editor’s NOTE
The September qyuuqs News highlights summer event photography from the March Against Addiction, Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey, Swinomish Days, and more!
There are also details from the Housing Division about the Tallawhalt II apartments and cottages, an update from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding Swinomish teacher certification, and the Swinomish Port Authority has a big request for your feedback.
Also featured is an article about the U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) on PAGE 20. We’ve provided an FAQ, informational graphics, examples of what the survey looks like, and resources for you to research on your own. The ACS is one of the most important household surveys which provides current data for our community and is used for grants, planning, and funding.
There is an article about a climate impacts group tour at Swinomish where student researchers from the University of Washington Science Justice Summer School were invited to learn about the Tribe’s climate resilience project and the updates to the Tribe’s 2010 Adaption Plan.
Enjoy the end of your summer!
Caroline Ammons
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Swinomish youth prepare for the 10U race
Swinomish Days Canoe Races
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 Porter | Secretary (360) 840-4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us
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Barbara James | Treasurer (360) 391-3958 | bjames@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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Bruce James Jr. (360) 708-5779 | brucejames@swinomish.nsn.us
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Rodney John (360) 708-1387 | rjohn@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
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.
QYUUQS MAILING ADDRESS
17337 Reservation Road, La Conner, WA 98257
Phone (360) 466.7258
*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
Jordan Ekdahl, Graphic Designer 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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@SwinomishSenate
qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.
RENTING AT TALLAWHALT II
Interested in renting a Tallawhalt II apartment or cottage? Sign up for a tour at sitcgov.us/Tallawhalt2
Can’t make it? Send a family member or email homes@ swinomish.nsn.us. Applications will be provided in person.
HERE'S WHAT'S AVAILABLE
‣ Six 2-bedroom cottages, one level, with a carport and outside secured storage ― $1,150 per month
‣Six 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse apartments ― $1,500 per month
‣Four 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse apartments ― $1,800 per month
Apartments are three levels, with garage and laundry on the first level and a kitchen, living room, and half bath on the second. Bedrooms and additional bathroom(s) are
solar and should have reduced power bills.
Rent for the first month and a deposit equal to one month's rent is due upon lease signing. Deposit payment arrangements may be available.
Household income must be at or below 115% AMI at the time of application in order to be eligible.
There are no pets allowed with the exception of service animals that are registered, trained, and documented.
TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted starting at 8 a.m. on September 16. They will not be considered before this.
To apply, please email your application and all supporting documents to homes@swinomish.nsn.us (preferred) or drop in the “General” drop box outside of 11367 Moorage Way. Starting September 16, staff will check this box multiple times a day (morning, noon, and at tribal administration close).
Applications will be considered in the order received and units will be granted to the first qualified applicant.
Starting September 4, staff will be available to assist interested applicants with electronic applications.
Questions? Call the Swinomish Planning Department Housing Division at (360) 588-3002. IMPORTANT: Please do not contact the Swinomish Housing Authority about these apartments and cottages.
SWINOMISH SENATE: VOTE “NO” ON INITIATIVE 2117
On July 2, the Swinomish Senate formally opposed Initiative 2117 (I-2117), which would repeal the State’s landmark Climate Commitment Act. Vote “No” on Initiative 2117 on the November general election ballot.
The Washington State Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) in 2021 through collaborative climate advocacy efforts of tribal nations – including the Swinomish Tribe – and environmental non-governmental organizations.
The CCA aims to lower harmful carbon emissions throughout the state, in part through carbon credit auctions.
Revenues from these carbon credit auctions are then invested into clean energy, clean transportation, climatesmart buildings, and natural resource restoration and resilience projects throughout the state.
Tribal nation supported projects are to receive 10% of revenue from the auctions, and another 10% is dedicated to frontline communities (which may also include tribal communities).
Examples of projects benefiting from CCA funding:
‣$5 million for tribes to purchase or convert to electric powered fishing vessels
‣$5 0 million for tribal climate adaptation grants
‣$ 44 million for salmon habitat and climate resilience projects
‣$ 42 million for clean energy projects in vulnerable, overburdened, and tribal communities
Despite hundreds of millions of dollars that are currently being invested into communities across the state from the funds raised by the CCA, there is an effort to repeal this landmark law. A repeal would result in a significant loss to tribes.
Swinomish is committed to ongoing efforts to address climate warming and its potentially catastrophic effects by advancing the goals and objectives of the CCA, which can help ensure treaty rights are fully honored and protected.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
TUES. SEPT. 3
Senate Meeting, 10 a.m. Senate Chamber
TUE. SEPT. 10
DEP: ELS - Geohazards, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. @NWIC Swinomish Campus, Zoom
SAT. SEPT. 14
2nd Annual Preparedness Fair, 3-7 p.m.
John K. Ball Park
TUES. SEPT. 17
Women's Health Day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Medical Clinic
Senate Meeting, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Senate Chamber
Community Update Meeting: Casino, Golf Course, Fuel Stations, 6 p.m. Zoom
TUES. SEPT 24
Vocational Career Fair, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. La Conner High School gym
Shirley Marie Wilbur
Shirley Marie Wilbur, age 86, a cherished member of the Swinomish Tribe passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2024. She was born on September 3, 1937, in Tulalip, WA, to Paul and Edith (Knight) Loomis and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1956.
