Yooyoolah COWLITZ “One who calls” Tribal News May 2019 SEVENTH EDITION

A view of Cowlitz Crossing convenience store and gas station; located off I-5 and exit 16. See additional photos on page 18. Cowlitz Crossing Now Open!

On Monday, April 22, 2019, the of tribal members drummed, sang members were invited to receive up to member Sarah Harris, Mohegan Cowlitz Tribe’s newest enterprise, and swept the store and surrounding $50 of free fuel and their cars and trucks Gaming COO Michael Silberling, local Cowlitz Crossing opened for business. grounds during the ceremony. Shortly began to roll up to the pumps. Free mayors and city council members from This grand opening was preceded by thereafter tribal chairman Bill Iyall samples of food and drink were offered Ridgefield, LaCenter, Washougal and a special soft opening on Saturday, introduced guests and gave opening inside the store during the festivities. many local first responders. April 20 exclusively for Cowlitz tribal remarks followed by a blessing and On Monday, local government leaders Cowlitz Crossing is open 24 hours a members and their families. Cowlitz spiritual message by Tanna. ilani and the public joined our tribal leaders day and Cowlitz tribal members receive Crossing is a 5500 sq. ft state-of-the President Kara Fox-LaRose and tribal and ilani management for the grand a 20 cents per gallon discount on fuel by art-convenience store and gas station. member Dave Barnett delivered opening ceremony. The drum group showing their tribal membership card. Twenty four gas pumps and high speed messages about the Cowlitz Crossing welcomed everyone with songs and Other fuel discounts can be had using diesel pumps for truckers give the tribe development and future projects on our General Council Vice-Chairman Phil Momentum cards or Safeway card. A the ability to serve many customers reservation including a new parking lot Harju addressed the 150 or so guests discount is also available in the store for simultaneously. across the street from Cowlitz Crossing, follow by a spiritual message by Tanna food and non-alcoholic beverages for On Saturday, the day began with a a 2600 space parking structure attached and speeches by Kara Fox-LaRose and Cowlitz Tribal members with a tribal cleansing ceremony led by spiritual to the casino and a future 300 room David Barnett. Distinguished guests ID, Cowlitz and ilani employees and leader Tanna Engdahl. A procession hotel. After the speeches, Cowlitz tribal included Mohegan Tribal Council Momentum Card holders. Chairman’s Corner KLAHOWYA, The sound financial performance Fox-LaRose, president and general Indian Tribe that benefits all the and operation has paved the way for manager, who leads our ilani operations membership. ilani successful refinancing of all debt. team. We are grateful for her leadership. We must continue to exercise our The success of This allows us to invest in the long- sovereignty to maintain and restore the Cowlitz Tribe term success of the facility and in Strategic Planning our inherent rights in our homelands; continues with the future development at ilani. Current The General Council approved preserve, protect, recover, grow growth of ilani as master planning will lead to robust the Cowlitz Mission, Vision, Values tradition, culture, and language to keep demonstrated by growth with expanded amenities and and Comprehensive Plan. This plan our cultural identity. the rapid increase services at ilani. Plans include a new will serve to guide decision making Thanks to the Strategic Planning in gaming volumes, Chairman Bill Iyall 4-star hotel, a parking structure, and for years to come. You can find it Committee members who are invested the popularity of entertainment, and additional food, beverage, and retail on www.cowltz.org; located under in the outcomes for the Tribe. participation in the second anniversary facilities. ‘Announcements’. Our goal is and has celebration! I wish to offer many thanks to Kara always been to create a better Cowlitz Please see CHAIRMAN, page 2 2 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

tribal administration building, a The Public Safety trailer is located acre property is in the heart of Cowlitz Chairman future cultural community center- on the reservation just south of Cowlitz territory where a village once existed. Continued from the front page museum, an RV park, potential elder Way next to the Cowlitz Tobacco The tribes’ family roots are tied to this housing, and more diverse economic Outlet. We are planning a permanent land. The possibilities for reuse of this Education development. We are planning to build Public Safety building and a transit and beautiful place are endless. Education is a priority for our youth, the tribal center on the southwest maintenance facility on the south end of The Tribe owns four new parcels and key to the future of our tribe. We corner of the reservation. It will house the reservation near the treatment plant. on the Cowlitz River, two parcels near must invest in our youth. We continue tribal administration, tribal court Toledo and a large habitat parcel in to improve our education program by and other various departments and Health and Human Services Oregon near Astoria. Many prominent supplying tuition assistance for tribal operations. It will allow space for our Our Health and Human Services issues are before us including sea members. With new gaming revenues growing programs and could include Department is growing faster than lions, Lewis River fish passage issue, we have increased the funding for the a multi-use gym/assembly hall with a that of any other tribe in the entire and cultural resource management. Tuition Assistance Program and have full commercial kitchen. As we build northwest region, thanks to guidance We are planning a Cowlitz Tribal nearly one hundred and fifty students out the physical infrastructure on from our Health Board and the capable history project to update, document, this year receiving tuition assistance. the reservation, we are developing management of our staff. and better preserve our history, with I want to thank the Education space for vital tribal government The department runs three clinic; proper archiving, elder interviews, and Committee for all their dedicated offices for health, housing, economic one at our headquarters located in eventually a Cowlitz museum on the work to provide education assistance diversification, education, culture and Longview, a second in Vancouver and a reservation. that works for all tribal members. The our police department. third in Tukwila serving the Seattle and program is aided by Carol Burnison- King County Cowlitz tribal members Housing Khalef, our new Tribal Benefits Public Safety and other American Indians and Alaska The Housing Board and staff are Coordinator. Emergency Coordinator, Bill Elliott Natives. working hard to support programs as and Tribal Planner, Christine Myers With funds earned from the health HUD funds are reduced. Our housing Tribal Center won an award of $1.2 million in Tribal care services provided at our Tukwila department has efficiency units at Work continues on the Reservation Homeland Security Grant Program clinic, the tribe was able to purchase a Saint Mary’s and rental condo-style Master Plan as we focus our vision funds. Congratulations to them and commercial property adjacent to our units as well. College students enrolled on our tribal buildings. Planning our Public Safety Department lead existing clinic. Cowlitz Tribal Health in a minimum 12 credits per quarter for the reservation includes the new by Director Don Walkinshaw for the Seattle has programs for adults and may apply to receive student rental robust growth of the department and for children’s mental health, substance assistance. their commitment to protect our tribe use disorder, and Medically-Assisted and our visitors. Our staff for police, Treatment (MAT). The new site provides Veterans courts, and public safety for the Cowlitz close access to the programs in the Veterans, please sign up on the reservation continue to grow. existing clinic, including utilizing child Veterans Sign Up form on www.cowlitz. care there for clients receiving services org under ‘Newsroom’ tab in the June 1 on the clinic campus as well as Pathways ‘Announcements’ section or contact the FREE! to Healing and case management Tribal Office. Cowlitz Tribal Member st services. General Council Meeting Election Reform Natural Resources The constitutional amendments June 1, 2019 Event Transport Our Natural Resource Department is needed to implement the new General Council Meeting rapidly growing, expanding our ability to elections code for a first reading in Park and Ride style transport service protect our critical natural resources. We last November’ meeting have been Our General Council Meeting continue to add conservation lands to the forwarded to the General Council. will be held at the Cowlitz Pick-up Location Board Depart control and ownership of the tribe. The Second Reading is set for the June St. Mary’s Ballroom at the ilani casino, 7:50 AM 8:00 AM We recently acquired an important General Council meeting. 700 Spencer Rd., Toledo piece of historic land in the Olequa area Cowlitz Admin. Office with river frontage at the mouth of the AMR th 8:40 AM 8:50 AM 1 Cowlitz Way, 1055 9 Ave., Longview Olequa creek. The approximately 147 Chairman Bill Iyall Ridgefield, WA 98642 Arrival time at ilani is 9:20 am for the 10:00 am meeting. Saturday, June 1, 2019 @ 10 am. Table of Contents: One return trip will be provided Vice-Chair Report...... 3 Health Services...... 13 Please bring your enrollment 15-20 minutes after the meeting. Public Safety...... 3-4 Human Services...... 14-15 card and photo ID to sign-in. Seating is limited, RSVP is required Legal...... 4-5 Community...... 16-17 If you have questions call to guarantee your seat. Planning...... 5 Boards & Committees...... 18 (360) 577-8140. Enrollment...... 6-7 Tribal Council Roster...... 19 If you need transportation Cowlitz Tribal Transit Education...... 8 Ilani...... 20 contact Becky 360-232-8585 Culture...... 9-10 Elders & Housing...... 21-22 360-232-8585 Donations are greatly appreciated Youth...... 11-12 Natural Resources...... 23 May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 3 Vice Chairman Report Greetings to all Cowlitz members their 2015 written opposition for our This year, the amounts will be and to all the Cowlitz family. This is reservation and our casino. We are $308,960 for problem gaming and becoming another great year for the grateful for this reversal. We have $246,758 for smoking cessation. tribe. The department staff and the completed a 10-year extension of our In 2018 we spent over $600,000 for ilani casino operations are doing a intergovernmental agreement with outside police, fire, and emergency fantastic job for our tribe. Clark County Fire and Rescue. This medical services, with money required agreement will ensure that we will under our gaming compact. We made Land Expansion continue to have first class fire and $277,178 in charitable contributions in As Chairman Iyall indicated, the emergency response and protection for Washington for 2018. Tribe recently purchased 146 acres of our reservation. We continue to work Under the EHPSO, the Tribe has a historic Cowlitz land near the mouth of on a new long term agreement with fund for Arts and Education in Clark Olequa Creek and the Cowlitz River in Clark County for law enforcement, County. That fund currently has over Cowlitz County. While we are working jail, and prosecution services to assist $2 million. Awards will be made once to safeguard this historic site and our Department of Public Safety on the the five-member committee finalizes preparing for future cultural activities Reservation. policies and procedures. Vice Chair, Phil Harju with daughter Dr. on it. We are in the final stages of The Tribe will make payments in Ellen Harju presenting the Tribe’s charitable getting an additional 3 acres of land Gaming Compact Payments lieu of the local property taxes in contribution to Lisa Gilbert for in behalf of Clark into trust on our reservation. Half of I would like to explain payments Clark County for the land taken into County College Foundation. this land was purchased from the city the Tribe makes under our gaming trust for our initial reservation (159 of La Center from the remnants of the compact with Washington State and acres). The Cowlitz Tribal Council In 2020 these payments will total old 319th Street and 31st Avenue on the our Environmental, Health and Public voted in March 2019 to make these approximately $125,000 for the year. east side of our reservation. The other All of the above required payments 1½ acres was the old espresso stand Safety Ordinance (EHPSO) with payments retroactive back to 2015, Clark County. Most of these payments when our land went into trust. The come from the ilani casino operations and former gas station land previously budget, not from any of the required on 319th Street, renamed Cowlitz cannot be given to the Cowlitz Tribe total amount was just over $602,000 as payments to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Way by the Tribe. The Tribe is also in or our members. follows: which come from casino profits. the process of purchasing additional We can use the 2018 dedicated property adjacent to our reservation. money for problem gaming ($180,598) • Clark Fire and Rescue $111,371 and the smoking cessation program • Clark County $195,661 As always, it is an honor and a Clark County ($144,133) through our health clinic • Ridgefield School District $252,158 privilege to serve and work for the On December 18, 2018 the Clark programs, as authorized on a yearly • Fort Vancouver Library $28,956 Cowlitz Indian Tribe. County Commission finally rescinded basis by the Cowlitz Tribal Council. • Port of Ridgefield $13,861 Vice Chair, Phil Harju

