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Suquamish News
May 2020 | 1
Suquamish News Volume 20
May 2020
No. 5
Parenting During a Pandemic
Tribe Responds to COVID-19 In this issue... Child Abuse Prevention — p5 Azure’s Strawberry Garden — p8 Agate Dreams’ New High — p14
Seafoods Retail Reopens — p3
New Clam Protocols — p9
Activities to do at Home — p10
2 | May 2020
Community Calendar
Suquamish News
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Events & Meetings
Office Hours & Contacts
Get Updates
Suquamish Tribe General Council is scheduled for June 28, 2020 at Kiana Lodge
Government On-call Services Child Tribal Welfare: (360) 394-8480 Communications: (360) 394-7184/7102 Comm. Development: (360) 394-8415 Emergency Work Orders: (360) 900-7050 Emergency Utilities: (360) 710-3223 Health Benefits: (360) 394-8466 Human Resources: (360) 394-8409 Human Services: (360) 394-8465 IT Help Desk: (360) 394-8485 Finance: (360) 394-8430 Fisheries: (360) 394-8438 Tribal Court: (360) 394-8697
During the COVID-19 outbreak, check these sites for updates: Suquamish.nsn.us, and Facebook/SuquamishTribe
Suquamish Tribal Council Tribal Council will meet online Mondays, May 4, 11, and 18, and Tuesday, May 26, from 11am-2pm. For log-in information, contact Rebecca Purser, (360) 900-8031 or rebeccapurser@suquamish.nsn.us Suquamish Warriors For information, contact Jean Belmont, jbelmont87@gmail.com (360) 601-7918 PME Board of Directors Next meeting is May 27. For agenda and more information, contact Brenda George, (360) 621-0047 or brendageorge@clearwatercasino.com Suquamish Tribal Gaming Comm. Call Angela Brainerd, (360) 394-8652
Suquamish Police Department The Police Department lobby is available to drop off child support payments, applications, housing payments, and other government-related paperwork. Lobby hours : Mon-Fri, 8am–4:30pm Front Desk: (360) 598-4334
NEW! Tribal Text Alerts Sign up for Suquamish Updates Now (SUN) for urgent updates: Suquamish.nsn.us/SuquamishUpdates-Now
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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.
Joey and Denita Holmes take a walk through their neighborhood with their three children. Getting outdoors is one of the ways the family continues to thrive during the restrictions of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Jon Anderson
Honor Suquamish Graduates Celebrate Graduates in the June Suquamish News!
Please send: • Name of the graduate • High School or College attended • Activities & accomplishments • Goals after graduation • Comments about graduating during a pandemic (optional) • One to three photos • Shout-outs to your grad!
Wellness Center See current services update on page 4 Suquamish Seafoods Board Front desk: (360) 394-8558 May 19, 2pm. For information, contact Emergency: 911 Shanel Carlson (360) 394-8512 Crisis Hotline: (888) 910-0416 Chat: www.imhurting.org Suquamish Elders For Elders information contact: Meals Delivered Tuesdays — ELC families Della Crowell (360) 394-8417 Wednesday — CKA families Donna Sigo (360) 394-8472 Human Services (360) 394-8465 Elders Meals — (360) 394-8413
Suquamish News
On the cover
Website form: Suquamish.nsn.us/ Honoring-Suquamish-Graduates or Email: communications@suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish Tribal Council
Production Staff
Leonard Forsman
Chairman
Wayne George
Vice-Chair
Nigel Lawrence
Secretary
Leonard Forsman Sarah van Gelder Jon Anderson JoAnn Joe
Robin Sigo
Treasurer
Editorial Policy
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Photography/Design
Rich Purser
Member
Publishers of the Suquamish Newsletter reserve the right to refuse
Sammy Mabe
Member
editorials and letters is encouraged. However, they represent the opin-
Luther Mills, Jr.
Member
Reproduction of Suquamish News, in whole or in part, without written permission from the Suquamish Tribe is strictly prohibited.
publication of letters to the editor and guest editorials. Submission of ion 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
May 2020 | 3
Suquamish Seafoods’ store reopens as geoduck divers, oyster crews return to work
Shaylene Jefferson, store manager, prepares Suquamish Seafoods retail shop to reopen.
Tribal Council Announces Executive Transition The Suquamish Tribal Council issued the following statement on May 1, 2020: “As you may have heard, Shyla Spicer has left her position at the Suquamish Tribe. We wish her well as she pursues other opportunities. Tribal Council has appointed Scott Crowell and Jamie Gooby to serve as co-directors of Tribal Government operations during this transition.”
A
triple dose of good news came at the end of April as the Suquamish Tribe’s geoduck divers got back in the water, oyster-harvesting crews went back to work, and Suquamish Seafoods’ retail outlet re-opened following an extended closure of the Tribe’s seafoods enterprises in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Suquamish Seafoods’ store opened on April 30 after a six-week hiatus. “We’ll be doing curb-side pickups only for now,” says retail store manager Shaylene Jefferson. The store returned to its previous schedule, open Thursday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Live, fresh caught, and frozen inventory will be updated regularly on the store’s Facebook page and posted outside the store. “We’ll have pretty much everything back in stock,” said Jefferson, as she prepared the outlet for its first shipment of live Dungeness crab since reopening. Customers are asked to call their order in and pay for it over the phone with a debit or credit card to limit face-to-face
contact as much as possible. “If people are uncomfortable doing that, we can take cards for payment on pickup,” said Jefferson. Reopening Seafoods’ retail store followed shortly behind the Tribe’s divers and oyster production crews going back to work as well. Both divers and oyster crews are working under new rules designed to maximize social distancing while minimizing exposure to coronavirus, she said. The geoduck industry suffered a double hit over the past year, first with the Trump Administration’s trade war with China and then the pandemic causing prices for the big clams to plummet. Geoduck is considered a delicacy throughout much of Asia and has been receiving increasing attention by restaurant chefs and retail foodies alike. But demand dropped as the pandemic spread. With China now on the rebound, however, prices are recovering enough to make harvesting viable again, said Jefferson. by Jon Anderson
Museum is currently closed due to COVID-19. Check Facebook for updates.
