The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, ‘People of the Sands’ TRIBAL CHEHALIS NEWSLETTER FIND HISTORY, HERITAGE AND RESOURCES AT CHEHALISTRIBE.ORG July 2019

Biking legacy Outstanding work inside Tribal member braves Employees go above Regaining ancestral lands / 2 Wellness Center Main Street Bar opens / 6 staff profiles / 10 STP endurance ride and beyond for tribe August birthdays / 7 Annual fireworks sales page 3 page 2 Youth Center staff / 8-9 and show / 11-12 Cultural journey

Left: The Chehalis Canoe Family landed in Tulalip to rest before finishing the Paddle to Lummi. Todd Delamater sat in front of the canoe as the pace-setter for the pullers.

other tribes who endured the same challenges and joys while paddling the waterways. This year, they departed from Squaxin Island on July 16 and traveled through Puget Sound to the Nisqually Reservation for the first stop. Chehalis tribal member Todd Delamater explained that this year was significant because the first journey the Canoe Family participated Canoe trip taps into tribal unity, history and healing in was to Lummi in 2007. He took his first journey the following summer in 2008 when he he Chehalis Canoe Family paddled and were welcomed ashore by the Lummi was 18 years old. hundreds of miles from July 16-24 as Nation. The tribes and First Nation bands His uncle Jr., skipper during the first T members took part in the “Paddle to shared their songs and dances at the final few years, is the individual who encouraged Lummi: 2019 Intertribal Canoe Journey.” Protocol. Delamater to join the canoe family. The The theme of this year’s event was Prior to the Chehalis Canoe Family making skipper steers the canoe and is responsible for “Traveling the Traditional ways of our its final landing in Lummi, they made many Ancestors.” On the final day, 112 canoes landed stops along the way to camp and meet with See JOURNEY, page 4 Youth follow ancestors’ path Rites of Passage encourages for the youth to experience the ways of their ancestors. Hundreds of years ago, natives strong connection to river used these waterways as their roads to travel, hunt, gather and interact with other From July 10-12 Chehalis tribal youth tribal people. carried on traditions of their native Before taking the journey down the ancestors as they participated in the Rites river, Rites of Passage participants visited of Passage and traveled along the Chehalis Rainbow Falls, which is part of the Chehalis River inside canoes. Tribal youth and adult chaperones depart from The Chehalis Tribe felt it was important See YOUTH, page 5 Independence Bridge during the Rites of Passage. 2 Tribe recognizes outstanding work Employee of the Month serves. Yet, her accomplishments are so vast that she has been and Supervisor of the recognized as the June Employee Quarter honored of the Month. Amanda Marquez of the Social Supportive supervision Service department received the Barb Sanders was honored June Employee of the Month as Supervisor of the Quarter award for her during the ACE awards Luncheon commitment on July 26. and constant Sanders also is often Behaviorial Health’s Barb Sanders (left) was recognized for her diligent efforts toward overlooked because the work professionalism during more than 20 years serving the Chehalis Tribe. improving the she does is confidential. Her She was nominated by Department Director Leah Niccolocci. Chehalis tribal nomination letter was submitted community. by Director of Behavioral Health “Because of her figure for the Behavioral Jose Caywood Leah Niccolocci. strong, supportive, Health team. Niccolocci recognized Sanders consistent supervision, “She is graceful,” nominated Amanda our department runs Niccolocci said. “She Marquez for Marquez for her more than 20 years of diligently service to the Chehalis Tribe and seamlessly,” Niccolocci takes her job very completing her responsibilities, being an “unsung hero.” She said said. seriously while having a which vary on a daily basis as the nature of her work, which Even as the director great sense of humor.” she works with tribal families is strictly confidential, is the of the department, Sanders briefly spoke and children. She goes above and reason Sanders has yet to receive Niccolocci seeks after receiving the award. beyond to follow through on the recognition. assistance and guidance “I really appreciate my mission as an Indian Child Care Fellow staff members feel from Sanders. job,” she said. Social Worker. Sanders is both knowledgeable She shares her wealth of She is appreciative of the tribe Caywood wrote in his and approachable. She is second in knowledge with all of her co- for providing her with longevity in nomination letter that “Amanda is charge when the director is away. workers and is viewed as a key her specialized field. willing to do whatever is asked of her, each and every day.” Marquez “cares about each and every community member she supports,” Caywood said. She takes her responsibilities seriously and is constantly making efforts to create a constructive change within the tribal community. Her enthusiastic mindset and cheerful attitude aids the positive morale among the Chehalis Tribe community and her co-workers. A majority of the work Marquez does is undisclosed to the majority of the tribe. Her job duties are confidential, therefore the changes she makes Assistant General Manager Jesse Gleason emceed the ACE luncheon as they named the June Employee of go unnoticed beyond those she the Month and Supervisor of the Quarter.

