June–August 2017 KENAITZE INDIAN TRIBE NEWSLETTER Children start summer in style Annual picnic wraps up the school year The Early Childhood Center hosted an end-of-year beach picnic at the tribal fishery site in May, welcoming about 150 people for an afternoon of food, music and fun in the sand as the 2016-17 school year officially drew to a close. The event, open to students and their family members, included a barbeque lunch as well as a per- formance by the Del Dumi Drum Group. But not before dozens of students between the ages of 3 and 5 spent time building sandcastles, splashing on the shoreline and even flying kites. “Kids love the beach, right?” said parent Troy Mack as his Children play under a tarp during the Early Childhood Center’s picnic on the Beach. See PICNIC, p. 2 All rise: Court grand opening draws crowd A grand opening celebration for participants gain access to the Henu’ Community Wellness behavioral health treatment, Court drew a standing-room only transportation assistance, housing crowd outside the Kenaitze Tribal assistance, and more. The program Courthouse in June. Afterward, a is voluntary but intense, taking at Chief Judge Kimberley Sweet, Kenaitze Tribal Court, and Judge hearing open to the public occurred least 18 months to complete. Anna Moran, Kenai Superior Court, offer encouragement to next door at the Dena’ina Wellness “Instead of incarcerating participants enrolled in the Henu’ Community Wellness Court Center. somebody for several years, we try during a court session held after the court’s grand opening in Henu’ is a joint-jurisdictional to fix them by providing lots and June. Henu’ is a joint-jurisdictional healing-to-wellness court healing-to-wellness court oper- lots of services and lots and lots of operated by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and State Court. ated in partnership between the encouragement,” said Anna Moran Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Alaska of the Kenai Superior Court. The model is designed to set drugs, especially marijuana, had State Court, serving offenders who Under the court structure, people up for long-term success, been unsuccessful. On probation face legal trouble stemming from Kenaitze Chief Tribal Judge Kim which could help reduce recidivism with the state, and struggling to substance use. It is Alaska’s first Sweet and Moran oversee cases rates. stay sober, he chose to try the joint-jurisdiction court operated in together and sit beside each other Tribal Elder Eli Darien enrolled Henu’ court. partnership between a tribe and the during hearings. If offenders At the time of this interview, he state. successfully complete the program, in the court on March 8, 2017, after struggling with addiction following had been sober 110 days. The court takes a rehabilitative which includes everything from “It really works,” Darien said. the death of his wife in 2002. rather than punitive approach, drug tests to creating a life plan to “People that knew me before in “I was pretty heavily into getting giving participants resources to working with a probation officer, my drug addiction, they couldn’t high,” Darien said. get to the root of their issues. their jail sentencing can be reduced believe that.” When accepted into the program, or even removed altogether. Previous attempts to quit using See HENU’, p. 2 2 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017

PICNIC, from p. 1 addition to classwork – so much so Brody also has a favorite teacher. Meanwhile, as the drum beat 3-year-old son, Link, scooped that she and Troy plan on enrolling “I love Miss Andy,” he said. and staff prepared lunch, Early handfuls of sand. their younger child, Cabela, into Also attending the picnic was Childhood Center administrator The Mack family, from Soldotna, the program next year. Dr. Laura Anderson, a professor Teresa Smith reflected on the learned of the Early Childhood In the meantime, Link will of education at Lee University in school year. She said the center Center through word of mouth. participate in the center’s summer Tennessee. experienced many highlights, The picnic marked the end of their program. For the past 13 years, Anderson including helping students transition child’s first year in the program. “We had a great experience,” has been bringing students to from preschool to kindergarten, Husband Troy and wife Marisa Troy said. Kenai and other parts of Alaska on earning a large program grant, agreed that the curriculum helped Up the beach from the Mack cultural exchanges. This year, 12 maintaining enrollment, and Link both academically and socially. family, another young student dug students participated. receiving strong parent participation, Marisa said Link’s confidence in the sand. Anderson said that visiting the among others. and behavior improved and that Although Brody T. struggled to tribe gives her students, who are Smith said visiting the tribal her son, who she described as shy, spell his full last name, the 5-year- aspiring teachers, unique exposure fishery is a perfect way to end the became more comfortable talking old said he was enjoying the beach. to new forms of music, language school year because it brings people to others as the year progressed. His favorite part was playing near and tradition. together and connects students to “He went into the year not really the water and finding rocks. Brody “This has really been a great the land. talking much, and I can’t get him also built a sandcastle he described opportunity for them to learn about “It means a lot for us to be able to to keep his mouth shut now,” she as “big.” the customs and about the groups come down here and do this, for all said, laughing. As for the classroom, the in the Dena’ina area with the of our families and all of our kids, Marisa said Link benefited from youngster said his favorite book Athabascan subculture,” Anderson because we are all one people,” Smith the center’s daily routine – which is “Hungry Caterpillar” and that he said. “It’s helped to build their said. “We are just very blessed that the includes breakfast and lunch in prefers the color blue to all others. understanding.” tribe has this and we are able to use it.”

