# THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE CHEHALIS RESERVATION, ‘PEOPLE OF THE SANDS’ (2016)

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_chehalis%3A603c910d10da8cc1

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE CHEHALIS RESERVATION, ‘PEOPLE OF THE SANDS’

CHEHALIS
A FREE PUBLICATION.
FOR MORE TRIBAL
HISTORY, HERITAGE
AND ACTIVITIES, SEE
CHEHALISTRIBE.ORG.

WINTER ACTIVITY
Push hard during 8-week
physical fitness challenge

TRIBAL
NEWSLETTER

SANTA BREAKFAST
Kids take pictures
with jolly fellow
page 2

page 4

inside
Elder Bazaar / 2
Staff profiles / 3
Health, wellness / 4-6
Head Start fun/ 7

‘

Equipment donation
protects our resources
Contributed by
the Oakville Fire Department

Santa came early to the
Oakville Fire Department in
the form of a new wildland
firefighting unit donated by
the Confederated Tribes of the
Chehalis Reservation.
The new unit has a
200-gallon tank and a 265
gallons-per-minute pump.
It replaces the much older
second-hand unit that was our
primary wildland firefighting
unit for the past 10 years.
This piece of equipment is

‘

See DONATION, page 3

A portion of Hwy. 12 and Anderson Road near the End of the Trail store is submerged Dec. 10, 2015.

Flood highlights safety needs
Help
protect
yourself
and loved
ones
during
natural
disasters

Briefs / 4, 7
Birthdays / 8
Students, family
of the month / 9

Tribe helps
firefighters

Soon
there
were no
places for
the people
to stand but
in the water.
The water
rose and
covered
everything.
There was
no place for
them
to go.
From the
Chehalis Tribal
‘Story of
the Flood’

JANUARY 2016

Contributed by Cal Bray,
Emergency Management

Winter (the coldest season of
the year in polar and temperate
climates) is when the axis of
the Earth in that hemisphere
is oriented away from the sun.
Winter’s arrival also marks the
beginning of the rainy season
and the increased possibility
of flooding on the Chehalis
Reservation.
Chehalis Tribal history
establishes that we often have
dealt with floods.

Low-lying areas in
Washington are prone to
flooding during the rainy season.
Because of its large drainage
basin area, the Chehalis River
tends to rise and fall slowly over
a long period of time.
The most predictable scenario
for the Chehalis occurs when
rains fall over all of southwestern
Washington and all regional
rivers and streams rise.
The floods can occur in
See SAFETY, page 10

WHO DO I CALL FOR HELP?
For life-threatening emergencies,
call 911. For non-emergency
assistance, call Law Enforcement
at 360-273-7051. Any calls made to
that number after 5 p.m. weekdays
or on weekends and holidays will be
forwarded to the 911 Dispatch Call
Center. Remember officers are busy
during emergency declarations and
will respond as soon as they are able.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

866-623-8883.

Christmas
cheer abounds
Families gather
to celebrate holiday
As if Christmas wasn’t
fun already, Sunday, Dec. 20,
was a day to remember. The
Community Center was filled
with Christmas spirit as families
gathered to celebrate and enjoy
all the fun activities provided by
the Tribe.
The gym was decorated to put
folks in the mood, and there was
never a dull moment to celebrate
this special holiday.
The event featured food,
pictures with Santa, gift cards,
bouncy houses, raffles and
See CHRISTMAS, page 12

2

Elders Bazaar features
handcrafted treasures
Tribal community finds gifts galore at festive event
People came to shop for that special
gift for their loved ones at the annual
Elders Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, at
the Lucky Eagle Event Center.
The event was loaded with a variety
of vendors to choose from. Many artists
displayed their crafts and talents.
Wow, so much to choose from! The
warm atmosphere and friendly people
helped set a fun and festive tone for
many who were heading out to shop
for the rest of their presents.
These were no ordinary gifts to
purchase. Coastal Salish people artists

added a unique flair to the craftwork
they made by hand on materials such
as baskets, drums and wood.
The annual Elders Bazaar is a great
way to meet new people and funding
fun activities the Elders plan each year.
There was food, vendors and raffles
throughout the day.
It made a solid start to the
Christmas shopping season.
Mark your calendar next year for
the return of the Elders Bazaar on the
first Saturday of December.
Hope to see you then.

The annual Elders Bazaar on the first Saturday in December is a great place to shop.

Breakfast with
Santa creates
sweet memories
The Great Wolf Lodge hosted a Breakfast with
Santa for Chehalis Tribal members and their
families Dec. 19.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were there to visit
and help make special family holiday moments.
This is the third year Great Wolf Lodge has
invited tribal members to join in the festive
activities creating a family tradition.
Santa was seen roaming around the room
visiting with children and their families.
The children were a little shy but they did
share what they wanted for Christmas. Some
were scared, but those precious moments were
priceless.
After eating a delicious breakfast provided
by Great Wolf Lodge, families gathered to
take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There
wasn’t an age limit either – great grandparents,
grandparents, adults and children alike made the
most of the opportunity to take a photo.
A special treat from Mrs. Claus made an
added memory, and the candy canes did not last
very long as they were gobbled up quickly by the
children.
We cannot forget to thank the hardworking
staff who planned this event. Also to the cooks
and staff who helped create the delicious meal
provided by Great Wolf Lodge.
Thank you all for setting the tone for a
memorable experience for the 2015 Christmas
season!
Mr. and Mrs. Claus pose for pictures
and entertain children during Great Wolf
Lodge’s Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 19.

