Suquamish News - June 2023

Volume 23

In this issue:

Marching for MMIWP – p4

Turning Passion into Purpose

Fisheries warriors retire – p5

CKA Coastal Jam – p10

Suquamish Youth Council brings pride at ATNI – p7

Chief Seattle Days is back and more Coastal than ever – p8

Suquamish Elders share their bucket lists – p13

Community Calendar

Meetings

Elders Council meets at the Elders Lodge third Tuesday of the month, 2-4pm. Contact Della or Melissa at (360) 394-8417 for details.

Suquamish Tribal Council meets June 1, 14 & 26. Agenda and links sent via Weekly Update & SUN Texts.

PME Board Meets June 14 at 9am. Contact Emily Sato at emilysato@ clearwatercasino.com by 5pm the day prior for WebEx link if you would to attend virtually

Suquamish Museum Board meets the third Thursday of every month at 10-11:30am at the Museum Education Room. For more info contact (360) 394-8499.

Suquamish Seafoods Board meets online June 13. Contact Shanel Carlson at (360) 394-8512 for details.

Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets June 13 & 27 at 9:30-11am at Suquamish Museum. Contact Angela Brainerd (360) 394-8652 for details.

Suquamish News

Suquamish Warriors meets on the first Tuesdays of the month at 5:30pm at the Suquamish Warriors Vet Center. For more information, contact Bill Gemmell (360) 536-0007.

Community Events

Fireworks Season for 2023

Summer Season: May 26-July 9. New Year’s season Dec 20-Jan 3

Suquamish Museum 40th Anniversary Event is on June 3 at 11am. Lunch, cultural demonstrations & raffles. All are welcome. (See back cover for details.)

An Evening with Calina Lawrence, singer, poet, activist, caregiver. June 14 at 5pm. Stories of transition and adaptation. House of Awakened Culture. (See back cover.)

Wisdom Warriors meets June 14 at 2pm, Tribal Council Chambers. Azure will teaching about summer berries and Amber Winemiller, RN will be leading a hands-on health literacy activity.

Giveaway Workshops for Canoe Journey continue through June 11am-6pm at Old Tribal Center

15838 Sandy Hook Rd. Open to all.

Suquamish Graduate Honoring, June 27 at 5pm, House of Awakened Culture. Celebrate our 2022-2023 High School, GED, and College graduates! June 13 is the deadline for submissions.

Coming Up ...

2023 Annual Canoe Journey

July 23–28, Suquamish Canoe Family paddles from Lummi to Suquamish July 28–29, Suquamish hosting July 30, Muckleshoot landing. To volunteer for the canoe journey sign up at https://bit.ly/STCJvolunteer or point your phone camera at this QR code.

On the Cover

Chief Seattle Days — Open to all! August 18, 19, and 20. Coastal sharing. Gravesite ceremony. Sla-Hal. Salmon bake. Races, Teen dance. Tournaments and more! Vendor applications Tribal members only through July 13; open to all through Aug. 11. Visit https://bit.ly/CSD_2023 for details and updates.

Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392

Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us

Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392-0498

Letters should include the writer’s full name, address, and home telephone and may be edited for clarity and space.

All photo submissions must be made in JPG or PDF form, with resolution of 300 dpi or more.

Suquamish tribal member Dakota Standley’s basketball prowess and hard work won him a full scholarship with Olympic College Rangers. (See page 3.) Photo by Jon Anderson.

Suquamish Tribal Council

Leonard Forsman Chairman

Josh Bagley Vice-Chair

Irene Carper Secretary

Denita Holmes Treasurer

Rich Purser Member

Sammy Mabe Member

Luther Mills, Jr. Member

Production Staff

Leonard Forsman Editor-in-Chief

Catherine Edwards Executive Editor

Sarah van Gelder Managing Editor

Jon Anderson News Editor

JoAnn Joe Photography/Design

Georgia Browne Layout and Design

Editorial Policy

Publishers of the Suquamish News reserve the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Suquamish Tribe. As such, we reserve the right to refuse to print any letter, for any reason.

strictly prohibited.

Dakota Standley signs with OC Rangers

Passion and purpose fuel Suquamish b-ball player’s dream journey to college

also wanted to stay close to home where my biggest support is.”

Passion and purpose

“I’m not surprised at all,” says Turrieta, who coached Standley in Suquamish youth league basketball through 8th grade. “I’ve known for years he was going to do well in this sport. He’s just completely dedicated.”

Turrietta recalls that when Standley first started to develop as a player, some of the other kids poked fun at him for how hard he worked at the game. “Look who’s laughing now,” she says.