Suquamish News
4 | May 2020
suquamish.nsn.us
Education News
Wellness Center offers support during the pandemic
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ith the stresses of stay-at-home orders, isolation, new home school duties, and general uncertainties, these are difficult times. That’s why the staff at the Wellness Center is offering new support groups online. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer to join in.
Chief Kitsap Academy students learn at home
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hief Kitsap Academy made a fast pivot to online learning, but not all the learning activities are taking place in front of a computer. Principal Lucy DaFoe says families have developed a wide range of homeschool projects. Some are starting gardens. Art projects are also popular. For Taylon Lowe, it was learning how to replace a water pump on a 1968 Chevy truck with his dad David Lowe. Talyon and his dad got the truck, which they’ve dubbbed “Lucy,” back up and running. “It wasn’t easy,” said Taylon’s dad, David Lowe, adding, “He earned his A.”
Community Support Meetings are weekly, online dropin sessions led by Sara Olsen and Brian Burwell, open to the community. No sign-up needed; just enter the URL below in your browser, and join in a Zoom room. Tuesdays from 12pm–1pm https://zoom.us/j/290555845 Meeting ID: 290 555 845 Suquamish Wellness has a naturopathic doctor on staff Password: HELLO offering consultations, treatments, and acupuncture. Or call in from your phone: (253) 215-8782 Dr. Alex Kraft graduated from Bastyr University in Meeting ID: 290 555 845 2004, and is a board-certified Naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. His treatment approach is to act as Parenting Class will explore what it means to parent a health detective — determining what is contributing during a pandemic. Led by Mary Russell, LMHC, the to illness and recommending lifestyle changes, natural group is based on the No Drama Discipline Work Book. medicines and herbs, or prescription treatments to reThe group will look at parenting through the lens of gain health. An avid researcher, Dr. Kraft’s special areas brain development. Email Mary to learn more. Once you of interest include thyroid and hormonal imbalance, auare signed up, Mary will coordinate with you to get you toimmune disease, digestive health and nutrition, chrona workbook. All sessions will be online. ic fatigue, arthritis, and mood disorders such as anxiety, Contact: MRussell@suquamish.nsn.us depression, and insomnia. Appointments are available Healthy Relationships: Leading the Next Generations. Wednesdays, 9am – 4 pm. Suquamish Wellness Center is offering this group online Call (360) 394-8558 to schedule. based on curriculum developed by the Native Wellness Institute to provide “culturally relevant resources to sup- The Wellness Center continues to provide all regular port Tribes and Tribal families in building healthier cou- services by telemedicine (video) platforms. This inple relationships.” The group will be facilitated by Well- cludes psychiatry, naturopathy, substance use disorder ness Center counselors Tom Axtelle and Tyler McClain and mental health counseling, domestic violence victim using Zoom. This group is open to Suquamish Tribal services, problem gambling treatment, and peer support. Members and other Native adults in the community. For questions, scheduling, or to request services When: Mondays 2pm–3:30pm Call: (360) 394-8558 How: Zoom (link will be sent when you sign up) or visit: https://suquamish.nsn.us/home/departments/ Sign up: Email Tom, TAxtelle@suquamish.nsn.us wellness-center/
COVID-BLUES GOT YOU IN A FITNESS RUT? Check out the Covid Updates section at the top of Suquamish Tribe homepage for some
great
FREE resources recommended by the crew at the Fitness Center Go to: Suquamish.nsn.us and click on Covid Updates!
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
May 2020 | 5
Wellness News
Violence is Not Our Way!
Suquamish Community Marks Child Abuse Prevention Month • • •
Has engaged in self-harm or self-mutilation. Suicidal ideation or has attempted suicide. Noticeable lack of attachment to parent/guardian.
Neglect The failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs. This can include failure to protect them from a known risk of harm or danger. Signs include: • Frequently absent from school or tardy. • Begs or steals food or seems to always be hungry. • Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, glasses, etc. • Is consistently dirty. • Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather. • States that there is no one at home to provide care.
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hild abuse is something that nobody wants to think about or talk about. But it’s a heartbreaking fact of life for too many children. In the vast majority of child abuse cases, the victim knows the perpetrator. Often the abuser is a family member or a close family friend. Please, be aware of who you are bringing into your child’s life and watch for warning signs: Physical abuse The physical injury of a child, including an accidental injury inflicted during intentional corporal punishment. Watch for: • Unexplained injuries, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes. • Has fading bruises or other marks after an absence from regular activities. • Seems frightened of the parents-protests or cries when it is time to go. • Shrinks or flinches at the approach of adults. • Reports injury by a parent or other caregiver.
Sexual Abuse Anything done with a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child. Possible warning signs: • Difficulty walking or sitting, possibly due to rashes or soreness. • Sudden refusal to change for P.E. or participate in physical activities. • Changes in sleep, appetite, personality, like nightmares or bedwetting. • Exhibits unusual sexual knowledge or behavior; sexual “acting out”. • Seems fearful of or clingy with a certain adult. • Has secrets with or about an adult that he/she cannot talk about.
You Can Make the Difference Child abuse can seem overwhelming, but you can help create safety for children and healing for adults. Start by knowing the signs, and if you see something, say something! Create safe spaces for children to express their feelings and talk about problems. Be a voice for children who may not otherwise have a voice. And teach your children to speak up for others. Learn about preventative strategies and share them with others. Build on Suquamish culture and traditions. And reach out to other adults who may be struggling or hurting. Be supportive. Remember: Children are our Emotional Abuse future and our greatest treasure! Violence is not our way. A pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. Possible warning See Something, Say Something signs: Washington Child Abuse Hotline: (866) ENDHARM • Shows extremes in behavior - acting out, outbursts, TCW mainline: (360)394-8480 peer conflicts. TCW Child Protective Services: (360)394-7161 • Overly adult (parentified) or infantile (may vacillate Photo from 2019 Child Abuse Prevention month display between these two). by Shilene George. • Delayed development.