3

STAFF PROFILES
WSU student has a passion for communication
By Edmund ‘Frazer’ Myer

My name is Edmund “Frazer”
Myer. I’m an undergraduate student
at Washington State University and
I’m enrolled in The Murrow College
of Communication.
I recently was hired as the
communications assistant for the
Native American Programs at WSU,
where I’ll help produce stories for the
monthly newsletter.
I’m a member of the Chehalis Tribe,
a costal tribe near Olympia. I grew
up in a small town called Onalaska,
Washington, where I graduated high
school in 2010. I come from a large
family with four brothers and two
sisters. My mother is Carla Thomas
from Oakville, Washington, who is
enrolled Chehalis. My father, Eric
Myer, is from Onalaska and is a
Cowlitz Tribal member.
I graduated and transferred from
Centralia Community College in
2014. It was there that I realized
I had a passion for the field of
communication. They have a program
that allows students to get experience
in radio and television production.

DONATION
From page 1

used for grass and brush fires
primarily.
With the upgraded pump, it has
the ability to be used much more,
including everything from vehicle
fires to structure fires. It also offers
an on-board foam system to make it
more versatile.
After the unit was placed in
service, the fire department’s
first call was to an acre grass fire
burning into the timber on trust
land.
The new equipment handled
most of the firefighting duty by
itself and we are glad we were able
to use this great donation to help
protect the natural resources of the
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis
Reservation.
A donation of this kind means
a great deal to members of the
Oakville Fire Department. We
would not have been able to make
this kind of upgrade on our own.
From our family to yours, a great
big thank you from the members of
Oakville Fire Department.

I hosted live radio
shows, filmed stage
plays and called
sporting events live
on the radio, Internet
and television.
These experiences
have helped me
Edmund ‘Frazer’ tremendously as I
Myer
further my studies
and pursue my career.
I’m enrolled in two communication
courses and two psychology courses at
WSU. I plan to graduate in 2017 with
an emphasis in broadcast production
and a minor in psychology. I hope to
study abroad in Cuba this summer.
After I graduate, I hope to work in
the radio industry as a play-by-play
analyst for sporting events. I feel like
the radio in a small/medium market
calling local sports is an ideal place
to start, but I have dreams of one day
working in a large market calling
games on television for a major
television company or a professional
sports team.
Learn more at native.wsu.edu/
news/december2015/myer.html.

Outreach prevention specialist teaches life skills
By Steven Dorland

Hello, my name is Steven
Dorland. I’m a Squaxin Island
Tribal member. My roots also run
deep within this community. My
grandmother was Shirley Lopeman,
and Mable (Doodle) Cooper is
my great-grandmother. I recently
became your outreach prevention
specialist with the Behavioral
Health Program.
I’ll work with youth at the
Chehalis Tribal Community Center
from 1-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and

Fridays. I also
have developed
a program called
Soaring Together,
which helps youth
strengthen their life
skills and continue
on a healthful path.
Steven
Classes are 3Dorland
4:30 p.m. Fridays.
I look forward to getting to know
the community. Please call me
at 360-709-1652 or stop by the
community center.

Animal control officer plans door-to-door hellos

Brennan
Stoelb

The tribe has hired
Brennan Stoelb as its new
animal control officer.
During the next few
weeks, Stoelb will go door
to door to introduce himself
to you and your pets.
He is interested in
hearing suggestions or
concerns you have about

the animals that are a part
of our community.
For immediate animal
concerns, contact Stoelb
at 360-273-7051 or email
bstoelb@chehalistribe.
org.
The Animal Control
office is at 30 Niederman
Road in Oakville.

Firefighters
from the
Oakville Fire
Department
use the new
wildland
firefighting
unit donated
by the
Confederated
Tribes of the
Chehalis
Reservation.
Submitted
by the
Oakville Fire
Department

4

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
in brief
New CTWC PRC available
Are you Contract Health Services eligible?
Have you received you new ID card?
This ID card along with a purchase order will
help ensure outside providers are billing the
Purchased Referred Care Department quickly
and accurately.
If you or your family members have not
received a card, please contact Deb
Shortman at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness
Center at 360-709-1689.

Ordering medications
Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center patients: If
you need medication pickup, please have
your name put on our list by 10:30 a.m.
Monday through Friday.
You can call refills into 360-493-8614 or
360-456-5475.
If you have any questions, please call the
clinic at 360-273-5504.

Disclaimer
Information displayed on any flyer, in email or
on our website calendar is subject to change
without notice. Please refer to the flyer’s
contact person for the latest update.

Mammogram
clinic schedule
Women age 40 and older should have a
mammogram once a year.
Swedish Mobile Mammography will offer
services in the parking lot of the Chehalis
Tribal Wellness Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on
the following days:
n Wednesday, Feb. 17
n Thursday, March 17
n Tuesday, May 31

Please schedule an appointment with a
provider to have a clinical breast exam prior
to your mammogram appointment by calling
the CTWC at 360-273-5504.
If you have questions about mammogram
clinics, contact Christina Hicks, community
wellness manager, at 360-709-1741.

