qyuuqs News June 2023

BLESSING OF THE FLEET & FIRST SALMON CEREMONY

Restoring the Swinomish Totem Pole PAGE

20

Personal Restoration

The days noticeably turned to months and will soon turn to years, since my father’s passing. If I’m being honest, it still feels like we spoke only yesterday. They say grief comes in waves and that time will help heal...

It is the emptiness left behind that also gets me going. Some days I can handle it, but most other days I have to accept what is all over again. It’s a tough cycle to go through.

Keeping my mind, body, and soul busy takes up time to help me heal. I try to heal and restore myself with art.

Here is a poem I recently wrote:

Spirit of goliah

Father, you are eternally the red seeping from my paintings.

You’re soaring, and we’re all at our wit’s end.

Our guardian on the water.

We cover our eyes to weep softly and you come blowing in with the wind.

We sensed it was you in the water, sky, and trees.

You’re our epic catch; and you even learned to sing and fly with the birds.

The signs are everywhere, the spirit of goliah has arrived. Personal restoration takes everything you’ve got inside. A lifetime commitment to restoring the one and only you.

Moon of the Salmonberry

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(puds-teh-GWAD)

Much of June is the "moon of the salmonberry." During this moon, fruits such as salmonberry and red huckleberry are ripening and ready to harvest. Ripe salmonberries signal the start of many salmon runs during this moon, including summer Chinook and sockeye salmon. Salmon are caught using weirs and reef nets made from willow and cedar branches. Sockeye salmon, also called reds, are valued for their fat and flavor. This moon also signals the time when the daytime tide is extremely low, allowing access to scallops, geoduck clams, and giant red sea urchins as well as may other shellfish. Shellfish harvest and curing continues.

Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: The 13 Lunar Phases, and How They Guide the Swinomish People’

By swelitub (Todd A. Mitchell) and Jamie L. Donatuto

TRIBAL SENATE

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Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840-5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

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Alana Quintasket, Vice Chair (360) 302-0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us

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Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 333-9487 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

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Eric Day, Secretary (360) 770-7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us

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Aurelia Bailey (360) 853-6376 | awashington@swinomish.nsn.us

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Sophie Bailey (360) 853-6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

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Greg Edwards (360) 854-8612 | gedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

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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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Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770-7447 | jjwilbur@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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SWINOMISH COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS TERMINATED

On May 2, Senate passed a resolution to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency effective May 11, 2023, and to rescind or revise associated policies. The Federal Public Health Emergency will also end on May 11, 2023.

What does this mean?

1) The Swinomish COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is terminated;

2) The following Swinomish COVID-19 policies are rescinded:

a) Building, Program, and Service Closure Policy;

Wildfire Smoke and You

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Wildfire season is here! Here are some tips to make sure you are prepared to stay safe and healthy this season. Wildfire smoke can impact your health, so it is important to reduce your exposure and be able to identify symptoms. Some individuals may even be sensitive to very small amounts of wildfire smoke.

Symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure include coughing, respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, chest pain, and watering eyes. Even brief exposure to can lead to symptoms. Additionally, there is increased risk to those with respiratory and heart conditions, pregnant women, elderly people, and young children. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 911.

Limit Your Exposure

First and foremost, you want to limit your exposure. Checking the current Air Quality Index (AQI) can help you make informed decisions regarding limiting your exposure, such as staying indoors, setting an HVAC system to recirculate, and keeping windows closed. You can check the current AQI levels and get more information about smoke events online at fire.airnow.gov

Be prepared to stay indoors for the duration of a smoke event by stocking up on necessary supplies such as food, water, and medications.

b) COVID-19 Physical/Social Distancing Policy & Shared Equipment Protocols;

c) Policy for Response to COVID-19 Exposure,

d) Diagnosis or Positive Coronavirus Test Result; and

e) COVID-19 Sick Leave Policy

Even though the Federal COVID Public Health Emergency is ending, masks and tests will continue to be available at Swinomish Medical Clinic for the foreseeable future. Likewise, vaccines and anti-viral medication will continue to be available for free while supplies last. Insurances may continue to cover home tests beyond May 11th.

Air purifiers or a box fan filter will help reduce smoke in your home. If you are purchasing an air purifier, look for one that is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Alternatively, you can construct a box fan filter by taping a HEPA filter to the front of a box fan. Make sure to replace the filters when they become dirty.

If you have to go outside, take additional precautions to reduce your exposure. You should wear an N95 and if you are in your car, turn off ventilation system, and keep the windows closed.

2020 SWINOMISH CHANNEL Smoke & haze from a wildfire

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE

SWINOMISH PUBLIC HEALTH

May 8, 2023 – We now know COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. It is important to understand how to live our lives while keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and our community as safe as possible.

How can we do this? By using all the tools we’ve learned so far: get vaccinated and boosted; get tested and stay home when sick or exposed; wear a mask in crowded areas; and keep a safe distance from one another.

Even though we are passed the official COVID Public Health Emergency, masks and tests will continue to be available at the Swinomish Medical Clinic for the foreseeable future and vaccines and medication will be available for free while supplies last. Insurances may continue to cover home tests beyond May 11.

If you do get COVID-19, anti-viral medication is available, well tolerated, and will decrease the severity and length of your infection. Call your healthcare provider or go online and visit doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/treatments/ telehealth for treatment.

Education EVENTS

Thurs. June 1: Toddler Moving Up Celebration 3p.m. at Social Services Building

Thurs. June 1: Swinomish Cruise 4p.m. - Line up at John K. Bob Ball field @ 3:30p.m.

Thurs. June 1: Cedar Cap Ceremony, 5p.m. at the cedar hats

Thurs. Jun 15: SWEEC Tribal ECEAP Preschool graduation at 12p.m. in the Social Services Building

Tues. June 20: Last Day of ECEAP School Year

Wed. June 21 and Thursday, June 22: Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wed. June 22: Education Dinner 5:30p.m. John K. Bob Ball Field

Call the Swinomish Medical Clinic at (360) 466-3167 for information and supplies, including masks and home test kits.

