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Suquamish News
October 2020 | 1
Suquamish News Volume 20
Story Pole Laid to Rest In this issue ... Native Vote: Register now! — p3 Flu shot needed more than ever — p5 Home Schooling Survival Guide — p14
Joe Davalos Retires – p6
Students at Port of Seattle – p7
Martha George’s Sand Bread – p10
October 2020
No.10
2 | October 2020
Community Calendar Events & Meetings
Suquamish News
Government Offices
Suquamish Warriors For information, contact Jean Belmont, (360) 601-7918 or jbelmont87@gmail.com
Communications: (360) 394-7184/7102 Community Dev: (360) 394-8415 Community Health: (360) 394-8468/8594 Emergency Management: (360) 394-8507 Emergency Work Orders: (360) 900-7050 Emergency Utilities: (360) 710-3223 Finance: (360) 394-8432 Fisheries: (360) 394-8438 Health Benefits: (360) 394-8424 Human Resources: (360) 394-8409 Human Services: (360) 394-8465 IT Help Desk: (360) 394-8485 Maintenance: (360) 394-8590 Tribal Child Welfare: (360) 394-8480 Tribal Court: (360) 394-8697
PME Board of Directors Meets on Oct. 14, at 9am. For agenda and meeting information, contact Brenda George, (360) 621-0047 or brendageorge@clearwatercasino.com
Suquamish Elders For Elders information contact: Della Crowell (360) 394-8417 Donna Sigo (360) 394-8472
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. meets on Oct. 1, 15 & 29. Call Angela Brainerd for details, (360) 394-8652
Suquamish Police Department
General Council is postponed until March 2021. Suquamish Tribal Council Meets on Oct.13, 26, Nov. 10 & 23 online. Tribal members who are signed up for SUN will receive a link, or you can contact Rebecca Purser at (360) 900-8031 rebeccapurser@ suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish Seafoods Board Meets on Oct. 13 at 2pm online. Contact Shanel Carlson, (360) 3948512 for details
suquamish.nsn.us
COVID-19 Test Free onsite COVID-19 testing is available for Tribal members, Tribal employees, and Port Madison Enterprise employees. Mon.-Fri., 8:30am to 12pm For information, please contact: Barbara Hoffman, RN, (360) 394-8468 Amanda Brazeau, RN, (360) 394-8594
On the Cover Kate Ahvakana with daughter Shyla watch as the Story Pole behind the Clearwater Casino Resort is removed. The Story Pole was carved by Dudley Carter and stood at the entrance of Northgate Mall for 55 years. It was restored in Suquamish by a team of artists and carvers in 2007 and erected behind the Resort in 2008. (Photo by Lisa Rodriguez) See story on page 3.
The Police Department lobby is available to drop off payments and for other government-related paperwork. Lobby hours : Mon-Fri, 8am–4:30pm Front Desk: (360) 598-4334 Emergency: 911
Wellness Center Suquamish Museum Board Front desk: (360) 394-8558 Meets Oct. 15 at 11am, online. Call Crisis Hotline: (888) 910-0416 Janet Smoak for log-in, (360) 394-8499
Suquamish News •
Published monthly by the Suquamish Tribe: 18490 Suquamish Way, Suquamish, WA 98392
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Email us at: communications@suquamish.nsn.us
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Send letters to: Suquamish News Editor, PO Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392-0498
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Letters should include the writer’s full name, address, and home telephone and may be edited for clarity and space.
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Suquamish Tribal Council Leonard Forsman
Chairman
Wayne George
Vice-Chair
Nigel Lawrence
Secretary
Robin Sigo
Treasurer
Rich Purser
Member
Sammy Mabe
Member
Luther Mills, Jr.
Member
Reproduction of Suquamish News, in whole or in part, without written permission from the Suquamish Tribe is strictly prohibited.
Production Staff Leonard Forsman Sarah van Gelder Jon Anderson JoAnn Joe Heather Purser
Editorial Policy
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design Editorial Intern
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.
