who let the dawg’s out tournament , tom grover memorialwho let the dawg’s out tournament , tom...

Skokomish Indian Nation

May 2019 Issue p3dsP3q3b

“ Time of Blossoms”

3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”

Who let the Dawg’s out Tournament , Tom Grover MemorialApril 5th to April 7th, 2019

Over twenty years ago Tom Grover started a Native youth basketball tournament, which in 2001 he labeled as: “Who Let the Dawg’s Out”. Blame it on the Baha Men, who released their song with the same name in the Summer of 2000. This years’ tourney drew 46 teams from all

over Western Washington and both the Community Center and Hood Canal School gyms were used to accommodate all of the games and spectators of the 46 teams who participated.

This requires a tremendous amount of volunteers to help make the whole weekend go smoothly, and lots of food to sustain the crowds and players. Melanee Stevens wants to acknowledge that she couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the Prevention, TANF and Community Center staff s, as well as an army of cooks and helpers in the kitchens, at both locations. A big thank you goes out to all, whom are too many to mention here, who contributed their time, skills and eff ort to make the tournament a real success. John Gouley, Community Center Director, along with his staff , helped with many tournament details A big thank you to Curtis Randolph and his team of ref’s who kept the games moving with the safety of all players and the spirit of friendly competition.

Willie Grover made a special presentation for a Team Sportsmanship Award, which was given to the Elwha Warriors 8 and under year old team. The award recognizes this group for their level of Sportsmanship exhibited throughout the tournament. This is what the tournament has always been about, giving young players the opportunity to have fun playing basketball, learning about diff erent skill positions and how to be part of a team. I’m sure that (TG) Tom Grover would be proud to see that his son, family, friends and the Skokomish Tribe are carrying on this tradition.

The winners of each age group are as follows:

By Tony Herrera

Who let the Dawg’s out Tournament , Tom Grover Memorial Who let the Dawg’s out Tournament , Tom Grover Memorial Who let the Dawg’s out Tournament , Tom Grover Memorial

Tom Grovers son, Willie makes a special presentation to the Elwha Warriors for Team Sportsmanship

3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” Visit us on the Web @

Timber Ware is the C.H.O.I.C.E. Star Student for the month of May, 2019

as a result of her dedication and hard work earning her fi nal credits for graduation as a senior student. Timber, an accomplished athlete, has plans to attend the Grays Harbor College Nursing Program and has already visited the campus, spoken with the girls basketball coach there and investigated ways to pay for her education. Timber is working with GEARUP staff on scholarships and has her eye on achieving her goals. Timber comes to school every day, stays after her scheduled classes to complete work, comes to the Ed Center over the break and works with her tutor to make sure she is caught up on every assignment. Timber’s teachers and advisor are aware of Timber’s eff orts to complete her high school graduation, Timber never gives up! Timber Ware is an example to other students every day as they see her hard at work. Join us in celebrating the eff orts and example of Timber Ware, our Star Student for May, 2019.

Submitted by C.H.O.I.C.E. Tutor Roxanne Bruner, MPA

C.H.O.I.C.E. Star Student for May 2019 Timber Ware

www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”

Earth Day celebration with the Hood Canal students this year

was held at the estuary for the middle school (6th, 7th and 8th graders). There were over 100 kids in attendance that were introduced to the Estuary Project. The Natural Resources Department provided activities with the students which included a scavenger hunt; native plant hike with ID and discussion; interpretive boardwalk tour with saltmarsh plant and bird ID;

a shellfi sh component discussing the issues associated with invasive clams, oyster drill and mud shrimp. They also got the chance to get their hands dirty digging up clams and pulling weeds. The students wrapped up the tour by picking up trash along the way back to the buses. Stationed by the buses there was a brief discussion about the importance of recycling and a demonstration of what to do with the trash they picked up.

Estuary Earth Day April 2019

Earth Day was scheduled for All Employees on April 22, 2019. The weather was nice and didn’t rain until after the event. A scavenger hunt was organized with a list that contained a large number of items. There were 34 in attendance, four teams the Education Department, Department of Natural Resources Nisqually AmeriCorp and Tribal Center Admin, it was a full on competition and the teams picked up a lot of trash and recyclables littered around the Skokomish Reservation. The winning team was Department of Natural Resources who had a little over two truckloads of garbage. Dan Cush and Sayalts Miller represented the Skokomish Tribes Recycle Program and talked with the staff of the current recycling conditions, the history and statistics of the Skokomish Recycling Program.Thank you to AmeriCorp and the Skokomish Employees for volunteering their time to help keep Skokomish clean on Earth Day 2019.Louis Auld

www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” Page 3www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” Page 3www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” Page 3

Employee Earth Day Event


April Showers brings MAY flowers…The Youth Program sure was busy last April, from day 1, LITERALLY. Our Spring Culture Camp took place on April 1st-3rd during the kids’ Spring Break. We eased in nice and easy with a Monday morning showing of “Dumbo” at the Shelton Cinema. The kids were accommodated with their usual popcorn, candy & drink combo. After the movie we came back to the lab for a delicious, endless amount, Spaghetti feast. Tuesday morning we attended a new Skating ring in Centralia, WA that included an arcade, bouncy houses and the smallest skaters could rent lil’ walker type things with wheels that assist them while they skate. For lunch the kids were fed pizza. Wednesday morning’s plan was to go to Kneeland Park for a picnic but the weather didn’t fare in our favor. So instead the kids