HENU’, from p. 1 In remarks during the grand opening ceremony, Sweet shared Turning pages and pedals the Dena’ina story of “Nant’ina.” As the story goes, Nant’ina is an evil figure who creeps into villages Early Childhood under the cover of fog and inflicts pain and misery on anyone it can. Center rewards Today, Sweet said, Nant’ina appears across the community in students for the form of drugs and alcohol. “The appearance of our land has completing “100 changed – roads, malls, asphalt and concrete,” Sweet said. “Nant’ina Books for a has changed too. No longer an outcast, he is found in our homes, the places Bike” program we go for companionship, our For 6-year-old Scarlet Char- family gatherings.” bonneau, one of the best parts of The establishment of Henu’ is summer is getting to ride her bike a step toward defeating Nant’ina, at Captain Cook State Recreation added Sweet, who is a tribal member. Area in Nikiski. The event’s keynote speaker, Don’t blame her if she’s even Judge Korey Wahwassuck of the more excited than usual for this State of Minnesota Ninth Judicial summer. District Court, was a founding In May, Charbonneau was member of the nation’s first among 25 Early Childhood joint-jurisdictional, state-tribal Center students who received a Jessica Segura helps Starla Oskolkoff ride the new bike she re- wellness court. The court is located new bicycle for completing the ceived for reading 100 books at the Early Childhood Center. in Minnesota. center’s “100 Books for a Bike” Wahwassuck helped the tribe and program. promotes a number of important “I’m confident I can read books state in the planning of Henu’ and “I’m mostly excited to ride it skills. and that I’m good at reading said it was an honor to participate and play on it and have fun,” Students improve their literacy, books,” Charbonneau said. and see the court become reality. Charbonneau said. of course, but they also learn to set, Beatrice Sagoonick, a parent When she helped establish the The program challenges students work toward and achieve goals. with two children who completed court in to read 100 books at their reading Those abilities, Lundy said, help the challenge, said it helped keep Min- level during the school year. Those Contact Henu’ prepare students for long-term them motivated. nesota, who meet the goal earn a certificate success in and out of the classroom. Sagoonick’s 9-year-old daughter To learn more about in the of achievement along with a new “Resilient people have solid Cora Sagoonick read 120 books, the Henu’ Commu- early set of wheels before summer begins. goals, and a desire to achieve while 6-year-old son Jaxon nity Wellness Court, 2000s, Salamatof Native Association those goals,” Lundy said. “These Sagoonick finished 125. please call the tribe at drugs contributed the bikes to this year’s children took on the challenge in “I think it was a great incentive 907-335-7233. and program. the fall, maintained commitment for them to keep reading,” Beatrice alcohol “These guys are setting the goals throughout the year and seized Sagoonick said. “It encouraged were ravaging the community. But and working for it,” said personal control of this proposed them to keep going.” recidivism rates have since gone Charmaine Lundy, the tribe’s goal.” Meanwhile, Lundy said she was down. Alaska Native education coordinator. Charbonneau, the 6-year-old, proud of all the children who “We just knew that justice as “It builds confidence, competence read 110 books. She said her favorite completed the challenge. usual was not working,” and resiliency – and that’s a life- was “The Cat and Dog” because it She also pointed out that two Wahwassuck said. “We knew long skill.” was funny and cool. recipients chose to give away their that if we worked together good This was the third year the And in completing the challenge, bikes, donating them to peers. things would come and lives center offered the program. Lundy, she gained more than just a “That’s the spirit of this group of could be saved.” who came up with the idea, said it new bike. kids,” Lundy said. June–August 2017 THE COUNTING CORD 3