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Suquamish News
October 2020 | 3
Our Ancestors Fought for the Right to Vote And today, our treaty rights, fisheries, and sovereignty depend on it
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n Suquamish, many Tribal members are concerned over the outcome of the 2020 general election and will be voting this November to help protect Tribal interests and sovereignty. Suquamish Tribal Elder Aggie Pratt says she will do her part to protect Native people and interests by voting. But she understands the lack of trust and discomfort with the process that many of the 1.5 million unregistered Native voters may have. It wasn’t until the late 1970s or early 1980s, after she began serving on the Suquamish Tribal Council, that Pratt says she was able to build trust with local, state, and government officials, and to see the true power and potential of the Native vote. “People think it doesn’t matter, but it does,” Pratt says. “When I was younger I had a lot of anger with the United States government, about how they treated Natives, but as I got older I saw that we need to
“One thing is clear. They do not want us voting.” participate.” Looking at the historical relationship between the U.S. and Native American people, the reasons for Pratt’s distrust and anger become clear. Despite having gained citizenship in 1924, Natives were barred from voting in several states until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Even after its passage, Native people and other groups continue to face barriers. As recently as last year, for example, the Washington State Legislature, at the insistence of Tribes, passed the Native American Voting Rights Act to eliminate obstacles deterring Native voters. The new law allows for the use of Tribal ID cards in place of driver’s license or other state-issued ID. It also does
away with the requirement for individuals to have a home mailing address to vote, making it possible for the many Native people without a traditional street address to participate. Additionally, under the new law, ballot boxes are to be provided to all Washington reservations requesting one. The barriers addressed by this Act are not unique to Washington Tribes. Native leaders like Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman, who also serves on the executive board of the National Congress of American Indians, are urging Congress to adopt a law similar to Washington’s Native Voting Rights Act to extend greater protections to Native people across the nation. For Larry Cordier of the Lakota Nation and Tribal Organizer for Washington State Democrats, the large amount of work Tribes have had to do in order to first gain and then protect their voting rights shows the extent that Native voices are feared by certain corners of government. “One thing is clear. They do not want us voting,” Cordier says while discussing critical elections in which Native American voters made a key difference. Here in Washington, for example, Cordier recalls how the organized efforts of local Tribes saw to the narrow victory of Maria Cantwell over her opponent, Slade Gorton, in the 2000 race for the Senate. Gorton, who openly opposed Tribal sovereignty, lost to Cantwell by only 2,229 votes. It was a significant victory, and one that Cordier is certain wouldn’t have been possible without Tribes. “Natives are born into politics,” Larry says. “Our ancestors had a vision, and we are born into that. We have the right, duty, and obligation to protect that vision.” Cordier is hopeful that now in 2020, when Tribes have so much at stake in the outcome of the state and general election, Washington Tribal voters will again turn out in record numbers. Look at the history of our voting rights and the hard work it took Native leaders to secure them, and participate, he says. “Nothing about fighting for our rights has been comfortable,” he concludes. “But you have to get uncomfortable to stand up for your people.” By Suquamish Native Vote Team Illustration by Lisa Rodriguez
Register to vote You can register to vote, update your address, restore your voting rights, and get more information here: kitsapgov.com/auditor/Pages/Voter_ Registration.aspx Registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail in mid-October. Return it as soon as possible by mail or at any ballot drop box, like the one by the Suquamish Tribe Administration Building.
4 | October 2020
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Community news
Thunderbird Story Pole Laid to Rest
Left: Kate Ahvakana and daughter, Shyla, behind the resort as a crane prepares to lift the Totem Pole. Center: Pole is lowered onto a truck for transportation to its hillside resting place. Above: Tina Jackson and others were on site to witness the Pole’s arrival. (Photos by Lisa Rodriguez) Below: Historical photo of Totem Pole as it originally stood at Northgate Mall.
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or 4,577 days and nights the Thunderbird stood watch atop the 56-foot story pole overlooking the swift waters of Agate Passage. But on a recent day in early September, as the strangest of summers began to shift into fall, this chapter of its story was drawing to a close. The Thunderbird is said to represent transformation. “Transformation figures teach humans about change — the willingness to alter form and mind as we evolve,” reads the inscription at the base of the pole. “The Thunderbird is a powerhouse of change, protection, and consciousness.” Indeed, more than most, this totem pole has been a story of changes and transformations. Carved from the trunk of a 600-year-old cedar by non-Native sculptor Dudley C. Carter, the totem pole was originally fashioned in 1952 to be displayed at the entrance of Northgate Mall. There it stood for 55 years. During renovations to the mall in 2007, a new chapter began when the pole was gifted to the Suquamish Tribe. A team of artists and carvers — including Michael Pavel, David Casey, Gordon Nielsen, Shaunte Bernal, and Ed Polin — restored the Thunderbird, wolf, bear, orca and other figures adorning the pole. It was rededicated in its new home at the Clearwater Casino Resort on Feb. 20, 2008.
“Traditionally totem poles have not been part of our Suquamish culture,” said Suquamish Tribe’s Culture Coordinator Tina Jackson. “But the Natives that did carve poles in this area were providing food and sustenance for their families. It was honorable work. We don’t discredit their art. Or the service of the tree.” After more than 12 years standing over the waters of the Agate Passage, age and weather have taken their toll. Inspections revealed the wood was no longer strong enough and the totem pole was in danger of falling. And so, a team of Suquamish culture keepers joined with the same contractors who originally installed the totem pole to gently lay it down and transport it to a new resting place in a hillside clearing above Chief Kitsap Academy. “It was a massive cedar log that gave its life, and so we wanted to treat it like it was an ancestor. We sang a song and thanked it for its life and the lessons that it taught us,” said Jackson. “We told it we hoped that it enjoyed its last resting place.” Jackson said when the ceremonies were finished, “I got this feeling of relief from the pole. Like a sigh of relief that it was done, and now it was time to rest.” By Jon Anderson
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Suquamish News
Stay Healthy During Pandemic Get a Flu Shot!
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t’s likely that the flu and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, there are many important benefits to getting a vaccine: • Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working age adults, and older adults. During the 2018-2019 flue season, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 58,000 hospitalizations. • Flu vaccination is especially important for people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. • Flu vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy. In addition to helping to protect pregnant women, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu for several months after birth, when he or she is not old enough to be vaccinated. Protect Vulnerable Family Members Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. The Suquamish Tribe Community Health Program will be providing flu shots from 1-4pm on Sept 29 for Elders, Sept 30 for Tribal families (adults & children), and Oct 1 for Tribal employees and others who are eligible. This drive-through vaccine clinic will take place at the House of Awakened Culture. (See information to the right). For more information, contact Suquamish Community Health Nurse Barbara Hoffman at bhoffman@suquamish.nsn.us or (360) 394-8468.
October 2020 | 5
6 | October 2020
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Education news
Joe Davalos retires as Superintendent Educational leader, relationship-builder and staunch advocate of Tribal students
Suquamish Tribe’s Education Superintendent Joe Davalos retires in October after decades of service to the Tribal community. Photo by Lindsay Little.