Shirley had a vibrant and enterprising spirit. She worked as a secretary for the Swinomish Tribe and later for The National Congress of American Indians. Together with her late husband, Tandy Wilbur Jr., she opened the first smokeshop in Swinomish and one of the first firework stands in Swinomish. She would later open a pub in Burlington.
Shirley found comfort in her faith and was a part of the St. Paul Catholic Church in La Conner. She had a deep love for animals and dedicated herself to rescuing and caring for them.
As a devoted mother and grandmother, Shirley’s family meant everything to her. She is survived by her brothers, Bob Kellaman and Ron Loomis of Mount Vernon; her stepdaughter, Nancy Wilbur of Swinomish; her niece, Shawnna Olsen of Marysville; her step-grandchildren, Tandy Wilbur and his wife Kelly, and Matika Wilbur and her husband Lino Manansala; and her great-grandchildren, Treyton, Thomas, and Alma Bee Wilbur, and Sophia and Alec Martin. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Tandy Wilbur Jr.; her former husband, Bert Baird, the father of her late daughter Debbie Fernando; her grandchild, Lane Fernando; and her longtime companion, Gene Lennartz, the previous owner of The La Conner Tavern, where everyone knew her name.
Shirley was known for her extraordinary kindness, her friendly greetings of “Hi honey, I’m so happy to see you,” and her sparkling blue eyes that lit up every room. Her humor and warmth brought joy and laughter to everyone she met, making them feel valued and cherished.
Shirley’s gentle spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Robert Wayne Joe Jr.
QWA-ILI-SUL-TON
Bobby was born on July 17, 1956. He gained his angel wings at home in Swinomish on July 9, 2024 with his children by his side. He was born to Robert “Wa-Wal-Ton” Joe Sr. and Rosemarie Williams in Mount Vernon, WA. He went to school in Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln H.S. in 1975. Bobby had 4 younger brothers, being the oldest he was always looking over them, making sure they were ok, he especially watched Randy as he was the youngest brother, to make sure no one picked on him.
Bobby met the love of his life Helen Marie Johns, down at the north end old bridge. It was love at first sight, they were married June 24, 1977 at Swinomish, it was said to be the best wedding ever. They were blessed with four children, Steven, Ida, Bradley and Tina. Tina was his lil’ tuffy. They raised 4 amazing loving, caring helpful children. They instilled in them our traditional way of life, the importance of these teachings was passed on from his late father Bob Joe Sr. to him and onto his children. Traditional ways were very important to the family. He lost Helen in 2000 and he was left with the responsibility of raising them to be the amazing children they have become and continue to be loving caring and respectful to all. Uncle Bob was very strict and stuck to our traditional ways and Bobby made sure he passed it on, and was happy to see his children continue to do the same. Steven, Ida and Tina blessed him with 12 grandchildren, Talon, Kiley, Scottie, Kilah, Tyee, Collin, Zeb, Helen, Armena, Kashawna, Paisley “Bobbi Jo” and Darrell Jr., “Baby JuJu”. His granddaughter Kiley blessed him with 2 great-grandchildren Oakley and Camden. Bobby cherished and loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was a blessing that Kiley was able to bring Camden home and meet his great grandfather. They were the light and pride of his life and cherished every minute he spent with them. When the kids were in school you would see him driving “The Joe School Bus”. He drove so much he went through 3 Expeditions and they had to be expeditions going up and down the hill, bringing them to school or where ever they wanted to go. Kilah wouldn’t ride the bus because grandpa always drove her to school.
Bobby was first and foremost a commercial fisherman . He loved being on the water with his children. He always had one of them with him. Tina and Darrell spent a lot of time fishing and crabbing with him. When the Swinomish Bingo Hall open in 1985, Bobby & Helen both went to work out there. Bobby was a bingo caller and of course made a ton of friends at the bingo hall. They always looked forward to seeing Bobby on the caller stand, or on the floor. He was at the bingo for 20 years. He made a lot of friends during his time at the Bingo Hall and even though he retired in 2011, players and co-workers still ask about him.
Just about two years ago he found out he had cancer. He prepared for the fight with his daughter Tina and son inlaw Darrell by his side. They fought this battle with Tina as his nurse and loudest advocate. “Who loves you more than me”. Together we were determined to beat cancer. He fought hard every single day, unfortunately he lost that battle. Bobby will be missed by many, especially by his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bobby was proceeded in death by his love Helen Marie Joe, Robert Joe Sr., Rose Marie Williams, Ida Sylvester, Andrew & Louise Joe, Harold James, Mary Helen Jefferson, Al Trevino, Clara “CB” Bobb Jamie Johns Joe, numerous aunts, uncles and close friends. He is survived by his children Steven & Cassie Joe, Bradley Joe, Tina & Darrell Sylvester, grandchildren Talon & Emily Egbers, Kiley & Peyton Maxwell, Scottie Cayou, Kilah Seymour, Tyee Joe, Collin, Zeb, Helen, Armena & Kashawna Joe, Paisley “Bobbi Jo” & Darrell “Baby JuJu” Sylvester, great grandchildren Oakley & Camden Maxwell. Siblings Randall & Debra Joe, John Joe, Steve Joe. The family would like to thank Hospice. A special thank you to Heather Edge, Laurinda Edge, Leanna Johns, Wynette Golliver and Leila Clark for being with Tina and Steven since Bobby came home from the hospital. Thank you all for the love, prayers and support throughout his entire battle. O’sium
Susan Emily (Cayou) Billy
Susan Billy passed away at her home on Thursday, July 18, 2024, she was “Auntie Suzie” to everyone who knew her. She lived a full life to the age of 94, making her the eldest enrolled Swinomish Tribal member.