WIC – the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children – provides access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible families with an infant, a child under 5 years old, or a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman. Suquamish WIC offers services by telephone: Tuesdays, 8am–4:30pm Wednesdays, 9am–5:30pm
Call Cathy at (360) 394-8473 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Washington WIC doesn’t discriminate.
Fitness Center News HIIT/CROSS CLASS STUDIO CYCLE CLASSES Classes Will Continue When We Open Up!
Coming Soon Canoe Conditioning Spring Weight Loss Challenge Youth SAS: Strength, Agility, Speed Follow Us On Facebook for Information and Workouts!
Suquamish Fitness Center
Suquamish News
6 | May 2020
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Government
Chairman’s Report
T
he Suquamish Tribal Government has been intensely engaged in managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our people and our mission. Much of my time has been invested in attending online meetings with intertribal organizations, federal agency officials and elected representatives, as well as local elected officials and staff, and of course the Suquamish Tribal Council and Tribal staff. The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) has led many of the policy discussions regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in Indian Country. NAFOA provided analysis of the legislation helping Tribes navigate and maximize access to the funding needed to address the social, health, and economic impacts of COVID-19 on our Tribal economies. NAFOA held a Town Hall on COVID-19 featuring intertribal organizations representing health, education, and gaming to provide information to Tribal leaders about funding opportunities, legislative strategy, and best practices for dealing with the pandemic.
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has also been at the forefront of coordinating Tribal response to this unprecedented public health challenge. NCAI has been effective at conveying Indian Country’s needs to Congress as they developed legislation and budgets to address COVID-19 impacts on the country’s health systems and economies. As the Northwest Area Vice-President on the NCAI Executive Board, I have participated in several NCAI calls regarding CARES Act funding, especially in respect to the $8 billion in Tribal government relief championed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and supported by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ). There have been concerns about the inclusion of Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) as funding recipients when many, including many Native Alaskan leaders, believe that only Tribal governments should be eligible. A lawsuit brought by a handful of Tribes (Chehalis v. Mnuchin) calls on the Treasury to exclude the ANCs from funding eligibility, leaving more money for Tribal governments in Alaska and the lower 48 states. We have had several NCAI board calls regarding this suit and decided to sign onto the case in an amicus brief. We also discussed a data breach that occurred resulting in the release of some financial information provided by the Tribes to the Treasury Department, and we are asking for an explanation of the cause of this breach. NCAI also held a COVID-19 Town Hall featuring NCAI President Fawn Sharp (Quinault), Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Sen. Steve Daines (D-MT) who discussed the intention of the CARES Act and potential future investments in Indian Country. The Chehalis v. Mnuchin case was argued in Washington D.C. in federal district court. The court allowed interested parties to listen in on the telephonic
proceeding. Judge Amit Mehta was fair in his analysis and later ruled that the ANCs were not eligible for funding under his interpretation of the CARES Act. *** The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) has been active as well in supporting NCAI and getting information out to the Pacific Northwest Tribes regarding the CARES Act and other opportunities for Tribes to respond to the pandemic. ATNI hosted meetings to develop Northwest strategic priorities for federal funding and equipment distribution related to COVID-19, to analyze the merits of joining the Treasury lawsuit (ATNI did sign on to the amicus brief), and to encourage the White House to initiate the Defense Production Act to get more Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators to the states. The White House and various federal agencies have initiated calls with Indian Country through their Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and their Tribal Liaison. Some calls include other local government officials while others are with Tribal leaders only. This includes weekly calls that update the Tribes on
the CARES Act programs and include presentations by the Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Health and Human Services, US Department of Agriculture, Surgeon General, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control, and other federal agencies. On one of the intergovernmental calls, President Trump addressed the call to thank everyone for working together to manage the impacts of the virus. The Department of the Interior and Department of the Treasury held two Tribal leader telephonic consultations on the CARES Act that focused on the Coronavirus Relief Fund’s $8 billion Tribal set-aside. Tribal leaders suggested a variety of means for calculating the distribution of the funding, ranging from population, number of employees, land base to expenditures. The Department of the Interior held a telephonic consultation on BIA funding that was proposed to be distributed to the Tribes according to our respective funding formulas. The Indian Health Service also distributed funds to Tribal Governments in a similar fashion. Our Congressman Derek Kilmer (DWA) has held two consultation calls for the Tribes in his district. Congressman
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
May 2020 | 7
Government
Kilmer has been proactive in providing information to us about CARES Act opportunities, including a $300 million aid package managed by NOAA for the nation’s fishing industry. Suquamish Seafoods and our Fisheries Department are applying to NOAA in an effort to provide some relief to our Tribal fishers. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation board members and staff met with staff from the National Indian Health Board to produce a letter providing guidance on best practices for memorials and funerals during the pandemic. This guidance is needed to protect public health and was carefully developed to help Tribes in managing this culturally sensitive issue. *** Governor Jay Inslee has been consulting with Tribes by teleconference to keep us informed about Washington state’s plans for “flattening the curve” of COVID-19 infections through his “stay at home, stay healthy” initiative. Understanding that the state has no authority over Tribal operations, the Governor has thanked the Tribes for electing to close their enterprises, understanding the resulting negative economic impacts on Tribal economies. We have also been working with the Governor’s office on determining how to best distribute state COVID-19 funding that has been set aside for Tribal governments. The University of Washington School of Medicine held a call with Tribal leaders to discuss the latest scientific findings regarding the COVID-19 virus. The UW is a leader in COVID-19 research. The scientists on the call noted that extensive testing will probably be needed because it is possible the virus will retreat in the summer and return in the winter. Kitsap County elected officials are holding weekly calls to update each other on the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the local health system and economy. The cities of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard, Kitsap County and the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes are on the
weekly calls with public health officials. We are working together to get personal protective equipment and other supplies to the agencies that are in need. We are also trying to chart a way to re-open the economy in a safe manner. *** The Washington Economic Development Association held a virtual meeting to give its members an update on relief funding from the federal government and an update on how statewide economies might reopen. Extensive COVID-19 testing is needed to provide the information needed to allow people to leave their homes in the safest way possible. The Suquamish Tribal Council met with the Port Madison Enterprise Board to discuss the impacts of the closure of the casino/resort and how PME is planning to adjust spending to reflect the loss of revenue. The PME Board has had to make many difficult decisions regarding their workforce and finances, and we appreciate their leadership. The Suquamish Museum Board met in a virtual meeting to get an update on Museum activities, which have been minimal due to the closure. We discussed funding opportunities, current staffing, and progress on the installation of our new HVAC system components. The West Sound Partners for Ecosystem Recovery met to review projects for our annual $100,000 grants. The Suquamish Tribe’s nearshore salmon habitat project received the full funding award. The Washington Indian Gaming Association held a virtual meeting to discuss the Tribal gaming industry and the challenges that face us during the pandemic. We are working together to find a pathway to re-open our enterprises in the safest way possible. Congressman Derek Kilmer led an intergovernmental virtual meeting to discuss a strategy for improving traffic on Highway 16 in Gorst. The Suquamish Tribe is engaged in the process and will be advocating for improving habitat in our ancestral lands and waters in Sinclair Inlet.