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hen Joe Davalos started high school, he was put on probation. An Hispanic kid in a blue collar East Los Angeles suburb, he’d excelled in middle school, but “my counselor was skeptical. There were a lot of racial issues there,” he says. During the course of his education, there were some who said he’d never amount to much. When he picked up a mop to work part time as a custodian in the same high school he was attending, some of the staff there may have thought he’d follow in the footsteps of his mother, who also cleaned for the school district. When he was little, he’d tag along with his mom and sit in the school board’s big seats while she cleaned. But she had different ideas for him. “These are educated people who sit in these seats,” she’d tell him. “Maybe one day you could be like them.” She believed in him. And he learned to believe in himself. Indeed, by the time he graduated college in 1973, his very first job was working as a teacher back in that same school district. “I had some things to prove to some people that never thought I’d be able to graduate college, much less become a
teacher,” says Davalos. Nearly half a century later, as he prepares to retire on Oct. 2, Davalos doesn’t have anything left to prove. He’s been a coach, elementary, middle school and high school teacher, college professor, school administrator, principal, and, most recently, superintendent of the school district he helped create. “I never thought I’d become a principal, much less a super intendent. It’s been like a dream, a fantasy,” he says. Davalos first moved to the area in 1982 when he started teaching at Poulsbo Middle School. James Old Coyote and Charles Deam were among his early students. Eventually Davalos became principal of Suquamish Elementary School, where he would lead for 15 years before accepting a position with the Suquamish Tribe as the superintendent of the newly expanding Education Department. Over the past 10 years in that role, he has helped Tribal leaders lobby the state to pass legislation creating a new Tribal Compact school system, paving the way for the creation of Chief Kitsap Academy. In fact, CKA was the very first Tribal Compact school in the state. “Part of my success has always been around building rela-
tionships, coming from a place of respect and humility, and an ability to admit you don’t always have all the answers,” he says. Former student Windy Anderson is among the many lives he touched over the years. “Mr. Davalos will be always known by us students who had him — as teacher, principal, or coach — as someone who always had time to talk to you and truly listen to you,” she says. “Mr. Davalos had a particular way with knowing how to deal with some of us students who at times didn’t quite know how to handle our emotions. Thank you for all you have done for our Suquamish Tribal member students through the years.” In a tribute to his impact, CKA dedicated the Class of 2020’s yearbook to Davalos, crediting him with having forever left a lasting impression on the people whose lives he intersected. “Joe’s influence with staff and students has always been based upon relationships,” the tribute reads. “Mr. Davalos found that meaningful relationships help students succeed and, in return, students would work very hard.” In a March 2 letter to the Suquamish Tribal Council informing them of his decision to retire, Davalos said it has been an honor to serve the Tribe and Suquamish community. “I have of course many mixed emotions and feelings about my decision (to retire), but I wanted to thank you for the opportunities you have provided and the support you have given me the last 10 years. We have done so much for our children, we have much to be thankful for and can be proud of our accomplishments.” CKA Principal Lucy Dafoe, says “there is honor in retiring from education. Joe Davalos has had a significant impact on many lives in his career. He has left a lasting impact upon Tribal education, which I hope brings a sense of satisfaction as he passes the torch to the next generation. Well done Mr. Davalos!” Davalos had planned to retire with the close of the 20192020 school year, but with the pandemic unfolding he was asked to stay on to help shepherd the Tribe’s education program a few months more through the uncertainty. Tribal leaders say Davalos has given a gift of time and relationship as both an educator and leader. “Joe Davalos has been a friend of the Suquamish Tribe for decades in his role at Suquamish Elementary and as our first Superintendent of Education,” says Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman. “He has been an cheerful advocate for Tribal sovereignty in education with the North Kitsap School District and has also been a leader in statewide initiatives in Tribal education in his work with the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education. Joe really cares about Tribal students through their whole lives, from pre-school to college to the workplace, and has always respected our culture. Congratulations Joe and we wish you the best.” By Jon Anderson
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Suquamish News
October 2020 | 7
Port of Seattle Internship is Just a Beginning Preparing youth for careers is a priority for Suquamish educators
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wo Suquamish youth, Cassady Hill and Bousae Miller, spent much of the summer working with other Seattle area youth as part of the Port of Seattle’s summer internship program. The two were the first from Suquamish, but, if Chief Kitsap Academy principal Lucy Dafoe has her way, there will be many more working with the Port and in other job training positions with employers throughout the region. The Port of Seattle is a government agency that oversees SeaTac airport, the container and cruise ship terminals in Seattle, as well as parks and projects along the waterfront. It is one of the largest ports on the West Coast, and its internship program offers young people a way to learn about a wide range of career opportunities. For Hill and Miller, the internship provided a chance to meet other young people from the Seattle region and get out of their comfort zone while learning job skills and exploring career paths they might not otherwise have known about. Because their internship took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, both worked from home. But with the help of Zoom meetings and interactive projects, the learning was very real, as were the friendships they developed along the way. Hill was part of the Aviation team; Miller was in the Construction team. Both groups were assigned the task of researching job opportunities at the Port and then creating PowerPoint presentations for other youth interested in learning about what it would mean to join the Port’s 1200-person staff. There are many job opportunities, they learned, in aviation, maritime, environmental protection, law enforcement, customer service, construction, and more.