were invited up to have their picnic inside at the Community Center while watching a movie on the big screen in the gathering room. In the afternoons on all 3 of these days the kids attended a basketball camp/skills clinic with Arvin Mosely and Chris Jones. They worked them hard, nonstop, while keeping it fun and the kids willingly stayed engaged start to finish. It’s delightful witnessing all of these young ballers improving, at the rate they are. As for the older youth, a young man named Burdette was hired to do an elements piece over the 3 days of Culture Camp. They hiked Mt. Rainier, visited the Skokomish River, walked and learned more about the Skokomish Estuary, and took a trip to Ocean Shores. On all of these adventures they discussed the elements of earth and water, practiced some meditation

and were learning to be more aware of their surroundings and environments. The kids enjoyed this so much that we are looking forward to bringing Burdette back to Skokomish. Just 2 short days later, Friday April 5-7, almost all of our youth participated in our annual Who Let the Dogs Out” tourney. This year’s tourney was even more special because we turned it into a memorial for Tom Grover. It brings so much joy and happiness to finally have a way for the youth to acknowledge, honor and remember Tom. The kids played their hearts out FOR TOM! Not just our Skok kids but all the kids from every team, near and far. WE all know and love Tom. #YOSkokomish teams also represented in Puyallup for the Alvina Dillon memorial tournament. The teams that traveled to this one included both a boys and girls

18u, boys 16u, boys 14u, 12u coed, and an 8u coed. The 8u got 3rd and the 18u boys won championship. More amazing memories and friends made during that busy weekend as well. This very last quarter of Native league, still happening on Wednesday evenings, is Jr high and high school ages. It’s a very short session of only 4 games. The 1st (4/17) was away against Nisqually, the 2nd (4/24) was home against Puyallup, the 3rd (5/1) is away against Muckleshoot, and the last (5/8) is a Seattle Storm event being hosted at/by the Nisqually Tribe. Our youth will get to watch and play alongside the famous WNBA team including a LIVE meet and greet with autographs and pictures. How fun is that! Please if you’re free and willing come support our young ballers. #YO

HOT NEWS!!!


On Friday, March 29th, the Skokomish Tribal Council

distributed funds to fourteen organizations. In accordance with the Tribe’s gaming compact with the State of Washington, these funds are to be distributed to non-tribal bonafi de non-profi t and charitable organizations in the State of Washington. The application is on the Skokomish Tribe’s website and must be received by December 30th of each year. Only completed applications with a IRS W-9 form and proof of IRS 501c3 determination are considered for funding. This is the 9th consecutive year that the Tribe has donated funds to eligible 501c3 organizations. It was the second year that the reception was held at the Skokomish

Community Center. John Gouley, Community Center Manager, and his crew Berry Peterson, Tahnee Hawk Miller, Tyler Andrews and Marcy Tinaza had everything set up

and ready to go. Bobbi Blacketer, Executive Secretary, helped organize the event along with Kaylean Mendoza, Louis Auld, Jackie Smith., Winona Plant and

Kris Miller. A luncheon was served after the awarding of the checks. Prior to the luncheon, John Gouley gave all of those in attendance a tour of the facility.This year’s recipients were: All Teens MatterHood Canal Education FoundationMason County 4-HMason County Historical SocietyThe Saints Pantry Food BankShelton SADD Booster Parent ClubPacifi c Education InstituteRez AnimalsA Gift for Special ChildrenBridges to LifeLhaq Temish FoundationHood Canal Food BankSouth Mason Youth Soccer CampTurning Pointe

Tribe Donates Funds To Local Charities

Skokomish Tribe’s 2019 Easter Egg Hunt and Party

On Good Friday, April 19th, the Tribe held its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Party, at the Community Center. There were over 350 people who attended and they enjoyed some pizza and sandwiches before the egg hunt started. There were some other fun activities for

the kids too, like face painting, balloon animals and pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Easter egg hunt was held outside in the pouring rain. That didn’t faze anyone as there was lots of enthusiasm during each age groups time to gather their eggs, some of which held prizes in addition to candy. All in all, there were many happy children who

had a great time, and parents who enjoyed watching them hunt for eggs, play with their friends, visits with the Easter Bunny and get their picture taken. Special thanks to the Tribal Council for their eff ort and support of this annual event which keeps getting better and better. Also, kudos to the staff and volunteers who commit so

much energy, time and ideas that translates to wonderful memories for each of us. John Gouley, and his staff , made sure that the Community Center was ready for the crowd and even the rainy weather.By Tony Herrera

Skokomish Was HOPPING on Easter!

Skokomish Tribe’s 2019 Easter the kids too, like face painting, the kids too, like face painting, had a great time, and parents who had a great time, and parents who much energy, time and ideas that much energy, time and ideas that


Here are some simple prevention tips to help protect your family from fire:

• Install smoke detectors on every floor of you home, including the basement. Be sure to place smoke detectors near rooms where people sleep.

• Test all of your smoke detectors every month to ensure that they work properly.

• Use smoke detectors equipped with lithium powered long life batteries and hush buttons to quickly stop nuisance alarms caused

by steam, rising heat, oven smoke, or other known causes.

• If long-life smoke detectors are not available, install smoke detectors that use regular batteries and replace the batteries every year. To help you remember this annual task, change your batteries when you change your clocks to standard time in the fall.

• Never leave food on a stove unattended keep cooking areas free of flammable objects, such as pot holders and towels; and avoid wearing clothes with long

loose-fitting sleeves when cooking.

• Don’t smoke in bed, and don’t leave unattended cigarettes unattended. Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can. Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains. Always wet cigarette butts with wet before disposing.

• Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials like drapes or clothes.

• Make a family fire escape plan and practice it every six months. Include at least two different escape routes

from each room for each family member. Designate a safe place n front of the house or apartment building form family members to meet after escaping a fire.

