Yooyoolah COWLITZ “One who calls” Spring 2020 Tribal News NINTH EDITION Everyone is Helping However They Can supported and in fellowship During a time of great with each other. challenge related to In mid of March, the COVID-19, many rose to Coronavirus response the occasion. Volunteers from the program was came into the program extraordinary – the program offering sacred plants staff and volunteers mobilized to make tea. Tribal in a way that is to be admired. Chairman Bill Iyall and The program had provided Kara Fox -LaRose from 120 weekly meals, and, in 10 ilani provided food days, that number jumped to donations from the 1,460 meals ready to go. casino resort. The gift Deb Mizner filleting fresh fish in the of staples such as toilet Garden in Toledo. The meals were frozen in paper, cleaning products, packs of ten. Elders were Elders Program Manager and and potatoes were all identified, elders called into the Cowltiz Tribal Member, Deb given with a good heart phone number, and resources Mizner has a deep and abiding and determination to Cowlitz Cultural department employee, Emma Johnson, delivers food package to our were rallied. Outreach was loyalty to meeting the needs of help the tribe. elders Photo taken at Cowlitz Crossing Convient Parking lot. provided to Clark, Thurston, The community gardenThe efforts, made by so many, is Elders. Pierce, Cowlitz, and Lewis Amid the pandemic, Chairman coordinator, Cindy Callahan, is The program has grown in 2020 counites. The EmergencyIyall maintained the position, the realization of personal values with tribal support providing Management Services team, “How can we sustain this great a crucial source of support for for service to the people – service congregate meals in Vancouver, headed up by Aaron Workman, effort?” This perspective was vital Elders at St Mary’s. Cindy was to the forever people – is an Longview, and Tukwila.Thededicated a driver to the program in developing funding strategies most recently instrumental in honor to document and support. services were welcomed at all needs. The load was distributed and local resource lists for keeping the residents engaged the sites and the elders were to cook and package, rather than elders, a group best supported by in the “help as you can,” garden Nadja Jones genuinely pleased in feeling cook, package and deliver. practicing social distancing. efforts. Director of Human Services COVID-19: Prioritizing Safety and Communication 2020 Annual Meeting as well as local health authorities local authorities. 6. If you are a person with a serious infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland in Washington and Oregon. The 2. If you feel sick, stay home. Do underlying health condition We are in very challenging times situation is fluid and we cannot that can put you at increased Security, such as healthcare not go to work. Contact your as we work together to maintain predict how it will develop, with risk (for example, a condition services and pharmaceutical and essential government services for updated postings as we learn medical provider. that impairs your lung or heart food supply, you have a special the Cowlitz Tribe in the face of more. 3. If your children are sick, keep function or weakens your responsibility to maintain your the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Keep Safe Recommendations them at home. Do not send immune system), stay home normal work schedule. You and virus. them to school. Contact your and away from other people. your employers should follow We will need to postpone the At the time of this writing, the medical provider. CDC guidance to protect your Governor in Washington and 7. Even if you are young or health at work. June General Council meeting. 4. If someone in your household otherwise healthy, you are at This matter will be discussed in Oregon have declared that • Avoid social gatherings in all schools in Washington and has tested positive for the risk and your activities can further at Tribal Council, with coronavirus, keep the entire increase the risk for others. groups of more than 10 people. the proper notice to follow. Oregon will be closed for the household at home. Do not go It is critical that you do your • Avoid eating or drinking in The Cowlitz Tribe has been remainder of the school year, to work. Do not go to school. part to stop the spread of the bars, restaurants, and food monitoring the progression of public and private. The federal government has provided the Contact your medical provider. coronavirus: courts – use drive-thru, pickup, the novel coronavirus disease, or delivery options. COVID-19, and is following all following list of recommendations: 5. If you are an older person, stay • Work or engage in schooling guidance issued by the Centers for 1. Listen to and follow the home and away from other from home whenever possible. • Avoid discretionary travel, Disease Control and Prevention directions of your state and people. • If you work in a critical continued on pg 14 2 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Chairman’s Corner **Postponed and will be rescheduled** Given the continued Sports Betting rapid evolution of the General Council Meeting situation, this is clearly The tribal sports betting bills, the most prudent step House Bill 2638 and Senate ilani Casino that we can take, to Bill 6394, were both heard in Cowlitz Ballroom protect our staff and Committee early March. It won their families and as a 60% vote of both houses to pass 1 Cowitz Way responsible members of the legislation and has been signed a global community. by the Governor. Ridgefield, WA 9864 The shutdown of ilani Tribal Tax Settlement Enrollment Card & photo ID required commenced March Questions call (360) 577-8140 17, 2020, at midnight House Bill 2803 bill passed both and continue at least houses and has been signed by through May 4. At the the Governor. It is the result of the proposed settlement between time of this writing, Speaks, who headed the Portland recognition, with a document Cowlitz Crossing the state and the Tulalip Tribes regarding taxes on Tribal lands. office of the federal Bureausigning ceremony in Washington, remained open and fully of Indian Affairs during the D.C., attended by several tribal functional, with drive- The bill authorizes compacts allowing tribes to retain all or a period when the Cowlitz sought members, marked that milestone. thru service from their recognition and his signature Many of those present then shared full-service deli and portion of the state $0.065 sales tax and related B&O taxes. Tribes for our initial reservation; Dr. the stories. In 2002, the federal menu available 24/7. Stephen Beckham, Portland State government affirmed the Cowlitz The Cowlitz Tobacco would receive 100% of the tax up to $500,000 (approximately University professor who assisted recognition decision, after Outlet remained open the tribe in gaining federal rejecting the Quinault appeal. Klahowya! and fully functional. $7.8m of sales), up to 50% of the tax over $500,000 on current recognition; Don Stose, mayor of Ridgefield; Greg Thornton, **Those in attendance received ilani We will continue to watch for businesses, and 60% of the tax on a plaque commemorating the new development. mayor of La Center; Clark County Because the health and safety of new information and guidance 20-year anniversary. Additional from the CDC, local public health Councilor Julie Olson; and labor employees and guests is our top Construction update leader Ed Barnes, who helped plaques will be available at the priority, we have been monitoring authorities and Governor Jay General Council meeting. If Inslee’s office, which the tribe organize union labor workers for the progression of COVID-19 and Swinerton Builders’ work you are unable to attend in works cooperatively with, and the casino construction project. following guidance by both the continues on the 6-story, 2600 person but would like to receive adjust our approach if necessary. space Parking Garage and the Also, on hand were tribal a plaque, please contact Selena at CDC and local health officials for ilani is committed to operating in a businesses such as ours. It is with a widening of Cowlitz Way, which council members Patricia [email protected]. manner that ensures the wellbeing is scheduled for completion in the LaPierre and Kathy Regan-Pyne, heavy heart that the Tribal Council of its guests and team members. fall of 2020. Native Vote has made the difficult decision to representing the Mohegan Tribe This will remain our guiding light from Connecticut. Dr. Beckham, temporarily cease operations at We met again in March with Washington State’s Native as we evaluate decisions going who worked with the Cowlitz ilani due to this emergent public forward. Friedmutter Architects and our American Voting Rights Act, or health crisis. development partners to continue on federal recognition effort for NAVRA, adopted by the state Business at all ilani operations planning for our hotel, with a spa, 21 years, recounted the delays legislature on March 5, 2019, Table of Contents: continued to grow for early pool, and rooftop bar. The hotel between the time documents were helped fix each of these challenges. numbers for 2020, exceeding our expansion will also include a Kids submitted to federal officials and Congress should consider similar Elders News...... 1 budget estimates. Quest center for our younger the time assessments of those provisions as they work to documents were received, noting addresses voting rights issues COVID-19...... 1 guests. We are planning for CTGA Board Vacancy additional gaming and a sports that years would go by before nationwide. Chiarman’s Corner...... 2 bar in the currently undeveloped a notice of deficiency would be Vice-Chair Report...... 3 The application process for issued. Specifically, Washington’s candidates to fill the vacancy on 17,000 sq. ft on the northwest NAVRA allows: Planning...... 3 the CTGA Board remains open. corner of the casino. We officially submitted Public Safety...... 4 The CTGA Board is working with documents to the federal • Tribal citizens in Washington State to use tribal I.D.s to register Enrollment...... 5 the HR Committee to review the 20th Year Anniversary government seeking applications, conduct interviews, of Recognition acknowledgment in 1978, to vote. 2020 Census...... 6 and make recommendations for although efforts were made to do Education...... 7 The tribe celebrated the 20th • Tribes to request that at least appointments to the Tribal Council. that even earlier than that when one ballot box be located on their Culture...... 7-8 anniversary of recognition with the Cowlitz leadership did not the largest turnout ever. More reservation. The tribe can choose Vets...... 8 sign treaties with the United States the location. than 500 people took part in government in 1855. GWE...... 9 Compact Negotiations: a special program at ilani, on • Tribal citizens to use Community...... 10-11 February 16, marking 20 years We thanked the leaders of the nontraditional residential We met with the state Gambling past, including John Barnett’s Tribal Council Roster...... 12 since the Cowlitz Indian Tribe addresses for voter registration. Commission in January to gained official recognition by the work in Washington DC and Boards & Committees...... 13 work on our proposed Gaming The location of the tribally federal government. the work of others in the past, designated ballot box can serve as Tribal News...... 14-15 Compact changes. Overall their including Frank Iyall early in the response has been positive, and The day began with a prayer by their address, which is especially HHS Services...... 16-21 20th century as our delegate in important for homeless citizens we will continue to meet to Tribal Spiritual Leader Tanna Washington DC. Natural Resources...... 21 hammer out the details. The next Engdahl, songs by our drum and others without a stable residence. Ilani...... 22-23 compact amendment will include group and great historical On Valentine’s Day 2000, sports betting. recollection by our guests: Stan we gained official federal Continued to page 3 3 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020

Chairman’s Corner Gaming & Resorts and Tribal continued from pg 2 business enterprises. Orlando Vice Chairman’s Report Tribal Manager has experience in health care, education, housing, employment to date information from with Clark Fire and Rescue and general welfare, planning the Tribe. is working out well and our and development of the Tribes’ Here is a brief update reservation and properties Strategic Plans. Orlando was CEO on other Cowlitz Tribal are well protected for fire and for Tribal Economic Development emergency medical services. organization that consists of 10 activities. The Tribe Business Enterprises, generating is working to take an I am proud to report that the approximately $600M in revenue additional 47 acres into Cowlitz Indian Tribe now has a annually and over 1,000 jobs. trust. Those properties— great Public Safety Department Orlando earned two (2) Master’s now owned by the Tribe— and Tribal Court. Many degrees – MBA from American are west of our current Intercontinental University and thanks to our tribal members, reservation. There have employees, and elected leaders Master of Legal Studies from been several changes at New tribal manager Orlando Moreno for making this happen. Arizona State University. He the Bureau of Indian received his bachelor’s degree in Affairs in the fee to trust As I have always said, when the We are pleased to announce that Business / Management from the Orlando Moreno, MBA, MLS, University of Phoenix. Orlando process, with many federal Cowlitz People work together, CIMA was hired as the new Tribal holds numerous certifications agencies standing down. we will not be stopped. Again, Manager. Orlando has extensive including: Certified Investment We are confident that I hope everyone is safe and tribal government operations Management Analyst (CIMA®), we will be able to move healthy. It continues to be an and tribal business experience. forward on this matter. honor and privilege to serve the The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is Orlando, an enrolled member of Cowlitz Indian Tribe the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation committed to our people, our At the time of this writing, The Tribe continues to of Arizona, has more than 28 families and our community. there is great uncertainty about work with Clark County on our Vice-Chair, Philip Harju years’ work experience in diverse The aggressive steps we are taking COVID-19. I hope that all of inter-governmental agreements fields – Tribal Governments,in the days and weeks ahead will you are safe and have support and with payments for services. Indian Gaming & Resorts, help prevent the spread of COVID during these difficult times. We are currently working on Tribal Business Development, 19. Our proactive approach will Tribal leadership is looking an agreement to get our police Cowlitz Information Technology, Finance help us to maintain essential government services. out for the best interests of officers commissions with the Tribal News and Law. Orlando has 15 years’ our Tribe and the needs of Clark County Sheriff for our senior-level experience in Tribal AMR our people. Cowlitz Members police officers. I can report YOOYOOLAH government operations, Indian