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Vol.

2/6

June 2009

Program

News

CHEHALIS

TRIBAL

NEWSLETTER

Head Start Program

Announcements

„„The last day of Head Start’s AM and

PM school is June 26. We are pleased

to announce the Head Start graduation

ceremony is June 26 at the Youth Center

starting at 5:30 PM. Everyone is invited to

share this special moment.

„„Summer AM/PM Child Care begins

June 29. Childcare will begin on July

13 for the all day class and Early Head

Start. We will be accepting children from

6-weeks to 5 years old. Contact Evelyne

Kalama at 360-273-5514.

„„Recruiting Now for Fall 2009-10 Head

Start School Year. The Head Start

Program and Early Head Start are now

accepting applications for the 2009-10

school year. Please contact us for an

application at 360-273-5514.

Honoring Lee C. Starr

Elders:

 “People of the Sands” 

Together Youth, Adults, and Elders

are Learning How to Weave

Loom class teaches how to weave vests in

the traditional Coastal Salish style, page 2

Ball Tournament Starts with

Families, Ends with Families

Nearly 100 Tribal Walkers

Bring Back Walking Stick

By Pat Odiorne, Diabetes Program

Director

The SDPI Diabetes Prevention Community

Walk was held on May 28 with 91 Chehalis

community members participating. This was

the best turn out since the Walk was started

in October, 2005. Many departments and

businesses on

the reservation

participated in

the walk including

Head Start,

Chehalis Tribal

Wellness

Center, Elders,

the three EOT

stores, Eagles

Landing

Hotel and Lucky

Eagle Casino.

The other tribes

participating

in the walk

competition

included Squaxin

Island,

64 walkers;

Skokomish,

0 walkers; and

Shoalwater Bay,

10 walkers. The

walking

stick will

The

tribe

with

be on

display

the most walkers Chehalis

in the

gets to keep the

Tribal

Center

walking stick.

for the

month of

June.

The Community Walk is held on the third

Thursday of every month. The community

is invited to participate to raise awareness

of diabetes in Indian Country, and spread

the word that diabetes can be prevented by

regular exercise and healthy eating. The

next Diabetes Prevention Community Walk

will be held Thursday, July 16, so plan to

join us for the exercise and help us keep the

walking stick for another month!!

Tribal Web Site Now

On Line

By Fred Shortman, Editor

Our Chehalis tribal website is up and

running: Chehalistribe.org. IT Department

Senior Systems Analyst Steve Raher has

been working diligently on it. It is still

under construction, but the shell is on line.

You can find past issues of the newsletter

on the website. As Steve works with the

tribal program directors, you’ll see more

improvements and additional information.

If you have any question or comments,

contact Fred Shortman at 360-709-1726 or

email fshortman@chehalistribe.org.

Chehalis Tribal Newsletter

PO Box 536

Oakville, WA 98568

* Return Service request

FirstName LastName

Street Address

City, ST Zip

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

OAKVILLE WA

PERMIT No. 2

www.chehalistribe.org

(Available-Under Construction) ©Copyright

2009 CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

is a publication of the Confederated Tribes

of the Chehalis Reservation.

 He loves

family, fishing,

and working

on cars,

page 3

The Chehalis Tribe’s Annual Memorial Day Weekend Baseball Tournament,

“Tribal Days,” is one of the most joyous events of the year. The reason?

Families come together and everyone has fun, especially the youth. Youth

Center staff Tony Medina, Marla Medina, Teresa Pannkuk and Chris Klatush

made sure the youth were busy and happy.

Tribal members first take care of those who have

passed on...then the Indian-style ball games begin!

By Fred Shortman, Editor

It was a cool, sunny, Friday morning for the

scheduled cemetery clean up day. The work

on the cemeteries has been a long-standing

tradition to prepare for the Memorial Day

Weekend. In the past the men would gather,

bringing their own tools and equipment to

work as a team to clean the cemeteries, and

prepare the ball fields for the weekend. The

women would prepare the meal for everyone

who helped, providing a feast when they

were finished cleaning. Percy Youckton, our

Chairman in the mid eighties, volunteered

the employees to help clean the cemeteries.

Chehalis tribal employees gathered

on the front porch of the tribal center and

awaited the blessing before heading out

to the four cemeteries. Bones performed

a somber blessing due to a recent death

in the community, then about twenty

Chehalis tribal employees headed out to the

cemeteries. Soon you could hear the riding

lawn mowers roaring, and see a large group

of people gathered around the maintenance

truck selecting their tools to get work

started.