Standley wasn’t always thankful for how hard she pushed him.

Catching a head start

“My advice to anyone is to get a head start in whatever you’re trying do,” he says. “Go early, stay late, put in the hard work, and your time will come.”

That’s why a few months ago, well before he was offered the scholarship, he started working out and training with the OC basketball team three times a week and late into the night.

Drawing on a habit of always trying to play pickup games against people who were older and better than him, he knew getting in training reps at the college level would help him get a leg up. So, after an open training event at OC, he asked the coach if he could keep coming.

Suquamish tribal member and Kingston High School senior Dakota Standely remembers playing his very first basketball game like it had just happened.

Just seven years old, Standley was on the bench during a community league game in Bremerton when Suquamish Sports & Recreation Coach Maggie Turrieta suddenly turned to him and said, “Get in there!”

“I was super nervous and super scared, but I stood my place. And I loved it,” he says. He didn’t score a point that game, or make any big plays, but “that game was when I knew that basketball was my thing.”

Fast forward 11 years, and perhaps it’s no surprise that Standley helped lead the Kingston Buccaneers as one of their top players, often scoring more than 20 points per game. Wrapping up his high school basketball career, he made the cut to join the West Sound All-Star Games in March, where he was the leading scorer with 13 points and won the three-point title.

His tenacity on the court didn’t go unnoticed by Olympic College coaches, who offered him a full scholarship to play for the OC Rangers.

“I’m excited and pumped,” says Standley. “I’ve been waiting for a long time to play at the next level, but I

“I remember as a little kid, I thought she was mean,” he said. “But as time went on, I realized she was pushing me because of what she saw in me. She’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.”

The athlete also credits his grandparents — Michelle Brown and Joe Bethea — his mom Samantha Brown, and “the support of everyone around me for helping me pursue my dream.”

It’s a dream, he says, that benefited him in surprising ways.

On becoming better

“Basketball has taught me how to be a better person. If you treat the game with love, it will teach you a lot, both on and off the court. It will bring you great friendships. It will bring you discipline,” says Standley.

That discipline, of course, is key for any athlete. But it’s become a multiplier across many facets of his life.

“I used it to stay focused in school, doing all my homework, making sure my regimens are tight — my schedule, my planning, my nutrition, and what I’m putting in my body. It’s all better because of what I’ve learned from basketball.”

These are lessons he thinks anyone can learn, if they apply themselves.

“Playing at the college level doesn’t come easy — you’re playing against much bigger, better, rougher opponents. I knew I needed to catch a head start, because — wherever I was going to go to school — the season was going to start pretty soon. I wanted to get ready so that when the time came, I wouldn’t be nervous like I was in second grade. I’d be ready to jump in and get to work.”

By Jon Anderson

Photo by JoAnn Joe

Suquamish remembers loved ones; calls for action on MMIWP

May 5 was a solemn day in Suquamish, but one filled with determination. The Tribal Council had earlier responded to a request from Chief Kitsap Academy students and declared May 5 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Day.

The day started with a march through the rain, led by families who had lost a family member and CKA drummers and singers. The march ended at the House of Awakened Culture, where the Suquamish Integrated Victim Services hosted, led by Nina Old Coyote. Chief Kitsap Academy students offered opening words in Lushootseed.

Many dancers and singers presented. Families of missing and murdered loved ones spoke of their loss and their pain, and called for action.

MMIWP is commemorated on May 5 because that is the birthday of Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, who was only 21 years old when she went missing after visiting Lame Deer, Montana, to see July 4 fireworks. Her family reported her missing. Her body was later found – she had been beaten and raped.

The red handprint that is a symbol of MMIWP began in 2019 when Jordan Marie Daniel (Kul Wicasa Lakota) dedicated her 2019 run in the

Boston Marathon to 26 missing or murdered indigenous women. The red handprint symbolizes the silencing of Indigenous women.

Nearly half of all Native American women — 46 percent — have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Department of Justice. One in three Indian women will, at some point in her life, experience rape. These numbers are among the highest in the United States.

In a thank you to all who assembled to commemorate the day, Suquamish Court Director Alexis Anderson said, “Our hands go up to you all for your participation and support!”

By Sarah van Gelder

Photos by Sarah van Gelder and JoAnn Joe

Suquamish Tribe bids farewell to retiring fisheries warriors Rich Brooks, Tom Ostrom, and Mike Huff

TheSuquamish Tribe recently honored three retiring fisheries staffers who have dedicated their careers to protecting the Salish Sea and upholding the tribe’s treaty rights.