The Salmon Homecoming Alliance Board met virtually to discuss next year’s celebration. We made a decision to shorten the celebration in September by canceling the school days events. Schools will be challenged when they resume in the fall and will probably not have the resources to attend this year’s events.
The Children of the Setting Sun from Lummi hosted a livestream called “One from the Heart” intended to inspire viewers during the quarantine. Thanks to Darrel Hillaire for inviting me to speak. It was very uplifting! Leonard Forsman, Chairman, Suquamish Tribe
8 | May 2020
Government
Suquamish News
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Culture & Community
Growing salads and strawberries in my yard By Azure Boure
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ith the outbreak of COVID-19, many people are thinking more about how we get our food and from where it comes. How can I ensure my family will have fresh produce in the future? Is there a way to be less dependent on the grocery store to feed my family? The pandemic prompted many people to think not just about food security but also food sovereignty. Food sovereignty is our ability to feed ourselves with healthy and culturally appropriate food and our right to define our own food and agriculture systems. As Indigenous peoples, we know our relationship with our traditional foods is intertwined our culture, language, spirituality, and our very identity. As I have said many times in the past, “I am a gatherer not a grower.” But I have been exploring ways to turn a small yard into a garden to help supplement our food needs. For several years, I have planted a salad garden that includes two types of lettuce, snap peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes. We have a 4x6 bed for the salad garden and another bed just for strawberries. We love strawberries! This year we started a worm bin as a family project. Worms turn our vegetable and fruit scraps into rich worm castings that are great for the soil. Also, eat your wild foods whenever you get the chance!
Garden Resources
There are many resources online that show how to build garden beds or start container gardens. It can be a bit overwhelming to some, including to me. I have gathered a few resources that helped me as a beginning gardener:
Lushootseed suEabSucid Word of the Month pədč̓aʔab
Home Vegetable Gardening in Washington from Washington State University. This online booklet takes you from start to finish: pubs.cahnrs.wsu.edu/publications/pubs/em057e/ Introduction to Worm Farming - We learned how to make a worm bin by following an article from Working-Worms. com Seeds - When ordering seeds, look for heirloom or Indigenous Seed-keepers to ensure you are getting quality seeds that are also non-GMO. Here are a two sites I recommend for inspiration: Slow Foods International: slowfoodusa.org Alliance of Native Seed Keepers: allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com Food Sovereignty - learn more at: culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/protecting-and-restoring-indigenous-peoples-food
May
pŭd – chʔᾱʔ- ᾱb
The time for digging roots (Camas) May is the month to dig roots. Camas is the root that the month was named for. There are other spring roots that can be dug as well to eat, cook, or dry. Check with Azure Boure in the Traditional Plants and Medicine Program for more info. Also, please follow the Ethics of Harvesting when you gather (see page 9).
Cedar gathering trips for 2020 will be delayed Tribe-organized cedar gathering opportunities for the 2020 season will be delayed until the end of June. This is due to limited access to past sites and continued shelter-in-place orders for the Tribe and the state. The Natural Resources Department will reach out with more information in June. The current plan is to utilize sites at the Olympic National Forest when the trees there are ready for peeling. We will follow safety guidelines for that time to protect the health and safety of the gathering community and Tribal staff. To be included on the mailing list for updates, please email Debbie Kay at dkay@ suquamish.nsn.us.
suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish News
May 2020 | 9
Culture & Community
Ethics of Harvesting “In gathering food, people have to work together. No one person can do this by themselves. Nowadays people are trying to be so independent. People need each other to be healthy. Emotionally, they need each other. When you work together, it’s another way of feeding your soul. You learn to work with people despite your differences to accomplish basic needs. That’s one of the positives I see about the food gathering, preparing and preserving process.” — Rob Purser From the book: Feeding 7 Generations by Elise Krohn and Valerie Segrest on the practices of ethical harvesting. Shared by Azure Boure. 1. Build Plant Identification Skills. Never eat something if you are identifying it for the first time. If possible, learn from an experienced harvester so you feel confident that you have the right plant.
Learn Lushootseed Online Beginning in May Date and time TBD First class will focus on greetings, formal introductions, and departure phrases Email Lena Maloney. lmaloney@ suquamish.nsn.us for information.