Chairman Bill Iyall should use our website to get up that our inter-local agreement This publication does not reflect opinions of editorial staff and should not Planning Committee Update contain any defamatory, Like so many other parts of the next steps of planning. The strategies we will be pursuing Most recently, the Planning malicious, libelous Cowlitz Tribal operations, Setting Sun Institute is led by to improve the efficiency and Committee has played a key statements or personal Strategic Planning has been Tribal Leaders from the Lummi effectiveness of the Tribal Council. role in planning and hosting attacks on individuals, delayed by the Coronavirus. and Swinomish tribes. We are the Listening Sessions. We staff, tribal organizations, We will work to strengthen trust Before this delay, the Planning honored that they will partner have had successful listening administration or the and enhance communication, Committee selected the Setting with the Cowlitz Tribal Council sessions in Tukwila and at Little Cowlitz Indian Tribe as a Sun Institute as our consultant to to move our planning efforts develop a Tribal Council Creek Casino. We will schedule whole. work with the Tribal Council on forward. We have a number of governance manual, develop job additional listening sessions once descriptions, and identify we know that the Corona Virus is Editoral Team: training needs for Tribal under control. Council members, improve Bill Iyall communication between To facilitate communication Dan Meyer Tribal Council and Tribal among Tribal Council and to Dave Martinson administrative units. make Tribal Council more Becky Blue efficient, we have been issued Heather Kraft We recently selected Surface Tablets. Tribal Council Amanda Workman two new members to the will also have new email addresses Nichole Meyers Planning Committee. and will be able to access most Tiffini Alexander The two new membersdocuments that are needed for Emma Johnson are both Cowlitz tribal Tribal Council meetings by using David Doucette members. Kristopher Kitz the Surface tablets. This is the Patty Kinswa-Gaiser is a healthcare consultant result of an initiative from the Whitney Mosback who lives in Gig Harbor. Planning Committee. He has extensive strategic Questions? planning experience. Diane Your Planning Committee E: [email protected] Riley is the second new members are Dan Meyer, Phil member. Diane is a Cowlitz Harju, Kim Stube, Kris Kitz, Diane P: 360.577.8140 Riley, Christine Myers Secretary, elder living at St. Mary’s. DIGITAL VERSION ON: She has extensive business Debbie Hassler Vice-Chair, and www.cowlitz.org experience, including myself, Chair. managing a private business. Jerry Iyall, [email protected] 4 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020

Department of Public Safety Submit your news to ilani and the Commander Brian Warren Cowlitz Tribal News surrounding and Senior Officer Jeff Pfluger YOOYOOLAH areas of the have all been cross deputized in Cowlitz Lewis county, which enforces Send us your articles, art, business info, photographs, Indian Tribe and develops a strong bond and events for our upcoming edition. reservation. between the Lewis County The PublicSheriff’s Department and us. Submissions must contain the following to be published: Safety Our department had planned Department is events such as a Drug Take Articles very involved in Back, Law Enforcement Torch Word or similar format the community for Special Olympics and Less than 500 words and strives a basketball game between to build the Cowlitz Tribal Police Title of the article relationships Department and Ridgefield Written by credits with our Police Department. However, Email neighboring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Phone Number Harvest Meal: Jake Jackson (Ambassador) Susan Andersen,cities, government Brian Warren, Christine Duitman, Jennifer Jackson event scheduling has changed. Pictures info (see below) offices and police Contact our department for The Cowlitz Indian Tribal departments. further details. Photos Public Safety Department We are involved in many We are working with the continues to grow and expand organizations and events in IT department to develop a High resolution original Clark County, including most our services on the reservation. webpage for the Public Safety No embedded pictures recently the Senior and Law The Police Department Department to include all of Clearly named currently has a staff of 19 Enforcement employees, including 16 Talks (SALT) Numbered by preference officers, two office staff, and luncheon, Photo Credits one dedicated employee to where Persons and description Emergency Management. community law Articles may be edited at the discretion of the editing In recent months we have enforcement staff and become the property of the Cowlitz Tribe. obtained Aaron Workman officers as our Assistant Emergency gather to PO Box 2547, 1055 9th Ave. Management Coordinator, serve lunch Longview, WA 98632 Senior Officer Jeff Pfluger, to the senior P: (36 0) 577- 8140 Senior Officer Todd Hill, and citizens E: [email protected] Corina Curtis as Detective. of our All these officers come to us community Next edition submissions due Wednesday, August 5th 2020 with years of experience and and answer dedication to law enforcement. questions. We are always accepting submissions Protecting the sovereignty This is a of the Tribe is our first and very popular Jennifer Jackson – Public Safety Administrative Assistant( Halloween event and Youth Event 2019 ) Thank you to the many submissions we received for this edition. foremost responsibility and We appreciate your time and hard work spent on your articles. ensuring that the public is safe takes place while on the reservation. With monthly throughout the year in our community events and the addition of our new officers various locations in the county. calendar for the year ahead and and detective, we are now able Assistant Chief of Police, look forward to rolling that out Legal Department Update to provide 24-hour coverage to Duane Garvais Lawrence, within the next sixty days. We hope everyone is as anxious Sara Bagheri as a second Staff as we are for Spring! Since the last Attorney. Sara is a returning I Have Blankets to Gift You publication, Alicia Derry has left I know many of you have been patiently waiting, as is the Cowlitz way, and they have finally Cowlitz Indian Tribe employee, arrived! They are beautiful and I’m so happy to share these with you. It is the highlight of our employ. We appreciate all of having worked for the Cultural my life to be able to give back to the Cowlitz people her hard work and wish her well Resources Department in 2007- and to fulfill the promise I made to my father, former in her future endeavors. Chairman, John Barnett. 2008. She was admitted to the Contact me 206-707-5765 or [email protected] I In February, we hired Keegan Texas Bar in 2009 and enjoyed will ship them to you as soon as possible. Thank you, Bordeaux as a Staff Attorney a decade of legal practice before Dave Barnett, Founder of Ilani and Tribal Council Member. for our department. Keegan is an returning with her husband and If you are a tribal member who has not received enrolled member of the Rosebud (almost) 2-year old daughter to this gift from me, please let me know. It makes my Sioux Tribe, born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. day when I hear from you after you receive it! I am Nebraska. He has a five-year-old dedicated to continue to provide these gifts to every Please join Phil and Lori in Cowlitz member over the age of 18. It is a gift from son and enjoys watching soccer. welcoming them to the Cowlitz my heart to yours. We also very recently hired Legal Department. 5 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Missing Contact Information Enrollement Updates for the Following Tribal Members Abbott, Alvin E Dill, Cyndi Raven Rayn King, Courtney Rose Rockwood, Michael James Current Enrolled Members Albrecht, Shelly Christine Dill, Tazzmen Justice Kniss, Sandra Lee Roper, John Patrick The current enrolled population as of Amell, Katherine Ann Emily Dobson, Roger Lee Lane, David Mark Ruemker, Lena Maureen As of April 24, 2020 is 4251 Arthur, Jaxton Lee Dominick, Craig Martin Lang, Gayle Darlene Ruemker, Nicholas Andrew Arthur, Justin Andrew Lindsey, Mercedes Catherine Since Feburuary we have enrolled 33 new tribal Doneyson, Pailsey Rain Fay Russell, Debra Marie members, with multiple pending approval. Baker, David Bradley Dunckel, Brad Lee Link, Sheryl Diane Ryan, Isabella Joann Baker, Kaiden Christopher Dunckel, Dustin Dean Lorenz, Lindsey Ellen Ryan, Joshua Patrick Enrollment Requirements Baker, Kamryn Danielle Duprey, Meryl Wayne Lorenz, Trinity Ellen Ryan, Trinity Marie Baker, Ryan Robert Duprey, Suzanne Marie Lund, Gwendolyn Marie Samms, Michael James Our current enrollment criteria is as follows: Ballantyne, Benjamyn Charles Duprey, Thomas Gerard Mabry, Kimberly Ann Saunders, Troy Allen (applicants must meet all three) Ballantyne, Bryan Charles Duvall, Nicholas Sean McCoy, Clayton Wyatt Schwanz, Tracy Arthur Boles, Nancy Jane McMillon II, Micheal Allen 1- Applicant must be a direct lineal descendant of a Easley, Aaron Dean Simmons, Sarah Ruby Boles, William George Mefford, Kimberly Michelle Cowlitz Indian; Easley, Makayla Ann Sims, Evan Danielle Bouchard, Adam Oliver Miller, Cierra Lerae 2- Applicant must have a parent (mother or father) Eichler-Miller, Hyacinth Sims, Karen Joyce Bouchard, Stefanie Alta Donna Maxine Miller, Reece Andrew on the Cowlitz Tribal Roll; Smith, Andrew Edward Braley, Sean Ian Erickson, Robert William Miller, Vincent William 3- Applicant shall be no older than 12 months of Smith, Esther Maria age (effective 01/01/2006) orApplicant is 18 years Braley, Wendy Lee Fulton, Angela Michele Minkel, Glenn William of age and no more than 19 years of age (effective Smith, James R Bridges, L. Jacob Eli Galloway III, John Baxter Morrison, Lee Hoyt 06/06/2015) Smith, Jesse Lee Brown, Addison Nicole Galloway, Barbara Jane Morrison, Patricia Frances Smith, Keaton Vaughn Jaeger The constitutional change made in June 2018 allows Butterton Jr., Jason Allen Gilbert Jr, William David Morse, Jason David descendants whose parent did not enroll them Smith, Linda Lee by their first birthday to enroll themselves as an Campbell, Breanna Lynn Gilbert, Buddy Gene Mullins, Alecia Rae Smith, Melissa Roxanne adult between their 18th and 19th Birthdays. Campbell, William Bradley Gilbert, Darrell John Mullins, Shayna Lynn Smith, William Winfield Carnes Jr, Ryan Richard Gilbert, Kelly LaDon Mummey, Cheryl Rae Stalcup, Joyce Leslie We sadly report Carnes, Ryan Richard Gomez, Danika Jaide Myers, Daniel Lee Swaggard, Jeneen The following tribal members have passed away Casaw, Robin LeAnn Harris, Leslie Ervin Myers, Jason Ross Swanson, Thomas Allen Bonsall, Landon Lee Rohde, Lois Evangeline Charvat, Mary Lou Henry, Savannah Love Neilsen, Ricky Dean Swearingen, Daia Denise Borte, Joseph Edwin Roney, David Ciarfella, Michael Andrew Hiebert, Lisa Marie Newbaker, Raymond Russell Thomas, Eric V Deras, Theresa M Smith, Diana Lynn Clark, Kenneth Virgil Humbertson, Gretchen Jo Nichols, Marilyn Inez Thompson, Lucas Craig Myers, Steven Ross Torner, Richard Dean Clemente, Damon Hoisa Jackson, Zachary David Lee Norris, Shaylee Marie Tucker, Gwenith Christine Moore, Nancy Kay Weatherill, Louise Cloquet, Chance Michael James, Jacqueline Marie Otten, Delanie Mae Nelson, Christal Lee West-Hudson, Linda Valdez, August Analdo Cloquet, Joshua Michael James, Judith Ann Pardee, Betty Rose Whittle, Ronald Wesley Connolly, Gavin David James, William Julius Pearson, Elizabeth Anne They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind Williams, Jesse Hall Cornett, Michelle Lee Jones, Zada Mae Pearson, Ellen Grace -Tuscarora Williams, Raelene Ruth Corpuz, Deborah Kelleen Jordan, Antoinette Pellegrini, Mark Stephen Crabtree, Rebecca Lynn Christinia Perez, Lori Louise Wilson, Jeffrey John If you know of any tribal member or their families that are not Daniels, Chase Henry Judge, Janet LaVerne Pfohlman Jr., Donald Arthur Young Jr., William George receiving mailed tribal information or the newspaper, please have them contact the Enrollment Department. Dawson, Gary L Kacmarcik, Benjamin James Putas, Anthony Micheal Young-Brown, Kitana Reign Most likely they are on our Unknown Address List or the address is Dawson, Maurice R Kennedy, Edgar Lewis Rayman, Jeremy Lewis Zawistowski III, Vernon Lloyd not correct. Please have members contact the Enrollment Office to verify the address we have on file for them. Denney, Victoria Lynn King, Arnold Boyd Richards, Debra Ann Zawistowski Jr., Vernon Lloyd Enrollment- P: 360-575-3310 | E: [email protected] DeNobrega, Nio Arcenio King, Brooklyn Sonny Robinson, Stephanie Lynn 6 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Tribe’s 2020 Census Outreach and Education Klahowya! each “Person” in your household 1” identifies as AI/AN American and future housing funds for Census can filter responses for our communities. Please include duplicates, which makes sure that By now you should have received as appropriate. Indian or Alaska Native and everyone living in your home on our relatives are counted. This For some data sets pulled by does not check any other racial a postcard invitation to do the April 1st. is important because they may 2020 Census, or a Census form federal agencies, those who category boxes. The race of “Person 1” is used to categorize Count all children living in not be counted as Native in the in the mail. The United States indicate more than one race are Census group quarters counts. Census is a constitutionally excluded from the statistics used to the entire household despite the the home, including children mandated count of all people count American Indian or Alaska individual race declarations of the under 1 year old (indicate their Safe: Your response to the living in the United States and is Native (AI/AN) individuals and other household members. age as a zero), foster children, Census questionnaire is safe, crucial for federal distribution of families for purposes of funding All individuals who self-identify grandchildren, nieces and secure, and protected by federal funds to the Cowlitz Tribe, local, Tribal programs. If you declare as AI/AN on the Census will still nephews, and the children of law. Your answers are only used regional, and state governments more than one racial identity, be counted as Native individuals friends (even if they are living to create statistics and cannot be for infrastructure, programs, and you are categorized as “Two or with you temporarily).If you used against you in any way. By services. More Races” and placed into a have split custody of children, law, U.S. Census surveys are kept separate category along with all count those children on your completely confidential. Most of If you have not completed your non-Indians who also report form and indicate they live all, your response to the Census Census, it is not too late to do multiple races. somewhere else part of the helps improve future funding so! At the time of this article, the time. If you or anyone you possibilities for the Tribe and your Native Household Census is set to be open until know has Native foster local communities. August 14th, 2020. So, you can Counts: To be considered youth in their care, please Go to www.2020census.gov