May–June 2019 KENAITZE INDIAN TRIBE NEWSLETTER Henu court celebrates Tribe Breaks Ground graduates The Henu Community Wellness Court gathered on April 5 to cele- brate its two most recent graduates. Ty Hawkins and Roy Beaver received certificates for completing the program. To recognize the new people they have become, they also received new names. In introduc- ing their new names, Tribal Court Chief Judge Susan Wells shared the story of Lynx and Wolverine from Peter Kalifornsky’s book, “A De- na’ina Legacy — K’tl’egh’i Sukdu.” Hawkins received the name Idashla, Dena’ina for Wolver- ine, because of his persistence and tenacity. Beaver received the The Tribal Council invited children present at the Education Campus groundbreaking ceremony to name Kazhna, the word for Lynx, help out with the earth moving activities. because of his willingness to do whatever it takes to help a friend. The Henu Community Well- New education campus project ness Court is a joint-jurisdiction therapeutic court, operated by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the State kicks off Quarterly meeting of Alaska Court System. The court serves offenders who face legal At its April Quarterly Member- “So, our $10 million building is The Council also announced the trouble stemming from substance ship Meeting, the Tribal Council going to be $4.4 million,” Council purchase of the Beluga Lookout use. Henu has four phases, which discussed Secretarial Election re- Chairperson Wayne D. Wilson Jr. RV Park in Old Town Kenai. Be- take a minimum of 18 months to sults, the status of the Educational said. “That’s still a lot of money, cause the parcel will be part of the complete. Six people have now Fishery, and the new Education but we’ve worked hard to make Dena’ina Wellness Center campus, graduated from the court. Campus before adjourning for a sure we have proper funding.” the Tribe was able to pay cash Both Hawkins and Beaver said groundbreaking ceremony at the Council Treasurer Clinton for the property using third-par- they were initially resistant to par- See HENU, P. 4 Education Campus site. Lageson said Council Members ty revenue from health system “This has been a goal, part of have put in a lot of effort at the operations. Third-party revenue Transportation the strategic plan, for Kenaitze state and national levels to secure is money from private insurance Indian Tribe for and additional several years,” sources other program moves said Council ‘This will bring all of our education than Indian into high gear Vice-Chairperson programs together’ Health Service Bernadine Atchison – Bernadine Atchison, Tribal Council Vice-Chairperson funds. Wilson of the Education said the Tribe The Tribe’s Transportation Campus. “We want would use the program is ready to grow. to pull together Yaghanen, Edu- funding for the project. next couple of years to plan some- The program is open to anyone cation and Career Development, “I’m thankful to all the Council thing “truly amazing” for the site. who has an appointment with one of Head Start – this will bring all of Members. A lot of work has gone “It’s something to be proud of. the Tribe’s programs. While priority our education programs together.” into advocating for funding for We own everything we have, and is given to Elders and to medical ap- Plans for the site include a this building,” Lageson said. we still have money in the bank,” pointments, if you need help getting two-story building with class- Executive Director of Tribal Wilson said. to your appointment, the Transpor- Administration Dawn Nelson said Educational Fishery tation program can help. room and office space, and a one-story building with a large responses to the Tribe’s Request The Council told Tribal Mem- “We want to be helpful where multi-use room that will meet the For Proposals are coming in, and bers that they learned in early we can and when we can. Our needs of the Tribe’s various pro- the goal is to have the building April that the Tribe would not be philosophy is that we meet people grams. It will also accommodate ready for classes in August 2020. allowed to put nets in the water where they are,” Transportation gatherings of up to 300 people. Lageson said the Tribal Employ- until June 16, due to what the Coordinator Brandi Bell said. Council Members said the ment Rights Ordinance Commis- Alaska Department of Fish and Bell said that to this point, estimated cost will be $10 million, sion would be involved to ensure Game said was a concern for king on Mondays, Wednesdays and and outlined a number of grants the Tribal Members have opportu- salmon numbers. The Educational Fridays, drivers had focused on Tribe already has obtained, totaling nities during the construction Fishery usually opens on May 1. transporting Elders to appoint- $5.6 million, to pay for the project. process. See QUARTERLY, P. 2 See TRANSPORTATION, P. 4 2 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019
Do you know these people? Help us update their address Tribal Member William Carlough Gabrielle Frost Zane Juliussen Brandi Murphy Winston Smyth Services is seeking Leila Carroll Michael Frost Anthony Kellum Nicole Murray Connor Sniff addresses for the Kenneth Chaffin Brian Frostad Victoria Kelly Christine Navarro Staci Stangarone Marie Chaffin Christopher Frostad Mary Kent Jack Navarro following Tribal Randi Stevens Tina Chaffin Katheryn Frostad Elizabeth Ketah Richard Nevitt Members. To update Nathanyl Connell Vivian Gaines Marshall Kidder Michael Norbett George Stockwell your contact information, Hazel Costanios Amber Gardner Travis Kidder Nathan Ollestad Jolene Sutherland please call Jessica Crump Denise Cox Marisa Garrigues Jonathan Knight Alexis Oskolkoff Michelle Sutherland at 907-335-7204 or email Justin Cox Tanner Geiser Corbin Kooly Kayla Osness Jonathan Swan [email protected]. Stacy Cronin Elijah Gesh Pamela Kooly Debra Page Emma Tanner James Cross Amee Gibson-Rehder Zachary Kooly Jared Page Jeffrey Taylor Christopher Anderson Samantha Cross William Green Douglas Lecceardone Jayna Page John Taylor Dianne Arendt James Cross Jr Mathew Gregoire Henry Lecceardone Kerissa Perata Lori Ashton Megan Cunningham Cameron Grothe Cindy Lesamiz Delores Petterson Megan Thompson Sonya Astad Jason Curtis Garrett Grothe Julie Levesque Lucy Pitto Crystal Tilley Allan Baldwin Edward Darien Linda Guenthner Ryan Lewis Snowydel Poage Kelli Toledo - Frostad Daniel Baldwin Robert Darien Joseph Hansen Cherie Lindstrom Jenna Pomeroy Barbara Tonnema Jonathon Baldwin Lisa Darien-Hileman Nelson Harker Lynda Longoria Betty Porter Sarah Tressler Raymond Batt III Leilanie Davis Danielle Hartnett Amber Lorenzo Roger Randall Logan Trigg Maximillian Baty Rebecca Davis Nathaniel Hartnett Anthony Lorenzo Arthur Raymond Taha Trigg Jackson Bergmann Rosa Davis Samuel Hatfield Gregory Lorenzo Enoch Reams Madison Bergmann Robert Davis, Jr. Emily Hawley Samuel Lorenzo Miles Richardson Courtney Tweedy Joel Blatchford Angela Davis-Coilton Preston Hawley Victorio Lorenzo Autumn Richardson-Card Tristin Vitalis Amanda Bliss Clifford Dean Priscilla Hawley Roman Lott Christina Rifredi Megan Webb Claude Bocatch Lisa Dean Sentilla Hawley Calvin Mack Grier Roberts Ragan Webber Hilma Bocatch Tracy Deitz Virginia Hoak Gerald Mahle Jr. Darick Robison Heather Wenzel Joseph Bogard Emelie Demidoff David Holzwarth Gerald Mahle Sr Steven Rodrigues Valeria Wessel Autumn Boling Michele Denesha Jessica Huf Darla Mamaloff Lily Ross Camryn Boulette Elsie Dexter Natasha Huf Sandra Marcus James Rouse III Norma Wheeler Christopher Brandt Clifford Dolchok Taylor Huf Nadine Maupin Jon Sacaloff Jordan Wik Jonathan Brandt Mack Dolchok Neil Hunter Lane Mccurdy Nick Sacaloff Shyanne Williams Erica Branson Christopher Edelman Raymond Ivanoff Shawn Mccurdy James Sanders Nicole Williford Hunter Brown Drasanna Edelman Naomi Jackinsky Freddie Mcneal Alvaro Sandoval Raven Willoya-Williams James Brown Jay Edelman Jay Jennings Marika Mcneal Veronica Sandoval Brandon Wilson Jordan Brown Edwin Edelman Jr Tamara Johansen Tijah Mcneal James Scaggs Brandon Wilson Kendal Brown Courtney Edwards Austin Johnson Anthony Mesa Susan Schaller Kesley Brown Jamie Edwards Kristin Johnson Bernadette Mesa Samuel Schimmel Sarah Wilson Danielle Browning Jarrod Edwards Micah Johnson Violet Mesa Sarah Scott Stephan Wilson Richard Brunni David Engelstad Randee Johnson John Miller Carol Seibert Joshua Wolf Walter Burt Patricia England Ryan Johnson Mikayla Miller Michael Seibert Norman Wood Jr Manual Busane Daniel Faucett Alison Jones Natasha Miller Kendra Shepherd Heidi Wright Mariano Busane Randon Flood Hali Jones Brittney Mills Maryah Showalter Jesse Wright Margaret Byron Richard Flood Josephine Jones Grace Mills Lori Sloan` Neshonie Wright Christopher Callender Robert Flood Neal Jones Casey Mitchell James Smagge Kayleen Cameron-Levine Jolene Foree Michael Juliussen Debra Moore Erica Smith Alyssa Wright-Nelson Jennifer Campbell Louis Forstner V Samuel Juliussen Richard Mueller Shannon Smith Devin Zajac Michael Carlough Ashley Frost Winter Juliussen Karina Munson Eric Smyth