2. Harvest from clean land and waters. Wild foods can pick up toxins from the environment. If you are harvesting from the waters, make sure the area is clean and far away from runoff from a town or industrial site. Avoid harvesting plants along roadsides, in industrial areas, or in agricultural areas. 3. Gather in the right season. Learn the best time to harvest wild foods. For example, spawning chum salmon are not preferred for baking because their meat is soft, but they make good smoked salmon. Dandelion greens are tasty in spring, but become very bitter in summer. 4. Processing and preparation techniques are important. How a food is processed, stored and prepared can make the difference between someone being nourished or getting sick. 5. Take only what the land can give. Wise gatherers, hunters and fishers remind us to take only what the land can handle and leave enough so that plant or animal communities continue to thrive. Likewise, it is essential to give back to the land so it will not become depleted. For example we can return shells to beaches and compost food scraps. 6. Honor your commitment. Sometimes harvesting is the easy part. The real work comes when you process your food. Evergreen huckleberry branches are easy to cut, but picking the tiny berries off the stems and cleaning them can take hours. Honor the foods you harvest by using them all.
Suquamish clam harvest during COVID-19
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ecause of the social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 outbreak, all commercial clam digs are closed until further notice. When digs resume, a small group harvest approach with 10 diggers per group will be implemented with set Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ). This system will remain in place until the COVID-19 outbreak is resolved.
Does this policy prohibit subsistence digs? No, subsistence digging is available now. Check the Fisheries portion of the Suquamish Tribe’s website to find the beaches that are now open. There are now maps you can access on your phone to confirm your location. https://suquamish.nsn.us/ home/departments/fisheries/tribal-fishing-hunting Why are commercial Tribal clam digs closed? At recent Suquamish clam digs, up to 67 tribal members have participated in clam harvests at one time. Large gatherings of harvesters presents a health risk to individual diggers and their families, monitors, and Tribal enforcement. Public gatherings especially pose a threat to Tribal Elders. Additionally, demand for shellfish has decreased dramatically and there is very little demand for Manila clams while most of the country is under quarantine. When will commercial Tribal digs resume? When shelter in place and social distancing orders are relaxed and clam markets have sufficiently recovered. All must be sufficiently protected from exposure, and there must be measures in place to limit dig group size, ensure adequate protective equipment is used, and prevent ill tribal members from participating. What will Tribal digs look like when they resume? Harvests will rotate through groups of 10 people, with the next group in line available as standby. Diggers will be required to wear PPE (masks or scarves and gloves) and maintain at least 6 feet of distance between each other at all times. Group dig information is posted on the Fisheries web page, along with the COVID-19 clam harvest protocol.
10 | May 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
Activities to do at home May Coloring Challenge Color this drawing and snap a photo of yourself holding your art. Email your pics to communications@suquamish. nsn.us or text to (206) 491-0196. Art by Vancouver, BC-based artist KC Hall (Heiltsuk Nation). Hall is a winner of the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Award presented by the BC Achievement Foundation. Used by permission.
Nancy McPherson, Suquamish Elder, with the April Suquamish News coloring challenge.
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
May 2020 | 11
Can you find me?
A Scavenger hunt you can do in your yard Veronica Rhodes created a scavenger hunt for her son and nieces with clues for things they could find within her yard. They each chose a leader to hold the paper and mark off the items from the list. Veronica, Felix Rhodes, Teylor Ives, and Charlotte Ives want to share this with you. Cut out these lists, and take them outside! See how many you can find.
Find (or do) something:
Find me:
☐ White
☐
I’m green and in a tall, high place
☐ Patterned
☐
I’m brown and crunchy
☐ Bumpy
☐
I can fit in the palm of your hand and would be very hard to break
☐ Warm ☐
That snaps
☐ Loud ☐
An animal would eat
Scavenger Hunt:
☐
I am green, like carpet for the yard
☐
A snail (please do not move the snail)
☐
I am brown and look like a Harry Potter wand
☐
One flower
☐
Five different kinds of leaves
☐
Something beautiful
☐
Three different colored rocks
☐
A fern branch
☐
Three sticks that are the same size
☐
A bug
☐ Square
☐
☐ Circular
☐ Mud
☐
A stick shaped like a letter
☐ Spider
☐
A stick shaped like a number
☐
Animal tracks
☐ Plastic
☐
Bird flying or in a tree
☐
A cat or dog
☐
Potato bug, aka Roly Poly
☐
A flag
☐ Vines
☐
A spider web
☐ Bamboo
☐
A puddle of water
☐ Something to make music with
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Fungus on a tree or tree stump
☐
☐
A snack in the house
☐ Gather sticks to make the first letter of your name ☐
Do ten jumping jacks
☐
Tell a joke
Insect bites on a leaf
A smell you like
12 | May 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
Parenting through the pandemic Left to right: Joey and Denita Holmes on their daily walk; Isabelle Chiquiti works on homework near the House of Awakened Culture, while her dad walks the family dog; Rachel Nellenbach with her boyfriend Chris Santos and her three boys.