Chairman Leonard Forsman expressed his gratitude to Rich Brooks, Tom Ostrom, and Mike Huff for their lasting contributions:

“They have fiercely advocated for protection of our treaty rights through restoration of our fisheries habitat, improvement of the quality of our ancestral waters, and enhancement of salmon runs,” Forsman said. “The recertification of clam beaches at Dyes Inlet and Liberty Bay, the improvement in salmon harvests in our terminal areas, and the removal of the culverts on Chico Creek are just a few examples of how Tom, Rich, and Mike have improved opportunities for our tribal people to exercise their culture.”

Rich Brooks - 32 years doing what others said couldn’t be done

Rich Brooks, who joined the Suquamish Tribe in March 1991, has served as watershed management specialist, environmental program manager, and natural resources director. Rich led the work that resulted in the re-opening of large sections of Dyes Inlet for shellfish harvesting. He won a change in federal regulations that now require the military to consult tribes on Superfund sites.

“He was told he could never do it,” Rob Purser noted. “That was probably their first mistake! This change affects every Indian tribe in the nation,” he said.

Brooks was also the tribe’s lead on winning the return of Old Man House Park to the Suquamish Tribe. “When the state showed interest in returning the park, the opposition seemed too great. We didn’t think it would happen,” said Purser.

“That park is the ancestral home of Chief Seattle and will always be part of us,” he said.

Brooks also negotiated the three-way exchange that resulted in the tribe regaining the tidelands in front of the old Tribal Center. These are just some of the complex environmental and governmental challenges Brooks took on within the Suquamish Tribe’s Usual and Accustomed areas. His diplomatic approach, persistence, and commitment to protecting treaty rights gained

the trust and respect of colleagues and agencies, allowing him to accomplish wins for the tribe that others thought impossible. “We are forever grateful for his loyalty and contributions to the Suquamish Tribe,” Human Resources Director Jamie Gooby said. “Our hands are up to him.”

Tom Ostrom - 22 years of sometimes unpopular stances in support of treaty rights

Tom Ostrom, a Yale University graduate and a fisheries biologist hired by the tribe in April 2001, worked his way up to salmon recovery coordinator, salmon recovery program manager, and ecosystem recovery program manager. He played a key role in the restoration of Chico Creek, a jewel of a watershed, especially important for miles of salmon spawning habitat. Much of that habitat had been blocked by culverts and other fish blockages. With the replacement of the culvert at the mouth of Chico Creek by a new SR 3 bridge and the new bridge at Kitty Hawk, many miles of spawning habitat are becoming accessible to migrating salmon.

He successfully navigated the mitigation of habitat loss caused by the Navy’s Pier B project. The Navy has now recognized that consulting the tribe is a requirement in projects of this kind.

Ostrom was also involved in an unprecedented effort to restore eelgrass near Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island off the Milwaukee Docks. Eelgrass provides habitat for juvenile salmon and steelhead, and the project won an award from the NOAA Restoration Center.

He was willing to say things that weren’t popular — for example that the Clearwater Casino, then in planning stages, should have a multi-story, expensive parking garage, rather than paving over acres of land and habitat as others were doing. “Now every casino wants them,” Purser said.

“Our Suquamish Natural Resources has always been way ahead,” he added. When fisheries staff challenged projects that damaged fish and shell-

fish habitat “people would get upset with our staff and want them fired,” Rob Purser pointed out. “To me, that meant they were doing their jobs!”

“We thank Tom for his self-motivation, and for being a pro-active leader who supported the Suquamish Tribe’s work of protecting and enhancing fishery resources, aquatic habitat and water quality,” said Jamie Gooby.

Mike Huff – 21 years doing whatever needed to raise juvenile salmon

With his 24/7 work managing hatcheries over his 21 years with the Tribe, Mike Huff aimed to ensure there were salmon available to tribal fishers. Despite budget constraints and challenging circumstances, Mike kept the hatcheries at Gorst and Grovers Creek operational and helped revitalize the Agate and Elliott Bay delayed release net pens, which are helping raise survival rates from 1 percent of fish released to 7-14 percent returns. His support of research on stormwater impacts, tire dust pollution, and algal blooms have shed light on critical factors impacting salmon survival and informed policy changes.

Mike Huff began working with the Suquamish Tribe in July of 2001 as a salmon enhancement biologist. he had previously worked with other tribes, and readily took on job duties that includ-

Chairman’s Report

Many of the companies attending are from the oil industry but are now converting to offshore wind turbines, both fixed and floating. Fixed turbines are on a piling drilled into the seafloor while floating are anchored to the sea bottom and can be used in deeper waters.

