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Suquamish News
September 2020 | 1
Suquamish News Volume 20
September 2020
No. 9
In this issue... PME at Upcoming Forum – p6 COVID Updates – p10 Support Groups for Fall – p13 Honoring graduates - p 6
Back to School News - p4
Tribal Council: Stay Safe! - p10
Suquamish News
2 | September 2020
Community Calendar
suquamish.nsn.us
Events & Meetings
Forums
Suquamish Tribal Council Meets on Sept. 14 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
The Police Department lobby is Discussions on Tribal government, available to drop off payments and enterprises, and other topics, 4:30pm: for other government paperwork. Sept. 3: SEC, Agate Dreams, Tokem Hours : Mon-Fri, 8am–4:30pm Cannabis Front Desk: (360) 598-4334 Sept. 10, Song & Dance live from the Emergency: 911 House of Awakened Culture Sept. 17: PME, Casino Resort, Kiana, White Horse, Retail. Wellness Center Links to online forums sent to Tribal Front desk: (360) 394-8558 members via SUN text.
Suquamish Warriors For information, contact Jean Belmont, (360) 601-7918 or jbelmont87@gmail.com
Suquamish Police
Suquamish Elders
Sign Up for SUN! Suquamish Updates Now (SUN) is the Tribe’s best way to reach Tribal members. Get alerts about emergencies, new services and distributions, clam digs, cultural events, ways to help out the community, and more. Sign up now at Suquamish.nsn.us/ Suquamish-Updates-Now
On the cover
Tribal Elder Marilyn Wandrey keeps For Elders information contact: PME Board of Directors alive the Chief Seattle Day tradition Meets Sept. 23, at 9am. For Della Crowell (360) 394-8417 via video at a time when the commuinformation, contact Brenda Donna Sigo (360) 394-8472 nity was unable to gather safely. George, brendageorge@clearwater casino.com, or Government Offices (360) 621-0047 Communications: (360) 394-7184/7102 Community Dev: (360) 394-8415 Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. Health: (360) 394-8468/8594 Comm. meets on Sept. 3 & 17. Emergency Operations: (360) 394-8507 Call Angela Brainerd for detail, Emergency Work: (360) 900-7050 Free onsite COVID-19 testing is available for (360) 394-8652 Emergency Utilities: (360) 710-3223 Finance: (360) 394-8432 Tribal members, Tribal employees, and PME employees. Suquamish Seafoods Board Fisheries: (360) 394-8438 Meets on Sept. 15 at 2pm online. Health Benefits: (360) 394-8424 Contact Shanel Carlson, (360) Human Resources: (360) 394-8409 For information, please contact: 394-8512 for details Human Services: (360) 394-8465 IT Help Desk: (360) 394-8485 Barbara Hoffman, RN, at 360-394-8468 or Suquamish Museum Board Maintenance: (360) 394-8590 Amanda Brazeau, RN, at 360-394-8594 Meets Sept. 17 at 11am, online. Tribal Child Welfare: (360) 394-8480 Call Janet Smoak for login, Currently test results are available in around 72 hours Tribal Court: (360) 394-8697 (360) 394-8499
FREE COVID-19 TESTING
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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All photo submissions must be made in JPG or PDF form, with resolution of 300 dpi or more.
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 Georgia Browne
Editorial Policy
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design Editorial Intern Design/Layout
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
September 2020 | 3
Suquamish Tribe finds new way to keep Chief Seattle tradition alive during pandemic E
very year, for as long as anyone can remember, the Suquamish Tribe has gathered in late summer to remember Chief Seattle at his hillside gravesite overlooking the Puget Sound in Suquamish. Joined by local leaders, friends, and allies, as part of the Tribe’s Chief Seattle Days celebration, the graveside remembrance is an annual anchor of Tribal life and ceremony. And while this year so many events have been canceled or delayed, the Tribe found a way to continue the annual Chief Seattle celebration in a new way. “We are doing this differently this year,” says Tribal Elder Marilyn Wandrey in a video posted on Facebook and the Tribe’s website on the morning of Aug 15, the third Saturday of the month and what has become traditional opening of Chief Seattle Days. “Because of COVID-19 we cannot all gather here like we normally do where we are all in close proximity,” Wanderey continues in the video, filmed at Chief Seattle’s grave site. “We are doing this differently, so that you can all still participate. We welcome you. We are very happy to have you be with us on this special day.” Keeping with tradition, Wandrey tells the story of one of the Suquamish Tribe’s great ancestor and touches on some of his many accomplishments. The brainchild of the Suquamish Tribes’ Cultural Committee and Chief Seattle Days 2020 coordinator Lisa Rodriquez, the idea for the video was to provide a way for Tribal members and the wider community to connect and continue the annual tradition, but in a safe way. Sacred Water Canoe Family contributed an opening track, titled Bearon’s Floor Song, composed by James Old Coyote. “It’s a song of blessing, so it’s exactly the kind of song we would play for this ceremony,” said Sacred Water leader and Tribal Council Member Sammy Mabe. “Now that you have witnessed this cer-
emony for this year for Chief Seattle, you are all witnesses to what has been done,” Wandrey says. “We always ask our witnesses to go out and to let people know what you saw, what you heard, and that Suquamish did a good job. We thank you again. Thank you for coming. Thank you for participating.” The video has been among the Tribe’s most popular posts on Facebook recently, garnering more than 17,000 views and dozens of appreciative comments. “Suquamish did a good job,” offered several commenters on Facebook. “This is a hard weekend for many of us. We won’t be gathering in person to honor Chief Seattle but this lovely video shows you a little bit of who we are and where we come from,” wrote Annie Forsman-Adams while sharing the video with her friends on Facebook. “Thank you Suquamish and Marilyn for sharing this,” wrote Michelle Aguilar-Wells. “And as a witness I will share this with my friends.” By Jon Anderson
The Suquamish Tribe found a new way to honor an old tradition by offering Tribal members and the wider community a chance to join in the annual memorial of Chief Seattle with an online video hosted by Tribal Elder Marilyn Wandrey.
