qyuuqs News January 2023

Happy New Year!

This is the Election Issue of qyuuqs News.

The General Council and General Election will be held in person on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Social Services Building. Voting hours are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. See the Amended Notice from the Swinomish Election Board on the next page for details.

You can find the 2023 candidate goals starting on PAGE 7.

The family trees for the Provisional Members for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community adoption start on PAGE 10.

Here's to good health in 2023!

goliahlitza

Caroline Ammons

Updated Notice of General Election and General Council Meeting

Senate Seat #8

Barbara James, Incumbent

Senate Seat #9

Jeremy Wilbur, Incumbent

Cathi Bassford

Pursuant to Senate Resolution 2023-01-002, the Election and General Council meeting are now scheduled for February 12, 2023.

Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. General Council begins at 1 p.m.

Election Board Vacancy

The Election Board is soliciting Letters of Interests in order to fill a vacancy. Board Member Qualifications are as follows:

STC 2-1.080(C)

Qualifications. Members of the Election Board shall be:

1) Twenty-one (21) years of age or older;

2) An enrolled member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community;

3) Not a current member of the Swinomish Senate; and

4) A Resident of the Reservation as defined in this Chapter or an employee of the Tribe or its enterprises.

Please submit letters of interest to the Election Officer, Wendy Otto, in the Tribal Administration Building or to wotto@swinomish.nsn.us

Letters will be accepted through February 10, 2023.

TRIBAL SENATE

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Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

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Jeremy Wilbur, Vice Chairman (360) 770.7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

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Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

sapelia

Sophie Bailey, Secretary (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

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Aurelia Bailey (360) 853.6376 | awashington@swinomish.nsn.us

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Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us

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Greg Edwards (360) 854.8612 | gedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

taleq tale II

Barbara James (360) 391.3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us

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Brian Porter (360) 840.4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us

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Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us

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Tandy Wilbur (360) 770.3050 | tandywilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov

@SwinomishSenate

The official news publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

The mission of qyuuqs News is to provide monthly communication to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Members near and far. We are committed to serving as an apolitical forum for the Swinomish governing officials and all Community Members. qyuuqs News is not intended to reflect the official position of the governing body at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community but rather reflects the ideas, events, and thoughts of individual Community Members and Tribal staff. As such, the Swinomish Tribe makes no claim as to the accuracy or content of any of the articles contained therein.

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*SUBMISSIONS

Send your news tips, stories, and photos to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

Submission deadline: 10th day of the month

QYUUQS NEWS

Caroline Ammons, Editor qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS

Heather Mills, Communications Manager

Sarah Kellogg, Content Journalist

Katie Bassford, Staff Photographer

Communications@swinomish.nsn.us

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul

This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/qyuuqs

Photos credits: qyuuqs News Staff or as credited. All rights reserved.

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2023 CANDIDATES GOALS

Senate Seat #8

Barb James, Incumbent

My dear people, I am seeking reelection for Senate Position #8. I have 1027 reasons why I would like to be considered for reelection, and that is all of you!

This will be my 6th candidacy for this Senate position and I truly love what I do. In the past 30 years I have dedicated my life to the Swinomish Tribal Community, by representation and fulfillment of the responsibilities entrusted by all of you. My main has been working with our youth and family services. The work that has been entrusted to me has been the focus of sincere and heartfelt engagement from start to finish and beyond.

I have been on the Swinomish

Enrollment Committee since 1981, the passion for this work was instilled in me by many of our ancestors of whom we descend. Another important area for my focus has been Budget and Personnel Committee.

The establishments of policies and procedures pertaining to our Codes and Ordinances which guide the everyday operation practices of our Tribal Community and Self Governance.

Elder Services has been another commitment that I have served since the beginning of my leadership, the importance of elder protection, care givers services and event planning.

Working with youth throughout the years in cultural, traditional and

social events has been a pleasure, they are our future and it’s been my pleasure to work, teach and listen to their hopes and dreams for the future. Healthy lifestyles, Teamwork, and Communication I have utmost Respect for our Youth, Elders and Family. As I look forward I will continue to listen, hear the voices and concerns of our people and express to promote the will of the people

With my Faith, Hope and Love, I ask for your continued Support for this Re-Election of Barbara James, Taleqtale Seat 8

Taleqtale

17267 Indian Rd. La Conner WA 98257 360 391-3958

SWINOMISH ELECTION BOARD

Senate Seat #9 JEREMY

WILBUR, INCUMBENT

As I sit here drinking my coffee this morning I reflect back on the beginnings of this journey. In 2002 Auntie Pose and Cetta pushed me forward to make my first attempt at Senate. The late Darlene Peters helped me write my goals and objectives that year. In 2018 my sister Jennifer Wilbur pushed me forward again and asked that I run on behalf of our people. I think back to these strong ladies and the integrity they had. The good they wanted for our people. I am thankful for their teachings and to have them believe in me.