It was nice to see community members

working alongside the employees. Everyone

scattered about the tribal cemeteries to clean

See Tribal Days, page 4

Enterprises Get

Revamped Offices

By Fred Shortman, Editor

Chehalis Tribal Enterprises will move into

new offices by mid-July. The Enterprises

staff is split between the “Bed & Breakfast”

building on Anderson Road and the Chehalis

Tribal Center. The 4,200 square-foot

modular building previously served as the

Lucky Eagle Casino administration building.

The five-section modular units were stored

next to the Tribal Wellness Center for many

months. On May 27, Pete’s Modular Moving

Company began moving the modular units

to their new location on Anderson Road.

To avoid flooding, the building was

placed on a raised foundation 4 feet over the

highest recorded flood (Dec. 2007). Chehalis

Tribal Construction finished the ground

clearing and civil work. The building will be

refurbished by SAXAS Construction into a

modern building with a new roof, reception

area, offices, conference room, outside

porch, and ADA-compliant access ramp.

Anna Hartman, Enterprises HR

coordinator said, “The office brings the

Enterprises staff under one roof which

will increase our internal communications

and efficiency.” The staff includes seven

Enterprises employees and two tribal

attorneys who are eagerly looking forward

to having modern office space.

David Youckton, Enterprises CEO, said:

“Enterprises’ new offices will enhance the

Chehalis Tribe’s first impression when we

meet and great new business partners.”

There are no immediate plans for

the Bed & Breakfast house at this time.

However, Enterprises has identified the

property corner of Anderson along Hwy 12

for future economic development. “Since

Anderson Road is the gateway to the

Chehalis Reservation, the B&B property

deserves special consideration for its

future development,” according to Chris

Richardson, Enterprises Managing Director.

Cancer Walk Doubles in Size and Support

By Orinda Goddard, Health Services Assistant

donations and help that we got to make this

Jake Dickerson also made himself available

The 2009 2nd Annual Cancer Walk had 114

wonderful event happen.

to ensure the safety for everyone.

walkers participate. The walk took place

Four cancer survivors joined the walk: Jo

At the end of the walk, participants were

on Sunday, May 24. It was a great turnout

with 65 more walkers then last year. Starting Aldrich, Theresa Youckton, Georgette Wells, greeted with fresh water and applause. The

and Farralee Walseth-Burnett. It’s such a

first ones to complete the walk were some

at the display board on the family services

building, the walk route proceeded to the gas blessing for these women to be a part of this of our youth: 1st Cameron Snell (age 7),

walk. Dan “Bones” Gleason drove around to 2nd Kristen Secena (age 7), and 3rd Chavez

station and back. It was a 5K walk, which

make sure the walkers got plenty of water to Secena (age 9). The oldest ones that joined

is three miles long. Several different tribes

stay hydrated and provided rides for those

to walk were Dora Underwood (Quinault)

were represented in the walk: Chehalis,

who needed it. Law Enforcement Sergeant

Quinault, Skokomish, Muckleshoot,

See Cancer Walk, page 4

Nisqually, Lower

Elwah, Yakima,

Coeur D’Alene,

and Tlingit.

The walk was

a last-minute

planned event

coordinated by

Joyleen McCrory

and Orinda

Goddard. It was

organized in

two days with a

lot of help from

staff and Tribal

members. We

have to thank

our Tribe for

all the wonderful Over one hundred people from the Chehalis and other tribes walked 5 kilometers to show support of

cancer victims and survivors, and increase awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

2

Tribal Youth Learn by Attending Youth, Adults, and Elders Learn to

Leadership Conferences

Weave Vests in Coastal Salish Style

By Gail White Eagle, Instructor

Youth made the Chehalis Tribe proud by taking home the first-place prize

for a drugs and tobacco use prevention presentation in the professionalism

category. Pictured in front row, from left to right are: Deidra Hawkes,

Lorrie Bonifer, Erica Mendez, Rosa Angularra, and Chayse Youckton. Back

row, left to right are: Director of DASA, Racheal Mendez, DJ Hammer, and

Washington State Attorney General Rob Mckenna.

Washington Prevention Youth Forum

By Lorrie Bonifer, Prevention Specialist

Our application was accepted to be a part

of the Washington State Drug and Alcohol

Prevention Youth Spring Forum of ‘09 held

this year at the Great Wolf Lodge, April 29

– 30..

The goal of the Washington Prevention

Youth Forum is to provide an enriching

educational and networking opportunity for

youth, volunteers and professionals working

toward prevention of substance abuse and

violence. We want to reach the continuum of

individuals – youth and adults – from highly

experienced to new in the field, and continue

to build on our foundation and success in

Washington state.

We competed against 36 teams from all

over the state. There were approximately

300 youth at this forum. Our team name is:

Teens at Chehalis Tribe Against Alcohol,

Drugs & Tobacco. We won the Presentation

Style/Professionalism category and received

a flip video camera.