“I learned that education after high school isn’t always required for a good career,” Hill said. “I also learned that aviation has a criminal investigation division,” she said, adding that she is interested in criminal or forensic psychology. Perhaps most important, Hill learned how important it is to explore new possibilities she was unfamiliar with. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people and make friends,” she advises other young people considering an internship. “Everyone is afraid. Just do it! It will be a great opportunity to learn and meet new people and find a career after high school. You have to get out of your comfort zone for opportunities to arise.” Be open, communicate, come on time Miller — who is interested in engineering, preferably working with the Tribe — said the hardest part of the internship was overcoming his nervousness when it was his turn to present. But he gained confidence, made friends, and learned about teamwork. He enjoyed collaborating with young people who work hard and want to try, he said. His advice: Be open to your team. Communicate with your team. Be prepared, and show up on time or early. Take it seriously. “I’m so proud of both of these young people,” said Dafoe. “We were looking for young people for this internship who could be counted on to represent the Suquamish Tribe. Amberine Wilson, who runs the internship program for the Port, is excited about the new collaboration with the Suquamish Tribe, and was delighted with the work of
the first two Suquamish interns. She has offered to take ten more Suquamish students for the upcoming paid internship sessions. Young people, age 16-19, can participate if they are in high school or a GED program, or recently graduated. Those internships could lead to job opportunities with the Port or with some of the many businesses and agencies they work with. By this spring, Dafoe hopes students will be able to earn high school credit along with their hourly pay. Her long-term vision is that students would start identifying their goals in middle school. Each year, they would move closer to clarifying and realizing those goals. “We start with ‘Who am I?’ Then it’s ‘What do I want to be?’ and ‘How do I get there?’” she said. Some parts of Dafoe’s vision are already in place. Students participate in mock trials, with Judge Cindy of the Suquamish Court presiding, to learn about career paths in criminal justice. Michael Zaiss trains young people in the trades, including recently teaching a course in fiber optics for students who might be interested in jobs in cable installation. In addition to the Port of Seattle opportunities, other internships are in the works. For Dafoe, building career pathways into the education process is a long-term project that she is only beginning to tackle. Sarah van Gelder The Port of Seattle summer internship program took place on line. Left photo, lower right, Suquamish youth Bousae Miller in an online team meeting. Right photo, upper right, Suquamish youth Cassady Miller with her team.
8 | October 2020
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Government
Chairman’s Report
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ello everyone, I hope you all had a good summer despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hot weather and smoky conditions at the end of the season, combined with the start of school, sure did make this a September to remember. Tribal Council and staff are continuing to work to provide Tribal member services, protect treaty rights, and seize opportunities to fund critical programs despite the pandemic. We are achieving this by a combination of telework, limited office hours, and other physically distanced work accommodations. The Suquamish Tribe is well represented in prominent inter-tribal organizations both regionally and nationally. My role as Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) president engages me, and our Tribe, in not only ATNI, but in the National Congress of American Indians, where I serve as Northwest Regional vice-president. The ATNI Executive Board has seven members: Mel Sheldon (Tulalip), Jeannie Louie (Couer d’Alene), Sharon Goudy
(Yakama), Taylor Aalvik (Cowlitz), Delano Saluskin (Yakama), Jon George (Grand Ronde), and me. The pandemic has increased the need for more frequent meetings of the ATNI Executive Board. The most pressing issues have been concerns about the census undercount of American Indians, land-into-trust policies, a bill to improve self-governance regulations with the Department of the Interior, and our upcoming virtual convention and elections. I do plan to run for re-election as ATNI president and appreciate the past and present support of the Tribal Council and the citizens of the Suquamish Tribe as we work to strengthen tribal sovereignty on a local, regional, national, and international basis. ATNI held a Land-Into-Trust Summit to discuss the challenges Tribes are having in the Pacific Northwest in realty matters. Suquamish Tribal staff and leadership attended this summit, which was held virtually. The Suquamish Tribe has also met with the BIA Regional Director to discuss the
status of our requests for realty services, many of which are overdue, at the Everett Agency. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Board of Directors continues to hold monthly meetings to advance the NCAI agenda. Major issues discussed were in respect to the census and the fear of an undercount in Indian Country due to the pandemic and the White House decision to end counting on September 30th, 2020; the potential for a new COVID-19 stimulus bill in Congress; and the pending US Supreme Court litigation affecting Indian Country. NCAI also held a virtual Tribal Unity Impact Days that included panel discussions with congressional representatives, including one that I participated on with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), which focused on the pandemic response, wildfires, and the impacts of tariffs on seafood sales to China. The White House has continued holding Indian Country and Intergovernmental Covid-19 teleconferences, but less frequently. At the time of the last call, the Indian Health Service had tested 38 percent of the Indian population; 3.9 percent tested positive, with declining numbers of daily cases and deaths. There were also reports on the development of new testing technology, including a rapid result test, and early scenario planning for distribution of a new vaccine. State & Local Governments The Washington Senate State Government, Tribal Government, and Elections Committee held a work session on preparations for the 2020 General Election. I testified on the implementation of ballot box placement on Indian Reservations. About a third of the reservations, including ours, has a ballot box on the reservation. More need them. The requirement in the new Native American voting law that Tribes request ballot boxes from their respective counties has been a barrier. We are working on ways to increase the number of ballot boxes on reservations across the state. The Washington Indian Gaming Association held its monthly meeting. Agenda items included the financial condition of the organization and the