Cowlitz Tribal News Public Safety Department Update YOOYOOLAH Cowlitz tribal members to submit articles, The Cowlitz Public Safety Department justice protocols appropriate to address photographs and events! has recently enrolled in the Commission missing and murdered Indians, and for Articles on Accreditation for Law Enforcement other purposes. v Must be in an editable format Agencies (CALEA). Making history by We have had a series of meetings with (Word or similar) becoming the first tribal law enforcement ilani executive management to discuss Photos v program on the west coast to achieve ways to bring attention and awareness High resolution original image v Not embedded within pdf or word this gold standard in law enforcement. to this unacceptable issue. We will be Submissions must contain the writer’s We have a three-year window to achieve creating a music video to bring awareness name, email address and phone contact to CALEA Accreditation standards This through social media. Our intent it to work be published. Articles may be edited at the will be team effort which will require in cooperation with other established discretion of the editing staff and become the property of the Cowlitz Tribe. teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. awareness projects such as but not limited Newspaper Team The Governing body of the Cowlitz to, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Indian Reservation has expressed their Women #MMIW. We have created an Bill Iyall Jennifer Neal support and belief in the CALEA program official Facebook page to keep everyone Anna Conner Tiffini Alexander Amanda Workman Becky Blue by the passage of Cowlitz Tribal Council involved and in the information loop. Patty Kinswa-Gaiser Allicia Quick Resolution No. 18-22 (Commission of You can find the page under ‘Sacmnaw’. Dan Meyer Nicole Meyers Accreditation for Law Enforcement Duane Garvais Lawrence’s badge. We have several artists signed on to Agencies). create and develop the song and video, PO Box 2547, 1055 9th Ave. • Reduced risk and liability exposure the majority are Native American. The Longview, WA 98632 Examples of benefits in participation of • Greater accountability within the group of five is headlined by Crow tribal 360-577-8140 CALEA Accreditation: agency member SupaMan, Oklahoma’s very own [email protected] This publication does not reflect opinions of • Increased inclusion of the Lil Mike, Funny Bone and Emcee One. editorial staff and should not contain any community Cowlitz Tribal Chairman requested our On the law enforcement side of things, defamatory, malicious, libelous statements or • Staunch support from police department to become involved in we will be coordinating communication personal attacks on individuals, staff, tribal organizations, administration or the Cowlitz government officials the recently passed “Savanna’s Act”. This improvements to share information. Indian Tribe as a whole. • Stronger defense against civil directs the Attorney General to review, VIEW DIGITAL VERSION: COWLITZ.ORG lawsuits revise, and develop law enforcement and Please see SAFETY, page 4 4 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

and implement the Cowlitz Public Safety Officer Newport Moore and Seth Erhorn, hold associate Saftey Department Honor Guard to pay tribute is a veteran of degrees and attended the Federal Law Continued from the page 3 and respects to Cowlitz tribal members the United States Enforcement Training Center in New and military service veterans. Army and was the Mexico, both graduated May 3, 2019. Remember, the idea of song and video youngest sheriff Entry level law enforcement positions is great, but the focal point of this entire hired by Okanogan involve a series of rigorous testing. project “Savanna’s Act Challenge Brian Warren, County. He still • Washington State Criminal Justice Missing Native American Women” is to Senior Officer holds the one mile Training Commission physical fitness solve these horrific evil crimes and bring Brian is a veteran of the Centralia run time record at standards closure, restoration and healing to the Police Department with over 20 years’ the Spokane Basic • Basic law enforcement written families, communities and friends. experience. He Law Enforcement Kevin Newport, examination. has served in the Academy at 5 Senior Offier • Extensive background check K-9-unit, SWAT minutes 2 seconds. • Evaluation by the director of Public Public Safety as a team leader, Certified as a Field Training Officer Safety, an elder, an outside law narcotics unit and (FTO) Program Instructor. He will enforcement official and legal staff Staff Update as a sergeant in the be creating and developing the FTO - Successful applicants get rankings patrol division and program specific to the Public Safety in order 1-20. Jon Pound, served in the United department. - Austin & Seth ranked in spots States Army and is 1 and 2. Lead Investigator military veteran. . As a lateral officers hired by the • Polygraph and a physiological test Jon is a veteran of the Clark County Officer Warren is a Brian Warren, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Senior Officer Sheriff’s Department with over 25 years firearms instructor Senior Officer Warren and Newport were required of service and experience. In this role, Jon and will be creating to pass an extensive background will supervise and and developing the Cowlitz Public Safety investigation, an oral board and take and manage all major Department’s honor motorcycle guard complete successfully the polygraph and crimes (federal, detail. physiological tests. tribal, and state) on the Cowlitz Indian Reservation Kevin Newport, Austin Moore & under authority Senior Officer Seth Erhorn, Officers delegated by virtue We also hired Okanogan County The Cowlitz Public Safety Department of 25 U.S.C. 2803. Sheriff Kevin Newport. A veteran of Tribal Police recently completed a historic Austin Moore, Seth Erhorn, Investigator Pound 27 years Officer Newport served in the milestone hiring two Cowlitz tribal Officer Officer will also help Jon Pound, North Central Washington Narcotics members for entry level police officer For more information visit us at create, develop, Lead Investigator Drug Task Force and in the K-9 program. positions. The new officers, Austin www.cowlitz.org Cowlitz Tribal Court The Cowlitz Tribal Court is officially these principals of fair and equal justice open and operational as of March 13, are fulfilled. In 2018 the tribal court 2019. The day began with a blessing ordinance was adopted by tribal council from tribal spiritual leader Tanna establishing the tribal court as a court Engdahl followed by singing and of limited jurisdiction. Cowlitz tribal drumming. The event was attended by court received a grant for $325,000 in tribal members, Cowlitz employees and September 2018 from the Bureau of visitors from the community and Clark Indian Affairs to assist in funding the County district court and probation operations of the court to fund all of the offices. needs in establishing a tribal court. The vision to open a tribal court began over two years ago and was set into motion by tribal attorney Phil Cowlitz Tribal Court Harju and paralegal Susan Andersen. It Information: has always been the goal to have a court Tribal Court Judge, where tribal members can have a just, Christine Pomeroy efficient, and unbiased resolution of conflict before the court. Prosecutor/Legal Counsel, Tribal court is an essential function Alicia Derry of our government achieving our goal Court Administrator, to further the Tribe’s sovereignty and to Christine Duitman assist in the health, safety and welfare of 31555 NW 31st Avenue all Tribal members and visitors to our Ridgefield, WA 98642 lands. The Court’s staff, both judicial (360) 353-9501 Cowlitz Tribal Court Judge Christine Pomeroy The Department of Transportation installed and administrative will ensure that declaring court is in recess directional signage for Cowlitz Tribal Court. May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 5 Legal Department Update

