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

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_chehalis%3A9d8ee05f7f92b013

## Record

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

## Text

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

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Street Address
City, ST Zip

PRSRT STD

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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.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_chehalis%3A9d8ee05f7f92b013. Public record. Not legal advice.