QUARTERLY, FROM P. 1 does open, nets will be kept in the NIEA seat provides Wilson said the Tribal Council water longer, through the low tides. has been meeting with Sky Star- Tribal Member Services also will key, an attorney with experience keep a waiting list of people to call on in Alaska Native tribal and sub- days a large number of fish come to national voice for Tribe sistence rights. The Council would the net. He encouraged those who do well to share, especially with Elders. On April 13, I accepted a seat theme for the NIEA Convention, like to have a subsistence fishery to avoid some of the limitations of an The discussion also touched on on the National Indian Education Oct. 8-12: “Celebrating 50 Years educational fishery. other harvest opportunities, from Association Board of Directors of Building Education Nations: Council and Tribal Members gear changes at the fishery to the starting immediately, Strengthening and Ad- were critical of Gov. Michael use of other traditional methods. with my first board vancing Native Control Dunleavy’s administration, and The moose harvest program also meeting on May 23. of Native Education.” said the restrictions on this year’s was discussed. Lageson said more It is a three-year In addition, I will be fishery “open the door” for the discussion will take place through term ending in Octo- sitting on two commit- Tribe to pursue other options. It the Hunting, Fishing and Gathering ber 2021. tees, Finance and Native was noted that fishery access is an Commission. This is an op- Control of Native Edu- issue throughout Cook Inlet, and a “I think it needs to be a strong portunity for the cation-Native Systems. coordinated effort is developing to voice from the Tribe that the Edu- address it. cational Fishery is not working for Tribe and all tribes I look forward to Council Secretary Diana Zirul us, and I think the voice needs to of Alaska to have a serving you and being Bernadine Atchison agreed. be loud and proud,” Lageson said. voice at the national a representative for our level in promoting “We’re stronger together than we The Council opened the meeting Tribal children. While are as an individual tribe,” Zirul said. with a review of the Secretarial Native control of Native Edu- sitting on the NIEA Board, I will For the current season, Harvest Election results. The three amend- cation for our Tribal students. be reporting to the Education Program Supervisor Jake Kooly ments put before voters, which re- Robin Butterfield, President, wel- Committee and Tribal Council. said the Tribe would be missing move Interior Department oversight comed me as a new board mem- out on an early run of sockeye from elections to amend the Tribe’s ber and a voice for Alaska on Na- salmon that usually come to the constitution, all passed. A draft of Duk’idli, Respectfully, tive Education. I will be working net between May 20 and June 15. the amended constitution has been closely with Alaskan advocates Kooly said it will take a team effort reviewed by the Constitution Com- of Native control of Native Edu- Bernadine Atchison to ensure that everyone who needs mittee and has been presented to the cation, which reflects this year’s Tribal Council Vice-Chairperson fish, gets some. When the fishery Tribal Council for signatures. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 3
Note from the CouNCil ChairpersoN tribal CouNCil
Hello, important parcel in Old Town that Summer is here and every truly represents our village history. Alaskan is taking advantage The Council originally had planned of all the sunlight that Alas- to keep the RV park open for the Wayne D. Wilson Jr. ka has to offer. I hope our season, but have reconsidered and Chairperson members are able to get out decided to move in another [email protected] as much as possible to enjoy direction for now. Sometime in the the all the summer activities. near future, the Council will come Camping, fishing, hiking up with a plan on what to do with and walks along the beach Wayne D. Wilson Jr. property to benefit the Tribe for the are always a must during the generations to come. summer months. The Council would like to remind every- The Tribe’s 2019 summer is all about one that the opening of the net and barbe- expansion and remodeling. We started the cue will be June 17. The Council is excited Bernadine Atchison Vice-Chairperson summer off with a ground breaking cere- to show everyone the new harvest shop and [email protected] mony for the new school and a Tribal bar- new fish processing equipment Harvest becue. Construction on the structure of the Manger Jake Kooly has been working hard building will start later in the summer. to complete. Jake has promised that even The Tribe is presently remodeling a though we were forced to miss the first 4,500-square-foot portion of the Toyon Vil- month and half of fishing, he and his crew la apartments for Na’ini Family and Social will work to make sure we take advantage Services. When that project is complete, of every tide so that we will be able to the Behavioral Health department will be maximize our full potential and attain our Clinton Lageson moving from the Dena’ina Wellness Center goals. to the current family services building. Treasurer [email protected] As reported in last month’s Counting Hope to see everyone down at the beach. Cord, the Tribe purchased the Beluga Look- out RV Park property. As a Tribal Member, Wayne D. Wilson Jr. I feel this piece of property is the most Tribal Council Chairperson
Health Board learns from visit to ANTHC In April, the Health Board spent a day in positions and is committed in its pursuit to Diana Zirul Anchorage touring the Alaska Native Tribal fill at least one of the positions with another Secretary Health Consortium and meeting with their staff physician. We are also working with the [email protected] regarding various types of support services that Executive Director of Tribal Administration are available to Kenaitze Indian Tribe. and the Interim Primary Care Director in We wish to extend our thanks to Roald Hel- assessing the workflow process within the gesen, ANTHC CEO and ANMC Administrator, department in order to ensure that your needs and his staff who provided tours of the Oncology are being met. Clinic and Infusion Center, Surgery Clinic, Sleep This past week, I was honored to serve as Lab and Pulmonary Clinic, Patient one of the Co-Signers’ co-leads during Housing and so much more. the Alaska Tribal Health Compact/Indian Rona Johnson, Geriatric Ad- Health Services (ATHC/IHS) negotiations Liisia Blizzard vanced Nurse Practitioner and a process which ended successfully with 25 Council Member Kenaitze Indian Tribe Member, updated Federal Funding Agreements for [email protected] provided a presentation regarding Alaska Native health services. Palliative Care and the signifi- The Compact serves as the authori- cance of preparing a Medical zation for 25 Tribes/Tribal Health Or- Advanced Directive. Dr. Ohnders, ganizations (Co-Signers) representing Medical Director of Community Diana Zirul 229 tribes throughout Alaska to operate Health Systems at Alaska Pacific health and health-related programs like University, joined us to explain the various ANTHC and the Dena’ina Wellness Center. health programs available at the university