We met with the ambassador to Denmark, Alan Leventhal, who spoke to us about the importance of reducing dependence on fossil fuels to ensure energy security, noting the war in Ukraine as an example of why we need to convert to green energy.

We also visited the ports of Esberg and Hvide, which have converted to constructing and servicing offshore wind turbines.

Here in Washington state, there are concerns about the possible impacts of wind turbine development on fisheries, marine sanctuaries, and cultural resources, including viewsheds.

of Engineers Seattle District Commander.

Commissioner Charlotte Garrido arranged a meeting with Kitsap Community Resources Director Tony Ives and Bainbridge Island Mayor Brenda Fantroy-Johnson to discuss affordable housing and mental health services to our constituents in need.

WIGA held their monthly meeting at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Our first order of business was to interview tribal leaders about sovereignty as part of WIGA’s public education initiative. Our business meeting focused on the upcoming meeting of the Washington State Gambling Commission and our strategy for protecting tribal gaming in Washington.

Ihadthe unique opportunity to travel as part of a state delegation to the United Kingdom and Denmark to study offshore wind and green energy.

The delegation included people from the ports of Seattle and Everett, the state and King County labor councils, a local shipyard, Snohomish County, the governor’s office and the Department of Commerce.

The purpose of the trip was to see if there are local opportunities to service the massive supply chain necessary for construction and operation of coastal turbines as the new California offshore wind industry takes off.

Our first stop was at the Port of Aberdeen, Scotland, which has set the goal of becoming the first net-zero carbon port in the U.K. We were supposed to visit an operating offshore wind farm, but 6 meter high seas made the trip unsafe. We did meet with staff from the Port of Aberdeen, which is the oldest business in the U.K. established in 1136, who spoke about the growth of wind projects off their coast as they transition from supporting oil rigs.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, we met with Carbon Trust, which “advises businesses, governments, and the public sector on transitioning to a low carbon world.”

In Copenhagen, we attended the 2023 WindEurope convention on the future of offshore wind.

There are not any feasible sites in the Salish Sea at this time, so the delegation mostly focused on how the local economy might benefit from being part of the supply chain for building, storing, and servicing out-of-state wind farms.

We also are looking at the wind industry as a global solution to reducing climate change by reducing the need to burn fossil fuels. There are many questions to answer as impacts are measured against the benefits.

Back home in Suquamish

Chief Kitsap Academy and the Suquamish Tribal Court Victim Advocate Program organized and led a march through downtown Suquamish to the House of Awakened Culture in recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Awareness Day. The march was a great expression of our tribal culture and values. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped spread the word about this public safety challenge.

The Puget Federal Leadership Task Force was established at a gathering at the House of Awakened Culture in May. The purpose of the task force is to protect the waters and marine resources of Puget Sound under a new section of the Clean Water Act. EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller chaired the meeting, which was attended by multiple federal agencies along with Rep. Derek Kilmer and Col. Xander Bullock, Army Corps

The Suquamish Tribal Shellfish program held their annual meeting to acknowledge and educate tideland owners who work with the Tribe as we harvest our treaty share of shellfish on their tide-

land property. Our shellfish biologists took the opportunity to answer questions from the owners and recruit others into the program.

An economic development delegation from Central and South America visited Suquamish to enjoy a traditional meal arranged by Jay Mills, hear tribal leader remarks, and experience songs and dances from our Suquamish Canoe Family. This was a successful event that moved our visitors and reminded them of their own indigenous cultures at home, including the tribes of Ecuador, Guatemala and Panama.

Suquamish Youth at ATNI

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians conference, held at the Coeur d’Alene Casino/Resort, focused on tribal sovereignty, especially taxation and the need for the federal government to pro-

I was very proud of our Suquamish Youth Council who attended ATNI and represented our tribe in a respectful way.

tect our treaty rights and provide adequate funding for our tribal health and welfare programs. I was very proud of members of our Suquamish Youth Council who attended the conference and represented our Tribe in a respectful way.

Seattle & UW

Vice Chair Josh Bagley, Treasurer Denita Santos, and I attended the City of Seattle’s first Tribal Nations Summit at Seattle City Hall. The summit brought together federally recognized Tribes and city leaders to discuss ways to improve government-to-government relationships and services for the urban Indian community. Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Council President Debora Juarez (Blackfeet) led discussions focused on homelessness, natural resource protection, the MMIW initiative, and public safety. Thanks to Tim Reynon, City of Seattle Tribal liaison, for organizing the conference.