• If possible, install fire sprinklers in your home to suppress fires. Fire sprinklers can be retrofitted to existing homes. If not possible at least have fire extinguishers

available in convenient locations.

Safety is NO Accident!

Fire Safety in Your Home


March 27th, 2019Resolution No. 2019-038: A Resolution Authorizing the Charitable Contribution Distributions of Funding from Casino Revenues for FY 2018

Resolution No. 2019-039: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Skokomish Tribe’s 2019 Annual Halibut Regulation F#19-03

Resolution No. 2019-040: A Resolution Approving the Skokomish Indian Tribe’s 2019/2020 Annual Commercial and Subsistence Dungeness Crab Regulation

Resolution No. 2019-041: A Resolution Approving the Skokomish Tribe TANF/Youth Prevention Program Transportation Policy

Resolution No. 2019-042: A Resolution Approving the 2019-2020 Annual Fireworks Sales and Safety Regulation

Resolution No. 2019-043: A Resolution Acknowledging the Adoption of Member(s) into the Skokomish Indian Tribe and Directing the Enrollment

Resolution No. 2019-044: A Resolution Approving the Applicant Daqaste Green for Membership in the Skokomish Indian Tribe

Resolution No. 2019-045: A Resolution Approving the Applicant Zoe Tiponi Campbell for Membership in the Skokomish Indian Tribe

Resolution No. 2019-046: A Resolution Approving the Submission of a Grant Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) FY2019 Native American Library Services Basic Grant Program

Resolution No. 2019-047: A Resolution Approving the Appointment of Leah Evernden to the Tribal Suicide, Drug, Alcohol Prevention Advisory Board “Everyday Matters!” Pursuant to the Appointment Procedures Contained within S.T.C. 1.06, the Skokomish Committee Standards Ordinance

Resolution No. 2019-048: A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of the Heinis Property and Granting a limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity to Mason County Title Company (“Agent”) and Stewart Title Company (“Underwater”)

Skokomish Tribe Resolutions Approved

The Tribe has progressed in a good way over the past 10

years. The positives far outweigh the negatives. There are many visual successes and some that are not so visible. Growth can be seen by just driving through the Reservation, new sidewalks, street lighting, paved roadways, newly paved parking lot out in front of Twin Totems. There’s paved parking and lighting at the boat launch (Saltwater Park), our beautiful new Community Center, and a Transfer Station is taking shape. We have begun clearing for supportive housing, the Tribe will soon start construction of new homes at Tabadas where three or four new homes annually is our goal to help catch up with the needs of our community, all built with Tribal dollars. Positives not seen are the Tribe created a General Assistance Program to assist Tribal members in need of support in a variety of circumstances. We give generous stipends to many of our students for incentive to afford school daily, good grades higher Ed. Degrees, vocational training, diplomas with

hopes of encouraging those of age to acquire a good level of education which qualifies them for higher paying jobs where ever they choose to work. The Tribe has a good variety of job openings on a regular basis, but education is the key to qualify for good jobs.The Tribe continues to buy land, we now have a forest management plan that will begin thinning Tribal land and eventually allotments, in the near future. Our debt level is minimal in relation to where we were 9 years ago. The Tribe is looking to the future for new economic ventures. We have our hopes of building new infrastructure. We have hunting battles and U & A protection, sovereignty concerns, protection of our river, shellfish issues, and much more on our plate. Some seem fruitless, but we will not give up. We are committed to always doing our best to protect and preserve all that is ours, both now and for the future. It is vital for the future of our children and our children’s children.It’s difficult to see the many things that the Tribe faces, a lot aren’t

visible to our members so too often it appears like nothing is happening, or changing. But all things that happen for us goes through a process, which is very time consuming. A good example is the “River,” look at how many years we lost control and fought over the ownership. We finally succeeded in getting that all changed, we no longer must put up with all the disrespect and littering, etc. We control what happens on our “River” now. The Cushman Dam Lawsuit is another that took many, many years to resolve and succeed. My point is we the Tribal Council care and do listen and hear the concerns of our Tribal people. A lot of issues that come to Tribal Council are administrative and should be resolved fairly through the Chain of Command. At times this is a slow and painful process and may not come out as fairly to the person or persons involved. This doesn’t mean that it has been forgotten or that we don’t care. We continue to seek answers and a remedy to the process that may bring closure to a situation that may have been mishandled. We know that

we, as Council, don’t have all of the answers but we will do our best to serve our people and help make our community a better place. Many of us grew up with little but had a great upbringing and we have much to be thankful for. Today we have much more, but many take it for granted. Skokomish is a beautiful place, with a lot of great people and bountiful resources which have sustained us for centuries. Our ancestors, who have walked on, I feel are smiling down and happy for the progress and changes that we’ve made. Respect and love to all that had this vision for a better future.Guy Miller, Tribal Chairman

Paving the Way for a Brighter Future


Winter has passed us by again and Spring has been typical,

with weather of all sorts. The boys cut several loads of fi rewood again this year for elders and others in need. Our hunt for a steady supply has been very diffi cult. I believe that everyone received wood, at least enough to get through the cold weather.Dumpsters were here on April 19th

until the 29th. Louis Auld, and his crew, hauled quite a bit of trash from various homes and dump sites on the Reservation. Hopefully everyone who needed to get rid of some excess trash was able to take advantage of this opportunity. Cody has been busy brushing and helping with emergency repairs, waterline locates and other assigned repairs as needed. Everyone depends on Cody for a wide variety is issues. Dakota has been steadily gaining experience and training for his credentials with the waste water system. It is a continual learning

process to learn what is needed to effi ciently operate the waste water plant.Fred has a lot going on with the grass needing cut and all of the needs within the Tribal buildings that require his attention. He is the Jack-of-all-trades, or Mister Fix-it when things need repair. Broken faucets, leaking sinks, plugged up toilets, hauling old offi ce furniture, light fi xtures and electrical problems, cleaning bathrooms, and other miscellaneous facility needs. I have been actively searching for new sources of wood for our Elders. The Forest Service has gifted the Tribe about four logging truck loads of logs from the Maple groves up in the Hamma Hamma area. I haven’t been able to see these logs yet, but hope to as soon as the road is opened up to be able to get up there and inspect them in person. It will certainly be a big help for our community.Guy Miller, Public Works

Public Works


Rez Photo of the Month Answer

The young girl in this photo is none other than Tanisha Tulee!What a great photo and make sure to check out her shout out

from her mom on page 19! Great Job Tanisha!!