and This year ATHC/IHS is celebrating 25 Mary Ann Mills the tuition discount that is available to Alaska years of successful negotiations, and this Council Member Natives. Dr. Tina Woods provided an overview Compact represents the only multi-party [email protected] of Community Health Services including the compact in the nation which has served us training process for Behavioral Health Aides. well due to our unified approach in navigating Many ideas were shared and the Board is the government-to-government relationship. looking forward to incorporating these into ATHC is well-respected and recognized not future plans for the Dena’ina Wellness Center. only by the Federal government but by other There are six primary care providers tribes and tribal health organizations through- budgeted to serve un’ina in the Primary Care out the nation due to the innovative means in Department. Dr. Mitchell, who will join us in which our health services are provided and Jennifer Showalter July, Dr. Callum, pediatrician, Summer Cross, due to the vast geographic area that the Alaska Yeoman ANP and Andrew Fuhrman, ANP serve in Tribal Health System serves. Council Member a permanent capacity while the remaining [email protected] two positions are filled by temporary contract Respectfully, providers (locum tenens). The Health Board continues to interview Diana L. Zirul additional providers to fill the remaining Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina Health Board Chair 4 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019
Sweet honored with award Kimberley Sweet, an Alaska State Court Magistrate and Tribal Member, recently was honored by the Alaska Bar Association with the Judge Nora Guinn Award. The award recognizes an indi- vidual Alaskan who has made an extraordinary or sustained effort to assist Alaska’s rural residents, especially its Alaska Native popu- lation, overcome language and cul- tural barriers to obtaining justice through the legal system. Sweet, a former Kenaitze Chief Judge, was recognized for her work in helping to establish the Henu Community Wellness Court, a Henu Community Wellness Court graduates Roy Beaver and Ty Hawkins, Alaska Superior Court joint-jurisdiction therapeutic court Judge Jennifer Wells and Kenaitze Indian Tribe Tribal Court Chief Judge Susan Wells listen to com- operated by the Kenaitze Indian ments from attendees during a Henu graduation ceremony in April. Tribe and the Alaska Court Sys- HENU, FROM P. 1 the Freedom House men’s long-term “They’re really so thankful to tem. Sweet also was involved in ticipating in Henu, but eventually recovery residence up and running. the Tribe for putting this together negotiating the Alaska Tribal Child found it to be life-changing. “I’ve always wanted something and doing it, and being there for Welfare Compact, a historic agree- “It’s like taking the impurities for men, so I jumped at the chance. them,” Judge Wells said. ment between Alaska out of gold – you have to melt it I’m excited to be a part of it,” Bea- Judge Wells said she also is tribes and the state. down,” Beaver said. “So stick with ver said. grateful to see past graduates con- Sweet’s nomina- it and you’re going to come out Beaver said he is grateful for the tinue to be engaged in the com- tion for the award love and support he’s felt from Henu. munity and involved in an alumni received support more pure.” Hawkins said Henu is different “They don’t want you to fail. group. Henu’s first graduates were from a number of They’re willing to work with you. Kenaitze and Salamatof Tribal people, including in the way that people are treated. Sweet They want you to succeed,” he said. Members, and had that support retired Superior Court “I’ve been through a lot of inpa- tient programs, and I got more from Beaver is excited to get his network available after they grad- Judge Anna Moran and Superior license back, and grateful for the uated. Some subsequent graduates this outpatient program that than all Court Judge Jennifer Wells. Others job opportunities that come with have been non-Native, and while of the inpatient programs,” Hawkins supporting the nomination includ- it. He’s also grateful to have rebuilt the court started with a vision for said. “It’s the way they treat people, ed retired Alaska Supreme Court his relationship with his son and what post-graduation care would the way they go about it.” Justice Dana Fabe, Alaska Legal grandson. look like, there wasn’t a concrete Services Corporation Executive Hawkins said he is determined “That’s very special,” Beaver said. answer to the question, “You’ve Director Nikole Nelson, and Alas- to give back for what he feels Tribal Court Chief Judge Susan graduated, now what?” ka Federation of Natives President the Tribe has given to him. He’s Wells said she is thrilled to see the “Keeping that connection is Julie Kitka. planning to lead the court’s alumni transformation in Henu participants, important,” Judge Wells said. “It’s “She’s probably one of the wisest group, and is has plans for other and to see the community support what we need for after-care. … people I know,” Moran said of Sweet. ways to contribute. for them. Reconnecting Henu par- We’re only as healthy as our com- Moran said that Sweet has great Beaver has been busy contribut- ticipants with the community is part munity – and our community is empathy for other people, and a sense ing his own hard work to help get of the vision for the court. Native and non-Native.” of interpersonal dynamics, traits that make her an excellent judge. TRANSPORTATION, FROM P. 1 “She is very bright, and has tre- ments and to Tyotkas. However, she mendous heart,” Moran said. said that they have found that while Moran lured Sweet to Fairbanks Elders are enjoying their lunch, for the award presentation under drivers have time to make addition- the guise of a training workshop al trips in the central Kenai area. during the Alaska Bar Association On Tuesdays and Thursdays, annual convention. As the award drivers help with “life needs” was being presented, Sweet said things like grocery shopping or she assumed it was for Moran – trips to the post office or pharmacy. right up until the presenter men- “If somebody needs groceries, tioned “former Kenaitze Indian and needs a ride, we’ll find a way Tribal Court Chief Judge.” to fit them in,” Bell said. Moran said she appreciates the Bell said she works closely with way in which Sweet is able to the Tribe’s service providers to Elders depart a Kenaitze van at Tyotkas Elder Center in May. The blend Tribal Court and state court make sure appointment and trans- Tribe’s transportation services support those who use any of the systems. portation schedules match up. It Tribe’s services. Sweet said the state is starting sometimes requires a little flexi- transportation for any program. The Transportation program’s to recognize the benefits of tribal bility to get everyone where they courts, though she said there are need to go, but she said everyone For example, there’s been a need service area stretches from Nikiski many people to be credited for that. – service providers and riders – has for rides to Education and Career to Scout Lake Road in Sterling to Nora Guinn was the state’s first been willing to make it work. Development since its office was Pollard Loop in Kasilof. Rides are Alaska Native judge, and one of Currently, the Transportation moved over to K-B Drive off Kali- scheduled on a first-come, first- the state’s first female judges. She program has a fleet of three passen- fornsky Beach Road. served basis. often conducted court proceedings ger vans, one of them wheelchair Rather than having established in Yup’ik to foster a better under- accessible, and two drivers. routes, rides are modeled on a Anyone needing a ride can con- standing of legal principles. Bell said drivers can provide door-to-door, on-demand service. tact Bell at 907-335-7212. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 5 Building for the future “After we built it, we got to play placed on the bridge. Wilson said Middle-school on it,” Wilson said. her group’s bridge supported 63 She’s been able to play “Cool pounds before giving way. student dives Math,” and has used her computer Students also worked in groups for school work. of three to build a small windmill into ANSEP Students also did some struc- that could harness wind energy. tural engineering using models. “We had a limited amount of academy Wilson said she worked with two supplies, and we had to make it other students to build a tower with so it would lift a weight,” Wilson Emilee Wilson, a seventh-grad- K’Nex building kits. Instructors said. “My team lifted seven hex er at Kenai Middle School, recent- provided examples, and a guest nuts, which was the most out of ly had the opportunity to go to speaker shared some building tips. everyone.” college. “Then we went to the ANSEP Wilson was selected to attend a building to see if it could with- Wilson said she liked all of the two-week Alaska Native Science stand an earthquake for 1 minute,” projects she worked on, as well and Engineering Program Mid- Wilson said. as making friends with students Emilee Wilson dle-School Academy, held in Feb- Wilson said her group’s 67-inch- from other parts of Alaska. She an information packet from her ruary on the University of Alaska tall structure held together for 47 said she missed home a little bit, Anchorage campus. school, and went through it with seconds. Just two towers withstood but got used to staying on campus Wilson, a Tribal Member, was her mother. She said she was very the full minute of shaking. pretty quickly. excited about the opportunity. one of 54 students from the Kenai Students had the chance to As for her future studies, she Participants in the Middle Peninsula Borough and Lower apply their engineering skills to said she’d like to learn more about School Academy tackled a number Kuskokwim school districts to bridge building. Wilson said she archaeology, and attend one of the of hands-on projects designed to attend the academy. worked with two other students Tribe’s Susten Archaeology Camps spark an interest in STEM fields – ANSEP was launched in 1995 to draft a blueprint of a structure, when she’s older. She said she’s in- science, technology, engineering as a scholarship program for and then build it to the exact spec- spired by her older sister Julianne, university students. The program and math. ifications using balsa wood. She who worked as an archaeologist encourages and supports Alaska One of the first things they did, said it was the most challenging assistant for the U.S. Forest Service Native people in pursuing careers Wilson said, was to build their project she did. last summer. in science and engineering. It own computers. As an incentive, “You had to figure out what has evolved to provide learning students on track to meet certain style of bridge you wanted to Wilson summed up her ANSEP opportunities for students from academic goals are able to keep the build, but my team picked a really experience in two words: “Memo- sixth grade all the way through computers they built. hard style, so it was hard to build,” rable and fun.” post-graduate programs. Wilson said it was her first time Wilson said. To learn more about ANSEP and Wilson said she hadn’t heard learning about the inner parts of a To test their structure, which the programs offered, visit www. about ANSEP until she received computer, such as the motherboard. was about 2 feet long, weight was ansep.net. Scholarship recipients Tribal Council’s work earn high marks in D.C. pays dividends The Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Scholarship Program would like to It has been an honor to be able help and guidance on this bill. recognize the following Tribal Members who have achieved a high to support the passage of H.R. 375 You can learn more about grade point average for the fall 2018 semester: in the 116th Congress, 1st session, H.R.375 at www.congress.gov/ House of Representatives. It is a bill/116th-congress/house-bill/375. Madison Bergman, a third-year student studying nursing at Point bill to amend the Act A related measure is Loma Nazarene College, earned a GPA of 3.45. of June 18, 1934, com- H.R.312, the Mashpee Miranda Boehmler, a first-year business student at Kenai monly known as the Wampanoag Tribe Reser- Peninsula College, earned a 3.62 GPA. Indian Reorganization vation Reaffirmation Act, Camryn Boulette, a fourth-year student studying business admin- Act, to reaffirm the to reaffirm the Mashpee istration with a focus on finance at Western Washington University, authority of the Secre- Wampanoag Tribe res- earned a GPA of 3.46. tary of the Interior to ervation, and for other Dylan Darien, a second-year student studying computer networking take land into trust for purposes. The bill con- at the University of Alaska, earned a 3.62 GPA. Indian Tribes, and for firms that the reservation Josef Franke, a third-year student at Ventura County Community other purposes. of the Mashpee Wampa- College studying accounting, earned a GPA of 3.86. Kenaitze Indian Trib- Clinton Lageson noag Tribe is in trust and Norma Johnson, a graduate student in anthropology at the University al Council is very sup- can’t be challenged in of Alaska, earned a GPA of 3.9. portive of Tribal self-determination court. A similar law was enacted Josephine Jones, a fourth-year music student at the University of and Tribal sovereignty and that is for another tribe in 2014. The U.S. Idaho, earned a 3.57 GPA. what makes this exciting work for Supreme Court later upheld it as Tessa McGahan, a second-year student studying economics and me because of the strong Tribal constitutional. Learn more about photography at Texas Lutheran University, earned a GPA of 3.86. Council leaders that support these the measure at www.congress.gov/ Haley Lancourt, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in efforts. I feel fortunate to work bill/116th-congress/house-bill/312. athletic training at Boise State University, earned a GPA of 3.70. on bills that can help Tribes stand Nathanael Reams, a fourth-year student at the University of Alaska strong to be able to determine their Thank you, studying geological engineering, earned a GPA of 3.76. sovereignty. I would like to take the Marissa Shaver, a second-year student at Trine University studying time to thank all of the Kenaitze Clinton Lageson biomedical engineering, earned a GPA of 3.42. Tribal Council and staff for their Tribal Council Treasurer 6 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019
A candlelight vigil at the Raven Plaza on the Dena’ina Wellness Center campus followed the third annual Violence Against Women Forum in April. ‘We can do something’ into a national organization. “The majority of men, who are knows all the families, and some of VAW forum Traver also talked Tarana Burke, upstanding, we need to empower the victims. The message hits home who found herself talking with a them,” she said. wherever the kuspuk is displayed, participants 13-year-old girl who had been sex- Traver also asked forum partici- she said. ually abused. Burke couldn’t bring pants to think about the communi- “When I take this anywhere, I herself to respond, to even say, “me ty’s strengths in addressing sexual hear a story – ‘This is something seek solutions too.” In 2007, she started Just Be assault and domestic violence. that happened to me. I could have When Kristie Traver was asked Inc., a non-profit organization that “It’s not just a question of what been on there,’” Webb said. to share inspiration with attendees helps victims of sexual harassment don’t we have, but what do we Webb chose to use a black at the Tribe’s third annual Vio- and assault, adopting “me too” long have? What do we do well in this Sharpie marker to draw the faces. lence Against Women Forum, she before social media hashtags. community?” Traver said. “The permanence of them being found it in regular people who took Traver wrapped up her remarks Amber Webb, an artist from gone is like the permanence of individual actions that launched by asking how to get more “regular Dillingham, opened the fo- me putting marks on this project,” movements. people” involved in conversations rum by discussing her work, a Webb said. Traver, who works in the Alas- about sexual assault