I would like to thank our group for all

of their hard work. They created a skit, told

personal stories and gave a professional

power point presentation. What an honor to

work with such a great group.

We are still looking for a name for our

group and art work. You have a chance to

win and earn money. If interested please

submit your information to Lorrie Bonifer at

lbonifer@chehalistribe.org or you can reach

me at 709-1717. Also, please contact me if

you are a youth age 13-18 and would like

to participate in the prevention group, and/

or you are interested in participating in or

being a chaperone for the Youth Leadership

Summit to be held in Yakima this October.

Standing Tall Youth Leadership Conference

By Fred Shortman, Editor

drum making, dream catchers, basket

The 20th Annual Standing Tall Youth

weaving, storytelling, scrapbooking, beading

Leadership Conference was held in May

and coastal hangings. For some of the youth,

at the Great Wolf Lodge. There were 17

it was their first time to do this.

of our youth and many tribal youth from

Another activity that was very impressive

Canada and the Pacific Northwest at this

youth conference sponsored by the Quinault, for most of the youth was the Coastal Salish

Jam Session and a banquet held at the Lucky

Suquamish, and Chehalis Tribes.

Eagle Casino.

Stand Tall and Speak Out is a movement

Members of the Savage family are

to encourage children and youth to speak

producers/writers of hip hop music who

out with respect, integrity, confidence

performed at the conference. They invited

and a spirit of public service whenever

the youth to help them write a song which

they see or experience injustice: violence,

may possibly be used as a theme song for

discrimination and abuse. Youth are

upcoming youth conferences.

encouraged to want the world to be a better

Our tribe was given a gift by Jessie

place, and to make a positive impact on the

Stevens, Quinault Nation, for assisting in

world. This conference was for youth who

may be encountering academic or/and social making this such a great youth leadership

challenges. Its goal was to give youth a new conference. It was accepted by Art Medina,

Chehalis Elder, and is displayed in the Tribal

perspective and inspiration to achieve their

Center. Give the youth who participated

goals.

a heart-felt applause. They are our future

Most of the youth were inspired by

Chance Rush’s class entitled “Take a Chance leaders!

Marla Medina

with Chance.” His

said, “I was impressed

dynamic and downwith our youth. They

to-earth approach

didn’t play in the

made the class fun.

water park as much

He stressed that it’s

as I expected. They

okay to be Native

committed themselves

and to not to be

to participating and

embarrassed by it.

This

thank-you

gift

was

given

to

the

learning

from the

Many of the

Chehalis

Tribe

from

the

Quinault

classes and curriculum.

youth enjoyed the

Nation, and accepted by Chehalis

I’m so proud. Great

cultural classes

job!”

that were available: Elder Art Medina.

Fatal Virus Found in Three Cats on the Reservation

By Amy Loudermilk, Rez Animal Coordinator

Three out of four feral cats trapped recently

near the tribal center have been diagnosed

with the feline leukemia virus. If you have

an outside cat that could have come into

contact with a feral cat, it is suggested that

you take it to a veterinarian and have it

tested for the virus. Feline leukemia virus

(FeLV) is a highly contagious and fatal virus

found only in cats. FeLV is not transmittable

to humans, dogs or any other animal species

other than the cat family. There is no

relationship between feline leukemia and

human leukemia. Cats pass the virus through

saliva and close contact, by biting another

cat, through shared food bowls, and from

milk during nursing.

Symptoms of FeLV include weight

loss, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing,

persistent infections and anemia. However,

the virus can lay dormant with no outward

symptoms. Cancer may occur in cats

infected with FeLV. The virus also interferes

with a cat’s natural ability to ward off other

diseases and makes the cat very susceptible

to picking up infections. There is no cure for

FeLV and most cats survive less than two

years following diagnosis. Since the virus is

highly contagious, get your cat tested before

it spreads to other cats.

If you suspect your cat may have come

into contact with a feral or FeLV positive

cat, get it tested right away. The cost for

the test is $35 - $50. A vaccine is available

as well to protect your cat from catching

the virus. Cost for the FeLV vaccine is $18

-$30. A booster will be needed four weeks

later, and then just once a year. As long as

you continue to vaccinate yearly, your cat

should remain free of FeLV. The only way

to completely protect your cat from FeLV

is to keep it indoors. If you have questions,

contact Amy Loudermilk at 360-709-1813 or

E-mail @ Aloudermilk@chehalistribe.org.

The Culture Program sponsored a three-day

Salish weaving class for anyone interested

in learning or refreshing their weaving

skills. There were 10 tribal and community

members who came to learn this weaving

tradition. There were 10 looms available

for Elders, youth, and community members

to make their Salish vests. It was a unique

experience watching the youth and Elders

laughing and learning together. Everyone

clapped and encouraged each other as their

names were announced upon completion of

their weaving project. They displayed their

vests, proud of their accomplishment and a

job well done.