In 2018 I made promises:

Swinomish First was my promise to put community above self.

A VISION FOR THE PEOPLE is my promise to work hard to expand and create opportunities for ALL tribal members now and in the future.

A promise to LISTEN to those that I serve. These promises still hold true today.

In the past 5 years I have accomplished work toward my goals; as well as setting new goals along the way.

I am thankful to be part of a Senate that put community first in the uncertain times of COVID-19. In the

beginning we met daily to establish food distribution, testing, vaccine clinics, rental assistance, COVID pay, unemployment assistance for fishermen, fuel discounts, COVID relief checks and guidelines to keep our community safe.

Tribal member employment has increased. I am an advocate for hiring preference in all positions. It is my goal to break down barriers to employment. For example, last year the Senate removed requirements for driver’s licenses and high school diplomas when they are not needed to do the job. At the mid-year General Council, you asked for a pipeline from scholarship to employment. I heard you; workforce development is a goal.

In 2019 we created Swinomish Port Authority. Today we have a Port Authority Board, plans for our Port properties, and an $11 million dollar grant to start development for our fishing fleet.

I have served on Tallawhalt Committee since 2018. During this time we created the Housing Division, administered rental assistance program, created a $20,000 grant for construction on individually owned property on the reservation, and started construction on Tallawhalt II. Housing for our membership remains a goal we need elder housing, tribal

rentals, apartments, homes for sale, and home owner’s assistance for improvements and emergency repairs.

I know the lack of services available to our elders who wish to stay in the community. Increasing services and support to our elders is a top priority. Elders should have a safe, affordable, supportive place to live on the reservation. I will work toward this goal!

I cannot share all my goals in one letter, this is only a start. I am here to listen; your goals will be my goals.

I will continue to work as a team with staff and Senate towards equality and opportunity and improve the lives of our members today and for the next 7 generations.

Senate Seat #9

CATHI BASSFORD

To the people of Swinomish,

My name is Cathi Bassford. I am the daughter of the late Russell and Alfreda Edwards. I am a granddaughter of the late Alfred and Laura Squi~qui Edwards and the late James Edge and Elizabeth Shumaker.

I live on the Swinomish Reservation, where I was born and raised. I am married to Kurt Bassford (31 yrs) and we have one daughter, Katie Bassford.

I have worked for the Swinomish Tribe since January 1991, 31 years thus far. I currently serve on two boards: the Utility Board from 2006 and the Housing Board from 2010. I also served on the Election Board from 2013 until recently. (I had to resign from that role to run for the Senate).

I have dedicated myself to my Kitchen Manager position since I was hired in 2004. I have served many special event meals, which include community dinners, funerals, canoe journeys and holiday luncheons.

I currently take part in Swinomish Elder Programs and travel with our elders to tribal luncheons and would like to take part in more activities with our community.

It would be an honor to serve on our Swinomish Tribal Senate. Not only as a senator, but as someone who is willing to do my best for the people of the Swinomish Tribal Community. I believe that the Swinomish Tribe has done great things to date, but I also believe that improvements can be made in areas that matter most. Just to mention a few:

Housing has always been a big topic and needs addressing.

Homeowners Repair Assistance (roof repair, heating, water heater replacement etc.)

Buildings need to be built to accommodate our growing community.

Employment is a must for our people. We need to prioritize an on the job training program (TERO).

Improvement with our police department on its drug task force and community protection efforts.

Accountability is big in all areas of employment.

Thank you, Cathi Bassford (Zahalitsa)

Provisional Members for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Adoption

Allison McWhirter

William Wiggens Annie

Billy Wiggens

Indica Torres

Alan Ness

Mary Torres Yaqui

Christopher Torres Yaqui

Jayde Torres

Alan Ness

Indica Torres Provisional Member

Mary Torres Yaqui

Christopher Torres Yaqui

Provisional Member

Enrolled Swinomish

Allison McWhirter Provisional Member

Carneen Allen Swinomish

Arial LaPointe Swinomish

Margaret Williams Swinomish

John Allen Blackfoot

Marianne LaPointe Swinomish

Dale Oya II Quinalt

Jayde Torres Provisional Member

Marianne LaPointe Swinomish

Dale Oya II Quinalt

Arial LaPointe Swinomish

David

Smith

Provisional Member

Enrolled

Continues on PAGE

David Lee (Rice) Smith Provisional Member

Elaone G. Rice Swinomish

Lee (Rice)

Bruce Wayne Smith

Rose Cecila (Rice) Billy Swinomish

John Shields Seton Lake

Gilbert Banks Provisional Member

Dolores Merian Swinomish

Gilbert Banks Robert Banks

Emma Merian Swinomish

Raymond Merian Swinomish

Latoya Kaubin Provisional Member

Annice Cheer Colville

Russel Kaubin Sr. Kiowa

JoAnn John Swinomish

Latoya Kaubin

Russel Kaubin Swinomish

Frances Tatshama Colville

Everest Cheer Sr. Nooksack

Swinomish

Provisional Members for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Adoption (Continued)