Step up to winter challenge
Participants will sweat
it out with 150 minutes of
moderate activity per week
The Spokane Tribe of Indians
invites people to participate in the
eight-week Physical Activity Winter
Challenge 2016 from Jan. 11-Mar. 7.
The tribe has challenged the entire
Portland Area Tribes, Urban AI/AN
Programs and health boards and the
Portland Area Indian Health Service
(including service units), to a physical
activity challenge to start the new
year.
We ask all participants to engage in
“moderate-intensity” physical activity
for 150 minutes or more per week.
According to the Centers for Disease

SIGN UP
If you are interested, please contact
Community Wellness Manager Christina
Hicks at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness
Center at 360-273-5504, ext. 1741, or
chicks@chehalistribe.org.

Control and Prevention, ages 18-64
need at least:
n Two hours and 30 minutes (150
minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic
activity (such as brisk walking) every
week
n Muscle-strengthening activities
two or more days a week that work all
major muscle groups – legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms
OR

n One hour and 15 minutes (75
minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic
activity (such as jogging or running)
every week and
n Muscle-strengthening activities
two or more days a week that work all
major muscle groups – legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms
OR
n An equivalent mix of moderateand vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
n Muscle-strengthening activities
two or more days a week that work all
major muscle groups – legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms
Participants who turn in their
weekly physical activity report and
do the 150 minutes each week for
the entire eight weeks will receive a
T-shirt.

Cut back on soda, snacks, sweets for kids’ dental health
The Huffington Post
states that “carbonated
drinks, processed snacks
and sweet treats can
seriously affect a child’s
oral health,” recommending
alternatives that have
less sugar and might help

promote oral health.
For example, the article
recommends kids eat raw
fresh fruits rather than dried
fruits, which might result in
sugar adhering directly to
the tooth’s surface.
Dr. Elton recommends

that instead of drinking
carbonated and power
drinks, try milk and fruit
juices. Water is one of the
best drinks because it is pure
hydration without the sugar.
As we start the year,
the Chehalis Dental Clinic

staff would like to invite all
tribal members to have a
dental exam this year. They
can chat about your dental
strengths and, perhaps, a
few dental needs.
Have a happy, smiling
new year.

5

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Men: Overlooked victims Foot care for people with diabetes
of domestic violence
By Deborah Behre, podiatrist, DMP,
Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center

Surveys find steady
increase of physical abuse
by wives or girlfriends
Contributed by Janita Raham,
domestic violence advocate

When I say domestic violence,
what do you think of?
Chances are you imagine a
situation where a woman has been
physically assaulted by a man.
The truth is there are thousands
of instances where men silently
suffer beatings by their girlfriends
or wives, but we rarely hear their
stories.
Surveys are beginning to confirm
what male victims of domestic abuse
have been experiencing for some
time: a steady increase in instances
of physical abuse by their wives or
girlfriends.
Men suffer in silence for many
reasons, making them less likely to
report the abuse.
Men might be embarrassed or
think they can handle the abuse.
Some victims also fear they will be
ridiculed for admitting their female
partner is abusing them.
A man who calls the police to
report domestic violence is three
times more likely to be arrested then
the women.
n Every 37.8 seconds, a man in
America is abused
n 830,000 men fall victim to
domestic violence every year
n One in 10 men in the United
States have experienced rape, physical
violence, and/or stalking by a partner
and report that they have been
affected by the incident
n Nearly one in seven men in
the country has experienced severe
physical violence by an intimate
partner.
Although we don’t hear much
about domestic violence against men,
it happens often.
Men might have a difficult time
recognizing and identifying abuse
in a relationship. You might be
experiencing domestic violence if
your partner:
n Stalks you or is constantly
checking up on you
n Controls your money

HELP IS AVAILABLE
Contact Janita Raham, domestic
violence advocate, at 360-789-3627
(24 hours a day, seven days a week) or
in the office at 360-709-1874.
If you leave a message, please indicate
whether it’s safe to call the number back.
You also can email jraham@
chehalistribe.org.

n Insults you in private or public

n Abuses or threatens to abuse the

children or pets
n Physically intimidates you by
pushing, hitting or with weapons
n Acts overly jealous
n Forces sex
Domestic violence has
long-lasting effects on everyone it
touches. Compared to men who
have not been abused, male victims
are at a higher risk for chronic pain,
poor mental and physical pain,
limited physical capabilities, trouble
sleeping and frequent headaches in
later life.
Domestic abuse is a serious issue
whether you are a man or woman.
But there is help.
If you or someone you know is a
victim of domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault or stalking,
you have someone to talk to.
All services provided by the
Tsapowum Chehalis Behavioral
Health Domestic Violence Program
are free and confidential.
I am here to listen in my office or
another place you feel safe.
Services include:
n Someone safe to talk with
n Safety planning
n Court assistance
n Service related transportation
n Education and prevention
This project was supported by Grant
No. 2013-TW-AX0040 awarded
by the office on Violence Against
Women, U.S. Department of Justice.
The opinions, findings, conclusions
and recommendations expressed in
this publication/program/exhibition
are those of the author(s) and do
not necessarily reflect the views of
the Department of Justice, Office on
Violence Against Women.