and still log on to www.2020census. a Native “Household,” the identify those youth as take just 10 minutes to fill it out. gov and respond, with or without “Person 1” on the Census Questionnaire needs to AI/AN and include their the special code. principle or affiliated tribe, Because Tribal events and be any person living in meetings are temporarily #COWLITZCOUNTS if known. your home, age 15 or older, postponed or cancelled, our Counting Individual Natives: who self-identifies as AI/ Count adults who may live Census Team is working in the To accurately count yourself AN. Person 1 on the Census in your home part-time or are digital realm to assist you. You as a tribal member, check the form is not the same as the couch surfing, or those living in a can get help on the Census from race question box as: “American designated “head of household” but for the household to count as vehicle or tent on your property. our Trusted Messengers on the Indian or Alaska Native” and IRS classification – it is simply a Native “Household,” a Native If someone in your house is in jail Cowlitz Tribal Planning Facebook add your Tribe’s official name: the first person listed on the individual 15 years old or older (or prison), institutionalized, off Group linked to the main Cowlitz “Cowlitz Indian Tribe”. For the form. The race of the first person must be “Person 1” on the form. at college, or lives with another Tribe’s main Facebook page. listed is what the Census uses to family member part of the time, Census, please do not check any Mahsie! other boxes indicating any other determine the racial demographic Who to Count: A total and you should count them and check race (or Tribe) even though you for the entire “Household.” Your complete population count for the box to indicate that they live Christine Myers, Senior Planner may identify with one or more household will only be counted as each household directly impacts somewhere else part of the time other races or Tribes. Do this for an AI/AN Household if “Person our congressional representation to assure they are counted. The Language Cowlitz Language Corner Conservancy Father - Ma̓ n Update “Mon” like ‘dawn’ replacing ‘d’ with ‘m’ The Language Conservancy is the foremost organization currently working with endangered Mother - Ta̓ n “Ton” like ‘dawn’ replacing ‘d’ with ‘t’ languages in North America. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe started a contract with them in January Grandmother - Ka̓ y 2020 to start revitalizing the Lower Sounds like the ‘ky’ in ‘sky’ Cowlitz Salish language. They are currently in the process Grandfather - Kʷu̓ paʔ of digitizing and organizing the “Quo-pa” using ‘quo’ in ‘quote’ with Dale M. Kinkade Cowlitz Salish ‘pa’ sounding like ‘paw’ Dictionary into a database. While also editing and cutting audio data to start aligning dictionary entries Cousin - Su̓ c’s with the audio files. “Soats” Sounds like boats but with an “S” All of this compiled data will be put into a Vocab Builder app that can be utilized by all tribal members. As language resources Questions? Email: [email protected] become available, tribal members will be notified. 7 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Tribal Tuition Assistance Program Tuition Assistance Program Update Thank You Notes Received: Not long ago, Mike Iyall and growth in Cowlitz adults wishing and are taking advantage of it. Thank you and the rest of the Tribe for everything you have done for I visited a classroom to talk to to continue their education. The demand is high. Don’t delay. me! students about the Cowlitz Indian In the 2019-20 academic year, Submit your application today. Thank you so much!! Couldn't have done it without you!! Tribe. At the end of the lecture, a over 220 Cowlitz students in I want to thank the Tribal young high school girl came up vocational, undergraduate, and Council, Carol Burnison, Tuition Going back to school at the age of 50 was a real chore, but such a and told us that she was Cowlitz. graduate programs received great experience. I am so grateful to the Tribe for its support in a Assistance Coordinator, Cowlitz We immediately told her about a Tuition Assistance Award. lifetime milestone and goal! the Cowlitz Tuition Assistance Information Technology and Award Program, the importance The Tribal Council’s continued Accounting staff, and Education Wow! I'm incredibly grateful. I plan to make the most of this of getting good grades, and the support of this program will Committee members: Karissa opportunity. Thank you very much! opportunity to go to a vocational/ provide Tuition Assistance Lowe, Becky Lowe, Celine Cloquet, Awards to over 220 Cowlitz Thank you and the committee for awarding me this scholarship. I trade school, community college, Suzanne Donaldson, David really do appreciate the support you are providing to me towards or university. Iyall, Dave Reichel, my education. It was beautiful David Littleton, Timi to see her Funding available for Cowlitz Tribal Members Russin, and especially Thank you so much for the assistance in my future. eyes light up. the very hard work enrolled in the following programs: I can't thank the Tribe enough for the work they do for these Parents of of Mike and Joan students. our Cowlitz Vocational Certificate– up to $11,000 per year Iyall. Without their youth, please help, this program I can't express in words how grateful I am for these opportunities. Associate Degree – up to $6,000 per year would not happen. encourage I would like to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity. I am your children Bachelor’s Degree – up to $11,000 per year For information extremely grateful that the Tribe has been able to help me get on to work hard about Cowlitz track to reach my dream of becoming a Nurse. in school and Master Degree – up to $16,500 per year Education, check obtain good out the Education I really appreciate the contribution my Cowlitz Tribe has made! Doctorate Degree – up to $16,500 per year On to the finish line! grades. Your page on the encouragement Cowlitz website can help them www.cowlitz.org to have plenty of options when students in the 2020-21 academic under Services on the seeking a vocational certificate year (May 1, 2020, through April Cowlitz or e-mail us at or a college degree. Cowlitz 30, 2021). The application has [email protected]. parents, this option is open been posted since early January, to you as well. As the Cowlitz and 81 applications have been Tuition Assistance Program approved. More and more Gregg Ford, Chair continues to grow, we have seen a Cowlitz are aware of this program Cowlitz Education Committee The Education Committee Celebrates this Year’s Cowlitz Graduates They are our Cowlitz family legacy. The students hard work and dedication and the financial assistance from the Cowlitz Tribe have resulted in vocational certificates and degrees. Of the 31 Cowlitz students who graduated this year, the following students gave us permission to include their names in this newsletter. Vocational Certificate Bachelor’s Degree Joel Swenson Cory Charvat Anabelle Barnett Matthew Thomas Danielle Lund Olivia Bouchard Mariah Westermark Courtney Simpson (nee Celine Cottenoir Welty) Nate Cottnair Master’s Degree Christopher Dennis Jessie Dietz Christine Dupres Associate Degree Caleb Garrett Adam Grondyke Wendy Fisher Kelton Carter Michaela Guerra Frank Fox Holly Keirns Lauren Kondrat Mikayla Lawrence Emily Shields Mackenzie Lawrence Hattey Smith Kyle McCartney Doctoral Degree Rebecca Swan Angela Barnick 8 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cultural Resources Board By: Cassandra Sellards Reck The Culture Resources Board Day is open to everyone. Drum & Culture Group Meets meets monthly before Tribal There is gas assistance for each Council. We are always working gathering to help our families. Drum Group on promoting, enriching, and For more questions, please meets each First offering opportunities for contact Jeramiah at (360)266- Friday at the Cowlitz Tribal members. The 7720 or Cassandra Sellards Reck Board is made up of 4 Tribal at (360)513-1243. Cowlitz Vancouver Building: Council members, 4 Culture • The Journey to Nanaimo, Resources Board members, and a 700 NE 26th Ave. Canada, will be in July (dates are Vancouver, Wa 98665 representative from each Culture still being determined) and the group. We work collaboratively host in Canada will be July 27- & and are supported by the Cowlitz August 1. This year, we will be Culture Department. pulling in our water practicing Each Tuesday in There is a Facebook page called every month. There will be a Longview at the Cowlitz Culture and Canoe that schedule of practices to come Ernie Donovan accepts all who are interested. out on Facebook. We start each Wellness Center at The Culture Department has an Journey with a ceremonial event the Cowlitz Indian email list that Tribal members at Ft. Vancouver. This year, Tribal Clinic: can receive to include them in all we will plan for July 10th at 11 Charity Hodges, Cathy Sellards, Ellen Harju, Robert Byrd, Efren Aries, Devin Reck, Ron Sellards 1055 9th Ave. and Jeramiah Wallace events. Some sacred events will am at the Columbia River. The Longview, Wa 98632 only come out via email to keep Canoe landing will be at Marine All events are advertised on Cowlitz Culture and Canoe Facebook them private. You can email Park on SE Marine Park Way, Culture Days are the determined by Need Jeramiah Wallace Emma Johnson at ejohnson@ Vancouver, WA. Afterward, we 3rd Saturday of non- (360) 266-7720 cowlitz.org or csellardsreck@ gather at the lawn across from Summer months. This Questions? hotmail.com to get more the Fort on East 5th Street. For Cassandra Sellards Reck Cowlitz Tribal Culture includes teachings, meals [email protected] email [email protected] information. any questions, please contact and Drumming. Location is or (360) 513-1243 The following events are Devin Reck at (360)513-5886 or subject to change related to the Dale Cottenware at (360)261- COVID-19 outbreak: 4977, John O’Brien at (360)880- 4560, and Jeramiah Wallace at • There will be a ceremony for the (360)266-7720. Veteran’s Corner new Canoe planned at the First • Huckleberry Camp will be Cowlitz Veterans, come to the From November 10th through please complete the following and Salmon Ceremony, June 7th next General Council meeting if November 15th, the Smithsonian at 11 am at the Cowlitz River. August 20-23 at the Swift School mail it to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe The Canoe will be available House east of Swift Dam, located you haven’t gotten your Cowlitz will host various events, including Cowlitz Enrollment Office at next to the Pine Creek Ranger the Native Veterans Procession, a to witness and touch at the Rangers hat. We will have hats 1055 9th Ave. Suite B June General Council meeting Station. Please bring your available for you. dedication ceremony, and first berry bucket, camping gear, and access to the memorial. Some of Longview, WA 98632. outside on the concrete pad. The Smithsonian’s National personal supplies. The Cowlitz our Cowlitz Tribal Leaders are This information is used to Museum of the American Indian • The first big pull will be on Tribe provides food, water, and planning to attend this event. record Cowlitz Tribal Veterans. the Sunday following General is building a National Native the porta-potties. There are Veterans’ records will be kept Council at the First Salmon daily trips to the mountain and American Veterans Memorial to If you are going and would like confidential and will only be Ceremony. All are invited to lake. There is room for RVs recognize the service of American to join fellow Cowlitz veterans, this event, which is located on and Trailers. Please contact Indian, Alaskan Native, and contact me by email. jiyall@ used as authorized by the Tribal the Cowlitz Landing property at Cassandra Sellards Reck for Native Hawaiian veterans. The cowlitz.org Council. 122 Mulford Rd. Toledo, Wa. more questions at (360)513- memorial will be dedicated on If you haven’t provided your Jerry Iyall, Cowlitz Veterans • The Drum Group has expanded 1243. Veterans Day, November 2020. contact information to us yet, Representative to meet each week in Longview • The Language Conservancy at the Ernie Donovan Wellness contracts are signed and the Center on Tuesdays at 6 pm program is evolving. There will Veterans Sign Up with a Potluck. There is an be more information to come additional Drum Group at the with more opportunities. In the Vancouver building on the first contract, they will offer camps, Name ______Friday of each month at 6 pm. gatherings, videos, YouTube, Jeramiah Wallace is the contact and so much more. We are really and coordinating the drumming blessed to have this opportunity Branch of Service ______Date of Discharge ______practices. to restore our Lower Cowlitz • There are culture days each language. The next step is to Address ______third Saturday at different work on the Upper Cowlitz Cowlitz Tribal locations. This language. Michael Hubbs is an opportunity to experience has been working with Steve City ______State ______Zip Code______culture, drumming, and Kutz and Nathan Reynolds on teachings all in one day. We the project as well. For more gather in the a.m., have lessons information, please contact Email ______Phone Number (______) ______-______and teachings, and finish with a Steve Kutz at (360)731-2885 meal and drumming. Culture or Cassandra Sellards Reck (360)513-1243. 9 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020