Instructor, Gail White Eagle said, “It

was an honor to teach this class. There

were many incredibly talented and focused

students in this class. They brought so

much good energy every day. I really was

impressed and proud to share with them my

knowledge of Salish weaving techniques.”

History of Salish Weaving

Salish weaving existed over 3,000 years ago

among many Salish Tribes in the Northwest.

After the coming of the settlers in the late

1800s, Salish people adjusted to European

style clothing, and northwest traditions,

culture, Salish weaving, and many other art

forms began to fade.

Although unfamiliar among society

today, Salish weaving is emerging as

a rare art form thanks to many cultural

preservationists in the Northwest. Yarns

were spun out of mountain goat wool, hair

from specially bred dogs, and fibers from

indigenous plants such as Indian hemp and

stinging nettles. These yarns were then

used to create blankets, shawls, and other

Gordon Klatush, age 14, works on his

vest. In the background, Elder Marie

Griswold focuses on her vest.

garments.

There are three basic weaving techniques:

plain, twill, and twine, and blankets are

categorized as: classic, colonial, and hybrid.

Most high-class blankets and other art were

decorated with beads, abalone, dentillium, or

other decorative items.

Traditionally, all blankets were tokens

of esteem, particularly mountain goat

wool blankets. All high-class blankets

were named. Usually, the blanket designs

were created with a form of nature or

animal origin in mind. When a blanket was

presented at a gathering, the name of the

blanket was also presented. Among Salish

people, blankets have long been a symbol

of wealth and prestige because of the time,

skill, and materials involved in weaving a

traditional garment. The recipient is honored

by receiving such a fine gift, thereby gaining

status during ceremonial gatherings such as

potlatches, weddings, or naming ceremonies.

If You Need Referrals to Outside Providers,

Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center Can Help

By Norine Wells, CHS Manager

Indian Health Services (I.H.S.) funds two

types of health care services. One is Direct

Care and that pays for services provided at

Indian Health clinics or tribally operated

clinics. Indian Health Service also funds

Contract Health Services (or CHS). Federal

regulations govern how CHS funds are

spent. CHS funds can only be used to

purchase health care services not available

at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Center

(CTWC).

„„All patient referrals for outside services

must be written by a CTWC provider to

determine the medical priority level for

funding.

„„If you need a referral to an outside

provider, make an appointment with your

CTWC provider to discuss your health

care.

„„A second referral from your CTWC

provider is required for additional services

such as procedures, lab work, tests,

facility fees, or follow-up exams. Only

the services written on the patient referral

form will be covered by CHS.

„„Lab tests and x-rays are services that are

available at the Chehalis Tribal Wellness

Clinic and will not be paid for without

prior approval by your CTWC provider.

Please review your CTWC patient

referral form to ensure your outside health

care is going to be covered. Services that

do not fall within the established medical

priority level one (1) will not be paid.

Chehalis

Tribal

Newsletter

420 Howanut Road

Oakville, WA 98568

(360) 273-5911 (office)

(360) 273-5914 (fax)

newsletter@chehalistribe.org

Payment for medical services is based

on available funding and medical priority

level one (1) spending. The CHS program

experiences a shortfall in funding every year

toward the end of the funding cycle.

The CHS Manager and program support

staff are not medically trained to authorize

medical referrals. CTWC patients are asked

to discuss health care options with a CTWC

provider to ensure informed decisions can

be made about care. Only CTWC providers

can set the medical priority level for services

and make necessary referrals.

For emergency or urgent care, patients

are required to notify the CHS program

within 72 hours from date of service

or date admitted. Notification can be

provided to the CHS Program by calling

(360)709-1725 or (360)273-5504.

Patients are required to inform outside

health care providers of private insurance

coverage, including coverage by the

Chehalis CHS Program.

If you have any question, call the CHS

office at 360-709-1725.

Behavior Health Program Phone

Number Has Changed

The correct number for the Chehalis

Tribal Behavioral Health Program is

360-709-1733. The Program has an Office

Administrator who is available to answer

phone calls, make appointments and assist

clients. We look forward to your call!

Business Committee

David Burnett, Chairman

Don Secena, Vice Chairman

Jessie Goddard, Treasurer

Cheryle Starr, Secretary

Dan Gleason, Sr., 5th Council Member

Chehalis Tribal Newsletter Staff:

Fred Shortman, Communications

Coordinator

Articles and opinions expressed in this

publication are not necessarily the opinions

of this publication or the Chehalis Tribal

Business Committee.