Suquamish News
4 | September 2020
suquamish.nsn.us
Education News
Suquamish Educators Rise to Pandemic Challenges as the New School Year Begins D
ear Parents, families, and community members,
Welcome back to the 2020-21 school year. This new school year will have many unique challenges. Never before have we been placed in this position in returning to school during a pandemic. We promise to help in any way we can to make this year as positive as possible. We know there are a great many unknowns and we understand the anxiety and fears you must be feeling. We are working on a multitude of issues to be helpful and provide the resources that you and your student will need. Our local North Kitsap School District has sent out a series of communications to prepare you and your family for the upcoming year. The emails are full of guidance and information for you, so please read them over carefully. We understand that you will have questions, so please reach out and call or email if you need assistance. We will continue to publish information in the Tribal newsletter and on the Tribal Facebook page. We have a plan to create a Facebook page for Education soon. Communication and getting answers quickly are crucial this year and we will do our best to be helpful. Please contact our academic coaches for assistance as needed. They should be reaching out to you or maybe already have. As always, we will be as helpful as possible and our departments are committed to being a resource for you and your family.
Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center Nigel Lawrence, Director
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he Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center is tentatively reopening on Sept. 1 for the new school year. The September hours will be 9am to 4pm offering in-center child care only to Tribal Members, Suquamish Tribal Government employees’ children and PME employees’ children. In order to keep exposure risks as low as possible, we are asking that children be brought to the ELC only while their parents/guardians are actually working.
each other up and support one another. It’s Higher Education Brenda Guerrero, Manager going to be a great year. Reach out to us anytime. he Higher Education program offers support services and funding to enrolled Suquamish Tribal Members, who meet eligibility requirements, with their educational goals. Students must be enrolled in a program of study, attending an accredited institution of higher education - technical college, community college, four-year college or university, graduate school, or PhD., or MD programs. However, the amount of funding available depends on the Tribe’s ability to fund and annual budget approvals from Tribal Council. The next Higher Education deadlines can be found on the Higher Education page of the Suquamish Tribe’s website. suq̓ʷabš ʔiišəd ʔaltxʷ (Family and Friends Center) Barb Santos, Director Education Outreach/Since Time Immemorial Curriculum uring this time, the suq̓ ʷabš ʔiišəd Barbara Lawrence ʔaltxʷ (Family and Friends Center, aka Youth Center) team will assist the arbara’s role has been modified this Education Team with mentoring and outyear to include more direct commureach to our youth and families. Online nication to, for, and with parents. Barbaworkshops, which will include life skills ra has always been the person who writes and prevention discussions, are being the newspaper articles but now she will worked on and will be offered in the combe working to quickly respond to paring weeks. ents’ questions and concerns and funnel We will continue partnering with our information to our Communications Devarious departments and programs. partment for rapid feed via Suquamish Small group teams will be available at Updates Now (SUN) and Facebook. A appropriate locations and times as aunew Education Facebook page for parents thorized. of Tribal children is also under considerFamily activities will sporadically be ation. shared with our Tribal families and/or youth as we are still in this pandemic. We will build upon the Education De- Language Program partment mentor program. Families will Lena Maloney, Program Coordinator be contacted by email, Facebook post, and SUN notices. he Language Progeram is in the proYour suq̓ ʷabš ʔiišəd ʔaltxʷ team incess of hiring a Lushootseed Specialcludes: Barb Santos, Kate Ahvakana, Ryan ist/Linguist. This person is expected to Boure’, Tyleeander Purser, Joey Holmes, start by early September. With this hire and Kayla George-Purser. we will be offering more community re-
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D Chief Kitsap Academy Lucy Dafoe, Principal
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hief Kitsap Academy will be off to a strong start as teachers continue to modify and create lessons for online classes. Students have picked up their laptops and classes will begin Sept 2. There will be both synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) lessons. Teachers and support staff will be available each afternoon for one-on-one or small group support. Attendance will be taken each Take care, be safe! day and it will be important for students to check in with their teachers daily. If stuJoe Davalos, Superintendent dents miss a day of school, parents must still notify the school. We are asking that everyone continue to work together, lift
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sources – video, audio, and other materials. Our fall language classes will be online via Zoom, beginning either the week of Sept. 14 or 21. These classes will focus on language use and materials to encourage your personal use of our language. There will be email, Facebook posts, and SUN notices sent out with details on how to register. After our online classes get started, we will be adding new “activity classes” where you learn Lushootseed by doing an activity, such as weaving, plant activities, carving, games, etc. We will create a weekly story time as well, for all ages. Maintenance Jesse Dumford, Maintenance/Custodian
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esse Dumford is our Maintenance/Custodian but tends to be our jack-of-alltrades. With Jesse around, the Education Administration Building — a.k.a. the Original Tribal Center — is back up on par. With some minor projects ahead, the building is getting the care it deserves. If something needs attention, Jesse will an-
Suquamish News
Suquamish Education Department Contact Info Name Title Phone E-mail Joe Davalos Superintendent 360-394-8675 jdavalos@suquamish.nsn.us Nigel Lawrence ELC Director 360-394-8579 nlawrence@Suquamish.nsn.us Lucy Dafoe CKA Principal 360-394-8569 ldafoe@suquamish.nsn.us Barb Santos Family & Friends Ctr Director 360-394-8576 bsantos@suquamish.nsn.us Brenda Guerrero Higher Education Manager 360-394-8460 bguerrero@suquamish.nsn.us Barbara Lawrence Education Outreach/STI 360-394-7176 blawrence@suquamish.nsn.us Lena Maloney Language Program 360-689-7200 lmaloney@suquamish.nsn.us Erin Morgan Academic Coach 360-394-8649 emorgan@suquamish.nsn.us Chris Miller Academic Coach 360-900-6330 chrismiller@suquamish.nsn.us Charles Deam Jr. Academic Coach 360-850-8014 cdeamjr@suquamish.nsn.us K.T. Deam Academic Coach 360-471-2463 ktdeam@suquamish.nsn.us Jesse Dumford Maint./Custodian 360-551-7827 jdumford@suquamish.nsn.us
swer the call. Jesse takes pride in the fact he pays attention to every window, floor, ceiling, air duct, and squeaking door. The beautiful Original Tribal Center is now back to being lived in and loved by a fully functioning staff.
Suquamish Tribe Academic Coaches Suquamish Elementary School Chris Miller and Erin Morgan We are looking forward to working with your student(s) during the 2020-2021 school year. We know these are challenging times for families, and we are here to help. We can meet on Zoom for parent/teacher conferences, meetings, or for help with online school. If you have not filled out a release form that allows us to have Skyward access for your student, please contact us for that form. As we receive school information, we will let you know through this newsletter or on social media. If you would like to be contacted by email or phone, please send us your contact info. We want to stay in touch with families and to serve your needs. Please reach out to us with questions or concerns.