People with diabetes have to take
special care of their feet and should
have a comprehensive foot exam every
year even if they don’t have any foot
problems. Some things you can do to
keep your feet healthy:
n Wash your feet in warm water daily
n Dry your feet well, especially
between the toes
n Keep skin soft with a moisturizing
lotion, but do not apply in between
toes
n Inspect your feet daily for cuts,
bruises, blisters or swelling
n Tell your health care provider right
away if you do find something wrong
with your feet
n Ask your diabetes care team how
you should cut your toenails

GET CHECKED

Podiatrist Deborah Behre will be here
from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays,
Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and March 23.
To make an appointment with her, please
call the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center
at 360-273-5504 and ask to speak to
Michelle Romero, diabetes outreach LPN,
or Pat Odiorne, RD, CDE.

n Wear clean and soft socks that fit

well

n Keep your feet warm and dry
n Always wear shoes that fit

n Never walk barefoot indoors or
outdoors
n Examine your shoes daily for
cracks, pebbles, nails or anything that
could hurt your feet

6

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Substance abuse solutions
Conference offers hope to
create healthy communities

MORE DETAILS

Contributed by Tamara Clark,
event coordinator, TOGETHER!

The seventh annual Substance
Abuse: A Community Response
Conference aims to increase awareness
of new, proven and/or promising
techniques and programs that are
being used to address all spectrums of
substance abuse from prevention to
intervention, treatment and aftercare.
Join us for keynote presentations by
Dr. Chan Hellman, a world-renowned
researcher on hope, as well as our
community’s own Liz Davis, who will
provide a deeper look at neurobiology,
epidemiology, adverse childhood
experiences and resiliency. The event
also will include a screening of the
documentary “Paper Tigers.”
Topics such as marijuana policy,
recovery, peer education, e-cigarettes,
innovative prevention approaches,
prevention in tribal communities, and
housing and homelessness and their
connection to addiction/recovery will
be covered.
Highlights of the three keynote
speakers and featured plenary:
Hope Research: Dr. Hellman,
Ph.D., will give the keynote address on
the first day and a follow-up breakout
session introducing research regarding
hope and the impact it has relating to
substance abuse, ACEs and resilience.
Beyond ACEs 101: Davis will
give the keynote address the second

The two-day Substance Abuse: A
Community Response Conference kicks
off at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, and
runs through 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28
at Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center,
20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia.
For more information, contact Tamara
Clark, event coordinator, TOGETHER!
at 360-493-2230, ext. 10, or go to
thurstontogether.org.
The Tsapowum Chehalis Tribal Behavioral
Health Program will sponsor four tribal
members for this event. Please contact
Christine Semanko, counselor, at 360709-1701 to sign up.

day covering the neurobiology,
epidemiology and resilience related to
ACEs and the increase of new research
during the past 20 years of using ACEs
to reliably predict trouble later in life.
“Paper Tigers”: A plenary viewing
on the first conference day of this
documentary captures pain, danger,
beauty and hope of teens struggling
with toxic stress in their lives and the
educators armed with new science and
fresh approaches that are changing
their lives for the better.
The conference is planned by
TOGETHER! in collaboration with
local and statewide partners such as
the Thurston County Drug Action
Team and the Washington Association
for Substance Abuse and Violence
Prevention.
Together, we can find solutions.

SDPI’S LIFESTYLE BALANCE PROGRAM
This is a 16-week class to help you:
n Learn the facts about healthy eating and being active
n Discover what makes it hard for you to eat healthy and be active; learn how

Chehalis WIC
(Women, Infants, and Children
provides healthful food and
nutrition information for you and
your child up to age 5.
For appointments
or questions, contact:
Deb Shortman
360-709-1689

Next WIC date
9-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Chehalis Wellness Center
date and times might change

Debbie Gardipee-Reyes
360-462-3227, gardipee@spipa.org
Patty Suskin
360-462-3224
SPIPA main number
360-426-3990

to change these things so they work for you, not against you
n Get the long-term support you need

You are welcome to invite a friend or family member
When: Noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays through May 25
Where: PT Room at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center
For more information, contact:
Pat Odiorne RD, CDE
360-709-1884, podiorne@chehalistribe.org
Gloria Jones
360-709-1810, gjones@chehalistribe.org
NOTICE
Information on this flyer, in email
or on our website calendar is subject
to change without notice. Please
refer to this flyer’s contacts

7

in brief
Indian wills and estate
planning services
Indian Wills and Estate Planning Services are
offered to all Chehalis Tribal members who
are age 18 and older.
These include wills, powers of attorney,
medical directives and living wills.
Legal advisor Jerrie Simmons is available
from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. three days a week at
the Chehalis Tribal Center.
This service is free for Chehalis Tribal
members who do not have a will or would like
to update their will.
Simmons’ position is for legal questions,
not part of the Office of Tribal Attorney. If
you have a legal question, she can point you
in the right direction on where and who to
contact if she can’t help you.
Contact Jerrie Simmons at 360-273-5911
to set up an appointment and obtain the
necessary paperwork to get started.