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 Sands”

3

Honoring our Elders:

Lee Curtis Starr

“...learned fishing and car mechanics from his dad, and still has a passion

for building hot rods...”

Lee Curtis Starr was born in 1944 to Violet Sanders-Starr and Benjamin Starr. His

grandparents on his mother’s side are Andrew Sanders and Lucy Simmons. On his father’s

side are Phillip Starr and Army Starr from Muckleshoot.

He is the second oldest of his 10 brothers and sisters: Amil Starr, Sr., Benjamin Starr,

Beatrice Christensen, Wilma Graciano, Laura Starr, Starla Starr, and Lucille Starr. Amanda

Starr, Betty Starr, and Louise Starr are deceased.

Lee met his wife, Frances, through the Shaker Church. They have been married for 43

years, and have one son, Lee B. Starr, and two daughters, Leah Secena, and Eloise M.

Starr. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Lee grew up on the Chehalis Reservation

on South Bank Road and lived there for

most of his life. His parents taught him

about respecting elders. When he was

young, he would split and haul wood to keep

the Shaker Church and mess hall warm.

Lee remembers playing outside the Tribal

Center while adults attended meetings. He

also remembers the Tribal Days Baseball

Tournaments. There were ball games and

dances. Men would gather around the oak

tree to play bone games. “Those were good

old days,” says Lee.

Some of his childhood friends were Artie

and Gary Smith. When they were teenagers

they would work at Drew Berry Farms in

Gate City to earn gas money. The money

enabled them to go to drive-in movies and

baseball tournaments. “Life was simpler

back then,” says Lee.

When he was 12, Lee learned how to fish

from his father under Sickman Ford Bridge.

Lee and his brothers made extra money

packing the fish from the river to the top of

the bridge. They caught a lot of fish back

then, and didn’t get much money for them.

He also learned how to hang and mend

nets, as well as to respect the river. When

he turned 16, his father allowed him to

establish a fishing ground above the bridge.

Years later when his mother passed away,

Lee inherited her fishing grounds.

In his teen years, Lee worked for Johnny

Benn learning how to train and care for

his race horses. It was special to travel

with Johnny and Maggie Benn to the horse

races in Spokane and Portland. He helped

feed, water and care for the horses. He was

also assigned to cool down the horses after

racing. He says he thoroughly enjoyed it and

made a few dollars.

Lee attended the Oakville School until

10th grade. School was a struggle and living

with such a large family, Lee needed an

income. He started helping his mom build

a home on South Bank Road where Starla

lives now. He enjoyed working alongside

Percy Youckton. He also helped build

houses on the Skokomish Reservation with

Lesley Beckwith. They also helped build

Mildred Secena, Maynard Starr’s, and

the tribal housing homes on Tahown and

Lacamus Lanes.

Later on, Lee worked in different

logging camps alongside Mike Simmons.

As a logger he traveled to Canyon River

in Gridsdale, and Lake Quinault learning

different aspects of the logging trade from

operating a cotton brother to choker setter.

He also learned to run a skidder and handled

dynamite to blow up stumps to create water

holes.

In 1959 his mother built a fish house on

their property, and became the fish buyer

for Strittmater Fish Company. This business

enabled the Chehalis tribal fisherman to

bring their fish in to sell. She did this for a

long time. Lee’s brothers and sisters helped

with this family business.

This commercial fishery caught the eye

of the Washington State Fishery. The state

claimed it was illegal for the Chehalis Tribe

to fish throughout the year, and that the tribe

needed to follow the laws of the state. In the

1970s Lee’s mother and Strittmater went

to court against Washington State Fisheries

over our fishing rights. They won in a court

decision, and were therefore pioneers in

establishing the Chehalis Tribe’s fishing

rights. Their efforts set the stage for our tribe

to exercise its fishing rights today.

Lee’s parents were always looking for

business opportunities to support their

family. They operated a smoke shop on

Lee and his wife Francis

met at the Shaker Church.

They’ve been happily

married for 43 years.

Authority. He has worked for the department

their property from 1976-78. They also

for 20 years as a maintenance man and

sold fireworks. The fireworks enterprise

plans on retiring next year. “It will be nice

was like the fish selling business: it caught

to spend more time with my family and

the attention of the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s

grandchildren,” says Lee.

Department.

Lee says, “The tribe has grown a lot

Lee remembers law enforcement

in many ways…building the Lucky Eagle

coming in and confiscating their fireworks.

Casino, EOT gas stations, Great Wolf

Afterwards they received permission from

Lodge, and other buildings. The children

Ruth Penn to sell fireworks on her property.

have many resources available to them,

They took the fireworks to her property and

more than we had when I was in school.

sold them out of the back of their truck.

