greatwolf.com  www.luckyeagle.com  www.eagleslandinghotel.net (2011)

greatwolf.com  www.luckyeagle.com  www.eagleslandinghotel.net

Vol.

1/5

January 2011

Program

News

Informational Line Available

When an Emergency is

Declared

CHEHALIS

TRIBAL

NEWSLETTER

 “People of the Sands” 

Emergency Information Phone Line:

1-866-623-8883

FREE

Interesting Information

on Page 3:

 2010 Elders Christmas Party.

 The Book "Glimpses of Gate"

shares neighbors memories of past

Chehalis Reservation people.

 Casino Management Program for

Tribal members-Part 4: Featured

Kevin Bray.

Youth recognized at Oakville high

school sports banquet

When will an Emergency be declared?

Emergencies will be declared by the

Emergency Manager. The Emergency

Manager monitors river levels, power

outages, and adverse weather conditions.

Any of these things could constitute an

emergency.

 Tribal youth inspiring play receives recognition award

for the 2010 football season, page 2

When do I call the Emergency Phone

Line?

Any time you are concerned about

adverse weather, power outages or other

emergency situations.

*** For power outages call: ***

Grays Harbor PUD: 1-888-541-5923

Thurston County, Puget Sound Energy:

1-888-225-5773

Community Efforts Help Operation Christmas Party

Native Helping Neighbors Spread Brings Families

Together

Love and Hope With Heartfelt Gifts By Fred Shortman, Editor

The Christmas spirit took fire, starting small

and became something to make everyone

proud. Volunteers and programs joined in to

help families struggling with the economy to

make this Christmas a time to remember.

With families still struggling with the

economy, losing their jobs, health issues, or

an income that barely supports their family.

Families don’t enjoy going to food banks,

but you do what’s necessary to feed your

family. Our community has been raised to

help each other out in a time of need; when

we have plenty, we share, when help is

needed, you help. So when the call came

out, individuals stepped up and helped. The

timing was perfect; Christmas is a time to

spread the feeling of love and hope.

There were two huge fundraisers to help

The community Christmas party was held

on Sunday, December 19 at the Lucky Eagle

Casino. Christmas spirit filled the air, and

the sound of Christmas filled throughout the

Casino. As the doors opened families came

and sat together to enjoy a fun filled day

of activities that was offered by the Tribe.

Cheryle Starr and her group of volunteers

have made this a very popular event.

Dinner was provided by the Casino

and their staff. It was a delicious mixture

of prime rib, clams, mashed potatoes and

all the fixings for a great meal. With their

appetites satisfied onto the next stage of the

Christmas activities.

Helpers handed out bingo packets, and

daubers so everyone could play. There was

10 games played to have a chance to win

a price with different age brackets. Each

game winner was limited to only one youth

and one adult. Families laughed and joked

with each other focusing on daubing their

numbers, so as not to miss that unique

opportunity to holler “BINGO!” Proudly

raising their winning card in the air awaiting

verification from Santa’s little elves.

Santa arrival was announced as it

echoed throughout the event center, “Look

Everyone, Santa has arrived!” A cheerful

and loud applause was received as he

answered, “HO! HO! HO!” Children eyes

quickly searched the room to find him. As

he traveled through the aisle ways, children

were seen smiling as they reached out to

give him a high five as he walked to his

destination to have his picture taken and

hand out Christmas presents. Children

were seen lining up anxiously to get their

gifts. The photos were printed and laid out

for them to pick up later in the day. Many

thanks to Bev Starr for her time in getting

See Operation Natives, page 4

See Community Christmas, page 4

What happens once the emergency is

declared?

Once an Emergency is declared the

emergency line will be updated with the

appropriate information regarding the

situation.

Where do I go if I cannot remain in my

home?

The Community Center has been

designated as a safe center during

emergency declarations. Any person is

welcome to go to the Community Center.

There is no food and beverages provided

unless there is a major emergency in which

case group meals will be provided. This

information will be available to you when

you call the Emergency Phone Line.

Can I go to the Hotel?

The hotel has been designated as a safe

center during times of emergency. It is

being reserved for At-risk individuals who

are not able to be safe and have their needs

met in the community center.

Who do I call if I need help?

For life threatening emergencies call 911.

For other non-emergency assistance call

Law Enforcement at 709-1603. Remember

officers are busy during emergency

declarations and will respond as soon as

they are able.

Exercise Room Available for

Use to Keep in Shape

Year 2011 has arrived and so has our

new year’s resolution. To assist tribal and

community members in achieving their

getting healthy goals, the exercise room and

equipment are available at the community

center. The hours it is open are week days

from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Please respect the equipment, and

children under the age of 13 will need

parental supervision. This is a Use-atYour-Own risk facility. A waiver is being

developed in order for the exercise to be use.

Let’s exercise and get healthy together!

For more information contact Cheryl

Starr, Events Coordinator at 360-709-1524.