CHEHALIS TRIBAL
NEWSLETTER
The Confederated Tribes
of the Chehalis Reservation,
‘People of the Sands’
Articles and opinions expressed
are not necessarily the opinions
of this publication or the Chehalis
Tribal Business Committee.

New hours set for
community center

SUBMISSIONS
The Chehalis Tribal Newsletter
encourages tribal members
to submit letters, articles,
photographs and drawings to be
considered for publication.
These are subject to editing.
Contributing writers, artists and
photographers include Chehalis
tribal community members and
staff. Submission deadline is
the first of each month (printed
monthly).
TRIBAL CENTER
360-273-5911
420 Howanut Road
Oakville, WA 98568
360-709-1726 (office)
360-273-5914 (fax)
CHEHALIS TRIBE’S
VISION STATEMENT
To be a thriving, self-sufficient,
sovereign people, honoring our
past and serving current and
future generations.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Don Secena, Chairman
Harry Pickernell, Sr.,
Vice Chairman
Farley Youckton, Treasurer
Cheryle Starr, Secretary
Dan Gleason, Sr.,
5th Council Member
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Fred Shortman,
Communications Coordinator
fshortman@chehalistribe.org

The new hours for the Chehalis Tribal
Community Center are 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Head Start kids select a tree from Tapio’s Christmas Tree Farm and carry it to the bus.

Families gather to learn
Thank you to all of Santa’s helpers
who made the Children’s Christmas
parties extra special. A big thank you
to Philip Youckton, Terry Youckton,
Jacinda Legg and Yolanda Edwards for
their efforts for Santa.
Head Start children enjoyed making
decorations for the Christmas tree they
brought back from Tapio’s Christmas
Tree Farm.
Children listened to stories and
walked out in the farm to choose a tree.
After it was cut down, they helped carry
it back to the Head Start bus.
January’s Resource Roundup for
Parents will include presentations
by Diabetes Prevention, Vocational
Rehabilitation, Healthy Families,

LEND A HAND
Volunteers are needed to read stories, rock
babies, monitor playground safety, deliver
meal carts and ride the bus. Let us know if
you are interested by calling 360-273-5514.

Nutrition and more. Families enjoyed
visiting with other parents from their
childrens’ classroom while dining on
chili and cornbread made by the Head
Start cooks.
Monthly trips to the library reinforce
the importance of reading. Children will
take field trips to area businesses this
month. One Head Start classroom is
studying community helpers.

Fun events at the center:
n Movie night starts at 5 p.m. every second
Wednesday of the month. Dinner is provided.
Bring out the whole family and enjoy.
n Open gym is at noon Wednesdays and
Sundays and 5:30 p.m. weeknights.
n Swimming pool and exercise room hours
are 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
n The Community Center will host an
alcohol-free super bowl party at 3 p.m.
Feb. 7. Activities include door prizes, food,
drinks and the big game on our 70-inch TVs.
For more information, contact Leroy Boyd,
events coordinator assistant, at 360-7091787.

USDA Food Program
If you are interested in signing up for the
USDA Food Program, call the South Puget
Intertribal Planning Agency Food Distribution
Warehouse at 360-438-4216 from 8 a.m.p.m. Monday through Friday.
Our staff will be happy to assist you in
applying for the program.
Distribution dates are Feb. 23, March 29 and
April 26.
Pickup is at the Chehalis Tribal Community
Center from 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Save the date
Celebrate our cancer survivors and cancer
caregivers April 15-16 at the Cancer
Survivorship Conference (location to be
determined).
For more information, call Joan (Joann)
Simmons at 360-462-3222.

8

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
1

More
wishes

John McCrory

2
Sidney Cole
Geraldo Sanchez
Lauren Quilt

3
Ravenhawk Penn
Morgan Hanna
Tristan Hanna

MARGIE
YOUCKTON

DEREK
YOUCKTON

MAKAYLA
ORTIVEZ

Happy
birthday
Youckton!
From Anna
Banana

Happy
birthday.
We love you.

Happy
birthday.
Much love.

17

24

Daryl McCrory
Diana Pickernell

Jake Burnett
Bella Couillard
Daniel Gitchel

DIANA
PICKERNELL

Happy
birthday
princess.

4

18

Finley Beckwith
Cheryl Jones
Jayzen Owens
Joe Wilieferd
Leslye Wyatt

Irene Adams
Roy Wertz

19

26

5

ALLISTAIR YOUCKTON-LEGG: Happy 2nd birthday. We love you!