Efforts to restore ancestral lands nets 218 acres Submitted by Sandra Crowell, proclamations were announced resources. Property taxes no The Bureau of Indian Department of Natural Resources in the Federal Register to include longer apply to parcels in trust or Affairs and the Bureau of Land contractor commercial properties in Grand on newly proclaimed reservation. Management must approve Mound and 93rd Avenue in In addition, many pieces specific steps in the process. The reservation is now Tumwater, as well as river of property on the reservation The Realty program, Chehalis 218 acres larger, thanks to a protection land north of Oakville. and owned by non-natives have Department of Natural Resources, proclamation approved on May The reservation land is used for been reclaimed in fee-to-trust has submitted proclamations that 8 by the U.S. Department of economic development, housing applications as part of the original expand the reservation by 761 Interior in Washington, D.C. Two and protection of streams and 1864 boundaries. acres since 2017. 3 Cyclist challenges herself in STP bike ride Dedicated tribal shoulders and facing 90-degree heat, she completed her first member Sheilah Bray attempt at the STP. has made long-distance She was proud of her accomplishment, with thoughts of journey a tradition never having to do the ride again. Sheilah Bray rode in the On the road again 2019 Seattle to Portland (STP), She called her sister, Selena, challenging herself in the on the car ride home. She said Northwest region’s event for the she wanted to ride with her the seventh time. following year (2008). Bray wasn’t She was inspired to participate in the clear from attempting in her first ride in 2007 by her the STP again. She participated brother, Charles Latch. She in 2008, 2009, 2010. She told explained she has learned a lot everybody 2010 would be her last about what it takes to complete time riding in the event. the enduring journey since her In 2017, family members first ride. expressed interest in the enduring She familarized herself with journey. Her brothers and the route and what type of bicycle nephews helped spark the interest is most suitable to complete the again and Bray entered the 2017 challenge. The first time she rode STP. in the STP, her sister, Selena, let She explained that in 2018 her borrow a bicycle, gear and her brother, Kevin, approached other necessities to participate. her with strong intentions of Admittedly, she was unaware attempting the ride. At dinner, of essentials needed for the Kevin told her, “I’m signing us up performance, such as a water for the STP.” canteen, lock-in shoes, bike shorts She committed somewhat and a suitable bike. unwillingly to take the ride with Over the finish line Kevin last year, which was 205 Siblings Sheilah and Kevin Bray capture a memory during this year’s miles. Kevin came really close to Seattle to Portland ride before kicking off the 207-mile endurance trip. She didn’t tell many people completing, but told himself he about attempting the more would reach the finish line the makes a huge difference,” Bray said. than 200-mile ride because she following year. Overcoming difficulties After learning from prior didn’t want to create any high Therefore, she decided to brave In addition to a lack of training experiences, she purchased what expectations. She said she took a the ride again this year. The route and preparation, Bray said the is referred to as a “century bicycle,” brief break after riding for a few becomes slightly longer each summer heat causes difficulties one intended for 100-mile rides. hours beyond Longview. year, and the most recent was a and is something riders don’t The bicycle she made the 2019 She asked a fellow STP whopping 207 miles. always anticipate. The hardest ride on was a Felt brand. participant how far they had to Along with the gratitude of part of the ride for her is climbing She wants to let community go. He told her that they were only reaching the finish line, Bray’s the mile-long hill in the city of members know that if anyone 25 miles from the finish line. favorite part is biking through Puyallup. is thinking about attempting “That’s when I realized, I’m Joint Base Lewis-McChord “It feels like it’s straight up,” the STP, she would be happy going to finish,” Bray said. because of the open road and Bray described. to provide advice and general With blisters on her hands and beautiful scenery. “The type of bike you’re riding guidelines.