J
oey and Denita Holmes are out with their three kids for their afternoon walk. A neighbor calls out hello as warm sunlight filters through trees and cherry blossoms. Four-year-old Jackson starts off riding in the red wagon pulled by his dad, with his little sister Celila, but before long he’s running alongside big brother Joseph. This could be any spring day in Suquamish, but this is not a normal spring. For Joey and Denita, the job of parenting has changed radically amidst a pandemic. Their job now is to provide security for their children and a new rhythm to life in a world that’s been thrown out of whack. Navigating Uncharted Times “These are messy, uncharted times,” says Sara Olsen, a child and family therapist for the Suquamish Wellness Center, who has been navigating life with her own two boys while adjusting to the new normal. “As parents, we’ve been asked to jump into a new world,” she says. “Many of us are working from home while trying to support our children’s educational and emotional needs full time. It’s a lot to juggle, and there’s no handbook for this.” “The transition has been tough,” Denita Holmes says. “Before, we were so busy. For Joey and me, our jobs are focused on youth and community, and in the evenings we were going to language classes and doing Song and Dance.” Strangely, in a world where so much has
stopped, everything is still busy, she says. But now, it’s “online busy.” As a cultural arts teacher for Chief Kitsap Academy, she’s doing classes online now, working with students via video chat. “We’re still doing language classes, too, online. And we’ve been trying to figure out how to do Song and Dance online.” Maintaining those cultural connections has helped keep her grounded in her parenting, she says. “We created a language nest, a part of the house where we only speak Lushootseed,” she says. The Holmes family is starting a garden to get them outside and to balance the online busyness with the kind of slow and patient family time that comes with dirt on hands and nurturing green things. Olson agrees that time spent outside is time well spent. “There is nothing better for you and your children then to play outside,” says Olsen. “Time spent in nature increases the feel-good brain chemicals that keep us emotionally balanced.” Creating Sweet Spots of Consistency Another tip from Olsen: Maintain some structure and consistency. “The families I work with through Wellness find it helps to have a schedule that hits a sweet spot between too loose and too restrictive,” says Olsen. The specifics will vary among families. What Rachel Nellenbach knew after
week one of the stay-at-home order was that something had to change. “That first week, we all just kind of slacked off,” says Nellenbach, who raises her three boys, ages nine to 16, with her boyfriend Chris Santos. “We realized that wasn’t going to work.” So, they sat down together and created a schedule. On weekdays, everyone is up by 8am and has an hour to get ready for the day and eat breakfast. Schoolwork starts at nine with an hour of math, and then an hour of reading and writing. By 11am, they’re starting arts and crafts. “Chris is a carpenter, so he taught them all how to build a stool,” she says. At noon, they have lunch, and at 1pm it’s time for PE — a CrossFit workout she leads her sons through for 45 minutes. Nellenbach has learned how important daily exercise is for her boys. “If I don’t do some kind of regular workout with them, they get cranky and combative,” she says. By 2pm, it’s time for chores. Nellenbach created a daily chore chart with ten things each child needs to get done each day. Each accomplishment gets a star on the chart. “If you get all ten stars, you get an hour and a half on the Xbox. If you just get eight done, you only get an hour.” Nellenbach says she thought this would be easier. As an administrative assistant for the Suquamish Tribe’s Community Development Division, she’s not been able
to work as much from home as government operations have been reduced. “Still, I feel like I’m working harder now than I ever have,” she says. “It’s hard wearing all these new hats — home school teacher, PE teacher, volunteer work, food distribution.” Nellenbach, too, has found help in connecting with her cultural roots. “We have been going to Jeff Head to dig clams and exercise our treaty rights,” she says. “That’s important to us.” Defusing the Stress Bombs No matter how much parents do for their kids, people of all ages feel the stress of the times. And sometimes that stress can explode in unexpected ways. One Suquamish mom reports being blindsided by an emotional outburst from her otherwise stable grade school child. “She’d seemed fine with school being out, with not seeing her friends — she just seemed to be rolling along,” says the mom, who asked to have her name withheld to protect her daughter’s privacy. Then, out of the blue, “it hit home. She collapsed into tears. “It took me by surprise to see her collapse in fear, despair and sadness.” After many hugs and listening to her concerns, the family made a game plan to help the girl engage more with her teachers and friends. Some parents are struggling in simi-
suquamish.nsn.us
lar ways. “I know parents who are on the other side, parents who collapse in fear, despair, and sadness over their loss and the weight of responsibility and fears of the unknown,” says the mom. To help manage those fears and help diffuse those stress bombs, Olson says the Wellness Center is offering online parenting groups, individual parent support, and individual and family counseling along with their other services (see page 4 for details). “It’s important for parents to take care of themselves, to build breaks into the day,” says Olsen. “Parenting and homeschooling can feel so relentless right now. It’s okay to pop in a DVD for the kids every once in a while and take a few minutes to call a friend, get some exercise, accomplish something for yourself, or schedule a counseling appointment. You need to keep your emotional gas tank full if you are going to be there for your kids.” Unexpected Blessings It can also be helpful to reflect on the good things that are emerging from all the change. For Nellenbach, one silver lining has been how much tighter the relationship with her boys has become. “We’re talking more. I’m really getting to know my oldest, especially, better now. That has been an unexpected blessing,” she says. For the Holmes family, “Jackson was dealing with some behavioral issues before all this,” says Denita. His big brother had gone through a similar phase around the same age. “But since we’ve been at home, Jackson has become so much more lovey and calm. We always considered Jackson the crazy, wild, middle child, but it’s been interesting to see how much this family time has helped him. He misses school, but he has also been loving this.” Back on their family walk, a simple joy is evident. A neighbor’s scruffy white dog has joined them, running with the boys up and down the road. Celila seems content sitting in her red wagon, as her dad pulls her along.
Easy Any-Ingredient Stir Fry
1. Start with your meat or protein. Cut up beef, chicken, or tofu into bite-size chunks or strips, and sauté in a pan with a small amount of oil until cooked. For shrimp, remove shells and sauté just until pink. Set aside.
Suquamish News
A Note of Gratitude
I
have been blessed to travel many miles throughout the world, and have lived in many countries. I have worked in Africa, in the United Kingdom, and the United States for people of different races, cultures, religions, many levels of business acumen and a variety of philosophies. Almost always, the mighty dollar has reigned supreme, acting as the guiding light for most organizations. It is therefore with a grateful heart that I want to convey my feelings, and I am certain many others are in agreement. It is an honor, privilege, and indeed a blessing to serve the Suquamish Tribe. I am absolutely in awe and tremendously moved by the Suquamish Tribal Council and the Tribal Members who have allowed us to continue our employment, enabling us to sustain our households and families. Wherever this journey we call life takes me, I will remain steadfastly grateful. Respectfully, Ahmed “Eddie” Ayub Realty Officer – The Suquamish Tribe
May 2020 | 13
Suquamish Counts!
Why Your Census Response Matters
Your participation in the 2020 Census means We Count. Your participation in the 2020 Census means We Count.