September 2020 | 5
on track. He will be doing group math tutor sessions with each middle school grade level. He will also be available throughout the day for one-on-one tutoring, as needed. K.T. is available for advocacy during Parent Teacher conferences, or at any time that you feel necessary, but the parent or student must request his presence.
Kingston High School Charles Deam Jr. With the switch to online learning, Charles is available throughout the day and evening to help with whatever needs students/parents or guardians may have. He can help with access to resources such as technology, tutoring, relaying information back and forth between staff at Kingston High School, or if materials need to be physically picked up or dropped off in person, accommodations Kingston Middle School can be made for that as well. Please feel K.T. Deam K.T. will be monitoring Suquamish Tribal free to reach out to him as a resource students’ grades and helping students stay with whatever your needs may be.
Lushootseed suEabSucid Berry of the Month My name is Cranberry: Vaccinium oxycoccus ƛ̕ əlq̓əlc
Look for my tiny, evergreen leaves and woody stems very low to the ground. I like to grow in mossy bogs on the coast and in the mountains. My graceful, long-stemmed flowers might remind you of the head and neck of a crane, and that’s where my name comes from! “Crane berry.” My fruit is green at first, then turns red in autumn, and stays red through the winter. Northwest Native People cook and sweeten my berries, just like the cranberry sauce made from my larger cranberry cousins who are native to the East Coast.
Suquamish News
6 | September 2020
suquamish.nsn.us
Forums
Tribal Members Gathering Online for Forums I
n late July, the Tribe began holding a series of online forums to share information about Tribal governance that would, in a normal year, be shared at the annual General Council meeting. These forums have been a great opportunity for problem-identification and problem-solving within our community. We have discussed critical issues, such as the pandemic impacts, the financial standing of the Tribe, and impacts of COVID-19 on education and our transition to distance learning. We’ve learned about staying healthy during the pandemic, the plans for building Tribal housing and completing parks, and about ways the Suquamish Police works to keep our members safe. These open forums allow us to hear from Tribal members and to identify gaps and share our successes with membership in a variety of areas.
Even more importantly, the forums give us a platform for connection. Seeing the faces of all of our relations has been good medicine. I am pleased to see our membership engaged, and it is exciting to highlight the hard work that continues even during the pandemic. Upcoming forums will be held on Thursdays at 4:30pm. Please make sure you are signed up with SUN (Suquamish Updates Now) https://suquamish.nsn.us/ suquamish-updates-now. All Tribal members will receive links to join the forums via SUN. Please join us! The more we are able to understand your needs, the better we are able to provide resources and to keep our community connected and healthy. By Jamie Gooby, Acting Co-Director, Suquamish Tribe.
Honoring our Graduates
Second Forums series. Thursdays at 4:30pm Aug 20 Aug 27 Sept 3 Sept 10 Sept 17
Suquamish Seafoods Wellness Offerings - Self Care Enterprise: SEC: Agate Dreams and Token Cultural Sharing - Song and Dance PME: Casino Resort, Retail, White Horse, Kiana
First set of Forums July 23 July 28 July 30 Aug 4 Aug 6 Aug 11
Housing, Community Development Wellness, Health, COVID Response Budget and Finance Fisheries, Natural Resources, Treaty Protection Police -- Community policing Education -- Back to School
The Suquamish Tribe normally hosts an honoring for Tribal members who are graduating from high school and college. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the dinner and gifting at Kiana Lodge were not possible, so instead, the Education Department held a special drive-through honoring on August 10.
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Suquamish News
September 2020 | 7
Fisheries
Fisheries Boosts Hunting Tags, Adapts Services To Pandemic https://2020census.gov/ before the new groups were added, says Kumpf, please re-submit your info. Select all the communities you belong to (Tribal Member, Finfish Fisher, Hunter, etc.) If you haven’t signed up for SUN yet, please do so as soon as possible. “If you know a Tribal fisher or a hunter who is not yet on SUN, please help us get this information to them and urge them to sign up for this free service,” says Kumpf. Update your info or sign up for the first time on the Tribe’s website here: https://suquamish.nsn.us/suquamish-updates-now/ By Jon Anderson
Health Benefits Tip of the Month Medicare Advantage Plans are calling all Medicare members. Please ignore these calls as they are not calling from Medicare. We do not reimburse Medicare Advantage Plan premiums.
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he Fisheries Department has been working hard to adapt to the pandemic while still helping Tribal members with everything from boat registration renewals and fishing licenses to increasing the number of hunting tags available this season. With Fisheries offices largely closed in recent months to prevent the spread of COVID-19, staff have shifted critical services for Tribal members outside. “I’ve been pretty much working out of my car every day,” says Fisheries Adminis-
trative Program Manager Kim Kumpf, as she waits for Tribal member Scott George in the Fitness Center parking lot to pass off his new fishing license. Suquamish Tribal Council approved Fisheries request to increase hunting tags, up from two to five this year. The increase allows for more subsistence hunting and tags are now issued so that hunters don’t need to come in to get new tags after every kill. Meanwhile, Fisheries is improving the way it’s getting information out to fish-
ers, hunters and other Tribal members by shifting it’s notification method to the Tribe’s new Suquamish Updates Now (SUN) texting and email service. “We’ve added three new communities – Finfish Fishers, Shellfish Fishers, and Hunters – to the SUN service. This will help us get you up-to-the-minute information faster and more reliably,” says Kumpf. “This will also allow us to send you specific fishery updates without spamming the rest of the Tribal community.” If you’ve already signed up for SUN
Contact Health Benefits at (360) 394-8424
Note from Marilyn Jones, Traditional Heritage Specialists and Tribal Elder Due to the virus I could not go get Sweet Grass this year. I fell at my home and broke my right shoulder, right leg and right ankle. I have had surgery on my shoulder and may need surgery on my leg. Please stay safe and wear masks.