Suzie was born December 20, 1929 to General and Sarah (Jack) Cayou on Stuart Island, San Juan County, Washington. She was the only girl of 5 children. They grew up in Sand Juan Islands. As a young adult she met her husband Harry Billy and moved to Anacortes. She worked in fish canneries and berry farms. Sakuma was her longest place of employment as a supervisor. Her husband worked in the shake mill so they later moved to Sedro Woolley, to be closer to his job. Suzie lost her husband November 16, 2000, after this she did her best to survive.
Suzie loved to knit, sew, clean and cooking, and teaching how to make homemade pies & doughnuts. She liked to go for rides, yard sales and go out to eat at Gentleman Gene’s. “Auntie Suzie” was always praying for her family, community, and friends. She was a recognized prayer warrior.
Suzie was a force of energy that you never wanted to wrecking with, her outspokenness and compassion equaled love. She always expressed exactly what she had on her mind. She had the gift of gab and just wanted someone to visit with.
You will be missed Auntie, so long for now, until we meet again.
Proceeded in death by her husband Harry Leo Billy, parents General and Sarah Cayou, Brothers Clifford, Chester Sr., John Sr., Roger Cayou. Numerous cousins’, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Survived by her nephew/adopted son Vince (Gail) Cayou, grandchildren Lou (Kim), Tammy, Roger, Vinnie, Taylor Rae, Ben, Ken, Olivia and great grandchildren. Two sisters Helen Jack and Rose Jimmy, one brother George Horn.
Several nieces, nephews, grandchildren of the Cayou family and many friends.
SWINOMISH TRIBE WELCOMES
FEDERAL COURT RULING IN LAWSUIT AGAINST BNSF
OFFICE OF THE TRIBAL ATTORNEY
On June 17, 2024, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community received a favorable decision from the United States District Court in Seattle in the Tribe’s long-running trespass lawsuit against BNSF Railway (BNSF).
In an eighteen-page ruling, District Court Judge Robert S. Lasnik ordered that BNSF disgorge total trespass profits of $394,517,169 to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Specifically, the Court ordered that BNSF disgorge net profits of $362,267,169 attributable to its trespass across the Swinomish Reservation from September 2012 to May 2021. In addition, the Court ordered that BNSF disgorge a further amount of $32,250,000, representing the use value of the after-tax profits arising from the trespass. Taken together, the disgorgement amounts resulted in the total judgment against BNSF and in favor of Swinomish of $394,517,169.
BNSF does not have to pay the judgment immediately. BNSF has already appealed Judge Lasnik’s decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. BNSF also posted a bond in the amount of the judgment plus 18 months’ post-judgment interest, and was then granted a stay by the District Court. As a result, BNSF will not be required to pay the judgment while the appeal is pending. However, BNSF’s bond ensures funds are available to Swinomish if the Court of Appeals upholds the District Court’s decision.
Chairman Steve Edwards, who attended each day of the 4-day trial, stated, “The Tribe is very happy to see the District Court’s decision in our lawsuit with BNSF. Tribal leaders were there in Court every day of the trial. We saw the evidence and heard the arguments presented by both sides. We knew that we were in the right, and we are thankful that the Court has ruled that BNSF must give up the wrongful profits it earned from trespassing on our Reservation again and again for nearly a decade.”
Chairman Edwards continued, “We know that this is a large amount of money. But that just reflects the enormous wrongful profits that BNSF gained by using the Tribe’s land day after day, week after week, year after year over our objections. When there are these kinds of profits to be gained, the only way to deter future wrongdoing is to do exactly what the Court did today – make the trespasser give up the money it gained by trespassing.”
“I want to stress that we tried to resolve this with BNSF without going to Court, as we always do when we have a disagreement,” explained Chairman Edwards. “Former Chairman Brian Cladoosby, Tribal staff and Tribal lawyers all informed BNSF in writing that there were limits on the allowed use of the Tribe’s land and that BNSF’s 100-car oil trains were violating the BNSF easement over the Reservation. Chairman Cladoosby, Tribal staff and Tribal lawyers also met personally with BNSF representatives multiple times from 2012 to 2015.”
From left to right: Senator Bruce James, Senator Greg Edwards, Legal Director Steve LeCuyer, Senator Tandy Wilbur, Outside Counsel Rebecca Solomon, Outside Counsel Chris Brain, Expert Witness Dan Fapp, Senior Paralegal Wendy Otto, Staff Attorney Weston LeMay
“But in the end,” Chairman Edwards said, “none of that mattered. BNSF kept running its oil trains and despite the letters and despite the meetings, BNSF told the Tribe in early 2015 that it was just going to keep running those 100-car trains across the Reservation. That’s when we knew we had to ask the Federal Court to protect our Tribal rights in our Reservation lands.”
“This land is what we have,” concluded Chairman Edwards, “this is what we kept as our homeland when we signed the Treaty of Point Elliott. We have always protected it and we always will.”
The Tribe filed suit against BNSF in April of 2015 for violating the terms of an easement agreement it signed in 1991 allowing a limited number of trains and rail cars to cross the Swinomish Reservation in Skagit County.