Please leave your name, a short message,

and return phone number.

Chehalis Tribal Newsletter

PO Box 536

Oakville, WA 98568

* Return Service Requested

FirstName LastName

Street Address

City, ST Zip

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

OAKVILLE WA

PERMIT No. 2

www.chehalistribe.org

©Copyright 2009 CHEHALIS TRIBAL

NEWSLETTER is a publication of the

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis

Reservation.

In the tribal center Operation Natives Helping Neighbors volunteers are

finalizing lists and signing Christmas cards for the adopted families.

Pictured (L-R) are Dawn Boley, Carla Thomas and Penny Gleason-Wheeler.

By Fred Shortman, Editor

Operation Natives Helping Neighbors was

a brainstorming idea by a very impressive

group. Seeing these people and great minds

work together as one was awe inspiring.

Originally, Joyce Thomas had started a food

and toy drive because she cared with all

her heart, mind and soul that we, as a tribe

should give back to the community and her

way was via Christmas. This idea and dream

grew way beyond even her expectations.

This year’s Christmas food and toy

drive began with a couple of phone calls.

There are a few outreach programs in

our community that help families in the

area. The Roof program and Oakville Fire

Department readily provided this year’s list

to work from. Operation Natives Helping

Neighbors took off adopting 24 families.

Program and Tribal Artist Contribution Creates a Very

Beautiful 2010 Chehalis Tribal Indian Nativity Scene

By Dianne Devlin, Cultural Coordinator

Big thanks go out to all the

community members who helped

in completing the “Chehalis Tribal

Indian Nativity Scene.”

Under Tony Medina’s direction

the Youth Program’s young

artist lined-up to help paint the

Animal People, Indian Angles

and Medicine Men portrayed in

the Nativity Scene. The Bear and

Eagle where painted entirely by

young budding artist, who each

adding their personal touches to

the project.

The Chehalis Nativity Scene

is depicted with Joseph at the left

of Mary carrying food back for

his family. Like a good hunter

and husband, he is shown in the

Nativity Scene providing for his

wife and new son. Above the Baby

Jesus are three Angles. If you

look closely you will see that the

Angel in the center has long gray

braids. She embodies the Elders

of our Tribe and is shown holding

the Tribal Logo of the Chehalis

Basket as a gift for Baby Jesus.

The Animal People depicted in

the scene have come to witness the

birth of Baby Jesus. Our traditional

stories passed down through

families tell us each of the Animal

People taught something that made

us better, stronger, or showed us

how to survive in this land. The

Eagle represents Edification and

Spiritual Enlightenment; Wolves

represent family and working

together; Bears represent strength,

not just immense power from

without, but immeasurable strength

from within. Next year we hope to

add to the Nativity Scene. Watch

for flyers.

Special thanks go out to Elder

Ray Griswold who led the effort

at the wood shop showing us the

proper way to use the jig saw to cut

out the figures. Additional thanks

Dianne Devlin, Cultural Coordinator supervises the youth as they go to Tribal Elder Sally Pikutark

paint the Nativity scene. Many talented artists contributed to

who helped paint the finishing

making this a successful community project. Pictured (L-R) are

Dianne Devlin, Payton Simmons, Shayna Pickernell.

See Nativity Scene, page 4

Tribal Youth Inspirational

Play Receives Football Award

2

By Carla Thomas, Mother

position he has since been honored

One of our tribal youth had an

outstanding season for the Oakville High with the being named all conference!

The Oakville coaches choose the most

School football team. His inspirational

outstanding lineman of the year and

play earned him the right. During the

honor them with what they call the Hog

Awards banquet he was acknowledged

Award. This year it was Junior and

and the introduction to the award

deservedly so, since being he was

was awesome as the coach said,

named all conference. He was

“It’s my pleasure in introducing

also given the

the next young man. He was

individual

explosive off the line. He was

awards of most

intense in his

inspirational

tackles, and his

and best

excitement

defensive

of the

lineman

game carried

of the year

onto the

and they call

other

that the Hog

players.

Award!

He was very

Great Job

inspiring to his teamJunior, you

mates throughout each

make us so

and every game.”

Junior Jack smiling as he proudly

proud. Keep

Junior Jack has

displays

his

recognition

awards

he

up the good

been nominated

received at the Oakville sports awards work!

all conference for

banquet.

his outstanding

Photo by Carla Thomas

defensive line

National Indian Conference Creates Strategies

to Assist Programs in Healing Victims of Crime

By Dawn Boley, Domestic Violence Advocate

The 12th National Indian Nations

conference was held in the home of the

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of

Palm Springs, California. The diversity at

this conference is amazing rich with culture,

healing, and talents. This event focused on

innovation and successful victim programs

and strategies as well as providing current

information and promising practices from

the field.

