benaroya Hall on April 19 features Suquamish youth. Free, but must register. See info on pg 6-7.
Inter-Tribal Parent Education Committee (ITPEC), April 30, 5-6:30pm at Little Boston or online at bit.ly/ SuqITPEC.
Renewal Powwow, April 26-28. See back page for info.
Coming up
Spring Cleanup May 2-June 23
Graduate Honoring: June 25, 5pm. Email your high school graduate’s info to Tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn. us and higher ed. graduates to Kchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us.
Canoe Journey to Puyallup: Suquamish hosting, July 28
Landing in Puyallup, July 31. Puyallup protocol, Aug. 1-5.
April Events at the Suquamish Museum
April 3-5, 9am - 4pm, Complimentary Bracelet-Making
April 13, FREE Museum Admission
April14, 10am-1pm, Beading Workshop with Jo Citlali
April 9, 3pm, Behind the Scenes Tour
April 17, 3pm, Book Reading: Tani’s search for the Heart by Keith & Chenoa Egawa.
April 17, 1-4pm, Object Identification
April 24 3pm-4:30pm. Family Game Night For more info or to register for any of our programs, call (360) 394-7105, or email jreynolds@suquamish.nsn.us
All are welcome to recovery meetings held Mon thru Fri., 6pm at the Wellness Center next door to tribal courts.
Mon: SMARTRecovery (starts April 11)
Tues: Wellbriety
Wed: Women’s Recovery
Thurs: Codependents Anonymous
Fri: Paddles Up! AA Meeting
Whenthe Ahousaht First Nations announced they would not be hosting Canoe Journey 2024 as previously announced, it didn’t take long for the Puyallup Tribe to step up. A journey centered on tribal youth will have a ceremonial landing in Puyallup on July 31. Protocol will be Aug 1-5, 9am-11pm, and there will be time slots assigned so people can tell their communities when they will be on the floor.
The Suquamish Cultural Resources Dept. decided to keep the Suquamish hosting to one day to allow resources needed to repair q’al’qaləxič, one of the tribe’s two cedar carved canoes. Hosting in Suquamish will take place on July 28 only. The Suquamish canoes plan to stop at Blake Island on July 29, reaching Puyallup for a soft landing on July 30.
Puyallup organizers estimate there will be 50-60 canoes and 5,000 people participating.
The focus of the 2024 journey will be on youth. At a Skippers meeting on March 17, Connie McCloud, Puyallup Heritage Division Manager, encouraged canoe families to put young people in positions of leadership during the journey. Her team will be offering a booklet on traditional teachings of the canoe, and plan a special ceremony for young people who participate.
“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a canoe family to support one another and teach our chil-
dren the positive roles and responsibilities of being on the canoe and traveling with the canoe family,” the organizers said in a statement.
Children live in a world that is moving fast, McCloud said. “We want to wrap the spirit of the canoe journey around these young people, and protect them, and we want them to carry on these ways.”
Including young people in foster care is a special priority, she said, including those who are outside the care of their community and culture. There’s a need to wrap their parents, too, and to heal our families, she said.
“We are looking forward to centering our Suquamish youth, even more so than we normally do,” said Tribal Council Treasurer Denita Holmes, who also heads Suquamish Cultural Events.
“You don’t have to be an experienced puller to go on journey — there will be practice sessions starting soon during Culture Nights,” Holmes said. “There are lots of ways to get involved, on the water and on ground crew.”
Youth and their families can
contact the Family and Friends Center at (360) 394-8576 to learn more. Adults can contact Denita Holmes at dholmes@suquamish.nsn.us.
Upcoming dates:
Suquamish canoes will be woken up on April 3 during Culture Night at the House of Awakened Culture. Practices will take place during Culture nights and on Sundays at 10am and Wednesdays at 5pm. The Canoe Family will meet next on April 29.
If you want to be notified of these and other events leading up to the Paddle to Puyallup, make sure you are signed up for SUN and have checked “Suquamish Canoe Family” at suquamish.nsn.us/ suquamish-updates-now.
Suquamish is invited to cold water training on April 20 to practice safety protocols and a skippers meeting on April 21 at Swinomish.
Muckleshoot will host a skippers meeting on May 19.
Email Eventvendors@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov to sign up as a vendor. Canoe family members will get priority as vendors.
By Sarah van Gelder
Over the March 16 & 17 weekend, more than 400 Suquamish citizens exercised their sovereignty as they convened for General Council 2024. The tribe’s annual pivotal event provided a platform for the Suquamish people to engage in the democratic process, hear reports from tribal government and business enterprises, and cast their ballots in the election of new Tribal Council members.