Last fall, the Legal Department at the establishes rules that assist tribal; Cowlitz Indian Tribe welcomed Alicia council and employees in creating Derry who serves as the tribe’s staff and maintaining programs that are attorney and Prosecutor. Alicia joined intended to provide tax free assistance Susan Andersen, paralegal and Phil to qualifying tribal members under Harju, attorney. Having additional in- the General Welfare Doctrine of the house counsel is cost effective and will United States Internal Revenue Service. help the tribe’s day-to-day legal needs The Legal Department does not as it continues to grow and develop. represent individual Tribal members. Tribal Council recently adopted two For information on obtaining legal codes: help in the state of Washington : www. The Rules of Criminal Procedure wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal- (Left to right) Tana Engdahl, Cowlitz Spiritual leader blesses the court, with Bob Harju, Cowlitz provide instruction to tribal; members, help. Carver, Duane Garvais Lawrence, Assistant Chief of Police, Phil Harju, General Counsel/Vice police, prosecutor, and judge on how Residents of Pierce County may Chair, Jennifer Jackson, Law Enforcement Admin. Assistant, Roy Duitman, Cowlitz Tribal Police the criminal legal system works in the qualify for free legal assistance. More Ambassador, Alicia Derry, Staff Attorney/Prosecutor, Christine Duitman, Tribal Court Administrator tribal court. information tacomaprobono.org/ Christine Pomeroy, Cowlitz Tribal Court Judge, Jon Pound, Cowlitz Tribal Police Detective and The General Welfare Code (GWE), nalap.html or call (253) 244-7718. Susan Andersen, Cowlitz Tribe Paralegal. Getting Ready for the Cowlitz Tribal Planning Update United States Census The Forever People Planning Forever The Forever People Planning Forever The United States Census is a the most useful statistics reports for Cowlitz Tribal Council completed the count of our country’s population grant writing purposes. Therefore, Comprehensive Plan “Steps Towards the that occurs every 10 years. It is a vital how you identify yourself in the U.S. Future” in October 2018. Copies were statistical planning tool for the Tribe’s Census is very important. You should handed out to all Tribal members who programs and services. Much of the identify yourself as American Indian attended the General Council meeting in federal grant money that is allocated (do not check any other boxes under November. to tribes by the federal government is race) then indicate your enrolled tribe Currently, the Planning Committee is based on this count of the number of as Cowlitz Indian Tribe (the official working with our consultants REDW to American Indians and Alaska Natives tribal name). continue the strategic planning process. (AI/AN) by geographic area. For many We are working with the directors of of our programs, these counts are then Some United States the tribe’s administrative organizations used in a federal formula to allocate to help them develop strategic plans resources to the Tribe so we can serve Census Facts to identify how they can support and implement our Comprehensive Plan. Cowlitz Tribal members and the AI/ The federal census is meant to be a REDW and the Planning Committee AN community within our service count of everyone living in the United will work with the Tribal Council to areas. States every 10 years. Cowlitz Tribal members were integrate our strategic planning into the The census is mandated by the U.S. counted in the 2010 Census for the Tribe’s annual budget process. As part of Constitution and is an important part first time after our official recognition the budgeting process we will develop a of our representative democracy. from the federal government, but strategy for using the General Welfare Your participation in the census is we were undercounted. One reason Exclusion Act (GWE) to create programs cowlitz.org. Just click on the Newsroom for this undercounting may surprise required by law. that provide benefits to Tribal members tab, and then the Announcements tab you. Many of us identify as American It typically takes less than 10 that are not subject to IRS taxes and we and scroll down to for the link with the Indian, Cowlitz, and may also indicate minutes to complete. will develop a Revenue Allocation Plan title “Cowlitz Tribe Comprehensive some other race which is categorized The questions in the census create for future expenditures and savings. Plan.” as AI/AN and “Some other race” or statistics that are used to allocate grant The General Welfare Exclusion Act is The Cowlitz Tribal Planning even “One or more race” in the Census funds for transit and transportation discussed in more detail on page 21 Committee members are; Tribal Planner categories. infrastructures, health care, human in this newspaper. Every year at their Christine Myers, staff member Kim While this information could services, child care, food benefits, annual retreat the Tribal Council will Stube and Tribal Council members Dan be reported for our use, it is not and many other programs for your review and modify the Comprehensive Meyer, Debbie Hassler, Phil Harju and reported in a way that helps us make community, and the tribes in your Plan as needed. Jerry Iyall. the case for obtaining grant funding. area. Additional copies of the If you have questions about strategic The “American Indian Alone” or Federal law protects the personal Comprehensive Plan will be available planning, contact any members of the Committee or you can email Jerry Iyall “American Indian Only” designations information you share during the at the June General Council meeting. Digital copies are also available at www. [email protected]. are used by the U.S. Census to prepare census. 6 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019 Enrollment Department Update The current enrolled population as of 3. or applicant is 18 years of age and We sadly report the following tribal members have passed away November 2018 is 4188. Since May 2018 less than 19 years of age (effective we have enrolled 49 new tribal members. 06/06/2015). Allen Mason David Roney Our current enrollment criteria as Barbara Bennet Darin L Braley follows: (applicants must meet ALL three) The constitutional change made in June Kenneth E Harden Verna Mae Thomas 2015 allows descendants whose parent did Shirlie A Dickerson Williams L Ellis A direct lineal descendant of a Cowlitz not enroll them by their first birthday to Garlie T King Donald A Parker Indian; enroll themselves as an adult between Justin Bass Brandon B Gidding Esther DeNobrega Claude Lakey 1. Must have a parent (mother or father) their 18th and 19th birthdays. Susanne Mummey Deanne Morse currently on the Cowlitz Tribal Rolls For information, contact Cathy Samuel Nash Reijnen 2. No older than 12 months of age Raphael, Enrollment Officer: (effective 01/01/2006) 360-575-3310 [email protected]. They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind - Tuscarora Information Missing for the Following Tribal Members Alvin E Abbott Meryl Wayne Duprey Stephanie Marie Lane Michael James Rockwood Elmer NMN Smith III Shelly Christine Albrecht Thomas Gerard Duprey Gayle Darlene Lang Nicholas Andrew Ruemker Joyce Leslie Stalcup Katherine Ann Emily Amell Suzanne Marie Duprey Sheryl Diane Link Lena Maureen Ruemker Donald Anthony Steffen Ethan Michael Asbach Nicholas Sean Duvall Kaden John Ludwick Trinity Marie Ryan Jeneen Swaggard David Bradley Baker Aaron Dean Easley Heidi Pearl Ludwick Isabella Joann Ryan Thomas Allen Swanson Jannette Joan Beam Makayla Ann Easley Gwendolyn Marie Lund Joshua Patrick Ryan Tara Ann Swanson Jerry Norman Bennett Sydney Marie-Kinswa Emerson Kimberly Ann Mabry Michael James Samms Daia Denise Swearingen William George Boles Lyla Marie-Kinswa Emerson Ronald Ellery Mason Troy Allen Saunders Eric V Thomas Nancy Jane Boles Syrus Wayne Joseph Emerson Philip Scott McConnell Tracy Arthur Schwanz Gwenith Christine Tucker Adam Oliver Bouchard Heather Dawn Fisher Micheal Allen McMillon II Racquel Anne Shaffer Kay Evelyn Williamson Erin Jessica Brandow Steven George Friese Kimberly Michelle Mefford Dayle Marie Shaffer Hannah Elyse Wilson L. Jacob Eli Bridges Angela Michele Fulton Cierra Lerae Miller Ashley Page Shaw Jeffrey John Wilson Charles Eric Burns Barbara Jane Galloway Vincent William Miller Sarah Ruby Simmons William Paul Wilson II Brenyn Dawsen Cahill John Baxter Galloway III Nellie Rusan Miller Karen Joyce Sims Lauren Michelle Zander Erick Ryan Campbell Kelly LaDon Gilbert Reece Andrew Miller Evan Danielle Sims Vernon Lloyd Zawistowski William Bradley Campbell Buddy Gene Gilbert Glenn William Minkel Esther Maria Smith Ryan Richard Carnes Darrell John Gilbert Sandra Lee Morrill Melissa Roxanne Smith If you know of any tribal member or Ryan Richard Carnes Jr William David Gilbert Jr Sharon Anne Morrill Keaton Vaughn Jaeger Smith their families that are not receiving mailed Robin LeAnn Casaw Lola Jean Gillespie Lee Hoyt Morrison William Winfield Smith tribal information or the newspaper, please have them notify us. Most likely Mary Lou Charvat Taylor Rene Gillespie Patricia Frances Morrison Andrew Edward Smith they are on our Unknown Address List Cory Lawrence Charvat Leslie Ervin Harris Shayna Lynn Mullins James R Smith or the address is not correct. Please have Michael Andrew Ciarfella Christy Anona Henry Robert Wilson Mullins Linda Lee Smith members contact the Enrollment Office to Kenneth Virgil Clark Savannah Love Henry Patti Lynn Murphy Jesse Lee Smith verify the address we have on file for them. Chance Michael Cloquet Lisa Marie Hiebert Jason Ross Myers Alexx Hunter Cobb Jonathan Charles Hogue Daniel Lee Myers Gary Lee Cobb Andrea Marie Huereca Steven Ross Myers Cowlitz Indian Tribe Enrollment Megan Nicole Cobb Anita Marie Huereca Stephanie Ann Myers Emily Ciera Cobb Jennifer Sue Iyall Ricky Dean Neilsen Caleb Ryan Cobb Kristen Patrice Iyall Pepper Jean Nelson Gavin David Connolly Andrew James Iyall Raymond Russell Newbaker Michelle Lee Cornett Zachary David Lee Jackson Daniel Thomas Pace ATTENTION COWLITZ TRIBAL MEMBERS Deborah Kelleen Corpuz William Julius James Betty Rose Pardee Shelly Rae Cota Judith Ann James Ellen Grace Pearson Rebecca Lynn Crabtree Jacqueline Marie James Elizabeth Anne Pearson Please remember: You must update information with Makayla Maree Craighead Zada Mae Jones Mark Stephen Pellegrini the enrollment department. Robert Neill Criss Janet LaVerne Judge Lori Louise Perez Yohana Gabryella Cualio Benjamin James Kacmarcik Donald Arthur Pfohlman Barbara Ann Davis Jordann Brianne Keener Kimberly Dawn Phillips ⇒ Change of Address Maurice R Dawson Edgar Lewis Kennedy Katrina Marie Phillips-Thayer ⇒ Births Gary L Dawson Arnold Boyd King Dalene Kay Pineda Deborah Leigh DeCamps Brooklyn Sonny King Anthony Micheal Putas ⇒ Deaths Cyndi Raven Rayn Dill Courtney Rose King Joshua Zenos Ramsey Tazzmen Justice Dill Teona Marie Sims Kinswa Jeremy Lewis Rayman ⇒ Phone number or contact Craig Martin Dominick Sandra Lee Kniss Debra Ann Richards information Pailsey Rain Fay Doneyson Joshua Douglas Koch Sheila Marie Riggles Brittaney Anne Doolittle David Mark Lane Travis Edward Wilson Riggles Dustin Dean Dunckel Lynnette Marlene Lane Diane Rose Riley Cathy Raphael: {360)-575-3310, Email:[email protected] Brad Lee Dunckel Richard Stanely Lane Stephanie Lynn Robinson May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 7 The Story of the Cowlitz Baby Blanket “Wouldn’t it be nice…” A simple phrase. would no longer see us. Those of us who The wave pattern in the blanket The beginning of a dream. A dream remained could barely see ourselves. represents our connection to the water, to breathed to life by a small group of Cowlitz (6th Square) But those who remained, our sacred Cowlitz River, that was the life members who thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice those who remembered, gathered together. blood to our people and our first medicine. to have a baby blanket for all of our young.” They rose up and said to the Government, To either side of the heart are three A dream that over many of years, and many we are still here, we are still a people, sideways triangles intermixed with zigzag talks, has finally come to fruition. A gift recognize us. lines. The triangles represent our three from our people to our people. mountains, Tahoma (Rainier), This blanket embodies our Lawetlat’la (St. Helens) and people. As it wraps our future, Mt. Adams. The zigzags are the story it tells is of our past. the rivers that run from the This is the story. mountains. Together with Starting with the boarder the heart they show the pulse squares, from left to right, top to of the Cowlitz people, still bottom. The triangles represent beating strong. The color red our cedar hats. representing the blood of our “(1st Square) In the beginning we people. were many. Happy on our river The heart, in a Salish design, and in our way of life. shows our love for our youth, the (2nd Square) Then the Settlers future of our people. Within the came. They saw what we had and design of the heart, a closer look wanted it for themselves. They reveals a stylized baby board. wanted to remove us from our The baby boards were used to home. Sign a treaty. But we said wrap and carry our young. no. We would not leave our skies, our land, (7th Square) And our numbers began to The use of blue and white. As it has our river. grow. Our strength grew. been taught, back in the trading days, (3rd Square) But the Settlers forced us (8th Square) Until the Government could the Cowlitz women were attracted to to our knees. Took away our culture, our no longer ignore us. the Russian Blue beads and white wool land, our way of life. Gave us disease. (9th Square) Now the Government blankets. Russian blue, became Cowlitz (4th Square) And then we were few. recognizes us, our native brothers and blue, a color that is still associated with Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Cowlitz County’s New (5th Square) The Settlers would no longer sisters recognize us and we stand tall and our people. White is to honor our women. Year’s Baby, Maddux Meyers is see us. Our native brother and sisters proud recognizing ourselves.” This is the story. wrapped in his Cowlitz designed blanket. Wrap Your Baby in a Cowlitz Baby Blanket Enrolled Cowlitz with an enrolled child born in 2018 will be gifted a blanket by mail, this will continue for babies born and enrolled after 2018 until supplies are depleted. These are available for purchase for $50. Contact Cathy Raphael at 360-575-3310 or [email protected] 8 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019 First Udall Intern from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe

The Udall Foundation and Native Udall Intern from the Cowlitz Indian Nations Institute selected 12 students Tribe. Johnson has worked in the Office from 10 Tribes and 10 universities as of Self-Governance, for her Tribe’s natural 2019 Native American Congressional and cultural resources departments, Interns. These students were selected and served as a BIA Pathways Program by an independent review committee Intern. Johnson can often be found based on academic achievement and a outdoors, setting up game cameras, demonstrated commitment to careers in conducting smelt research on the Cowlitz Tribal public policy. River, or mapping huckleberry bushes in The Udall Interns complete an the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. She intensive nine-week internship in the will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in summer of 2019 in Washington, D.C. cultural anthropology from Washington Special enrichment activities will provide State University and intends to pursue opportunities to meet with key decision a career that examines federal and state makers. From 1996 through 2019, 278 policies that preserve and protect Native Native American and Alaska Native cultural and natural resources. Emma Johnson, awarded Udall Intern and currently a Pathways Intern working with the Natural students from 124 Tribes will have taken The Native American Congressional Resources Department part in the program. Internship Program provides Native Emma Johnson is a member of the American and Alaska Native students Government. The Udall Internship is For additional information about the Cowlitz Indian Tribe from Winlock, with the opportunity to gain practical funded and co-administered by the Native Nations Institute and the Udall Washington and a 2018 Udall Scholar experience with the Federal legislative Native Nations Institute at the University Internship program, in Tribal Public Policy. She is the first process to understand firsthand the of Arizona. Learn more about the please contact Mona Nozhackum at student selected as a Udall Intern from government-to-government relationship Congressional Internship Program and 520-626-0664 or nozhackum@email. Washington State University and the first between Tribes and the Federal meet the 2019 Udall Interns. arizona.edu.

Cowlitz Tuition Assistance Award Today

In the 2018-19 academic year, provide an update on the program and The Education Committee celebrates the Cowlitz students who have 178 Cowlitz students in vocational, answer your questions. A list of Cowlitz graduated this year. They are our Cowlitz family legacy. The student’s hard undergraduate, and graduate programs students who have received a 2019-20 work and dedication and the financial assistance from the Cowlitz Tribe has received a Tuition Assistance Award. Cowlitz Tuition Assistance Award will resulted in vocational certificates and degrees. Of the 49 Cowlitz students who Applications were submitted from be in your meeting packets. graduated this year, the following gave us permission to include their names in January 2018 through April 2019. In I want to thank the Tribal Council, this newspaper. July, when funding was exhausted a Carol Burnison, Tuition Assistance waiting list was created. From August Coordinator, Cowlitz Information Vocational Certificate Bachelor Degree 2018 through April 2019, 23 students Technology and Accounting staff, and David Doucette, Tribal Gaming & Emma Johnson, Cultural Anthropology on the waiting list received tuition Education Committee members: Karissa Hospitality Management Shana Lombard, Journalism & Media assistance for the remainder of their Lowe, Becky Lowe, Celine Cloquet, Reina Garcia, Licensed Vocational Nurse Production academic year. This tribal benefit Suzanne Donaldson, David Iyall, Dave Lisa Jones-Qualls, Licensed Massage Sayana Lombard Chappell, Sports helped Cowlitz Tribal members, in 20 Reichel, Gregg Ford, Dave Littleton, and Therapist Manager & Sociology states and British Columbia, to earn my wife Joan. Without their help, this James Ragan, Exercise Science & vocational certificates and college program would not happen. Associate Degree Psychology degrees. To the parents of Cowlitz young Merisa Eisenberg, Communication Jolene Wicks, Business Administration Tribal Council’s continued support people, encourage your children to Zachary Havard, Applied Technologies of this program will provide Tuition stay in school and get good grades. Kristen Kestner, Nursing Master Degree Assistance Awards to 200 Cowlitz The Cowlitz Tuition Assistance Award Kaitlyn Lane, Psychology Kimberly Appelt, Cybersecurity & students in the 2019-20 academic year Program will help support their higher Olivia Myer, Psychology Leadership (June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020). education whether they seek vocational Luke Bridges, Business Administration As of March 31, 132 applications have certificates or college degrees. Bachelor Degree Vanessa Gabbard, Accounting been approved and awarded funding. For more information about Cowlitz Tricia Bliss, Psychology Brooke Lamberson, Education Demand is high. Do not delay. Submit Education, check out the Education Cody Carlson, Nursing Xavier Webb, Business Administration your application today! page under Services on the Cowlitz Caleb Garrett, Geography & Before you read this article, the website or e-mail us at education@ Environmental Science Doctorate Degree Education Committee will have met cowlitz.org. Adam Groendyke, Business Lindsey Foley, Nursing Practice and elected new officers for the 2019-20 Administration Angela Gossom, Veterinary Medicine academic year. The new officers will be Mike Iyall, Chair Jordan Iyall Jackson, Nursing & Spanish at the June General Council meeting to Cowlitz Education Committee May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 9

Cultural Opportunities CULTURAL EVENTS Date Event Canoe Group Huckleberry Camp 2019 Saturday, May 18, 2019 Drum Group Culture Day - Canoe This year’s canoe journey will travel Huckleberry camp offers a Cowlitz Saturday, May 25, 2019 Cowlitz Canoe Princess to Lummi Nation. We would like to Indian Tribe camp focused on daily Friday, May 25- Sunday, May 26, 2019 Canoe Campout invite all Cowlitz to get involved, there gathering and teachings on our traditional Monday, May 27, 2019 Memorial Day - Offices are closed are practices for pullers. Ground crew is foods, crafts and drumming. We travel Friday, May31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019 Cowlitz Encampment at the Cowlitz Landing Property always open and there is much work to to Indian Heaven to gather huckleberries do. We make and purchase giveaways and foods. Come admire much beauty Saturday, June 1, 2019 General Council that we use as we travel in other tribes’ and spirituality up on the mountain. Sunday, June 2, 2019 Salmon Ceremony-TDD territories. The event is a tribal members family Saturday, June 8, 2019 Youth Program Volunteer Training Canoe Group Questions? outing in a primitive setting without water Saturday, June 15, 2019 Drum Group Culture Day-TBD Ty Koch at 1-253-882-7592 or electricity. The Cowlitz kitchen trailer, Friday, June 21, 2019 Summer Solstice Devin Reck at 1-360-513-5886 bottled water, all food, and all drinks Saturday, June 22, 2019 First Annual Youth Public Safety Event will be provided. Lanterns at night will * If you are interested in becoming our throughout the site. Please bring your hursday, July 4, 2019 Independence Day - Offices are closed next canoe princess, below is a list of own camping gear and personal items, Ft. Vancouver Canoe Landing Protocol requirements. RV’s and/or generators. Cowlitz Canoe Journey - Paddle to Lummi • Willing to learn songs, dances, and Camp will be August 23-25, at Swift language Schoolhouse, a property near the Pine August 12th - August 16th Cowlitz Youth Summer Camp • Welcome and introduce yourself and Creek Ranger Station, eat of Woodland, ugust 22nd - August 25th Huckleberry Camp - Swift River School House say your family lineage WA. • Cut and prepare salmon for Elders. Drum Group or Huckleberry Camp Monday, September 2, 2019 Labor Day - Offices are closed • Have or commit to regalia, Questions? Saturday, September 14, 2019 Youth Gathering Vancouver Tribal office • Be an example Cassy Sellards Reck Saturday, September 21, 2019 Drum Group Culture Day-TBD • Help youth and elders as needed P: 360-513-1243 Friday, September 27, 2019 Indian Day - Offices are closed • Able to attend Canoe practices, canoe E: [email protected] journey, and Ft. Vancouver protocol hursday, October 10, 2019 lntertribal Eider's Luncheon- St. Mary's at 12pm • Help at General Council sell raffle The Cultural Resource Board (CRB) Saturday, October 19, 2019 Cowlitz Pow Wow tickets meets in the morning before Tribal Saturday, October 26, 2019 Drum Group Culture Day-TBD Council at 7am. It is open to all Cowlitz Sunday, October 27, 2019 North West Spirit Run-TBD Drum Group Tribal members to attend. Updated The Drum Group is open to all Cowlitz information for events are available on Saturday, November 2, 2019 General Council Tribal members. We practice at Cowlitz cowlitz.org, the Cowlitz Culture & Canoe Friday, November 15, 2019 Eider's Harvest Dinner- St. Mary's at 12pm Culture Days which are monthly, to Facebook Group (open to all Cowlitz Saturday, November 16, 2019 Drum Group Culture Day - Drumming Thanksgiving practice the songs that belong to Cowlitz tribal members) and by phone to the leads Saturday, November 23, 2019 Youth Gathering Longview Tribal office families and that have been gifted. We of the groups/events. follow the traditional protocols and sing Please see our Cultural Events Saturday, December 14, 2019 Youth & Family Christmas Party to see not to be seen. We accept all who Calendar to the right and for more want to come and participate in a good contact information refer to Boards and Saturday, December 21, 2019 Drum Group Culture Christmas Party way. Committees on page 20. To stay up to date on events email : [email protected] or call 306.577.6962 Culture Day News Canoe Journey a Life Changing Nettle Pesto Class approved to join the board. Cynthia is 14 and in 8th grade; she is currently on Experience the Cowlitz Youth Council and was the Cowlitz Tribal Canoe Journey began offering traditional foods. After dinner In March Rhonda Grantham taught a 2017 Cowlitz Canoe Princess. She is in the late 1980’s, when Emmet Oliver formal protocol starts and continues nettle pesto class. She took the youth to a dancer for the Cowlitz Drum Group (Quinault Nation) had a dream to bring until every canoe family sings their songs, harvest nettles on the Cowlitz Landing and enjoys learning about traditional the Potlatch way of life and traditional dance, gift, and ask permission to untie property. They also gathered different foods and uses. waterways of our ancestors back from the their canoes. plants and herbs to process with the forced assimilation. Having just a handful I am an apprentice carver, canoe nettles to make the pesto. The nettle pesto Canoe Group of participants it quickly grew in the last skipper, and singer. I have been was used on personal pizzas for everyone. few decades. Participating tribes range participating in Canoe Journey since Rhonda also provided a presentation and March 23, 2019 the canoe awakening from Alaska to California; there are also the first journey the tribe participated in sampling of the bitters and herbs that ceremony took place at Ike Kinswa participants from the Māori, Hawaii, 2008 Paddle to Cowichan. Prior to this sprout up in the spring. She shared our boat launch led by John O’Brien and Ty and Japan. The Canoe Journey is a life had little knowledge about my culture. I traditional practices and talked about the Koch. Each year it’s important to do changing experience. had spent the earlier two decades using benefits of our spring plants. ceremony for the beginning and end of Tribes, families, nations, etc., start at a alcohol and other substances to fill an the year. We circled around the Canoe specific point and travel towards the host unknown void. My first Canoe Journey Culture Resource Board and carried it to the water. A crew tribe. Canoe families ask permission to changed my life, I came home feeling a pulled on the lake while others stayed come ashore at each stop (beach protocol) Cynthia Reck has applied and has been on the shore to sing songs. and are served an amazing dinner - often Please see CANOE, page 10 10 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