Thank you for protecting yourself and our community,  Swinomish Public Health Team

Swinomish Healthy Steps Summer Walking Series

EVERY TUESDAY, JUNE 6-JULY 25

Meet at the Cedar Hat Pavilions - 11:30a.m.-1p.m.

DICKS SPORTING GOODS INCENTIVE

*This program is open to Native participants and their spouses

Voluntary Impound for Vehicles Belonging to Swinomish Housing Authority Tenants

Vehicles that are in disrepair can create a haven for insects and rodents, and can also be a tempting place for those who may want to occupy it. We will impound vehicles unwanted for free. Please call Robin Carneen at (360) 588-2887 to make an appointment to remove your unwanted vehicle(s).

‣ Having keys is helpful, if available.

‣ Leave all tires on the vehicle.

‣ Clear space around the vehicle if items are stored near it for the tow truck driver.

‣ Having a title to the vehicle is not required, but if you have one, sign it over to the tow truck driver.

‣ Clean out vehicles completely.

We ask tenants do this voluntarily. However, we may have to tag vehicles for removal if necessary and have them impounded after seven days at no cost to you. Owners of impounded vehicles will receive a “bill” from Peter’s Towing, but these can be disregarded. It will not go against your driver’s license, or show up on a credit report.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

See the Education Events on PAGE 6

SUN. JUNE 4-WED. JUNE 7

Salish Summit

See details on PAGE 14

THURS. JUNE 15 + SAT. JUNE 17

Pride Day Celebration ~ See details below JUNE 19

Intertribal Elders Luncheon ~ See details on PAGE 6

SUN. JULY 30-SUN. AUGUST 6

Canoe Journey Paddle to Muckleshoot

WED. AUGUST 9

March Against Addiction

FRI. AUGUST 11-SUN. AUGUST 13

Swinomish Days

THURS. AUGUST 17

Back-To-School Bash

THURS. AUGUST 24

Clambake @ 12p.m. Lone Tree

MCGLINN ISLAND JETTY UNDERGOES EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Emergency repairs by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the north end of the McGlinn Island jetty, close to McGlinn Island, began on May 22 and will run through June 9. Repairs include the placement of thousands of cubic yards of cobble and sediment on the river side of the jetty. This is an effort to plug some large porous areas that have entrained, stranded, harmed, or killed out-migrating juvenile salmon this spring.

From Chairman Edwards: “The Tribe is very concerned that this dilapidated jetty has caused serious harm to our Treaty protected salmon populations that are the lifeblood of our culture and community. Given the declines of Skagit River salmon, every single fish matters to our community, to future generations. We are glad that the Army Corps is taking these short-term emergency actions, but the truth is we don’t know the actual extent of the problem or the harm it has caused. We are committed to working with the Corps to take further interim actions and to continue studying whether parts or all of this jetty should be permanently removed.”

Photo credit: Heather Spore, Swinomish Environmental Policy. 3 photos together: Eric Beamer, Skagit River System Cooperative

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Awarded to Chester Cayou Jr.

TASHINA VILLALUZ

The Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and the Washington State Historic Preservation Office nominated Chester Cayou Jr, pa-ya-hux-ton, for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SHPO Awards which took place at the State Capitol in Olympia on May 3.

Washington State Historic Preservation Officer Dr. Allyson Brooks announced the 2023 award recipients for Outstanding Achievements in Historic Preservation. Each year the Washington SHPO recognizes people, projects, and organizations throughout the state that have achieved distinction in the field of historic preservation. During the presentation, she said:

“Chester Cayou Jr, (pa-ya-hux-ton) was a revered Swinomish Tribal Elder and spiritual leader who passed away last spring. Chester was a medicine man and long-term senator for the Swinomish Tribe. As lead advisor to the Smokehouse for many years, Chester maintained the living cultural resources and spirituality of the Tribe, bringing in dozens of new initiates into the Smokehouse societies, growing and maintaining the practice, and preventing it from being watered down. He also worked to revitalize the long house tradition at Muckleshoot and assisted with much spiritual work later in life at Puyallup. Through this work and leadership, Chester kept the ancient practices alive. Chester was a legend, truly a mountain of a man. We are honored to present this posthumous award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement to the family of Chester Cayou Jr.”

Senior Center

Our Swinomish elders have been partaking in some wonderful activities, programs, and trips. We must give a huge thanks to Mandy Buck for always going above and beyond to ensure they are staying active and would also like to acknowledge the many people within the Swinomish community who have been helping with their care.

The late Chester Cayou Jr.

Source: DAHP website dahp.wa.gov

Congratulations to All Students for School Year 2023!

Children Moving Up to Preschool

Amiyah Cayou

Roland Edwards

Kynami Guzman

Kayson Joseph

Haven Wilbur

Children Going Into Kindergarten

Peyton Charles-Bueno

Anela George

Breyden George

Aaliyah Jack

Dakota John-Leos

Oriana James-Sherman

Hailey Ruzicka

Ophelia Squiemphen

Kaiden Williams

2023 High School Graduates

Kalikiano Adams

Raymond Bailey, Jr.