Oakland James Provisional Member

Madison McCoy Chippewa

Theresa Turner

Oakland James

Erika Giles Chippewa Robert McCoy

Neveah James Provisional Member

Loran James Swinomish Theresa Turner

Neveah James

Jamall James Swinomish

Robert McCoy

Madilynn James Provisional Member

Theresa Turner

Madilynn James

Provisional Member Enrolled Swinomish

Loran James Swinomish Jamall James Swinomish

Loran James Swinomish Jamall James Swinomish

Erika Giles Chippewa

Madison McCoy Chippewa

Robert McCoy

Erika Giles Chippewa

Madison McCoy Chippewa

Laura Porter-Olsen Provisional Member

Wendy J. Olsen Lummi

William Solomon Lummi Norma Celestine Lummi

Laura Porter-Olsen

Charles Solomon Jr. Lummi

Ella Bob Swinomish

Hermann Olsen Lummi

Muriel Cagey Provisional Member

Samuel Cagey Sr. Lummi Mary Jefferson Lummi

Muriel Cagey

Samaul Cagey Jr. Lummi

Provisional Member Enrolled Swinomish

Wendy J. Olsen Lummi

Ella Bob Swinomish

Hermann Olsen Lummi

Delaney Bill Provisional Member

Mary Joseph Malahat

Delaney Bill

Brittany Stacy

Franklin Stacy

Warren Bill Swinomish

Dennis Bill Swinomish

Patricia Nelms

Prevent the Spread of Germs

WA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Here are some simple tips to help keep respiratory infections and many other contagious diseases from spreading, especially during the cough, cold, and “flu” season.

Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include influenza (the “flu”), colds and pertussis (whooping cough). The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person to person in droplets from the nose, throat, and lungs of someone who is sick.

You can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing “respiratory etiquette,” or good health manners.

Here are some tips to help prevent spreading your germs to others, and to avoid catching someone else’s germs.

Keep your germs to yourself

» Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

» Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.

» Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash hands often if you are sick.

» Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.

» Stay home if you have a cough and fever.

» See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.

» If asked, use face masks provided in your doctor’s office or clinic’s waiting room. Follow office and clinic staff’s instructions to help stop the spread of germs.

Keep the germs away

» Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

» Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose.

» Don’t share things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.

» Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others. doh.wa.gov DOH

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1/2

Casimir Wilbur Sr., Jeffery Edwards, Melissa Marks, Dekota Wells, Solomon McDonald

1/3

Casey Willup, Tashina Eastman

1/4

Kaliana Bill, Magnus Dougan

1/5

Aurelia Bailey, Anna Cook, Kelly Topaum, Burgundee Russell

1/6

Arthur Billy Jr., Sarah Chagnon, Shawn Sampson, Tatum Wilbur

1/7

Alethia Edwards, Collin LaPointe,

1/8

Desiri Vink, David Grossglass, Gabriella Topaum

1/9

James Wilbur, Vernon Cayou, Nicholas Loomis, Alexander Cayou, Malia Day-Rocha

1/10

James Bobb, Charles McCoy, Salena Bailey, Sophia Edwards

1/11

Margaret Jamison, Steve Martin, Michael Willup

1/12

Bonnie Fornsby, Chad John, Betsy Campbell, Jaxson Williams

1/13

Krista Hamburg, Cordell Manibusan

1/14

Treyton Wilbur

1/15

Lynn Aleck, Nakiya Luna, Nakesha Edwards, Jasper Reems

1/16

Marlene Morris, Ernest Jamison Jr., Jadon Bischoff

1/17

Wilbert James, Georginia

James, Brandon Damien

1/18

Todd Mitchell, Ethan Holland

1/19

Vincent Cayou Sr., Mark Joe Sr., Ursula Sampson, Sheena Fornsby, Terry Jimmy, Carissa Washington, Kellie Cayou-Lockrem

1/20

Faye Bates, John Dan, Ashlee Siddle

1/21

Judy Stephenin, Julie Ann

Siddle, Lewis James, Moniqueah

Shongutsie-Wesley, Leilianna Johns-Leos, Gustavo Johns-Leos

1/22

Anthony Barron, Elizabeth Williams

1/23

Ronald Riche, Bobbie Rogers, Virginia Metcalf

1/24

Michael Fisher Jr.

1/25

Bernard James

1/26

Julian Silva, Serena Bailey

1/27

Abraham McDonald, Sacheen McCoy,

1/28

Ronald Day Jr., Divinity Kochuten

1/29

Donald Clark, Katie Seward-Perry

1/30

Phillip McCoy, Thomas Edwards, Cara Shannacappo

1/31

Robert George Jr., Ayla Cayou, Dylan Stone, Amelia Nguyen, Jimiah Fornsby-Solomon, Peyton Charles-Bueno