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Community members gathered outside of the Tribal Center to send off the Chehalis Canoe Family with prayers and wishes for a safe paddle. JOURNEY From page 1 ‘It was pretty amazing. instructing and keeping order Everyone has their own among everyone in the canoe. The reasons for coming out skipper gives encouragement and motivation to the crew. here. For me, it’s the “It was pretty amazing,” Delamater said. experience as a whole. “Everyone has their own I get to meet new people reasons for coming out here,” Delamater said. “For me, it’s the from Hawaii to Alaska.’ experience as a whole. I get to – TODD DELAMETER, meet new people from Hawaii to CHEHALIS TRIBAL MEMBER Alaska. This is a way for people to get out and meet another person from another tribe. It’s the challenges of open-water pretty awesome to see everyone’s paddling. He explained this different points of view.” paddle took longer than expected The Chehalis Tribe flag whirls in the wind after the canoe family He continued participating in because the wind picked up and stationed the Tulap for the evening at the Tulalip resting point. the journey so he could be out on they worked hard paddling against the water and appreciate nature. the current in the afternoon. way,” White-Eagle said. “We with the Chehalis Family. For her, He enjoys going from village Struggles of paddling in decided that we need to do this for the journey is a way of healing, to village while the tribes show the canoes is very similar to our people to come together and be and honoring tribal ancestors. hospitality and generosity. the perseverance that Native able to practice our cultural ways.” She said time on the water Additionally, he described American ancestors endured as that it gives him the privilege of allows her to focus spiritually they used the rivers and ocean seeing the way it used to be before Continuing tradition and that this paddle was more waters as highways to travel. things changed and tribes isolated She also talked about how important to her because she Centuries ago, natives traveled themselves on their reservations. they acquired the canoe from a suffered the loss of her father and in both river and ocean canoes to Back then, the intertribal aspect Skokomish tribal member. other loved ones this year. was more prevalent. different tribal territories to meet After receiving the vessel, it “When I’m out there on the Going on the annual journey and trade with others. was repainted and given the name water, I just pray,” Daniels said. makes it possible for him to view Gail White-Eagle, whose Tulap. They had a three-month “Each pull is a prayer.” and understand how tribes used to Indian name is “SiSeeNaxAlt,” timeframe to prepare for their She said there are times where operate. helped form the original Chehalis first journey, which required work she struggles with the heat, getting “It gives you a glimpse into the Canoe Family in 2007 on the every single day leading up to the sunburned and battling wind and past,” Delamater said. Paddle to Lummi. She said launch. currents. traveling by canoe was a “way of White-Eagle is honored to During those moments, she History of paddling life” for generations and explained see everyone who continues this finds support through fellow After taking the 26-mile paddle her reason for helping put tradition on a yearly basis. Tribal paddlers. That momentum helps from Suquamish to Tulalip, together a canoe family. member Norma Daniels returned her get through those rough Delamater described some of “Our ancestors traveled this for her fourth summer of paddling patches. 5 YOUTH From page 1 The males Tribe’s territory and an area the who Chehalis people frequented prior participated to colonization. The tribe still in the journey owns land in the area west of the enjoy a town Chehalis. moment While at Rainbow Falls on together after July 10, the children explored swimming sacred land, and identified local and setting plants that native ancestors up camp gathered for food and medicine. at Percy’s The following day, a group Landing. that included those from the Youth Program, Chehalis Canoe Family and Community & Culture Department gathered at Independence Bridge to send off members of the 2019 Rites of Passage. The Canoe Family shared a song and said a prayer before they launched on the first leg of the passage. Sid Smith and Samuel Secena Philip Youckton, Events spoke about what it was like for Manager and Chehalis tribal them growing up along the river. member, helped coordinate the They both said how important it is event to recreate an activity that for them to witness this generation hasn’t been practiced in more than out on the water. 30 years. They told the youth that these moments and the trip down the Cherished memories Chehalis are times they will carry Youckton shared his thoughts with them forever. on the Rites of Passage and the purpose of sending youth down Encouraging a healthy life the traditional highways of the Decades ago, when the Rites of tribal people. The main goal was Passage was introduced, it was a to introduce the youth to the river. program meant to keep the youth It also encouraged the rest of the away from drugs and alcohol tribe to discover more about the abuse, something the tribe dealt Chehalis River. with daily. “It’s a learning experience for Although this year’s message all of us – the staff, families and wasn’t focused on substance kids all involved,” Youckton said. abuse, tribal elders briefly The youth paddled from addressed the issue and said that Independence Bridge to Percy’s by participating in events such as Landing, a well-known area of the Rites of Passage, it will help the river. They set up tents and keep youth out of trouble and camped for the night. ultimately lead to better lifestyles. Youngsters cooked dinner and The next morning, they broke listened to stories told by tribal down camp. Dan shared Coastal elders and tribal linguist Dan Participants of the Rites of Passage cruise by the Balch fishing and Penn. See YOUTH, page 6 swimming hole during their paddle down the Chehalis River.