Note from the Council Chairperson Tribal Council It’s a busy time for the tribe as we discover their strengths and weaknesses continue to work to improve the lives as they think about future education of our people and the community. Here and career aspirations. Interns receive are a few areas Tribal Council has been training on public speaking, customer Jennifer Showalter addressing in recent months: service, time management, problem solv- Yeoman Educational Fishery ing, and positive peer mentorship, among others. Interns also set goals such as sav- Chairperson Our Educational Fishery continues to [email protected] thrive. Everyone is excited to fill their ing money, building credit, buying a car, smokehouse, freezer and salt buckets! getting good grades, completing college This year we are authorized to harvest 10,000 prep and going to college. This program fish. As of July 13, we had harvested 2,409 fish is a wonderful way we can support our youth and – 2,369 reds, 21 pinks, 17 kings and two silvers. build our community. I can’t wait to see how this As a reminder, according to the recently updated program continues to grow in the future. fishery permit policy, you must be a Kenaitze or Dena’ina Language and Culture Salamatof tribal member residing in Alaska and Last year the Tribal Council approved funding Wayne Wilson at least 18 years old to hold a permit. Additionally, for the Dena’ina Language and Culture Revi- Vice Chairperson discharging firearms on the site is prohibited. In- talization Project. Tribal member Joel Isaak is [email protected] stead, our new policy states: “The Tribal Harvest working on this effort and has had some amazing Program Manager shall be authorized to discharge projects occur. Some of these include offering firearms under the authority of the subsistence sewing kits with language lessons at the De- permit as issued by the Hunting, Fishing and na’ina Wellness Center; recording language Gathering Commission.” This is to ensure the segments at KDLL public radio for use soon; safety of all people fishing the net. If you have conducting a Ya Ne Dah Ah language teach- questions, please contact the Tribal Government ing exchange in Chickaloon; participating in a Department at 907-335-7200 or attend a Hunting, history conference at College; Fishing, Gathering Commission meeting. participating in the opening of the net ceremony; Liisia Blizzard Tribal Government and meeting with the commissioner of education Secretary The Tribal Government Department is working for the state of Alaska to work on options for on a number of updates that will benefit tribal opening a tribal school. [email protected] members. We have hired a special contractor Fourth of July Parade to help identify areas of potential improvement For the first time in many years, the tribe entered and offer guidance on how to most efficiently a float in Kenai’s 4th of July Parade. Not only make those improvements. We have amazing was it a beautiful day for a parade, but our float tribal members already employed at the tribe and earned a first-place award! hope to find a few more. If you are interested in Housing working for your tribe, please contact the Human In June 2015, the tribe addressed a huge housing Resources Department at 907-335-7200! need by acquiring the Toyon Villa apartments in Clinton Lageson Project Old Town Kenai. Although the building is dated, Treasurer Many of you are aware of a years-long effort to originally built in 1967, it provides 32 units under reroute a section of the Sterling Highway be- one roof and is located adjacent to our Old Town [email protected] tween Mile 45 and Mile 60 near Cooper Land- campus. The tribe has since renovated over ing. The Federal Highway Administration and half the units, updating the flooring, painting the Alaska Department of Transportation have, and appliances, and remodeling bathrooms and after some 35 years of studies, selected a pre- kitchens. We are currently renting to five tribal ferred route called the G South Alternative. The families and five other Alaska Native families. tribe strongly opposes the selection and instead Additionally, we are looking into the feasibility supports the selection of the Juneau Creek of transforming some of the ground floor units Alternative. Our tribe is joined in this view by into Elder-accessible apartments. This would the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the cities of Kenai offer convenient access to the Tyotkas Elder Cen- Bernadine Atchison and Homer, Cook Inlet Region Inc. and nearly ter and Dena’ina Wellness Center. For questions Council Member all other key stakeholders in our region. We are about housing, please call our administration [email protected] working vigorously to advance our preferred office at 907-335-7200. route in order to better protect Kahtnu (the Kenai I hope you are having a great summer and I look River), and in order to better protect the tribe’s forward to seeing and hearing from you in the cultural resources. coming days! Chiqinik! Focus on youth We are focusing on how we can prepare our youth to be future leaders. Our Daggeyi Intern- ship Program currently has five enrolled interns. ­— Jennifer Showalter Yeoman The program offers assessments helping youth Tribal Council Chairperson James O. Segura Council Member [email protected] Moving soon? From the editor’s desk The Counting Cord is a publication for Please keep in touch members of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the tribe’s customers. Please keep your contact information Find more information on the tribe’s current so you don’t miss important website at kenaitze.org and like us on mailings from the tribe. Facebook at facebook.com/kenaitze. Send updates to: For story suggestions or questions Diana Zirul Kenaitze Indian Tribe about content, contact editor M. Scott Council Member Attn: Jessica Crump Moon at 907-335-7237 or by email at [email protected] P.O. Box 988 [email protected]. Kenai, AK 99611 [email protected] 907-335-7204 4 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017 Tribe celebrates fishery opener Families, friends come together for day-long festivities The fire was a popular stop during the opening of the net. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe officially opened the 2017 Educational Fishery on May 1, welcoming scores of tribal members to the fishery site in Kenai for a day-long celebration that included food, music, dancing and time around the fire. It’s the 28th year the tribe has operated the fishery along the shores of Cook Inlet, Tikahtnu, near the mouth of the . No came to the net, but that didn’t dampen the mood on the season’s opening day. “This tribal fishery has given us much more than fish,” Tribal Council secretary Liisia Blizzard said. “We have reconnected with our culture, our identity, and we have pride in our heritage. We are teaching our children our language, songs, dance and values of our ancestors.” Under late-morning, overcast skies, the event began with remarks The Jabila’ina Dancers perform during the opening of the net on May 1. The annual event from tribal leadership. featured music, dancing and good food. Jim Segura, Chairman of the by the Jabila’ina Dance Group, K’Beq’ Interpretive Site in Cooper Hunting, Fishing and Gathering which is made up of Yaghanen Landing that she learned the tribal Commission, provided an overview Youth Program participants. fishery existed. of new fishery policies and From Elders to youth, those who She enjoyed many different procedures while introducing the attended enjoyed the day for different aspects of the celebration. staff members who will manage reasons. “The food, seeing people I know, the site this summer. Segura said Mountain View Elementa- seeing the kids have fun, and the tribe is authorized to fish one ry School fourth-grader Robert watching everybody dance,” Oliva net through June and four nets in Hayes, 10, said he appreciated said of the highlights. July. The tribe’s quota is 10,000 spending time with his friends and Another first-time attendee was fish for the season, he added. family and meeting new people. Catherine Wolk, an anthropology Tribal Council Chairperson Hayes wasn’t sure how many net student at . Jennifer Showalter Yeoman wel- openers he had attended in the past, Wolk, who was born in Soldotna comed attendees and thanked past but he looked forward to fishing and raised in Kasilof, grew up and present tribal leaders for advo- set-net fishing with her family cating for the tribal fishery, which with his family this summer. To and carried those experiences into the tribe began operating in 1989. Hayes, the net is important not for adulthood. For Wolk, being at the “This is a dream of all of our what it gives him but for what it tribal fishery brought back fond Elders to be able to fish together,” provides for others. A banquet full of food options memories of childhood. Showalter Yeoman said. “Elders can have fun and get was available during the potluck. “It was really important, it was a Highlights early in the day also some food,” Hayes said. But for Wilson, the highlight of lot of fun and we got a lot of fish,” included a prayer from Elder Linda Friend William Wilson, 11, opening day was dancing with the Ross as well as a performance who attends Kalifornsky Beach Jabila’ina Dance Group. she said. “It was a time for everyone by tribal members Joel Isaak and Elementary School and participates “It’s fun and we laughed a lot,” to meet up at least once a year.” Jasmine Koster, who sang a duet of in the Yaghanen Youth Program, he said. a song called, “Dena’ina Qenaga.” also spends time at the net with his Meanwhile, for others, it was Visit the net After lunch was served, families family each summer. What Wilson their first time attending the To schedule a tide or learn spent time around the fire, children looks forward to most, he said, is celebration. more about this year’s fishery played in the sand and the fishery the anticipation of catching fish – Early Childhood Center employee policies, please contact the crew prepped the net. The evening staying up late, waking up early, Josie Oliva, attending for the first Tribal Government office at included drumming by Heartbeat waiting for the tide, and pulling the time, said it wasn’t until last 907-335-7200. of Mother Earth and a performance net out of the water. summer when she worked at the June–August 2017 THE COUNTING CORD 5