and gen- 15-foot-tall kuspuk with faces of Forum attendees also heard pres- ka office for the National Indian der-based violence. missing or murdered Alaska Na- entations from the Alaska Native Country Clearinghouse on Sexual “We don’t always need to have pro- tive and American Indian wom- Women’s Resource Center, an FBI Assault, started with the anti-sexu- fessionals at the table,” Traver said. en. The piece, her second, was victim specialist, and on a trau- al violence movement of the 1970s, Traver said more victims need to inspired by the disappearance of ma-informed approach and care. which she said started as a group of be brought to the table as well. a family friend. Sandra Kerns, a behavioral women meeting in a living room. health professional who uses ani- “They said, ‘I can do something; mals as part of her therapy treat- we can do something,’” Traver said. ‘It’s not just a question of what don’t we ments, talked about introducing Traver talked about Lisa Shan- have, but what do we have?’ animals and stories into the process of helping people deal with trauma. non, author of “A Thousand Sisters: – Kristie Traver My Journey into the Worst Place She said that at her farm, “people on Earth to be a Woman.” Shannon will navigate to the animal that is learned of atrocities that women “We think of victims being “I thought, how can I show this right for them.” in the Congo were subjected to represented by victim advocates, problem in a way that people have She also shared parts of a story through an episode of “Oprah,” but we need to hear their voices,” to feel it,” Webb said. about Bubba the French bulldog, and decided to take action. She set Traver said. Webb said she started collect- who was trying to help a mouse out to raise money with the goal of Traver said there also is a push ing photographs. Among the faces escape from a trap. sponsoring 30 women. What start- to include more men, because they on the kuspuk are eight from her “People respond well to meta- ed as a solo 30-mile run has grown are role models for other men. village. She said she personally phors and stories,” Kerns said. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 7
Kenaitze Early Childhood Center Now accepting applications!
Programs for pregnant women and children from birth to age 5 • Native and Non-Native • Parent/family involvement • Health screenings • School readiness • Family engagement • Community partnerships • Children with disabilities accepted We work with our Elders, community, and Tribal programs to ensure the best services available. Find applications and more at: www.kenaitze.org/ecc 130 N. Willow Street, Kenai 907-335-7260 8 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019 You could feel the egg-citement On the day before Easter, fami- lies packed into the Mountain View Elementary School multi-purpose room for a feast of hot dogs and hamburgers before heading out to the playground for the annual East- er egg hunt. “It was a lot of fun,” said Clinton Lageson, Tribal Council Treasurer for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. “It’s always nice to see the joint effort between Kenaitze and Salamatof, and all the work that goes into hav- ing a good Easter party.” Lageson said he especially enjoys the prize drawings, which included dozens of Easter baskets and children’s bicycles. “It’s an awesome thing to see the joy on a kid’s face when they win something they didn’t expect – and it’s a positive thought to know they’ll be outside on a bicycle instead of watching TV,” Lageson said. The bicycles for the prize draw- ing were supplied by the Salamatof Native Association. Salamatof Chair Kaarlo Wik said he thinks every kid should have a bike. “Salamatof has purchased bikes for this event for years. It’s always fun to see kids’ eyes light up when they’re a winner,” Wik said. Marvin Pingayak was one of the lucky winners. In fact, his family did quite well in the prize draw- ings, with multiple bicycles and Easter baskets. He said he was ex- cited about the bike as he is ready for a new one. Children scramble for eggs on the school playground during one of the egg hunts. His mother, Inez, said the family comes every year, but this was the said. “There’s good food and good first time they had won any prizes. company, and it’s nice to run into She said they come to enjoy the people outside of the work setting.” party, and to get the kids out for Catherine Felt and her daugh- the day. ter, Luna, were at the party for Cole Stapp, a dentist at the the first time. Luna, a student Dena’ina Wellness Center, also at the Early Childhood Center’s brought his whole family to the Head Start preschool, had just party. He said it was the second finished the Easter egg hunt for year they’ve attended. her age group. “It’s nice to celebrate East- “I found a million!” Luna said of er together and have a little fun her success. Catherine Felt said they learned finding some eggs,” Dr. Stapp about the party through Head Start, though she didn’t realize just how big the party would be. The egg hunt was split up by age group, with the youngest partic- ipants in the school hallway, and Liam Bliss high-fives Kenaitze Tribal Council Treasurer Clinton the rest spread around the school Lageson and Salamatof Chairman Kaarlo Wik before picking out playground and sports fields. the bike he won during the raffle. Lageson said he was glad that cousin took it over a jump. has become a part of. the weather had cooperated – many Lageson said his first bike was Lageson said he’s grateful for the central Kenai Peninsula residents also a Huffy that he was fond of effort that goes into planning the woke up to a dusting of fresh snow jumping. He said he received it in annual gathering. that morning, but the sun was shin- ing by the afternoon. the springtime, and to this day, as- “I appreciate all the work that Sofia Goggia, 4, jumps up and Wik said he remembers his first sociates spring with getting outside Kenaitze and Salamatof Members down with excitement at winning bike – a Huffy Turbo that, unfor- to kick off the outdoor season – and employees put into this,” a new bike during the party. tunately, “broke in half” when his something the annual Easter party he said. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 9
Children play on the Cook Inlet beach at the Tribe’s fishery site during the Early hildhoodC Center’s year-end picnic. Center celebrates with picnic The Early Childhood Center cel- ticed that his writing skills, art and Raelynne, Brody’s mother, said “I love playing at choice time,” ebrated the end of the school year social skills have really developed she’s appreciated the cultural songs Cheyenne said. “I choose Mag- with a family picnic at the Tribe’s over the past two years. She said her son learned. She said the annu- na-Tiles, but sometimes I do some- Educational Fishery in May. her favorite art project was called al picnic is a great way to wrap up thing different.” Preston Rucker, who just attend- “Mistletoes” – for Christmas, the school year. Early Childhood Center pro- ed the Head Start preschool for two students dipped their toes in green Cheyenne Stovall’s father, Ben, grams include Early Head Start, a years, didn’t hesitate when asked paint and made artistic prints. also said he appreciates the cultural home-based program for pregnant about his favorite part of school: Brody Murphy, who also will be songs and believes his daughter mothers and children up to age 3; “Lunch time!” headed to kindergarten next year, will be well-prepared when she Head Start, a preschool program His mother, Lisa, said Preston said his favorite part of school was starts kindergarten in the fall. for children ages 3 and 4 by Sept. will be well-prepared heading into “playing inside and coming to the Cheyenne said her favorite part 1; and the After-school program kindergarten next year. She’s no- beach.” of school has been choice time. for Head Start alumni and Alaska Native and American Indian chil- dren in kindergarten through third grade. For information and applications, visit https://www.kenaitze.org/pro- grams/early-childhood-center/ or call the Early Childhood Center at 907-335-7260.