8 | September 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
Government
Chairman’s Report
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hope you all have had a chance to enjoy the summer despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. I definitely miss all the usual summer events: commencement ceremonies, graduation parties, the canoe journey, Chief Seattle Days and other pow-wows, and hosting groups visiting our reservation for governmental meetings and tours. The National Response to COVID-19 We continue to work with federal, state, and local governments and agencies to gather information, support and supplies to help us manage and adapt to this health crisis. The White House continues to have teleconferences with Tribal leaders to provide updates on the federal government’s pandemic response. There were two Indian Country COVID-19 Update calls in August. The first call was to announce that the White House Council on Native American Affairs, led by Tyler Fish (Muscogee Creek), is “up and running” and would be holding meetings to discuss their major Indian Country initiatives. Those initiatives include COVID-19 response, justice issues especially in respect to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, infrastructure development (including broadband), workforce investment, and energy development. The second call updated Tribal leaders on the efforts of the Indian Health Service (I.H.S.) to support Indian Country’s response and management of the pandemic. The I.H.S. noted
that COVID-19 testing in Indian Country was above the national average and the positivity rate of 7.2 percent was below the national rate. The White House also held two calls for state, Tribal, and local governments that are national in scope. The National COVID-19 Briefing Call with State, Local, and Tribal Officials calls usually have officials from the primary federal agencies that are dealing with the health and economic impacts of the pandemic on the country. Dr. Deborah Birx, Coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, was on both calls and provided an update on the spread and containment of the virus in the Nation. Some of the hotspots that were seeing large outbreaks are starting to settle down now because state and local governments have implemented aggressive mitigation measures. However, other areas, like that smaller metropolitan areas, are spiking. She noted that in her team’s travels around the nation she is seeing lots of vacation traffic and asks that if you travel to a hotspot, quarantine for two weeks before going back into circulation. Dr. Birx cautioned that we need to be vigilant and continue to take mitigation measures to slow the spread: handwashing, masking up, avoiding large gatherings, social distancing, and curtailing indoor dining. She said that asymptomatic young people (under 30) are spreading the virus especially in multi-generational family gatherings. These gatherings need to implement the mitigation measures, especially masking and social distancing. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn reported on some of the drugs that are being developed to treat the virus. Some of the drugs focus on tamping down the patient’s immune system response, which limits damage to the body. He also is encouraging COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma. Health and Human Services Commissioner Alex Azar gave a report on vaccine
development, which they’re calling “Operation Warp Speed.” The federal government has invested billions of dollars, upfront, in pharmaceutical companies to develop a vaccine. There are six vaccine candidates, and they are seeing progress. Secretary Azar predicted a vaccine by the end of the year or in early 2021. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reported that the economy had improved due to the federal government’s fiscal policies, but that we won’t see complete recovery until we fully get back to work, especially in the travel, restaurant, and entertainment industries. Secretary Mnuchin said that talks with Congress had broken down on a new COVID-19 spending bill, but that they were still working to get a compromise. State and Regional Responses The Bureau of Indian Affairs Portland Area Office held its bi-weekly calls to inform regional Tribal leaders of funding opportunities and to share data on the pandemic. BIA Regional Director Bryan Mercier (Grand Ronde) announced that he would be providing discretionary funding to Tribal governments that have experienced the greatest impact from COVID-19, including Warm Springs and Yakama. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held another call on the distribution of CARES Act funding for COVID-19 impacts to fishing Tribes. NOAA continues to develop a formula for the $5.1 million appropriated to the West Coast for Tribes. This template will probably be used again for distribution of future aid payments. The Washington Tribes are also working with the state of Washington on acquiring part of the funding allocated to the State. The American Indian Health Commission hosted a Tribal COVID Roundtable with Dr. Scott Lindquist, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. Dr. Lindquist provided Tribal leaders and policy representatives with recommenda-
tions on best practices for managing the pandemic. Some of his key points were as follows: •
Washington detected the first case in the nation due to our modern testing system
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The outbreak occurred first in nursing homes in March and spread to non-healthcare settings like factories, farms, fishing boats, and now restaurants, bars, and large gatherings
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The 20-39 age group is currently seeing the highest rate of infection
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This virus is more aggressive than the flu with a 2.7% death rate
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Dr. Lindquist has spent a lot of time in Eastern Washington where there is a high infection rate among the Hispanic population. Many in that population work in farms, factories, and restaurants
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He noted that mass testing has been employed at some institutions. This provides good data. He noted that symptomatic testing is a good use of resources and is effective, allowing for identification of a positive case for isolation, and the identification and isolation of contacts through contact tracing.
Dr. Lindquist emphasized the importance of masks, social distancing, and handwashing to slow the spread of the virus. The Suquamish Tribal Council held a meeting with its Emergency Operations Center to discuss a re-opening plan for the Suquamish Tribal Government after two employees tested positive for COVID-19. We determined that, following our weeklong closure, re-opening at our former level of operations would be appropriate. We have continued with our online
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General Council Forums, originally intended to provide information to Tribal members regarding Tribal government programs and initiatives prior to the August meeting that was postponed until March 2021. I sat in on four of the forums; Seafoods Enterprise, Finance and Budget, Fisheries and Treaty Protection, and Education. There was good participation and informative presentations by staff at these virtual meetings. Government-to-government meetings remain a vital part of our Tribal government responsibilities. Naval Base Kitsap Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Rhinehart and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) Commanding Officer Capt. Dianna Wolfson met with Tribal fisheries staff and me to discuss planned construction activities at PSNS. A new dry dock at PSNS is needed to allow for seismic improvements to the existing dry dock. This will allow the Navy to meet demand for carrier servicing during and after construction of the dry docks. We discussed how they will mitigate impacts to our fishing areas in Sinclair Inlet. The Navy is early in their planning and has committed to meaningful consultation with the Suquamish Tribe. Increased activity at PSNS will add more traffic to the Gorst Interchange, which is already challenged during rush hour and beyond. An intergovernmental group, the Gorst Coalition Executive
Suquamish News
Committee, has been formed to develop a plan for traffic improvements. The Suquamish Tribe is insisting that investments in habitat protection and enhancements in Sinclair Inlet be included in the transportation improvement scope and budget. The Suquamish Tribe relies on the BIA to process our real estate transactions, including fee-to-trust transfers, gift deeds, Tribal purchases of allottee interests, and land appraisals. We met with BIA Regional Director Bryan Mercier to discuss how to make the process, especially at the BIA’s Everett Office, more user friendly for Tribal government. The meeting was productive, and we look forward to providing our Tribal members and the Tribal government and its enterprises with an improved and efficient process. The White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) held two meetings; the Workforce Development & Education Committee Tribal Leader Roundtable and the Infrastructure Committee Tribal Leader Roundtable. The Workforce meeting included reports from the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education, and the Small Business Administration on their Indian Country programs. The Infrastructure meeting included presentations on broadband, housing, transportation, water, and environmental permit streamlining. The WHCNAA did not hold a session on natural resource protection.