Jacob Christjohn
Mya Ortivez

9

20

Mimi Cayenne
Megan Christjohn
James DuPuis
Laura Fricke
Margie Youckton

Joyce Fanning
Makayla Mashburn

David Bird
Patricia Gitchel
Shyann Klatush
Anna Meas

Brooke Allen
Mariah Klatush
John Youckton

6
Daniel Gleason, Jr.

7
Zoe Albert
Alynn Clancy
Darrin Jones
Wyatte Spence
Zola Youckton

10
Robyn Fields

11
Curtis DuPuis II
Alberta Gilmore
Anna Hill
Makayla Ortivez

8

12

Eva Delamater
Kathy Pickernell

Russ Baker
Jon Brown

JEREMY FANNING: Happy
26th birthday, love all the
Fannings. We’re all so proud
of you! JOYCE FANNING:
Happy birthday. From your
loving family!
Alexander Hoheisel
Ezrah Merriman
Kaelen-Jay Sanchez
Chayse Youckton-Bonifer
Allistair Youckton-Legg

13
Jeremy Fanning
Joseph Wittwer

15
BROOKE ALLEN AND RODNEY YOUCKTON: Happy birthday.

We love you.

Sheilah Bray
Dylan Burke

21
Nathaniel Klatush
Suzette Klatush
Traci Parkinson
Jaxon Starr
Edward Sanchez, Jr.
Benjamin Starr, Jr.
Rodney Youckton

25
Jaileen Sanchez

27
Cameron Hjelm-Snell
Robert Phillips
Nikolas Romero
Cheyne Youckton
Derek Youckton

AVERY MCJOE: Happy
birthday. We love you.
CALVIN P. CAYENNE: Happy
birthday. From Mom, Don
and Dyani J
DAVID BIRD: Happy birthday
to my “lil” brother David
Lee. Have a fabulous day.
Love you bunches.
FRANK BOYD: Have a GREAT
Birthday. Frankie.
HEATHER EILEEN DANIELS:

Happy 21st birthday
Heather Eileen Daniels.
Hope your day is as
wonderful as you. Love you
bunches, Jenni, Savanna,
Jordan, Jonnie and Liam J

28
James Gunnels
Shirley Kay
Crystal Martinez

29
Akasha Slighte

30
Avery McJoe

22
Hollie Brockmueller
Calvin P. Cayenne
Jennifer Cooper
Ulises Klatush
Miya McAlister
Dreama Secena Ferguson

23
Chris Pickernell
Ashley Rosado
Patrick Simmons, Sr

JAXON, SHYANN, SUZETTE AND HOLLIE: Happy birthday to

our beautiful grandbabies. Lots of love and hugs from
Grama and Papa.

9

STUDENTS/FAMILY OF THE MONTH
Faith Hoheisel
For grades 9-12
River Ridge High School
11th grade
Faith Hoheisel is the December
student of the month. She is the
daughter of Jacob Hoheisel and
Kristie McIntyre and attends River
Ridge High School. Faith has put
up great numbers in her junior year.
She recently transferred from Yelm
High School but this has not had
any effect on her studies. In fact,

Mya Ortivez
For grades 6-8
Oakville Middle School
Seventh grade
Mya Ortivez is the daughter of
Shawn and Crystal Ortivez and is a
seventh-grade student at Oakville
Middle School. Mya has posted a GPA
of 3.71 during the school year. While
she is a fantastic student, her favorite
activities are built around the social

one of the things she
has liked about the
transfer is the staff
at River Ridge and
their ability to facilitate her move and
allow her to have continued success.
Faith attributes her overall success
to giving it all she has.
“I think that as long as you always
give 100 percent, you will always be
happy with the results,” she said.

What more is there to give? She
definitely has given it her all and has
advised other students that you have
to keep going. Giving up is not an
option.
Faith has been a part of the
athletic culture that usually comes
with high school and has participated
in basketball and fast pitch. She
also has been involved in the future
farmers of America, where she has

enjoyed livestock judging.
After this portion of her education
comes to an end, Faith plans to
attend Washington State University
to get her degree in social work.
“I would like to help children and
be there for them when it seems no
one else is,” she said.
This is a noble profession for
someone so young. Faith said her
reason for wanting to help people in
need can be attributed to her mother.
“My mom has supported me through
it all. I wouldn’t be me today without
her,” she said.

aspect of school.
“I like hanging
out with my friends
and finding new fun
things to do,” she
said.
This can be tough
in a small town but
she has been able
to build quite a social network and
keeps her education moving forward
at the same time.
The qualities for success have been

her ability to follow directions and
the leadership of her teachers. She
is able to keep her school work in
tip-top shape and help other students
that might have a harder time
catching on. Mya is always focused in
class and stays prepared for anything
that comes her way.
Not only does she have a firm
understanding of the classroom
but she also is a year-round athlete.
By being a part of the basketball,
volleyball and fast-pitch teams at

school, she shows a discipline that sets
her apart from others her age. With
the help of her Auntie Alyssa Charles,
she has been able to keep her eyes on
the prize and create a discipline for
greatness. This discipline is something
she will take with her to the next level
of education.
Mya wants to attend a college but
will not be hasty in her decision. A
good student of the world likes to
keep her options open, and Mya is
definitely that.

‘I would like to help children and be there
for them when it seems no one else is.’

Dominic Delgado
For kindergarden-grade 5
Rochester Primary School
Second grade
Dominic Delgado is the
son of Erin and Richey
Delgado and is a second
grader at Rochester
Elementary School.
Dominic has shown great
strides in his classes on all
levels including math and a
reading level much higher
than his class. The series that interests
Dominic the most is the Black Lagoon.
Dominic is a fan of the Spider-Man
series of superheroes for no other reason
than because he is cool. If you ask what
power Dom would like, he would tell you
the ability to freeze things with his mind.
For what reason, you ask? For the same
reason he likes Spider-Man, because it’s
cool (no pun intended).
When Dominic grows up, he would
like to be a first baseman in Major League
Baseball. He plans to keep up his grades.
After college, keep a lookout for his
jersey, Delgado No. 1.