The young girl in this photo is none other than Tanisha Tulee!


Bacteria and food debris build up on our teeth every day. The

sticky yellow-white residue that forms is called plaque. Take a look in the mirror around where your gums meet your teeth. Depending on when you last brushed, you may notice plaque accumulating right at your gum line. You may notice that your gums are red and infl amed in areas that have signifi cant plaque.The goal of dental cleanings is to remove plaque and plaque that has hardened into calculus (or tartar). It is important that plaque is not allowed to build up and remain on the teeth for a signifi cant period of time. The bacteria in the plaque produce chemicals that can destroy tooth structure and the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Red, infl amed and bleeding gums are a common sign of areas that have accumulated plaque. Clean teeth are less likely to develop cavities and gum disease! Please make an appointment at the Skokomish Dental Clinic for an exam and cleaning. We’ll help you identify areas that you may be missing with your daily brushing. The clinic also has several diff erent types of interproximal brushes, fl oss aids, tooth pastes, brushes and mouth rinses. Call 360-426-5755 or stop by the clinic.

The Importance Of Dental Cleanings

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles can be easily prevented by getting the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.In recent years, there have been several large outbreaks in the U.S. Almost all of these cases are in people who have not been fully vaccinated and were exposed to measles while traveling outside the US or were exposed to someone from another country who had measles.As of February 5, 2019, 50 confi rmed cases of measles have been identifi ed in an outbreak that began in Clark County, Washington. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , at least 10 states have reported cases of measles in 2019: California, Colorado,

Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. So far, during the current outbreak, 90% of those confi rmed with having measles were not vaccinated against measles.Measles: It isn’t just a little rash

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Typically, about one out of four people who get measles will be hospitalized. Brain swelling (encephalitis), which can lead to brain damage, will occur in about 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles. Even with the best medical care, 1-2 out of every 1,000 people with measles will die from the infection. A highly infectious virus causes measles. The air in a room can remain infectious for several hours after a person with measles has been there. Symptoms may not be present for up to 21 days after infection. The rash has red or dark brown spots, usually starting on

the face and spreading to the whole body. Other symptoms may occur 3-5 days before the development of the typical measles rash.

If you think you have symptoms of measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, you should call your doctor’s offi ce or clinic right away. It is important to let them know about your concern for measles so that others in the clinic do not get exposed.

VACCINATE!The best way to protect you and your family, esp. young children, from measles is to make sure to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine . Children can receive their fi rst vaccine at 1 year old. Although a second dose is usually delayed until the child is 4-6 years old, it can be given as early as four weeks after the fi rst dose. Infants, who cannot be vaccinated, should be kept away from

people known to have measles or who have been exposed to measles.About 95% of the people in a community need to be vaccinated to protect those that are either too young to receive the vaccine or cannot be vaccinated for some other medical reason. It takes all of us doing our part, by receiving a measles vaccine, to protect our children — our most valuable resource.

U.S. Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., is encouraging people to get the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is very safe and eff ective. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% eff ective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% eff ective. Watch the message from the U.S. Surgeon General and fi nd out why the nation’s doctor is addressing the current measles outbreak.

Measles Outbreak Highlights the Importance of Vaccination

www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” www.skokomish.org 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” Page 11


Start the Conversation About Diabetes

EducatingAmerican Indians/Alaska Natives About Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. In the past 30 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has increased by more than 150 percent.1

Diabetes can cause many health problems, including vision loss and blindness. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her risk is of getting diabetic eye disease, yet half of all people with diabetes don’t get annual comprehensive dilated eye exams. Start the conversation about diabetic eye disease so you can help people with diabetes protect their sight.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems people with diabetes may face as a complication of this disease, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. These include—

•

•

•

Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye

Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye

Glaucoma: Increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision

To help prevent vision loss and blindness, it’s important for people with diabetes to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to detect diabetic eye disease early and to keep their diabetes under control.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It often has no early symptoms; however, only 11 percent of adults over 18 in the

United States are aware of this.2 It is vital they be informed that diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss that usually cannot be restored but that vision loss can be prevented or minimized with early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care.

Normal Vision Vision withDiabeticRetinopathy

Tip Box:To help American Indians/Alaska Natives reduce their risk of vision loss and blindness, encourage them to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year and to control their diabetes by—

Taking their medications.

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Adding physical activity to their daily routine.

Controlling their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Kicking the smoking habit.