Amidst the backdrop of the stunning Salish Sea waterfront at Kiana Lodge, under the embrace of cherry blossoms and magnolias in full bloom, Suquamish citizens gathered to celebrate their heritage and shape the future of their tribe.
Azure Boure and Lorilee “Lori” Morsette were elected to Tribal Council, stepping into the roles previously held by Rich Purser and Sammy Mabe, who chose not to seek reelection this year.
In addition to welcoming new faces to the Tribal Council, the community also re-elected Luther “Jay” Mills, Jr. to his Council Member seat.
With a legacy of service dating back to 1984, Mills has been an integral part of the Tribal Council, serving in his current position since 2009.
Purser, Mabe, and Mills were honored for their dedicated service to the tribe during blanket wrapping ceremonies.
Both amendments to the Suquamish Tribe Constitution, one regarding enrollment eligibility and the other correcting minor typographical errors, were also approved by voters.
General Council also marked a significant milestone for 18 members of the tribal community. Those turning 55 this year were welcomed and honored as new Tribal Elders — a testament to the wisdom and experience they bring to the tribe as they transition into this esteemed role.
The atmosphere at Kiana Lodge was filled with celebration as Suquamish citizens came together to reaffirm their commitment to their culture, sovereignty, and community.
General Council 2024 served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Suquamish people as they continue to uphold their traditions and chart a course for the future.
By Jon Anderson
The Suquamish Elders Council met at Kiana Lodge on March 16, the morning of the first day of General Council.
Elders Council Vice-Chairman Jim Henry and Treasurer Charlene Renquist were both re-elected. Chairman Bill Stroud presided. Other members of the Elders Council are Secretary Tracy Tabafunda, Sergeant at Arms Troy Mabe, and members at large Dicki Johnson, Donna Sigo, and Kenneth Potts.
Bill Stroud reported that Elders trips are “back in the groove” with the pandemic over, noting the successful cruise to Alaska, trip to Hawaii, and staycation at the Clearwater Casino Resort during Chief Seattle Days.
The Elders Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month, and Stroud welcomed more participation by Tribal Elders.
Treasurer Charlene Renquist gave a financial report of the three funds administered by the Elders Council: Discretionary, Traditional Skills / Cultural, and the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA). Results of the Elders trip survey were announced. The two top choices were Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
Some highlights from the year included attendance at weavers’ conferences, the Elders honoring luncheon, participation by Elders in the conference of the National Indian Council on Aging, the holiday party, and the honoring of Betty Pasco by the Kitsap YWCA.
Elders Program Manager Della Crowell reported on the special events and services provided to El-
ders, including energy assistance, converting wood stoves to propane, foot care, and Meals on Wheels.
Elders Program Coordinator Melissa Lund spoke about statistics from the 2023 Elders Trips, including numbers of attendees and funds spent. Lund also announced that the winner of the 2023 Salmon Derby was Richard Belmont.
The Elders Program new part-time staffer Quel’isha Brealan-Bayes was also introduced. She is helping with transportation and other assistance as needed.
The new Elders fitness classes have been a big success, with Suquamish Elders challenging Port Gamble S’Klallam Elders to a chair volleyball showdown.
Elders event calendars are no longer being mailed. Crowell asked Elders to make sure their contact information is updated on the Tribe’s Suquamish Updates Now (SUN) system so events and news can be sent by email, text, and phone. Email addresses and phone numbers can be updated any time at the Tribe’s website: bit.ly/SUNupdate.
Chairman Leonard Forsman addressed the Council, noting concerns around erosion of the bank below the Elders Lodge and options for rebuilding the lodge in light of the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.
He also spoke of the tribe’s work during this ongoing climate crisis and urged support for the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which is being challenged by a voter initiative.
For Elders information, contact: Elders Council Secretary Tracy Tabafunda ttabafunda@comcast.net
Program Manager Della Crowell dcrowell@suquamish.nsn.us, or Elders Program Coordinator Melissa Lund Mlund@suquamish.nsn.us
ByJoseph Todd Agibinik
Roxanne Evelyn Cruver
Eric Wayne Glaze
Steven Lee Holt
Shelly Ann Immken
Adam Lee Jackson
Henry Theodore Jackson Jr
Tami Michele Jefferson
JoAnn Charlotte Joe
Elizabeth Sarah Lindell
Riley Edward Mcintosh III
Edward Aaron Midkiff Jr.
Cynthia Power
Sherry Angela Robles
Nanette Margaret Sanchez
Peggy Sue Snow
Lynn Doreen Swanson
Victoria Jean Welch
In the heart of Suquamish tradition lies a story as old as time itself—the tale of Creation. For Max Dawes, a 21-year-old Suquamish tribal member and senior at Cornish College of the Arts, the ancient story served as both muse and guide in a composition to be performed at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall on April 19.