Jarrett Wilson and Gage Moto help install trusses in a cabin they helped build during the Construction Academy camp for youth earlier this summer. The camp was a partnership between the tribe and Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Of culture and construction Yaghanen Youth Program hosts Construction Academy

Camp in Above, Construction Academy campers had a view of the near Cooper Land- partnership ing as they worked at K’Beq’. with school At left, Tatihana DeHoyos, Katrina Conaway and youth tutor Zach Kudla install a window in the cabin built at the K’beq’ Cultural Site during the district Construction Academy. On a gray morning along the banks of the upper Kenai River, the sound of thumping hammers and buzzing saws broke the silence. All four walls were up, the floor construction site each morning at even costructed bunk beds. Time had been installed, and painting but we figured it out,” she said. was underway. Now it was time to the tribe’s K’Beq’ Interpretive Site Tatihana DeHoyos, 14, going around the fire, games and plenty install windows and secure trusses in Cooper Landing. Their job was into ninth grade at Soldotna Prep of food rounded out the experience. for the roof. to build a 16-foot-by-24-foot shed School, said she couldn’t pick a Michael Bernard, Yaghanen “Let’s go with it this way!” one to store tribal supplies. The school favorite part of camp because she Youth Program administrator, said district provided the equipment and enjoyed the whole experience. worker said to another. the combination of Dena’ina materials. The biggest project she had A group of area high schoolers culture and general construction recently participated in Construction For Cheyenne Juliussen, 13, the worked on prior to camp was helping skills made the camp unique but Academy Camp hosted by the best part of camp was seeing the put an addition on her family’s tribe’s Yaghanen Youth Program project come together. An incoming house. also practical. in partnership with the Kenai freshman at Kenai Central High At camp, DeHoyos learned how “The skills that they are learning Peninsula Borough School District. School, she chose to attend primarily to install a floor and run a miter out here this week could possibly The five-day camp, in its second to earn school credit. saw – skills she will carry forward lead them into an apprenticeship year, taught students construction Despite having limited in life. or entry-level construction job construction experience – she once “Maybe you’re going to have skills while incorporating activities or even allow them to build their relevant to Dena’ina culture and helped her sister’s boyfriend build to build something when you get own home,” Bernard said. “We’re history. Those who completed the a three-level tree house – Juliussen older,” DeHoyos said. teaching safety, we’re teaching camp earned half a credit toward said it was a smooth process In addition to the shed project, graduation. constructing the shed. campers also worked on projects at teamwork, how to use the tools Campers slept in cabins at “There were some parts of the Spirit Lake. They made moccasins properly, and they are getting a Spirit Lake before heading to the floor where we had a little trouble, out of moose skin, hand drums and good idea of the labor involved.” 6 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017 Making each bead count Yaghanen students embrace Dena’ina history, culture with counting cords Strands of little red beads are significance of growing longer by the day inside counting cords the Yaghanen Youth Center. to the Dena’ina They dangle from a wall near people, who the entrance of the building, some have used them running halfway to the floor, others for thousands all the way. Many are freckled with of years to track blue dots, and almost all have a time and key few knots. events. Hannah Ellis pins her counting cord to the wall at Yaghanen Youth Center after “They are all unique, just like “It’s kind of a adding the day’s attendance bead. the kids,” said Sandy Wilson, basic representa- children enrolled in Yaghanen, on her cord. Yaghanen youth advocate. tion of a traditional calendar,” said said she began adding beads to her Her favorite color is red, yet she Each day when children arrive, Michael Bernard, Yaghanen Youth cord early on this past school year most looks forward to earning blue one of the first things they do is Program administrator. “For these and that it soon became part of her beads. add a bead to their personal counting guys, it’s a way of introducing normal routine. “I like getting the special beads cord. Red beads indicate attendance, them to the culture.” She wasn’t sure how many because it makes it colorful,” while blue beads are earned Yaghanen has intermittently beads were on her cord. Whittom said. through significant achievements used counting cords to track “Every day you come here, you Last winter, some of the cords or good behavior. The beads slide attendance and highlight key put a bead on the counting cord were even attached to a tribal directly onto the cord, which is achievements over the past 10 and they help you count how many banner that athletes carried during made of string. years, but program leaders made a days you’ve been here,” she said. the Native Youth Olympics Senior For program staff, the cords are renewed effort to incorporate them “If you want to go to a meet, they Invitational in Anchorage. Each a good way to keep attendance and into daily activities at the help you see if you can go.” athlete who competed had a chance reward participants. But they also beginning of the 2016-17 school Kalifornsky Beach Elementary to fasten their cord to the banner. are used to help youth understand year. School student Taylor Whittom, 9, “It’s definitely unique,” Michael the historical and cultural Denali Bernard, one of the older estimated she had about 30 beads Bernard said. Candlelight vigil honors those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault Thirty years ago, on Alaska’s candlelight vigil the tribe hosted and Sexual Assault Program, there to honor. The list included largest island, Linda Ross began at the Dena’ina Wellness Center in which offers a range of victim mothers, friends, siblings, and her healing journey. April. The vigil, which drew about services, said violence can affect more. Ross was attending a women’s 30 attendees, honored victims of anyone, anywhere. “It’s something that touches conference on Kodiak Island, violence in recognition of Domestic She encouraged people to reach the lives and hearts of so many where she lived at the time, when Violence Awareness Month. out for support. a woman from Texas stepped to After the conference on Ko- “If you are someone who is a people,” Larion said. the