songs sound, and how they dance. Protocol Canoe becomes important teachings when Continued from the page 9 problems arise. Words could not describe it; Canoe Journey is truly a life changing little more complete; it felt as though some experience of that void had filled. I hope that all of you get a chance to Canoe Journey is where I learned to experience this within your lifetime. It is sing; I cannot think of a better way to learn a part of your cultural identity, encoded songs. When we landed in Suquamish in within this way of life. Your ancestors 2009 with about 105 canoes lined up all lived this way since time immemorial. the way around the corner. It was six hours On Canoe Journey we do not represent before we all got ashore. Most canoes used the tribal members we currently have; we traditional language, some sang songs, and represent the millions that preceded us I really enjoyed Chief Nelson’s speech. That and the millions to come. Canoe Journey is night they fed 10,000 people. There was a great place to develop or strengthen your a five-foot tall mound of shellfish baking cultural identity as a Cowlitz Indian. on hot rocks, and they had truckloads of I encourage you to participate; this year shellfish on reserve. we head to Lummi on the 2019, Paddle to Participating on many journeys, I find Lummi. myself being able to identify different tribes by their regalia, songs, how their Jeramiah Ray Wallace

20th Annual

Honoring the Spirit of All Cowlitz People October 19, 2019 Clark County Event Center 17402 NE Delfel Rd. Ridgefield, Washington Head Staff Grand Entries Contest MC – Carlos Calica Golden Age 55+ AD – Ed Wulf 1 PM & 7 PM Women’s Traditional Head Man – Owhi Littleleaf Men’s Traditional Keeli Littleleaf Head Woman – Women’s Fancy / Jingle Head Judge – Kevin King Men’s Fancy / Grass TBA Host Drum – Teen Boys Combined 13-17 TBA Invited Drum - Teen Girls Combined 13-17 Committee Specials Jr. Boys Combined Jr. Girls Combined Team Dance Contest Tiny Tots Hand Drum Contest

Salmon Dinner Contacts General/Vendor Info – [email protected] Facebook – Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow THE COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE OR CLARK COUNTY EVENT CENTER ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFTS, INJURIES, OR SHORT FUNDED TRAVELERS. NO PETS, DRUGS, ALCHOHOL, OR FIREARMS ALLOWED May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 11

Wade McGee – New Youth Programs Manager Wade comes to the Cowlitz Tribe from the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in Worley Idaho. Him and his wife Debbie have been married for 24 years and have three sons. They met at Haskell Indian Nations University where they both obtained their Associates in Natural Resources. They continued their education at the University of Idaho obtaining their Bachelors in Organizational Leadership and Management. Debbie is currently the general manager for Kwataqnuk Resort and Casino and Big Arm Resort in Polson Montana. Wade comes to Cowlitz with over 25 years of Managerial Experience in youth and adult programming. He’s coached Santa Visits youth in athletic training and sports for Each family went home with a photo of their almost 30 years. His programming style is little ones with Santa. one focused on cultural wellness, healing, balance and using native thinking in all Youth Board that is done in life. Pictured from Left to Right: Melody Lopez He lives his life with this thought in (Youth Program Coordinator), Ty and Kasey mind; “Have I made my ancestors proud Koch, Cassandra Sellards-Reck, Rachel Paige, today?” Donna Bagley (Youth Board Members).

Current Youth Council Members (left-right): Stacie Spahr, Vice Chair, Noah Reck, Treasurer, Myrihe Rohbock, Chair, Sandee Spahr, Meya Rohbock, Secretary, and Cynthia Reck, Culture Board youth representative. Cowlitz Youth Council Currently the Youth Council is working on their cultural community project. The Youth Council strives to act as a voice around youth issues while modeling positive attitudes and behavior. You can find your Youth Council at many events and gathering throughout the year. The Youth Council travels to leadership conferences and trainings. Calling all Cowlitz youth ages 13-17! There are currently two open seats on the Youth Council. Those interested in joining or would like to find out more info please contact Alexandra (Ali) Guerra - Youth Council Advisor at 360-947-2234, [email protected] or visit our page. 12 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

Little Ones Weekend 16 Cowlitz youth, ages seven to twelve, traveled through the traditional trade routes of our ancestors following the Columbia river to the Washington and Oregon coast. March 8-10, 2019. May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 13 Expansion for Medication Assisted Treatment Program

Health and Human Services - Seattle The MAT Program has been so has been operating a Medication Assisted successful that it quickly outgrew the Treatment (MAT) Program for over a Seattle clinic space. With surplus revenue year with great success. In 2018 over 125 from prior year’s operations the Seattle American Indian/Alaska Native patients, clinic was able to prepay lease expenses many of whom are Cowlitz Tribal to the tribe, which the Tribal Council members, were able to receive medication, used to anchor a real estate loan to buy either Suboxone or Vivitrol, to support the adjacent commercial building and their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. property. American Indians and Alaska Natives The MAT program will expand have the highest overdose death rate in into one of the office suites in the new King County, three times higher than the building and will continue to provide next highest demographic cohort. Many MAT services and co-occurring services people with Opioid Use Disorder became to our American Indian/Alaska Native addicted to legal pain medications that patients. MAT programming expanded were prescribed to them. Some who to the Longview clinic site in 2018 and become addicted to pain medications will expand to the Vancouver clinic site turn to street drugs like heroin. later this year. Work progress on the new MAT office in suite 102 of the new tribal building in Tukwilla. Health Clinic Introduces: Diabetes Days

Managing diabetes can be Anyone who attends a Diabetes Day so much in such a brief time and feel complicated. Aside from meal planning, visit during the 2019 calendar year can they are getting full comprehensive care exercising regularly and daily blood choose a gift of appreciation. Items from a team of medical professionals 15TH ANNUAL sugar checks, people with diabetes also range from Bluetooth headphones, to whole heartedly invested in improving COWLITZ TRIBAL must navigate a constantly changing cookbooks, to gym equipment. their overall wellbeing. HEALTH WALK medication landscape, staying on top Starting in the beginning of 2019, If you have diabetes and are interested SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 of annual health checks and ensure to patients who have attended these in a Diabetes Day appointment, please get all necessary specialist referrals and Diabetes Days have already expressed call the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Health vaccinations. their appreciation for this innovative Clinic front desk to schedule: (360) 575- The Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) approach to care. Stating that they do 8275 Health Clinic understands these challenges and want to help make the journey to wellness a little bit easier. Diabetes Days or clinic days are CIT WELLNESS & DIABETES PROGRAM dedicated solely for routine diabetes checks. Providers and auxiliary staff can all work together to give top- notch care. Allowing clinicians to give focused, quality and team-based care. DIABETES Diabetes Days also ease the burden on patients by giving access to a variety of services in a single visit. Patients who SUPPORT attend Diabetes Days can receive the following services during their one- GROUP hour appointment: Join us the last Thursday of each month at 9am. Lab tests Breakfast provided. No registration required. Complete foot exam 1044 11th Ave. Immunizations Longview, WA 98632 Referrals to specialists Medication adjustments In person visit with their provider Contact Alyssa at (360)575-8275 or Face-to-face visit with the diabetes [email protected] for more information. educator 14 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