Created in collaboration with Tribal Elder and storyteller Barbara Lawrence, Dawes will conduct his original symphony Creation with a 25-member orchestra drawn from north Kitsap’s Kids in Concert program. Also among those performing from tribal member households are: Elilai Abraham, Kylie Cordero, Amaya Lawrence, Dio Lawrence, Zac Mabe, Corrina Sigo, Everly Sigo, and Corrina Sigo, and Ana Villa.
From Guitar Hero to Creation maestro
Dawes’ journey into the world of music is as eclectic as it is inspiring.
Dawes was first drawn to music playing Guitar Hero when he was five years old, strumming along on the plastic guitar-shaped game controller to Black Sabbath and Jimi Hendrix with his family. He would soon take up playing a real guitar, learning chords and songs by watching YouTube videos. It wasn’t long before he was learning just about ev-
ery instrument he could get his hands on — bass, piano, drums, saxophone, and more.
By the time he was a sophomore at Kingston High School he was a blossoming musician and joined Kids in Concert, a free, after-school music education program, funded in part by the Suquamish Foundation.
After learning viola, Dawes wanted to write his own music, and the KIC staff connected him with a composition teacher and eventually helped with his enrollment into Cornish.
And then the pandemic hit. That’s when Dawes found himself drawn back to the timeless tale of Creation. The KIC staff had been searching for an original Native American composition, and the Suquamish Tribe’s Culture Committee gave them permission to commission Dawes to score the Creation story.
“It was still the height of the pandemic, so we stood out in my yard — at a safe distance — and he recorded me telling the Creation story,” recalls Barbara Lawrence. It was a daunting task to even consider translating the story into music, Dawes says. “But her storytelling inspired me.”
From there, Dawes spent months crafting his piece, listening to Lawrence’s words over and over again, usually with an instrument in hand, jotting the notes and melodies that emerged into a sheet music program on his computer.
He describes his method as “very workman-like. I couldn’t wait for inspiration to come to me. I had to just work at it every day,” Dawes explains.
He describes the composition as a reflection on “humankind’s place in nature. Because to me, that’s what the Creation story is about. How to live on the Earth. And how to live with the Earth.”
By the time he was done composing his piece, he hated it.
Creation is the story of how Creator makes the world — first the plant people, then the animal people, and finally the human people — and teaches them how be in the world. In her rendering of the story, it’s what Lawrence calls the “Original Instructions” — how to live and co-exist in a good way.
Creator gives the human people languages to help them remind each other of the Original Instructions. Creator asks the plant people and the animal people to help the humans as well. The plant and animal people agree, as long as the human people are thankful.
When he first listened to the playback of his finished composition on his computer program, Dawes thought it just fell flat.
“At first, I honestly didn’t like it,” says Dawes. But if music is a kind of language and thankfulness sparks the power of creative co-existence, Dawes soon found his composition hitting sweeter notes.
“When the kids played it, it just came to life for me. It all unlocked as real music that now exists in the world. I loved it. I was so thankful for them,
(Continued on p7)
Free Tickets for April 19 Concert
Free tickets to Potlatch Symphony, which will include Suquamish tribal member Max Dawes’ adaptation of the Creation story, among other Native American performances at Benaroya Hall, are available here: bit.ly/4afqV2L
Also among those performing are:
Elilai Abraham Narration
Kylie Cordero Cello, Narration
Amaya Lawrence Narration
Dio Lawrence Percussion, Narration
Zac Mabe Narration
Corrina Sigo Percussion
Everly Sigo Viola, Narration
Corrina Sigo Percussion
Ana Villa Bass
(Continued from p6)
and how well-suited they were at playing it.”
As the world began to emerge from the pandemic, the composition premiered with a performance at Kiana Lodge in the spring of 2022. And now, the composition will make its way to Benaroya Hall.
“It has been an amazing privilege to see Max grow as a musician and human over the years,” says KIC’s founder and Artistic Director Laura Milleson. “His boundless talent, curiosity, and dedication to life and music are inspiring, and I can’t wait to watch him conduct his composition at Benaroya!”
During a recent rehearsal with the Kids in Concert musicians, Dawes says he is filled with a mix of excitement and gratitude. This opportunity to conduct his composition in such a prestigious venue, alongside these talented musicians, feels like the hard work of creating and collaborating is paying off in ways that just feel right.
Dawes is thankful to be among the human people who have remembered the Original Instructions and who offer their own retelling of these teachings in a good way.
“It’s not surreal. It just feels like what we’ve been working towards. And I am so very thankful.”