I also had the opportunity to join Robin Sigo in a presentation to the University of Washington’s American Indian Studies “Introduction to Tribal Journeys” class taught by Nigel Lawrence on the Seattle campus. We both focused on the positive impacts that the Tribal Canoe Journey has had on the resurgence of traditional culture at Suquamish and many other tribal communities

throughout the Northwest.

Also at UW, along with University of Washington President Ani Mari Cauce, I co-chaired the University’s annual Tribal Leaders Summit at the Intellectual House on the Seattle campus. We learned at the summit that UW is creating an undergraduate degree in Native American Business and supporting the creation of an Indigenous Health Center within UW Medicine. We also heard updates on the construction of Phase II of the Intellectual House, which did receive capital funding in the state budget. Thanks to the Suquamish Canoe family, including lead singer Vincent Chargalauf, who opened and closed the ceremony celebrating the Phase II milestone.

The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity held their annual event honoring students of ethnic minorities and tribes who have achieved scholastic success. The event is also an opportunity to raise money for scholarships.

Tribal Council Schedule

Tribal Council meets June 1, 14 & 26. Watch for SUN alerts and Weekly Updates for details.

Suquamish Youth Council attends ATNI Convention

Suquamish youth advocated for healthy communities at the 2023 ATNI Midyear Convention in May. Suquamish Youth Council members who participated were Chairwomen Isabelle Chiquiti (11th grade), Vice Chairwomen Sho-Shyne Jones (11th grade), and Secretary Tatiana Fontes-Lawrence (9th grade). Chaperones Kaui and Aaron Lawrence also attended.

These young aspiring leaders demonstrated strength, heart, and compassion for their community. During Youth Committee meetings, they voiced what was in their hearts, saying healthy kids need healthy adults.

Our youth want to promote tribal self-determination by addressing drug and alcohol addiction, historical and intergenerational trauma, and the mental health crisis. They recognize that future

generations are vital to tribal sovereignty.

Our youth shared their desire to increase and strengthen their leadership skills and knowledge in communications, strategic planning, healthy youth development and the creation of safe spaces to promote youth interdependence and self-determination.  They need safe and trustworthy role models, recognizing that intergenerational relationships contribute to community development, health, and well-being. And they are looking for healthy and accessible opportunities.

Their resolution was submitted and adopted by the full convention.

These girls are finding their voices.  The vision these girls have is beautiful, and they represented their tribe with grace and humility. They did an amazing job, and our tribe is in safe hands of

Washington state events

Washington Conservation Action (WCA) held a celebration at the Burke Museum to acknowledge their new identity. The former Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters unified to form the WCA. WCA advocates for environmental progress and justice.

Frank Brown (Heiltsuk) was the keynote speaker. Frank is well known for his work in promoting tribal canoe journeys and now for building a robust First Nations climate program in British Columbia.

Washington State Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar invited me to welcome his colleagues from across the nation to Seattle at the national meeting of the American Association of State and Highway and Transportation Officials. I referenced the state and federal cooperation on funding culvert removal on our salmon streams.

I attended a virtual meeting organized by the state Department of Ecology on ways Tribes can access funding for climate solutions under the Climate Commitment Act. Projects could include solar power and electric vehicle programs.

By Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe Chairr

these upcoming leaders.

We are looking forward to having the Suquamish Youth Council represent at United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) in Washington DC, June 30-July 4, 2023.

By Kaui Lawrence

Tribal Government

Chief Seattle Days is back, open to all, featuring nearly all the pre-COVID events, plus some.

During the weekend of August 18, 19, and 20, the Suquamish Tribe will hold a royalty pageant, graveside ceremony, salmon bake, canoe races, fun run, elders walk, and tournaments of all sorts. This year, though, the Tribe will host Coastal song and dance instead of a powwow. There will also be Sla-hal stick games and a teen dance.

You can see the full schedule at https://bit.ly/ CSD_2023.

Vendor applications now open

CSD vendor applications are now open to Suquamish Tribal members only through July 13, after which applications are open to all.

Some other events, including royalty pageant, canoe races, and tournaments require advanced registration. Details are at https://bit.ly/CSD_2023 and at this QR code. Keep checking back as plans continue to evolve!

The Life of Sun Ra

By Cedar Sigo

Lay my figures bare and give them no rest, I can relate to his premise, that he was born on Jupiter and must be getting back soon, that the earth is a failed planet, that rehearsal itself becomes a ceremony.

Suquamish Tribal member Cedar Sigo recently saw this poem published in The New York Times. Sigo, a rising star in poetry circles, kindly gave permission to reprint it here in the Suquamish News.