Bree Johnson and Jessica Miller opening up shop. Jessica Miller serving her very first customer at Five Feathers. Hands-On Real-Life Espresso Stand The Cowlitz Indian Tribe Vocational service, making espresso drinks, utilizing training and met the standards, they are on her way to mastering all the standards Rehabilitation Program (CITVR) has a point of sale system (POS), marketing, given a certificate and receive subsequent outlined. Future plans may include youth implemented a training program for inventory, safety, soft skills and more. paid work experience of 40 or more hours training for help with summer job search our clients. This program is a hands- Bree Johnson, a member of the VR staff, for their work. Clients work at a pace that and retention. There are many possibilities on real-life espresso stand. Clients will is the Trainer and works with the client is right for them so training experiences for use of the program and as we get go through a six to eight-week training to meet industry standards in those areas. may be different for each individual. The our feet under us, we look forward to course working directly with customer Once they have successfully completed the CITVR is funded through a five-year implementing those possibilities. grant from the Department of Education, Hot and cold coffee and a variety of through the Rehabilitation Services other drinks are served. The coffee is Administration. All proceeds are used to purchased from a native-owned business, sustain the training program and it may one of only three native-owned roasters allow for additional paid work experience. in the United States. The blend is Dancing Five Feathers, the name of the coffee Rabbit and was the number one choice for stand, was selected from names submitted those who attended the coffee tasting prior by clients. Chance Carson gifted the name to opening. Five Feathers is currently open and logo to this program and stated it was to clients, patients and tribal staff and will to represent the five Vocational Rehab (VR) be operated by clients and VR staff Mon- staff that helped him along his journey. Thurs 7:30am-5:30pm. Our first client, Jessica Miller has started For more information, please call 360- and is exceeding expectations. She is well 575-3318. May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 15 Counselor of the Year - Jennifer Neal In December 2018 from a representation of many strong and She partners closely with the Tribe’s other others who are sharing their similar lives. Jennifer Neal, Cowlitz capable nominees is a true testament to Health and Human Service Programs, Clients and others come together to share Tribe Vocational her abilities and the way she cares for our community organizations and contacts. a meal and come together in song. Rehabilitation clients. Her job is not easy, we often get the Clients come to VR because they know Counselor (VRC), Jennifer has come full circle with VR, most broken of the broken. To have it is a safe place for them and that they are was awarded the having help start the program to taking Jennifer work with and fight for a broken surrounded by people who care. Jennifer “Counselor of other roles and journeys and winding client brings them trust, hope and is the epitome of that. the Year” by the up back where she started and belongs. strength. Many times, she guides them Her supervisor nominated her and Consortium of Using experience, education, training on their way to employment and sadly, was told she had won, Jennifer was not Administrators of Jennifer Neal, and life lessons, Jennifer can meet clients at times it doesn’t happen. Even through scheduled to go to this conference. With Native American Vocational where they are; in that moment. She gets relapses, jail time, and/or other “mis- the quick help of the Accounting office Rehabilitation Rehabilitation it. Her passion and compassion show in steps”, Jennifer is not judgmental, does and others, we were able to get her there (CANAR) at their Counselor of the Year, her counseling methods and the way her not give up and welcomes them back. for the conference and banquet. It was mid-year national is also a Cowlitz tribal clients feel about her. She recently began hosting Tuesday such a pleasure to see her completely conference. There member. The VR Program uses a Holistic evenings for our clients (and others) surprised, but so definitely worthy. The are 88 American Indian Vocational approach when working with our to have a drum circle. It has been truly Cowlitz Indian Tribe is well represented. Rehabilitation (Tribal VR) Programs clientele. Jennifer makes sure to carefully amazing to watch. As our clients are from Congratulations Jennifer! across the nation. Most average two or assess the needs of her clients and work to different Tribes, there is always a new Article submitted by Shari Parker, VR three VR Counselors each. To be selected address the barriers holding them back. song to learn and sing in a safe place with Director Needing Transportation? Cowlitz Tribe Transit Service, Expanded appointments such as; specialty medicine, Medical Transport and Tribal Medicaid diagnostic facilities, cancer treatment Transport includes door-to-door centers and hospitals. assistance to and from the vehicle by one *Clark County residents must live of our professional drivers. Our vehicles outside of the C-Tran bus system and their are equipped with lifts to make boarding respective Public Transportation Benefit easier for passengers who use wheelchairs, Area (PTBA). mobility devices, or have difficulty Tribal Medicaid Transport negotiating steps. We provide the only service of its kind in our area; rides should This service is for Indian Health Services be scheduled a few days in advance to assure (IHS) beneficiaries and their descendants availability. Dispatcher make every effort to who hold a current ProviderOne card who accommodate your requested trip schedule. need transportation to medically necessary Fares are funded primarily through appointment. Individuals must live within a donations and are appreciated. 60-mile radius of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe It is our mission to enhance the quality Health Clinic, meet the Medicaid criteria of life for Cowlitz Tribal Members, and and have exhausted all other transportation the general public, through the delivery options. of professional, friendly, safe, reliable, and Hours of operation: Monday-Friday efficient transportation services. 8:00am - 6:00pm *Closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Cowlitz Tribe Cowlitz Tribe Transit Service Recognition Day (February 14), President’s This is a public transit service available Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, to rural residents in South Lewis (Centralia Labor Day, National Indian Day (fourth Amtrak Station) and Cowlitz Counties Friday of September), Veterans Day, who live up to 20 miles from the Interstate Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, 5 corridor. Rides include access to life Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. sustaining and non-life sustaining medical The Cowlitz Tribe Transit Service and appointments, shopping, cultural or quality Transport Programs comply with all federal of life activities. requirements under the Title VI law, which Expanded Medical prohibits discrimination on the basis of Transport Program race, color, or national origin. Questions? Is our public transport program available Phone: 360-232-8585 to rural residents in Clark, Cowlitz, and Email: [email protected] Lewis Counties who are over the age of 50 Facebook: facebook.com/ and/or individuals with disabilities. The cowlitztribedotandtransitservices/ Expanded Medical Transport Program Stay up to date by liking our Facebook provides rides north to Olympia and south page ‘Cowlitz Tribe Transportation and to Vancouver to increase access to medical Transit Services’ 16 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

Sherman Squires Arrives Sherman Francis Squires was born March 7, 2019 at 12:09 PM. He was 18 inches long and weighed 4 pounds 15.4 ounces. His parents are Matthew and Anna (Dickerson) Squires of Yelm, WA. Sherman’s Grandfather and Cowlitz member is Robert Dickerson, of Wauconda, Maddux Meyers Born Washington. Paternal grandparents are Rick and The first Cowlitz baby of 2019 was born at Sue Squires of Tacoma. 11:24 pm in Cowlitz County. Maddux Calvin Meyers weighed 8 lbs. 14 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. Maddux’s parents are Nichole and Max Meyers of Castle Rock, Washington. Lakelynn Peterson is Here Grandparents are Drucilla and Leonard (Cowlitz Cowlitz member Boston Peterson, wife Kaylee announce the birth of their daughter, Lakelynn member) Lindquist of Castle Rock, Matthew Brie Peterson. Lakelynn was born in Longview at 6:36 pm, August 17, 2018, weighing in at 8.7 Meyers of Toutle and Jewell Meyers of Shelton, lbs. and 21 inches long. Boston is a Cowlitz member and the son of Allan and Becki Peterson of Washington. Maddux was welcomed by his Longview. Lakelynn is the Great Granddaughter of Dale and the late Doris Peterson. Kaylee’s parents sister, Maylee, who calls him “Little man” or “Bud.” are Scott and Heather Brown of the Kalama/Ridgefield area. Mom and Dad said, “She is such a happy Both children are Cowlitz members. and healthy baby and a blessing to our whole family”.

Vogler Graduates Academy Mariah Vogler, daughter of Celine Cloquet, has graduated from the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, located at Newport Naval Station Rhode Island, on May 10, 2019. Her performances as an outstanding leader and scholastic successes, Ms. Vogler has been nominated by both US Senator Maria Cantwell and US Representative Adam Smith to matriculate to the United States Naval Academy this fall, graduating in 2023. Last June, she graduated from high school and received an associate’s degree. Ms. Vogler will be attending the Naval Academy with her sister, Jenna Vogler, graduating class of 2021. Both of these young Cowlitz women plan to major in Physics and have a desire of serving their commissioned officer positions as leaders in the United States Marine Corps. May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 17

Upcoming Save the Date Birthdays & Friday, July 12 - Monday, July 15, 2020 Anniversaries* I-5 at Exit 54 Toutle River Camp Ground May Castle Rock WA 98611 Kayla Kay VanRiper May 18th Suzanne Donaldson-Stephens May 19th Cottenoir Eric Smalley 19th Jacob Aff May 28th Family Reunion

June Michaela Guerra 2nd Gregg & Mary Ford Retire Ward-Moosa Married Michael Hazel 2nd Cowlitz Tribal Member, Gregg Ford and Jessica Renae Ward and Tanaeem David “Buzz” Dean Russell 3rd his wife Mary Ford retire this June after Muhammad Moosa were married July 14, 2018 Bleu Hazel 5th a combined 71 yetars of teaching in the at Lover’s Point Park in Pacific Grove, California. Nick Meile 13th Ridgefield, WA School District. Gregg Ford has The bride is originally from Castle Rock, WA. She served as the 2008-2009 Cowlitz Pow Wow Randy Russell 23rd also been a coach throughout his 41 years of teaching. He has coached View Ridge Middle Princess. She is the daughter of tribal members Kristen Albrecht-Kugan 29th School and Ridgefield High School football, Kevin and Beth Ward and granddaughter As they were married View Ridge Middle School and Ridgefield of Yvonne Ward and Margaret Melton. She July High School girls’ and boys’ basketball (the received her bachelor’s degree in Political Seth Devlin 3rd Ridgefield High School Varsity Boys Head Science from Stanford University in 2013 and Melody Pfeifer 3rd Basketball Coach for 27 years) and is on his master’s degree in political science in 2015 from 2019 Skloutwout Jon Lindholm 16th 33rd year as the Head Track and Field Coach University of California, Berkeley. Elizabeth Guerra 20th at Ridgefield High School. He is currently one The groom is originally from Chittagong, Family Reunion of our Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Commissioners Bangladesh. He is the son of Dr. Sabera Khatoon “Grandfather” Roy Wilson and serves on the Education Committee and Dr. Muhammad Moosa. He received his “Skloutwout” is the Indian name of Lucy Leonard Lindquist Jr. 22nd for the Tribe. Family and friends are invited bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Weiser. All Skloutwout descendants are to celebrate with Gregg and Mary on June Bangladesh University of Engineering and welcome to attend. The gathering is not August 15th. If you would like to learn more specific Technology in 2011. limited to Cowlitz tribal members. Please Alexandra Guerra 1st details about this celebration please contact, The couple lives in San Bruno, California with bring pictures, written family histories, and their chihuahua. Jessica works in insurance and Holly Jorgenson 12th Shannon Schuetze, at shannonccschuetze@ memories to share, plus a potluck dish to gmail.com. Tanaeem is a software engineer. Kenyi Barr 12th contribute to the meal. Dianna Smalley 16th Colleen Armstrong 19th Eric Forsberg Scholar When: Sunday, August 25th, 2019: Crystal Leigh 22nd 11 am until mid to late afternoon Carolee Morris 23rd Dear Cowlitz Education Committee, work experience. Knowing I lived in Pierce What: Spiritual Gathering starting at 11 Stevie Shiflett 26th Please accept my most humble and sincere County he suggested I visit Puyallup’s TERO am, with potluck meal to follow at the Maylee Meyers 26th gratitude for this year’s tuition assistance office. Upon applying and contacting their same location award which I’m using to pay for my JATC office weekly I was quickly dispatched to fill Jennifer Neal 27th Where: Bear Raven Longhouse at the apprenticeship school/training. I am quite an apprentice position with Sturgeon Electric home of Roy Wilson near Winlock, WA certain that the opportunities and challenges working at the I-5 casino jobsite. I began September that I am navigating would not be available to training at Tacoma’s JATC within about 10 Directions: Melissa Shiflett 9th me without the generosity of our northwest weeks and sworn in to IBEW Local 76 a few Patrick Morris 11th tribal families. months thereafter. I couldn’t have made Take exit 68 on I-5 and go west to Leonidas Barr 12th I would also like to include some this career change successfully without the the signal light. *Jolynne & Patrick Morris 12th information which may be helpful to our support of my tribal family. Turn left on N. Military Rd and go Sarah Aff 13th Cowlitz brothers and sisters seeking better As I continue my journey I am reminded south one mile. Brett Morris 14th career opportunities. TERO is the Tribal daily of how blessed we are to have these Turn right on Antrim and go west Matthew Henish Sr. 15th Employment Rights Office. They provide opportunities. Every day it’s important to me approximately 1.5 miles, Teona Kinswa 20th advantages to tribal members by placing them that I represent my tribe and all tribal people then turn left on Dorning Rd. *Don & Cassandra DesRosier 22nd into highly competitive skilled trades when to the best of my abilities. I am working hard Drive to the end of the road. Skye Morris 26th there are construction projects on reservation to make sure everyone at the JATC training Watch for the Wilson family sign and turn Zennie Shiflett 28th lands. When I needed to change my career center and in our local has a favorable opinion right. The long driveway will take you path there were many obstacles preventing of TERO workers and Cowlitz people to make Whitney Mossback 29th right onto Roy’s property. me from reaching my desired goals. It wasn’t it easier for the next person who might wish to Nancy Osborne 29th until I became a candidate for Seattle’s JATC do what I’m doing. On the following page is a For further information, contact either:

apprenticeship program that I learned about list of TERO resources throughout the Pacific Linda Foley, 206-276-6010, October TERO. Northwest. Please share with eligible tribal [email protected] Taylor Gabbard 2nd One of the committee members must have members. Marsha Williams, 253-857-8832, Tom Lindholm 3rd recognized that I would have interviewed into Sincerely, 253-355-0368, [email protected] Sheril Dea 11th their program if I had just had more relevant Erik C. Forsberg 18 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019 Tribal Boards and Committees

Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Strategic Planning

Name Role Email Name Role Email Sonny Bridges Chair [email protected] Jerry Iyall Chair [email protected] Bill Iyall Vice Chair [email protected] Debbie Hassler Member Jess Groll Treasurer [email protected] Dan Meyer Member Carolyn Medeiros Secretary [email protected] Kim Stube Member Phil Harju Member Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Commission Christine Myers Staff

Name Role Email Housing Board Jerry Iyall Chair [email protected] Celine Cloquet Vice-Chair [email protected] Name Role Email Kristen Hitchcock Secretary [email protected] Kathryn Iyall-Vasquez Chair [email protected] Gregg Ford Treasurer [email protected] Kevin Ward Vice-chair [email protected] Donald Walkinshaw Commissioner [email protected] Pat Iyall-Barnes Secretary [email protected] Larry Coyle Member Health Board Linda Turnbull Member Tom Childs Member Name Role Email Dustin Griggs Member Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Debbie Hassler Vice Chair [email protected] Cultural Resources Board Linda Foley Secretary [email protected] Patty Kinswa-Gaiser Member Name Role Email Charity Sabido-Hodges Member Steve Kutz Chair [email protected] Melody Pfeifer Member Debbie Hassler Vice Chair - HHS [email protected] Donna Bagley Member Cassy Sellards-Reck Secretary - Drum Group [email protected] Christine Hawkins Member John O’Brien Board Member - Canoe Rachael Paige Member Claudia Tenney Board Member - Youth Board Carol Seholm Committee Member Bob Harju Board Member - Carving Michael Hubbs Board Member - Language Youth Board Tanna Engdahl Board Member - Elders Phil Harju Appointed - Tribal Council Name Role Email Taylor Aalvik Appointed - Tribal Council Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Celine Cloquet Appointed - Tribal Council Donna Bagley Vice Chair [email protected] Melody Pfiefer Appointed - Cultural Board Heidi Simper Secretary [email protected] Greg Groves Appointed - Cultural Board Devin Reck Youth Advocate [email protected] Christine Dupres Appointed - Cultural Board Charity Sabido-Hodges Member Rourk Monohon Appointed - Cultural Board David Cottonware Member Jeremiah Wallace Appointed - Cultural Board Ty Koch Member Kasey Koch Member Revenue Review Committee

Economic Development Committee Name Role Email Bill Iyall Chairman [email protected] Name Role Email Dan Meyer Treasurer [email protected] Tim Van Mechlen Chair [email protected] Jerry Iyall Member Whiney Devlin Vice Chair [email protected] Katherine Iyall Member Don Wakinshaw Secretary [email protected] Pat Iyall-Barnes Member Don VanMechlen Member Patty Kinswa-Gieser Member Rourk Monohon Member Suzanne Donaldson Member Dan Meyer Member Taylor Aalvik Member Robert Harju Member Rod VanMechlen Member Taylor Aalvik Member Cassy Sellards-Reck Member Melissa Johnson Member Debbie Hassler Member Tom Childs Member Pow-wow Committee Cowlitz Canoe Family Name Role Email Nathan Hooten Chair [email protected] Name Role Email Jane Meyer Member [email protected] Ty Koch Chair [email protected] Kris Dillehay Member krisdil43gmail.com Devin Reck Vice Chair [email protected] Cathy Sellards Treasurer [email protected] Rachael Paige Secretary [email protected] Education Committee

Drum Group Name Role Email Mike Iyall Chair [email protected] Gregg Ford Vice Chair [email protected] Name Role Email Becky Lowe Secretary [email protected] Cassandra Sellards Reck Chair [email protected] Celine Cloquet Member Steve Kutz Vice Chair [email protected] Karissa Lowe Member Melody Pfeifer Secretary [email protected] Suzanne Donaldson Stephens Member David Iyall Member Enrollment Committee Dave Reichel Member Joan Iyall Member Name Role Email Dave Littleton Member Nancy Osborne Chair [email protected] Committee Email: [email protected] Cathy Raphael Enrollment Officer [email protected] Committee web link: https://www.cowlitz.org/resources/education.html Lenore Monohon Member Renee King Member Karen Cota Member Melody Pfeifer Member May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 19 Tribal Council Members

Name Position Term Email *William Iyall Chair | GC 2021 [email protected] *Philip Harju Vice-Chair | GC 2020 [email protected] *Nancy Osborne Secretary | GC 2021 [email protected] *Dan Meyer Treasurer | GC 2020 [email protected] Carolee Morris Council Member 2019 [email protected] Taylor Aalvik Council Member 2019 [email protected] Celine Cloquet Council Member 2019 [email protected] *Cathy Raphael Council Member 2019 [email protected] *Jerry Iyall Council Member 2019 [email protected] Tim Van Mechelen Council Member 2020 [email protected] Karissa Lowe Council Member 2020 [email protected] Mike Iyall Council Member 2020 [email protected] Christine Dupres Council Member 2020 [email protected] Debbie Hassler Council Member 2020 [email protected] *Robin Torner Council Member 2020 [email protected] Rourke Monohon Council Member 2020 [email protected] *Steve Kutz Council Member 2021 [email protected] Katherine Iyall-Vasquez Council Member 2021 [email protected] Justice Rhodes Council Member 2021 [email protected] *Patty Kinswa-Gaiser Council Member 2021 [email protected] Whitney Mosback Council Member 2021 [email protected] Ty Koch Council Member 2021 [email protected] * Denotes Executive Council Member GC = General Council

Cowlitz Indian Tribe Health and Human Services by Site:

Seattle Toledo Longview Vancouver 15455 65th Ave S 107 Spencer Rd 1055 9th Ave 7700 NE 26th Ave Tukwila, WA 98118 Toledo, WA 98591 Longview, WA 98632 Vancouver, WA 98665

Mental Health Housing Primary Care Clinic Mental Health Chemical Dependency Elders Mental Health Chemical Dependency Co-Occurring Disorder Chemical Dependency Domestic Violence/ Case Management VocationalV Rehab Sexual Assault Health Education Vocational Rehab Dietician

Washington State School District MOU’s For behavioral health services for Native youth

Auburn Federal Way Renton Battle Ground Highline Seattle Castle Rock Kelso Toledo Clark Kent Vancouver Cowlitz Longview Woodland Evergreen Napavine

The counties depicted comprise the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s HHS service delivery area

Columbia (OR) -Indian Child Welfare Services -Contract Health Services Throughout Washington State Oregon State 20 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019

Behind the Logo Cowlitz, known as the “Forever People” were masters of shovel-nosed canoes, navigating swift currents tangled with dense vegetation and easily surged through shallow waters. The Cowlitz River has been the most important transportation route, connecting family and trade. The design of the logo comes from the bold lines and colors of Cowlitz tribal art and to celebrate Cowlitz Vice Chairman Phil Harju and Spiritual the power of rivers and canoes that brings Members of the Cowlitz Drum Group participated at the Grand Opening of Cowlitz Crossing. Leader Tanna Engdahl address the guests connections. L-R are Joseph Monohon, Randy Cottonware and Devin Reck during Monday’s grand opening ilani HOTEL PARTNERSHIPS

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Sonesta Suites (360) 253-4800 Cowlitz Tribal member Suzanne Donaldson celebrates being one of the first customers of Even Bigfoot loves Cowlitz Crossing! Cowlitz Crossing during the Saturday soft opening.

Pictured left to right are: Jeff Walker, VP Ilani Gaming, Karissa Lowe, Tribal Council, Sara Englehart, Cowlitz Crossing manager, Taylor Morelli, ilani Procurement director, Bob Gutridge, Ilani project manager, Eric Williams, Swinerton Builders, Paul Tresnan, MGE, Jim Dougherty, ilani VP of Operations, Sarah Harris, Mohegan Council, Dave Barnett, Cowlitz tribe, Michael Silberling MGE COO, Kara Fox-LaRose, ilani President, Sonny Bridges, Cowlitz CTGA Chair, Phil Harju, Cowlitz Tribe Vice-Chair, Tanna Engdahl, Cowlitz Spiritual leader, Dan Meyer, Cowlitz Tribe Treasurer, Suzanne Cowlitz Tribal Chairman Bill Iyall welcomes everyone to the soft opening event on Saturday, April Donaldson, Cowlitz tribe and Don Walkinshaw, Jr., Cowlitz tribe and ilani Executive office manager. 20, 2019. May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 21 Community Garden Continues to Sprout The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the Cowlitz tribal maintenance employee Donny Pappan puts finishing touches on one of the raised body, but the soul. bed boxes. -Alfred Austin