By Jon Anderson
First in a new chain of outlets planned throughout Kitsap County
The Suquamish Tribe has begun construction in Poulsbo on the first in a new chain of “Clearwater Market” retail outlets.
Located at the intersection of Bond Road and Gunderson Road, the 7,700-square-foot facility marks the first business venture by the Suquamish Tribe outside the Port Madison Reservation.
The Poulsbo Clearwater Market will include a 5,000-square-foot convenience store with a 9-pump gas station, alongside a 2,700-squarefoot Agate Dreams cannabis store. Tribal business leaders expect to welcome the market’s first customers by the end of the year.
“We ask our ancestors for guidance when we do these things,” said Tribal Elder Peg Deam, offering a blessing at the groundbreaking. “I am thankful to our ancestors, our Elders, and especially our leaders at Tribal Council and PME for making the decisions that get us to events like to today.”
Considered a sign of blessing, a bald eagle flew overhead throughout the ceremony, which also included traditional songs offered by Suquamish Song & Dance.
“This is an important milestone for our tribe. We’ve come a long way to get to this point, dating from when we overcame many challenges just to get our first bingo hall open on the reservation,” said Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman. “We’ve worked hard over the years to create businesses offering quality services, good value, and a warm hospitality that reflects the spirit of
our people. Now, we are bringing all that to the wider community across our ancestral territory.”
Indeed, run by the tribe’s business arm Port Madison Enterprises, additional Clearwater Markets are planned in Silverdale and Bremerton, among other potential locations.
“We’re doing a lot at PME in terms of working really hard to extend our retail footprint into your ancestral homelands, reestablishing our presence out there in the community and to let folks know that this is your territory,” Port Madison Enterprises CEO Rion Ramirez told a gathering of tribal members and PME staff during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site.
“It is very exciting to go off the reservation,” said PME Chief Operating Officer and Tribal Council Secretary Irene Carper. She said she is looking forward to seeing Clearwater Market build on the brand and reputation of the tribe’s other enterprises that include the Clearwater Casino Resort, White Horse Golf Course, Agate Dreams cannabis stores, and three convenience store-gas stations, among others.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” said Forsman. “We’re looking forward to more of these to come.”
By Jon Anderson
Happy spring everyone! I look forward to our outdoor activities beginning soon as we emerge from the long winter.
This will be a busy year as we continue our efforts to provide governmental services to you while fulfilling our role as a sovereign government that protects our treaty rights and preserves our cultural traditions.
Thanks to all who attended the General Council meeting and set a record for voting participation. Congratulations to our two new council members, Azure Boure and Lorilee Morsette, and our returning council member Jay Mills. Thanks to Rich Purser and Sammy Mabe for their past service.
We continue to engage in government-to-government consultation with federal, state, and local governments as we fulfill our role as the tribal sovereign nation of this area.
The Suquamish and other tribes have been working for years to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) rescind its self-promulgated cultural resource regulations known as the “Appendix C procedures,” which have allowed them to avoid meaningful consultation on projects that impact sacred lands and other sites of importance to tribes. The USACOE held a webinar describing the process for rescinding the procedures, and we are looking forward to revisions that are supportive of tribal consultation and adequate tribal and state review of projects impacting our cultural resources.
Tribal Council members and fisheries staff met with Naval Base Kitsap leadership and staff regarding proposed upgrades at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. The project is still in its environmental review process, and this meeting was an opportunity for us to discuss the permitting schedule and the need for meaningful consultation regarding the impacts of the project.
Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong visited the Port Madison Reservation with his tribal liaison Michelle Gladstone (Suquamish) to discuss our priorities for growth, especially regarding climate change adaptation and provision of affordable housing. We gave a tour of the reservation, including the downtown shoreline. Thanks to the Elders Council for taking the time to say hello to the visitors during the tour.
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations met with Suquamish Police Deputy Chief Mark Williams and me to discuss their mission “to conduct thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigations of cases that involve police use of deadly force.” They were especially looking for input on how they should interact with future cases that might involve tribal police and tribal members. We described how we currently manage these cases and shed light on the complex jurisdictional issues on our reservation.
Washington State Parks is consulting with the Suquamish Tribe on their upcoming master plan for Blake Island State Park. During our preliminary meeting, we emphasized our strong cultural ties to the island and our need to have more access to the island for cultural activities.
The Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council held their monthly meeting in Bremerton focused on housing and mental health initiatives. The City of Bainbridge Island plans to build affordable housing at the site of the old police station near the ferry dock. The county Department of Human Services presented on the use of sales taxes to fund mental health treatment and emphasized the need for housing for our homeless community and those in recovery from substance abuse.