Youth Program members stand in admiration while sending off the Rites of Passage bunch. Many were inspired to take the paddle down the river. 6

Andre Kluth and his grandfather practice paddling in a river canoe prior to taking the Rites of Passage. YOUTH From page 5 ‘We can only grow from Salish language by having the here. I think it was a big youth say a few words in the traditional language. step for our culture and our Next, they voyaged off in their connection to the river.’ canoes for the final excursion of the trip. The youth and adult – MISTY SECENA, CHEHALIS TRIBE’S chaperones paddled from Percy’s EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER Landing to their final stop at Oakville Boat Launch. The kids The new Main Street Bar at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel features live and that everyone in the canoe has paddled miles along some of the entertainment Fridays and Saturdays through Labor Day Weekend. to be on the same page. tribe’s most well-known vantage She explained that modern points such as Sickman Ford technology has diminished a lot Bridge and the Balch fishing/ of face-to-face interaction. The swimming hole. Main Street Bar opens Rites of Passage was an occasion “All together, I thought it was a for youth to spend quality time Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel great experience and I’m glad that together. Her daughter, Kylee, and recently completed renovation we did it,” Youckton said. husband went on the canoe trip on Main Street Bar, marking Youckton hopes to see the down the river. another milestone in the casino’s CHECK IT OUT program grow with more people Secena said at the moment recent renovations. participating next year. He would Lucky Eagle Casino & Motel’s it probably means more to Main Street Bar features like to see a lot of the adults who Main Street Bar is open herself, her husband and Kylee’s an all-new layout with didn’t have the opportunity to daily from 8 a.m.-2 a.m. grandparents than it did to her. new furniture, TVs, service spend time on the Chehalis River and features an all-new But she thinks Kylee as well as the equipment and décor. and take the Rites of Passage. happy hour from 5-7 p.m. rest of the youth will cherish this This summer, the Sunday-Thursday. Experience on the river experience forever. revamped bar is featuring live “I am beyond thankful for entertainment every Friday and Misty Secena, Chehalis Tribe’s everyone who pulled it off. It was a Saturday at 9 p.m. The lineup, Executive General Manager, said lot of work,” Secena said. “We can scheduled through Labor Day hosting special brewery she was “elated” about the event. only grow from here. I think it was weekend, features a mix of rock, takeovers, where local breweries She viewed it as an opportunity a big step for our culture and our country, comedy and jazz. feature their products on select to strengthen the tribe’s cultural connection to the river.” values. Main Street Bar also is Thursday evenings. She feels this involvement “fosters relationships and their connection with the tribe.” Secena grew up on the reservation most of her life, but her experience on the river was different. “I didn’t grow up in a fisherman’s family,” Secena said. “My whole summer as a kid, every year we would just walk down to the swings with all my cousins.” She had many adventures and created a lot of valued memories as her family and friends grew up on the river having fun. Secena’s first time on a canoe happened in adulthood, and she realized it was a lot harder than she expected She gained an understanding of how there are many aspects to a strong pull, such as synchronizing 7 august birthdays