podium. Speaking to the audience, diak Island, Ross began seeing a victim of domestic violence or the woman described experiencing counselor. Over time, she became sexual assault, or if you know If someone you severe sexual and physical abuse more comfortable discussing her someone, send them our way,” during her childhood and as a abuse and how it affected her. She Larion said. “We want to help, and know is being Holocaust survivor. has since dedicated much of her we want to raise awareness, and It proved to be a life-changing life to working with victims of we want to be there for you.” harmed • Listen to and believe their message for Ross, a tribal Elder. abuse, including Alaska Native Lucy Daniels, the tribe’s education story “When I sat in that audience and American Indian women. coordinator who previously served • Keep information confidential and heard her tell her story, it Ross, a mother of four and as a victim advocate, also attended • Let them know they are not terrified me that somebody would grandmother of 13, delivered a the event. to blame for the violence openly talk about something like message of healing and hope. She, too, emphasized the • Tell them they are not alone that. I almost felt like I should “I know how harmful it is and importance of addressing the issue • Support them slink down in my chair and hide how it has impacted my life for of sexual assault and domestic • Allow them to make their myself because, who would talk many, many years,” she said. violence, lauding those who have own decisions about it like that so openly?” Ross In Alaska, 47 percent of adult built up the courage to find support. • Make sure they understand said. “It started me thinking, and women experience intimate “The bravest women are the that they have choices I felt like now as a result of that, partner violence in their life- ones who come to us for help,” God put his thumb on me and time, according to the Council on Daniels said. said, ‘OK, now you can look at Domestic Violence and Sexual After Ross spoke, attendees this issue. Now you can begin to Assault. Additionally, the council moved outside and stood in a Reach out look at it.’” reports, more than one in three circle around the fire pit at Raven’s The tribe’s Sexual Assault and “And so I began a healing Alaska Native or American Indi- Plaza. Each person held a lit candle Domestic Violence Program journey.” an women will be raped in their during a moment of silence. serves women, men and chil- Ross, who was sexually abused lifetime. Attendees also had a chance dren. To contact the program, as a child and raped as an adult, Stacy Larion, a victim advocate to share with the group why they please call 907-335-7600. shared her own story during a for the tribe’s Domestic Violence chose to attend and who they were June–August 2017 THE COUNTING CORD 7 Setting them up for success Interns receive career advice and more during four-day orientation Cover letters. Resumes. Reference resume, he checks. emphasized Those were just a few of the topics the importance a group of tribal interns learned of focusing on about to kick off summer. employer needs In June, the Education and Career and describing Development Department hosted how those a four-day orientation for youth needs can be participating in tribal internship met. programs. The tribe offers two He also internship programs – one called stressed the Daggeyi and another through the importance of Workforce Innovation Opportunity maintaining a Act. good reputation. The orientation was a partnership “To have between the tribe, Cook Inlet Tribal positive Council and the Alaska Job Center. relationships Interns gained information about with everybody everything from team building to they meet communication to work ethics to because the customer services, and more. people we “We hadn’t done anything like come into con- Nadia Walluk asks a question during a discussion about life insurance in a financial this before, so it’s exciting to see tact with might literacy course offered to tribal interns and others interested in managing their money. the interns doing so well,” said play a big role Misty Klodt, Daggeyi program in the future in career advice and apply it in the future. On the fourth and final day, the supervisor. our jobs or other, so those positive “We can use it, and say, ‘OK group traveled to the tribe’s K’Beq’ Over the first two days, participants relationships are super important,” this is what I learned,’” Green said. Interpretive Site in Cooper Landing worked closely with Camai Cassey, Warfle said. “And it will help you be more before visiting for a scav- a youth coordinator who helps After Warfle’s presentation, professional when you’re older.” enger hunt, lunch and nature walk. prepare students for intern- interns took quizzes ships with CITC in that identified Tribe hosts youth finance course Anchorage. Cassey potential The tribe also recently hosted a seemingly minor expenses such as gave participants career matches three-day course to help youth ATM fees or gourmet coffees, but tips on work- based on their become financially savvy. how those costs add up over time. place etiquette, personalities The course, hosted by tribal “What I want them to learn is ethics, team and interests. employees, covered a wide range that you need to be aware of the building, DAGGEYI Later that day, of topics, including credit manage- money coming in and the money budgeting and INTERNSHIP they received a ment, budgeting and insurance. coming out,” said Elizabeth professionalism, PROGRAM tour of the job “Everything was a surprise,” said Kleweno, social services specialist. among others. center. Cheyenne Wilson, who will begin Participant Haley Trefon said On the third day, Some partic- 10th grade this fall at Kenai Cen- she’s at a point in her life where interns listened to a ipants also began tral High School. “I didn’t really she needs to understand finances presentation by Jason Warfle setting career goals. know a lot about any of it.” – both for short-term and long- of the Alaska Job Network. Warfle, “I want to get a job next year Course instructors shared term planning. an employment services technician when I’m 15,” said participant personal stories – successes and “Just learning how important at the job center in Kenai, gave Levi Rickard. setbacks – to help participants having good credit is and tips on writing resumes and cover Intern Mirissa Green said she understand the importance of building it,” she said. “That’s letters while offering general career most enjoyed the team-building financial management. the most important thing for me advice. activities over the first couple days, The group also discussed right now.” When writing a cover letter and but that she would remember the