Shannon Dodge, center, helps her son Trey, left, and Chase Purcell build a sand castle on the beach. At right, Dan Poulin helps his daughter Adalyn fly a kite during the year-end picnic. 10 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019
Jayden Sanders gathers cottonwood buds during a trip to Captain Cook State Recreation Area in April. Youth learn cottonwood’s medicinal qualities On a sunny but brisk April out in a natural setting contributes For some of the participants, Chrystal Wright at 907-335-7500 to day, several youth continued the to the program’s goal of building it was their first time gathering reserve a seat. traditional Dena’ina use of cotton- resilience. cottonwood buds, and they weren’t A trip to Denali National Park wood with their harvest of freshly “What we do in our program is sure how they would use them. is planned for July 4-10 for high emerging buds. to take best practices from Western Others said they would try applying school youth; RSVP to Gifford at “Now is a good time to get them behavioral health and traditional the infused oil the next time the get 335-7335. because the medicine is in there,” indigenous knowledge, and blend a cut or a scrape. Other Yinihugheltani activities explained Audré those together Jalyn Yeoman said she intended to include days at the Tribe’s Edu- Gifford, from the when we’re take advantage of the aromatic prop- cational Fishery to learn how to Behavioral Health working with erties of the cottonwood oil with the process salmon, with the fish dis- department at the kids,” Gifford guinea pig she keeps in her room. tributed to Elders, and devil’s club Dena’ina Wellness said. “I want my room to smell good,” harvesting. Center, as they Gifford there she said. picked buds at is a Dena’ina After they finished their gath- Captain Cook State cultural tradi- ering, participants gathered Recreation Area tion of, when around a campfire and shared north of Nikiski. dealing with an the Dena’ina story of “When the As they har- issue, taking a Animals Divided into Pairs,” vested cottonwood piece of dried which tells how Spruce, Cotton- buds, k’elujaq’a in salmon and wood and Dog made themselves Dena’ina, Gifford going for a walk useful to the Campfire People. quizzed the partici- in the woods. They finished the afternoon with pating youth on the A downed cottonwood tree “It shows that a walk on the beach. Dena’ina word for provided plenty of buds for for thousands Gifford said Yinihugheltani aims cottonwood, esni. participants to gather. of years, our to instill pride and a sense of self She also shared people have in Alaska Native and American some wisdom passed on to her gone out in the woods for healing,” Indian youth. from Tribal Elders. she said. “A lot of the work we do is cop- “When you gather medicine, it’s Cottonwood buds can contribute ing skills to deal with the stressors important to think good thoughts,” to healing as well. They contain that come up in life,” Gifford said. Gifford said. “The Elders say that salicylates, and have anti-microbial The Yinihugheltani program has makes the medicine stronger.” properties. After collecting cotton- a number of other events planned Cottonwood buds soak in The outing was part of the wood buds in small canning jars, the for the summer. Starting May 24, sunflower oil. Cottonwood buds Tribe’s Yinihugheltani program, buds were covered with sunflower youth ages 10 to 18 are invited to contain salicylates and have which aims to raise awareness of oil. The infused oil can soothe skin meet at 10 a.m. at the Dena’ina anti-microbial properties. The and prevent suicide. irritation and inflammation, among Wellness Center to go and hike a infused oil soothes irritated skin. Gifford said that getting kids other medicinal properties. Kenai Peninsula trail. RSVP to May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 11 Ticket to ride recent Friday afternoon. Students rise During the school year, stu- dents in the program, which serves to ‘100 Books’ children in kindergarten through third grade, are challenged to read 100 books at their grade level. challenge Those who complete the challenge are rewarded with a new bicycle, The excitement inside was just donated by the Salamatof Native as electric as the thunder and light- Association. ning outside as students in the Ear- In an earlier interview, Kaarlo ly Childhood Center’s After-School Wik, Salamatof Native Association program gathered for the “100 Chairperson, said he thinks every Books for a Bike” celebration on a kid should have a bicycle. He said that he has been MJ Rogers gives his new mountain bike a try. told by teachers plishment. Supporting your children to learn that not only “We’re proud of you,” she said. how to read is the best thing you does the program “Keep reading all summer, and can do for them.” encourage kids be safe when you ride your bike – With the formalities over and the to read, it actu- wear your helmet.” sun breaking through the clouds, ally gets them Chrissy Monfor said the Johnny students got down to the business reading above Monfor Head Start Golf Classic of picking out their bikes. After their grade level. was started 18 years ago to raise finding their match and fitting their “And I love funds to provide books for the helmets, they took their new bikes giving away Head Start program. The annual for a test ride in the Early Child- bicycles,” Wik tournament took a few years off, hood Center parking lot. said. but is back and will continue. “They’ve worked at it and Salamatof “From when we started the worked at it all these months,” Board Member tournament 18 years ago, the said Charmaine Lundy, Head Start Henia Minium needs have changed, but the kids Coordinator. “I’m so incredibly Head Start Coordinator Charmaine Lundy steadies was proud of the haven’t,” Monfor said. “We proud of all these successful young Fred Zimin as he gives his new bike a spin. students’ accom- appreciate your support as parents. people.” ALASKA’S TOBACCO