The climate challenge
Climate change and sprawl continue to be threats to our natural resources. The Suquamish Tribe’s Climate Change Workgroup is developing plans to reduce our nation’s carbon footprint. Options include installing solar panels on tribal buildings, providing heat pumps for homes, and installing electric vehicle chargers.
The supporters of the “NO on 2117” campaign met to discuss strategies for defeating a voter initiative that would overturn the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA provides funding for climate adaptation and alternative energy projects, including many in Indian country. Now is not the time to turn back! The CCA is a good first step in addressing the impacts of a warming planet.
The Whidbey Camano Land Trust hosted a tour of one of their recent land acquisitions near Coupeville on Whidbey Island. The 216-acre Keystone Farm and Forest Preserve protects nearly a mile of natural shoreline from commercial development. We look forward to working with the land trust and bringing groups to the site in the future.
We also hosted a tour of the lower Duwamish River for our consultants who are working on determining damages resulting from industrial development and pollution of the riparian habitat. Thanks to Suquamish Seafood Enterpris-
Tribal Council meets April 15 & 24. Watch for SUN alerts and Weekly Updates for details.
es, including crew members Tyler George and Cameron Lawrence, for taking us over on F/V Carriere.
The Suquamish Canoe Family provided a welcome at the World Fisheries Congress held in downtown Seattle in our ancestral territory. Our youth, singers, and dancers provided a traditional message of hospitality to the guests who traveled from all over the world to share strategies for sustainable practices to preserve fish stocks for their respective nations. Thanks to Cassy George for providing a Lushootseed greeting.
The Native America Calling radio program, broadcasting from the RES tribal economic development conference in Las Vegas, focused on tribal nations’ participation in international trade. I described our long experience in shipping geoducks to the Chinese market and how important this relationship is to our tribal economy.
Port Madison Enterprises held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Clearwater Market convenience store, cannabis store, and fuel station at the intersection of Bond and Gunderson roads.
This is the culmination of several years of work by PME and the tribal government to expand our business footprint in our ancestral territory. Thank you to the board and staff of PME for their hard work and to all who attended the ceremony.
I also attended PME’s celebration acknowledging the years of service of their dedicated employees. Congratulations to all of the anniversaries including Tribal Elder Lorraine Brice’s 35 years of service and Tribal Council Secretary and PME Irene Carper who has served at PME for 30 years.
The Chehalis Tribe hosted the Washington Indian Gaming Association meeting at the Lucky Eagle Casino. Staff provided updates on the 2024 legislative session and our efforts to promote the positive impacts of tribal gaming across the state. WIGA is sponsoring a new study of the economic impact of our operations on local and state economies.
Seattle leaders presented “The State of Downtown Seattle” at the Seattle Convention Center. This annual report focused on how the urban core of the city named after our great Chief is fairing economically and socially. City leaders highlighted efforts to combat homelessness and
drug addiction, and celebrated the progress being made in completing Waterfront Park.
The University of Washington continues to invite our collaboration on educational initiatives benefitting Indian students and the greater scholastic community. I had a great time sharing the history and culture of the Suquamish Tribe with an American Indian Studies class made up mainly of American Indian students from Pacific Northwest tribes.
The Board of Regents meeting last month was held at the University of Washington Bothell campus. There is a large population of crows that migrate to the Bothell campus each evening in the wintertime to roost in the trees near a restored marsh. Students presented their studies of the crows’ habits and why they migrate to this spot every night.
In addition to updates from the University, an alumni event was held for American Indian UW graduates at the Intellectual House. This was an opportunity for alumni to network, share stories and hear about progress being made at the UW to recruit and retain American Indian students.
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Executive Board held a retreat at their Portland office focused on the mission and vision of the organization. We discussed investments in our staff and our new embassy to better serve the needs of the member tribes.
Our executive director and Maintenance Department led a tour of the grounds at Lake Leland for Tribal Council to determine the repairs needed to prepare the buildings and grounds for overnight stays. We expect improvements to be made in time for the early summer season.
Many thanks to Suquamish Police Chief Mike Lasnier for his time heading up our law enforcement division. A going away event for Mike was held in the Tribal Council chambers where his fellow officers and other tribal government staff thanked him for his leadership.
We also held an event to acknowledge Comptroller Dee Ann Simpson from the Finance Department for her years of service to the Suquamish Tribe. Many thanks to Dee Ann as well for helping us manage our budgets over years of expansive growth at the Suquamish Tribe.
And we said goodbye to IT Director Aaron Wheeler, who was appointed by Gov. Inslee to direct the Washington State Broadband Office within the Department of Commerce after 18 years with the Suquamish Tribe.
I also had the pleasure of attending opening day of the North Kitsap Little League where the leadership honored the late Roger Contraro and his family for their volunteer work. Roger and his family have worked on maintaining the roads around the ballpark for many years for no charge. Phil Contraro threw out the ceremonial pitch to open the season.
By Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe Chairman THE SUQUAMISH
Are you prepared for a tsunami? The stories of Elders and geologists’ research agree – Puget Sound could experience a major tsunami if there is a major earthquake.
“If you are near the shoreline and the ground starts shaking, immediately drop, cover, and hold on. Once the shaking stops, immediately get to high ground and stay there until informed that it is safe to return,” says the Suquamish Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Following this advice can save lives in the critical moments following an earthquake.
Where to go after the shaking stops
What is the best evacuation route to take once the shaking stops? To answer that question, the OEM worked with state emergency planners on a tsunami preparedness plan for the Port Madison Reservation.
The OEM identified areas within the reservation at risk for tsunami impacts and began raising awareness of the hazards and of ways to reduce impacts.
Installing tsunami warning signs was a key part of that effort. Traditional Suquamish knowledge and Elders’ stories informed the placement of the signs showing evacuation routes. These signs
both serve as a reminder of the tsunami risks and provide guidance on the best evacuation routes.
The next steps for the OEM are to develop comprehensive evacuation plans and to continue engaging with the community on tsunami risks and preparedness.
By Jennifer MarslandFor more earthquake and Tsunami preparedness info, including a video simulation, scan the QR code.
What to do If you are on a boat when an earthquake strikes?
When an advisory or warning is issued, the US Coast Guard broadcasts it on VHF channels 13, 14, and 16.
If you are on land, tied up at a dock, or nearshore, leave your vessel and evacuate inland to high ground. You do not have time to save your vessel and could die trying to do so.
If you are OFFSHORE, you might:
• Feel shaking through the hull of your vessel
• See a rapid or extreme shift in currents and changes in wind wave heights.
If you are far out on the water:
• Head out to deep water
• Proceed perpendicular to the shore
• Sail directly into waves, keeping in mind that wind waves opposed by tsunami currents will be amplified
• Maintain separation from other vessels.
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Terry
Suquamish fishers gathered at the Chief Kitsap Academy Commons on March 5 to hear from the Treaty Protection staff about fishing and shellfish harvesting in the coming months.
The big news is that revenue from Manila clams was significantly higher in 2023 than in past years, according to Shellfish Program Manager Viviane Barry, Geoduck fisheries have declined in recent years as quotas have been reduced to assure sustainable harvest for the coming decades.
Models from the 1990s, which were built on limited data, had shown recovery of an average harvested tract throughout Puget Sound could happen within 39 years.
Today’s evidence shows full recovery can take up to 80 years depending on the tract. Geoduck are long-lived, and recovery data takes decades to accumulate after each harvest.
Now, with more data about recruitment rates across different regions, biologists are better able to determine sustainable harvest rates.
Over the next three to four years, quotas for both state and tribal harvest will remain low until the fishery reaches a sustainable level.
One factor that will help increase harvest
opportunities in 2024: because of closures related to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in 2023, unused pounds from 2023 will be released for harvest in 2024.
Meanwhile, shellfish biologists continue to research crab populations, including the invasive green crabs, which so far have not been found at monitored sites at Doe-Kag-Wats and in Dyes Inlet.
They are also researching propagation of cockles, sea cucumbers, oysters, manila claims, and geoduck. See the 2024 General Council Handbook for additional information.
On the fin fish side, Marine Program Manager Samantha Rae reported a decrease in total revenue and total catch in 2023 due to decreased salmon prices, increased operational costs, reduced effort, and low returns of fish.
One bright spot is that Chum returns are forecasted to be higher this year compared to last year in the A10 zone east of Seattle.
A bit of bad news is that due to budget cuts there will not be a fisheries incentive program this year for the Elliott Bay Coho fishery.
By Sarah van GelderThe Suquamish Tribe, and other area tribes, have long objected to net pen aquaculture because of the impacts on water quality and native fish runs.
The Department of Natural Resources canceled net pen leases in state waters in 2022, saying “there is no way to safely farm fish in open sea net pens without jeopardizing our struggling native Salmon.”
Cooke Aquaculture had appealed the ruling, but on March 15, DNR announced that Cooke had dismissed its own appeal of the decision at Rich Passage and Hope Island.
Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman said, “Removal of the Rich Passage and Hope Island net pens was an important step, and it is good to see Puget Sound now permanently free of these obstacles to healthy fish runs.”
“We said loud and clear that our marine life, our state lands, our communities, and our Tribes are too important to risk for corporate profit,” said DNR Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz.
What a busy month we have had!
Congratulations to Marilyn and Gene Jones for a milestone of 50 years of marriage on March 16. They celebrated at the S’Kallam Longhouse, surrounded by their loving family and friends.