K’Beq’ site opens for summer The tribe’s K’Beq’ Interpretive Site, which includes informational displays depicting Dena’ina history and culture, is open for the summer. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until Sept. 3. Admission is free. Walking tours are available. The site also includes a gift shop. K’Beq’ is located at Mile 52.6 of the Sterling Highway in Cooper Land- ing. The tribe operates it in partnership with . For more info, please call 907-335- 7290.

At right, Gideon Collver and Ruby Willoya-Williams are helping visitors at the tribe’s K’Beq’ Cultural Site this year. 8 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017

Mushroom hunters found several handfuls of the delicious edibles, even though the outing was early in the season. A walk through the woods Tribal Harvest Program takes group on a search for fresh morel mushrooms As a child, one of Sharon encouraging tribal and community Tyone’s favorite activities was members to embrace wild harvesting. going on foraging trips with her “It’s great to grab a grocery bag grandmother. Together they and go shopping in the woods,” gathered leaves, wild rice, wild said Micah Johnson, the program celery, wild potatoes, and more, manager, who led the trip. wandering for miles across the On this day, the group trekked Alaska tundra. across rolling hills in a wooded Tyone is an Elder now, but she area ravaged by wildfire two years recently got to go foraging again, ago. Morels thrive in burn areas, this time for something different – Johnson said, and often appear in morel mushrooms. large clusters. “Love it,” she said of the experi- The hunting proved difficult as ence. “Would do it again.” members of the group slowly In late May, the tribe’s Wildlife navigated soot-covered trees, Harvest Program hosted a day trip scanning the ground. Many of the to hunt morel mushrooms near morels the group encountered were Audre Gifford, Jasmine Koster and Sharon Tyone search for morel Sterling. The harvest program, small – the trip occurred early in mushrooms earlier this summer during a tribal outing through for- which the tribe launched this past the mushroom season – and there est burned in last year’s Card Street fire. spring and is still under development, were no big patches to be found. promotes traditional and ethical Another challenge was on the trip found a few good morels. a great way to prepare morels is to methods of harvesting wild deciphering between edible Tyone planned on preparing her sauté them in butter and garlic. She resources, among other efforts. morels and “false morels,” which mushrooms in butter and garlic. likes serving them with steak and In April, the program offered are poisonous. The false morels on She considered the trip a success in pasta. free kits for people interested in this excursion were reddish-brown because she achieved her two tapping fresh sap out of birch trees, in color, featuring large caps with For Boehmler, a mother of primary goals in going. something Dena’ina people have a brain-like appearance. The true young children, an appeal of morel done for many years. morels, on the other hand, were “The exercise and to find picking is that it’s relaxing. The morel-picking excursion hollow and pointier with the cap mushrooms,” she said. was another effort to promote fused to the stem. Miranda Boehmler, a tribal “Being out there is my outlet for the Dena’ina way of life while Despite the challenges, everyone member and employee, agreed that peace,” she said. June–August 2017 THE COUNTING CORD 9 Passing down the knowledge Tribal Elder leads salmon smoking workshop in partnership with suicide prevention program