upcoming general election. The Association of Washington Tribes met as well and is working towards finalizing by-laws. The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission has been hosting intertribal meetings to discuss distribution of funding to western Washington Tribes for COVID-19 impacts to commercial and ceremonial fishing activities. Preservation of salmon and shellfish habitat is crucial to our economic, cultural, and spiritual survival. The closure of an important part of Chico Bay to shellfish harvesting is a real disappointment. Our technical staff continues to engage with Kitsap County urging them to improve their testing efforts, find sources of pollution, and get the problems fixed. We also need to recognize those people who have contributed to the preservation of our treaty rights. The Center for Environmental Law and Policy, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Washington’s waters, honored law professor Bob Anderson (Bois Forte Chippewa) for his work protecting treaty rights and the environment in his long legal career. We continue to engage in our government-to-government relations via a variety of virtual platforms. Attorney General Bob Ferguson has convened tribal leaders to discuss a Free, Prior and Informed Consent Policy (FPIC) that his office has adopted and seeks to put into law. FPIC is an international indigenous rights consultation concept that some Tribes are seeking to implement. The City of Bainbridge Island met with representatives of the Suquamish Tribe to discuss Treaty rights protection within our ancestral lands and waters. We are working on educating the City Council and staff on the importance of replacing culverts on fish bearing streams to a standard that allows salmon to successfully return to their spawning grounds. The Kitsap County Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) met to discuss planning issues facing the Kitsap region. Updates included news that there are presently no aircraft carriers in port in Bremerton as the USS Vinson left for its homeport and the USS Nimitz is out to sea. Work continues on improving traffic in the Gorst corridor. There are over $5 mil-
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lion in projects at the Port of Bremerton, including three corporate hangar sites and some new full-time tenants. There is also a roundabout under construction to serve traffic from the new Amazon facility near the Bremerton Airport. The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) held its quarterly meeting. Much of the agenda was devoted to introducing KEDA’s new Executive Director, Joe Morrison, originally from Alaska and his plans for the organization. We also took the time to say farewell to John Powers, the past KEDA director, who has retired and was a great advocate for the Suquamish Tribe and its enterprises. Chief Kitsap Academy (CKA) had their drive-through graduation ceremony at the House of Awakened Culture, which was well attended, in a safe manner, by family and CKA staff. We had a CKA School Board meeting shortly after to hear how CKA would be conducting classes in a virtual format. CKA staff joined me in a call with the Port of Seattle to celebrate the success of our inaugural internship program completed by two of our Tribal students (see page 7). We are looking to expand the program and conduct it on a year-round schedule. The Washington State Department of Transportation held a SR 305 meeting to provide updates on traffic improvements on the corridor. The roundabout project at Johnson Road is nearing construction. Planning continues for the roundabout at Totten Road. Protecting Culture The Suquamish Culture Committee held a meeting to discuss cultural initiatives within the Suquamish Tribe. Our language program is growing with the addition of Tribal member and linguist Cassandra Fowler. We also received a report on the removal of the story pole from the Clearwater Casino Resort. I had the opportunity to attend a U.S. National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites webinar on the future of the Chaco Canyon archaeological site in New Mexico, which is under threat from mineral and natural gas extraction. Protection of this Pueblo site is necessary to demonstrate the im-
October 2020 | 9
Seeking Tribal Members to Serve on Suquamish Boards & Commissions
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he Suquamish Tribal Council is seeking applications from Tribal members for appointment to Executive Boards and Commission positions. Appointments are for three-year terms. Board members are paid stipends as allowed by charter or ordinance.
Tribal Council is also seeking applicants for the Culture Committee. The Suquamish Museum Board’s openings this year are for a PME appointee and a Tribal Council liaison position only. Next year, two Tribal Member positions will be open on the Museum Board.
Port Madison Enterprises Board # Currently Held By Term Duration 4 Brenda Guerrero Dec. 31, 2020 3 Rob Purser Jr Dec. 31. 2020
How to Apply In a normal years, Tribal members would have had an opportunity to sign up to serve on boards and commissions during the General Council meeting in March. As a result of the postponed General Council meeting and the ongoing pandemic, the applications process has shifted online. To apply for appointment or re-appointment to any of the boards and commissions, please complete the form at: https://suquamish.nsn.us/now-accepting-applications-for-suquamish-tribe-boards-and-commissions. In addition to the form, you may submit letters of interest to: Rebecca Purser Tribal Council Executive Assistant PO Box 498 Suquamish WA 98392 Or email: BoardsCommissions@Suquamish.nsn.us. The online form plus any supporting material must be submitted by the end of business on December 4, 2020. If you currently hold one of these positions, and would like to apply for another term, please complete the same process. All Tribal members who submit an application will automatically be submitted for consideration. Decisions will be made by the end of December 2020 and announced at a Tribal Council meeting. By Rebecca Purser
Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission # Currently Held By Term Duration 1 Barb Santos Dec. 31, 2020 Suquamish Seafoods Board # Currently Held By 1 James Armstrong 2 David Sigo Sr.