Congratulations also go out to Mark Lewis, who retired from PME in March. He has entered a new chapter of life, every day is a Saturday, and he can now throw away that darned alarm clock.
With much sadness, we send LeAnne Niluka and Rick Sigo much love for the loss of Bruce Lee, their beloved dog. Rest in Peace “lil” Bruce. You will be missed.
We are so lucky to have an award-winning master pie maker working for our Suquamish Tribe — yes, own Tom Curley.
Tom shared his secret pie crust recipe. We learned it is all about the type of flour and white vinegar. Tom then taught us how to make Sour Cream Apple pies. They were so yummy! Thank you, Tom!
We also send a huge thank you to Kim Kumpf and her Fisheries staff for the deer and elk giveaway. We can’t wait to cook it up.
There were many Elders who visited us during General Council from the following states: New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas, Kansas, California, Oregon, Ohio, and Arizona.
The Elders Council, an advisory committee, gave a very informative presentation during the 2024 General Council.
The highlight of their meeting was the vote to become their own non-profit. We had some ladies whose birthdays fell during General Council, Dickie Johnson and Kippie Joe. We wish them many more trips around the sun!
Sending out our love and raising our hands for those Elders who are not feeling well. Better health to everyone.
Spring has sprung, we are looking forward to the first flower buds and April Showers.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again,
By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund Suquamish Tribe Elders Program
Welcome to April and the coming of spring with rain, flowers, and hopefully more sunshine. I have finished my transcribing and am looking forward to starting new interviews. We have some interesting things to talk about. Bremerton is looking into history and would like to have us talk with families about their knowledge of the area and assist with this project. Please contact me at mjones@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8526 for more information about this project.
We are bringing home Ancestors for reburial. I will give you updates as to the dates and times for the ceremonies for these Ancestors when we have them set.
I am wondering if I should send for gathering permits for sweet grass this year or not? The past few years it seems as if no one has been gathering as I have not received any reports back on who went and how much was gathered. If you wish for me to apply for a permit for you, please contact me and I will send it. If I do not hear from anyone, I will not apply for permits this year. You are on your own to gather and report back the amount you gather each year. Gathering is from April through September.
I would like to thank everyone that was able to attend our 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration in Little Boston on March 16. My sons and niece and all the folks that helped with the planning, setup, clean-up, and cooking did such a wonderful job. Gene and I enjoyed all of you that brought the great food to share and the stories about how long you all have known us. It made for a very memorable day! Again, we can’t thank you all enough!
By Marilyn Jones Traditional Heritage Specialist
Watch the SUN Weekly Update and May Suquamish News for details.
Contact the Suquamish Tribe Wellness Center at (360) 394-7139 or (360) 394-8558. For 24/7 help, info, and referrals, call or text the WA State Helpline 1-800-547-6133.
There is hope. There is help.
Kitsap Public Health District released a Health Advisory on Feb 29 with an update on measles activity. Per Healing House Primary Care physician Dr. Kristine Ewing, here are the four main takeaways:
1. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is on the rise due to decreases in vaccination.
2. Measles is characterized by a rash following the onset of fever, cough, runny nose, and pink eye.
3. If you have these symptoms, wear a mask, isolate from others, and call your doctor for guidance on how to be evaluated.
4. MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles after one dose, and 97% effective after two doses.
To read the full advisory, visit the Kitsap Public Health District website.
Suquamish youth playing in Kitsap County Pee Wee Association and winter Parks & Recreation leagues finished their season strong with winning records and each team making the playoffs. Suquamish Sports & Recreation had over 80 youth playing, from 5 to 13 years of age.
Our season began in mid-December and finished the last week of March, with games played six days a week. The Kitsap County league playoffs ran March 12-23. Three of the four teams finished in first place.
The Boys AA (9-0) 13 U, Boys A (9-0) 12U, Girls C (8-1) 10U and the Boys C (6-3) 10U all tied for 2nd place.
The EE teams don’t keep records because they are part of an instructional league, but the youth all showed great improvement as the season
progressed.
The teams playing in the Parks & Rec League also all had winning records and played well all season.
Look for updates on playoff action in next month’s Suquamish News.
Many of our youth are playing baseball/softball in NK Little League. We will also be facilitating play for the spring Parks & Rec Basketball League.
Please contact any Sports & Recreation staff for more information at craigmiller@suquamish.nsn. us, mturrieta@suquamish.nsn.us, or wchiquiti@ suquamish.nsn.us.
By Craig MillerSuquamish Fitness Center trainers now offering personalized plans for all levels
The friendly Fitness Center staff are offering personalized fitness training plans drawn for anyone in the tribal community interested in improving their health and wellbeing. All levels are welcome, and we will meet you where you are at today.