Some of it is good. Some of it is bad. It’s

Like fisheries, the tribe wanted to

would be nice to see our children grow up

regulated itself, and started the process

and make something of their lives and do

of rescinding Public Law 280 which

something good, and not be a statistic. With

removed State criminal jurisdiction on the

the decline of the fish runs, the tribe needs

Reservation and return the authority to the

to continue figuring out ways to supplement

Tribe.. We have come a long way since the

the runs. It’s nice to see the tribe is building

groundbreaking efforts of Lee’s parents and

a hatchery. Hopefully the next generation

other tribal members.

will see the benefits.”

During many years of his life, Lee

worked alongside his dad learning to be a

mechanic. His ability and knowledge

allowed

him to start

building hot

rods. Buying

them and

fixing them up

is one of his

great joys that

he learned from

his dad. Now

he’s passing

on his passion

of building and

working on cars

to his son, Little

rses.

ny Benn’s race ho

hn

Jo

ith

w

ed

Lee.

lp

ken

Lee (far right) he

this 1961 photo ta

in

e

rs

ho

ng

ni

in

w

Lee presently

e

Dixon, and

Miracle Lady is th

The jockey is Glen

k.

ac

Tr

ce

works for

Ra

e

an

at the Spok

gry.

rtner is John Hun

the Chehalis

pa

d

an

r

le

nd

ha

e

th

Tribal Housing

Tribal Staff Profiles: Dentist and Head Start Teacher

Dr. William Elton (Bill) was

studies. He moved to Illinois

born in an Air Force family. His

and got his dental degree at the

family travelled to Libya (North

University of Illinois Dental

Africa), Illinois, Virginia,

School. Since the Army paid

Oklahoma, Utah and finally to

for his undergraduate school,

Washington.

Bill then entered the Army

Bill’s interested in dentistry

Dental Corps where he served in

started long ago. While in the

Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas,

second grade in Africa, little

Italy, Colorado, Korea, and

Dr.

Bill

Elton,

Billy went to the dentist. The

Washington.

Dentist

dentist removed a baby tooth,

While in the Army he

with its long root intact, and

received residency training in

gave it to him. The next day during recess

General Dentistry and then specialized in

Billy showed his friends his tooth. One

Prosthodontics (dental prostheses). After 26

of the boys told him that the dentist was

years he retired from the Army at Fort Lewis

tricking him, because the tooth was really

in 2004. In 2005 the Chehalis Tribe hired

a dog’s tooth. Billy knew the tooth was his

him as our dentist.

own, and thought that the other boy was

Bill says he enjoys helping the tribal

incorrect, and that he, himself, was pretty

community with their dental health, and

smart in dentistry. After that incident,

seeing everyone’s wonderful smiles. He

whenever asked by teachers what he wanted loves children, and has four children of his

to be, Billy would say, “A dentist!”

own. He has nine grandchildren.

Young Bill went to Brigham Young

When not working in the dentist’s

University, and served a two-year mission in office, Bill enjoys fishing, camping, skiing,

Chile. He married Michelle MacKay a year

landscaping, scuba diving, family history,

after returning, and finished his undergrad

and being with his wife.

My name is Tracy Mitchell and

work for the Tribal Head Start

I am the Full Day Teacher for

as a Teacher’s Aide and have

the Chehalis Tribal Head Start.

been here ever since. I worked

I grew up on a cattle ranch in

as the Aide and Bus Driver until

Melrose, New Mexico. We raised

2002. In 2002, I received my

beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and

Child Development Associate

horses. I was very active in 4H

certificate and was promoted to

and FFA for many years, showing

PM Class Teacher, and then in

horses, sheep and cattle at

2005 I was given the position

Tracy Mitchell,

fairs around the state. I also

as the Full Day teacher. I

Head Start Teacher

participated in rodeos, doing

earned my Associates Degree

barrel racing and pole bending. At age 18, I

in Early Childhood Education in 2007 from

moved to Arizona. I met my husband, Mike

Bay Mills Community College in Brimley,

Smiley, in Alaska. We have three children:

MI.

Hilary is 20, Tanner is 18, and Jesse is 16.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working for

We moved to Rochester in 1996 and I

the Head Start Program for the last 10 years

enrolled my son in the Tribal Head Start

and hope to be here for a long time. It is

Program. A few weeks later I was asked

has been a joy to watch children grow and

if I wanted a job working at the daycare.

change over the years and hope that I had

I happily accepted and enjoyed working

a hand in some part of their success. I have

there for two years. In 1998 I left to be a

made lots of friends while working here and

Classroom/Bus Aide for the Rochester Head many of you have made me feel like I am a

Start Program. I also got my CDL while

part of your family. Thank you for accepting

working there. After being there a year, I

me into your community.

was given the opportunity to come back to

2009 Paddle to Suquamish

In late May, Chehalis tribal youth participated in a practice pull from Solo Point to Owens Beach

with Squaxin, Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, and Cowlitz tribal canoes. Pictured left to right

are pulling pairs: Patrick Simmons/Asa Simmons, Heather Daniels/Kayla Teague, Kelsie Klatush/

Cheyne Youckton, Deidra Hawkes/Gordon Klatush, Frances Pickernell/Julia Lee, and Skipper

Skylar Bracero.