Suquamish Language Program

sxudxud ʔə tiił xaxaʔ - Phrase of the Week

Week 1 – hiił badəłdat – Happy Father’s Day Week 2 – dᶻixʷəłdat ʔə tə pədhədəb – First Day of Summer Week 3 – pədgʷədbixʷ - Time of the Blackberries or July

Scan the QR code for a pronunciation guide

End of Year Language Celebration

June 1, 2023 5-7:30pm

HOAC

For all in-person and online language students and their families from this past year. Crafts, songs, gift making, honoring our students Dinner provided.

Fisheries Retirements - continued from p5

ed selecting appropriate brood stock, maintaining eggs, and producing juvenile fish for release, maintaining water quality and permitting, conducting data analysis, and managing grants.

“Mike has gone above and beyond. We run some of the best hatcheries anywhere,” said Rob Purser. “Our fishers are probably some of the last to still catch chinook, because of our hatchery programs.”

“When you talk about dependability, beyond the call of duty is how we would define Mike. And we appreciate Mike’s sense of humor,” said Jamie Gooby. “We are grateful for his commitment to protecting and enhancing the Suquamish Tribe’s resources.” ***

The challenges are daunting for those working to protect the environment and the treaty rights of the Suquamish Tribe. These three retiring staff members — and other past and present staffers — often go unnoticed as they win important protections for treaty-protected fisheries and for the ecosystem.

By Sarah van Gelder

We hold up all people

Catherine’s Column

attention to this quadrant in the medicine wheel plays out in many ways, such as in the rise in substance abuse and violence.

Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health, and our mental wellbeing benefits our families, future generations, and our whole community.

There are many ways the Tribe supports you in taking care of your mental health. You can join cultural activities — we have many coming up this summer (see page 2). You can go see our friends at the Health and Fitness Center, because physical activity does a lot for stress reduction. Hopefully we’ll have a bright and happy summer so you can take some time to go for walks and enjoy the beauty of the land we fight so hard for.

Dear Honorable People of the Suquamish,

It’s June already, but I want to talk about May, which was Mental Health Awareness month. This is an important topic that tribes and other communities shy away from because there is stigma around talking about mental health.

However, here at the Suquamish Tribe, we are working to remove the stigma.

We know that many Native teachings included physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual teachings. It’s time to bring caring for our mental health back into that circle.

Intergenerational trauma continues to affect the wholeness of our tribal communities. The lack of

Here at the Tribe we have several programs related to wellness, such as culturally based therapies, psychological assessments, individual counseling, and substance use disorder groups, just to name a few. And all are available to tribal members at no cost. Services are also open to the broader community — insurance covers most options.

Remember, you don’t have to be in crisis to give our friends at Wellness a call at (360) 394-8558.

Let’s celebrate the beautiful months of summer by committing to our mental wellness as a gift to ourselves and to those we care about.

Respectfully,

Catherine Edwards, Executive Director

Tribe releases 1 million coho into the wild

Suquamish tribal member Travis Silvey and his son Jesse were on hand to watch over 1 million coho salmon making their way into the open ocean May 19 after a three-month stay in the tribe's Elliott Bay delayed release pen. The tribe maintains the pens, just off downtown Seattle, and others in Agate Passage, as short-term holding stations. The project is joint effort with Muckleshoot Tribe and Washington state. It's been Silvey's job to feed the coho daily as they acclimatized to salt water. Now that they are released, the salmon will roam the ocean for a few years before returning to spawn and renew the cycle once again.

Photos by Jon Anderson

Suquamish Elder Barbara Lawrence joins the organizers of the Juneteenth celebration in inviting the Tribal community to take part in the Juneteenth 20th anniversary People’s March and Freedom Festival.

Gather at the 5th St. stairs of the Norm Dicks Center in Bremerton at 10am for a march to Evergreen Park, where there will be free food, informational resources, entertainment and more.

Since this is a march against violence, organizers are inviting the tribal community to wear MMIWP red shirts.

Local governments are invited, and there will be a special spot in the march for fathers in honor of Father’s Day.

By Sarah van Gelder

Education

CKA Coastal Jam at HOAC

Chief Kitsap Academy hosted a Coastal Jam at the House of Awakened Culture May 13.

Photos by CKA student Hannah Notah

CKA Golf is Back!

Chief Kitsap Academy brought back school golf under Head Coach Junior Santos and Assistant Coach Anna Whitefoot. Six student athletes participated in the team this season: Jeremiah George (junior), Jesse Heath (sophomore), Josh Oliver (sophomore), Luther Mills (freshman), Ricky Alexander (freshman), Talynn Marquez (freshman), and Lillian Pondelick (freshman).