JaVaughn Bill

Chadow Cayou

Kaycee Cayou

Scott Cayou

Leila Crume

Jamie Damien-Sams

Malia Day-Rocha

Andrea Edwards

Chloe Edwards

Notah Edwards

Joequan Engavo

Lola Flores

Joslin James

Talia Joe

Kennedy Miller

Amelia Nguyen

Ariana Siddle

Emily Smith

2023 College Graduates

Salena Bailey

Northwest Indian College, AA General Direct Transfer

Sarah Chagnon Arizona State University, BS Liberal Studies

Natasha Damien Northwest Indian College, AA General Direct Transfer

Dean Dan, Jr. University of Oklahoma, MLS Indigenous Peoples Law

Kelci Douglas

Pepperdine University, MBA Business Administration

Raven Edwards

Evergreen State College, BA Native American Studies

Latoya Kaubin

Northwest Indian College, BA Community Advocates & Responsive Education in Human Services

Neva LaPointe-Hall University of Washington, MA Teaching

Robert Scott Miller, Jr. Western Washington University, BA Anthropology

Tehya Perry

Eastern Washington University, BS Exercise Science

Alana Quintasket

Arizona State University, MS American Indian Studies

Beth Willup

Arizona State University, MS Psychology

Matika Wilbur Book Launch Held at Swinomish

Top: Members of the Wilbur family stand together as the Canoe Family sings the Wilbur Family song

Photo by Robin Carneen

Right: Anna and Lenora Cook wrapping Matika Wilbur in a blanket after her presentation

Photo by Swinomish Tribal Archive

Boys and Girls Club: Youth of the Month

Keanu Cruz Tatum Wilbur

Congratulations to Keanu Cruz for being selected as the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month in May. Keanu is six years old and in the first grade. His favorite color is red, and his favorite superhero is Spider-Man. Keanu loves eating at McDonald's, and watching his favorite sports team the Seattle Seahawks. After Keanu graduates, he wants to attend college where he will learn skills to become a Police Officer. Keanu was chosen as Youth of the Month for his positive attitude, his compassion for others, and his willingness to Help with anything that needs to be done.

Congratulations to Tatum Wilbur for being selected as the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month in April. Tatum is nine years old and in the third-grade, her favorite colors are red, yellow, and orange. Tatum’s favorite superhero is Wonder Woman and she loves eating Domino’s pepperoni pizza. Tatum’s favorite things to do are playing with her friends, playing basketball, and painting. She also told us that after she graduates from college, she wants to play basketball professionally then be a high school teacher. Tatum was chosen as Youth of the Month for the compassion she shows towards others, her willingness to always help out, and being a role model for the younger youth.

La Conner Soroptimist: Student of the Month

Kennedy Miller, a La Conner High School senior, was recently recognized as the La Conner Soroptimist honored student for the month of March.

Kennedy is a very hardworking student and volunteer. She helps coach her younger sister Maddy’s La Conner Middle School basketball team. She also is a National Honor Society member and a member of the Swinomish Tribal Youth Council. As a Tribal Youth Council member, Kennedy works on beach clean-up teams and helps serve at Swinomish elder dinners.

Kennedy Miller

She has been playing volleyball since middle school and was a “Right Side” player for the LCHS state 2B volleyball champions this year. Kennedy also played guard on the LCHS basketball team, coming in fourth at the state tournament in Spokane.

A lifelong and multigenerational Swinomish/La Conner resident, her great-great-grandfather carved the totem pole on Reservation Road. Her proud parents are Melissa and Scott Miller, and in addition to her younger sister Maddy, Kennedy also has an older brother, Scottie. Kennedy likes to cook and bake and she recently got a part-time job at the Ice Cream Tower. She enjoys crabbing with her grandfather and her cousins. She would like to attend WWU or SVC and pursue her lifelong goal to become a registered nurse.

Kennedy will receive a gift certificate to Vintage Thrift, the thrift and consignment shop run by local volunteers to support women and girls in the community, and enabled by the generous donations from the community.

SANITARY SURVEYS

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Summer is right around the corner! This means long sunny days, perfect for spending time outside. With all the shoreline surrounding Swinomish, a trip to the beach for a swim just might be the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Did you know that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducts bacteria monitoring at six popular recreational beaches around Swinomish to help make sure you can safely enjoy your swim?

The six monitored beaches include Lone Tree Point, SneeOosh Beach, Martha’s Beach, the fishing docks, Hole-inthe-Wall*, and Swinomish Flats*. Specifically, we monitor levels of Enterococcus bacteria, a group of bacteria that can cause gastro-intestinal illnesses and is an indicator of fecal pollution. During the majority of the year we collect samples once a month, but from June-August, samples are collected five times a month.

Our team works hard to monitor the beaches and make sure that unsafe conditions are communicated quickly! We have developed a new tool to help facilitate this. The DEP and the GIS team have built a StoryMap that shows the most recent data, explains what an exceedance means, and has an interactive dashboard that includes past data from all six monitored beaches. The current results are also now a widget on the DEP and SITC websites, and update automatically when we enter in new data! In the event of unsafe bacteria levels (an exceedance) we will post on our Facebook and Instagram pages (@SwinomishDEP), and text alerts are sent out to the community. Give us a follow and sign up for the community alerts.

Here are ways you can find the latest results:

‣ Visit the StoryMap at sitcgov.us/SanitarySurveys

‣ Swinomish website

‣ DEP website

‣ DEP social media (@SwinomishDEP)

‣ Community text alerts

‣ Kiosks at beaches*

We hope you take a look and enjoy these beaches this summer, knowing that the DEP is looking out for you!

*Note: Swinomish Flats and Hole-in-the-Wall are not open to the public, access is for Swinomish Tribal members only; these beaches do not have kiosks.

Swinomish Dental Clinic

Dr. Rachael Hogan is the 2023 recipient of the Vern J. Forney Award. Congrats to the best in the Pacific Northwest!