Term Duration Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2020
Suquamish Housing Board # Currently Held By 1 Danielle Morsette
Term Duration Dec. 31, 2020
Enrollment Committee # Currently Held By 1 Windy Anderson
Term Duration Dec. 31, 2020
Higher Education Board # Currently Held By 3 Barbara Lawrence
Term Duration Dec. 31, 2020
Suquamish Foundation Board # Currently Held By Term Duration 10 Jamie Gooby Jan. 2021 11 Annie Forsman Jan. 2021
portance of tribal sacred sites across the nation. I also attended a meeting to discuss the future of the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) Sand Point Facility on Lake Washington. Many tribes and archivists are concerned about the closure of the site that holds many of our important records regarding our relationship with the federal government. NARA staff explained that many of their records are being digitized and will
be available online. This will make many facilities obsolete in the future. The Suquamish Tribal Council held a virtual Fall Retreat. Council reviewed our 2020 budget, which has been altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been savings because of the cancellation of major events and in-person programming. The uncertainty of economic conditions in 2021 requires us to move cautiously. We also reviewed our expenditure
plan for the federal COVID-19 funding from the Treasury Department. The second day included a review of our U.S. vs. Washington litigation, and an update from state and federal lobbyists. We also discussed our plans for the General Council meeting, which we will be presenting soon to get feedback from our citizens. Leonard Forsman Suquamish Tribe Chairman
10 | October 2020
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Culture
Grandma Martha George’s Indian Beach Bread Indian Bread in the Sand by Martha George 2 cups Flour 3 tsp. Baking Powder 1 tsp. Salt 2 tbsp. Sugar ½ Shortening 2/3 cup Milk
Make a mound in the sand (about the size of a large cookie sheet). Build a fire over the sand for about 2-2 ½ hours. When sand is heated divide in half and remove half of the sand from the mound on one side and half on the other side. (very smooth) Flatten the bread dough about to about ½ inch thickness, lay large flattened dough on the mound where sand was removed. Cover with hot sand. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove sand and bread. Sand will fall off the bread. If it does not, use a clean dish cloth to dust off the sand. This can be done with aluminum foil but when the top is put on leave room for expansion of dough. Also, this can be done with Bisquick with flour added and 2 tbsp. of flour.
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n the late 1960s, I was 14 years old, visiting my grandma Grace Fowler Crowell Purvis, and she was cooking a recipe from “Food Favorites from Suquamish featuring authentic Indian Recipes.” The pamplet was a fundraiser from Suquamish Elementary School, and it sold for a $1.00 donation. Lucky for me she gave me a copy. In it were two recipes from, “Mrs. Martha George – Indian Bread & Mr. George (his first name was not listed) and Smoke House For Salmon” and two other un-named recipes for Corned Venison or Moose and To Preserve Berries. By Della Crowell
Martha George A Remarkable Woman & Grandmother
Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s was an exciting era of change. However, my grandmother, Martha, had a way of keeping her family grounded in Native traditions. In the 1960s adults didn’t ask kids’ permission to take a trip. Ha! It was “help pack the trucks and station wagons with sleeping bags, tent poles and extra
firewood to go dig razor clams at the ocean.” Off we would head to Ocean Shores, where we would camp on the beach shoreline in our canvas tents that were big enough to house a circus. At the crack of dawn, we awoke to the smell of the salty brine ocean mist, coffee brewing, and bacon frying. Mom, dad, uncles, aunts, and up to 20 cousins gathered for a quick breakfast before gravitating into groups to gather razor clams. After a busy, productive time of spotting clam holes, digging, cleaning sandy shells, and sorting clams, we would head back to camp with buckets full of our delectable prizes. From a distance we detected welcoming whiffs of baking bread. Eagerly, kids raced to watch Grandma Martha as she shovel scooped perfectly browned golden mounds directly from the beach sand. We were always amazed to see how the sand fell away from the bread crust. Slathering homemade butter on slices of warmed bread was our reward for a day’s work gathering razor clams. Childhood memory of Charlene Renquist Granddaughter
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October 2020 | 11
Fall Lushootseed Classes Sign Up Now! Fall online Lushootseed classes are starting. Join us, and you will learn to support and create a space in your homes or office for the language to live. Register here: http://bit.ly/Lushootseed2 Register: http://bit.ly/Lushootseed1
Lushootseed suEabSucid Words of the Month Turning to gʷədᶻadad — (gwŭd- zǒdǒd) Tradi�onal Teachings ƛ̓ububƛ̓ub ƛ̓ōb-ōb-ƛ̓ōb
Be Kind
kʷaxʷalikʷ Be Helpful kwhǒ-whǒ-lakewh ʔabalikʷ ʔǒb-ǒ- lakewh
Be Sharing
These are gʷədᶻad for people of the Salish Sea, that they lived by.
12 | October 2020
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News
Being Frank
Tribes Team Up with State on Harbor Seal Survey
Being Frank is a column written by the chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. As a statement from the NWIFC chair, the column represents the natural resources management interests and concerns of the treaty Indian tribes in western Washington.