A program of the National Institutes of Health

Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke Among American Indians and

Alaska NativesPrevent and Control High Blood CholesterolHigh blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Preventing and treating high blood cholesterol includes eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, keeping a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every five years. If yours is high, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help lower it. Prevent and Control High Blood PressureLifestyle actions such as healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and healthy weight will help you to keep normal blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is easily checked, and all adults should have it checked on a regular basis. If your blood pressure is high, you can work with your doctor to treat it and bring it down to the normal range. A high blood pressure can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes and with medicines when needed. Prevent and Control DiabetesDiabetes has been shown to be a very important risk factor for heart disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives.* People with diabetes have an increased risk for heart disease but can reduce their risk. Also, people can take steps to reduce their risk for diabetes in the first place, through weight loss and regular physical activity. No TobaccoChewing, dipping, and cigarette smoking are non-traditional uses of tobacco among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Never smoking is one of the best things a person can do to lower their risk. And, quitting smoking will also help lower a person’s risk of heart disease. A person’s risk of heart attack decreases soon after quitting. If you smoke, your doctor can suggest programs to help you quit smoking. Moderate Alcohol UseExcessive alcohol use increases the

risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. People who drink should do so only in moderation and always responsibly. Maintain a Healthy WeightHealthy weight status in adults is usually assessed by using weight and height to compute a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI usually indicates the amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Normal weight is a BMI of 18 to 24.9. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight. Regular Physical ActivityAdults should engage in moderate level physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Diet and NutritionAlong with healthy weight and regular physical activity, an overall healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This includes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting out added salt or sodium, and eating less saturated fat and cholesterol to lower these risks. Treat Atrial FibrillationAtrial fibrillation is an irregular beating of the heart. It can cause clots that can lead to stroke. A doctor can prescribe medications to help reduce the chance of clots. Genetic Risk FactorsStroke can run in families. Genes play a role in stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and vascular conditions. It is also possible that an increased risk for stroke within a family is due to factors such as a common sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits, rather than hereditary factors.

Prevention Through Education

Stroke Awareness


The Skokomish Healthy Families did a Budgeting call, and we focused on • Fighting The Impulse to Spend - • The Monster of Debt -

• Credit Cards, Friend or Foe? - • Financial Emergencies - • Budgeting 101 - Stay out of debt• Credit Scores, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly • Buying a Car - • Career or Job? Planning for more - • Staying out of Debt This was a two day very intense class. We had to push through that last half each night. However, it was very educational for our families. We also got to discuss what’s next. Talk about job planning and career and where we are and how to get to where we want to be. Financial Future – now we know how to stay out of debt, manage our budgets, put away the credit cards, and get control of our desire to spend. What’s next, you may ask? Is there something more to your fi nancial future? We have learned to simplify how to build a healthy fi nancial future, take the confusion out of 401Ks, IRAs, and provide other tips on planning for fi nancial stability. Big shout out to all that came. Everyone that came got a thank you gift and a certifi cate Thank you!!! Healthy Families Program

The Skokomish Healthy Families condensed PIP (Positive Indian

Parenting) curriculum into a 6-week class.Positive Indian Parenting class topics include:Session 1: Welcome and Orientation/Traditional ParentingSession 2: Lessons of the StorytellerSession 3: Lessons of the CradleboardSession 4: Harmony in Child RearingSession 5: Traditional Behavior ManagementSession 6: Lessons of Mother NatureSession 7: Praise in Traditional ParentingSession 8: Choices in Parenting/GraduationWe averaged about 15 families. I would just like to give a big shout out to all that came and participated. I loved all the stories and ideas that were brought forth. We had free childcare and dinner for all that came.Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) is an

8-10-week curriculum, developed by the National Indian Child Welfare Association, that provides practical and culturally specific training for American Indian and Alaska Native parents. The training helps parents explore the values and attitudes expressed in traditional AI/AN child-rearing practices and apply them to modern parenting. The curriculum draws on the strengths of traditional Indian parenting practices using storytelling, cradleboard, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise. It also addresses the historical impact of boarding schools, intergenerational trauma and grief, and forced assimilation of parenting; it empowers Indian families to reclaim their right to their heritage to be a positive parentAll the participants at the last class received a thank you gift and a certificate

Can’t Budget?

Positive Indian Parenting


The Skokomish/Chehalis Vocational Rehabilitation Program is

finishing the 7th month of the final year of the Grant. Our program will end on September 30, 2019. We are planning to submit a new grant application to keep the program running for another 5 years. The Planners/Grantwriters for both Chehalis and Skokomish are working together to put our best effort into the application. There is no guarantee that we will be funded. Regional Services Administration has grant dollars, but not enough to fund all the applications received. All grant applications will be scored and the highest scored will be offered funding. We are hopeful.During the last month, the regularly scheduled monthly VR meeting was held in Chehalis. Staff met to review progress and discuss activities and problem areas they might experience. The meeting for May will be held in Skokomish on May 1, 2019. The programs’ policies and procedures are being revised and updated at this time. The American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is assisting with this process. We feel it is important for this to take place prior to applying for a new grant.Vocational Rehabilitation staff participated in the Tribes’ Resource

Fair on April 16, 2019. It was nice to see everyone and to answer questions we received about the program.All of the native VR programs nationwide participated in two conference calls during the month. The Consortia for Native Administrators held a teleconference on April 17, 2018. Miscellaneous conferences to be held in the future were discussed as well as the next grant competition. The Regional Services Administration (our funding source) conference call was held on April 18, 2019. We have a new contract officer assigned to us. Jessica Lugg was introduced as our new contact. We will miss Sonja Turner who had been our contact throughout the grant. This call definitely had the new grant competition as it’s main topic of discussion. We are looking forward to the NATIVE ART FAIR scheduled for May 4, 2019 at the Skokomish Community Center. I hope to see you there and wish all the artists a prosperous day.