The were board of directors from Tribal

Law and Policy Institute, Office for Victims

of Crime (OVC), Cahuilla Indians Tribal

Council. There were members of Obama’s

cabinet Larry EchoHawk a (Pawnee)

confirmed Assistant Secretary for Indian

Affairs in 2009, Eric Holder, Jr. as the 82nd

Attorney General of the United States 2009

by Joe Biden. Eric was the first African

American to hold that post. The room filled

with Judges, Lawyers, Advocates, and the

Bureau of Indian Affairs. The sensational

Healing Entertainers- Star Nayea, Joanne

Shenandoah, and The Boyz a traditional

native singing group winning top honors

such as Aboriginal peoples Choice Music

Awards etc. There were too many awesome

people there to name them all.

The conference opened with a cultural

song to honor victims and survivors.

Speakers read poetry to the audience

and videos shown of survivors to honor

victims. The blanket makers offered the

most impressive blankets for the advocates.

The blankets carefully made in memory

of female and male victims. Those that

survived, and those that were lost.

Larry EchoHawk gave a touching

speech and left his followers at a loss

for he delivered the ultimate speech.

Larry informed the audience that Obama

nominated him to his seat. He said he

did not say yes right away. He knew that

everyone before him had really hurt the

Native Americans. The long road it would

take to get back or even close was a very

long journey. The many that had hated

the person holding the seat would be hard

to sway. Then he told of the one person

that moved his heart enough to fight for

our rights drew tears to the room. The

participants sat there following his story

that went on for a long time. He took his

time and told the room what his intentions

were. There must have been 900 people in

the room, but you could hear a pin drop.

The tribes from other nations that stood in

his presence told you of their position. Then

lined up to meet him as I did to thank him

and get a picture.

The most compelling were the survivor’s

stories shared at the workshops. Victims

and survivors gave their personal stories to

each group. Many times the audience moved

to tears with the realty of their losses. That

brought victims to encourage public servants

and embrace what each individual does in

the name of ending abuse.

The conference honored survivors and

healers with blankets to honor the survivors

and healers. The blankets made exclusively

for healers by category. The advocates were

asked to come take a token from the chair

and smudge before they sat down. Then

several song artists offered a healing song

in honor of survivors and those whom were

taken away too early.

The audience was comprised of Indians

and Non-Indians. The diversity in the room

felt humble and people came together as

one. There was absolute respect felt for the

cultural traditions presented from songs in

the native language, to traditional practices

of cleansing and prayer.

The workshops offered a look into

protection orders on and off Tribal lands.

Many officers explained how they look

at domestic violence compared to the

advocates. Officers are trained not express

emotion. The very opposite of how we

handle our victims. It is important that

we know that instead of thinking they are

heartless people. Emotion could cost them

their lives in certain situations. This is the

healers, advocates, and counselors can

prepare for the questions or hurt when this

problem arises. It was good to know how

officers respond and why.

In closing, the assembly of public

servants all who play a role in ending abuse

has a important role in the future of healing.

The Office of Victim of Crimes, Tribal Law

and Policy Institute and every counselor,

Judge, Advocate, Mental Health Counselors

and survivor is helping change the way

for future generation. The Indian culture

needs preserved for future generations of

Indian people. Historical Culture most get

passed on to our people in the healthiest way

possible to bring honor to all.

The conference

honored survivors

and healers with

blankets. Songs

and ceremonies

were performed

to pray and bless

them on their path

to healing.

Photo by Dawn

Boley

News from the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center

 Detection is the best method in the battle against colon cancer

Your colon. Not a common topic of

conversation, but an important part of your

anatomy. The colon, sometimes called the

large intestine, is about 5 feet long and 2½

inches in diameter, processes the remnants

of meals. Water and vitamins are absorbed

by the colon and the rest is eliminated.

Because of the amount of time material

stays within this organ, the tissues are easily

irritated and inflamed. Once the tissue is

damaged, toxins can easily penetrate, and

problems arise.

Colon Cancer is the 3rd most common

type of cancer diagnosed in the United

States and the second leading cause of

cancer death. An easy test to assess the

health of your colon is called the FIT Test.

It’s painless, and can help detect cancerous

tissue. If you’re between the ages of 50 – 64,

stop by the clinic, we have free FIT kits for

you. Start the New Year right; take care of

yourself – GET FIT.

 New Year’s Resolutions are Achievable

By Cindy Beck, ND. CPT, Diabetes Prevention Program

2011 is here and if you are like most of us,

you’ve made a few resolutions. It all starts

with good intentions and a majority will

result in being given up on by March 1st.

Goals like losing a few pounds or cleaning

all the closets in your house are achievable if

you have a plan.

What did you resolve to do this year?

Do you want to lose weight? Think about

how much you want to lose – 10 pounds? 20

pounds? More? Take it slowly, say you want

to lose 25 pounds; give yourself a realistic

time frame [by Memorial Day]; and then

cut that goal into smaller segments: lose

5 pounds by February 1st. Lose another 5

pounds [10 pounds total] by March 1st and

15 pounds total by April 1st. A great step

towards success in achieving and sticking

to your goal is to find a friend or family

member who has a similar goal, and support

each other. If you both decide to start

exercising, do it together. You’ll keep each

other accountable, and can help motivate

each other.