the hosts. We have seen canoes, more people are needed to Canoe Family even canoes given away as fill them, with our tribe being so big, Kla-how-ya (hello), Səncáyaɬ gifts. On Paddle to Quinault, the that shouldn’t be an issue. n skʷácɬ (my name is) Jeramiah Quinault Indian Nation gave away Canoe Journeys are a life-changing Wallace and I am Lower Cowlitz, 11 canoes. I come from the House of Tyee spiritual experience. They have Scanewa. As many of you know, the In 2019, Dave Barnett hired Guy helped me to learn a new way of Cowlitz Canoe Family has been on Capoeman from Quinault to make life. I would encourage anyone the water for more than a decade. a 36’ cedar strip canoe to carry struggling spiritually, whether it be on the tradition of his father John Every year, the canoe family from substance abuse, depression, Barnett, who bought the Sehu hi grief, PTSD, etc., to reach out and participates in the Inter-Tribal tithla (sa ho he teeth la) canoe. Canoe Journeys. Last year was the get involved. I have struggled with Paddle to Lummi. Cowlitz started The new canoe is the traditional drug addiction for the majority in Squaxin and traveled from style of an ocean-going canoe that of my life. Journeys are what have reservation to reservation doing Cowlitz ancestors would have used. helped me to stay in a good way. I protocol and traveling with more The hull is reinforced and has more have been involved with the canoe than 100 tribes, First Nations, and seats than Sehu hi tithla;, it is also since I was released from prison in canoe families from Oregon to wide enough to seat three people 2007. Alaska. Each tribe asks permission in each seat. The bottom is flat and If you know anyone who is Canoe (Sehu’hi’tithla) on left going back to front: David Cottenware, Ricardo to come ashore, the hosts put on a much more stable in the water. struggling and may benefit from dinner with traditional foods, and Rodriguez, Juana Rodriguez (daughter), Desani Rodriguez (Son), Lidia Hodges, The new canoe was woken up becoming culturally involved, please Christine Hawkens, Mike Altaffer, Shannon Joseph, Victor Mcgill at night time, formal protocol starts. with Sehu hi tithla on March 1st reach out to them. Feel free to contact New canoe going back to front: Jeramiah Wallace, Shawna Decker, Eathan Page, Each tribe takes the floor and sings at Ike Kinswa State Park. Now David Cottenware (360) 644-8088 Matther Brewer, Noah Reck, Ci?dom? Mcgill, Kendra Joseph, David Barnett, Aloma their songs, dances, speaks, and gifts that Cowlitz has two ocean-going or myself at (360) 266-7720. Joseph, Sean Britt, Milly Joseph, Dale Cottenware (on the shore) General Welfare Exclusion Act Updates Contract Health Service or Purchase Referred Care In 2014 Congress unanimously for tribal members who are 21 years the 2018 average tax rate of 14.2%, passed and President Obama old or older. This program is for as determined by the Internal signed into law the General Welfare Essential Needs such as housing, Revenue Service. Enrolled Tribal Member Steps to Utilizing CHS/PRC Exclusion (GWE) Act. This federal education, health care, culture, law allows the Cowlitz Indian Tribe transportation, etc. If funds are Affected Government Benefits Complete Registration Process CLARK PIERCE and other Tribes to create programs available, these benefits will be While the IRS does not consider to improve the General Welfare of made available annually. Maintain Residency in the Service Delivery Area COWLITZ THURSTON Tribal members. Payments made these GWE payments as “gross Receive Eligibility Determination SKAMANIA KING At the time this newsletter is being income” for tax purposes, other under GWE program plans are not LEWIS KITTITAS considered “gross income” by the prepared, applications for these state or federal programs may Make Your Appointment new GWE programs are being WAHKIAKUM COLUMBIA (OR) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for interpret the GWE payments Call for Prior Authorization as Soon as Possible tax purposes. prepared and mailed to Tribal members who are 21 and older. differently. It is up to each Cowlitz One-time Elders Benefit elder to determine if acceptance of Once applications are completed Some of the Services Available Through CHS/PRC GWE payments will affect other In the last few years, the Cowlitz and returned to the Cowlitz benefits you may be receiving. » $4000 Dental Allowance » Hearing Aids Tribal Council has implemented Enrollment office and eligibility up to $1750 in Orthodontics -no age restrictions two GWE programs for Cowlitz is verified, we will begin issuing The Tribal Council will continue » Chiropractic elders. The first was a one-time » Comprehensive Pharmacy Benefits payments. to look for other ways to use the » Sleep Disorders benefit payment of $5,000 for » Cataract/Glaucoma Surgery elders who are 62 years old and These payments may take up to GWE act to create benefit programs » Emergency Transport older. This program is intended 90 days to process. We will not to improve the general welfare » PT/OT/Vision/Speech Therapy issue an IRS 1099 form or other » Eye Glasses (up to $1050) or Contacts to help elders with the high cost of of the Cowlitz Tribe and Cowlitz » Medical Massage housing. Cowlitz elders can only tax forms to elders for these GWE Tribal members. receive this payment once during program payments. You do not CHS/PRC offers assistance for a multitude of services, please call to discuss your their lifetime. have to report these GWE program If you have Cowlitz GWE benefit specific needs and to find out if a referral is needed. Services subject to change. payments as income to the IRS. questions, please contact the Annual Elders Benefit Accomplishements and Hope Cowlitz Enrollment Office at The second GWE program for Calling for Prior Authorization Benefits You As of the writing of this article, elders is an annual benefit payment P: 360-575-3310 of $3,000 for elders who are 65 Tribal Council has authorized, and Verification of Eligibility √ Confirmation of Covered Service √ years and older. The purpose of the Cowlitz Administrative office E: [email protected] Funding Allowance √ Provider Set Up √ Proper Billing √ this payment is to help elders with has issued nearly $8 million to nearly Verification of Alternate Resources √ Contracted Provider Confirmation √ the high cost of healthcare, such as 700 Cowlitz elders. We anticipate If you have questions about how Medicare and wellness programs. that we will issue an additional GWE will affect other state and CHS/PRC is a payer of last resort. If you qualify for insurance This payment will be made$3 million to 3,000 Cowlitz tribal federal benefits you are receiving, at no cost to you, you will be required to accept it. annually, after the first of each year, members who are 21 and older. By please contact that government as long as funds are available. using the GWE program for these $11 million of benefits, we will save agency directly. Essential Needs Benefit tribal members approximately LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH Most recently, the Tribal Council $1.6 million in income tax. This Jerry Iyall , Cowlitz Tribal Council 3605758275 x2 | [email protected] | 1044 11th Ave Longview WA approved a GWE benefit of $1,000 savings was calculated by using E: [email protected] 10 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Announcing Northwest University Graduate the Newest Cowlitz Warriors

Greyson Riley Cottonware Welcoming Greyson Riley Cottonware with love. By pround parents Nick and Sondra Cottonware and grandparents Don and Pam Cottonware of Hunt, Texas and Jenny Etienne of Kerrville, Texas. Born on November 11, 2019, weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Grace Marie Savage, Cowlitz Tribal Member, graduated in May 2019 from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. Grace received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Upon graduation, Grace was employed at DOXA Church in Bellevue, Washington, as Worship Ministry Associate. Grace resides in Kirkland, Washington, and receives many requests to travel to foreign countries to minister to refugees. She enjoys working with high school youth and trout fishing with her mom on Haven Lake in Tahuya, WA. Charlie Andrew Lowell Joyfully introducing Charlie Andrew Lowell, with love by Brittaney Nelson (descendant of Lucille LeGarde) Charlie Engagement was born in Yakima, Washington on Announcement September 23, 2019 (12:29pm) weighing Jade Lynn Harju 8 pounds 12 ounces and 21 inches long. of Lindsay Avila Cheerfully introducing, Jade Lynn Harju by adoring parents Lorence Orosco and Ellen Harju (daughter of Philip Harju and Claudia Tenney). Born on December 17, 2019 weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long.

Ryan Hoage with autographed Superbowl Skye Morris on Trac Chair football from Russel Wilson that takes her places like hiking trails

We are proud to announce Tribal Member Lindsay Avila’s engagement to Jack Conrad! Mauricio Mendoza Friend- Lopez Carson Ray Rivard We are excited to welcome Kyle Lopez & Juanita Sanchez gave Jack and his family to ours! William & Lacey Rivard are excited to birth to their first son. Mauricio’s proud welcome their son Carson Ray Rivard. grandparents Britney Sorensen & Jose The happy couple made Born in Redwood City, California on Lopez Jr. & Great Grandmother Melody their engagement official in January 19, 2020 weighing 6 pounds 14 Lopez born April 25, 2020 weight at 7 Santa Cruz, California ounces. pounds 3 ounces and 21 inches long. 11 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Youth Wins Music Award Wrestling Record Breaking Rebounds Kaity Adkins is a flutist at Rogers High School and a Running Start student at Pierce Community College. She began studying the Champ flute in elementary school and now plays several instruments in four Congratulations to Troy bands, including the piccolo, alto flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. Cottenware for his successful Adkins most enjoys year wrestling at Huntington the technical challenges High School in Kelso. and the sense of We’re so proud of you!!! accomplishment when she works together with her team. She says that at both Kalles and Rodgers, the flue sections have been cohesive, friendly, and supportive. Anyone talking with this talented and well-spoken young lady could easily believe flutists are all those things and more Written by: Karrie Zylstra Cheer for 2020 SKLOUTWOUT Success FAMILY REUNION Congratulations to Stacy Spar for another amazing 2B 2nd "Skloutwout" is the Indian name of Lucy Weiser. Team All-Area! Please join other Skloutwout relatives from near and far Stacy broke the school record for rebounds. The media has for this ongoing annual extended family reunion, not dubbed her the ‘Board Beast.’ She holds the post position on limited to Cowlitz tribal members. Bring your genealogy the 2B team and Toledo High School team. knowledge, family pictures, written family histories, and memories to share, plus a potluck dish and beverages to Stacy is on the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Youth Leadership Board, contribute to the meal and a chair for sitting outdoors. the Cowlitz Canoe Princess, Canoe Family member, Drum Group member, and is an avid volunteer. Congratulations, • What: A family reunion gathering starting Stacy; your ancestors would be proud of you!!! at 11 am, with a potluck meal to follow • When: Sunday, August 30th, 2020 - 11 am until mid to late afternoon Tribal Member Portal • Where: Bear Raven Longhouse at the home of Roy Wilson near Winlock, WA The Cowlitz Information In part of getting things set up Technology (IT) team has been we ask that you visit the website Directions: Take exit 68 on I-5 and go west to the signal hard at work preparing to make and sign up for online access. light. Turn left on N. Military Rd and go south one mile. a website portal specifically for You will need an email and your Turn right on Antrim and go west approximately a mile Cynthia Reck is a Freshman the members of the Cowlitz tribal member number to start. and a half, then turn left (south) onto Dorning Rd. Go at Hockinson High School. Tribe. During this process you Go to www.links.cowlitz.org/ to the end of the road. Watch for Wilson family sign She just finished her first will see a makeover of the main update or scan this QR code on and turn right. This will lead you onto Roy’s property at year of cheer and has a 3.89 website (www.cowlitz.org). It your phone. the end of the road (watch for the signs). You may also GPA. Cynthia is on the will have a user-friendly look use Google maps to direct you; search for Bear Raven Cowlitz Indian Tribal Youth and feel along with detailed Longhouse, Winlock, WA. Leadership Board, a Former information on services Cowlitz Canoe Princess, and departments across the For further information, contact: Canoe Family member, and organization. Drum Group member. She is also on the Cowlitz Cultural The secured connected portal Linda Foley Marsha Williams will allow members to access 206-276-6010 (cell) 253-857-8832 (home) Resources Board as the Youth Delegate. She volunteers special announcements, sign up email: [email protected] 253-355-0368 (cell) for newsletters, update member email: [email protected] tirelessly, and we are so proud of her. Congratulations, information, view tribal Council Cynthia!!! meeting videos and more. 12 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Tribal Council

Top Back: Cassandra Sellards-Reck, Debbie Hassler, Tim Van Mechelen, Steve Kutz, Celine Cloquet, Dave Barnett, Whitney Mosback, Dan Meyer, Christine Dupres, Karissa Lowe, Justice Rhodes, Ty Koch (resigned), Front Row: Phil Harju, Nancy Osborne, Robin Torner, Mike Iyall, Katherine Iyall-Vasquez, Patty Kinsaw-Gaiser, Bill Iyall, Rourk Monohon (resigned), Jerry Iyall, Don Walkinshaw Sr. Name Role Term Email Name Role Term Email *William Iyall GC - Chairman 2021 [email protected] Robin Torner Member 2020 [email protected] *Philip Harju GC - Vice-Chair 2020 [email protected] Katherine Iyall-Vasquez Member 2021 kiyall-vasquez@ tc.cowlitz.org *Nancy Osborne GC - Secretary 2021 [email protected] Justice Rhodes Member 2021 [email protected] *Dan Meyer GC - Treasurer 2020 [email protected] Patty Kinswa-Gaiser Member 2021 [email protected] *Steve Kutz TC -Chairman 2021 [email protected] Tom Childs Member 2021 [email protected] *Debbie Hassler TC - Vice-Chair 2020 [email protected] Celine Cloquet Member 2022 [email protected] *Whitney Mosback TC - Secretary 2021 [email protected] Tim Van Mechelen Member 2022 [email protected] *Jerry Iyall TC - At Large Rep. 2022 [email protected] Don Walkinshaw Sr. Member 2022 [email protected] *Karissa Lowe TC - At Large Rep. 2020 [email protected] David Barnett Member 2022 [email protected] Mike Iyall Member 2020 miyall@ tc.cowlitz.org Cassandra Sellards Reck Member 2022 csellards-reck@ tc.cowlitz.org Christine Dupres Member 2020 [email protected] Aaron Workman Member 2020 [email protected] *Denotes Executive Council Member | GC = General Council | TC = Tribal Council Office Locations & Associated Services LONGVIEW Child Care Development RESERVATION VANCOUVER TUKWILA 1055 9th Ave, HHS Childcare Vocational Rehabilitation 1 Cowlitz Way 1 7700 NE 26th Ave, 15455 65th Ave S, Longview, WA 98632 Transportation Ridgefield, WA 98642 Vancouver, WA 98665 Tukwila, WA 98188 Administration Offices ST. MARY’S ilani Casino Mental Health Mental Health Enrollment & Benefits Tobacco Outlet Substance Use Disorder Substance Use Disorder Natural Resources 107 Spencer Rd, Cowlitz Crossing Co-Occurring Disorder Medically-Assisted Treatment Cultural Resources Toledo, WA 98591 Tribal Gaming Agency Case Management Pathways to Healing Primary Care Clinic Public Safety Pathways to Healing Co-Occurring Disorder Housing Tribal Court Vocational Rehab Contract Health Elders Program Case Management Mental Health Services Indian Child Welfare Indian Child Welfare Youth Program Natural Resources Substance Use Disorder Community Garden Healing of the Canoe Pathways to Healing For more information call (360) 577-8140 or visit our website at www.cowlitz.org Indian Child Welfare *Please note this is not a complete list of services provided at each location 13 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020