This year Tuwaduq Family Services staff has taken on some new

additional services regarding the Spring Clean-up program. The Elders clean-up program has been moved from the clinic staff to Family Services this year. We hired Devin Johns and Harold Gamber to assist tribal elders with picking up garbage and other items from their homes. The program has been off ered each year to help with the spring clean-up program within the community. We were also scheduled to hire the individuals to monitor the gate of the dump site. The scheduled hours of the dumpster areas were set by Skokomish housing program. This year we hired Bear Plant and Marty Peterson to work at the dumpsite to make sure that it was accessible to only tribal members. When the dumpsters were located throughout the reservation too many outsiders came in and dumped their many pounds of garbage and debris which the tribe had to pay for. Having the dumpsters behind locked gates allows for the staff to check and monitor those coming in and making sure that if something can be recycled it is dumped in the appropriate place to be picked up and disposed of.

For Earth day the crew of Family Services planted four new type of cherry trees in the community. The DV program did a pop up tent activity by providing healthy house plants within the home for caring for yourself and your body as well as providing seeds for fl owers that are good pollinators for the community. The garden crew provided berry plants that they had previously cut and rooted so that they could give to members of the community to grow in their own gardens. We also prepared Mason bees to be set out and start the process of pollination. This will be the fi rst year that the garden crew will be working with Mason bees. Reading information about them they are very good pollinators. Our honeybees from last year did not make it so we will be looking to try and get more for this year. The snow did not work well for them. It is good to see the many workers that provided community outreach to our community to keep it clean and healthy. Thank you to all of you who participated and cleaned up the rez. It is our job as Tribal members to maintain and keep our reservation clean for our children to play safely.

Spring Clean-up

The Skokomish Domestic Violence Program had a busy April. We

kicked off Sexual Assault Awareness month with Teal Day by handing out 75 teal bracelets. We hosted our annual Sexual Assault Awareness dinner with guest speaker Teri Butler. Teri presented her NDiGi Dreams, digital story that she created while attending the workshop that our DV program hosted a few months prior. A discussion followed regarding the topic of sexual assault which Teri shared in her video. It was very educational and opened many eyes within the community of how to keep our children safe and what to watch out for. We’d like to thank Annette Smith for her opening and closing prayers and the Youth Council for serving dinner. It was also great to see the continued support of Leah Niccolocci, who has always been very

supportive of our program, traveling from Chehalis to share in our event. We are always thankful for our Council of Elders Task Force members who volunteered their time to assist with set-up, sign-in, raffl e and handing out the gift bags. We celebrated Earth Day by off ering education on “Plants that Heal”. Participants chose and potted one of several plants off ered that naturally assist with symptoms many victims of trauma often experience such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, stress, and low energy levels, to name a few. In addition we off ered seeds for fl owers that save the pollinators. It was not only a great way to welcome spring, but also an opportunity to share some healthful means in resolving challenges victims and survivors face each day. If you missed this event and would like more information you can

come by TFS or call (360) 426-7788 or email us and we will gladly share the information! We hosted a Taco Thursday, sharing Teri Butler’s video about how sexual assault has impacted her family. We’d like to thank Teri for being so willing to present her video to Youth Council, at our Sexual Assault Awareness Dinner, on Taco Thursday, and also with Turning Pointe Advocacy Center. She is proof that just one powerful voice can create change. Our program participated in the Resource Fair, handing out education and prevention information and gift bags to over 100 people. We will kick off May by attending the Arts and Crafts Bazaar at the Skokomish Community Center on May 4. We will be off ering information on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) events happening

during the month of May. May 5th is MMIW Day and we as that everyone Wear Red in honor of all the missing and murdered, man or woman. Parking Lot Pop-Up Crafts are scheduled for May 22nd and May 29th from 11 am – 3 pm. Look for us in front of TFS; swing by, do a quick craft and visit.

For more information on our program services and activities please call Patty or Tor @ 360.426.7788. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected]

The Skokomish Tribe’s Tuwaduq Family Services Domestic Violence

Program hosted its annual Sexual Assault Awareness Dinner. Lavender fl avored lemonade greeted each of the 70 community members who attended and enjoyed the wonderful meal to start off the evening. Many parents brought their children, and there was lots of visiting by friends and loved ones, which went on over the dinner. At the end of the meal everyone moved into the Gathering room of the Community Center, where we were privileged to learn about Teri Butler’s video and the specifi c story that she shared about her experience of how sexual assault has aff ected her and her family. Her story was put on fi lm with the help of Ndigi Dreams, an Indian owned company

which specializes in helping people make personal videos to memorialize an event in their life. Teri’s story illustrated how sexual assault can be going on around you without your being aware of it. Thus, we must all be keen with our senses regarding sexual assault, to ask questions and not be afraid to check in with those we love and ask them how they are doing. If we are quiet, not inquisitive when necessary, then the safety of our loved ones might easily be overlooked at a time of crisis. Kudos to Patty Gouley and Tor Parker for making this evening such a delight, while getting the main message across about Sexual Assault Awareness and how we can all assist to minimize these events and save lives. By Tony Herrera