Clockwise from far left: Johnny Bumgarner: Happy birthday honey! Love you, Marla. Natalie Pickernell: Happy birthday to my daughter, love Mom. Manny Medina: Happy birthday bro!! We love you. You’re doing great – keep it up. From Marla and family. Vincent Sanchez: Happy birthday. We love you! Grandma, Eric and Jojo.

MORE WISHES Monica Sanchez and Maria Morales: WAYNE BARR BRADLEY GITCHEL Happy birthday from MERLE BENDA JAMES GUNNELS your family. THOMAS BLACKETER WILLIAM HECK Kaiden Delgado: Happy birthday to my ALVIN BOYD ADRIAN HJELM-SNELL son. Love, Mom, Dad DOUGLAS BOYD FAITH HOHEISEL and your brothers and HENRIETTA BOYD JORDAN HOWE sister. SIPRIANNA BRACERO- AMANDA JENNINGS Kyle and Ron ROSEBAUGH Fanning: Happy JOVONNI JIMENEZ- SYLVANNA BRACERO SANCHEZ birthday my sons. Wishing you love, joy, JORDAN BRAY ANTHONY JOE peace and happiness. ADRIAN BROWN NYAH MCCRORY Love your Mom. MIKE BROWN AMIYAH MCELVIAN Rodney Boyd and RENESMEE BROWN ANDREA MCGOUGH Doug Boyd Sr.: Happy birthday from JOHNNY BUMGARNER KLY MEAS your family! LON BURGESS MANNY MEDINA Allen Bush: Happy JENEE BURNETT L’REE MINTHORNE birthday to my Adrian Brown: Happy birthday from all of us! RYAN BURNETT SARAH MYER “crazy” younger brother. I have loved ALLEN BUSH MAKYA ORTIVEZ-HICKS MISTY SECENA ANTHONY YOUCKTON JR. having you here with MARK COLSON VICTORIA PARENT DAWSON SLIGHTE DALTON YOUCKTON me and look forward to more time doing KAIDEN DELGADO HAKAN PHILLIPS RILEY SMITH GERALDINE YOUCKTON sibling stuff. I love KYLE FANNING GERALD PICKERNELL III LEE STARR OWEN YOUCKTON you corn dog, from RON FANNING NATALIE PICKERNELL STARLA STARR PRESTON YOUCKTON your big sis “Boss.” OSTYNN FARRIER SALLY PICKUTARK LATAYA TANNER SHEENA YOUCKTON Lataya Tanner: Happy birthday, love ELIZABETH FULTON MILA ROGERS WILLIAM THOMS Gramma, Papa and KAYLEEN FULTON JOSEPH SANCHEZ ROSE WILLIAMS family. SHAYLEEN FULTON LEO SANCHEZ ARES WITTWER Mila Rogers: Happy PAUL GIBSON MONICA SANCHEZ ASHLEY WITTWER birthday from all of us! CYNTHIA YAWN ANTHONY YOUCKTON 8 YOUTH