W
hat we don’t know about populations of harbor seals and California sea lions in western Washington could be hurting salmon, orcas and other marine species — as well as fishing communities and economies — far more than we think. It’s estimated that seals and sea lions eat about 1.4 million pounds annually of threatened Puget Sound chinook and take six times more salmon than Indian and non-Indian fisheries combined. Historically, Tribal fishermen never used to see seals and sea lions traveling up western Wash-
ington rivers. Today, we need to manage in-river predation by harbor seals of out-migrating juvenile salmon and returning adults — especially the threatened chinook that are their favorite target. We can’t do that effectively without a lot more good information about their movements, dietary needs and other factors. We also want to make certain that plans to increase hatchery production to support fisheries and southern resident orca recovery don’t end up feeding even more growth of seal and sea lion populations. I am encouraged that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife partnered with treaty tribes last year to survey harbor seal populations in northwest Washington inland waters. The survey was funded by the Swinomish, Suquamish, Tulalip, Squaxin Island and Puyallup tribes. We learned that harbor seal populations in the study area had remained stable at about 19,000
since the agency’s last survey in 1999. But another recent study involving a larger survey area showed that harbor seal numbers in the Salish Sea have grown tenfold from about 8,500 to more than 80,000 since 1972 when the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted. Meanwhile, California sea lion populations have exploded to historic levels of more than 300,000 today. The MMPA was created to protect fur seals, dolphins and whales and has been successful in stemming the decline of those species. California sea lions and harbor seals have never been in danger of extinction, and their populations in some places have exceeded the ecosystem’s ability to support them. Unfortunately, the MMPA provides little direction for addressing increased salmon predation and other issues it has created. What we really need is a marine mammal management act that will enable us to fix the imbalance. The overpopulation of seals and sea lions is slowing salmon recovery throughout the region. Tribal and state salmon co-managers have already cut salmon harvests by 80 to 90 percent over the past 40 years in response to declining salmon runs. The state/tribal harbor seal survey is a good step toward assessing their optimal populations in the region with an eye on managing the entire ecosystem. Too many species that make up the diet of seals and sea lions — such as smaller forage fish important to salmon — continue to decline despite ongoing recovery efforts. The last few decades have seen billions of dollars, countless hours of work and unprecedented cooperation by many to recover salmon in western Washington. Increasing seal and sea lion predation puts those investments and the salmon resource at risk. Cooperation between treaty tribes and the state of Washington is the key to successful co-management of our region’s natural resources. Joint efforts such as the harbor seal population survey are examples of our shared commitment to work for the benefit of our natural resources and all of us who depend on them. By Lorraine Loomis Chair, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
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Washing Hands Lushootseed Vocabulary Crossword Washing Hands Vocabulary Crossword 3 3 1
1
5
4
2
Across 1 water 2 dry hands / fingers 3 take / grab 4 soap 5 turn on
2
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1 water
Down 1 napkin, towel, rug 2 wash hands/ fingers 3 turn off
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2 dry hands/ fingers
Seefingers back 2 wash hands/
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3 turn off
cover for answers
Tribal Council Adopts Stalking Ordinance
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n September 14, 2020, at a regularly scheduled meeting, the Suquamish Tribal Council passed Resolution 2020137, enacting a new chapter into the Suquamish Criminal Code, Chapter 7.30 – Stalking. In general, a person commits the crime of stalking if he or she intentionally and repeatedly (two times or more) harasses or follows another person, and places that other person in reasonable fear that the stalker intends to injure the other person, a third person, or the property of either one; and the stalker must intend to frighten, intimidate or harass the other person, or the stalker knows or should know that the other person’s reaction will be to be afraid, intimidated or harassed. It is not a defense that the stalker was not given notice that the other person did not want the stalker to contact or follow the other person, or that the stalker
4 soap, 5 turn on
Fish Distribution!
October 2020 | 13
Tribal members receive salmon from the Quilicene Hatchery
did not intend to frighten or intimidate or harass the other person. The new law includes stalking via text, email, social media, internet posts, interfering with business or personal relationships, and virtually any other form of unwanted contact. Stalking is a gross misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to one year in jail, for the first offense. However, if the stalker has previously been convicted of a crime of harassment, or if there is already a protection order between the stalker and the victim, or if the stalker was armed with a dangerous weapon, or if the victim is part of the justice system or a previous or potential witness against the stalker, and the stalking is in retaliation, then stalking is a felony, carrying a sentence of up to three years in jail. Donna McNamara Tribal Prosecuting Attorney
Suquamish News
14 | October 2020
suquamish.nsn.us
Resilience
Schooling at Home: A Family Survival Guide A
re you currently feeling overwhelmed, trying to navigate virtual learning with your child? You are not alone. In the United States, there are only two states that have not mandated or recommended that all schools be closed for in-person instruction. How do we manage to do it? Some of us are fortunate enough to work from home, although this is not true for everyone. Many parents require childcare during work hours. Parents feel unprepared and unsupported in their new roles, acting as teachers, principals, and security guard to their own children. Last spring, I experienced the challenges of virtual school as students and teachers navigated this new environment. It is extremely frustrating! Some of the brightest, most gifted students and teachers struggle with learning all the required platforms (e.g. Google, Youtube, Remind, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) “I hate virtual school!” can be heard from teachers and students alike. The Suquamish Tribe recognizes these challenges and has decided to put resources into providing help and support for you and your child now, at the beginning of the school year. In my new role as Mental Health Educational and Behavioral Support Professional at Wellness, I am happy to be someone who can provide these resources. It is a good idea to get that support now to prevent larger battles further down the road. *** Managing a highly unusual school year This is an unusual school year, and there are going to be challenges unlike any other year. We are going to need to support each other. To help with this version of school and work-from-home life, here are some points to keep in mind.