Family of the semester:
Will and Misty Secena
We would like to recognize a
family that has been a shining
example showing the importance
of education and parental
involvement for children in our
program.
The family of Will, Misty,
Kirsten, Kylee and, the newest
addition, Kaelyn, has all the
makings of wonderful household.
As individuals, Will and Misty
have shared accomplishments in
education.
Misty received her Bachelor
of Arts degree in business
management and Will has an
Associate of Arts degree in
information technology.
When asked what their greatest
accomplishment in life has been,
without a second thought, they
said “our children.”
Some of their time is filled with
“Netflix and chill,” however, Misty
said they make it a point to spend
time doing things together.
Whether it is cooking a Sunday

dinner or just going out as a family
to take care of business, they do it
together.
Kirsten and Kylee always have
posted great marks in school.
Kirsten is a regular on the honor
role, and as soon as they give
Kylee a GPA, I’m sure it will be a
battle of who gets the better grades

for those two ladies with Kaelyn
waiting to beat the high bar set by
her sisters.
Will and Misty are working on
their eighth year of marriage and
have been together for 16 years.
The key to being such strong
parents and leaders of this
amazing family is giving their
children a place to be everything
they want to be and express
themselves any way they want
without fear of being judged.
They understand that to be
great, it can be as easy as just being
there for their kids’ ups and downs
and setting a good example for
their children to follow.
Will would like to one day take
his family to Japan and Misty
would like to take the family on a
road trip to the great places this
country has to offer.
It is not a matter of if they do
these things but rather what will
happen first. They are truly an
inspiring family and an amazing
group of people.
Contributed by J. William Gleason

10

IMPROVEMENTS
TO PREDICT FLOODING
Proposed actions by Mark
White, Department of Natural
Resources director, after the
recent flood:
“Install flood monitors so that we
can better predict road closures
and flooding levels. These
would be ultrasonic sensors
that will read water levels every
five minutes and electronically
transmit the data so that tribal
government and tribal business
managers can see real-time
flooding and predictions of road
closures as a flood comes.”
Three things this would
accomplish:
Better data of localized
flooding to create improved
models for predictions.
Create a live feed flood
inundation map to monitor
what roads have water on them
and at what depth.
Operate businesses more
efficiently during a flood and be
able to keep them open longer
with a safety margin and reopen
as soon as possible.
The process for this already has
been initiated.

FLOOD STAGES
According to Thurston County’s
Flood Preparedness information
for the Chehalis River at Grand
Mound gauge:
Flood stage is about 12.5 feet:
The Chehalis River will flood
several roads in Independence
Valley including James Road,
Independence Road and Moon
Road. Floodwaters also will
cover nearby farmlands and
low-lying roads.
Moderate flood stage is
about 15.5 feet: The Chehalis
River will flood several roads
in Independence Valley with
swiftly moving water including
James, Independence, Moon,
Howanut and possibly Anderson
Roads. Floodwaters could
inundate nearby farmland.
Some residential structures
might be threatened
Major flood stage is about
17.5 feet: The Chehalis River
will cause major flooding,
inundating roads and farmland
in Independence Valley. Deep
and swift floodwaters likely will
cover State Route 12, cutting
off access to the Chehalis
Reservation. Flooding will occur
all along the river including
headwaters, tributaries and
other streams within and near
the Chehalis River Basin.

The flood relief bridge on South Bank Road was completed in 2013 to help alleviate flooding issues.

SAFETY
From page 1

different ways, depending on where the
hardest rains fall in the basin. Sometimes
the headwaters flood and other times
the tributaries in one area or another
become flooded. The Black River,
which converges with the Chehalis on
the Reservation, also rises and floods,
however there are no flood-monitoring
gauges on it.
One example of how each flood
event differs from another is the recent
flood with heavy rain in Lewis, Grays
Harbor and Thurston counties, as well
as in other counties throughout western
Washington. The floodwaters were rising
at a fairly steady rate when they had an
unforeseen increase. Determining when
possible flooding would occur on local
roads also was complicated because of
the river’s flood gauge near Centralia
became stuck at one level for a few hours.
Because of these varying factors,
Reservation residents are urged to keep
an eye on the river levels and monitor
local media reports even if the rain has
stopped and all other local rivers have
receded.
The Chehalis Tribal Emergency
Management team continues developing
plans to assist and protect our Tribal
residents. Fortunately, most homes
have been built above the flood plain
though there might be periods where

Floodwaters surround the Black River Bridge on Howanut Road in the Chehalis Valley
during the last flood.
you find yourself confined on our little
island. In such instances, make sure you
have enough emergency supplies to last
the duration of the emergency. Other
natural disasters such as earthquakes,
volcano eruptions, fires and snow impact
everyone in our region. Each household
can make their own preparations in the
event of a flood or other emergencies by
assembling an emergency supply kit.
Stay put until the water recedes. It
is highly recommended not to drive
through the water. The saying, “Don’t

drown, turn around” is a good tip for all
to remember. It jeopardizes your life and
those of the people that come to rescue
you if you become stranded.
Road closed signs are there for a
reason. Please do not drive around
them. Besides placing yourself in direct
peril, driving through floodwater causes
damage to your vehicle that might not be
immediate and can lead to costly repairs.
You also might have to pay a traffic fine of
$423 for something that could have been
avoided.