Native people make up about 2% of the total U.S. population or approximately 5.6 million people. We know this is an undercount. This undercount means we are underfunded and misrepresented, but we can start to change that now. American Indians and Alaska Natives who complete the census are contributing to better data about us and elevating our chances for key funding toward important programs that impact housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and many others. Native people make up about 2% of the total U.S. population or approximately 5.6 million
Complete theknow census April 1, 2020. people. We thisstarting is an undercount. This undercount means we are underfunded and misrepresented, but we start to change that now. Visit wecount.uihi.org tocan learn more.
American Indians and Alaska Natives who complete the census are contributing to better data about us and elevating our chances for key funding toward important programs that impact housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and many others.
Completing the census is...
Complete the census starting April 1, 2020. Visit wecount.uihi.org to learn more.
Easy It takes only 10 Completing the census is... minutes to complete the census. Easy It takes only 10 minutes to complete the census.
We Count We Count
At Totten Road, they pause before turning back. Across the street, the Marion Forman-Boushie Early Learning Center sign flashes the words “Stay Home, Stay Safe! We Got This.” Maybe they’ll work on the garden when they get home. by Jon Anderson
2. Add sliced vegetables (fresh or frozen) to a small amount of oil, and stir fry until heated through. Vegetables can be broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, bok choy, kale, canned bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or mushrooms. Or use frozen vegetables of any kind (including Asian vegetable blends). 3. Add seasonings to the combined meat (or tofu) and veggies, starting with a splash of soy sauce. Choose your favorites: garlic, ginger, teriyaki sauce, sriracha, or any other hot sauce, or hoisin. Experiment with combining salty, sweet, sour (like vinegar), and hot. 4. Serve over rice or noodles.
N
Safe Your information is confidential and protected by law. Safe Your information is confidential and protected by law.
Ensuring urban Indians are represented in the 2020 census Follow the conversation and share your story #WeCount #WeAreHere #2020Census
Impactful You can help shape the future of Native communities. Impactful You can help shape the future of Native communities.
Funding for this project is provided through the National Urban Indian Family Coalition
Ensuring urban Indians are represented in the 2020 census Follow the conversation and share your story #WeCount #WeAreHere #2020Census
Funding for this project is provided through the National Urban Indian Family Coalition
ative Americans are among the most under-counted population in the United States. That matters because it makes us easier to overlook. It makes us less powerful in negotiations with governments. And it has a big impact on how over $675 billion in federal resources are spent every year. Since the census happens just once every ten years, the impacts multiply. What sorts of support is at stake? Money for roads, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Section 8 housing, WIC, Headstart, Indian Health Services, Indian Housing Block Grants, Pell Grants, Vocational Rehabilitation Grants, After School Programs, Free School Lunch, Health Care Centers, and more. Tribes lose at least $3,000 per year for every citizen not counted, according to Indian Country Today. That adds up to $30,000 in lost funds per missed person until the next census count. The Suquamish Tribe, like other tribes, benefits from these federal funds, and it is important each and every one of us is counted. Go to: my2020census.gov to respond today.
14 | May 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us
Community News
Housing Payments during COVID-19
S
everal strategies for housing payment relief were implemented in April and remain in place as the “Stay at Home and Stay Safe” order is now extended into May. Among them:
Suquamish Tribal Housing — Tribal Council approved housing payment deferment from May to July 2020 for members living in Tribal housing who have lost income because of employment closures and/or reduction of hours due to the “Stay at Home and Stay Safe” order. The rent Relief Program temporarily allows for rent reduction or deferral of payments (not forgiveness of rent). Suquamish Housing program will create individual repayment plans at a later time. Evictions and terminations for non-payment of rent were placed on hold. Applications for rent relief are available on the Suquamish Tribe Government website and in the Suquamish Police Department lobby.
Agate Dreams Reaches New Highs Sales jump 25 percent over same period last year
W
hile the coronavirus pandemic has forced many Suquamish enterprises to reduce or suspend operations, one Tribal business is reporting strong sales. “When the pandemic first started we saw a huge spike in revenue,” says Windy Anderson, general manager of Suquamish Evergreen Corporation, which oversees both Agate Dreams and the Tribe’s processing operation, Tokém Cannabis. Before the pandemic there had been a steady upward trend in smaller pre-rolled purchases. “But once this started, we saw a big rise in our flower, or bud, sales and a decline in our pre-rolled sales.” The pandemic-fueled surge that came at the end of March more than offset the losses resulting from the canceling of General Council, which normally drives a lot of out-of-town sales, says Anderson. From March 13 to April 4, sales were up about 25 percent compared to the same period last year. “And then we rolled right into April and 420,” she says, referring to the annual cannabis celebrations commemorated on April 20. “During April 2020, every day of the month was 420 Day. So, we had a lot of fun things planned.” Daily specials through April proved popular, and the big sales on April 20 marked it as one of the biggest days of the year.
Online sales are up by 60 percent since the pandemic started, according to Anderson. “When customers order ahead of time, their purchases are ready for pickup when they arrive. The store is providing exclusive shopping time for Elders and other at-risk populations on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am. The store’s late hours tapered off as stay-at-home orders took effect, prompting Anderson to close the store at 7pm instead of midnight. Still, Agate Dreams is doing so well that Anderson hasn’t had to lay off any of her more than two dozen employees. “We feel very lucky to be keeping everyone working,” she says, adding that half of her employees are Native Americans, with most of those from the Suquamish Tribe. Anderson has been able to take care of her employees in other ways, too. Several bud tenders who were at risk of coronavirus were transferred from the store to the processing plant, where they have fewer contacts with people and more distancing is possible, Anderson says. In another sign of the times, the store will soon begin selling Agate Dreams face masks. by Jon Anderson
Washington State Renters — For those who have a non-Suquamish rental agreement, Governor Inslee placed a moratorium on rental evictions and termination in Washington state. That means, for a minimum of 30 days, landlords cannot evict or terminate a lease due to non-payment of rent (unless justified for health and safety of other residents or property). Renter should contact their landlord to discuss payment alternatives. Home Owners with Mortgages — Tribal members who have HUD 184 loans and FHA-insured single-family loans who may have been in the process of an eviction have been placed under a Presidential Declared Moratorium (stop in process) for 60 days as of March 27, due to the national “Stay at Home and Stay Safe” order. Tribal members who are behind in mortgage payments or may fall behind due to decrease in income should contact their mortgage company and refer to the COVID-19 Moratorium. Communicating with the mortgage company sooner rather than later can potentially save your home.