SALISH SUMMIT SCHEDULE

Summit Day 1: Sunday, June 4

Arrive, Registration Welcome packets and camp setup Swinomish Reservation Ball Field (in the big tent)

3pm Welcoming, cultural protocols Witnesses and group introductions Swinomish Smokehouse

5pm Dinner Agenda check-in, open floor Swinomish Boys & Girls Club (gym) 7-10pm Coastal Jam Swinomish Smokehouse

Summit Day 2: Monday, June 5

Smokehouse Seating in Dining Hall and big tents

9:30-11am Travel to the clam garden Charter buses, walk, elder transport

11:30-12pm Swinomish clam garden welcome Swinomish clam garden

12-2pm Swinomish clam garden work party Tide: -3.3’ @ 12:45pm

Swinomish clam garden

12-2:30pm Lunch Open sandwich bar Swinomish clam garden

3-4:30pm Travel from clam garden to Lone Tree

5-7pm Dinner Clam bake, open floor

7-8pm Travel from Lone Tree to Ball field

Charter buses, walk, elder transport

Lone Tree (Thousand Trails)

Charter buses

Summit Day 3: Tuesday, June 6

6-9am Breakfast

Easy grab and go and snack items for field trip participants

Various Field trips and activities around the Salish Sea Small groups (20-50 max)

Swinomish Tribal Tours*

13 Moons Garden

SRSC Native Plant Nursery

Deception Pass

Swinomish Shellfish Farm

Various times throughout the day

Lummi Nation

Aquaculture & Northwest Indian College

Boat ride to Lummi, tour Sea Ponds. Lunch and cultural welcome at NWIC. Return by van.

Depart: 8:30am Return: 4:30pm

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Shellfish Program

Bus/ferry to Pt Whitney Hatchery, JST FLUPSY systems, view beach operations. Lunch at Red Cedar Hall with cultural welcome.

Depart: 7:00am Return: 6:30pm

Swinomish Smokehouse Seating in Dining Hall and big tents

Various host locations

Native Oyster Restoration Work Party

Bus ride to Samish Bay joining Puget Sound Restoration Fund to outplant baby Olympia oysters, conduct surveys, and visit tidepools. Paella & oyster lunch at Taylor Shellfish.

Depart: 8:30am Return: 5:00pm

Workshops*

Swinomish Cedar Weaving

Suquamish Tribe Foods Program

*can be combined

12-2pm Lunch Open sandwich bar

6-7:30pm Dinner Agenda check-in, open floor

7:30-9:30pm13 Moons movie premier

Various times throughout day

Swinomish Ball Field (tent) and various host locations

Swinomish Boys & Girls Club (gym)

Swinomish Boys & Girls Club (gym)

Summit Day 4: Wednesday, June 7

TIDE TABLE: JUNE 2023

SWINOMISH EARTH DAY: NET RECYCLING PROJECT

Staff from multiple departments assisted in stripping fishing nets for recycling on Clean Up Day. Corks and lead lines that could be re-used were made available to the community via social media postings, and the stripped nets and remaining lead lines were prepared for recycling.

Fishers are encouraged to drop off used fishing nets for recycling in the net recycling bin next to the waste oil facility (at 11454 Moorage Way) any time!

Help us prevent fishing nets from ending up in the water, or in a landfill. Lost fishing nets can harm wildlife and damage underwater ecosystems. Recycled commercial fishing nets are made into a variety of new products including cell phone cases, toys, clothing, glasses, back packs, and many other products. Thanks for being part of the solution!

La Conner Soroptimist: Student of the Month

Jamie Damien-Sams, a La Conner High School senior, was recently recognized as the La Conner Soroptimist honored student for the month of May.

Jamie has been a cheerleader at La Conner High School for three years, and recently received the Jamie Joe Cheer Leadership Award for “dedication to cheer squad, education, and school spirit”. Jamie joins the other cheer squad members supporting both basketball and football teams at home and away games.

Jamie has also played on the LCHS softball team since eighth grade. She started in the outfield and has moved up to third base – her favorite position is second base, because she gets lots of action.

Jamie supports the Swinomish tribal community by serving food at funerals and community dinners. She’s also done volunteer work at the NOAH Center in Stanwood, a nonprofi t animal adoption center and spay and neuter clinic.

In her free time Jamie likes to get ice cream and sit at Snee Oosh, Martha’s Beach, or under the cedar hats.

She is a lifelong La Conner resident and the daughter of Josiane Sams and William Damien. Jamie also has a nineyear-old sister, Ava, who she helps her mom raise.

Jamie will receive a gift certificate to Vintage Thrift, the thrift and consignment shop run by local volunteers to support women and girls in the community, and enabled by the generous donations from the community.

Jamie Damien-Sams

Restoring Olympia Oysters

SARAH KELLOGG, COMMUNICATIONS

Since colonization, Olympia oyster populations have dropped drastically due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and pollution. Over the last few decades, a number of initiatives and partnerships have formed in an effort to restore this ecologically and culturally-important species to its traditional habitat all up and down the west coast.

This spring Swinomish Shellfish Company, as well as Taylor Shellfish Farms, received half a million young Olympia oysters to grow. The Nature Conservancy, one of the funders of a large-scale Olympia oyster restoration project, hopes that the utilization of “conservation aquaculture” will jumpstart the process of restoring wild Olympia oyster populations.

A restoration process that utilizes existing shellfish farms, conservation aquaculture comes with its own potential risks and concerns; however, it can be a useful tool in locations with low oyster recruitment. In this context, “recruitment” refers to the addition of new oysters to an existing population; low recruitment means that not enough young oysters are finding the appropriate habitat and can’t grow into adults, so the population may decline. Only ten sites along the west coast were recommended for the process in this particular restoration project, and of those, only two are in Washington.

To keep the genetics of seed oysters similar to the local populations, project collaborator Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) sources brood stock from Olympia oysters in the geographic region that the restoration project is planned. The collected oysters are then taken to a hatchery to spawn, so the oysters that Swinomish and Taylor Shellfish are receiving have been bred from northern Puget Sound oysters.

The hope is that when these oysters mature and then spawn themselves, the larval offspring will settle in Skagit or Similk Bay beyond the shellfish farm to supplement the populations the Swinomish Fisheries Department has been restoring. The oysters that the farms grow will be available for them to use however they wish.