Youth on Spring Break are welcome to come in on April 2 for a fitness assessment from multiple trainers and coaches during the following times:
Girls - 10:30-11:30am
Boys - Noon-1:30pm
Call (360) 394-7142 or text (360) 979-6942 to sign up. Snacks will be served afterwards. If those times don’t work, you can schedule an appointment at a different time.
Why get a personalized fitness assessment?
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I can’t lift those weights. I’m not that strong enough. I’m too small. There’s no way I can run that far, or I’m way to uncoordinated and clumsy,” I am here to tell you all that is false.
Most of the time, you just need to get back to basics. Get to know your body. Build a balanced relationship between the center of gravity and your base support. Feed and fuel your body with what it needs.
The fitness industry usually focuses on muscu-
lar strength, but they often miss the steps needed to build balance, stabilization, and mobility. It is important to exercise your neural skill to build balance, body control and awareness. For example, standing on one leg requires neural skill training, versus holding a plank, which requires muscular strength.
All body types are different. There is no one-sizefits-all plan that works for everyone. Our trainers and coaches will help build a plan just for you, so can excel in not only the gym, but in life!
As the weeks progress, we will continue to meet with you to modify your program and elevate your balance, mobility, endurance and strength.
By Kaui’lani N Lawrence
April 1
Awner Gronlund
Erica Cardiel
Kal-a-Kwah-te Deam
April 2
James Henry Jr.
Lanikai Bagley
April 3
Dawn Adams
Dennis Clark
Willow Manley
April 4
Cori Silvey
Faith Morton
Jordan Baldwin
April 5
Lynn Swanson
Savannah Hill
April 6
Leslie Crowell
Shayla Sigo
April 7
David Watson
Jalysha Covarrubias
Jean Belmont
Katelynn Pratt
Michael Zaiss
Randi Smith
Veronica Rhodes
April 8
Ashley Bradley
Felix Rhodes
Jody Miller
April 9
Breanna Crenna
Martin Parkinson
Robert Cordero
Rosemary Deam
Serene Williams
April 10
Clae-wha-ah Williams
Maxwell Dawes
Samantha Webster
Sea-ots-ton Jones Jr.
April 11
King Stewart
Kyah Pugh
Niccola Armstrong
April 12
Kaikumi Rosario
Tara Witcher
Tracy Iseminger
Trishandra Pickup
April 13
Anthony Forsman
Brenda Vogel
Jonathan Morsette
Modoulamin Suso
Patricia Ostenberg
Tess Cordero
April 14
Alfred Youngblood Jr.
Anthony Baldwin
Chal-chee-quin Williams
Kira Purser
April 15
David Adams
Kathryn Sandoz
April 16
Chelsea Jones
Marcus Eller
Mila Bagley-Morsette
April 17
Genevieve Molina
April 18
Michael Chee
Sierra Jackson
April 19
Connor Maloney
Merle George
April 20
Kelly Melson
April 21
Ariella Valenica
Denise Pezzanite
Erika Pugh
James Wilson
Michelle Kerns
April 22
Daria Whitney
Ebony Neal
Jacob Hill
Mark Crowell
April 23
Cathy Kimmel
Nicholas O’Brien
Ralena Maloney
April 24
Cameron Younger III
Henley Wilson
Teri Bayes
Travis Silvey
April 25
Aleia Talmadge
Christopher Purser
Hi-Ya-Ton Williams
Jayden Cordero
Jesse Silvey
Lea McMillan Jr.
Sophia Hirschy
Steven Anderson
April 26
Destiny Campana
Gabriel Reynolds
Joseph Bagley
Makayla Featherston
April 27
Jesse Ives
April 28
Enoch Scheer
Lee Berlin
Misty Sigo
Timothy Aslakson Jr.
April 29
Andrew Jackson-Nickel
Dylan Jackson
Edward Schaefer
William Lawrence
April 30
Alizay Boyd
Christopher Beckwith
Renee Hommel
Guess Who?
This is who! (from p9)
Miya Smith, Ah Nika
Leesh Chiquiti, and Celia Williams. Chief Seattle
Days is held every year on the 3rd weekend of August.
Golden Age 55+ and Adult 18-54
1st $500 2nd $350 3rd $175
Teen 13-17
1st $300 2nd $225 3rd $150
Junior 7-12
1st $200 2nd $125 3rd $75
Specials Dance Specials throughout the weekend
Men’s Chicken Dance Special DRUM Payouts for the first Ten Drums
Minimum 4 Singers
Hand Drum Contest
1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $75
Tekamthi Saluskin DANCE
Sobriety Honoring FREE Open to Public Head Judge