Train tracks were laid across the northern portion of the Reservation in the late 1800’s, over the objection of the Swinomish Tribe and Federal government officials. In 1991, the Tribe and BNSF signed an agreement settling a lawsuit filed by the Tribe and the United States in 1976 for nearly a century of trespass. The agreement granted BNSF an easement but with important conditions: only one train of no more than 25 railcars would cross the Reservation in each direction daily, and BNSF would regularly update the Tribe on the type of cargo. In return, the Tribe agreed not to “arbitrarily withhold permission” if there should be a future BNSF request to increase the number of trains or cars.
BNSF never provided notice to the Tribe of its intention to run unit trains of Bakken crude oil across the Reservation. In September 2012, the Tribe learned from media reports that “unit trains” of 100 railcars or more were beginning to cross the Reservation. By April of 2015, BNSF was reportedly running six 100-car “unit trains” per week across the Reservation, more than four times as many railcars daily as permitted by the easement. The tracks are adjacent to the Tribe’s economic center, and the intended development of this economic center was one of the primary reasons for the limitation of the number of trains and cars incorporated into the easement.
The United States District Court in Seattle ruled early in the Tribe’s 2015 lawsuit that there was no dispute that BNSF had breached the easement agreement when “BNSF neither apprised the Tribe of its cargo nor obtained the Tribe’s written agreement to an increase in the number of trains and the number of cars in those trains.”
But BNSF argued that its obligations to its shippers –in this instance, the two refineries located on March Point – superseded its obligation to the Tribe under the easement agreement. After the District Court issued an order upholding the Tribe’s rights in 2017, BNSF filed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In a 2020 decision, the Court of Appeals rejected BNSF’s argument:
We hold that the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act does not repeal the Indian Right of Way Act and does not defeat the Tribe’s right to enforce conditions in a right-of-way easement agreement issued pursuant to the Right of Way Act. We hold further that the ICCTA does not abrogate the Treaty of Point Elliott and the Tribe’s treaty-based federal common law right to exclude and condition a third party’s presence on, and use of, Reservation lands. Finally, we hold that the Tribe has the right to pursue injunctive relief to enforce the terms of the Easement Agreement.
Following the decision of the Court of Appeals, the District Court ruled in 2022 that the trespass was intentional and conducted a trial in March 2023 to determine whether BNSF’s trespass over the Swinomish Reservation between September 2012 and May 2021 was also willful, conscious, and knowing, which would allow the Tribe to seek disgorgement of BNSF’s ill-gotten gains. Following the three-day trial, the Court found that BNSF’s trespass on the Reservation was indeed willful, conscious, and knowing.
The District Court then scheduled a trial that began June 3, 2024 to determine BNSF’s wrongful financial gain from its trespass on the Swinomish Reservation. The trial concluded on June 6, 2024.
The Tribe was represented by outside counsel Chris Brain and Rebecca Solomon, working closely with Office of Tribal Attorney Director Stephen LeCuyer and OTA attorney Weston LeMay. Chairman Edwards and Senators Greg Edwards, Bruce James, Rodney John, Tandy Wilbur, and Legal Committee members Fred Cayou, Tracy James and Amy Trainer attended the trial on behalf of Swinomish.
Now that BNSF has appealed the District Court decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Office of Tribal Attorney will again work closely with outside counsel to defend the District Court’s favorable decisions. OTA estimates that the appeal process will take at least 1½ to 2 years to complete.
The Big Back-to-School Bash!
Landy and Landelin James stop at the Lushootseed language table
Morgan Brown teaches students how to make cedar roses
Jaydee Dan visits with staff from Community Environmental Health
SWINOMISH PARTNERS ON TURN-IN PROGRAM FOR DERELICT BOATS
BRETT LIZOTTE, SWINOMISH HAROBORMASTER
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community partnered with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Northwest Straits Commission on a vessel turn-in program for derelict boats. Through funding from DNR and NW Straits, Swinomish was able to apply for the recycling of 40 vessels between the community and McGlinn Island.
Swinomish staff attended a media day hosted by event partners in August where Senator J.J. Wilbur, Fred Cayou, and Catey Ritchie spoke about the importance of these vessels to their owners and of honoring their history.
"Swinomish is very grateful for this opportunity. The opportunity to partner with the Port of Skagit, DNR, and La Conner Maritime. As you know, Swinomish we’re a tight knit fishing community, our team has battled derelict and neglected boats for many, many, years. It’s great to actually partner with these outside entities and help tackle this, it’s not just a Swinomish problem it’s a statewide problem."
-Swinomish Senator & Fisherman J.J. Wilbur
"When I got the call from Catey about the project … my wheels started turning. Knowing the need, seeing how much could be done. I just start making calls and trying to connect the dots."
-Port Authority Vice Chairman Fred Cayou
"We’ve also removed a 65 foot derelict sail boat that was on the shores of the Reservation just north of Kukutali, and I think that is sort of the cautionary tale of what can happen is one of these vessels is left in the water and gets away. I feel it cost just as much to get rid of that one, as it did to get rid of dozens of vessels that we’re going to get rid of today!"
-Environmental Specialist Catey Ritchie
Catey Ritchie, Fred Cayou, Senator J.J. Wilbur
Swinomish Teacher Certification UPDATE
TODD MITCHELL, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Swinomish Education and Environmental Protection departments have provided instructors for the Lushootseed language and Between Two Worlds (BTW) Indigenous Science classes in the La Conner High School for five years, paid for through tribal funds.
