THE The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

S’KLALLAM Helping bring you the monthly news WEB VIEW from your S’Klallam community. Edition

Jan 2012

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION: A Farewell Message... Page 3

Casino Update... Ancient Page 4 Discovery! Around the Reservation... In the heart of S’Klallam Country, Pages 5 to 7 an archeological site with major implications.

News & Updates In October of this year a major for the settling of the Americas by Native Page 8 archeological publication about a peoples was that following the retreat of discovery in the heart of S’Klallam Country the glaciers that covered much of North with major implications for how the America at the end of last glacial period, peopling of the Americas is understood was small groups of people traveled through brought to light. inland corridors to come into the Americas around 12,000 years ago. Archeologist The Manis-Mastedon Site was discovered referred to these people as the “Clovis in 1977 by a farmer clearing land in the Culture” named after an archeological site Sequim area. The site consisted of the intact near Clovis New Mexico. The relative bones of an adult male mastodon lying on its age of these and other Clovis sites were side. The mastodon showed signs of having determined by the geological stratigraphy been butchered due to cut marks on the where the artifacts were found (typically bones and by the ways bones were fractured, large stone blades) and the faunal (animal) most likely to extract the marrow. Most remains present with them. significant the tip of a bone point was found protruding from one of the ribs. At the time of its discovery the Manis mastodon site challenged existing When the Manis site was first discovered predominate archeologists’ theories about the most popular archeological explanation the migration of people into the new world CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 Port Gamble Ancient Discovery: S’Klallam Anthropology Notes S’Klallam Tribe 31912 Little Boston Road NE By Josh Wisniewski, Tribal Anthropologist Kingston, WA 98346 Telephone: Continued from page 1 360-297-2646 Fax: 360-297-7097 though inland routes. This find suggested clear evidence that the first ancestors of the Website: people would very likely have traveled S’Klallam and other North American Native www.pgst.nsn.us through coastal routes and therefore possessed Peoples were here on the Email: marine technologies. The bone point in the by at least 13,800 years ago. These are such [email protected] rib was also highly criticized and archeologists big numbers is difficult to fully comprehend did not posses many of the high tech scanning what they mean. To put it in perspective that Tribal Council technologies available to archeologists would be 13,280 years before Christopher Jeromy Sullivan, today. Many scholars thought it might be Columbus got lost and found himself in the Chairman an internal growth, or the wound from an Caribbean! Chris Tom, Vice Chairman Thus an archeological discovery from the Francine Swift, Heart of S’Klallam country has the potential Councilman Archeology, to radically change how we understand the Kelly Baze, like other sciences are ways of human history of the Americas. Councilman Chad Sullivan, trying to know and understand the -- Josh Wisniewski is PGST’s archeologist, and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Councilman world we live in using a set of Kari DeCoteau, He received his professional Training in both Councilman intellectual tool and methods. cultural anthropology and archeology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, where Entity Directors encounter with another animal. Thankfully he completed his B.A. and M.A. degrees. Marjorie Zarate the archeologist who made the discovery did He completed his PH.D. in anthropology CEO not whip out his leatherman on the spot and through the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dallas DeGuire, try to extract the point! Rather Carl Gustafson Josh has lived in a traditional Inupiaq Eskimo Administrative Director, and other archeologists associated with the subsistence hunting community documenting PGS Tribal Government early research waited until the sophisticated hunters’ knowledge and traditional hunting Noel Higa (Think CSI) technologies existed that enabled and resource management practices before Director them perform DNA testing, and Accelerated coming to work for PGST. Port Gamble Mass Spectrometer (AMS) dating. They were Development Authority able to determine that the bone point in the Josh works under the Natural Resources Teressa Lange mastodon rib was from a different animal, and Department and in close coordination with Housing Director that no healing took place around the wound the Cultural Resources Program. His office Leo Culloo, indicating that it dies soon after it received the is located in the Tribal Archives. His current General Manager, wound. The dating they obtained indicated project is mapping and creating a database The Point Casino the age of the mastodon at between 13860 of cultural sites important to Tribal history, Linda Helm, and 13763 years old. This provides evidence cultural and harvesting practices. He also Director, that people were present in the Americas at works closely with the Port Gamble Bay Tribal Gaming Agency least 1000 years before the archeologically Protection Team and developed a cultural Denise Comstock, designated Clovis People. resource management policy for PGST. PGS Foundation One of his primary goals with the Tribe Executive Director Archeology, like other sciences are ways is to work with elders in order to preserve of trying to know and understand the world their knowledge of the environment and to we live in using a set of intellectual tool and defend treaty protected harvest rights. His methods. It is but one way of coming to know door is always open and he encourages tribal the world among many others and at times members to stop by at any time. it is highly imperfect and new discoveries provide important challenges to preexisting assumptions. This discovery is very exciting. It provides

2 “Good bye”Farewell Message from Dr. Patchen. . .