Poulsbo We have been monitoring the investigations into the shooting of Stonechild “Stoney” Chiefstick on July 3, 2019. Stoney, a Chippewa-Cree Indian and member of the Suquamish Tribal Community, was shot by a Poulsbo Police officer during the 2019 fireworks celebration in downtown Poulsbo. Kitsap County Prosecutor Chad Enright determined the shooting was justified. Over the past year, the memorial to Stoney has been vandalized twice by Poulsbo residents. I called Prosecutor Enright to express our frustration over the disrespect shown towards Stoney’s family in the latest incident and that he take that into account when reviewing the vandalism charges. We also called Attorney General Bob Ferguson to get an update on his review of police use-of-force investigations and to provide him with information on the Chiefstick case. His review will not include the Chiefstick investigation because he is only reviewing those investigations that occurred in 2020, after new regulations regarding this type of police investigation were codified. We also were given a report by the City of Poulsbo on the result of their investigation into whether the Poulsbo Police Officer who shot Stoney followed procedure. Their outside consultant determined that he did follow their procedures. We expressed our frustration over these find-
September 2020 | 9
ings to the Poulsbo representatives. The Tribal Council is reconsidering our relationship with the City of Poulsbo in the light of these findings and their reluctance and/or inability to engage in productive dialogue regarding racial bias in their community. Intertribal Collaboration Intertribal organizations have been active in providing support to Tribal governments. The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), where I serve as President, held their mid-year meeting on a virtual platform. The meeting was a success with moderate attendance. ATNI committees passed several resolutions for approval by the General Assembly. The ATNI Executive Board met as well to discuss planning for the annual meeting in October and to discuss the ATNI position on a legislative proposal by Oklahoma Tribes to address jurisdictional issues in the State of Oklahoma. The ATNI Executive Board chose to oppose the legislation as requested by the Muscogee Creek Tribe. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Committee held two conference calls. The first was our regular monthly call and included a request for support for the effort to recognize Jim Thorpe (Sac and Fox) as the sole (CHAIRMAN’S REPORT continued p 11)
Harvesting Cedar -- In Spite of Pandemic, Traditions Carry On
Denita and Joey Holmes gather cedar. Photos by Tiffany Royal / NWIFC.
10 | September 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
Government
Tribe’s Battle Against COVID-19 Continues
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he COVID-19 pandemic, once a temporary disruption, has become an unwelcome new way of life in most parts of the United States. Until recently, though, no one in the Suquamish Tribal community had contracted the virus. That may be in part because of quick Tribal government action. “Government action including working remotely, staying true to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health guidelines” contributed to the Tribe’s early successes keeping the pandemic at bay,” according to Cherrie May, who is a Tribal member as well as Emergency Operations Manager. Tribal Council, directors and enterprise leaders “consulted with each other, talking and listening to out-of-the-box ideas on how to continue serving our community safely,” May says. The number of cases in Kitsap remained low in March, April, and May, even as the pandemic spread elsewhere in Washington state, and across the U.S. Tribal government and enterprises began a cautious process of re-opening. August 15 was set as a day to hold the delayed General Council meeting and to conduct a simple Chief Seattle Days commemoration. Tribal government and enterprise leaders instituted extensive precautions to enable a safe reopening, including screening, mask requirements, testing, and physical distancing. (Note: Tribal leaders are encouraging the use of the term “physical distancing” rather than “social distancing” since staying socially connected remains important.) Testing was brought to the reservation and, along with contact tracing, became the center of a strategy designed to quickly identify any who might be carrying the virus and to prevent its spread. A Late-Summer Setback In July and August, Kitsap County began seeing an increase in cases. Some days saw as many as 29 people testing positive for COVID-19. And then the first cases were identified in the Tribal community. In late July and early August, a total of seven cases on the reservation were identified. As con-
cern grew, the Tribal Council made the difficult decision to once again postpone the General Council meeting, this time until March 2021. Tribal government facilities shut down once again for six days of deep cleaning and to track down those who had been in close contact with the people who had tested positive. During this time, acting co-directors, Jamie Gooby and Scott Crowell, in consultation with the EOC and Tribal Council, identified three components necessary to reopen Government offices, and with these in place, Tribal government reopened to limited staff and public access on Aug. 17. · Assurances: Health and safety measures are in place for prevention that include daily health screenings, PPE, physical distancing, telework, and restricted office hours with limited public access. In addition, measures are in place for response to positive cases, or outbreaks, which include quick access to testing, contact tracing, case investigation, isolation and quarantine. · Evidence: August 17, 2020 reopening was planned if there were no further positive cases. Any new cases would have resulted in a re-evaluation of the opening date. · Guidance was provided by Tribe’s Office of Emergency Management, Community Health team, and in accordance with CDC guidelines. The Tribe resumed operations with the following provisions: · Tribal Administration facilities remained closed to the public with minimal services available, with the exception of departments identified by management in the Reopening Plan · Telework continued for some departments/positions · On-site work continued for some departments/positions · Outdoor work resumed · Transports were limited to prior arranged critical medical appointments
· Voucher assistance resumed with drive-up services · ELC continued with limited daycare available for families that are already enrolled and working as essential/critical staff who need access to childcare. · Youth Center reopened for staff only to begin planning for youth support in the fall.
Tribal Council: Please Stay Safe!
“The real backbone of the Tribe’s success is the incredible staff — staff in entry level positions to executives, from the Government to the Enterprises, who continue to stand up and push everyday under a mountain of work and responsibility to ensure our community has what they need during this health crisis,” says May.
Your COVID-19 Dashboard
The Suquamish website now has a COVID-19 Testing Dashboard, updated every weekday afternoon. You can find current numbers on Suquamish test results at: suquamish.nsn. us/covidupdates/ As of August 27, 2020: Total Tests Conducted: 441 Total Positive: 7 Total Negative: 423 Percentage Positive: 1% Tests Conducted Today: 8 Results Pending Today: 11 Currently Isolated*: 0 Currently Quarantined*: 0 *Isolated: Number of active cases currently being monitored by Community Health. *Quarantined: Number of persons who have had close contact with an active case and are completing 14-day quarantine with monitoring by Community Health.