Consistency: Establishing consistent routines and expectations will help reduce anxiety and confusion, and avert daily arguments between you and your child. Consistency also helps students maintain focus. Skilled teachers often incorporate a great deal of structure because kids learn best when they know what to expect. Create and keep a schedule. I have found it even more helpful to have a visual schedule with pictures or icons to represent different subjects or activities, especially for younger students. Teacherspayteachers.com has some great templates for visual schedules. A schedule also allows parents and other family members to share duties. Include your child in this process — ask for input about what they might find the most/least helpful. By building in breaks, choice, and a range of activities, parents can
Participate in art projects together. Decorate the house together. Sing, tell stories, or learn a new dance. Explore your children’s interests and try to participate with them. Send a letter to grandparents. Don’t forget to also encourage social interactions with family and friends as well, this is an important aspect of your child’s development. For inspiration join Mo Willems for Mondays with Mo for a lunchtime art activity at: kennedy-center.org/ education/mo-willems. Writing by hand creates better memories and knowledge, so try to include written assignments along with online options. Keep in mind that workbooks can cost more than online lessons, and delivery time could be slow during this current crisis. At evan-moor.com you can find a great selection of workbooks for students as young as preschool. tailor plans to meet children’s individual needs. I asked my 15 year-old daughter what was helpful for her, and she said: “I like having an overview of the week, and what they expect from us.” Students often crave structure and they want to know what to expect. Expectations: Children often struggle with maintaining a healthy balance between various areas in life, often preferring to engage in pleasurable activities that provide immediate gratification. Failing in school often has little to do with ability, it is frequently correlated to attendance. Your student’s success hinges on being present online during video calls and during activities and tests; and it is essential that they turn in assignments. Teachers register attendance based on these forms of participation. As a parent it is essential that you are communicating with your child, as well as their school. Your child is expected to learn and engage in new methods of engaging in school, and you as a parent may notice changes in your children’s behavior. Role-modeling frequent communication with the school will demonstrate healthy patterns of behavior in responsibility and time management. Also remember: your attitude and comments regarding these new changes and expectations provide a script for your child to use. Connection: It is easy to feel disconnected and alone during times of imposed isolation. Be mindful of passive screen-time consumption. Turn off the TV, put down your phones, step away from social media. Take time to connect with your children — you may have to actively budget this time.
Emotional needs: Validate their emotions by helping to name the emotions and allow space to experience the feeling. This can be especially tricky when your child is acting in a way that you do not want to encourage. Clearly identify the difference between the behaviors and the emotional need, and then provide alternate solutions for expressing themselves. Explore and discuss your child’s emotions through artistic expression. Tell stories involving similar emotions. Flexibility: If the spring of 2020 informs us about how things might go this fall and winter, then we should expect changes to the education plan at some point this year. I was pleasantly surprised to see how readily children adjusted to the sudden changes last spring. They are resilient by nature, but parents can model that resilience too. Being flexible, adapting to change, and focusing on the positive are all important life skills to have, and COVID-19 is a great teaching moment for developing those skills. Assure kids that your family will work as a team to come up with a new plan for any new obstacle or change that may come your way. *** If you have any questions regarding your child’s behavior or educational needs, or if you would like support as a parent navigating these challenging times, contact me at (360) 662-6806, sadams@suquamish.nsn.us. By Shawn Adams Suquamish Tribe Wellness Center Counselor
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October 2020 | 15
Birthdays
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r e b o t c
October 1 Jacob Johnson Victory Mowitch October 2 Alice Pondelick Alicia Lawson Damian Lawrence October 3 Ah-nika-leesh Chiquiti October 4 Chelsea Forsman David Sherman Jeffrey Elevado Kenneth Hagen William Stroud October 5 Cheryl Mabe Clarence Ross Jr. Cynthia Williams Jeffrey Riggins Margaret Duggan October 6 Molly Middleton October 7 Ashton Purser Denita Holmes Tracy Tabafunda
October 9 Gordon Hawk III Kassia Smith Ronnie Glaze October 10 Ibrahim Trawally Patrice Wilcox Ronald Purser Jr.
October 16 Charles Deam Jr. John Jones Nadia Armstrong Wyatt Mabe October 17 Lawrence Elevado Robert Forsman
October 11 Aaron Lawrence Robin Sigo
October 18 Bryce Bradwell Dolores Bakken Kirt Napoleon
October 12 Blain Wolten Douglas George
October 19 Danielle Palomino Maddox Duthie
October 13 Frank Cordero Nigel Lawrence
October 20 Cheyenne Castandeda-Sigo Daniel Pratt Heather Puser
October 14 Dale Ahvakana Gaylon Vaught October 15 A-lish-tassen Chiquiti Charles Vollenweider Jana Mills Lillian Pondelick Melita Zaiss Rose Sigo Shelly Immken Sherry Robles
October 22 Pierce Peterson October 23 Aaron Napoleon Destiny Mabe Lawrence (Pete) Hawk Martha Mabe Shanel Carlson Shelley Wood
October 24 Ian Lawrence Jacob Patrick James Clark Nancy McPherson October 25 Chynna Murphy-Rubeck Janet Surratt Jordan Joe Shery Werbelo October 26 Emily Castaneda-Sigo Karen Villanueva Robert George Sr. October 27 Aiden Willis Gloria Viray Jerin Bagley October 28 Irene Carper October 30 Aubrey Collier Brittany Bakken Celia Williams Destiny Pool Erika Cordero Hunter Brown Raymond Pondlick Robert Alexander Jr. October 31 Cindy WebsterMartinson Rebekah Stewart Timothy Midkiff William Forsman
Health Benefits Tip of the Month Present your Medical and Dental ID Cards every time you visit a doctor or dentist to ensure your services are paid promptly! Contact Health Benefits at (360) 394-8424 PO Box 546, Suquamish WA 98392
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71
Answers: Washing Hands Lushootseed Vocabulary Crossword (from page 13)
Washing Hands Vocab Crossword Answer Key t kʷ ə qʷ u
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