The team had many notable accomplishments. On the first day of practice, most of the team had only picked up a club once or twice, if at all. By the end of the season, the kids had smooth, well developed golf swings, with many improving their drives by 100s of yards compared to where they had started in March.

CKA golf, for the first time ever, competed in the SeaTac league as an official team. On May 10, CKA freshman Talynn Marquez qualified as an alternate for districts up in Bellingham. Although she wasn’t able to play at districts, she inspired her teammates and herself to put in the work to qualify next year.

CKA also hosted a memorable Staff/Parent vs. Student match at the White Horse Golf Club.

By Anna Whitefoot

Graduating Class of 2023

We cordially invite you

Saturday, June 10, 2023, 5:00pm

House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Pkwy, Suquamish, WA

Contacts for Graduation are Serene and Ashley: serenegeorge@suquamish.nsn.us, akennedy@suquamish.nsn.us

Suquamish Education Department GRADUATE HONORING

June 27, 2023 ~ 5:00pm

House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Pkwy, Suquamish, WA 98392

Join us for an evening of celebration for our 2022-2023 High School, GED and College Graduates.

In order to be placed on the graduate honoring list you will need to provide one of the following by June 13:

• Diploma

• Transcript showing date degree was conferred

• Letter of sort from college or university stating student will be graduating that term

High School: Trish Chargualaf - (360) 394-8645 tchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us

Higher Education: Kali Chargualaf (360) 394-1328 kchargualaf@suquamish.nsn.us

CKA student Josh Oliver takes a swing during the CKA Staff/Parent vs. Student match at White Horse.

Photo JoAnn Joe

Oven Roasted Potatoes

Goulash (ground beef, green beans, tomatoes)

Corn Soup w/Ground Beef

Chef Salad w/ HB eggs, sunflower seeds & dried cranberries

Wheat Roll

Yogurt Parfait w/ Strawberries

Beverages Served Daily : Choice of 1% Milk or Lactose Free Milk

Chicken Adobo

Brown Rice

Steamed Spinach

Carrot-Apple Salad

Blueberry Bran Muffin

Chicken Fajita (chicken, peppers & onions, whole wheat tortilla)

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Steamed Baby Carrots

Tossed Salad

Wheat Roll

Fresh Fruit

Ham Sweet Potatoes Brussels Sprouts

Tossed Salad

Chicken Apple Crunch Salad

Minestrone Soup

Turkey Sandwich (w/ cheese & lettuce)

Apple, Celery & Pineapple Salad

Chewy Chocolate Cookie

BBQ Chicken

Baked Beans

Capri Blend Vegetables

Wheat Roll

Cottage Cheese and Pears

Corner Elders

Oneof our Elders had an exciting trip to see the ponies race at this year’s Kentucky Derby! This was on Steve Lawrence’s bucket list, and his daughter, Calina, made it happen. You should have seen their pictures — they were both styling and having fun! If only they had won the Pick Six! Oh well, there is always next year.

We think the next item on Steve’s bucket list is sky diving. WHAT?! SKY DIVING!? What’s on your bucket list? Let us know, and maybe we can do a roundup in a future Elders Corner!

Some of our snowbirds are back in town, and they came home with some color; that is just not right. Anyway, welcome back home Mark Crowell, Shelly Woods, and Charlene Renquist.

Meanwhile, Bill Gemmell and his wife went to Oahu for their honeymoon. The trip looked fabulous from all the pictures posted on Facebook. If you chose Hawaii for your Elders’ trip, Bill is your contact for places to visit and eat.

Bill Stroud reports a new four-legged animal joined his household - a new kitten named Nikki.

We had a surprise visitor stop by our office two weeks ago, Joanne Collins. She and her husband decided to go on a long ride from their home in Canada (St. Albert), to visit her brothers, Jim Bob and Bennie. We always enjoy her visits.

On a sad note, we send condolences to Charlene Renquist who lost her cat of 13 years, named Bessie. That was a very sad day. Charlene’s cat was famous for writing skills, she wrote a Christmas letter every year regarding the whereabouts of her Mom and Dad. Her letters will be missed.

Hey, don’t forget we have Elders movie night at the Regal Theater in Poulsbo. This is a good time to bring your spouse for a cheap date, all expenses paid by the Elders program, and it includes good ole freshly popped buttered popcorn and a soda. Hope we see you next month on the second Tuesday of the month; meet between 5:30-6pm for your tickets/snacks.