The project is operating in conjunction with PSRF – who previously provided broodstock for the Olympia oyster rebuilding efforts in Kiket and Lone Tree Lagoons.

Swinomish Shellfish Company Manager Stuart Thomas on Similk Beach in early April

Young oysters from Fidalgo Bay on a shell

The Kiket and Lone Tree restoration efforts are taking place under the Swinomish Fisheries Department, who began the project in 2013. Fisheries has spent the last decade monitoring and researching the growth of Olympia populations in these two locations. Some of the research that they have performed was utilized in the decisionmaking process for the project that the Swinomish Shellfish Farm is participating in.

Restoration in these two locations is moving slowly. The number of mature, breeding oysters does not seem to be increasing, which has led the department to begin a practice that they affectionally call “stealing babies.” Just north in Fidalgo Bay near March Point exists a large, successful population of Olympia oysters. The department places bags of shells in the bay and waits. Once this population has reproduced and the young oysters have settled onto the shells, the bags are removed by Fisheries staff, cleaned and checked for signs of invasive species such as European green crab, and measured before being placed in their new homes in Skagit and/or Similk Bay.

This effort – as well as continued research into why the populations are not increasing as expected – is hoped to one day increase the Olympia oyster populations in these areas to a size that is self-maintaining.

Fisheries is hoping that by doing this work they will be able to restore Olympia oysters, a previously abundant first food, to the community.

Right: Prior to spreading the new shells, Dan Sulak collects data and looks for signs of success from prior years’ efforts.

Below: Fisheries staff members complete the final step until next year; spreading the shells collected from Fidalgo Bay on the beach at Kiket Island.

Louis Cayou rinses a bag of shells before landing it in the R/V T’ilus

Courtney Greiner and Lindy Hunter inspect cleaned shells for signs of European green crab

RESTORING THE SWINOMISH TOTEM POLE

SEPTEMBER, 2018

Nakiya Luna paints the 1938 totem pole

Photo by Kevin Paul

2019 Kevin Paul, Nakiya Luna, Zanetta Cayou,

JULY, 2018

The totem pole was removed for restoration Swinomish Tribal Archive

1962 TOTEM POLE RESTORATION

Tandy Wilbur and his granddaughter, Nancy Wilbur

Anacortes Museum

Swinomish Tribal Archive

FEBRUARY 27, 2019 – Frigid morning air did little to dampen the spirit of community members standing witness to the raising of Swinomish's treasured totem pole. Members of the Alaska Nativeowned Industry Erectors Inc. team carefully lifted the totem from a flatbed trailer and expertly maneuvered it back into place on the corner of Reservation and Snee Oosh road facing north and south.

Thanks to the dedicated work of Kevin Paul, Nakiya Edwards [Luna], Zanetta Cayou, and Jason Paul the Swinomish totem pole once again shines as a bright and vibrant landmark in the village. Their efforts to restore the totem's life and integrity aim to see it stand watch over the community for many years to come.

This totem pole, originally carved by the Paul family, was first raised in 1989 as part of the Washington State Centennial festivities, though it was not the first to stand amongst the Swinomish Community.

In 1938 Swinomish master carver Charlie Edwards began carving a 61 foot log into the first representation of what we see today. Over the years weather and ants took a toll on Edwards' installation, and in 1981, after 43 years of standing, the original totem pole was taken down due to structural issues. Its figures were removed, restored, and now proudly hang in the Social Services Building, alongside excerpts from the Swinomish Totem Pole book that tell of the legends illustrated among these figures. (April 2019, qyuuqs News)

SWINOMISH LIFE: THE TOTEM POLE

Eighty-five years ago a significant event took place in the Skagit Valley, one that few living today recall. On August 20, 1938, the Swinomish Tribal Community welcomed visitors from throughout the county, as well as many from Indian Country and beyond who came to mark an unusual celebration: the dedication of the newly created Athletic Field and the newly carved Swinomish Totem Pole.

The significance of that event has been lost to many, just as it has been interpreted in different ways. But one thing is clear, the dedication of the Swinomish Totem Pole and Athletic Field, marked two things: the first significant progress for Swinomish in terms of community infrastructure, progress that had taken place in just five years, and the beginning of a new era at Swinomish where its people took control of their own destiny.

The 1930s were a time of great change on many reservations in the Puget Sound region as Indian leaders, through the auspices of their political organization, the Northwest Federation of American Indians, struggled to direct their own affairs. Many NFAI meetings were held at Swinomish’s American Hall, which occupied the

current site of the Social Services Building. Tribal leaders regularly met there to craft political strategies to exert their tribal sovereignty and regain treaty rights that their ancestors had reserved in 1855. Their efforts, together with the work of leaders across Indian Country, helped spur passage of the Wheeler-Howard Bill, better known as the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The IRA, as it was called, became the foundation for new federal policies that recognized the right of self-determination for Indians and permitted tribes to establish formal governments and corporations to manage tribal resources.

Soon after the IRA’s passage, Swinomish moved to take advantage of the opportunities it afforded. The community desperately needed a new direction. It had virtually no infrastructure in terms of economic opportunity, housing, sanitation, or health care. Infant mortality rates stood far above the national average. Children in poor health, of which there were many, had little or no educational opportunities. In November of 1934, the Swinomish community voted to accept the IRA, a year later they ratified a constitution, and on July 25, 1936, they voted to accept the Swinomish Charter and formally incorporate as the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

As tribal leaders worked to create their own government, they simultaneously struggled to improve basic living conditions, such as adequate housing and clean water.

As tribal leaders worked to create their own government, they simultaneously struggled to improve basic living conditions, such as adequate housing and clean water.

The struggle proved daunting in the years of the Great Depression. Repeated calls to the Office of Indian Affairs for assistance proved fruitless. Federal assistance programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded projects on the reservation—but hired nonNative workers instead of tribal members.