The Youth Program invited International Youth Fellowship to host a three-day camp teaching leadership, global awareness and intercultural tolerance. Helping kids learn, grow, thrive Meet Youth Center get off of the school bus. “They always greet me with a employees who share smile and give me hugs,” Medina enthusiasm and energy said. “I just like interacting with them. They are always a lot of During summer vacation, the Tony fun.” Youth Center holds a six-week He can tell, just by the looks Talisa program to keep tribal youth Medina on their faces, how their days are active and engaged. YOUTH going. Medina does his best to Baker They make sure the kids CENTER create smiles and laughs for the YOUTH receive breakfast, lunch and a MANAGER youth. COORDINATOR snack in the afternoon. They “It’s not work when you love take various trips to locations ‘IT’S NOT WORK it,” he said. ‘IT’S COOL TO SEE HOW across the region. WHEN YOU LOVE IT.’ The youngsters help Medina DEEP THEY ARE INTO This summer, the schedule maintain a youthful spirit. He is filled with numerous admits that working with them THEIR IMAGINATION.’ Tony Medina has worked for ventures to keep youth active for years gives him an excuse to and involved. Throughout the the program for 26 years. His not grow up. Youth Coordinator Talisa Baker months of July and August, they responsibilities include coming up He has a collection of vehicles, has worked for the tribe for four organized outings such as going with activities for the program. mainly motorcycles, and classic years and with the Youth Center to the movie theatre, bowling, Medina said the kids really cars and trucks. for three. swimming at Great Wolf Lodge loved the bowling trip this year. “When it’s sunny outside, I She described herself as and a visit to Northwest Trek. They take over the whole alley for like to drive a different Harley Medina’s “right-hand man.” On tap for August: the afternoon as the youth knock every day,” Medina said. “I feel Baker fills in for Medina at Boomshaka, a Tacoma Rainiers down pins and enjoy a day of really lucky.” various events and represents the game, swimming and a hotdog friendly competition. He drove a ’68 Shovelhead Youth Center at gatherings he’s roast at Millerslyvania Park. “They are exercising and they on the day of the interview. He unable to attend. On the days field trips aren’t don’t even know it,” Medina said. said “I bought that one two years Along with taking care of on the itinerary, the youth play “We try to keep them exercising ago. I bought myself my own the financial aspects of the dodgeball and kickball, swim and having fun.” Christmas present.” department, she helps plan and and enjoy arts and crafts. They Medina and his staff host an He explained it’s significant handle the logistics prior to field also participated in a three-day annual back-to-school event, this because his first Harley in 1974 trips, ensure the program has leadership camp. year on Aug. 14. was a ’68 Shovelhead. “I bought enough food monthly and come Meet our Youth Center staff: During the school year, that one to take me back to when Youth Center Manager Medina greets the youth as they I was young.” See STAFF, page 9 9