Sometimes our busy schedules seem to

take control and finding the time to take

care of ourselves seems impossible. Take a

moment and breath. Learn to listen to your

body. Do you need to stretch, move around,

or get fresh air? Do you get enough sleep?

Research has shown that not only are most

adults sleep deprived, but not getting enough

sleep can actually lead to weight gain! When

you don’t get enough sleep, the body reacts

by producing cortisol, a hormone associated

with stress. Increased cortisol levels disrupts

normal glucose metabolism, increasing

appetite. Eating more food, especially, when

you are tired leads to more body weight, and

other health related problems.

If for some reason you don’t achieve a

goal. Don’t give up! Reassess your plan and

continue on. You’ll have more luck if you

use a variety of strategies to achieve your

goals. Remember to keep each step simple.

Set reasonable, attainable goals. Keep

working on it, bit by bit every day.

 Program requesting volunteers for committee

Looking for volunteers to be on a new

committee in developing strategies for

a Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free

community.

These monthly meetings will address any

issue that is causing harm to our community.

If you are interested in

If you are interested in being a part

of this Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco Free

Community Committee or volunteering or

giving input please contact Lorrie Bonifer

at 360-709-1717, 360-977-1606 or email

lbonifer@chehalistribe.org.

 The Great American Spit-out event for a healthier life

One of your new years resolution may

have been to quit chewing or smoking.

Those that are truly serious may chose to

participate in the Great American Spit-Out

observance day on Thursday, February 24.

It is truly your choice to a healthier lifestyle.

Smoking and chewing Commit to quit

smokeless tobacco! Join our Great American

Spit Out on February 24 and say goodbye to

smokeless tobacco once and for all. Check

out our great resources to get you started:

„„Enroll in the tobacco cessation program.

„„Create your own Quit Plan, Quit Calendar

„„Calculate how much money quitting will

save you.

„„Locate support and find information about

different kinds of medicine to help you

quit smoking.

„„Chat one-on-one with a trained Cessation

Coach.

Please contact Lorrie Bonifer at 360709-1717 cell 360-977-1606 lbonifer@

chehalistribe.org.

 Program available to answer health questions “Dear Provider”

The Staff at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center

(CTWC) want to hear from you. We invite you

to participate in a new monthly column: “Dear

CTWC Provider”. You can write a question to

the CTWC Provider of your choice---or just a

general question.

We hope this will give our community and

our staff another way to communicate. The

questions can be anonymous. You do not need to

sign the letter.

The drop boxes are located at the Wellness

Center and Tribal Center for your letters.

We hope this will be a good service for our

community. We hope to hear from you soon.

Youth were interviewed

about the meaning of the

nativity scene while awaiting

to paint the Nativity Scene.

Pictured (L-R) are Payton

Simmons, Shayna Pickernell

and Cecilia Kayano,

Freelance reporter for the

Chronicle

Article is in The Chronicle,

November 20, 2010

Chehalis

Tribal

Newsletter

420 Howanut Road

Oakville, WA 98568

(360) 709-1726 (office)

(360) 273-5914 (fax)

newsletter@chehalistribe.org

Articles and opinions expressed in this

publication are not necessarily the opinions

of this publication or the Chehalis Tribal

Business Committee.

Business Committee

David Burnett, Chairman

Don Secena, Vice Chairman

Stephanie Pickernell, Treasurer NEW

Cheryle Starr, Secretary

Dan Gleason, Sr., 5th Council Member

Chehalis Tribal Newsletter Staff:

Fred Shortman, Communications

Coordinator. Go to this direct link

for online newsletters copies: www.

chehalistribe.org/news-events/index.html

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: 6th of each month

Printed: Each month

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis

Reservation...

“People of the Sand”

Christmas Dinner Provides Elders Time to Gather and Share

3

By Nancy Romero, Elders

Coordinator

could possibly eat along with Prime

Rib and all the trimmings and pies as

dessert. The food was marvelous!!

On December 16th at the Gathering

As the microphone was passed

room there was festival tables decorated

around every Elder got a chance to

by Nancy and her family. It was

wish each other peace and joy thru

decorated very Christmassy and had

the Christmas season. The Elders

candles lit for a warm and festive get

that wanted to participate in the gift

together. Nadine Burnett and Lynn

exchange to each other did so- seemed

Hoheisel helped decorate the tables and

almost everyone participated and was

make a few wreathes for the give away!

happy with the gifts they received.

Thanks so much!

Each and every Elder received a raffle

Seemed like all 75 chairs were filled

ticket and was able to choose a gift

with Elders, community Elders and

from the raffle table—from candy,

guest. It was so grand to see all of the

wreathes and wrapped presents.