Tribal

New Hires

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Weekly Update email every Friday. It’s packed with the latest tribal news and upcoming events, including all the Elder activities for the coming week. There’s also a quick reference menu-of-the-week for the Elders Lunchroom.

Take care of yourselves and be happy!

By Della Crowell & Melissa Lund

Elder Patricia Medina attends the CKA Coastal Jam. Photo by CKA student Hannah Notah

Family & Friends Center

Summer Calendar

Hours M-F: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Transports: 10:30 am & 5:30 pm

Fitness/Youth Center

5243 NE Totten Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Extended and weekend hours dependent upon activity

JUNe August JULY

2nd Friday– Teen late night Spider man movie 6pm show time

7th Wednesday – Dancing brush Father’s Day craft outing After School

12th - 16th – Father’s Day crafts after school programming

14th Wednesday- An Evening with Calina at the House of Awakened Culture 5:00-8:00pm

Juneteenth CLOSED

24th Saturday end of school year bash 12-4 pm

26-29 Native Wellness trip

28-July 4 UNITY trip

29th – Ice Cream Delivery 1:00pm

Preference

6th Thursday– Teen Trip to Stranger Things 4pm time leave @ 12pm

7th Fri & 13th Thur – Beach Day Outing

10th & 17th Monday – Cultural craft day at Youth Center

11th & 18th Tuesday – Park Day Outing

12th Wednesday- Whirly ball outing

14th Friday– ultimate Frisbee group and family movie night

19th Wednesday– Seattle Aquarium outing

20th Thur & 21st Fri – Craft and water sprinkler

24th – 30th canoe journey

27th Thursday – Ice cream delivery 1:00pm

28th Friday – CLOSED for Hosting

4th Friday – Movie outing

10th Thursday – Teen Wild Waves outing

11th Friday – family movie night

15th Tuesday – MoPOP outing

18th Fri & 21st Mon –CLOSED IN SERVICE

23rd Wednesday – Alder

wood Mall Teen Trip Outing

24th Thursday – Ice Cream Deliveries

25th Friday – Back to School Bash, Youth Council elections.

All special ticketed or limited seated outings are Suquamish Tribal Preference: Suquamish Citizens/members, Suquamish Descendants, and Suquamish households.

June 1

Charles Dryden

Kai Williams

Michael Matz

June 2

Angela Tate

Brian Belmont

Heather Traucht

James Anderson

Paul Peck

June 3

Bernadette Fordyce

Bradley Jackson

Kamiakin George

Michael Cordero

Tutau Abraham

June 4

Clayton Winnie

James Zimmerman

Karyn Keller

Lance Purser

Laura Yaeger

Rebecca Castillo

Robert Rubeck

Birthdays

June 11

Alexander Potts

Cookie Boyd

June 5

Darrel Hoffman

David Hoffman

Ignacio Santos Jr.

Ruth Kalahan

Wade Williams

June 6

Joel Sigo

June 7

Janis Marquez

June 8

Amber Jackson

Kyle George

Porcha Vaught

Raymond Forsman

Shoshanna Bayes

June 9

Jessica Fisher

Shawn Hawk Sr.

June 10

Kayla George-Purser

Richard Belmont

June 12

Bardow Lewis Oya

June 13

Beatrice Berlin

Hazle Pacquette

Isaac Covarrubias

Lisa Ellis

June 14

Corey Manley

Jace Joe

Todd Belmont

June 15

Angel Freeman

June 16

Joshua Bagley

June 17

Ayanna Jones

Danielle Demain

Samantha Kimmel

June 18

Breanna Moore

Michael Smith

Quanaisja Rubeck

June 19

Edward Bradwell

Mitchell George

June 20

Camillia Keller

Gabriel Rubeck

Levi Mabe

June 21

Avianna Lawrence

Harper Wilson

Stormi Vivian

June 22

Adam Edelstein

Bearon Old Coyote

Joshua Smith

Julie Haubrich

Maiya Jeffers

Rhett Mills

Sydney Purser

June 23

William Crowell

June 24

Anjelica Rodriguez

Isaiah Pondelick

June 25

Ariana Taitingfong

Awasis Williams

Michael Julian Armstrong

Nancy Reynoso-Purser

Noah Ortiz

Peggy Snow

Reyna Nolan

Shane Clark

June 26

Beverly Adams

Christian Lawrence

Nancy Young

June 27

Ann Forsman

John Vollenweider Jr.

Lewis George

June 28

Stephen Lawrence Sr.

June 29

Niomi Pavlock

Sarah George

June 30

Lucas Nichols