Sammy Mabe: We’re seeing an increase in people socializing, having parties, going to restaurants and bars and hugging people outside their household. And we’re asking you to please stop doing that. Please stop going to visit the vulnerable and elderly. Please stop hugging people outside your household and having back yard barbecues. Please limit the time you’re in public. Plan grocery runs for once a week. Try to limit interaction with neighboring communities. And when you are out, please wear your mask, stay diligent with handwashing and hygiene, and please keep all of us safe. I’m proud of you for taking these steps. I hold my hands up to all of you, and thank you.
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Suquamish News
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT cont. from p 9
Leonard Forsman: We’ve seen a big increase in infection rate in Kitsap County. We’ve had COVID-19 infections occur here on our reservation. This has been a difficult time for us, and we need to continue to work hard to manage this pandemic. We’ve made a lot of sacrifices in the last few months: we’ve canceled traditional gatherings, we’ve stayed away from our loved ones, we canceled a lot of our ceremonies. We’re asking you to stay vigilant and remember that we’re all in this together.
Robin L.W. Sigo: Our people have survived epidemics like this before. We’re asking you to help make sure we do it again. You will be the ancestors who make it possible for the next generation to live safely. You are writing the story of courage and stamina for those who come next. We as Tribal Council are proud of how this community has stood up to this threat. It could get harder before it gets easier, but I believe we have inherited the strength from our ancestors to get through this. Let’s do this together.
gold medal winner in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. The Olympic Committee stripped him of his medals for being a “professional.” Years later, the Olympic Committee restored his medals, unfortunately after he had passed away. However, he remains a “co-winner” in both events to this day. Supporters want him to be declared the sole gold medal winner to coincide with the release of a film chronicling his life. Go to brightpathmovie.com for more information. The second NCAI Executive Committee call centered on an emergency in Indian Country -- a potential American Indian undercount in the 2020 Census. NCAI is urging Tribes to take action to complete the census. If you have not filled out the census go to www.my2020census.gov or call 844330-2020 to complete. It’s easy! This is crucial for our future as Indian Tribes. Closer to Home Natural resource protection remains a priority. Climate Change is a threat to our environment and our way of life. Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle) held a meeting to discuss how the state legislature could effectively address this crisis through investment in restoration projects and carbon reduction efforts. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is conducting a study on the feasibility of expanding passengeronly ferry service in the Salish Sea. We expressed our concerns about the impacts that increased vessel traffic has on Tribal fishing access and the orca whale population. Cultural preservation is vital to survival as a sovereign nation. One of the local organizations committed to supporting Tribal cultural activities is the Potlatch Fund. The Potlatch Fund is conducting interviews to assess their mission. I was asked to give my thoughts on the organization, and I explained the important role played by the Potlatch Fund in the early phases of the Suquamish Tribe’s cultural resurgence. The Suquamish Foundation held
their regular meeting and discussed how non-profit organizations are fundraising in the pandemic through virtual platforms and other innovations. We are planning a more robust holiday lighting program this year to compensate for the lack of in-person events. The Suquamish Tribal Cultural Committee met to discuss cultural issues. Port Madison Enterprises updated the committee on the plan to remove the totem pole on the resort lawn, which is in disrepair. The pole, carved by a non-native carver named Dudley Carter, formerly stood at the Northgate Mall. PME representative Irene Carper asked the committee where they should store the pole, and it was decided that it should be moved to the Brennan property. We are in the process of expanding the House of Awakened Culture to allow for larger gatherings. Mithun Architects donated time to produce a draft plan for expansion of the gathering area and for additional meeting rooms. A Council committee is reviewing the plan and will seek public input soon. The Suquamish Museum Board met again last month; the museum remains closed to the public, but museum store sales are being conducted through phone and email orders. We also established a monetary gift fund for special financial gifts, such as that made by the Peach Foundation in honor of the late Pat Baillargeon. In the wake of the pandemic, we are working to provide support for our Tribal students as they prepare for online-only school. Tribal Council held a meeting with Tribal Education Department and Chief Kitsap Academy staff. We discussed a strategy for supporting Tribal families with tutoring, equipment, and outreach. We have had to find innovative ways to honor our graduates and had a drivethrough graduation honoring at the House of Awakened Culture for high school and college graduates. Port Madison Enterprises, the economic arm of the Suquamish Tribe, held a meeting with Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) our representative in the U.S. Congress. PME Board and staff discussed the challenges of keeping our businesses
September 2020 | 11
operating during the pandemic. Congressman Kilmer gave us an update on the congressional negotiations over a new COVID-19 relief package. Leonard Forsman, Suquamish Tribe Chairman
Suquamish Tribal Council statement on the reinstatement of Poulsbo Police Officer Craig Keller The decision to retain Officer Craig Keller on the Poulsbo Police Force is the latest in a series of moves that have shaken the confidence of the Suquamish Tribal community in the Poulsbo police force and the City of Poulsbo. This officer, who shot and killed Stonechild Chiefstick within seconds of confronting him, will be returning to the streets. Since the July 3, 2019, shooting, we have looked for signs that Poulsbo city and law enforcement leaders are taking responsibility for the tragic death, expressing any sympathy for the family, or working to transform a culture that tolerates systemic racism. We have not seen signs of progress on any of these counts. Compounding the harm are the two race-based desecrations of the Stonechild Chiefstick memorial that have occurred since the shooting. We regret the setback in relationships with Poulsbo leadership that has occurred in the last year as we have, in the past, enjoyed successful collaborations. However, as a result of the events of the past year, the Suquamish Tribal Council is re-examining our government-to-government and cultural relationship with the City of Poulsbo.
12 | September 2020
Suquamish News
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News
Being Frank
Pacts Offer Path To Streamside Habitat Protection
Photo: Jon Oleyar/Suquamish Fisheries 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.
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he most powerful actions we can take to recover our region’s salmon are to give our rivers and streams room to breathe while protecting the land and vegetation lining their banks. The Timber/Fish/Wildlife (TFW) Agreement and Forests and Fish Report (FFR) successfully tackled similar salmon habitat issues across the state’s landscape decades ago, offering a win-win approach to cooperative natural resources management that is unique in the nation.