Feel free to join the Chehalis Canoe Family anywhere

along the canoe journey, share and learn with the canoe

families, and travel with “One Heart, One Mind” through

the Puget Sound waterways. Community support is greatly

appreciated as we practice our culture with the youth,

elders and other canoe families. This is a drug/alcohol, and

violence free journey! Everyone is welcome!

Drum Practice/Canoe Meeting: Every Tuesday, starting

June 9 at 6:30 PM at the Youth Center

Blessing of the Tulap tit Weath Canoe: Saturday, July 25 at

10 AM at the Tribal Center

Itinerary: Lummi: July 26-27; leave July 28

Suquamish: Land August 3; protocol to follow until Aug. 8.

4

Tribal Days

Tournament Summary

(continued from page 1)

headstones, weed-eat, and cut the grass that

the riding lawn mowers couldn’t get. It was

quite a teamwork effort -- people worked

alongside each other to get an important

job done. As they worked together, families

shared their memories of their loved ones

with other families. It was quite a unique

healing experience.

A fantastic lunch was provided at

the youth center with a selection

of hamburgers, hot dogs and

chicken that was provided by the

casino. Cheryle Starr, Events

Coordinator, had a raffle and

some nice gifts for everyone

who worked in the cemeteries

that day. It was hard work,

but very gratifying to see the

cemeteries well groomed for those

who visited to pay respects, pray and

leave flowers on Memorial Day.

That Good Ol’ Indian Baseball Feeling

Friday was the start of the baseball

tournament. The weather cooperated

throughout the weekend, making it an

outstanding sunny weekend. There were

11 men’s teams, eight women’s and eight

coed teams who showed up to play hardball

at Tomahawk Stadium. This year, most of

the games were held on the reservation

baseball fields and only a few games were

held at Oakville High School, making the

tournament more convenient and enjoyable.

The excitement of baseball was in the air.

You could smell the delicious foods wafting

from the food booths and hear the announcer

on the loudspeaker, the ringing of the bat as

a ball was driving into the field and the wild

cheers of the crowd.

There’s nothing like good old-fashioned

Indian baseball!

Don Secena said, “This is a great

traditional gathering. This tournament kicks

off the summer’s Indian baseball season.

It’s nice to visit with all of our friends and

family who travel from other tribes that we

don’t see often enough. Also it is Memorial

Day weekend, a special time to remember

the ones who aren’t here anymore.”

Kids Just Want to Have Fun

On Saturday and Sunday, the sound of

the siren filled the air, signaling that it was

time to start youth activities. You could see

children running towards the basketball

court anticipating the exciting activities

at the Youth Center. Tony Medina, Youth

Center Director, could be seen pulling

his wagon full of prizes to the basketball

court as children laughed and smiled in

anticipation of the prizes they could win.

With the weather being so warm, the squirt

guns were the first to go.

Great Food and Shopping

The annual fish and clam bake is

always an attraction for the Memorial Day

Weekend. The fish, clam and oyster plates

remained priced at $5.00. A delicious

seafood feast was made available for

Saturday and Sunday. The food went fast, so

when you’re here next year, don’t hesitate,

or you’ll miss out. Another awesome job

by our Vice-Chairman, Don Secena and his

group of volunteers: Mary Secena, Robert

Cayenne, Dennis Cayenne, Ray Secena,

When the final game of the tournament ended, awards were handed out to each division:

1st Place received championhship jackets; 2nd Place received hooded sweatshirts; 3rd

Place received crew neck sweatshirts; 4th Place received T-shirts; Allstars received duffle

bags; Special awards for MVP; Best Bat, Best Glove; and Best Catcher

Men’s Hardball

Darrin Jones, Tournament Director

Ang Youckton, Shannon Jones, Scorekeepers

Devon Boyd, age10, won this year’s

Eagle Award for retrieving the most

foul balls.

Jr., Fred Shortman, Shawn Ortivez, Johnny

Atkins, Lori and Mike Tovrea. Many thanks

to those who donated salads, pop and chips.

The vendors also made this tournament a

success. They provided not only food, but

Coastal Salish artwork, toys and souvenirs

throughout the tribal grounds. There was

some impressive artwork for sale: beadwork,

and cedar bark hats and baskets, as well as

crocheted items, printed shirts, hats, and

sweats.