Elders to come together for a beautiful

The evening ended with good vibes

occasion. They conversed and seemed

and Merry Christmas wishes to each

to be laughing and enjoying each other’s

other.

company.

I would like to Thank Tom Hayden,

The tables were set and Christmas

Penny Gleason, Correna Young that

Elders gathered with their friends, and families enjoying a delicious seafood and prime

music in the background and the food

helped set the tables and chairs up.

was delicious, which was provided by

rib dinner at the Elders Christmas Party. Wishing each other a Merry Christmas and a safe

These guys do so much for the Elders

the Lucky Eagle casino staff Kevin

holiday season. Pictured (L-R) are Curtis DuPuis, Ellery Choke, Sr., Donna Choke and Gary

program and other programs and

Bray and Chris Cameron, which

Peterson.

deserve a big THANKS! HAPPY

included all the seafood the Elders

Photo by Elder Nadine Burnett NEW YEARS!

Lucky Eagle Management Training Tribal Member Employment Opportunity

for Eagles Landing Hotel Expansion

Program Helps Tribal Members

Become Successful Managers

By Rodney Youckton, Director of Business Operations

The Lucky Eagle Management Training

Program is designed for our tribal members

and their success working at the casino.

The casino reports quarterly on the

program so that the Tribal community has

an awareness of what efforts are being

made with our tribal members employed

at the casino. We are building success

stories which will be reflected of the

Succession Plan. We are hopeful the large

number of young adults will read about

the hard work and sacrifices fellow Tribal

members are undergoing in an effort to

achieve their goals. They all have dreams

and set goals to reach those dreams. Tribal

Management Training Program employees

hope to be good role models and mentors for

those wanting to be successful in the career

of their choice. We all have dreams. Never,

never, give up on your dreams. Reach for the

stars and make it happen.

“Our commitment is to provide an

unparalleled entertainment experience that

exceeds our guests’ expectations.”

Featured Tribal Member:

My name is Kevin Bray,

and I am the Executive Sous

Chef at Lucky Eagle Casino.

I began my career with

Lucky Eagle in 1997 when

I was hired as a dishwasher.

Since that time I have

progressed to my current

position with much support

from my family and the

Chehalis Tribe.

With a goal of one day

becoming an Executive Chef,

I enrolled in the Culinary

Arts Program at South Puget

Sound Community College.

After graduating with an ATA

degree in 2007, I completed

Tribal Member

Kevin Bray

Executive Sous Chef

Tribal Enterprise

in the Gaming

Management Program

a three-month internship

at the Confederated Tribes

of Grand Ronde’s Spirit

Mountain Casino in Oregon.

In 2009 I completed

the ten-month educational

program, Leadership

Thurston County. Today, I

continue to attend seminars

and workshops which help

me further my career goals.

I have been with my

wife, Tracy, since 1997 and

together we are raising our

six children. Needless to say,

my kids keep me very busy

when I am not at work.

Chehalis Tribal Enterprises (CTE) is

moving closer to starting the expansion

of the Eagle’s Landing Hotel expansion.

Construction is expected to begin early in

2011 with PNE Construction serving as our

General Contractor.

The construction schedule to complete

the project is approximately 12 months.

We anticipate that during the course

of construction there will be a number

of employment positions available,

both directly with PNE and with their

subcontractors. Some of these jobs will be

for a limited duration while others may be

for the entire construction period.

CTE and PNE are working together to

develop opportunities for our tribal members

to fill as many of these positions as possible.

To facilitate the hiring process PNE has

formed a new division in their company

called PNE Labor Force, which will be

selecting candidates for work at PNE and

with the subcontractors. PNE Labor Force

will also be providing job training classes to

prepare our candidates for the positions they

are assigned to.

In accordance with the Chehalis Tribal

ordinance on employment practices,

qualified tribal members will be given

preference in hiring for these jobs. Hiring,

interviews, pre-employment requirements

such as drug testing and training will be

done on the reservation for Tribal member

convenience. One single hiring process will

enable a Tribal member to work with the

general contractor and/or the subcontractors.

Anyone who is interested in being

considered for employment is encouraged

to complete a job application. Application

forms are available in the CTE Business

Office at 18120 Anderson Road.

To be considered in the first round of

employment positions, applications should

be received by the CTE Business Office

before the end of January. Individual

interviews of applicants will begin shortly

thereafter. Paid job training takes take place

one week prior to the start of construction.

This is an excellent opportunity for

experienced trade-persons or for entrylevel persons to learn about construction

processes and techniques. The experience

gained here will can only broaden and

improve your future employment potential.

We hope to see many of Tribal members

working on this project and encourage you

to complete an application and return it to us

in a timely manner.

If you have any questions regarding the

application form, the interview process

or the kinds of jobs that may become

available, please contact Spencer Partridge,

Construction Manager for PNE, at 1-800533-2867 or by e-mail at spencerp@

pnecorp.com.

This will be new look to the proposed Eagles Landing Hotel expansion.