These instructors were required to have a state certified "teacher-of-record" from the La Conner School District (LCSD) oversee them. In order to teach classes without this supervision, our Swinomish teachers would be required to be state certified teachers. Being certified would also allow them to be paid by LCSD for their time spent teaching the classes.
Swinomish Education, Environmental Protection, and the Office of Tribal Attorney initiated the development of a Swinomish teacher certification process in May 2023. Shelly Vendiola presented a comprehensive overview of other tribal teacher programs and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) First Peoples’ Language, Culture, and Oral Traditions (FPLCO) certification process. FPLCO allows Washington tribes to certify teachers who meet their requirements in subjects relating to tribal knowledge.
This initiative required four steps:
1. October 2023: Swinomish entered into a governmentto-government agreement with OSPI to opt into the First Peoples’ Language, Cultural, and Oral Traditions Certification Program;
2. March 2024: The Senate adopted the Swinomish Language, Culture-Art, Oral Tradition, and Indigenous Science Teacher Certification Policy and appointed the Swinomish Teacher Certification Board;
3. May 2024: The Swinomish Teacher Certification Board certified seven Swinomish teachers, who then applied to OSPI for Washington State teacher certification under FPLCO; and,
4. In process: Swinomish and LCSD enter into an agreement for Swinomish to provide curriculum, content, and teachers for two Lushootseed language and one BTW Indigenous Science classes, and for the school district to provide teacher pay and classrooms.
The Swinomish Teacher Certification Board was appointed to include subject matter area experts in culture, science, and education to assess tribal teacher certification applications. The board consists of Briana Porter, Education Subcommittee; Todd Mitchell, Indigenous science; Aurelia Bailey, Swinomish Culture; Tracy James, education and former/current certified teacher; and Education Director Michael Vendiola. In May 2024, the board approved the certifications of Kyle Bailey and Olivia Bailey for Lushootseed language and Jen Willup, Morgan Brown, Nicole Casper, Karen Rittenhouse Mitchell, and Todd Mitchell for BTW Indigenous Science. Their tribal certificates were presented at the Education Dinner in June.
This is great step forward in Swinomish education as the Tribe is able to certify our own teachers, who are knowledgeable in our Swinomish ways of knowing, to be able to teach in the schools!
Thank you to our Senate for supporting this process. Many thanks to our legal team Calvin Rapada and Wendy Lycklama for helping us through the legal process. Our partners at the La Conner School District Will Nelson, Dave Cram, and Beth Clothier for help on the district process. And Michael Vendiola for providing the resources and background to make this known and happen. Tgwicid!
Swinomish teacher training, June 2023: (L to R, top row) Todd Mitchell, Jessica Ferreras-Stone (training instructor), Kyle Bailey, Olivia Bailey, Karen Rittenhouse Mitchell, Nicole Casper; (bottom row) Jen Willup, Morgan Brown
MARCH AGAINST ADDICTION
AUGUST 8, 2024
Families stand with memorial photos of their loved ones lost to addiction
The Canoe Family leads the march
AUGUST 6, 2024
Youth investigate the Fish and Game rescue boat
Raymond, Andrew, and Solomon McDonald check out the FD13 firetruck with Chief Woody
Lt. Val Cayou-Lockrem
Help A Clam Out
FISHERIES
Nobody likes getting dumped on or buried under a pile of muck, and clams are no exception. After digging, always refill your clam holes to avoid suffocating and killing clams that remain on the beach.
When we go out to dig clams we generally contribute to the greater health of the whole intertidal community. Removing adult clams from the beach frees up choice areas for smaller clams to thrive in. The act of digging the clams also allows fresh oxygen and nutrients to settle deep into our holes, providing better habitat for generations of future clams.
Problems with our harvest only begin to occur when people fail to refill the holes they dig. Leaving a pile of sand and rock on the beach prevents clams underneath the mound from being able to breath or eat. As a result, most clams will suffocate before they can reach the surface to breathe again.
This world can be a stressful place, even if you’re a clam: climate change, beach erosion predatory worms, contagious cancer and giant piles of sand, just to name a few. So, let’s do what we can to help clams out and take being buried alive off their list! Please remember to backfill your holes.
Summer Youth Workers
Summer Youth Workers, Natalee Koch and Cara Shanacappo with Supervisor Wil James
Katarina Edwards Phillip McCoy Jr. Nathan Bailey and Keaton Bailey
AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY
Did you receive a U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) in the mail?
The Census Bureau collects survey data from households and business every month of every year and employs thousands of interviewers to collect these data. One of the most important household surveys is the American Community Survey (ACS) which provides current data for our community and is used for grants, planning and funding. Every county in the country has sample housing units (addresses, not specific people) selected each month to participate in the ACS.
Tribal leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can use data from this survey to:
‣ Obtain grants, like Tribal Heritage Grants, to preserve the tribal culture
‣A pply for financial aid for fuel, electricity, and housing
‣ Plan for projects to improve roads, schools, and senior centers
‣ Develop education and job training programs
The Census Bureau estimates that, for the average household, this form will take 40 minutes to complete, including the time for reviewing the instructions and answers. The ACS questionnaire has 44 questions.
Do I have to respond to the ACS?
Yes. Responding to the ACS is about helping federal, tribal, state, and local officials make informed decisions with timely and accurate data. Just as people are required to respond to jury duty, get a driver’s license in order to drive, pay their taxes, and report their income, they also have the obligation to respond to decennial census surveys.
Someone came to my home to interview me for the ACS. Is this legitimate?