Disinfecting Pro Tips 1. Wipe surface to be disinfected 2. Keep surface wet for 4 minutes 3. Let surface dry 4. For highly soiled surfaces, clean excess dirt first
5. Don’t use on items that come in contact with food or mouths (like baby bottles or toys). Instead, wash with warm, soapy water and let air-dry
Dispose of wipes in trash only Never flush wipes, paper towels, or sponges down the toilet
Suquamish News
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May 2020 | 15
Birthdays
y a M May 1 Jeanette Lawrence Jewelian Lawrence Kyle Purser Rachel Duthie Sean Mabe May 2 Dawn Ensminger Michelle Charette Robert Pastrana May 3 Alexia Baldwin Briann Cloninger Cindy Nichols John Jones Maureen Belmont Thomas Jefferson May 4 Angela Ives Brooke Orsen Duane Napoleon Jr. Eliana Edelstein Reada Smith May 5 Brenda Guerrero Brooke Edlen Monique Pastrana Virginia Gemmell
May 7 Jessicca Cordero Leroy Henry III No-Yectee-Hemeh Alexis
May 8 Cory Manley Jasmine Cannon Karleen Crow Luke Williams
May 9 David Greer Joshua George Shyla Ahvakana-Villa Toshina Baldwin May 10 Harold Pratt Nancy Johnston May 12 Cathlene Norris Edward Cordero Elias Neugebauer Gladys Jackson Ryan Sigo Warren Neugebauer William Hoffman May 13 Angee Harrington Christina Roberts George Hill Jr. Shardan Stark Wanda Vollenweider May 14 Bryna Lawrence Cecelia Brown Lori Wolfe Mackenzie Crow Michael George Tu-tai-ud Brealan-Bayes May 15 Jennifer Pratt Lillian Abler
May 16 Elizabeth Lindell James Bradwell Jr. Koen Smith Rebekah Nelson Tyler Tiffany May 17 Charles Deam Sr. Eric Glaze Golden Hawk Jr. Isaac Johnson May 18 Dolores Mills Lily Stockwell May 19 Benjamin Johnson Christopher GeorgeOld Coyote Phenix Mabe May 20 Georgianna Ungaro Marlane Buckner Oliva Purser Robert Hagen Roxanne Cruver Sara Purser May 21 Braden Hess Clyde Brown David Zurflueh Kayla Purser May 22 Bonnie Brown Brayden Napoleon Dylan Crow Frances Jackson Mark Pratt
Robin Camacho Shawn Boushie May 23 Amie Adams May 24 Albert Agibinik Jr. Matthew Hawk Stephanie Alexander May 25 Celia Williams Charlotte Ives Cheryl Cahill Duran George Jimee-Mai Webster Telisha Hendricksen
Daniel George James Armstrong Nata-chee Pratt Orion Keller Rigel Keller Zaylee Moss May 28 Chelsey Hettema Daniel Smith Jennifer Willis May 29 Bernard Adams Christine West LeAnne Nilluka
May 26 Anthony Howard Colleen Hickerson David Sigo III Madison Pool
May 30 Amanda Carper Caleb Stewart John Webster Kristina Pearson Ronald George Jr. William Lund
May 27 Althea Jones
May 31 Robert Kumpf-Fleming
16 | May 2020
Suquamish News
suquamish.nsn.us PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71
The diving boat F/V Carrier takes divers back to work early on April 29. Photo by Jon Oleyar.
Earth Day Message from Chairman Leonard Forsman Chairman Leonard Forsman released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
C
hief Seattle (Suquamish/Duwamish), whose words are cited by environmentalists worldwide, said in 1854:
Yonder sky, which has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold and which to us appears changeless and eternal, may change. In his lifetime, Chief Seattle witnessed extraordinary change. He was there when the first contact with a European explorer occurred. And decades later, as settlers poured into the Puget Sound region, he secured the sovereign territories we now call reservations. He assured that we who are alive seven generations later would have the right to hunt and fish, and to visit the graves of our ancestors. On his gravesite here in Suquamish are embossed words from his famous speech. Our ancestors never forget this beautiful world that gave them being. ... They still love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains‌and every part of
this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. In 1970, the first Earth Day was launched by people who likewise treasured the natural world. Shortly after, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act were enacted, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. Today those accomplishments are under attack. EPA regulations that protect air, water, wetlands, and natural habitats are being weakened and dismantled. The Suquamish Tribe has joined many other Tribes and organizations in the Northwest to fight this short-sighted and greed-driven deregulation. We oppose allowing polluters to make our seafood more toxic and permitting reckless development to block fish passage and destroy sensitive wetlands. This destruction is an affront to our treaty rights and the rights of all our people to protect our critical habitat. Today is fair. Tomorrow it may be overcast with clouds.
Today, as we shelter in place amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the days do indeed feel dark. Few of us imagined this was to come. And yet it was not hard to see that things were changing. Like the pandemic, which at first seemed a distant threat, the climate crisis is suddenly upon us, and it is endangering sea life and oceans along with shorelines, glaciers, food supplies, and forests. Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people. On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we should honor this land and celebrate its waters, and we should assess our way of life and its impacts on fragile ecosystems. Together, we must push back against the President’s misguided deregulatory efforts and renew the fight that was started 50 years ago with the same passion for life, and love for our lands and waters that got us this far.