Sexual Assault Awareness Dinner

The Skokomish Tribe’s Tuwaduq which specializes in helping people

Your Domestic Violence Program is Here for You


1st

Patricia HagaNaomi Capoeman

Stormy HawkSunsomay Keith

2nd

Sa-nan-nook Smith

3rd

Donald Howard

4th

Eric CulteeHarold Gamber

Lee Johns Jr.Yvette Johns

Denese LaClairHarmony Taylor

5th

Elena DuarteZayden Peterson

6th

Sheila KenyonAmina Henry

7th

Amy KenyonCharles S LongshoreLoralee Michaelson

Jacob P. SmithRachel Smith

Chevy Thomas

8th

Tanisha EmersonHarry Teo

9th

Edward SmithTalon Sparr

10th

Ray AuldCheyenne Smith

11th

Helen CulteeJustin Miller

Charlie Henry Jr

12th

Fawn GouleyNick Mosqueda

13th

Rebecca Kisor

15th

Stella FieldsBillie JimenezWilliam Smith

Marilyn ThomasThomas Gouley-Miller

18th

Carol SmithKotori Campbell

19th

Lloyd D. Wilbur

20th

Alfred SmithEleanor SmithHunter Wall

Jacob E. Smith

22ndChuck W. Longshore

William VelizMa’sye Taylor

23rd

Willard JohnsonHarmon Sparr

Nova Dominguez

24th

Stephanie LuceroDonavan Allen

25th

Robert Miller

26th

Evan CapoemanTeniesha Johns

27th

Jacklyn Smith

Brian Paul Little RavenNina EdwardsStacia Peterson

Madeline Hermann

28th

Kim OrtisXavier Allen-Johns

29th

Dakota AndrewsTerry JohnsJustin Wilke

30th

Louis HerreraRandy LaClairNick Wilbur Sr.

31st

Aaron StrongSonni Cordova

Austin Rams� eld Wilbur is the son of Peter And

Katilin Wilbur. He has a younger brother khyal. He is a senior at Shelton high school and is also attending South puget sound community college. Austin has attended the running start program there for the last 2 years. He will be attending Central Washington University in the fall to study sport medicine. Austin has a huge love for baseball and has played all 4 years of high school. Last year he really made a name for himself with an untouchable knuckle ball that is carrying over into this season as well. � rough his hard work and dedication he is able to chase his dreams to the next level.

Services Were Held On:Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 12:00 P.M. at the Skokomish

Community Center

Opening Prayer / Songs:Cooney Johns

Open Floor:Memories / Stories to be Requested

Makayla

Slide Show:Prepared by Bobbi Blacketer

Native PoemIf tears could build a stairway

And memories were a laneWe could walk right up to heaven

And bring you back again

No farewell words were spokenNo time to say goodbye

You were gone before we knew itAnd God only knows why

Our hearts still ache in sadnessAnd secret tears flow

What it meant to lose youNo one can ever know

But now we know you want usTo mourn for you no more

To remember all the happy timesLife still has much in store

Since you’ll never be forgottenWe pledge to you today

A hallowed place within our heartsIs where you’ll always stay

You will be missed

Tribal Members with Birthdays in May

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHYWay to go Austin!


I am asking that my daughter Rylee Swantak-Miller be placed on the

adoption ballot this year. My Dad is Robert Miller and my grandparents are the late Doris Miller (Adams) and Edward (Pix) Miller. Rylee is 11 years old and in 5th grade at Mt. View Elementary School. She has enough Skokomish blood to be enrolled but not enough other Native blood. She has 1/16th Chippewa White Earth but is still 1/16th shy of having enough other blood to be enrolled. Rylee knows some of the Skokomish songs and dances and has learned some of the language. She feels that she would be super blessed if she were to be adopted into the Skokomish Tribe. She continues to be taught about her heritage and to put her faith in God. She has a great role model in her grandfather Robert Miller who has worked hard all of his life. I would really appreciate your vote of adoption in this year’s election. Thanks so much for your consideration. Stephanie Darling-Miller, enrolled Skokomish Tribal Member.

I’d like to put my nephew Kodey Miller on the adoption ballot this year. My Dad is Robert Miller and my grandparents are the late Doris Miller (Adams) and Edward (Pix) Miller. My brother Chris Miller who is Kodey’s dad is the Line Superintendent of PUD 3 in Shelton. He has worked for PUD3 for the past 28 ½ years. Kodey is 26 years old and works for Dreamscapes Tree Service in Olympia as a Journeyman Tree Trimmer/Climber. Kodey has a 2 year old daughter names Reinna who he just adores. His one desire is to be adopted into the Skokomish Indian Tribe. He has enough Skokomish blood to be enrolled but not enough other Native blood. I would really appreciate your vote of adoption in this year’s election. Thanks so much for your consideration. Staci Miller, enrolled Skokomish Tribal Member.

My name is Michelle (Hawk) Deyette and my Dad is Johnny Hawk, my

Mom was Pat Hawk. I grew up out here, and always loved it. I moved away in my late teens, and married a man from the Skokomish Valley, Mark Deyette. We raised our three children in Olympia, and moved back out here six years ago. Our children never lived out here, and they maintained a close relationship with their grandparents, and a tie to this area. Every summer we sold fi reworks from the time our son Chase was 2, and his sisters Dani and Brandee were 6 and 4 respectively. So going on 30 years. They made friends out here and learned of their families’ Native heritage from both here and from up North at Swinomish. They learned about the Hawk family going back generations. I can only speak for my children when I say that they aren’t interested in ‘benefi ts’ attached to being tribal members. They

will never fi sh, dive, or harvest clams and oysters commercially. At some point, one or more of them may want to live out here on the land left by my Dad, or by me, that’s their choice. Mostly, they are proud of their family heritage, and their Native roots. It’s odd when someone detects that they’re obviously something else besides white, and they’re asked about it. They say proudly that they’re ¼ Native American, then comes the next obvious question, “Which tribe?” At this, they answer that they’re not enrolled in any tribe, and then name our tribe and their grandmother’s tribe. Sometimes that’s the end of the conversation, other times there are more questions, diffi cult to answer. Ultimately, it leaves them with an empty feeling, a sad feeling. At one-quarter degree of Native blood, they should be enrolled somewhere, and yet, there isn’t a place for them. I guess I