We think the processes offer a blueprint to expand and further protect streamside habitat throughout Washington. A war in the woods raged in Washington in the early 1980s. Federal courts had ruled that tribal treaty rights include the right to protected salmon habitat. Meanwhile, tribes, government agencies, timber companies, environmental groups and others were battling in court over the effects to fish, wildlife and water quality of timber harvests on private forestlands. Time, money and effort that could have been better spent on protecting and restoring our shared natural resources were instead being wasted in court. In a bold move, NWIFC Chairman Billy Frank Jr. and Stu Bledsoe, Director of the Washington Forest Protection Association, a timber industry trade group, committed to find a way forward through
cooperation. What they found was a solution that not only protected fish and wildlife habitat but also ensured a healthy and sustainable timber industry. Dozens of meetings between all parties led to the creation of the 1987 TFW Agreement that replaced conflict with a cooperative science-based management approach. Best available science would now “lead wherever the truth takes us,” Frank said. Today, those ideals embodied in law protect more than 60,000 miles of streams on 9.3 million acres of private forestlands across Washington. But it is the classic case of one step forward, two steps back. Growth, development and a changing climate are causing salmon populations to continue to decline because we are losing their habitat in other areas faster than it can be restored and protected.
Riparian (streamside) habitat is among the most important for salmon. Shade from trees and other vegetation helps keep water temperatures low. More than 1,700 miles of streams and rivers in western Washington do not meet federal or state standards for high water temperatures that can kill salmon. Streamside vegetation also filters harmful runoff and slows erosion to prevent eggs from being smothered. When trees fall into a stream, they help create gravel spawning beds and pools where salmon can rest. The state and treaty tribes in western Washington have begun an effort to develop a uniform, science-based riparian habitat management approach for non-forestlands. Like TFW, we expect it to meet resistance and we will need support from stakeholders such as timber industry, farmers, environmental groups, developers and others. We should look to the TFW/FFR model because it shows that when all parties win, they are invested in the solution and are committed to making it work. At the core is a willingness to agree to find consensus. It doesn’t mean everyone gets what they want, but what is needed. It requires participants to listen carefully and give the same priority to addressing the needs of others as they do their own. It encourages creative problem-solving that breeds cooperation, trust and commitment to find opportunities that benefit everyone. Embracing and expanding the TFW/ FFR model is a ready-made opportunity to slow the decline of salmon with the help of a proven science-based management approach to restore and protect critical streamside habitat. Lorraine Loomis is the chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
Suquamish News
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September 2020 | 13
Happy Retirement Richard “Ricky” Belmont Richard “Ricky” Belmont dedicated himself to the Tulalip Tribes to serve Native youth for 19 years. He started out working with Youth Prevention in 2001. In 2008, Ricky became a School Advocate under the Education Division. While working for the Tulalip Tribes, Ricky spent countless hours, on and off the clock, supporting Native youth and their families. He provided support to students in the school, after school, and even attended their sporting and extra curricular events without hesitation. Ricky was a relationship builder; he worked hard to build strong connections throughout Tulalip and the Marysville School District. It was through these connections, and his own passion and determination, that he provided much needed support to youth. He not only worked for and with Native youth, he fought for them. He never gave up, always thinking of all of his students. Ricky maintained his traditional and
cultural teachings and led by example, always walking a good walk. He was a genuine man who would often “tell you like it is.” Everywhere he went, he made sure people were fed, youth served elders, and that the people within the spaces connected with each other. He laid a foundation and built bridges that the youth and adults of Tulalip and Marysville will carry forever. Ricky is the true definition of an Advocate — a shoulder to cry on, an extra hand for help, an ear for listening, and overall a champion for youth. Ricky was also extremely compassionate. In meetings about students, he would often stop the conversation and say, “before we go on, let’s go around and everyone say something good about the student.” He was also known to remind others to show empathy to students by saying, “If you only knew their story." By Tracy Tabafunda
Suquamish Tribe Offers New Online Support Groups, Starting This Fall
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he Suquamish Wellness Center will be offering support groups in the fall through video platforms, available to all community members. Please let us know if you are unfamiliar with, or lack access to, the technology required to participate. Contact the group’s facilitator directly with any questions or to sign up. Parenting the Anxious Child — starting September 22 at 6pm Parenting support and tools for helping your child reduce anxiety and stress. Contact Mary Russell: (360) 394-8678 or mrussell@suquamish.nsn.us Dialectical Behavioral Therapy — starting September 22 Help with identifying and eliminating negative thoughts and self-destructive behaviors. Skills to help deal with stress, regulate emotions, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Contact Jonathan Glover: (360) 394-8601 or jglover@suquamish.nsn.us Seeking Safety — starting late September/early October Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, present-focused group offering for adult participants to help “attain safety from trauma (including PTSD) and substance abuse by emphasizing coping skills, grounding techniques, and education.” Contact Tom Axtelle: (360) 394-7139 or taxtelle@suquamish.nsn.us Teen Girls Support Group — starting September This group will be held in collaboration with the Education Department and will cover a variety of topics. Contact Tyler McLain: (360) 394-7110 or tmclain@suquamish.nsn.us Community Support Group: Social Support During COVID19 and Social Distancing — starting September/October. We have experienced many changes and various effects of social distancing. This group provides a space to gather (virtually!) to discuss how these changes have impacted our lives, share stories, and provide support for each other through these unprecedented times. This will be a “drop in” group – there is no attendance expectations, and you will not need to sign up to participate. Check our website for updates: https://suquamish.nsn.us/wellness-center/ Contact Sara Olsen: (360) 394-7134 or solsen@suquamish.nsn.us Riding the Wave — starting September/October Designed to help you increase awareness of stress and anger, and to learn skills and strategies to help manage stressful and overwhelming situations. Contact Brian Burwell: (360) 394-8553 or bburwell@suquamish.nsn.us Domestic Violence Victim Support Group — ongoing, currently offered This group provides support and psychoeducation to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Contact Elizabeth Tonti: (360) 394-7156