The youth program has opened dodgeball, and basketball with STAFF up many doors for her. Baker’s the children in the program. From page 8 job allows her to be creative His favorite part about his up with the arts and crafts the and spend time with the youth job is being able to teach the youth create throughout the program. youth new games and helping year. Along with organizing the She enjoys being around the Geo them develop and hone their summer program, she helps plan younger children in the program. basketball abilities. after-school activities throughout “They are so carefree … and it’s Jack Jack enjoys all of the field the school year. cool to see how deep they are into YOUTH trips but really likes when they “The small part that I get to their imagination,” Baker said. CENTER go to Boomshaka. He gets out play in their daily lives is amazing,” “I’m still learning new things, ASSISTANT there with the youth to jump Baker said. although I’ve been here for three around on the trampolines. She enjoys having the privilege years,” she explained. “I’m so ‘IT’S GREAT WORKING WITH Jack is a part of the day-to- of seeing the youth every day appreciative for being able to play TONY. HE HAS TAUGHT ME A day lives of tribal youth. He and getting to know them on a the small part that I’m able to play LOT OVER THE PAST YEAR.’ said he appreciates watching personal level. in these kids’ lives.” the kids grow and mature Baker has three children and Baker loves working with physically and mentally. a fourth on the way. She is always Medina. “Tony is great,” she said. Youth Center Assistant He has direct family members around children, both at work and “We make a great team.” Geo Jack has worked with the that are part of the program. at home. She spends a lot of time She said she hope he stays with program for a year. He worked This job allows him to keep a attending her children’s sporting the program for years to come at the tribal gas station before closer eye on them and play a events and traveling different and that she wouldn’t be able to switching to his current position. bigger role in their lives as well. places with her family. do her job without Medina. He said being the Youth Jack said the youth have Center Assistant is a lot different taught him to “look at things from his previous job. He gets from all perspectives.” He to work with children all day understands that life isn’t as a privilege.” instead of dealing with uneasy simple as viewing things from She gets enthusiasm from customers. one angle, rather it’s about having being a part of and witnessing Jack’s main responsibility is an open mind and knowing that her own tribal youth learn and making sure the youth are safe each individual is unique. grow. As Youth Center Assistant, and secure. He has followed “It’s great working with Tony Amanda Jennings has focused on working Medina’s mindset of keeping (Medina),” Jack said. “He has with some of the older children in youth active during the day in a taught me a lot over the past Jennings their adolescent stage of life. way that they are staying healthy year. Every time that I have a YOUTH She is revamping the Youth while having fun. A lot of the question, he is always there to CENTER Council, a group that develops time, Jack is playing kickball, answer it.” ASSISTANT skills that will assist with becoming an adult. Members take part in ‘WATCHING THEM LEARN activities with more responsibility AND GROW AND PLAY IS designed to keep that age group motivated and out of trouble. NONPROFIT AGENCY SERVES REALLY A PRIVILEGE.’ Jennings said Medina has taught her a lot, even when she CHEHALIS, NISQUALLY, Youth Center Assistant Amanda was a child frequenting the Youth SHOALWATER BAY, Jennings has worked since she Center. Now, she’s able to work for SQUAXIN ISLAND AND was 16. Prior to joining the Medina and continues to learn how SKOKOMISH TRIBAL Youth Center, she was with Early to care for the youth and maintain COMMUNITIES Learning. She has known and a positive attitude. He’s taught her interacted with this generation how to be a helpful individual. Donate today! since they were very young. Jennings likes to spend time “Growing up in this community, enjoying Native American cultural then being able to watch these activities with her son. She kids learn and grow is awesome,” wants him to know his heritage REZ ANIMAL Jennings said. “Watching them and culture to give him a better learn and grow and play is really understanding of his background. RESOURCES & EDUCATION

Thanks to donations, we offer: n Spay/neuter USDA food program n Emergency vet care The SPIPA’s program offers an assortment of food n Animal rescue to fill your freezer, refrigerator and cupboards. The n Adoption next date is Sept. 16 from 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Chehalis Tribal Community Center. CONTACT

SIGN UP: Call Debra Shortman at 253-370-6392, 360-709-1689 or 360-438-4216 from rezanimals.com 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday 10 WELLNESS staff profiles

Christina Rolfe Melissa Roose QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COORDINATOR MEDICAL BILLING ASSISTANT