If someone has contacted you about the ACS and you would like to verify that the visit or phone call you received was legitimate, you may call your regional census office. You can find contact information for your office at
census.gov/regions/
Why was my address selected for the ACS?
Addresses selected for the ACS come from the Census Bureau’s official inventory of known living quarters and selected nonresidential units in the United States and Puerto Rico. Each scientifically selected address represents other households in the surrounding community.
Interviewing a small sample of addresses, rather than all addresses in the United States, allows the Census Bureau to measure the whole population while limiting the cost of the survey and reducing the overall impact on respondents.
What if I do not know the exact answer to an ACS question?
On the ACS, if no one in your household knows the answer to a question, and the information cannot be referenced in a bill or other document, please give your best estimate.
I am concerned about identity theft. How does the Census Bureau protect my ACS information?
We understand your concerns about privacy and identity theft and want to assure you that we respect your privacy and will ensure that only authorized persons with a workrelated need-to-know view your personal information. Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.) prohibits the Census Bureau from giving or selling your personal information to anyone, including companies, other federal agencies, and law enforcement. When we process the information on the ACS questionnaires, individuals’ names and other personal identifiers are deleted from the files used to tabulate the information.
Additionally, we employ statistical methodologies to ensure that the statistics we release do not identify individuals or businesses. These methods include extensive review and analysis of all our data products, as well as disclosure avoidance methodologies (such as data suppression and modification) to screen out information that might identify a specific individual or business.
How the ACS Works for Your Community
About 1 in 38 U.S. households per year receives an invitation to participate in the American Community Survey (ACS).
YOUR COMMUNITY
CENSUS BUREAU WEB SITE
FEDERAL
PAPER
Those who do not complete the survey may receive a personal visit from Census Bureau staff. MAIL
Individuals can complete the questionnaire for their household either online or on a paper form.
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
REPORTS, TABLES, AND APPLICATIONS
Government agencies use these statistics to help with decision-making and to allocate over $675 billion each year back to your community.
RESPONDENT SCHOOLS HOSPITALS
Personal
and
The Census Bureau publishes statistics as reports, tables, and other products through its Web site.
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
The
Doesn’t the government already have the information requested on the ACS?
The Census Bureau does use statistics from other government agencies for research and evaluations to improve our surveys and censuses and better understand the information we are collecting. We also use such information to help develop estimates of the population between census years. However, we have not yet used information from other agencies in place of actual responses to the ACS for several reasons:
‣ Only a few of the items on the ACS could be obtained from other agencies.
‣ These data do not contain information for everyone, so we may still have to ask some people for all items.
‣ The ACS was designed to provide up-to-date information. The information available from other agencies is not usually as current as the information that we collect.
‣ The Census Bureau is conducting research exploring the use of information from other agencies in surveys and censuses, with the goal of incorporating them into our data gathering and analysis efforts. This will lower the burden on respondents by reducing the amount of information we request from them.
Why does the ACS ask for my name and phone number?
We ask for a person’s name for two reasons. First, we have found over many years of research that it is easier for a respondent to make sure everybody in the household is included and to keep track of which person they are reporting for if the names are used. If a respondent is interrupted while completing the survey, it will be easier to resume reporting if they know which person they are working on— particularly in larger households. Second, having a name and phone number allows us to call if the questionnaire needs clarification.
How ACS Data Are Collected
Address Selection
One important fact to remember about the ACS is that the forms are not mailed to specific people, but rather to specific addresses. The sample is designed to ensure good geographic coverage and does not target individuals. By focusing on quality geographic coverage, the ACS can produce a good picture of the community’s people and housing by surveying a representative sample of the population.
The Census Bureau selects a random sample of addresses to be included in the ACS. Each address has about a 1-in-480 chance of being selected in a month, and no address should be selected more than once every five years. The Census Bureau mails questionnaires to approximately 295,000 addresses a month across the United States. This is a small number of households considering there are more than 140 million eligible addresses in the United States, and an address that receives ACS instructions will not likely find a neighbor or friend who has also received them.
Address Contacted by Mail
The Census Bureau mails letters to inform people living at an address that they have been selected to participate in the ACS and to provide instructions for completing the survey online. In Puerto Rico and some hard-to-reach areas in the United States, only a paper questionnaire is mailed. Households are asked to complete the survey online or to mail the completed paper questionnaire back to the Census Bureau’s National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. If the Census Bureau does not receive a completed survey within a few weeks, it will mail an additional paper survey questionnaire.
Personal Visit Follow-Up for Surveys Not Completed or Addresses with Post Office Box Mail Delivery
Following all mail contacts, a sample is taken from the addresses that have not responded online, by mail, or for those addresses with post office box mail delivery. These addresses are visited by Census Bureau field representatives, who will conduct the interview in person.
Follow-Up for Questionnaires Returned Incomplete
After the returned questionnaires are delivered to the Census Bureau’s National Processing Center or via the Internet, they are reviewed for completeness. Questionnaires needing clarification are referred to the Census Bureau’s telephone call centers for telephone follow-up.
Left to right: Duron Clark, Marlon Edwards, Chas James, Jaydin Clark, and Brent Bobb
The American Community Survey
Resources for American Indians and Alaska Natives
IS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION SAFE?
Yes. The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to protect your information. The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in a way that could identify you.
Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems that transmit your data.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY (ACS)?