ASK FOR A FREE QUIT KIT IT’S FREE AT THE IT’S CONFIDENTIAL DENA’INA WELLNESS CENTER AND IT WORKS 508 UPLAND ST. KENAI, AK 99611 1-800-QUIT-NOW 12 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019 Fostering healthy families Alaska Native foster families fill a crucial need As a foster parent, CIRI share- holder Jennifer Showalter Yeoman (Dena’ina Athabascan) has made it her life’s mission to help stem the tide of intergenerational trau- ma that has impacted the lives of Alaska Native children and fami- lies. Over 20-plus years as a foster parent, “I’ve seen child welfare up close – the ups and downs, the good and the bad,” Jennifer said. A disproportionately high number of Alaska Native children account for the state’s out-of-home foster care placements – roughly 55 percent, though they account for only about 20 percent of the state’s overall child population. According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, nationally, Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) children Jennifer Showalter Yeoman and her husband Jason Yeoman sit for a family photograph in their yard are 2.5 times more likely to end above Cook Inlet. Pictured from left, Jalyn, Nadia Walluk, Jennifer, Mylee (holding Harvey the dog), up in state foster care than white Amber Harless, Jason, Samuel Fitch, Jenna and Dawson. The Yeomans have adopted four children. children. A federal law that seeks to keep Native culture, that everything as of advocacy, including Dena’ina “When I was in the hospital re- AN/AI children with AN/AI fam- really clicked,” Jennifer explained. language preservation, Alaska covering, one of the nurses was ilies, Congress passed the Indian “I came to the realization that there Native health and wellness, subsist- pregnant. I told her, ‘Whatever you Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in 1978 would be a time in my life I would ence rights and youth programs. do, just love your baby.’ At the end in response to the high number of be there to help my people.” Jennifer became a Tribal fos- of the day, remember to value and AN/AI children being removed Jennifer’s first job out of col- ter parent in 1997, one year after embrace what you have.” from their homes by both public lege was with Alaska Children’s giving birth to her first biological While fostering has its share and private agencies. Services, a nonprofit based in child, a son named Paul. of challenges, “you don’t have to “I think it’s vitally important for Anchorage, followed by a four- “I had several kids who were be perfect,” Jennifer emphasized. Alaska Native adults to foster and year stint as an ICWA worker with in Tribal custody stay with me “You can still be the change for adopt Alaska Native infants and Kenaitze Indian Tribe. for short durations, as well as one somebody in their life. Something children,” Jennifer said. “Even with “I wasn’t familiar with the scope family member who stayed for four that feels small and insignificant to ICWA, severe disproportionality still (of Alaska Native child welfare pol- years,” Jennifer said. “Eventually, you has the power to impact some- exists. There is a tremendous need icy and practice) prior to becoming I became licensed with the State body in ways you’ll never know.” to focus resources and investment an ICWA worker, but you learn a lot of Alaska as a foster parent and In addition to a busy family on creating opportunities and better about children’s lives and the effects adopted four children through the life, Jennifer also works part-time outcomes for Alaska Native youth.” of historical trauma,” Jennifer said. foster care system.” at Central Peninsula Hospital. In Jennifer didn’t grow up with Jennifer inherited CIRI shares Currently, Jennifer and her hus- her spare time, “I absolutely love strong ties to Alaska Native cul- through her uncle, Claude “Bob- band have two biological children, fishing our Tribal net,” Jennifer ture. She spent her childhood in by” Showalter, who passed away two adopted children and one said. “My husband is from the Soldotna, where the vast majority in 2004, and is also connected to foster child living at home. Their Nome area, and I like going there of residents are white. “It’s kind of CIRI through her father, James oldest living biological child, a to fish camp in the summertime embarrassing to say now, but I was Showalter. A commercial fisher- daughter, attends college out of and comparing the two cultures. just like any other Soldotna kid – I man passionate about subsistence state. Paul passed away in 2006, My children are blessed to be able have blonde hair and fair skin, so rights, James served on the council when he was 8 years old. to learn from both my husband everyone assumed I was white. of the Tribe when Jennifer was “Paul was my first child and he and myself the different cultures of Once in a while, things would crop growing up. died in an automobile accident. I their heritage.” up. I remember going on a field trip “My father’s involvement kind of was driving, so it was extremely Jennifer is a strong advocate of and there being questions about planted the seed for me, though the devastating for everyone,” Jennif- AN/AI foster families for AN/AI Alaska’s first people, and I was idea of becoming more involved er shared. “I was hospitalized for children. For information about be- excited to know I was an Alaska with the Tribe didn’t click for me approximately three weeks as a coming a foster parent, visit www. Native person.” until I was in college,” Jennifer result of the accident and had to dhss.alaska.gov/OCS. After high school, Jennifer en- said. She has served continuously go through speech, physical and rolled at the University of Alaska on the Tribal Council since 2012, occupational therapy. This story originally appeared Fairbanks, pursuing dual degrees and in October 2018, she was “Any sad circumstance you go in the January edition of Raven’s in anthropology and social work. re-elected to another two-year through, at some point you have Circle, the CIRI shareholder “It was during that time, as I term. She is passionate about the to ask yourself, ‘What did I learn newsletter, and is reprinted with was learning more about Alaska Tribe’s programs, services and are- from that?’,” Jennifer mused. permission. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 13
Join a family-friendly, innovative work environment offering a range Start your of career paths. Professional opportunities include Kenaitze medical, administrative, education and more. Visit our careers page at www.kenaitze.org for current career openings and detailed job descriptions.
Medical, Dental, Life Insurance Paid Time Off•Holidays Extended Sick Leave•401(K) For more information, contact our recruiting office at907-335-7200
Kenaitze Indian Tribe Na’ini Family Services Attention Tribal Members: Alaska Native Foster Homes Needed How you can help: • Volunteer and share your gifts with foster children. • Support an existing foster family by providing a meal or donation. • Spread the word about the need for foster families. • Become a foster parent!
Restore trust and hope to Kenaitze, Alaska Native and American Indian children in Kenaitze Tribal Court custody. Help our children maintain traditional values and provide time and space for families to heal.