14 | September 2020
Suquamish News
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Events
Writing Workshop and Reading with Margaret Randall and Cedar Sigo
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am writing to invite The Suquamish Tribal Members/Community to take part in two events on Sept. 5, 2020. I will be giving a free workshop and reading with renowned poet, translator and editor Margaret Randall. Here is a bit of background on Margaret and her history: Poet Margaret Randall was born in New York City and grew up in New Mexico. Returning to New York in the 1950s, she was associated with both the abstract expressionists and the Beats. She moved to Mexico City in the 1960s, where she co-founded and coedited the bilingual literary journal El Corno Emplumado/The Plumed Horn. Randall took an active part in the Mexican student movement of 1968 and was forced to flee the country, traveling first to Prague and then to Cuba, where she lived for 11 years with her partner and four children. In 1980, Randall moved to Nicaragua, where she lived during the years of the Sandinistas. In 1984, Randall returned to the United States, only to face deportation under the McCarran-Walter Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952; her writings were declared “against the good order and hap-
piness of the United States.” After a fiveyear legal battle, Randall won her case. Margaret Randall lives with her wife, the painter Barbara Byers, in New Mexico. Margaret has just published a new memoir I Never Left Home, which details every period of her life as a poet and activist. We met two years ago while teaching in the Summer Writing Program at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. After having the pleasure of conversing with Margaret and hearing her read her work, I immediately thought of how we could teach and read together in Suquamish. When her most recent collection of poetry, Against Atrocity was published in 2019, I was asked to write a short statement, a ‘blurb’ for the back cover of the book: “Margaret Randall has always reveled in the absolute agency of poetry and its uncanny ability to help reclaim our histories, to invent new forms and even to travel back in time. Reading through I was reminded of other American revolutionary poets, specifically John Trudell, D.A. Levy, Joy Harjo, Pat Parker and Audre Lorde. In the poem, We Are Not Seduced,
Randall writes, “A bridge meets us more/ than halfway/ while a wall spans a divide/ woven of treachery.” Let us read this book and rise together into a poetics of true participation. It seems the only answer back to these supposed end-times.” The first event on Saturday September 5th will be a free workshop held via Zoom. There will be space for up to twelve participants and Tribal members will be given priority. This workshop is for writers of all genres, visual artists, first time storytellers, rappers or writers. Here is a description of our workshop:
“In her classic poem Rant Diane di Prima writes, “The only war that matters is the war against the imagination, all other wars are subsumed in it.” In times of outright political oppression and violence a poem can often become the perfect form in which to re-imagine and reclaim our world. In this class we will focus primarily on work by Native writers including Joy Harjo, Janice Gould, and Sherwin Bitsui. We hope that we will be able to share our histories, to strategize and create new frequencies through reading aloud, discussion, and writing.” There will be a two-hour break between the workshop and the reading. The reading will take place at 6pm via Zoom with a Q and A session afterward. I feel so lucky to be able to invite the community to this event. Please help me spread the word. Cedar Sigo To register for the workshops, email Cedar Sigo at cedarsigo@gmail.com. See the Suquamish Museum Facebook to log in to the reading, or email Cedar Sigo.
In Memorial Benjamin Beckwith Sunrise: December 22nd, 2004 Sunset: August 7th, 2020 Survived by his parents Chris and Heather Beckwith, Siblings Ezekiel, Makiya, and Jacob and all other Family.
Suquamish News
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September 2020 | 15
Birthdays
r e b tem
p e S
September 1 Edward Moore Joseph Holmes Jr. Joseph Wilson Miakoda George
September 2 Ashley Cobb Irvin Webster Jeremy Bagley Linda Holt Robert Alexander III September 4 Kaliska Lawrence Michael Rogers Sr. Ronald Villanueva Ryan Boure Thiago Cordeiro Tina Jackson September 5 Brianna Johnston Cialesh-hhalil Williams Richard Sigo Wendy Jackson September 6 Harlea Armstrong Sean Surratt September 7 Joshua Mabe Kayauna Cordero
September 8 Andrew George Colleen Albrigo David Sigo Sr. Illyanna Purser Kennan Klaus Sienna Napoleon
September 9 Harold Belmont Jr. Lanna Covarrubias Linda Sandoz September 11 Caitlin Blomberg James Abler Joseph Alexander Steven Golden September 12 Jasmine Barnes Kayden Oswalt Margaret Deam September 13 Bruce Anthony Eric Snow September 14 Braiden Adams Cynthia Thomasson Lynn Lindell Samantha Robson September 15 Brendan Welch Daniel Prett Jr.
September 16 Jaime Lawrence John Bagley Jr. Kevin Kalahan Kody Cotten Mark Golden
September 17 Edith Clark Kerri Maikranz Sophie DiMartino September 18 Katherine Bradley Kenneth Potts Kiomi Pavlock Phillip Holt Jr. Zachary Webster September 19 Jeramie Smith Robert Atkins Steven Holt September 20 Alexis Anderson Cody Bradwell Lawrence Webster Jr. September 21 Desiree Covarrubias Samantha O’Brien-Douglas September 22 Kailee Gaines Kaitlyn Boerner Leonard Barnes V Nicole Hadley William Werbelo
September 23 Florence Mellon Sharon Ogilvie September 24 Kenita Sherman Mackenize Kimmel Preston Smith Jr. Zoe Fritz September 25 Albertina Mclntosh Beatrice Hommel Catherine Coleman John Potts Kaiden Pacquette September 27 Angelique Williams Carylan Midkiff Deanna Baker Dezmond Cordero Hanna Brown-Flath Olivia Johnson September 28 Brittany Dumford Gloria Santos James Boure September 30 Edward Jeffers IV Kylee Manley Maya Emmett Natalia Castaneda-Sigo Nicole Lantzy Regan Bradwell
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71
Wild berries Wild Berries Word Puzzle Find these wild berries hidden among the letters. (Or better yet, find real berries hidden in the woods and meadows!)
Evergreen Huckleberry Trailing Blackberry Huckleberry Oregon Grape Salmonberry Black Caps Salal Wild Strawberry
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I O I B B A U C S R L D U J I K B N F L H U E Y G
Y J NWH E I M I N V R B D S DW P R Q T U F F F I L V L E C F I I D C A K T T B B A T CMHN B I WC K B B B A A P S CG J M I G J A A R I S I C I L P X K AMQZ A UHH L NQB C NH YMD V Y K R I F O K XW L U QWN XMX E Z Y J Q K L T B U E F Y VOC E V A C K B E R R U C K L E B E MB H A F E U NN V N J K T V J OU P MT G J NG S X U
AMX S T F E GC X F Q RW J T RQ F S M F L S Z P QQHU Y K K B P X I YWU OG COX G T N RG Q J G E T S L OG F L I I OU QG E N X BMOG P U C T RG B B J A H T E B P N VWR E Q Y OX R X R R Y N Y U Y G V K X E F R I Q K X V N L R DQV