The ACS is a part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s decennial census program and is designed to provide timely and accurate social, economic, housing, and demographic estimates throughout the decade. The questions on the ACS supply the tribes with data they may need for a range of programs affecting education, veterans, employment, housing and community development, public health care, services for the elderly and disabled, and assistance programs for low-income families and children. Statistics produced by the ACS can guide tribes and tribal organizations as they make important decisions.
WHY IS TRIBAL PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT?
Responses to the questions on the ACS supply the statistics needed to assess a variety of programs. When American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) complete the ACS, they are helping to ensure that the best statistics are available to their communities to inform future decisions. This need for accurate and complete data is particularly important for tribes and tribal organizations.
HOW DO WE COMPLETE THE ACS?
The Census Bureau samples addresses—not individuals. Most households selected to participate in the ACS receive a letter with instructions to access and complete the survey online.
If you have questions about the survey, please call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Line at 1-800-354-7271
The Census Bureau works with tribal leaders to conduct in-person interviews on tribal lands. Field representatives who may also be tribal members will conduct personal interviews using laptop computers.
Respond To the American Community Survey
Online Response Help
If you are responding to the ACS online via respond. census.gov/acs you will find helpful instructions in most screens.
Mail Response Help
If you are responding to the ACS via a paper questionnaire please use the instructions for completing the survey questions to answer the questions correctly.
To ask more detailed questions about responding or to respond to the survey by phone, call 1-800-354-7271.
Phone Response Help
If you have questions about the survey or you prefer to complete the survey by phone, call 1-800-354-7271 at your convenience. Our staff are knowledgeable in the ACS and can provide guidance for each question to help you complete the survey.
If someone has contacted you about the American Community Survey and you’d like to verify that the phone call is legitimate, you can call one of our telephone centers directly:
Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205
Tucson, AZ: 1-800-642-0469
In-Person Interview Help
ACS in-person interviews are completed by a knowledgeable interviewer who can provide more information and guidance for each question at the time of the interview.
If someone has contacted you about an in-person interview and you would like to verify that the visit is legitimate, you can call your Census Regional Office
General Instructions:
‣ Use blue or black ink.
‣ Mark the category or categories or print your answer in the field provided.
‣A nswer questions for each person in this household. If anyone in the household does not want to give you his or her personal information, print the person’s name and answer questions 2 and 3. An interviewer may telephone to request the information from that person.
‣There may be a question you cannot answer exactly (example: the price for which your house would sell). If no one in the household knows, give your best estimate.
If you are responding from your housing residence:
‣ Gather the materials we mailed to you, including the address label.
‣ Go to Respond.census.gov/acs
‣ Input the information from the address label. If you don’t have your materials, you can call 1-800-3547271 to get your User ID.
‣The system will automatically generate a PIN. Please remember your PIN.
‣ The PIN will allow you to log back into the survey if the session times out or if you need to come back later. For security purposes, the session will time out, i.e. automatically log you out of the survey page, if left idle for more than 15 minutes.
‣ If you provided an answer to one of the security questions during your initial login, you can reset your PIN if lost or forgotten. Enter your User ID at Respond.census.gov/acs, and select the “Click here if you do not know your PIN” link.
‣ If you are responding to the ACS online via Respond. census.gov/acs you will find helpful instructions in most screens. To access this information, click the blue “(Help)” link following the question.
Can you reset my PIN?
‣ If you provided an answer to one of the security questions during your initial login, you can reset your PIN. Enter your User ID at Respond.census. gov/acs, and select the “Click here if you do not know your PIN” link.
‣ If you did not provide an answer to one of the security questions, please call 1-800-354-7271 to reset your PIN.
Should I respond online or by mail?
‣ After you reply online, you may receive a questionnaire in the mail. You do not need to mail it back if you have completed the online survey.
‣If you prefer not to respond online, please fill out the questionnaire you will receive in the mail and send it back in the postage-paid envelope.
‣If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, please fill out the questionnaire you will receive in the mail and send it back in the postage-paid envelope.
Resources:
Instructions For Completing the Survey Questionnaire: Census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/respond/get-help. html
American Community Survey [Example]: https://www2. census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/methodology/ questionnaires/2024/quest24.pdf
How To Respond FAQ: Census.gov/programs-surveys/ acs/respond/faqs.html
For more information about the ACS for the American Indian and Alaska Native population visit: Census.gov/ programs-surveys/acs/information-for/aian.html
RESPOND TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEYONLINE: https://respond.census.gov/acs/#respond
SWI NOMISH
Climate Adaptation AC TION PLAN UPDAT E
Our homelands are being impacted by climate change. Swinomish staff are working on projects to protect and sustain the Swinomish people in the face of climate impacts.
WHAT SHOULD WE FOCUS ON FIRST? Scan the QR above to tell us, or visit bit.ly/SwinomishClimateAdaptation
Community members who complete the survey will receive a $20 GIFT CARD! Closes OCT. 1, 2024. Must be 18 to participate.
Knowing that everything is important to protect, Swinomish staff want to know what you think should be focused on first. Let us know by taking this 3-5 minute survey.