could try Swinomish, they accepted my brothers and I, and then we relinquished because we grew up here in Skokomish, and we wanted that identity, this was home. It took a few years for my brothers to be adopted, and quite a few more before I was adopted. That rejection in the years between was pretty painful, and I ran the risk of ending up without a tribe, because there’s no going back once you relinquish. I was so happy when it fi nally happened. Each year my heart aches for my own children when they’re not adopted, and my heart aches even more for those who were born here, have lived their entire lives here, and fi nd themselves still without a tribe. I rejoice for those scant few who are adopted each year, they are the lucky ones. I realize that the chances of my children eventually being adopted is much lower than most, and I believe strongly that

it’s still important for me to stay actively involved in the process of getting others accepted, especially those who live here. Those who are direct descendants of tribal members should be given consideration. There has to be a way to make this process less painful. I respect those who feel strongly that things should stay the same, and I respectfully disagree. Change is diffi cult, and for some it’s nearly impossible. Without change, there is no opportunity for growth or progress, change is essential to human survival in all aspects of life. We all have to adjust to life as it is, even if we embrace life as it once was. I hope that our tribal community can come together and fi nd a solution, a better option.

Thank you,Michelle Deyette

Letters to the Community


Happiest of all MOTHERS DAYto GEORGIE JOHNS, the most

fabulous mother and grandmother ever made. Your love and devotion to your family is appreciated and multiplies over and over because of your love

and teachings.You are amazing and we all love you

more than you know.Love and Kisses, Mary

Love and huggs to the moms ofSkokomish, thank you for all thesebeautiful children. We are so luckyto have each other, and this beautiful

community. Happy Mothers Day.

Amber Happy Mom’s Day!Love Mom and Mini

To ALL the Moms out thereHAPPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Mona

Happy Mom’s Day Mini

SHOUT OUT to my boys group,Thank you for your dedication to

becoming strong Indian Men. Thankyou for your devotion to your families.

Mary

Mom-Happy Mother’s Day! Love Mona and Mini

Tahn- Your’e a great Mom! Love, Mom and Mini

To my Daughters Happy Mothers DayAs I grow older and reflect on the

teachings my Mom gave to me, I am brought to my knees with gratitude. I

know someday, maybe today or yesterday you are teaching those same things to your children.

This is a beautiful time to be an Indian woman, at Skokomish. I love

you girls.

Happy Moms Day MonaThank you for your friendshipall these years, I just love ya.

Mary

HAPPY Birthday 🎂 to my oldest daughter Naomi John’s-Capoeman.

Hope your bday is as wild and beautiful as you!! Love you Naomi!!

love mom.

Happy Birthday Amina and Tin! I love you guys and hope your day is all you want and more! You guys deserve the best! Hope it’s a good

one!Cass/Auntie

Happy Mothers Day Madre!You are the best mom/nana! Hope your day is great! We all love you!

I would like to send a shout to my beautiful daughter Alisa Smith-

Woodruff you are so special lady to go to school and maintain a 4.0 Gpa through out the last 2 years and to be raising 5 kids 3 teenagers and 2

babies. Love Mom and Dad.

🎂

Shout out to the best ma ma bear in the world, I love you mom 💜

On March 28, 2019 my mom (Peggy Johnson) and I got to witness my daughter Tanisha Tulee (Sweetie)

graduate in San Antonio, Texas. She is furthering her education in Virginia. I am so very proud of all that she does and still going strong. My prayers are

with her journey to success 🕯 much love from Mom (Wendy) ❤ and

brothers Orion, Niall, and Thorbjorn

is furthering her education in Virginia. I am so very proud of all that she does and still going strong. My prayers are

THANK YOU

We would like to take this op-portunity to thank all the generous people who donated all the food for the Rick Miller Memorial. Your generosity was overwhelming. We would also like to thank John Gou-ley and his crew for all their help setting up the community center.

And to Kimberly, our wonder-ful cook who always goes above and beyond, and to all the cooks helpers and to all the people who helped clean up. We can’t thank

you enough.

Warm regards,

The Miller Family

To the Mothers of my beautiful grandchildren, Tamela and Lucille.I cannot believe the blessings I have with the gifts you both have given to me with my grand babies. I am

so proud of both of you. Thanks for making this old man one happy Poppa. I hope you both have the Mothers Day

you deserve!

Happy Mothers Day,Mark

Non – Pro� t OrganizationUS Postage Paid

Hoodsport, WA Permit No. 11

Skokomish Indian Tribe80 N Tribal Center RoadSKOK, WA 98584

The Sounder3sXeXa?l “It’s All Written Down”

North 80 Tribal Center RoadSkokomish Nation, WA 98584

Phone: (360) 426-4232 ext 2053Fax: (360) 877-5943

E-Mail: [email protected] Warren, Editor

Letters to the Editor are published at the discretion of the Editor, as space permits. No letter which contains defamatory

or malicious statements will be published. Any letter which contains questionable material will be sent to our legal offi ce

for review. All letters must contain the writer’s signature, address and telephone number. Letters not signed will NOT be published. The Editor reserves the right to edit a letter for

content, clarity and length.Views and opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are

those of the writer of the letter. They are not endorsed by the Sounder, Tribal Administration, Tribal Council or the Skokomish Indian Nation as a whole. The deadline for the sounder is the

third Thursday of every month.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Rez Photo of the Month

Can you name the young Head Start Graduate in this photo? Please turn to page 9 for the answer! Good luck!

Fill the empty squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that each row across, each row down, and each 3x3 square contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. Good Luck!

Rez Sudoku Puzzle of the Month

Can you name the young Head Start Graduate in this photo?

who let the dawg’s out tournament , tom grover memorialwho let the dawg’s out tournament , tom...

Documents