After nearly ten years, Dr. Patchen, one of our dentists Leadership at the Port Gamble S’Klallam Dental Clinic is retiring. The Tribe has been blessed with having wonderful, dedicated Group: providers and, while we wish him the very best, we are sorry to see him go. Dr. Patchen is extending the following message to our community: SWAG “Although I’ve had a lot of practice over the years, it is still hard to say “Good bye”. After almost 10 years of serving the S’Klallams Working And Giving, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, it is time for me to retire. That a group formed for our youth, began means saying “Good bye” at the end of 2011. Having never in September. This group of youth stayed in one place for more than 4 years since 1966, it is hard want to be good decision makers and to believe that I have been here for more than 10. to ake a difference in our community.

Some of the things we have I appreciate the way you welcomed me to the Tribe done so far are: and the support that you gave me throughout the years. You all have had a very • We were able to take 8 youth to a prevention summit in Yakima, positive impact in my life and for that I will always be grateful. where they got to see that there are many groups just like theirs Getting to know my first Native American people up close all over doing the same kinds of and personally has been a wonderful experience. I appreciate things in their communities. the way you welcomed me to the Tribe and the support that you gave me throughout the years. You all have had a very • We had a few meetings where positive impact in my life and for that I will always be grateful. they discussed where they would like to see our reservation in 10 I would like to express my appreciation and admiration for years. A few changes they would your dental clinic staff. I have worked in 12 different dental like are less drugs and alcohol, clinics over the past 35 years and this is truly at the top of for the rez to be clean, more that list for their quality and commitment. You can feel very grateful to have these people here to provide your dental care. I culture, more tournaments and will miss seeing them all as frequently but will certainly remain for their leadership group to in touch. grow bigger and teach the new generation how to lead a good I won’t launch into a lengthy “Thanks and good bye” to tribe in the right direction. individuals at the Tribe because there isn’t adequate space here to list everyone and I might forget to mention someone • Following that we recently went important. Please accept my sincerest thanks and know how to a native wellness leadership important you have been to me. I plan to visit regularly and training at the Great Wolf Lodge. hope to see many of you during those visits. We were able to take 29 of our youth for this event. Now it’s on to retirement – sleeping late, hobbies, relaxing, etc, etc. It doesn’t sound too bad.

3 Casino Update!

With the approach of the new Facility opening in April, 2011 we will be preparing for many new team members to join the excitement at the new Point Casino! We will be adding several new positions to the team as well as increasing the number of existing positions. We are anticipating 70 to 90 new team members with approximately 52 of those positions being in the Food & Beverage department.

We will be hosting several job fairs from January to April 2012 as well as a Dealer training School. For Tribal Members who are interested in learning to be a Table Games Dealer please contact the HR • Door Greeters office at The Point Casino to be added to the roster. With that said, please keep in • Gift Shop Supervisor mind the offer from Tribal Gaming for a free pre-screening to include the initial • Purchasing Clerk background check and a free consultation on the required qualifications for a class • Baker ll or class lll gaming license. • Pantry Cooks We are all very excited about the opening of the new Facility and encourage Tribal • Lead Deli Members to take advantage of this growth in employment opportunities at • Dining Room Manager The Point Casino! Listed below are some of the new positions we will be accepting • Bar Manager applications for. If you are entertaining, fun and friendly, we have a job for you. • Shuttle Driver

If you have any questions please feel • Poker Dealers free to contact HR at 360-297-0070 • Team Dining Room ext 106 or 144 Attendants • PBX Operator • IT Tech • Gift Shop Clerk

4 Around the Reservation . . .

Claude “Skip” George 1930 – 2011

It is with great sorrow that the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe announces the passing of Tribal Elder, Claude “Skip” George.

Skip, as he was known to many, many people, was born on February 18, 1930, to Claude “Lodi” George, Sr. and Catherine (Anderson) George, in Port Gamble, . In 1948, he married Betty Wellman and they have three children, six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Besides raising their own children and at two of their grandchildren, they have clam digging. Whether for work or opened their home to nieces, nephews recreation, he loved spending time on and other children over the years. the beach.

While Little Boston was their primary Most recently, Skip has spent count- home, Skip’s duties as a minister less hours with Josh Wisniewski, required him and his family to live Tribal Archaeologist, helping to pre- temporarily in several other Indian serve the history of Tribe, by shar- communities throughout the Pacific ing his experiences and the historical Northwest, including . He was knowledge that was passed on to him well known as a passionate, spirit- by his elders. filled preacher. Because of his charismatic personal- Although Skip worked at several ity, Skip was the kind of person who types of jobs over the years, such as drew people in and made friends eas- welding, construction, long shoring, ily. He was warm, caring, outgoing, Pope and Talbot Mill, his favorite funny, kind and loved by so many. work was commercial fishing and He will be deeply missed.