In 1935 tribal leaders moved in a new direction. They began their first economic enterprises, two fish traps on the west side of the reservation and an oyster planting operation.

They also applied for their own emergency federal funding to build a “model village.” In the spring of 1936, working with Alfred Nelson of La Conner, tribal workers built eighteen new homes many of which still stand today at the center of the village.

That April, after decades of water being piped from the Swinomish Reservation’s north end to La Conner for the town’s water system, water pipes were laid under the Swinomish Channel from La Conner to the Reservation to create the first modern water system in the village.

Andrew and Bob Joe

In 1937 Swinomish leader petitioned the Federal Government for WPA funding. Its purpose? An ambitious project to provide community amenities for the Tribe.

The WPA project, conceived by Martin Sampson and the Tribal Senate, aimed for nothing less than to create a first rate athletic field for the village as well as to convert American Hall from a “poorly constructed house” into a “modern community center” complete with a council chamber with fireplace, kitchen, dance hall, ladies work room, stage with footlights and dressing rooms, and bathrooms.

But that was not all. WPA funds were also requested so that a tribal totem pole could be carved “as a monument for the Northwest Indians whose remaining members now live on the Swinomish Reservation. . . . its carvings to depict the religion of the Swinomish, Skagit, Samish, and other tribes.”

WPA funds were awarded that autumn for the project which commenced immediately. Project Foreman Dewey Mitchell supervised multiple operations, including the relocation of a house and the demolition of several old buildings to make way for the ball field. Workers cleared eight acres for the new field, excavated 20,000 cubic yards of dirt from its surface, and then leveled and graded the field for a smooth playing surface.

Next step? Surrounding the field with a board fence 400’ square. For over four decades, the Swinomish baseball team had “crossed bats” with many regional teams; now they would have a first class ball field to host games on their home turf. (Over 70 years later this same field would host Canoe Journey 2011.)

Meanwhile, work commenced on American Hall, transforming the shell of a building into a vibrant center for the community. And finally, in the spring of 1938, a 61 foot log (five feet in diameter at the base, three feet in diameter at the top), was delivered to the parking lot in front of American Hall and Charlie Edwards got to work.

By August he had crafted a visual representation of the traditional teachings and guiding spirits that led the families on the reservation. Atop the pole, Charlie carved the likeness of Franklin Roosevelt, “in thanks for improving the reservation.”

Dedication Day - August 20, 1938

Left to right: Martin Sampson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs John Collier, Congressman Monrad Wallgren, Works Progress Administrator Don Abel. Women are unknown.

As the WPA projects neared completion, planning commenced for the August 20th dedication. The Tribe sent out invitations to Indian leaders from all Northwest tribes, Indian Bureau officials, Washington’s governor, senators and congressmen—and Eleanor Roosevelt. Although the First Lady did not attend the event, her daughter, Anna Roosevelt Boettiger did, joining thousands more, including a photographer from LIFE magazine.

The day’s events notably began with a government-togovernment meeting between NFAI leaders, John Collier, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and other state and national officials. Following a “Chief’s Banquet,” the dedication ceremonies for the athletic field and totem pole got underway. Several hours of speeches and commemoration were followed by a baseball game on the new field, canoe races in the Swinomish Slough (as it was then called), and finally a dance in American Hall where everyone was “cordially invited.”

In the weeks that followed, La Conner’s newspaper, the Puget Sound Mail, declared the event a “big success.” The Mail’s coverage of the totem pole, and its mention in subsequent issues, point to where the idea of the totem pole originated: from the business community on the east side of the slough.

Throughout the 1930s local towns had witnessed the great success of Coupeville’s International War Canoe Race, a three-day event held each August that drew thousands of visitors, and their dollars, to the community. In 1937, Anacortes started the summer Marineer Pageant, complete with canoe racing, that drew huge crowds. That success was not lost on the La Conner Commercial Club, of which Martin Sampson was a member. It appears that the 1938 Swinomish Totem Pole, and accompanying canoe race, was a concerted effort by local businessmen to capture some of those tourist dollars for La Conner.

The Mail’s August 25th edition noted that “La Conner did a lot of good advertising for itself Saturday and at a very low cost. The Indian Festival and new totem pole rated lots of space in all the big dallies and motion pictures, for newsreel use, were made. La Conner was mentioned favorably throughout.”

Another column stated that because of LIFE Magazine’s article, "millions more people" knew about La Conner.

In 1983, the Mail’s former editor, Stanley Blumenthal, would state that he had become “famous” because of his idea to have the totem pole carved with the likeness of FDR at the top. Martin Sampson’s writings bolster the conclusion of where the totem pole idea originated, as does a war of words between the editors of the Mail and Coupeville’s Island County Times in numerous articles.

After the totem pole dedication, the Times editor accused La Conner of trying to “steal” the annual Indian festival from Coupeville; the Mail’s editor retorted that “La Conner is easier to reach, has a fine channel in which to hold war canoe races, (important because Coupeville’s race was held “too far out in the bay” for visitors to see), and is the home of the Swinomish reservation.” The Mail pointed out that Coupeville, by contrast, had “only one Indian family living there.”

In the coming years, La Conner businesses regularly used the image of the totem pole to illustrate their advertisements noting that it was a major tourist attraction.

In 1956, the Chamber of Commerce initiated a new business campaign, “Follow the Totem Trail to La Conner.” Twelve-foot high totem pole signs were erected around Skagit County, directing motorists to La Conner and soon the “Totem Trail Café” opened in downtown La Conner.

BUT NO MATTER WHERE THE IDEA TO CARVE THE POLE CAME FROM, IT WAS CREATED BY THE SWINOMISH TRIBE AND WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF ITS’ PEOPLE.