Cultural Resources Board Education Committee Steve Kutz Chair | HHS Representative [email protected] Gregg Ford Chair [email protected] Debbie Hassler Vice Chair | Tribal Council Electee [email protected] Celine Cloquet Vice Chair B Cassandra Sellards Reck Secretary | Drum Group [email protected] David Iyall Secretary Tanna Engdahl Spiritual Leader | Elders Represent Mike Iyall John O'Brien Canoe Representative Karissa Lowe Member O Claudia Tenney Youth Board Representative Becky Lowe Member Bob Harju Carving Program Representative Suzanne Donaldson Stephens Member Michael Hubbs Language Program Representative Dave Littleton Member A Phil Harju Tribal Council Electee Dave Reichel Member Taylor Aalvik Natural Resources Representative Celine Cloquet Tribal Council Electee Joan Iyall Member R Melody Pfiefer Cultural Board at Large Timi Russin Member Christine Dupres Tribal Council Electee Committee Email: [email protected] Jeramiah Wallace Cultural Board at Large Committee web link: www.cowlitz.org/resources/education.html D Cynthia Reck Youth Representative Economic Development Committee John Forespring Jr Cultural Board at Large Tim Van Mechelen Chair [email protected] Kris Dillehay Pow Wow Representative Whitney Mosback Vice Chair [email protected] Charity Sabido-Hodges Cultural Board at Large Don Wakinshaw, Jr. Secretary [email protected] S Health Board Don Van Mechelen Member Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Steve Kutz Member Debbie Hassler Vice Chair [email protected] Dan Meyer Member Linda Foley Secretary [email protected] Robert Harju Member Patty Kinswa-Gaiser Member Taylor Aalvik Member Charity Sabido-Hodges Member Melissa Johnson Member A Melody Pfeifer Member Tom Childs Member Donna Bagley Member Enrollment Committee Christine Hawkins Member Nancy Osborne Chair [email protected] N Rachael Paige Committee Member Cathy Raphael Enrollment Officer [email protected] Carol Seholm Committee Member Lenore Monohon Member Housing Board Renee King Member D Kevin Ward Chair Karen Cota Member Dustin Griggs Vice-chair Melody Pfeifer Member Beth Ward Treasurer Teri Wright Linda Turnbull Secretary Pat Iyall-Barnes Member David Kinswa Revenue Review Committee Tom Childs Member C Kathryn Iyall-Vasquez Member Bill Iyall Chairman [email protected] Youth Board Dan Meyer Treasurer [email protected] Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Jerry Iyall Member O Donna Bagley Vice Chair [email protected] Katherine Iyall Member Racheal Paige Secretary [email protected] Pat Iyall-Barnes Member Devin Reck Youth Advo cate [email protected] Patty Kinswa-Gieser Member Claudia Tenney Member Suzanne Donaldson Member M Charity Sabido-Hodges Member Taylor Aalvik Member David Cottonware Member Rod VanMecehlen Member Ty Koch Member Cassandra Sellards Reck Member M Kasey Koch Member Debbie Hassler Member Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Strategic Planning Sonny Bridges Chair [email protected] Jerry Iyall Chair [email protected] I Bill Iyall Vice Chair [email protected] Debbie Hassler Vice Chair Jess Groll Treasurer [email protected] Christine Meyers Secretary | Staff VACANT Secretary Dan Meyer Member T Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Commission Kim Stube Member Jerry Iyall Chair [email protected] Phil Harju Member Celine Cloquet Vice-Chair [email protected] T Kristen Hitchcock Secretary [email protected] Kris Kitz Member Gregg Ford Treasurer [email protected] Diane Riley Member Donald Walkinshaw Commissioner [email protected] Pow Wow Committee E Canoe Family Kris Dillenhay Chair Ty Koch Chair [email protected] Nathan Hooten Vice-Chair Devin Reck Vice Chair [email protected] Jane Meyers Treasurer E Cathy Sellards Treasurer [email protected] Nicole Meyers Member Rachael Paige Secretary [email protected] Ali Guerra Member Drum Group Melanie Mariano Member S Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Vici Wulf Member Steve Kutz Vice Chair [email protected] Kevin King Member Melody Pfeifer Secretary [email protected] Beth Ward Member 14 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 COVID-19: Prioritizing Safety and Communication continued from front page shopping trips, and social visits. should close schools where tribal government employees. • Do not visit nursing homes or coronavirus has been identified CIT staff are urged to work from retirement or long-term care in the population associated home if feasible and exercise facilities unless to provide critical with the school. States and critical social distancing. This assistance. localities that close schools need means staying at least 3-6 feet to address the childcare needs of away from other individuals and • Practice good hygiene: critical responders, as well as the not gathering in groups over 10 • Wash your hands, especially nutritional needs of children. people. after touching any frequently Older people are particularly CIT is a supportive member Use the Momentum Dollars you’ve earned used item or surface. at risk from the coronavirus. of multiple Washington at ilani for gas and your favorite Cowlitz • Avoid touching your face. All states should follow Federal communities impacted by guidance and halt social visits to Crossing Treats. Plus, as a Cowlitz Tribal • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, COVID-19 and is aggressively Member, you receive 15% off in-store nursing homes and retirement doing its part to limit the spread or the inside of your elbow. and long-term care facilities. of the virus. COVID-19 testing purchases and $0.375 off per gallon. • Disinfect frequently used In states with evidence of will be available in the Longview Discounts not applicable for alcohol, tobacco or already discounted items. Must present Tribal ID to items and surfaces as much as community transmission, bars, clinic this week for established receive discount. ilani is committed to responsible gaming. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the Washington State Gambling Helpline at 800.547.6133. possible. restaurants, food courts, gyms, patients. and other indoor and outdoor * School operations can The expanded ‘social distancing’ accelerate the spread of the venues where groups of people congregate should be closed. measures are designed to slow the coronavirus. Governors of states spread of COVID-19 and blunt with evidence of community The Cowlitz Indian Tribe the looming spike in new cases. transmission should close schools (CIT), consistent with state and This is often called “flattening” in affected and surrounding federal declarations, announced the epidemiological curve – i.e., areas. Governors should close an emergency declaration. CIT spread the number of cases out schools in communities that is committed to approaching over time to protect hospitals, so are near areas of community the COVID-19 pandemic with they can serve the patients who transmission, even if those areas the utmost focus and resolve. are in neighboring states. In Until further notice, CIT is need them. addition, state and local officials instituting protections for its by Chairman. Bill Iyall Annual Cowlitz Indian Tribe Recognition Celebration On February 16, 2020, the Our drummers, singers, and but by perseverance.” (Author Cowlitz Indian Tribe held its dancers started off the day, which Unknown) Recognition Dinner at ilani to only added to the already great honor the tribe’s 20th anniversary. energy! The songs filled the event All My Relation This year’s dinner had the center for all to enjoy. It is always Suzanne Donaldson highest attendance in history, wonderful to come together as Cowlitz Indian Tribal Member with approximately 500 tribal a community and share songs, members, family members, and food, and stories. The Office of Cowlitz supporters participating Members were greeted with long Tribal Council in the event. The recognition stem roses, which is symbolic and dinner was a celebration of fun since our federal recognition Secretary twenty years of recognition by the was granted on Valentine’s Day, On February 1st, 2020, Tribal U.S. Department of the Interior February 14, 2000. Council made a motion to and Bureau of Indian Affairs. There was a clip shared from transcribe General Council, Tribal Tribal members who attended CSPAN about the late Chairman Council, and Executive Council the signing of the tribe’s John Barnett testifying for our meetings moving forward, and recognition in Washington D.C. recognition. each of these meetings will follow shared their stories and memories the Roberts Rules of Order for in the traditional oral manner. The staff at ilani, as always, went meeting minutes. On March 7, This method of sharing memories above and beyond to take care of initiated this new process. is excellent for others to learn us. Nate Dahrens, Meeting and Entertainment Center Executive Please note, all meeting minutes about the experience, as this was are available. Tribal Members a critical first step in getting us Sous Chef, showed off his artistic side and crafted a fruit platter in have access to meeting minutes at to where we are today. Younger the Longview Office, people need to hear the stories as the shape of the Cowlitz Logo. It one day, those who helped us get tasted as good as it looked! 1055 9th Ave. Longview, WA, here will be gone, and they can “Perseverance: In the or call Whitney Mosback (360) 213-9848. say, “I remember when…”. It is confrontation between the river hard to believe that it has been 20 and the rock, the river always Respectfully submitted, years already. wins…. not through strength Whitney S. Mosback 15 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Amendments for Voting Tribal Member Services Office Opens by Mail or in Person The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has restrictions on where the services cultural services via technology The second reading and vote on • Create an election board to oversee established a program to help can be provided. For example, will be reported in future Cowlitz constitutional and by-law all phases of the election process, connect Cowlitz Tribal members health and medical services can newspapers. amendments to allow for mail-in voting including soliciting nominations, with available services. Whether only be provided to Cowlitz Tribal vetting nominees, publishing The Cowlitz Tribal Member in general elections will be held at the you live in Washington or out-of- members living within the ten- Services office is in Pierce County, campaign material and holding live- upcoming General Council meeting. state, we want to hear from you. county Contract Health Service WA. streamed candidate events, sending The re-scheduled date is currently yet to This new Tribal MemberDelivery Area (CHSDA). out and receiving ballots through All Tribal members are welcome be determined. Services program came out of an independent third-party firm, However, enrolled Cowlitz to visit or call the office to talk Approval of constitution and by-law the Tribe’s Comprehensive Plan: members who live outside the with our Program Navigator and monitoring campaign conduct, Steps Toward the Future 2019 – amendments requires a two-thirds hearing appeals, etc. CHSDA may be able to receive staff to learn about the range of majority of those voting. 2023. The Comprehensive Plan medical and health services from services offered by Cowlitz, as well • Provide a mechanism for candidates identified seven goals, the first of other tribes in proximity to their as services you may be eligible for If the amendments pass, Tribal to send their own approved campaign which is: residence. Eligibility information through other Tribes or agencies. Council will adopt an election code with materials to tribal voters via the third- provisions to implement the changes. • Goal 1: Provide services to all for each service is included in the As a Tribal member, what party firm, so that confidentiality Cowlitz Members, and, A draft of the proposed election code of voter names and addresses is directory. services are you interested in was mailed to all Cowlitz tribal voters in maintained. • Goal 1A: Increase access for all We are exploring opportunities learning about? February. They were invited to review Tribal Members. to provide cultural support and For more information it and make suggestions or submit • Prohibit outside parties from making contributions to campaigns. A directory of Tribal services is teachings to Cowlitz Tribal about this new office – Call comments which were then carefully available on cowlitz.org. Eligibility members who live a distance from 1-877-COWLITZ (877-269-5489) considered by the elections committee, • Define prohibited conduct related for services is different depending Tribal facilities or who are unable or reach us by email at: which has been working on the code for to elections including restricting on the source of funding for each to attend Tribal gatherings. More [email protected] several years. Useful suggestions will be campaigning on tribal properties. program. Certain programs have on the opportunities to extend [email protected] incorporated into the code before it is • Provide a mechanism for the adopted by Tribal Council. election board to deal with campaign Key provisions of the proposed election infractions, with ultimate appeal to the code will: tribal court if needed. • Allow all Cowlitz voters to vote in If the amendments are approved, general elections for tribal officers, tribal the first election to be conducted using council members, and constitutional the new process as provided for in the and by-law amendments by mail OR election code adopted by Tribal Council in person at General Council meetings. will be in June 2021. Service Provided Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM *excluding holidays (360) 232-8585 | [email protected] It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for Cowlitz Tribal Members, and the general public, through the delivery of professional, friendly, safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services. Cowlitz Tribe Transit Service is a public transit service available to rural residents in South Lewis (Centralia Amtrak Station) and Cowlitz Counties who live up to 20 miles from the Interstate 5 corridor. Rides include access to life sustaining and non-lifesustaining medical appointments, shopping, cultural or quality of life activities. Expanded Medical Transport Program is a public transport program available to rural residents in Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis Counties who are over the age of 50 and/or individuals with disabilities. The Expanded Medical Transport Program provides rides north to Olympia and South to Vancouver to increase access to medical appointments such as; specialty medicine, diagnostic facilities, cancer treatment centers and hospitals. Second Reading of *Clark County residents must live outside of the C-tran bus system and their respective Public Constitutional Amendment Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA). Amendment to the Constitution elections board independent of the Tribal Medicaid Transport is for Indian Health Services (IHS) beneficiaries and their Article 5, Elections; Section 4 Tribal Council to conduct the elections descendants who hold a current ProviderOne card who are in need of transportation to General elections shall be completed at under this section. Members appointed medically necessary appointment. Individuals must live within a 60-mile radius of the the next General Council meeting (date to the elections board shall be ratified by Cowlitz Indian Tribe Health Clinic, meet the Medicaid criteria and have exhausted all is yet to be determined). Tribal members the General Council. other transportation options. shall be allowed to vote in person or Amendment to the By-Laws: All services include door-to- by mail at their choosing for General Title IV, Elections; Section 2 Rides should be scheduled a The Cowlitz Tribe Transit door assistance to and from the few days in advance to assure Service and Transport Elections, Constitutional Amendments, The election of the Cowlitz Tribal vehicle when needed. and By-Law Amendments. Council shall be called, organized availability. The dispatcher Programs comply with all The Tribal Council shall adopt an and supervised by the government of Our vehicles are equipped with will make every effort to federal requirements under the elections code that shall include the the Cowlitz Indian Tribe at the next lifts to make boarding easier for accommodate your requested Title VI law, which prohibits trip schedule. Fares are funded option for tribal members to vote in General Council meeting (date is yet to passengers who use wheelchairs, discrimination on the basis of mobility devices, or have difficulty through donations are greatly race, color, or national origin. person or by mail at their choosing. be determined) consistent with Article appreciated donations. The Tribal Council shall appoint an V, Section 4 of the Constitution. negotiating steps. 