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe provides: • Licensing for Tribal foster homes • Parenting resources and training • Foster care licensing safety items • Emergency essentials for children in foster care
For more information, call Maria Guerra, Na’ini Family Services Supervisor, at 907-335-7600. 14 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019 ‘Bring the plants to them’ range of plants, all of them labeled New beds with their common and Dena’ina names for easy identification. Ex- amples from the first bed include provide roseroot, or hushtnila; and worm- wood, or ts’elveni. “Wormwood is used all over access to Alaska. It is really important for all kinds of medicine,” Holley said. traditional Another bed includes devil’s club, or heshkeghka’a; and yarrow, or bask’ilt’uts’l. use plants Holley said parts of devil’s club In May, the Tribe celebrated the can be used “to make a fantastic plants that have sustained the De- pain salve,” while “yarrow, as you can see, will grow anywhere.” na’ina people for centuries. A bed in front of the Dena’ina The celebration of Nudnelyahi Wellness Center gathering space Qudulyi, Dena’ina for “that which windows is filled with beach plants, grows medicine,” included field including goosetongue, or nut’aq’i trips, plant use workshops, and a tl’ila; and sedge, or tl’egh. Goo- feast. The celebration concluded setongue was incorporated into a with a tour of the newly installed pesto sauce for the celebration. traditional use planting beds on the A pair of beds near the main Dena’ina Wellness Center campus. entrance to the Dena’ina Wellness Six planting beds have been Center include flowering plants installed around the campus, taking such as lupine, or nantl’iłi t’una; advantage of the varying sunlight wild geranium, or jałjadi; and wild in each location. The planters were rose, or heshkegh. constructed with support from “The rosehips have more vitamin an AARP Community Challenge C than anything in Alaska. We do Award. rosehip lotions. They’re nice for Tia Holley, a Wellness Consult- your skin,” Holley said. ant at the Dena’ina Wellness Center, Other blooms include fireweed, said the planter project is a way to or niłdghuligi; and pineapple weed, Wellness Consultant Tia Holley plants wild greens into planters on provide access to traditional plants or aramashga. the Dena’ina Wellness Center campus in early May. Wild plants for people who may not be able to The last bed takes advantage of were featured in a feast that wrapped up a week of celebrating go out and gather plants themselves. a shady spot beside the Dena’ina Nudnelyahi Qudulyi, Dena’ina for “that which grows medicine.” “We have a lot of Elders from Wellness Center and includes crow- all over the state, and we can go berries, or dghilingek’a; Labrador sized the need to harvest respon- what you need, private property out and bring the plants to them” tea, or quchukda; and lingonberries, sibly. In addition to harvesting also should be respected. Holley Holley said. or hey gek’a. with good intentions, treating the suggested the Kenai Peninsula The planting beds contain a wide During the tour, Holley empha- plants with respect and taking only Borough’s mobile parcel viewer, available at www.kpb.us/gis-dept, to determine what permission you’ll need for the land you’re on. Holley said she hopes eventually, the Dena’ina Wellness Center beds will produce enough to allow for Elders to harvest some of the plants. “I know they appreciate it when we bring the plants to them, but I’m sure they’d rather harvest it them- selves,” Holley said. “And then we can hear their stories.”
A feast featuring wild foods capped a week of celebrating Nudnelyahi Qudulyi, Dena’ina for “that which grows medicine.” At right, wild greens in the planters are labeled with information cards. May–June 2019 THE COUNTING CORD 15 Cooking with Kenaitze For thousands of years, Dena’ina people have hunted and gathered food across Yaghanen, the good land. From moose to salmon to wild berries, food harvested from the land is important to Dena’ina life. Cooking with Kenaitze highlights ingredients and recipes relevant to Dena’ina culture. This time we focus on traditional wild greens. At left, cook with wild greens including (clockwise from top) nettles, goosetongue, spruce tips and beach lovage.
FRESH SPRING SALAD This salad was served at the Nudnelyahi Qudulyi cel- ebration, with many of the ingredients coming from the greenhouse on the Dena’ina Wellness Center campus.
Salad: 1 bunch dandelion greens (harvested or from the grocery store) 2 cups bok choy leaves (greenhouse) 2 cups radish leaves (greenhouse) 2 cups kale (greenhouse)
Dressing: Olive oil Honey Maple syrup Red wine vinegar Crowberry juice
Directions Mix to taste, and drizzle over greens.
DANDELION GREENS PESTO Substitute just about any green for the dandelion greens in this simple recipe.
Ingredients 4 cups dandelion greens 1 cup basil leaves 3 tablespoons pine nuts ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 1 clove crushed garlic 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions Place the first five ingredients into a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the lemon juice and ALL KALE CAESAR! salt and pulse five times. With the processor on, slowly This salad from the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook can be served as a meal. add oil and process until well blended.
Ingredients 4 slices whole-wheat bread, cut into ½-inch cubes ¼ cup olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons ½ teaspoon salt, truffle flavor or regular Freshly ground black pepper 8 ounces salmon fillets 1 head kale (about 5 cups), stems removed, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Juice of ½ fresh lemon 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup chopped black olives 1 egg Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and dry. 2. Meanwhile, season the salmon with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes, turn over and cook 2 minutes more, or until salmon is firm. Remove skin. 3. In a large salad bowl, add the kale. Place the whole uncracked egg into a cup with hot water and let sit for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ¼ cup olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the dressing and whisk until combined. Add the dressing to the kale and massage in so that the kale is well coated. Flake the salmon and add to the kale along with Parmesan, olives, and croutons. Toss well to combine. SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE Chiqinik to those who submitted these recipes. Have Recipe courtesy What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl, a recipe to share? Email it to M. Scott Moon at https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/. [email protected] 16 THE COUNTING CORD May–June 2019 show this this show ring the the ring dorned with with dorned the faces of missing or murdered Alaska Native and American Indian women, du women, American Indian and Native Alaska murdered or missing of faces the Amber Webb, an artist from Dillingham, talks about her work, a large kuspuk a kuspuk a large work, her about talks artist Dillingham, an from Webb, Amber “ to wanted she said Webb Kenai. in Forum Women Against Violence annual third 6 p. story, See it.” feel to have people that a way in problem The Big Picture Our Mission Our Vision To assure Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever. By 2025, the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina have Addresses and enhanced and strengthened the prosperity, health and culture of their people and tribe by: Our Values • working toward united effort with Native phone numbers These are the beliefs and principles that define organizations and other governments that Administration Building our people and will assure our future as a tribe: impact our people. 150 N. Willow St., Kenai, AK 99611 • Family: Honoring and sustaining health and • developing and implementing a tribal 907-335-7200 happiness of family as a first responsibility education system. 855-335-8865 fax • Stewardship: Respectful use of land, • living our traditional values and practices. Early Childhood Center resources and all creations • empowering our sovereignty. 130 N. Willow St., Kenai, AK 99611 • Spiritual Beliefs: Acknowledging the • continuing to demonstrate resiliency. 907-335-7260 existence of a higher power and respecting • striving for excellence in all of our programs. Tyotkas Elder Center spiritual beliefs • elevating the wellness of our people. 1000 Mission Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 • Education: Passing down cultural knowl- • using our talents and resources to ensure we 907-335-7280 edge and traditions and supporting formal are able to take care of ourselves and share education with others. Yaghanen Youth Program, Education and Career Development 35105 K-B Dr., Soldotna, AK 99669 907-335-7290 Environmental Program 1106 Mission Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 907-398-7933 Dena’ina Wellness Center 508 Upland St., Kenai, AK 99611 907-335-7500 Na’ini Family and Social Services 510 Upland St., Kenai, AK 99611 907-335-7600 Tribal Court 508 Upland St., Kenai, AK 99611
907-335-7219
Kenai, AK 99611 AK Kenai, On the Web: kenaitze.org
P.O. Box 988 Box P.O. On Facebook: facebook.com/kenaitze Kenaitze Indian Tribe Indian Kenaitze