Swinomish Community Leaders on Morris Street Bridge - July 1938

One month before the Swinomish Totem Pole dedication, and after several years of hard work to improve the Swinomish Village, Swinomish community leaders take time to pose for a historic photograph on the Morris Street Bridge.

Left to right: Two unknown men, Buck Bailey, Tommy Bob, Peter Charles, unknown, Gaspar Dan, Lawrence “Pudgy” Edwards, unknown [possibly Alfonso Charles], Jimmy Charles, Charlie Edwards, Martin Sampson. Ivan Willup is the small boy sitting on fence at rear. St. Paul’s Church, built in 1887, and the newly created Model Village are in the distance at left. The newly created Model Village is visible in the distance.

But no matter where the idea to carve the pole came from, it was created by the Swinomish Tribe and with the full support of its people, who saw it as a “record of our art and history in our own way of keeping such a record.”

In the words of revered elder Laura Edwards, whose father-in-law served as master carver on the 1938 pole, the addition of Franklin Roosevelt was a decision of tribal elders who felt “It was during the time of the WPA and it was hard for our men to find work. He [FDR] treated the Indian people well.”

Looking back, it is clear what the three WPA projects of 1937-1938 meant to the Swinomish Tribe. Martin Sampson touched on it in his 1938 booklet, The Swinomish Totem Pole, that he co-authored with Rosalie Whitney but a document in his private papers clearly indicates why this effort mattered so much to the Tribe. Having been under the Tulalip Agency’s control for over eighty years with little say in their own affairs, and been passed over for inclusion in other WPA projects, even those on the reservation, the completion of the ball field, American Hall, and the totem pole by Swinomish tribal members spoke volumes. Sampson summed it up when he wrote the following, a report that touched on the support that Swinomish received from Skagit County (in the form of equipment loans and blueprints), and the work that the Tribe did for itself:

The project showed two things among others (about) Swinomish Indians: that Skagit County is with them in any worthwhile enterprise they may undertake and that Swinomish can do the work themselves. The Swinomish Indian by his own efforts is coming into his own . . . the Tribe (is) capable of running its own “rehabilitation” program and managing its funds.

In the years following the 1938 dedication, both the athletic field and totem pole became important parts of the community. On Memorial Day 1946, the ballpark took on new meaning when Swinomish rededicated it in memory of Sergeant John K. Bob, a tribal member who died on the battlefields of Germany during World War Two. A medic, John K. Bob gave his life while trying to rescue a fallen soldier. The year after the ball field was named for him, Bob’s remains were brought home from a burial site in Belgium and interred with great honors in the Swinomish Cemetery. Today the John K. Bob Ballpark is a visual reminder in the community of the many sacrifices made by Swinomish veterans since World War One.

The totem pole has also come to symbolize much about the Swinomish community. Just as the Tribe has worked hard to protect its way of life, so, too, has the Tribe endeavored to preserve the original 1938 totem pole. When the carving became unstable in 1962, the Senate ordered it taken down and refurbished. It was raised again and stood for twenty more years until the elements again

took their toll. In 1981, the Senate ordered it lowered again, this time for good. Its symbols and figures were carefully cut off, repainted, and respectfully preserved. The Tribe immediately turned to replicating the pole as the Senate felt it was emblematic of the community. Hard-raised funds, together with a Washington State Centennial grant, enabled the Tribe to raise a new pole, carved by the Paul family woodworkers, on May 19, 1989. At that time, Tribal Chairman Robert Joe, dedicated it with these words, “This pole is sacred and will serve to protect Swinomish youth.”

Seventy-five years after the Swinomish Totem Pole was erected, its carvings rest on the walls of the Social Service Building where they have overseen many community gatherings in the past thirty decades. The pole that replaced it almost a quarter century ago still stands, across the street from the athletic field where the Swinomish people and their neighbors gathered in 1938 to celebrate fresh accomplishments and new directions for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Charlie Edwards, totem pole carver - 1938

Did you know?

Charlie Edwards originally carved “FDR” on the chest of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He went home from work for the night and when he came back the next day, the American flag had been painted over the initials. Who did it remains a mystery.

The Swinomish Totem Pole originally faced the Swinomish Channel and Snee-Oosh Road. When it was taken down in 1963, several feet were cut off the bottom due to rot. The figure of Twu yalets sa holding the magic robe that once stood at the bottom of the totem illustrates where the pole was shortened. If you examine Twu yalets sa on the wall of the Social Service Building, you can see where the pole was cut off and his legs were restored in the 1980s. When the totem pole was raised again after the 1963 restoration, the pole was turned to face north and south.

Events Leading Up to the Totem Pole Dedication

Swinomish hosts the annual Northwest Federation of American Indians (NWFAI) convention where a series of resolutions are passed to “better coordinate relations between Indians and the Federal Departments at Washington” to improve desperately needed housing, medical attention, and better education of Indian children.

Swinomish representatives attend hearing in Bellingham conducted by U. S. Senator Burton K. Wheeler in Bellingham, (co-sponsor of the 1934 Wheeler-Howard Indian Reorganization Act.) Swinomish urges the “construction of a Model Village and water system.”

SPRING

NOV

1935

Swinomish votes to accept key provisions of the Indian Reorganization Act.

First economic development projects begin at Swinomish: the planting of twenty boxes of oysters on tribal tidelands, and the installation of two fish traps on the west side of the reservation.

1956 La Conner Totem Trail Promotional Book

FEB 1934

La Conner American Legion Post undertakes “determined effort” to help Swinomish combat dire health conditions on the reservation and starts petition to federal officials for the following:

“

The urgent need, specifically, is for an increase in the medical and nursing personnel and for immediate construction of modern, sanitary housing facilities for the Indians of the Swinomish reservation. . . . The Indians have made several attempts to bring about these much needed improvements, but apparently their pleas have gone unheeded. . . . During the past year about 20 Indians of all ages died out of a total of 250 in their population, or a death rate of 80 per 1000 as compared with the United States death rate of about 12 per 1000.”