16 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Welcome to our New Cowlitz Youth Child Care Development Program The Child Care and Development Program staff have been Program Team Members working hard in creating culture kits for all classrooms whose children are enrolled in the program. Pictured are premade Youth Program Manager. boxes, each with 12 native puppets. The Connecticut coast. I moved to Indian Country. I have been a other boxes, which Washington from New Mexico guest presenter representing will be made in the last Summer when hired to run Indigenous Wellness at several future, include native the donations program at ilani major events, including the 2017 instruments/music, casino, as a part of the Executive Unity Youth Conference, the and native STEM Team. 2018 Northern Navajo Nation activities. Since August Prior to this, my résumé Fair & Parade, and last year’s of 2019, our entire included managing multiple first-ever Genocide & Healing program has doubled departments as AGM of the Conference at the University of in size. During the largest Health & Wellness Club in San Diego. COVID-19 pandemic, Albuquerque. I also served in the I look forward to getting to know funding has allowed dual-roles of Human Resources our Cowlitz youth and families us to waive all parent copays and prepay Klahowya! My name is Melanie Director &Tribal Youth Program this year through our upcoming Supervisor for the Cheyenne- events. Please check out our the child care centers Mariano, and I am the new Tribal to keep them afloat. Youth Program Manager. As a Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma. Tribal Youth Program Facebook Cowlitz Tribal member, I am I have always had a passion page for updates and additional If you have any thrilled to be working with an for working with Tribal youth, programming info. questions or amazing team based in Toledo, which has led me across the I can be reached directly at our would like to see gearing up to provide our youths country as a visitor on many Youth Program office more program the best programming and reservations the past ten years. M-F, 8 AM-5 PM at: information in the services possible. When not focusing on my career, 107 Spencer Road, next newspaper, I have a B.A. in Communications I’ve spent the majority of my Toledo, WA 98591. please email from Quinnipiac University, free time advocating to youth Office line: 360-353-9915 [email protected] where I grew up on the about health and fitness across Email: [email protected] Youth Program Advisor ATTENTION PARENTS! I am looking forward to passing grandsons. I have been a skipper on life skills allowing youth to on a war racing canoe for many We can help with your child care cost enter adulthood with a strong, years. I am also a Master Basket  Family Size of 2: $0-4,420 proud, cultural foundation. I love Weaver and specialize in making Qualifications: working with youth and have a pine needle baskets.  Family Size of 3: $0-5,460 passion for teaching our youth I see myself as a tree in the forest,  Enrolled in a federally their cultural background.  Family Size of 4: $0-6,499 one where strength is achieved by recognized tribe. I grew up in Chehalis. I have sheltering, yet exposing our youth  Family Size of 5: $0-7,540 an associate degree along to elements ensuring they grow  Reside in Lewis, with a bachelor's degree in tall! I'm filled with respect for the  Family Size of 6: $0-8,579 Humanitarian Studies. I am community and family, just like Cowlitz, Clark, or  Family Size of 7: $0-8,775 Skamania County. My name is Theresa Shortman, currently working on a master's the forest. I am looking forward degree in Business Management. to meeting everyone!  Family Size of 8: $0-8,970 and it is my honor to join the  Have a child between Cowlitz Tribe team as Youth I am a mother of three children, Theresa Shortman a dog, a cat, and have three the age of 4 weeks Council Advisor! [email protected] It’s easy to and 12 years old. apply!  Employed, enrolled in National Eagle Repository school, job training or Interested in having eagle feathers for an upcoming ceremony? Native Americans for thousands of years have utilized eagle feathers for cultural and religious purposes. Enrolled members of Walk-ins are welcome searching. Federally recognized tribes aged 18 and older can apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Cowlitz Indian Tribe National Eagle Repository for eagle parts. Child Care and Development Program You can order up to one whole Golden or Bald Eagle, loose feathers, wings, a whole tail, a head, 1055 9th Ave. Suite D talons, or a trunk. Longview, WA 98632 Members can find more information and a link under the Cultural Resources tab on www. OR Contact cowlitz.org. Nichole Meyers at 3603539524 If you need further information, please contact Emma Johnson in Cultural Resources [email protected] [email protected] | 360-577-6962 Ann Little at 3603539528 [email protected] 17 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Expansions and New Programs Offered by the Wellness & Diabetes Program Written by, Alyssa Fine, Wellness & Diabetes Program Coordinator and DeAnna Pearl, Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist Since 2019, the Wellness and clients, and other programs. anticipate that our efforts will addition to financial support from Not Harm” is the cornerstone Diabetes Program has experienced Before embarking on any enhance the integration of the Health and Human Services of all program messaging and exponential growth as new staff new initiatives for the year, we cultural wisdom into services Department. We are doubling the outreach. and programs have come on identified our guiding strategies, and practices, support individual size of our in-ground production While CSTEP is housed in the board. We anticipate that this including leveraging resources, and community wellbeing and garden, adding a high tunnel, clinic, it is available to all tribal progress will continue into 2020 strengthening collaboration, and minimize barriers to reaching and constructing a pole building members, clients and employees of and allow us to provide more promoting wellness through a whole health. We are excited to to allow for cold storage and CIT. CSTEP is going full swing in great services to tribal members, multi-dimensional lens. We share with the tribal community composting. This will increase setting up a program to distribute how this vision has shaped our our harvest, which will allow us to free nicotine replacement therapy 2020 initiatives. expand our produce distribution to those who qualify and utilize the The Diabetes Program is sites north to Tacoma and south cessation support program. You continuing to offer Diabetesto Vancouver. will start to see new signage on all Days, during which patients can We also are promoting office buildings and entryways to receive comprehensive diabetes community involvement through support the tribe’s alignment with care from their primary provider the establishment of a youth WA State’s 25ft rule to reduce and diabetes educator in a single internship program, garden club, exposure to secondhand smoke to appointment. In addition, we and weekly garden-based cooking employees, families, and visitors. are working on implementing demos. A food sovereignty As a team, the Wellness Program a recurring foot care clinic to assessment will also be completed is excited to continue planning provide services such as nail and in order to ensure the garden is the Health Walk (save the date callus trimming. Group learning appropriately addressing tribal for September 12!) and Spooky events, such as cooking classes, needs. Harvest, along with various diabetes bingo, and grocery store Our newest program, the other cultural and wellness- tours, are held throughout the Cessation Support and Tobacco related events. If you have any year at the Longview, Toledo, and Education Program (CSTEP), questions about our programs Vancouver locations. is designing and implementing or what we offer, please contact The Cowlitz Tribal Community a culturally appropriate basic Alyssa at (360)575-8275 ext. 2261. Garden, established in 2019, is tobacco intervention training for We hope we can support your undergoing a major expansion staff and interested parties. “All journey to wellness throughout thanks to receiving four grants in Tobacco is Sacred. Use It to Heal, 2020! Department of Transportation Increases Members’ Event Access Cowlitz Tribe In 2018, the Cowlitz Tribe a 14-passenger bus. The Startrans Generations Event (Pathways to Department of Transportation Senator SSII is an Americans with Healing), the Elder’s Polar Express Event Transport staff began designing a transport Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant trip (Elders Program), A Foray Into program that would increase tribal vehicle providing room to transport Fish Culture Day (Wellness and members access to events. With two wheelchair passengers, 12 Natural Resources), the Abernathy The Cowlitz Indian Tribe Department of Transportation’s Event the development of the Cowlitz seated passengers and extra storage. Creek Restoration Project site visit Transport Program provides rides for Tribal Members to Cowlitz Indian Reservation, and growth in tribal Event Transport provides rides for (Wellness and Natural Resources), Tribe events through a park-and-ride system. Times and locations of departments and programs, the tribal members, families and staff and first Friday of the month drum pick-ups are based on each individual event. department saw a demand for who wish to attend Cowlitz Indian group gatherings in Vancouver Event’s include but are not limited to: transportation services in evenings Tribal events. The service is free (Cultural Department). Just over a and on weekends. and utilizes a park-and-ride system. year after implementing the service, ◊ The Annual Cowlitz Indian Tribe Recognition Celebration Dinner Group pick-up locations and and we have seen ridership steadily ◊ Cowlitz Indian Tribe General Council Meetings (June and November) To improve access to events, times are based on each individual growing. ◊ Cowlitz Indian Tribe Columbia River Canoe Landing at Ft. Vancouver department staff began researching event. The program is committed ◊ The Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow funding options and meeting with We encourage tribal members ◊ The Cowlitz Tribe Elder’s Harvest Dinner to providing services to significant and their families to take advantage stakeholders to identify the scope of tribal events such as the Annual of this free service. From General Details for rides to each event are posted to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe service. A successful program would Recognition Celebration, General need to be available on evenings Council meetings to cultural Website cowlitz.org, the Tribe’s official Facebook page and the Council Meetings, Columbia River gatherings, Event Transport Department of Transportation’s Facebook page a few weeks prior to the and weekends, accommodate a Canoe Landing, the Cowlitz Pow event. More information can also be obtained by calling the Cowlitz Tribe larger number of people, utilize a is improving access for tribal Wow, and Cowlitz Elder’s Harvest members. You can find out if Transit Service office. Seating is limited, RSVP is required for all events. handicap accessible vehicle at low Dinner. Tribal departments and Look for us on Facebook to no cost to the rider. Within a few the Event Transport Program programs can request services for is providing service to an event Cowlitz Tribe Transportation and Transit Services months the department created the events and gatherings they host as https://www.facebook.com/cowlitztribedotandtransitservices/ Event Transport Program. by checking the tribal website at well. https://www.cowlitz.org/ under the The Cowlitz Tribe Department The Event Transport Program calendar of events, the Cowlitz Tribe of Transportation allocated funds has provided services for other Department of Transportation for the operations of the Event Cowlitz Tribal departments and and Transit Services Facebook 360-232-8585 Transport Program and the first Our vehicles are equipped with lifts for any passengers with programs. Some of them have page at www.facebook.com/ wheelchairs, mobility devices or who have difficulty negotiating steps. time in department history, received included; the 1st Annual Spooky cowlitztribedotandtransitservices/ Donations are greatly appreciated! funding from the Tribe to purchase Harvest (Youth Program), For All or by call 360-232-8585. 