You can use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code above, visit bit.ly/SwinomishClimateAdaptation, or email hspore@swinomish.nsn.us to request a paper copy to fill out.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
JULY 18, 2024 SWINOMISH GOLF LINKS
Summer Youth Workers, Lorena Edwards, Katarina Edwards, Conner Breckenridge, and Quentin Edwards with Jordynn Washington and Tatum Wilbur
Mike Wilbur Jr. and brother Garrett with their raffle win
2024 Boys & Girls Club of Swinomish Tribal Community golf tournament winners (left to right): Jesse Edwards, James Bobb, Russell Edwards, Steve Edwards
SWINOMISH
Elder Volleyball
AUGUST 8, 2024
SWINOMISH DAYS
Stick Games
AUGUST 10, 2024
Swinomish elders host Lummi and Samish for an inter-tribal volleyball tournament
Swinomish Days stick games
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING SERIES
September 10 | 11am–1pm | NWIC Swinomish Campus & Zoom
FREE + LUNCH + GIVEAWAYS
Zoom link: sitcgov.us/ELS2024
Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey
SOFT LANDING: JULY 30, 2024
LANDING: JULY 31, 2024
PROTOCOL: AUGUST 1-5, 2024
Little Salmon
Canoe Family raises their hands to the crowd
Swinomish Elders
CLIMATE IMPACTS GROUP TOUR TO SWINOMISH
On July 17, student researchers from the inaugural UW Science Justice Summer School were invited to Swinomish by elder Shelly Vendiola, a member of the Swinomish Protect Mother Earth Workgroup. Prior to their visit, Shelly, along with Todd Mitchell and Alana Quintasket, met with the organizers of the summer school – the Climate Impacts Group – to plan the daylong trip to learn about our climate resilience project and the updates to the Tribe’s 2010 Adaptation Plan.
Todd has spearheaded this effort since 2019, continuing the Climate Change Initiative’s Adaptation Plan efforts. The tribe passed a climate change proclamation in 2007, then produced the Swinomish Climate Change Adaptation Plan in 2010 under former Planning Director Ed Knight. The DEP has been working on an update to the report and future educational resources for the community.
The students were welcomed and given an orientation about the community awareness and education efforts of the Protect Mother Earth Workgroup, led by elders Shelly Vendiola and Janie Beasley.
They then were able to witness first hand some of the mitigation strategies the tribe is implementing. This included an introduction to our clam garden, led by Alana Quintasket, and the protection and preservation of our Kukatali Preserve in partnership with Washington State Parks, led by Todd Mitchell.
It was so inspiring to meet with the students to give them information and resources that will help them understand impacts from our tribe’s perspective. Our hope is to maintain and strengthen relationships with the Climate Impacts Group and their partners seeking to support tribal communities, who are largely the first impacted because of our longstanding relationship and reliance on the water and land. Onward ever onward.
For more information about the climate resilience project ongoing efforts please contact:
Todd Mitchell, tmitchell@swinomish.nsn.us Shelly Vendiola, msvendiola@gmail.com
Janie Beasley, Shelly Vendiola, Todd Mitchell
Swinomish Pride Day
JUNE 20, 2024
Reservation Dogs composer Mato Wayuhi sings a duet with Swinomish's own Katherine Paul of Black Belt Eagle Scout
Jaxson Williams, Ava Day-Sams, Ryan Larsen, Kylie Jenkins, Jayson Reamer, and Elliana Conca show off their new shirts
VISIT THE CLAM GARDEN
JUNE 24, 2024
The
and volunteers
Boys & Girls Club, elders, staff,
Boys & Girls Club youth help tend to the clam garden
Tyee Joe
Boys & Girls Club: Youth of the Month
Dakota Johns-Leos
The Boys & Girls Club gives a big congratulations to Dakota Johns-Leos for earning July Youth of the Month.
Dakota is six years old and entering the first grade. His favorite color is blue, he loves pepperoni pizza, and Sonic the Hedgehog is his favorite superhero. He loves spending his free time playing his favorite game Roblox, and his favorite sport baseball.
And what does Dakota want to do when he is grown up and done with school? He said he wants to be a fisherman.
Dakota was our Youth of the Month for his kindness, his big smile, and willingness to help out when needed. If you see Dakota around give him a shout out for his honor.
Katarina Edwards
Katarina Edwards, or "Kat" to everyone who has the pleasure of knowing this 16-year-old high school junior, is the Boys & Girls Club August Youth of the Month.
Kat is outgoing and makes friends everywhere she goes. She loves all kinds of music, especially Billy Eilish. Her favorite animals are sharks, and she loves spam masubi and other kinds of sushi.
Kat is a high school cheerleader and on the softball team. She spends most of her free time practicing softball, hanging out with friends, and babysitting.
Kat’s love of babies and children led her to working at the Boys & Girls through the Swinomish youth summer intern program the last two summers - Kat has excelled and the youth love her!
What does Kat's future hold? She says she would like to play college softball at Skagit Valley, and then on to a career in photography.
Kat’s work ethic, positive attitude, and the positive role model position she has taken at the Boys & Girls Club is why she is this month’s Youth of the Month. Congratulations, Kat!
For the last open positions, please visit: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/humanresources
For the latest open positions, please visit: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers/
For the latest open positions, please visit: didgwalic.com
Please submit articles, photos, announcements and celebrations to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
Haven Wilbur and Caylen Bobb
Nina and Brian Cladoosby with Barb James
11406 Moorage Way
La Conner, WA 98257
qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
@qyuuqsNews
Tiny Tot Warrior Chet Cayou; Jr. Warrior Francis Hatch; Warrior Matt Stone; Lil Miss Swinomish Ryan Larsen; Miss Swinomish Ayona Cayou; Jr. Miss Swinomish Aurora Cayou and Ruby Billy; Tiny Tot Swinomish Hadley John; Lil Warrior Charles Baker Jr.