JUNE 1934

Congress passes the WheelerHoward Act, also known as the Indian Reorganization Act, reversing U. S. policy favoring Indian assimilation and recognizing the right of self-determination for Native Americans.

JAN 1936

The new Swinomish Selfgovernment Constitution is approved in Washington

D. C. Enabling the Tribal Council to call an election to elect eleven senators to establish the reorganizational government of the tribe.

APRIL 1936

Swinomish receives a federal grant of $32,000 for a “20 cottage project.” $1600 is allotted for each house, structures that will include “modern light and plumbing.” The Swinomish Model Village begins. That month, work begins to bring the first piped water system to the village.

MAY 1936

Swinomish adopts its first Law and Order regulations and elects its first tribal senate. The first Swinomish Senate meeting is held on May 5 and Samuel Kadim is elected the first Tribal Chairman.

AUG 1936

The Swinomish Model Village is completed and families move in.

DEC 1936

A Works Progress Administration [WPA] project begins on west side of the Swinomish Reservation to build a road from Snee-Oosh north to Flagstaff. Despite widespread need for employment on the reservation, no Swinomish Indians are hired for the work.

OCT 1937

Through the efforts of Martin Sampson and the Tribal Senate, Swinomish obtains WPA funding to begin construction of a new ball park in the village and improve American Hall, “which has been badly neglected for some time.” At the insistence of Martin Sampson and the Tribal Senate, this project employs Swinomish residents for the first time.

JULY 1938

Carving is underway on the Swinomish Totem Pole. Charlie Edwards is supervising the work and as a mark of respect and thanks for the government improving the reservation, he has placed the President’s head right below the American bald eagle, symbol of this nation’s freedom. The totem pole will tell in carving the history of the Samish tribe on one side and on the other, the history of the Swinomish tribe.”

AUG 1938

Swinomish dedicates the ball field and the Swinomish Totem Pole. John Collier, U. S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, is the keynote speaker and outlines government steps to help improve living conditions on the reservation. Collier, stresses the importance of the Indians’ Reorganization Act which gives the various tribes self-government. “The feature event of the day was the dedication of the totem pole.”

MAY 1946

The Swinomish Ball Field built in 1938 is rededicated and named in honor of John K. Bob, Swinomish veteran killed in World War II.

JAN 1938

President Roosevelt approves additional W. P. A. funding for Swinomish to complete the new ball park, do additional improvements on American Hall, and carve a totem pole for the Swinomish Village.

JUNE 1962

YEAR 1981

MAY 1989

JULY 2018 FEB 2019

The Swinomish Totem Pole, erected in 1938 is taken down because of structural problems. Its figures are removed, restored, and hung in the Social Services Building. Tribal Senate begins searching for funding to replicate pole.

A replica of the 1938 Swinomish Totem Pole is carved with funding from the Washington State Centennial Committee by the Paul family carvers and is erected in the original totem pole’s location.

1938 totem pole lowered because of ant damage. Base cut off and pole is raised again.

1938 totem pole lowered for restoration done by Zanetta Cayou, Nakiya Luna, Jason Paul, Kevin Paul

1938 totem pole is raised again

1950s Totem Trail Brochure

SWINOMISH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

June 20, 2023-June 21, 2023

Are you a Swinomish Youth between the ages 14-18?

This program is for you!

Earn money while you gain valuable work experience.

Apply at: sitcgov.us/summer-youth-program

(360) 708-2976

SWINOMISH COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Begins June 20, 2023

Gain work experience in your field of study.

Open to Swinomish Tribal college students enrolled in an accredited institution.

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Program runs the duration of summer.

Apply now at: sitcgov.us/college-internships

Contact: cadams@swinomish.nsn.us

(360) 708-2976

ATTENTION: AFTER-HOURS HOUSING & UTILITY EMERGENCIES

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. Other perks include generous paid time off and discounted meals.

To view details about open positions and download our General Employment Application, visit swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/ careers. All positions are “Open until filled” unless specified.

Email applications to: jobs@swinomishcasino.com

Fax applications to: (360) 299.1677

Mail or hand deliver to: Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA 98221

Questions? Call Human Resources at (360) 299.1642

For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/

HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB OPENINGS

• Environmental Protection: Water Quality Specialist 2

• Education: Susan Wilbur Early Education Center (SWEEC) Teacher Assistant

• Medical: Clinical Pharmacist

• Medical: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Medical: Chronic Care Management Nurse

• Human Resources: Generalist II

• Housing: Project Manager

• IT: Systems Administrator

• Medical: Certified Physical Assistant or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

• Planning: Planning and Community Development Director

• Planning: Senior Planner -Team Supervisor

• Health Programs: Medical Operations Director

• Finance: Accountant I

• Planning: Permit Tech (Part Time)

• Communications: Graphic Designer

• Swinomish Dental: Dental Assistant

• Police Officer

• Swinomish Defense Services: Social Worker

• Certified Medical Assistant

Full descriptions of the job announcements listed above are available on the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources

HOW TO APPLY TO THE SWINOMISH TRIBE:

Return completed application, cover letter, and resume to: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

DIDGWALIC WELLNESS CENTER

The didgwalic Wellness Center is an integrated clinic serving clients with substance use disorder and related conditions.

Employment is managed by the didgwalic Human Resources Department. Please contact HR at (360) 288.5800 or email hr@didgwalic.com with your inquiries.

didgwalic Wellness Center website: didgwalic.com

ATTN: Human Resources 11404 Moorage Way, La Conner, WA 98257

Fax applications to: (360) 466.1348

Or email to: hr@swinomish.nsn.us

Applications must be received in the Personnel Office by 5PM on or before the job closing date.

Questions? Call the Personnel Office at (360) 466.1216 or (360) 466.7353