Interview of Neighbor’s Reveals Memories of Chehalis Reservation People

Submitted by Elaine McCloud, Heritage Coordinator

These writings come from the book

“Glimpses of Gate” by Judith Upton.

They were compiled from interviews with

surrounding neighbors of the Chehalis

Tribe. The information is taken from

excerpts from the book with the person

who was interviewed and provided the

information is in parenthesis.

The book can be purchased from the

author for $25, which includes tax. The

address is Judith Upton, 8333 Camano

Loop NE, Lacey, WA 98516.

George Sanders

Eel fishers used a big hook, several

inches across. When the eel would bite,

the hook would slide off the stick and the

eel couldn’t get purchase. The biggest eels

were three feet long. The night eel fishers

used a light. The ones you could see in the

day were probably old ones. They went to a

spot that was shallow, swift and narrow – a

riffle. They used to dig little ones out of the

mud ditching to the creek. The girls thought

it was fun to find one eel to hang from each

finger.

The Indians used to go down in the

spring – George Sanders too – and find a

drift that you could stick a pole in at the

head of a log jam. They would run the pole

down, jerk it up, and the eel would pop up.

They’d grab it and poke it in a bag. Before

the white man came along with his hook,

they would dig maidenhair fern roots. They

would build scaffolds on the riffle, jump

down into the water and grab ‘em with the

fern so they could hold ‘em. The Indian

women turned ‘em inside out on a stick

and toasted ‘em over a fire so the grease

all dropped out. They said the white man

put them in grease to fry and they couldn’t

understand that, as they were too greasy

already.

(Andrew Newton)

Andrew Sanders

There were three small Indian

Longhouses on Grandma Delia Newton

Medcalf’s place. They relied almost entirely

on fish, traded up and down the river. The

Indian speared salmon on riffles. They used

spears mad of the little splint in the deer’s

leg – with the hoof still on – from platforms.

(Andrew Newton)

Fred Bob told me one time about Andrew

Sanders. He said that when Andrew Sanders

was a grown man and he was just a young

boy; they’d go hunting and pack their lunch

with them. They’d go out a ways and put

their lunch up in the limb of a tree. They’d

be hunting around and Fred wouldn’t know

where he was at; thought they were lost.

Pretty soon Andrew would look up to the

sky and say, “It’s time for lunch.” They’d

walk over there and get their lunch. He

knew what he was doing out in the woods.

He knew exactly where he was all the time.

(Marion Schultz).

Dick Case and the Bone Gamble

Newton could hear the bone gamble in

the night. They were playing slahal, a game

of hand. They used small bones from a deer

leg. One had two brown rings burned around

it, the other was white – the klootchman

bone. They would line up facing each other

with boards that they hammered with sticks

and one big one. Ten big ones was a game.

There was a fire in the middle to keep them

warm. One time the Nisquallys and the

Chehalis had a game over at Dick Case’s.

They played a solid week, night and day.

Orlie Newton stopped to see what was going

on and was told by a friend to go on home.

Things were not going good for their side.

At the end they called it a draw; took their

kloochmen (women), blankets and ponies

and went home.

(Andrew Newton)

Pike Benn

Old Pike Benn earned money putting

people across the river before the first

bridge. A young fellow came along with his

girl all dressed up for a party. Pike Benn

took them across for a dollar and the fellow

told him, “You owe my father that for hay.”

Pike said all right. The young man got him

out of bed later on that evening to be put

across the river for home. Before Ben would

come out he told him “Want money, no hay”

Nothing to do but pay the passage.

(Andrew Newton)

When Papa (Wright Brewer) was a young

man they had a ferry to cross the Chehalis

River, operated by pulling a cable. It was

in the winter and Papa, his brother and two

other men were on horseback. They were on

this ferry, pulling themselves across and the

cable snapped. All the horses and men went

into the water. One of the men just threw up

his hands and went down. Papa said here

came Pike, paddling down the river with a

little canoe. He came up to Papa and wanted

to take him out. So Papa got hold of the

canoe and then he got the other men and

put them ashore. The funny thing is – there

always has to be something funny no matter

how bad it is – he was in such a hurry hat he

set them ashore on the band that was across

the river from where the houses were. Papa

said they yelled for him to come back but he

took off in an awful hurry.

That was an awfully dangerous place.

A man had died violently there, and it is

a credit to Pike that he did stop, because

he was afraid that there were evil spirits

around. Pike Ben and Dan Secena were

papa’s “brothers”. They hunted, fished

visited together. They told him “You’re the

palest Indian we’ve got here.”

(Carolyn Brewer Lonborg)

4 Christmas Party (continued from page 1) Operation Natives (continued from page 1)

The Haukom Families spend the day together enjoying the activities, and the

company of fellow family and tribal members at the community Christmas

party. Pictured (L-R) are Dakoda, Jeff and Yvonne Haukom.

them out to the families.