Christina Rolfe has worked Melissa Roose has worked for the tribe for eight years, in the medical field since 1997 previously in the tribal dental and started with the tribe in department. June of 2019. Her first thoughts Before becoming employeed working with the Chehalis Tribe with the Chehalis Tribe, were that “everyone here is very she worked in Tenino for 12 welcoming.” years. She said transitioning The staff gave her a tour and from Tenino was a natural introduced her to members of adjustment because the town is other departments. This gave community-oriented. her a sense of comfort and The Chehalis Tribe is a understanding of how different family operation with tight- parts of the tribe operate. knit community bonds. She enjoys learning all of In the first couple of months, she has focused on the family connections among tribal members and learning her job functions and exactly what she will being able to see the growth and development of be responsible for as the billing assistant. individuals. She is working on invoices for the Wellness As the Quality Improvement Coordinator, Rolfe Center’s pharmacy and organizes and takes care is responsible for numerous roles such as quality of lab bills. The dental office is creating a database care, risk management and the health professional program that Roose will help use to start assisting licensure and credential process. with dental claims. Rolfe helps ensure that patients who visit the The Wellness Center Wellness Center receive quality care and that they operates as a team and relies are comfortable and safe when seeking assistance ‘It’s very family on learning and resources from various staff members at the clinic. Constant friendly and from all staff members. efforts to build comfort and trust among the She works with numerous community are made by everyone at the Wellness very community- collegues on a daily basis. Center. A majority of tasks she Also, Rolfe is responsible for the Accreditation oriented.’ had completed up to this Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), – MELISSA ROOSE point have come from help which is in charge of provision of quality health provided by tribal employees care through development and implementation of that know the ins and outs nationally recognized standards. This is to ensure of the clinic. patients are receiving the best care possible. Her co-workers are there to answer questions Once the tribe becomes fully accredited, and provide advice on various subjects. She Rolfe will be responsible for maintaining that explained that coming from the private sector, accreditation and keeping operations up to national operations are vastly different within the tribal standards. realm. Ultimately, she wants to help assist individuals This is Roose’s first time with a tribe. She live happier, healthier lives. Rolfe and the tribal recognizes that a majority of the care provided is clinic are seeking feedback from patients to help tribal- or employee-based. She said billing matters better serve them on an individual basis. are more straightforward because she doesn’t work Although she transitioned positions, Rolfe still directly with patients regarding billing, rather she wants to help out in any aspect. She keeps her works with insurance agencies. dental assisting registration and licensure current Roose said she has met and interacted with so she is able to help in the dental office whenever nice people within the community. “It’s very family they need assistance. friendly and very community-oriented.” Rolfe has three children who are entering early Family is an important part of Roose’s life. She adulthood. She explained that all of her children loves spending time with her husband and 16-year- participated in athletic events as they grew up. A old daughter in the outdoors. She said she grew majority of her free time was spent attending games up spending a lot of time in nature with her father and practices, which involves a lot of traveling. With when they fished together. her children grown up, she is adjusting to a new “I knew how to bait my own hook before I lifestyle as she’s sending them off to college. learned how to ride a bike,” Roose said. 11

Fabulous Fourth of July The Chehalis Reservation was abuzz this holiday season as tribal stands sold an impressive collection of fireworks that made the Fourth spirited and memorable.

Tribal elders enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks show on the Chehalis Reservation.

Above: Families line up to check out and buy fireworks from the Burnett’s stand in Thunder Valley. Right: Stand owner Ted Gleason prepares for the Fourth of July celebration with joyful customers decked out in festive colors. For more pictures from the Fourth, check out Above and left: Thousands of people traveled Page 12 from the surrounding area to witness this year’s show put on by the Chehalis Tribe. CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER The Confederated Tribes NEWSLETTER STAFF of the Chehalis Reservation, Frazier Myer, Fred Shortman, ‘People of the Sands’ Audra J. Hill and the Articles and opinions expressed Information Technology Team are not necessarily those of this TRIBAL CENTER publication or the Chehalis Tribal Business Committee. Main line: 360-273-5911 Address: 420 Howanut Road SUBMISSIONS Oakville, WA 98568 Office: 360-709-1726 We encourage tribal members BUSINESS COMMITTEE chehalistribe.org to submit letters, articles, Fax: 360-273-5914 © copyright 2019 photographs and drawings to Harry Pickernell Sr. Chairman be considered for publication VISION STATEMENT Jessie Goddard: The Chehalis Tribal in the newsletter (materials are To be a thriving, self- Vice Chairman Newsletter is a subject to editing). Contributing sufficient, sovereign Sheilah Bray: Treasurer publication of the writers, artists and photographers people, honoring our David Burnett: Secretary Confederated Tribes include Chehalis tribal community past and serving current Leroy Boyd Sr.: of the Chehalis members and staff. and future generations. Fifth Council Member Reservation

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Clockwise from above: Barnaby Canales and his assistants prepared for the big show with hundreds of salutes and a grand finale. The crowd watched in awe as the display of lights and booms went off. Families and friends shopped at tribal members’ fireworks stands. Owning a stand and selling fireworks is a tradition that dates back decades for many of the Chehalis people.