With an ulu in her right hand and a salmon filet under her left, Mary Lou Bottorff leaned forward and slid the blade toward the fish’s tail. A thin strip of meat, the length of a ruler, peeled away from the slab. Mary Lou Bottorff, in grey at center, shows participants how to cut salmon into strips for smoking “You get better leverage with during a Yinihugheltani workshop at the tribal fishery in June. Grass on the cutting board serves the an ulu than a long knife,” Bottorff same purpose as the burlap - to keep the fillets from sliding as they are cut. said. “Always cut from the head end of the fish toward the tail.” to anyone interested in attending. of tips: Ensley, attended because she About 15 people huddled around The goal was to teach attendees • When cutting the meat, slice doesn’t have much experience the wooden table, covered in traditional methods of preparing from the head of the fish processing fish and wanted to burlap, as the tribal Elder neatly salmon for the smoker. toward the tail learn. It was only the second tribal cut filet after filet into dozens of Bottorff processed her first salm- • When putting the meat up to event Ensley had attended but now strips. Between slices, she slashed on at the age of 8 when she was an dry, hang it vertically with the she plans on attending more. the ulu across a smooth rock sitting orphan at the Holy Cross Mission tail end of the fish up The best part of the demonstration, • Soak the first batch of fish in she said, was getting hands-on brine for 25 minutes, and add experience. five minutes for each additional “Mary Lou was really sweet,” batch Ensley said. “It was really cool to • After brining, hang the fish to learn from an Elder that has been dry until a glaze appears over doing this pretty much her whole the meat life now, learning from somebody • A “cold” smoke requires more who already knows the tricks of smoking time than a “hard” the trade and everything, and then smoke teaching youth.” Working alongside Bottorff, And Bottorff was happy to share participants had a chance to cut her knowledge. fish, place it in the brine and hang “I need to pass it down,” she it to dry. Those who attended called said. “It needs to be passed on.” the demonstration a great learning experience. Youth tribal member Jasmine Get involved Koster was impressed that Bottorff The tribe’s suicide preven- didn’t use exact measurements tion program, Yinihugheltani, when creating the brine – choosing which organized the salmon instead to dip her finger into the smoking workshop, continues Mary Lou Bottorff offers pickled salmon to Julianne Wilson and liquid and lick it for taste before to offer a range of opportuni- other participants to sample during of the workshop. adding more ingredients. ties for youth to get involved. Koster, who is enrolled in The program has been hosting college and currently working as a youth hikes each Friday this atop the table. Soon the strips went along the Yukon River. language apprentice for the tribe, summer. It also hosted a “Two into a bucket of brine, where they In those days, Bottorff remem- said it’s important for youth to Spirit Celebration” in recog- would soak for precisely 25 minutes bers, it was not unusual for her and learn from tribal Elders so nition of Gay Pride Month in before hanging to dry. the other orphans to clean 500 king traditions can be passed down to June. The program aims to Bottorff, 77, led a salmon smok- salmon a day. future generations. raise awareness around the ing demonstration in “It was up to us kids to do all the It’s important to honor peoples’ issue of suicide across the partnership with the tribe’s suicide cutting, stripping, hanging,” she journey that they’ve gone through community. For more informa- prevention program, Yinihugheltani, said. over the course of their life by tion or to get involved, please at the tribal fishery site in June. On this afternoon, Bottorff was coming out and listening to them,” call Audre Gifford at 907-335- The event catered toward tribal and preparing sockeye or “red” salmon she said. 7335. community youth but was open for the smoker and offered a range Koster’s friend, Marianne 10 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017

Travel information announced From the ground up for ANMC appointments Travel and housing arrangements for visits to the Alaska Native Medical Center are coordinated by the ANMC travel office in Anchorage. The Dena’ina Wellness Center can no longer make these arrangements. To schedule flights and housing, please call the ANMC travel office at 907-729-7720. On the options menu: • Press 1 if you have Medicaid • Press 3 if you do not have Medicaid If your plans change, please contact the ANMC travel office at 907-729-7720. Other Important Contact Numbers and Information The Quyana House front desk is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight daily. Shuttle service is available from the airport in a green and silver ANMC shuttle van. For questions Low bush cranberries, also known as lingonberries or by their Dena’ina name hey gek’a, are about the shuttle, call among the many edibles growing across Yaghanen. 1-855-482-4382. Dena’ina Plants as Food and Medicine Conference planned Suicide The Kenaitze Indian Tribe will knowledge, ethical harvesting and chance to embrace values of host the 2017 Dena’ina Plants as more. responsible stewardship of awareness walk Food and Medicine Conference Highlights will include demon- Alaska’s lands, waters, flora and Sept. 16-17 at the Dena’ina strations, workshops and special announced fauna. The event also will explore Wellness Center in Kenai. presentations around the theme The tribe’s suicide prevention the history, traditions and values The event, a partnership Nudnelyahi Qudulyi, meaning program, Yinihugheltani, will host between the tribe and Alaska “that which grows medicine.” of the Dena’ina people while a beach walk to raise awareness Native Tribal Health Consortium, Participants will gain traditional highlighting their rich lifeway and around suicide and mental health. will promote traditional plant plant knowledge, and have a belief systems. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 10, at the tribal fishery site off Cannery Road in Kenai. Check-in opens at 1 p.m. and the walk begins at 2 p.m. The walk is a fund- raiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. As part of the effort, participants can register online today and begin raising money. Those who raise $150 will receive an official event T-shirt. The registration website with full details is http://bit.ly/2uaXJc9. The event also will include an honor Dena’ina Plants as Food and Medicine Conference garden, where walkers can post Dates: Sept. 16 and 17 photos of loved ones lost to sui- Location: Dena’ina Wellness Center cide. For more information, please For more information: Watch the tribe’s Facebook page, facebook.com/kenaitze. contact Audre Gifford at agifford@ kenaitze.org or 907-335-7335. June–August 2017 THE COUNTING CORD 11 Cooking with Kenaitze: Salmon, łuq’a When Dena’ina Elders share their fondest memories, many times they include stories of hunting, gathering and preparing food across Yaghanen, the good land. From moose to salmon to wild berries, food is an important part of Dena’ina life. Cooking with Kenaitze highlights ingredients and recipes relevant to Dena’ina culture. This time we focus on salmon, łuq’a, which swim to our people each summer.