Tony and Marla Medina sat and handed

out gift cards from Target to help provide

memorable Christmas for all they youth to

enjoy.

Door prizes were offered to everyone

that came to the Community Christmas

party having to fill out their raffle tickets.

There was three different categories from

Elders, adults and youth. Many gifts were

happily given out as the winning ticket was

announced. At the end of the raffle, tickets

were drawn until all the presents were given

away.

Youth were entertained by the magician

as they laughed and watched in amazement

on his personalized magic show.

Tony Medina, Youth Center Director

honored and thanked two great people who

have worked with our youth. Mr. and Mrs.

Wilson receiving a loud, warm and sincere

applause as the they were acknowledge for

their commitment for the past 20 years.

They received a sincere, warm and loud

applause from everyone in appreciation for

their hard work.

Thank You Volunteers

From Cheryle Starr, Events Coordinator

I would like to give a BIG, HUGE,

THANK YOU to the volunteers who helped

out with the 2010 Christmas Party, the

shopping, wrapping, deliveries, pictures,

candy baggers, and bingo runners..

THANK YOU to all who helped our

community Christmas party a success.

Without you, it wouldn’t have happened!

Christmas Elves: Tony Medina, Marla

Medina, Nancy Romero, Teresa Pannkuk,

Don Secena, Mary Secena, Annie Jones,

Bobby Jones, Bev Starr, Amil Starr, Joe

Meyer, Violet Starr, Ang Youckton, Jason

Lyons, Baby Gary Ortivez, Burbs Youckton,

Jasmine B, Racheal Mendez, Erica Mendez,

Jodie Smith, Jeremiah Jones-Baker, the

Crew (Josh, Penny, Tom, Ang, Correna), The

Bingo Callers, Shawn Ortivez and all Youth

Council members whom helped Santa with

his presents and anyone else who helped…

Thank you again! CStarr

Tribe Acquires Sections of Pearson,

Salmon, and Howanut Roads

By: Devon Tiam, Office of Tribal Attorney

On January 10, 2011, The Grays Harbor

County Commissioners executed the last of

three deeds transferring ownership of parts

of three roads located on the Reservation

to the Chehalis Tribe. As a result of the

transfer, The Tribe is now the new owner of

Salmon Road, a small dirt track connecting

Howanut Road to the Chehalis River; about

one half of the length of Pearson Road,

from the intersection with Howanut Road

toward Highway 12; and a large section of

Howanut Road, from the intersection with

Anderson Road almost to the intersection

with Elma Gate Road. This includes the

portion of Howanut Road providing access

to the Tribal Center, Clinic, and other Tribal

government buildings.

The completion of these transfers

reflects a number of years of effort by the

Tribe’s Planning and Natural Resources

Departments, and the Office of Tribal

Attorney, in working with Grays Harbor

County staff and leadership to come to

an agreement that works for both the

County and the Tribe. In December

2008, upon the request of the Tribe, the

Grays Harbor County Commissioners

passed a Resolution directing the County’s

Public Works Department to draft deeds

transferring ownership of the roads to the

Tribe. Representatives of the Planning

Department, Natural Resources Department,

and Office of Tribal Attorney then met with

their counterparts in the County government

to identify the best way to complete the

transfer. The Office of Tribal Attorney

researched Washington State law related to

transfers of County property, and determined

that a transfer could be accomplished with

a simple “Quit Claim” deed. The County

agreed, and as a result, the Tribe was able

to acquire these properties without making

any cash payments to the County. Instead,

the County will be “compensated” in

that the transfer of the roads will allow

the County to save the cost of servicing

and maintaining those roads. The Tribe

will now be responsible for monitoring,

servicing, and maintaining the newlyacquired road sections, and as part of the

transfer of Howanut Road, the Tribe passed

a Resolution that continues to hold Howanut

Road open to the public and states the

Tribe’s commitment to maintain that road,

at a minimum, in the condition it has been

previously maintained by the County.

The Tribe, though, is hoping to exceed

this commitment. While there are no

plans to reopen the acquired sections of

Salmon or Pearson Road, the Planning

Department is working with an engineering

firm to develop plans and cost estimates

for a realignment of Howanut Road. Amy

Loudermilk, who represented the Planning

Department in the Tribe’s discussions with

the County, commented, “The Howanut

Road Realignment Project received the

second highest number of votes in the

road improvement survey we did with the

community last year. The community has

expressed a strong interest in improving

Howanut Road and we’re responding by

realigning the road to reduce the sharp

curves and moving the road away from

Willamette Creek. This will improve

fish habitat and water quality and keep

cars from going into the creek.” The

Planning Department expects to finish

those realignment plans soon, and will

then consider options for funding the new

construction and improvements.

In the future, the Tribe plans

to evaluate whether other roads located

on the Reservation that are currently

held by neighboring counties would be

good candidates for a similar transfer of

ownership to the Tribe, so that the Tribe

can take the leading role in servicing and

maintaining more roads on the Reservation.