18 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Health Board Report to General Council The Health Board is made up we encourage our Tribal members more comprehensive prevention of Tribal members focused on and family to seek out medical programs that are culturally improving the health care for coverage to ensure that you have focused. They would be available Cowlitz Tribal members. We coverage for the unexpected. This to the entire family. The Health are continuously looking at ways allows us to stretch our Contract Directors are looking to expand the that we can improve and expand Health Care funds and provide reach and depth of this. Prior to more services Tribal members. additional services to Tribal the COVID-19 pandemic, we were We are currently exploring members. We will be hiring hosting a Drum Group at the Ernie additional services up north and additional medical providers to Donovan Wellness Center led by have identified several sites and improve access to medical care. Jeramiah Wallace. It’s open to all will provide more information The promotion of optimaltribal members and works well as we get closer to narrowing our health and wellbeing of Cowlitz with helping to promote a clean choices. Tribal members is in our Tribal and sober lifestyle. We have had to pause and hope to bring that back The tribe has added staff to Strategic Plan. With that, in a step to promote our first foods, as soon as this pandemic passes or Member Services who will becomes more manageable. coordinate services for Tribal we have appreciated the Clinic’s members regardless of where Diabetes Program for providing There is still a need to include they live. The hope is that we can food preparation classes, canning virtual access for Tribal members expand health and human services classes, and gathering. Theto join remotely. The COVID-19 to the area, so our members can October Harvest Event has grown pandemic has pointed out how have increased access to culturally into a best practice, and we are it’s so important to have more sensitive personalized care for our in the process of expanding our telehealth and virtual access. We Tribal members. We are striving garden. will be addressing these issues as to find a successful model to deliver The Tribe has also started to we receive them. those services in a financially look at options that will provide Please reach out with needs and responsible manner before we comprehensive coverage. As ilani changes that will benefit our Tribal replicate services. continues to do financially well, it members to the Health Board Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Our Longview Clinic is open at is in our Tribal strategic plan to Chair, Cassandra Sellards Reck, Cowlitz children identified home expand healthcare coverage to all [email protected] or no cost to all Tribal members and as being an “Indian Child” Tribal members wherever they live. (360)513-1243. • Independent Living Skills (ILS) their families; please feel free to per the Indian Child Welfare make an appointment. However, The Health Board has asked to do submitted by Cassandra Sellards Reck – Skills for youth, who have Act (ICWA) and Washington been in foster care, to prepare State Indian Child Welfare Act them for living on their own Cowlitz Tribal Members Cowlitz (WSICWA) or who have been verified by the Cowlitz Tribal • Case Management Services Enrollment department as being (including in-home safety Career and Employment Services visits) Are you unemployed? Under- with job readiness skills. We can might not have job experience, a direct descendant to an enrolled Cowlitz member. • Intensive in-home services employed? Feeling “stuck” in also assist with tools, supplies, members with felonies having – Home visits happen more your current job or career? clothing, fuel cards, licenses, a difficult time finding work, These cases may have current or previous involvement with frequently addressing the Have you always wanted to be certifications, and other necessary or youth who are transitioning the Washington State Children’s family’s urgent need self-employed? Are you craving things to get you where you want from high school can learn skills, college? to be! Administration (CA). The ICWA • Referral to other tribal and get experience, and have a work non-tribal services as needed The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has We will be able to provide services and the WSICWA apply to history! (And we have great children in dependency, meaning a new program with services to from Portland to Seattle in any of The ICW program has limited that children have been placed in help you answer these questions! our offices, our pop-up office in coffee). services (due to distance) for the custody of the State. This pilot program provides Case Pierce county (when it opens), a If you’re familiar with the Tribal Cowlitz children in dependency outside the state of Washington. Management to guide you into a home visit, or meet for lunch… VR Program, the framework for ICW program can provide the Services provided are: career, education, or employment. why not? Let’s make it happen! this program is the same, except following services based upon an assessment of the client family’s This program is available to any We will also be able to work with no eligibility criteria with other • Case Management Services. needs: enrolled tribal member who needs Cowlitz Tribal members across than being enrolled Cowlitz • Coordination with host • Family Preservation Services assistance in these areas. the nation using Skype and other member wanting help in seeking State’s Social Services (FPS) – Services to keep workers to coordinate We will be ready for roll out on video technology, for researching career or employment assistance. March 1, in the Southern region and providing information and families together family services We are SUPER excited to get of WA. Please do not hesitate to resources specific to your area. • Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) *The Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not started. call now for information. Those in the area near Tribal – Native American parenting become involved in custody cases between We work with you to develop Administration might utilize the For more information, please classes delivered to the family’s parents. a plan that guides you to your Five Feathers Training Program: contact Shari Parker, Program Longview: Tukwila: Vancouver: goal. We can help you with your learning on-the-job transferrable Manager at (360)575-6220 Mike Yates Deanna Personius Andrea French résumé, cover letter, conduct skills for retail, hospitality, and [email protected] or Loke (360) 355-2835 (206) 491-9266 (360) 831-1950 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] mock interviews, and assist you many other jobs. Members who Hanby at (360)575-3318. 19 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Cowlitz Tribal Housing Elders Program & Services Some programs are provided only Student Rental Assistance Mortgage Assistance: Elders Lunch Yoga in Washington State; applicants Student Rental Assistance is We assist qualifying low-income Served lunch Monday - Friday must be an enrolled member of the available for full-time college tribal members with mortgage Each Monday and Wednesday Cowlitz Tribe or AIAN. at the St. Mary’s Elders housing students, anywhere in the payments for up to 6 months. facility and every Tuesday at the yoga is offered at St. Mary’s at HUD regulations and CITH continental U.S. HUD rules apply, Home Rehab: Longview office. 2 PM policies regarding applicants & except income guidelines that are homes apply to all programs. expanded by gaming funding. With HUD funds, we repair Activities Community Garden qualifying low-income tribal *In addition to the programs listed Elder Housing Apartments members’ homes to provide a Cultural and recreational Elder’s Program even has a Tribal community garden below, with casino funding, we are Cowlitz Indian Tribal Housing decent, safe,and sanitary place to activities from beading classes currently able to help qualifying welcomes you to the Tribe’s live. We serve most of the state of to, short trips, fishing and more! with events and community families with household incomes Housing complex, located in Washington with this program. activities. up to 150% of the median income Support & Help Toledo, WA. Accommodation If you have questions with the following programs: Help to Avoid Foreclosure: Family support, routine choices are efficiency apartments P: 360-864-8727 In some cases, we are can help assistance, and in-home Elders - limited home repairs and one-bedroom units. Rents E: [email protected] & rehab in Idaho, Oregon, & are calculated on a sliding scale low-income tribal families avoid assistance are available. California as well as Washington according to income. Small pets foreclosure. Restrictions apply; State, down payment assistance (dog or cat) are welcome. call for further information and an application. anywhere in the contiguous Our location in Toledo is an United States for Cowlitz independent living complex, not Well and Sewer Repair or members, and student rental an assisted living facility. The Replacement 5th Annual Elders Fishing Trip assistance. *(while funding lasts.) minimum age requirement to live In certain geographical areas, at the complex is 62. Indian Health Services provides Sponsored by Senior Nutrition & Natural Resources Department SERVICES: In order to live at the facility, help with sanitation facilities such applicants must be an enrolled as sewer, septic, and water to Tribal Who can sign up? Any Cowlitz Elder ! homeowners. Cowlitz Tribal Down Payment Assistance member of a federally recognized Where: Final details will be provided by Deb Mizner Indian Tribe and pass a background Housing is the designated area Your Tribal Housing Department representative for Indian Health is proud of our vigorous down check, reference check, and drug The tentative dates for these fishing trips are: screening. Scattered Site projects – we issue payment assistance program, applications & forward to IHS. where qualifying tribal families Elder Rental Assistance and Tuesday August 27th 2020 anywhere in the 48 contiguous Mortgage Assistance: New Branch Office in United States can receive up to Pierce County: Wednesday August 26th 2020 $35,000 as a down payment on their Elders (age 62 +), we assist qualifying low low-income Cowlitz More Cowlitz members live Thursday August 27th 2020 primary residence. This program in Pierce County than any is growing by leaps & bounds and elders with a portion of their rent or mortgage payment each month other county. To better serve Contact Deb Mizner to get signed up! has helped many Cowlitz families our members, your housing realize the American Dream of until the lifetime limit of $50,000 is reached. department has purchased an Space is limited—Call today! Homeownership! We are the office in central Pierce County, only tribal department that serves Rental Assistance: which will be opening soon. members outside the state of (360) 8647006 Washington. Some restrictions Tribal Housing assists qualifying For applications or info, contact apply; call for info, further low-income tribal members with us at: [email protected] information, and an application. rent for up to 6 months. Call: (360)864-8720 found on the Cowlitz.org web site Did You Know? or by calling the Clinic at 360-575- Overdose rates in Indian 8275 between the hours of 8am Seeking photos, information, & more for the Country are nearly TRIPLE the to 5pm Monday through Friday. rate in any other community in The clinic is located at 1044 11th the state of Washington? Opioids Avenue, Longview, WA. are the leading cause of injury/ death in our state according to the Trained staff and Practitioners 2021 Cowlitz Calendar are available for consults and Washington State Department of Health. treatment in a non-judgmental environment during your Submit your photos, ideas, To help combat this crisis, Journey to Recovery. Funds for special dates and more until Cowlitz Indian Tribe Health the program came from a 2018 August 15, 2020 & Services Clinic is providing SAMHSA Tribal Opioid Response Medically Assisted Treatment Grant to specifically address the (MAT) for Opioid Substance opioid crisis and its impact on the ! Abuse to those enrolled American AI/AN population. Also available Advance requests welcome Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/ on the campus are counselors for Contact Amy [email protected] AN) of any Federally recognized addressing the Substance Use tribe, who meet the program Disorder and Behavioral/Mental requirements and are age 18 or Health concerns that accompany over. 2021 Calendars will be available at the November General Council opioid addiction. Qualification details can beWritten by: Bridie Rogers, RN, BSN 20 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Mindfulness and Academics MURDERED Or MISSING COWLITZ In the fall of 2018, an idea was is hard for a lot of students to do. By Debbie Hassler members. know a family with a loved developed and implemented by Many times, assignments at school The Pathways to Healing one, who is missing or has been long-time Cowlitz Employee and will remain incomplete simply due What do we need from you? (PTH) program needs murdered, please contact Licensed Clinical Social Worker to a lack of understanding, and Debbie Hassler, Program Kara Frizzell. Having worked once a student gets behind, it is your help. One of the focus areas for Manager at dhassler@ with Native youth and their hard to catch back up. Teaching cowitz.org (360)624-7040 families for nearly seven years, students how to ask for help and our Coordinated Community Response or Karyn Kameroff, PTH Kara began to notice a missing that it is okay to raise your hand Coordinator at kkameroff@ piece in the holistic health of her is something we hope to instill in Team (CCRT) is data collection around cowlitz.org (360)397-8228 clients. Namely, that the majority them that they can take back to the to share your story with us. of the youth she worked with were classroom.” Missing and Murdered struggling academically, which Cowlitz members. We are collecting While the group is not designed We started asking information on men, caused significant stress in other to keep track of individual areas of life. academic performance, Kara does this question about women, and children. We The idea was to create areport that of those students who six months ago and also want to hear from you, therapeutic group where youth have consistently participated in since then have added as our community, about who were engaged in the mental the group, nearly all of them have three women to our what is important to you health program could learn how seen some improvement in school list. PTH will have regarding victim services to apply therapeutic skills to their performance. an honoring table and how we can help get academic lives. The group, now up at our upcoming General the word out, help families, and Regular participation has its Council meeting to honor these If you have a loved one or strengthen our community. simply referred to by the youth as rewards as the group is set up to the “Homework Group,” grew into reinforce positive study behaviors a huge success within the first few and the use of skills learned in months. the group. Students earn points The group is structured in two each group session by doing the phases. The first is the therapeutic following: participating in the phase, where the students learn therapeutic phase, sharing at least skills like mindfulness and one good thing that happened relaxation as well as general coping during the week, bringing skills to reduce stress or create an homework to work on, and staying outlet for pent up energy. focused on it without distracting others. Accumulated points can “The focus of the first part is lead to real prizes such as gift cards getting the student in the right to a place of the student’s choice. mindset to learn and study,” says Kara, “however, sometimes that Nearly two years in and Kara’s means that they just need to talk idea of academic mindfulness or process their day, so we make continues to help youth find room for that as well.” scholastic success. After the mindfulness and “The best part is seeing them processing, phase two, the support one another,” says Kara, academic portion, begins. “they are building skills and Attendees are required to bring confidence but also friendships.” homework and to stay focused The Homework Group is available on completing it. In addition to to youth engaged in mental health Department of Transportation the group facilitator, a part-time services at the Vancouver office; tutor was hired specifically for this contact (360)397-8228 for more Receives CARES Act Funds portion of the group to make sure information. On Friday, March 27, 2020, Counties. We play a vital role in and grocery pick-up delivery, as each student gets the one-on-one by David Pulliam the Coronavirus Aid Relief and transporting individuals to life- well as prescription drop off/pick- time they might need. Economic Security (CARES) sustaining medical appointments up for homebound individuals But phase two is not Act was signed into law. The Act and basic needs (grocery shopping, living within the CTTS service area. just about completing provides emergency assistance and pharmacy, etc.). FTA has allocated The receipt of the CARES Act funds papers and doing math healthcare response for individuals, $2.2 billion to rural area formula will minimize the impact to our problems. Students are families, and businesses affected by funds to support capital, operating, existing operating budget, allowing also supported in learning the COVID-19 pandemic. It also and other expenses to prevent, us to sustain essential rural transit proper study skills such provides emergency appropriations prepare for, and respond to services in our community once the as taking a break when to support federal Executive Branch COVID-19. CTTS received $78,429 threat of the COVID-19 pandemic needed to stretch or get agency operations, including the of the $2.2 billion supporting our has ceased. something to drink or eat Federal Transit Authority (FTA). efforts in responding to COVID-19 More information about the (food is always provided) Cowlitz Tribe Transit Service in the community. These funds are temporary food/prescription but then having the (CTTS) has been receiving formula being used to aid a temporary service delivery service can be found on control to refocus and get funds from FTA to support the the Department of Transportation the tribal website, Tribal Facebook back to work. operation of its transit services for and CTTS implemented on March page, and the Department of many years. 20, 2020, prior to the signing of the Transportation’s Facebook “They are also learning CARES Act. how to ask for help,” says CTTS is the only rural transit page at www.facebook.com/ Kara, “something that service in Cowlitz and South Lewis The service provides food bank cowlitztribedotandtransitservices/ . 21 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 Childcare Program We believe that childcare is a remain onsite while children are crucial part of the support needed under our care. to assist families as they engage Drop-in childcare may be in our services. Time spent with available depending upon staff us will include playtime, crafts, cBefore we can welcome your games, storytime, and a healthy child, the following forms will snack. need to be completed. Childcare is available cost-free to 1. Child Record anyone receiving services at our 2. Health History Longview campus. Parents must 3. Signed Acknowledgment