11

RECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
n Water: One gallon of water per person per

day for at least three days, for drinking and
sanitation
n Food: At least a three-day supply of
nonperishable food
n Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra
batteries for both
n Flashlight and extra batteries
n First aid kit
n Whistle, in case you need to signal for help

n Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelterin-place
n Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic
ties for personal sanitation
n Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
n Manual can opener for food
n Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar
charger
n Unique family needs (supplies for infants,
pets, prescriptions, documents, etc.)

Heavy rain caused the Chehalis River to flood, cutting off the Chehalis
Reservation and closing roads during the recent flood. Moon Road is the lowest
point and closes first. This photo shows Hwy. 12 and Moon Road on Dec. 10, 2015.

FAMILY

Parent-child bond nurtured
Families participating in the
Healthy Families Project have seen:
n 10 percent increase in prenatal
care
n 90 percent increase in screening
for postpartum depression for mothers
n 15 percent increase in
breastfeeding
n 13 percent increase in reading to
their children
n 12 percent increase in well-child
visits
The Healthy Families Project
connects native families with a family
home visitor in your community.
n Parent/child activity and learning
ideas
n Infant/Childhood development
screening and information
n Connections with local early child
and family resources
n Monthy group connections for
families
n Positive Indian Parenting classes
Schedule:
From 5-7 p.m. at the Chehalis Tribal
Wellness Center’s physical therapy
room
Jan. 13: Traditional Parenting
Jan. 20: Lessons of the Storyteller
Jan. 27: Lessons of the Cradleboard
Feb. 3: Harmony in Child Rearing

GET STARTED
For more information, contact the South
Puget Intertribal Planning Agency’s
Healthy Families Project at 360-4263990.

Feb. 10: Traditional Behavior
Management
Feb. 17: Lessons of Mother Nature
Feb. 24: Praise in Traditional
Parenting
March 2: Choices in Parenting
For more information on classes,
contact Beth Klatush at 360-709-1627
or bklatush@chehalistribe.org.

CHEHALIS TRIBAL COMMUNITY EMERGENCY Q&A

Q
A

: When will an emergency be
declared?

: Emergency declarations can

be issued by members of the
Business Committee or by those
the committee has authorized to do so,
such as the tribal general manager, the
director of public safety or the emergency
manager, among others. Activities
during emergencies include monitoring
river levels, power outages and adverse
weather conditions. Any of these things
could contribute to an elevated level of
emergency.

Q
A

: When do I call the emergency
phone line?

: Any time you are concerned about

adverse weather, power outages
or other emergency situations. To
report an outage or for detailed outage
information call:

Grays Harbor PUD: 888-541-5923
Puget Sound Energy Thurston County:
888-225-5773. You also can download an
outage mobile phone app from the PSE
website.

Q
A
Q
A

: What happens once the
emergency is declared?

: The emergency line will be updated
with information regarding the
situation.

: Can I go to the Hotel?

: The Hotel has been designated

as a safe center during times of
emergency. Its primary use will be
for at-risk tribal community members
individuals who are not able to be safe in
their own residences and/or are unable
to have their needs met in the community
center.

Ask Aunties
Play Group schedule
Jan. 26

/

Feb. 23

/

March 22

/

April 26

/

May 24

Time: From 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center’s physical therapy room
Also: Dinner will be provided
For more information, contact
Beth Klatush
360-709-1627
bklatush@chehalistribe.org
NOTICE
Information on this flyer, in email or on our website calendar is subject
to change without notice. Please refer to this flyer’s contacts

chehalistribe.org
© copyright 2016
CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER
is a publication of the Confederated
Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.

PRSRT STD

* Or current resident

PERMIT No. 2

US POSTAGE PAID
OAKVILLE, WA

12
Families share
and create
new memories
during the
annual
community
Christmas
celebration
hosted by the
Chehalis Tribe.

CHRISTMAS
From page 1

bingo. The activities made
every moment exciting for
families that could make it to
our reservation to celebrate
Christmas.
Families greeted each other
with smiles and hugs.
Children enjoyed unwrapping
Christmas gifts from the tribe.
One after another, they ran
to accept a special gift after
hearing their name on the loud
speaker. Their eyes lit up as they
excitedly unwrapped and shared
the surprise with their family.
They later played with their toys
as families sat down to enjoy
bingo.
A special thanks to all of the
elves that planned, wrapped and
volunteered their time to make
this a wonderful celebration.
It was a gift of love from
employees, the community and
all of those who helped make
the day a success.
Again, thank you. It is so
greatly appreciated how the
tribe helps create awesome
memories for its people.

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_chehalis%3A603c910d10da8cc1. Public record. Not legal advice.