PICKLED FISH

Ingredients 2 lbs. fish, fresh or thawed from freezer, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces 1 ½ cups canning salt 1 gallon white vinegar 7 cups sugar ¼ cup pickling spice (or make your own spice mixture) 2 sweet onions (Vidalia preferred) ¼ cup zinfandel wine (optional)

Directions Start with a clean one-gallon jar. Layer fish with canning salt until jar is half full. Pour in vinegar until it’s 2 to 3 inches over the top of the fish. Let stand five days in refrigerator. Once a day, gently shake jar to mix ingredi- ents. After five days, rinse fish and discard vinegar and salt. Next, put fish in ice water for one hour. In a large cooking pot, mix 8 cups of vinegar with 7 cups sugar, ¼ cup spices and optional wine. Stir frequently over me- dium heat until sugar is dissolved and then slowly bring to a boil. Simmer five minutes, then cool. Skim off most of the pickling spice but leave some for color. Remove fish from ice water. Next, layer sliced sweet onions and fish almost all the way to the top of the gallon jar, packing it firmly but not smooshing. Pour in vinegar, sugar, spice and wine to the top of the jar. Place in refrigerator for two days. Serve.

*Recipe submitted by the Wellness Depart- ment at the Dena’ina Wellness Center

BROWN SUGAR SALMON BRINE SMOKED SALMON OMELET

Ingredients Ingredients Salmon 7 ounces egg whites Brown sugar 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar Deionized salt or tender quick salt ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper Directions ½ cup zucchini rounds thinly sliced Place salmon pieces in a plastic container skin side down, leaving ¼-inch spaces 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely minced (basil, parsley and dill) between each piece. Mix a dry brine of 4 cups of brown sugar to 1 cup deionized About 2 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced salt or tender quick salt. Spread the brine on top of the fish. Place next layer of fish 1 avocado, thinly sliced facing the meat side of the fish you just covered with brine, continually stacking the fish meat-to-meat, putting dry brine between the layers. Once all fish is stacked, Mixed baby greens (optional) cover with plastic wrap and add weight to press the fish down into the brine. A clean 5-gallon bucket works well to brine the fish in, and a 1-gallon jug works well Directions as the weight to place on top. Let the fish set in brine for 12 to 14 hours. Then rinse Lightly mist a small frying pan with avocado oil or olive oil. In a medium under cold water, removing all sugar and salt from the fish. Pat the fish dry and lay bowl, whisk together the egg whites, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and out pieces on a towel to air dry all the way. A fan can speed up the process. Allow black pepper. Set the pan over medium heat for one minute. Meanwhile, fish to dry until it becomes tacky to the touch. Lastly, if desired, sprinkle a favorite stir the zucchini and herbs into the egg white. Pour the egg white mixture seasoning on the fish and place in smoker. into the pan and allow it to cook for about six minutes, or until almost set. *Recipe submitted by Andrew Ellestad, maintenance technician at the Dena’ina Before folding the omelet, arrange the smoked salmon in a single layer on Wellness Center one side. Use a spatula to lift one edge of the omelet and fold it over the smoked salmon. Let any remaining uncooked egg white run underneath. Cook for another two minutes, then transfer to a plate. Serve with a mixed- green salad and avocado slices, if desired. SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE *Recipe submitted by the Wellness Department at the Dena’ina Wellness Have a recipe to share? Please send it to Editor M. Scott Moon at smoon@ Center kenaitze.org. 12 THE COUNTING CORD June–August 2017

The Big Picture

Jasmine Koster, covered in ash, shows off a morel mushroom she found during a tribal mushrooming trip earlier this summer through forest burned in last year’s Card Street forest fire. See story, p. 8. Our Mission Our Vision To assure Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina thrive forever. By 2025, the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina have en- hanced and strengthened the prosperity, health Addresses and and culture of their people and tribe by: Our Values • working toward united effort with Native phone numbers These are the beliefs and principles that define organizations and other governments that Administration Building our people and will assure our future as a tribe: impact our people. 150 N. Willow St., Kenai, AK 99611 • developing and implementing a tribal edu- 907-335-7200 Family: Honoring and sustaining health and cation system. 888-335-8865 fax happiness of family as a first responsibility • living our traditional values and practices. Stewardship: Respectful use of land, resources Early Childhood Center • empowering our sovereignty. 130 N. Willow St., Kenai, AK 99611 and all creations • continuing to demonstrate resiliency. 907-335-7260 Spiritual Beliefs: Acknowledging the exis- • striving for excellence in all of our programs. Tyotkas Elders Center tence of a higher power and respecting spiritual • elevating the wellness of our people. 1000 Mission Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 beliefs • using our talents and resources to ensure we 907-335-7280 Education: Passing down cultural knowledge are able to take care of ourselves and share and traditions and supporting formal education with others. Yaghanen Youth Program 35105 K-B Dr., Soldotna, AK 99669 907-335-7290 Environmental Program 1106 Mission Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 907-398-7933 Dena’ina Wellness Center 508 Upland St., Kenai, AK 99611 907-335-7500 Na’ini Family and Social Services, Education and Career Development 510 Upland St., Kenai, AK 99611 907-335-7600 Tribal Court 507 Overland St., Kenai, AK 99611

907-335-7217

Kenai, AK 99611 AK Kenai, On the Web: kenaitze.org

P.O. Box 988 Box P.O. On Facebook: facebook.com/kenaitze Kenaitze Indian Tribe Indian Kenaitze