Smelt Ceremony This year, the Cultural and Natural Resource Departments came together for two days of ceremonial smelt dipping for tribal members at Gerhart Gardens Park. Over the two days, all 50 tribal members who attended were able to take home 10 pounds of smelt. Natural Resources Policy Positive Indian Parenting Analyst and Forestry Lead Amy can be reached regarding the The Cowlitz Indian Child important programming and still be eligible to receive it. following: Welfare Program is participating funding decisions. By having Cowlitz families in an evaluative study of the The Positive Indian Parenting participate in the study, the • Issue your gathering permit. Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) curriculum itself was designed Tribe could receive valuable Curriculum developed by the • Develop the 2021 calendar to support American Indian information to help meet the using photos, information, National Indian Child Welfare and Alaska Native parents and needs of local families. If a parent etc, from Tribal members. Association (NICWA). The PIP or caregiver agrees to participate, caregivers. The curriculum • Help you or your group find curriculum was developed over 30 they will be assigned either to a engages participants in culturally- places to gather resources, years ago and is widely used across group that receives the Positive tribal communities. The Cowlitz based lessons over 8 to 10 weeks such as cedar bark. to support and guide parents in Indian Parenting curriculum right Tribe has used the curriculum • Put together forestry developing their own positive away or a group that receives it in various capacities in different education materials or parenting style. several months later. departments and models. information for youth Families that do not wish to The ICW team is using an The sessions emphasize the projects. strengths of historic tribal-child participate in the study are still Amy Boyd, Natural Resources adapted model to be able to able to receive the PIP curriculum Policy Analyst and Forestry Lead, • Review permits for project provide the Positive Indian rearing practices. They also joined the Cowlitz staff in 2014. proposals throughout blend traditional values with at home. For the families that Parenting curriculum In-Home. are interested in the study, they Southwest Washington. contemporary skills. The study “I was excited to join a growing The ICW team has 3 facilitators will receive incentives for their team,” she says. Amy came in • Coordinate certain responses will help to understand how the trained to provide this model. participation. with a background in salmon with community-led groups, curriculum works when it is recovery, project management, such as Clean Water Alliance. At the end of 2019, Cowlitz delivered by a home visitor in If you are interested in ICW entered a partnership with communications, and land use a series of one-on-one sessions participating in the pilot study planning. Her diverse skill set • Provide information and NICWA to participate in this versus the group setting. of PIP or have more questions has set her up as lead for several data on projects, forestry, pilot study, which will help to about eligibility and receiving tribal projects. She has set up the and gathering. understand whether Positive The PIP curriculum works best PIP In-Home, please contact D.J. Gathering program, became the • Provide information on Indian Parenting promotes with parents who have children Personius technical liaison with the Forest 8 years old and younger, as those permitting processes at local, positive outcomes for American Service, led project reviews for state, and federal levels. Indian and Alaska Native are more formative years in child P: (206)491-9266 Millennium Coal Terminal and families. Information from the development and parent skill [email protected]. other major industrial proposals. • Recommend hikes! PIP study may also help other honing. Families with teenage This is an exciting opportunity “I really enjoy the diversity of my Amy can be reached in person, tribal programs across the country children who are interested in for your Tribe, and we hope to work, and the ability to do good,” via email or telephone at aboyd@ that want to offer PIP to make receiving the PIP curriculum may hear from you soon! she continues. cowlitz.org or (360)353-9202. 22 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020

Happy 3rd Birthday ilani! Cassy Reck, Suzanne Donaldson, Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, Devon Reck, Debbie Hassler, & Jeremiah Wallace. April 24, 2020, was ilani’s 3rd from their vehicles. as it should be, at times, just like hug, drum, and celebrate as we those children were confined to vehicles. birthday. A last-minute small The vehicle parade was led by the old days. It was a really nice are accustomed to on our own cultural ceremony was held to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Public gathering for cultural purposes, terms. While there are indeed It is hard to believe that we celebrate the day. Safety Department and followed and it was not for the press. worse things in the world, it was opened our doors 3 years ago. To honor the guidelines of a by ilani Security Department. It This was not an idealheartbreaking to see kids sitting We have come a long way from gathering and social distancing, was from the heart and without gathering; however, it was the in vehicles, dressed in regalia, just a big field with a farmhouse. ten drummers gathered to give mainstream media, which is how only option given the current longing to participate. These I am excited for what the future prayer, offer songs and blessings culture should be. It was also events of the world in which kids are used to being immersed holds for us! Cowlitz Strong! while a small vehicle parade without amenities as the building we all live. We look forward to in our culture (just like we are) Suzanne Donaldson enjoyed hearing songs and words is closed and without catering, a time when we can all gather, singing and dancing. Instead, Cowlitz Indian Tribal Member Parking Garage Construction Reaches Half Way Point always been near the top of the outdoor event space during the priority list. summer months. Following the opening of Cowlitz The garage will include “speed Crossing Gas and Convenience ramps” to give drivers fast access Store, construction began on a to the upper levels, as well as a new 750-space expansion of the monitoring system to tell drivers casino’s surface parking lot. This how many spaces are left on each expansion intended to replace level. The structure is located the spaces on the north side that immediately northwest of the would need to be removed to make main ilani building and will way for the garage site. Once the include a covered walkway to the expansion was complete, the entrance. garage project broke ground. The garage will raise ilani’s total Garage construction is expected parking capacity. This increased to be finished bylate summer parking capacity at ilani will or early fall of this year. When allow us to host major shows and completed, the six-story garage events at its Cowlitz Ballroom Construction is moving along project reaches the approximate a 3,200-space surface parking will include approximately 2,600 venue during peak casino nicely on the state-of-the-art halfway point in its development lot, but that size and capacity fell spaces and allow for future hours on Fridays and Saturdays expansion to bring that number — something the casino has parking garage at ilani, with the timeline. short of what would be needed lower levels of the structure now to support the long-term vision up to as many as 4,000. The previously avoided to prevent taking clear shape as the overall Upon opening in 2017, ilani had for ilani. A parking garage has rooftop will be built to serve as an congestion. 23 • Cowlitz Tribal News • Spring 2020 The Cowlitz Tribe Education and Arts Fund and the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Statewide Fund Tribal Grantmaking Focuses by the other four. The Tribe’s Statewide Fund was created by the on Longstanding Partner appointees are the Tribe’s spiritual Tribe’s gaming compact with the Organizations and Community- leader Tanna Engdahl and Tribal State of Washington. It distributes wide COVID-19 Emergency Council member Karissa Lowe. a small percentage of ilani’s profits Response Clark County appointed County to nonprofits across the state. In 2019, most of the Tribe’s Commissioner Temple Lentz and Its five-member board was charitable contributions came from County Commission Chair Eileen appointed by the Tribal Council. Its its two central grantmaking funds Quiring. The four board members members are Tribal member David – The Cowlitz Tribe Education and appointed Jennifer Rhoads as Iyall, Tribal member and ilani staff Arts Fund and the Cowlitz Tribal the fifth member. Ms. Rhoads is member Don Walkinshaw Jr., Foundation Statewide Fund. the president of the Community Tribal Council member Karissa Foundation for Southwest Lowe, Tribal member Melissa The Cowlitz Tribe EducationWashington. and Arts Fund was created by the Halvorsen, and Tribal Council Tribe’s Environmental, Public In 2019, the Education and Arts member Whitney Mosback. Health and Safety ordinance with Fund focused its large grants to In 2019, the Statewide Fund Clark County. It distributes a organizations that established also focused its grantmaking on small percentage of ilani’s profits meaningful partnerships with the organizations that were already to nonprofits in Clark County Tribe long before we had funding strong partners with the Tribe, with that are focused on the arts and/or available. It also awarded smaller an emphasis on organizations that education. grants to organizations that served support the Native community. populations that Tribal members The board includes two Cowlitz Organizations that received awards identified as high priorities, members appointed by the Tribal included the National Indian Child Council, two members appointed including children, elders, and Welfare Association, Affiliated by the Clark County Council, veterans. Tribes of Northwest Indians, the and one member appointed The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Potlatch Fund, and more. Education and Arts Fund and the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Updates In 2020, the Tribe’s grantmaking The Statewide Fund has also inequitable systems have the is supporting community efforts donated $25,000 each to three most difficulty meeting their to respond to the COVID-19 key community organizations basic needs in times of crisis. pandemic. The Cowlitz Tribe to support their response to the The Chief Seattle Fund is Education and Arts Fund has pandemic: dedicated to physically and contributed $500,000 to the The Boys and Girls Club of spiritually supporting American Community Foundation for King County is focused on Indian and Alaska Native people. Southwest Washington for its supporting families experiencing COVID-19 Response Fund. Its day center in the Pioneer challenges due to school closures Square district of downtown This fund will provide flexible by ensuring youth have a fun, Seattle provides food, medical financial support to trustededucational place to go during support, housing assistance, an nonprofit partners across our the day. Urban Indian Legal Clinic, a region who are responding to It is working to be as flexible Native art job training program, increasing needs as a result of and responsive as possible to as well as frequent outings the coronavirus (COVID-19). its Club family and community for members to cultural and Grants will sustain and develop needs in this time of upheaval. community-building events. vital community services for The Club offered support for residents who stand to lose It is keeping its day center open the children of first responders, during the COVID-19 pandemic the most from this unfolding health care professionals, and to provide support to Native emergency. other essential workers during people in need. the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is Statewide Fund has awarded Northwest Harvest is leading committed to supporting our $200,000 to the Seattle efforts to address increased food members and the community Foundation for its COVID-19 insecurity across Washington through the pandemic and Response Fund. This fund will due to the COVID-19 virus. beyond. Our grantmaking rapidly deploy resources to The health crisis is developing work is one part of how we community-based organizations quickly, but one thing will live that commitment and is a that are supporting local workers remain constant – communities continuation of a long tradition and families most affected by the that struggle with poverty and of gifting and taking care of each coronavirus crisis. access to services as a result of other. Cowlitz Indian Tribe Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 2547 U.S. Postage Longview, WA 98632 Paid Seattle, WA Address Service Requested Permit #1827

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