5 Around the Reservation . . .

An Evening of Northwest Art, Singing & Dance Happy On October 22nd, countless to especially thank all of the hours of planning and organiz- volunteers, who so generously Birthday ing culminated in a successful contributed their time, skills, and Preschool Building Fundraiser, creativity to the event. Thank co-hosted by Early Childhood you also to all the artists who Belated Happy Birthday to and the Port Gamble S’Klallam delivered beyond our expecta- Cyrene Tooze, December 24 Foundation. Approximately 117 tions with their donations of and Ted George December20 people attended, and $20,000 works of art, crafts, and other was raised. Ticket holders were unique items that played such treated to a salmon or chicken a large part in this successful Happy Birthday to Joanne dinner, catered by Keeper’s event. Another note of gratitude Lawrence, January 18, Betty Cove Restaurant, as well as goes to Melissa Streun, Kara George and Lousie Harvey, a live art auction, and silent Horton, Tashe Reynolds, Marie January 24 and Sheila auction that included items Hebert, and Karron McGrady, Purser, January 25. donated by local establish- who along with Foundation staff ments. Traditional S’Klallam served as the main steering com- songs were performed by the mittee for the event. We would S’Klallam singers and dancers, also like to include a special note and Sacred Water, a group made of thanks to the Port Gamble up of members of different area S’Klallam Tribe, Brown and tribes also performed. A special Brown Insurance, Associated highlight of the evening was a Petroleum Products, and Shea, wonderful performance given by Carr, and Jewell, Engineering the Tribe’s preschool children, and Planning Services, for their Cyrene Tooze and led by Dennis Jones. generous donations to help spon- sor the evening’s festivities. The Foundation would like

Ted George

Betty George

6 Around the Reservation . . .

honored: 35 years of service! Laurie Mattson was honored at the Staff Christmas Party for thirty- five years of service to the Tribe. She was hired as Executive Secretary in 1976. At that time the Tribe had less than fifty employees and the Tribal Center was housed in a much smaller building that is long gone.

During her years with the Tribe, Laurie attended college and obtained a Master’s Degree. She has held several positions, including mental health counselor, Social and Health Department Administrator, Interim CEO, and currently is Executive Director of Tribal Services.

Dramatic and historical changes have taken place in our Tribal government during Laurie’s tenure, many of which she had an instrumental part in bringing about. Today, the Tribe has nearly three hundred employees, not including casino personnel.

Over the years, Laurie has become a very dear friend and a treasured part of the community.

7 News& Updates

Kloomachin Club>>> people eligible for Medicaid will Health Care Reform will also enroll in 2014 and only 33-50% improve enrollment in other Eighty Tribal staff members were of people eligible for a plan in government-funded social nominated for the Kloomachin the Exchange will enroll. , We service programs including Club and recognized at the believe our current experience and housing, Indian Child Welfare, Christmas Party on 12/16. ongoing planning will help the TANF(Tribal Assistance tribe reach it’s goal in accessing all for Needy Families), food These are tribal employees who the affordable care plans in 2014. stamps(SNAP), WIC, and any always go the extra mile? The higher our participation with other social service program that additional health insurance, the requires information about income They consistently do that little more health services can be paid to qualify. As most of you know bit more than expected, that for with our Indian health services the Tribe already has its staff little bit extra that adds up to base funding. trained in enrollment in health not just good customer service, and social services programs and not just great customer service, already has the ability to screen, but true World Class Customer Assisting Enrollment in Health determine eligibility, and enroll. Service? Care Reform 2014 If you provide information for one program, it is easier to apply Employees chosen to become Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal for other programs (with your members of the Kloomachin members and other community permission). Club were be awarded a certificate members who are eligible for and honored at the Christmas contract health services and some Party. Nominations were made by who are not CHS-eligible will Outreach and Education is the clients, customers, co-workers or benefit from the Tribe’s efforts to supervisors. maximize enrollment in the many most important current health affordable health care programs, care reform activity and it If you know someone who you including: think fits this criteria, you may has already started. pick up a nomination form at • Medicaid Outreach and Education continues the reception desk in the Tribal and it starts with an ongoing effort Center. • Basic Health to inform the community, Tribal All completed nomination forms council, and government staff should be routed to the Human about the implementation of health • Health Insurance care reform. Resources Department. You may Exchange Plans (new nominate as many employees as in 2014) you think appropriate, but please, Your questions answered only one nomination per form. All • Employer Sponsored We don’t have all the answers nomination forms must be signed, Health Insurance yet, but we will in time to be but if you would like to keep your ready for the expected start of name confidential, just check the • Medicare enrollment in October, 2013. “Keep My Name Confidential” You have a right to ask questions box on the form. and get these questions answered. • Social Security Insurance Please ask us!

• Any remaining state Ed Fox, Director Health Services Health Insurance>>> funded programs (perhaps Department some treatment programs) 100% Health Insurance January 2012 Think of us as health insurance Coverage in 2014 enrollment ‘assisters’. Your Port Gamble Health Services Department has set a goal for 2014 Improved Access to Social Service of 100% of our tribal members Programs is part of Health Care having health insurance. There are Reform. predictions that only 50-66% of 8