The Cowlitz Indian Tribes’ Community Garden’s first growing season is finally here! The garden is located at the grounds Cowlitz spiritual leader Tanna Engdahl smudging of Cowlitz Tribal Housing in Toledo and is the garden area during the cleansing ceremony. a joint program of the Wellness & Diabetes Program, Natural Resources Department elders were in attendance, and participants and Elders Nutrition Program. shared what the meaning of the garden The mission of the garden is to provide meant to them. access to fresh produce and traditional Since the blessing, much of the foods and medicines, improve knowledge preparations for the garden have been of gardening and food preparation, increase completed. A set of eight cedar raised physical activity levels, provide a community beds, designed, and constructed by Donny gathering space, enhance connections Pappan, Facilities Department, and staff to culture and tradition, and promote from the Natural Resources Department, intergenerational learning. To that end, are ready for placement. For ease of access the site includes the following: a medicine for those with physical limitations, each of After the blessing of the garden, all the attendees had a photo op! wheel garden, learning circle, raised the beds is 30 inches tall and has four flip- Seated (left to right): Gwen Drummond, Juanita Clark, Don Van Mechelen, Lynn Engdahl and bed instructional garden and in-ground down benches. An underground irrigation Standing (left to right): Dalton Fry, Sandy Marinsik, Wes Wright, Terry Ojala, Melissa Johnson, Tim Van production plot. With programming and system will supply each bed with a water Mechelen, Alyssa Fine, Tanna Engdahl and Steve Kutz. food distribution offered throughout the efficient drip line. In addition, a storage year, this project will provide a multitude shed and fencing for the in-ground garden wealth of knowledge and many wonderful Garden events will be advertised via of benefits to both Cowlitz tribal members have also been purchased and are on-site. ideas to help the garden grow. Even though mailings and on social media, so keep an eye and program clients. Cynthia Callahan, a native of Toledo, the garden will have a full-time staff, open for upcoming activities. If you want to In January, Tanna Engdahl led tribal was hired in April to serve as the full-time volunteers are still needed. Please consider help or just want more information, please members and staff in a blessing of the Community Garden Coordinator. she donating some of your time to this program contact Alyssa Fine, Wellness and Diabetes garden prior to groundbreaking. The has over six years of experience in organic and reaping some of the many health and Program Coordinator, at (360)575-8275 or Cowlitz Drum Group and several tribal farming and comes to the position with a wellness benefits that gardening provides. [email protected]. General Welfare Exclusion Act In 2014 Congress unanimously passed and older. This program is intended to applications are completed and returned look for other ways to use the GWE act and President Obama signed into law the help elders with the high cost of housing. to the Cowlitz Enrollment office and to create benefit programs to improve the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) Cowlitz elders can only receive this eligibility is verified, we will begin to general welfare of the Cowlitz Tribe and Act Public Law N:133-168. This federal payment once during their lifetime. make payments. We will not issue IRS Cowlitz Tribal members. law allows the Cowlitz Indian Tribe The second GWE program for elders forms 1099 or other tax forms to elders Questions about how GWE will affect and other Tribes to create programs to will be an annual benefit payment of for these GWE program payments. You other state and federal benefits you are improve the General Welfare of Tribal $3000 for elders who are 65 years and do not have to report these GWE program receiving, please contact that government members. Payments made under GWE older. The purpose of this payment payments as income to IRS. agency directly. program plans are not considered “gross is to help elders with the high cost of While the IRS does not consider these income” by Internal Revenue Service healthcare such as Medicare and with the GWE payments as “gross income” for tax (IRS) for tax purposes. costs of wellness programs. This payment purposes, other state or federal programs Cowlitz GWE benefit questions? The Cowlitz General Council asked will be made annually, after the first of may interpret the GWE payments Cowlitz Enrollment Office the Tribal Council to help our elders. As each year, as long as funds are available. differently. It is up to each Cowlitz P: 360-575-3310 a result, we are implementing two new At the time this newsletter is being elder to determine if acceptance of GWE E: [email protected] GWE programs for Cowlitz elders. The prepared, applications for these two payments will affect other benefits you first will be a one-time benefit payment GWE programs are being prepared and may be receiving. Jerry Iyall of $5000 for elders who are 62 years old will be mailed to Tribal elders. Once the The Tribal Council will continue to Cowlitz Tribal Council 22 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • May 2019 Cowlitz Tribal Housing Eligibility for most programs requires Student Rental Assistance Small pets (dog or cat) are welcome. with sanitation facilities, such as sewer, living in Washington State and being an Applicants must pass a background septic, and water to tribal homeowners. This is available to eligible full- enrolled member of the Cowlitz Tribe. check, reference check, and drug screen- Cowlitz Tribal Housing is the designated time college students anywhere in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban ing. area representative for IHS Scattered continental U.S. and the are standardized Development (HUD) (https://www.hud. Rental and Mortgage Site projects–we issue applications and by Housing and Urban Development (see gov/) regulations and Cowlitz Indian forward them to IHS. link in the beginning of the article). Payment Assistance Tribal Housing (CITH) policies regarding Homeownership or applicants and homes apply to all programs Elder Housing Tribal Housing offers this help to listed. qualified tribal members, for up to six Financial Counseling We welcome you to the Tribe’s housing months. For free homebuyer education classes Down Payment Assistance complex, located at St. Mary’s, near To- Help to Avoid Foreclosure in your city, go to the Washington We are happy that more and more tribal ledo, Washington. Housing choices are Tribal members with a mortgage cri- members are applying for down payment efficiency apartments and one-bedroom Homeownership Resource Center: sis should call the Homeowners Help assistance, so the Tribe can help you realize units. Rents are calculated on a sliding visit: www.homeownership-wa.org Hotline: 1-888-995-4673, or explore the the “American Dream” of homeownership! scale according to income. When avail- Home Affordable Program website: Supportive Housing We now can serve several states, just call us able subsidies reach the lifetime limit, www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. for more information. rents are 30% of the resident’s income. Coming soon to St. Mary’s: We hope Home Rehabilitation to open a building wing for families with children and who are in crisis. Housing Tribal Housing can repair qualifying and other tribal departments are working tribal members’ homes to provide a together to provide human services, as decent, safe, and sanitary place to live. Well and Sewer Repair or well as small apartments. Replacement For applications or information: In certain geographical areas, the Email us at: [email protected] Indian Health Service (IHS) provides help Phone us at: (360) 864-8720 Veteran’s Corner: Agent Orange What is the Agent Orange Registry Health Exam? If you served in Vietnam between 1962 Administration office and ask for a free and 1975, in the Korean DMZ between Agent Orange Registry health exam. It April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971, or some will include an exposure history, medical locations in Thailand between February history, physical exam and any tests if 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 you may have needed. A VA health professional will been exposed to Agent Orange. The discuss the results with you and will advise military sprayed millions of gallons of you regarding possible long- term health Agent Orange and other herbicides on trees problems. Participating in the Agent and vegetation during the Vietnam War. Orange Registry Health Exam will facilitate Toxic chemicals such as dioxin that were resolution of any future health care or part of Agent Orange have caused major disability benefits concerns for issues that health problems for many veterans who result from Agent Orange exposure. were exposed. If you have questions about this article, If you believe you were exposed to contact Jerry Iyall, Cowlitz Veterans Agent Orange, contact your local Veterans Representative at [email protected]. Businesses Invite The Tribe currently operates its daily business in five main locations at the; Cowlitz Indian Reservation, Longview, St. Mary’s (Toledo), Vancouver, and Tukwila. Frequently we have the need to contract outside services to complete projects at our facilities. We would like to invite all tribal members with building/maintenance businesses to give us your information to add to our Cowlitz Tribe Members Business Directory to share among other tribal members and have the ability to reach out to you for facilities contract work. If you would like to be added to this list, please email your business contacts and information on services provided. Aaron Workman: [email protected] May 2019 • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Newspaper • 23 Beaver Relocation The Wildlife Program has initiated a reaches were surveyed to determine if at the site. We will continue to monitor beaver relocation project in cooperation any other beaver might be present in the the site and document physical changes with the Cascaded Forest Conservancy. proximity of the potential release site. that beaver do to the area over the course Over the summer and fall of 2018, In February of 2019, the first pilot of the next year. several sites were evaluated to see if they release of beaver occurred. One adult Environmental benefits from held adequate habitat and were in areas and 2 subadult beaver from the same beavers are: unoccupied by current beaver family family group were released at a release • Reduced Stream Temperatures groups. All the identified potential release site in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest • Reduced Nutrients and sites were on either US Forest Service near Randle WA. The released beavers Toxins in Streams lands or Columbia Land Trust Lands. were obtained from USDA Wildlife • Sediment Capture Cascade Forest Conservancy developed Services personnel, who are partnering • Increased Water Storage Capacity a model that identified potential beaver on the project. A makeshift den was • Reduced Flooding release sites based on specific physical constructed, and supplemental willow • Increased Fire Resiliency to potentially relocate beaver to, release traits. Wildlife Program staff performed sapling branches were left at the site in the • Increased Wetland & Riparian Habitat beaver at specific locations and monitor field reconnaissance to determine which hopes that the beaver would remain at the • Increased Wildlife & Fish Habitat stream reaches where beavers are released, of those sites might be suitable to release site and build a dam where a derelict one • Carbon and document the physical changes that beaver at. Specific sites were evaluated had been located historically. • Mitigation of the Impacts of Climate are occurring there. For more information based on a variety of physical features to Two weeks after the release, project Change about the Natural Resources Department determine how appropriate each site may game cameras are documenting the contact Program Assistant, Tiffini be for release of beaver. Adjacent stream continued presence of the released beaver We will continue to evaluate new sites Alexander email: [email protected] Abernathy Creek Habitat Restoration

The Natural Resources Department ongoing project for the past seven years As for the Grays River project, to make the Grays River project as (NRD) continuously has habitat and restoration now covers six miles. it is just the beginning for habitat widespread as Abernathy. restoration projects taking place. Not only does this project improve fish restoration. River systems are unique Once construction is completed our Throughout 2018 two major ones habitat for spawning and rearing, it and creating multiple kinds of habitat NRD team then goes in to plant trees were completed on Abernathy Creek also creates wetlands for other species for species across the board requires a to further enhance vegetation. Our and the Grays River. The Aquatics like beavers and a wide variety of lot of time and thought. Thankfully, department as a whole plays a large role program never fails to bring the kind of vegetation. The end goal for all of this due to the experience of our staff it was in preserving our natural resources and chaos needed to waterways calling for work is to create a sustainable habitat not a problem to map out this project 2019 is looking to be yet another year enhancement. system and so far the restoration is and there are already new sites planned of successful projects for our Aquatics Abernathy Creek has been an doing just that! out to restore on the Grays in hopes Department.

Log jam created by the Natural Resources Department on Abernathy Creek Cowlitz Indian Tribe NONPROFIT ORG P.O. Box 2547 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Longview, WA 98632 PERMIT NO. 49 Address service requested

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1 COWLITZ WAY, RIDGEFIELD, WA 98642