Correction from December 2010 Chehalis Tribal Newsletter: Page 4

Pictured (L-R) are Chairman David Burnett, Chops Youckton and Vice-Chairman

Don Secena

make this so successful. The raffle and silent

auction at the Elders Bazaar raised $1,629

when the final numbers were counted. Joyce

sold Indian Tacos at the General Council

raising another $500. From there word was

spreading and volunteers stepped in to adopt

families. The final numbers between the

money and donations was over $20,000.

Great Job everyone!

Our community stepped up and adopted

families in need. What really became

inspiring were tribal employees shopping

and buying Christmas gifts out of their own

pocket. Each family was shopped for as a

number with no name to it and a list saying

whether it was an adult, child, age, male

or female. There were a few families made

up of the same dynamics; as dad shopped

for the dad, mom shopped for the mom,

grandma shopped for the grandma, and so

forth.

Then delivery came as the Christmas

presents were bagged up and delivered.

The joy of Christmas and the gift of giving

became a reality as families received them

with heartfelt thanks as their gifts were

delivered.

Thank You and Bless Your Hearts to

everyone involved!

Operation Natives Helping Neighbors

Committee: Joyce Thomas, Carla Thomas,

Chris Ortivez, Janice Latch, Virginia

Canales, Joan Martin, Marlene Hjelm,

Charlotte Lopez, Cheryle Starr, Penny

Gleason, Josh Terry, Elaine Meyer, Ang

Youckton, Jamie Smith...Your time and

commitment is truly a gift within itself!

THANK YOU!

Volunteer, Carla Thomas expressed,

“Wow, this is totally awesome! It

brought tears to my eyes, and joy to

my heart to witness everyone make this

operation so successful! Bless you all

and thank you for helping! I would like

to extend a special thanks to everyone

involved. It was truly an exceptional

contribution and gift of giving to help

make our neighbors Christmas a lil’

better.”

Special Thanks for the Awana Bible Studies

By Tony Medina, Director of Youth Center

For almost 20 years you could set your

calendar on Thursday 4pm at the Youth

Center. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson residing in

Tenino, Washington would travel to the

Chehalis Reservation to meet

with the Youth for bible studies, snacks

and food prepared by Mrs. Wilson. You

could always enjoy her home made baked

goods every Thursday. Also during special

days like Halloween with her ‘famous’

Monster cookies; enjoyed by the youth and

also parents would look forward to them

all year. Christmas time for the Christmas

cookies and cupcakes. Mr. Wilson would

recite bible versus with

the Youth and also

bible songs, which

is always

fun.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson recognized for

their commitment to the Tribe at

Community Christmas Party.

Nativity Scene (continued from page 1)

touches on the Nativity Scene.

Dawn Boley and Fred Shortman not only

helped paint some of the figures but they

also help cut out the animal people from the

plywood. The project would not have been

completed if not for JJ Shortman and Jason

Gillie from the TELO Program, who jumped

right in to help finish the task. Jason help cut

out the final pieces and JJ drew all the faces

on the people. I drew all the scenes, but just

couldn’t do the faces. They remained blank

until JJ, one of the many gifted artist of our

Chehalis Tribe step up to help finish the

project.

Ray Secena’s department personnel set

the Nativity Scene up at the Community

Center and helped light the area for night

time effect.

Thank you one and all. It really was a

community effort.

Employees Entertain Displaying

Their Talent at Christmas Party

On December 22 the

Employee’s Christmas party

was held at the Lucky Eagle

Events Center. It was a great

day to gather to celebrate

Christmas. The tables were

filled with employees and

family to enjoy a meal, and the

fun activities the Tribe had to

offer.

Winners of the Talent

Contest at the employee

Christmas party. Pictured

(L-R) are second place

winner 11 year old pianist

Max Warnke son of Jeff

Warnke, playing the song

“Tequila.” First place

winners Tracy Bray and

Jason Gillie dressed like

Sonny and Cher, singing

“I Got You Babe.”

Public Notice: The Chehalis Indian Tribal Court. Oakville Washington

Che-J-11/09-380, 5/08-070, 11/06-307 In re K.S., D.H., R.S,

Notice of Guardianship and Child Support Hearing

To all Fathers and Mother of K.S., D.H, R.S,

Anyone having any interest in guardianship and Child support of K.S. DOB (11-042009) , D.H. DOB (05-28-2008), R.S. DOB (11-23-2006) Chehalis Indian Children.

Mother’s name is Tiffany Simmons. A petition for Guardianship and Child Support has

been filed in the Chehalis Indian Tribal Court a hearing is set for February 16, 2011 at

2:00 PM. 30 Niederman Rd., Oakville WA on the Chehalis Indian Reservation. Any

questions please feel free to contact the Tribal Court at (360) 709-1615.

THIS COURT HEARING MAY RESULT IN AN ORDER OF GUARDIANSHIP

AND CHILD SUPPORT BEING GRANTED.