The Elders provided breakfast, lunch

and a rummage sale at the Elders Center.

Volunteers assisted in setting up the

rummage sale.

Youth Awarded for Gathering Foul Balls

A special “Eagle Award” was handed out

to a youth who collected the most foul

balls during the weekend. This is the third

year for this little known award, which

is sponsored by Sally Pikutark. She was

inspired by the memory of how her son and

Marvin, Jr., returned foul balls many years

ago. The winner of this year’s Eagle Award

was Devon Boyd. Congratulations and great

hustle in returning all those foul balls!

A Tournament that will Live on in our

Memories

On Monday the Memorial Day Weekend

Baseball Tournament came to an end. Many

teams played enthusiastically all day. Even

though they were tired, that “never quit”

competitive spirit kept driving them to

do their best. At the end there has to be a

winner, but the good sportsmanship that all

the teams displayed throughout the weekend

was something to be proud of, making this

tournament something special to remember.

Because it was Memorial Day, there was an

ending prayer by Annie Jones honoring and

thanking all the teams and their families who

came to this annual gathering. Everyone

prayed for the safety of families as they

returned to their homes, and prayed for those

who had passed on.

Afterward, both George “Chops”

Youckton and Dale Klatush, Sr., agreed that

this was a particularly memorable Memorial

Day Weekend Tournament. “This baseball

tournament had the most people we’ve seen.

It was good to visit with families and friends

who came out and enjoyed the weekend.”

Cancer Walk (continued from page 1)

and Jo Aldrich (Chehalis). Many walkers of

all ages completed the walk.

After, the last walker finished, the raffle

began. Everyone received some kind of

prize for walking, so nobody went home

empty-handed. The best prize was being

able to walk for a cure for cancer.

We would just like to give a special

thanks to all the walkers and all the helpers.

This event wouldn’t have happened without

you and your support. Big thanks to all our

programs and vendors for the donations,

including: Lucky Eagle Casino, Great Wolf

Lodge, Tribal Enterprises, Eagles Landing

Hotel, SDIP, Native Women Wellness

Program, Language, Tribal Days vendors,

and Business Committee. There was even

more that donated. Thank you all for making

Summer Youth Workers

Dental Care Hours

Wanted!

The Chehalis Tribe and Lucky Eagle

Casino are looking for summer

youth workers. There is criteria

to qualify for the summer youth

positions, so contact the below

numbers if you are interested.

Contact Chehalis Tribal Human

Resources at 360-273-5911

Contact Allison Carter at the Lucky

Eagle Casino Human Resources at

306-273-2000 ext. 223

1st Place- Little Boston Pistols

2nd Place-Little Boston

3rd Place-Nisqually

4th Place-Young Bloods

A reminder to all patients of the Chehalis

Tribal Wellness Center Dental Program:

We are open for late appointments on

Mondays. The CTWC is open from 9:30

AM-6:00 PM Mondays only. This late

day helps patients get appointments after

school and work. There are still late

Monday dental appointments available—

call 360-273-5504 for an

appointment today!

Tuesday-Thursday Dental Hours are

8:00 AM-4:30 PM

The Little Boston Pistols from Port Gamble S’Klallam won the men’s

hardball championship jackets. They lost the first championship game,

and won the second game defeating the other Little Boston team.

Women’s Slow Pitch Softball

Cheryle Starr, Tournament Director

Carla Thomas, Diana Pickernell,

Scorekeepers

1st Place-Natives (Returning Champs)

2nd Place-Muckleshoot

3rd Place-LaPush

4th Place-New Blood

The Lady Natives returned and defended their championship. They

were able to defeat Muckleshoot in the championship game (11-1).

Congratulations go to: Amy, Sandra, “G”, Norm, Laria, Leesa, Treen,

Sharon, Maxie, Dora, Melissa. Way to play outstanding baseball, ladies!

Sorry, no photo available.

Coed Slow Pitch Softball

Cheryle Starr, Tournament Director

Carla Thomas, Diana Pickernell,

Scorekeepers

1st Place-Taholah

2nd Place-Muckleshoot

3rd Place-LaPush

4th Place-New Blood

Taholah (in blue uniforms) won the championship, and Muckleshoot (in

orange) had to play all day to finished the second. It was a great day for

baseball!

Thanks to

Volunteers!

Cheryle Starr sends out a special thanks

to all the volunteers who contributed

to making this weekend so successful:

Tournament directors, umpires and

scorekeepers; Darrin Jones and Angie

Youckton for running the Men’s Hardball

Tourney; Carla Thomas for helping run

the Women’s, and Coed Tournament;

announcers, Chubby Pickernell made it

for Saturday and Steve Medina; grounds

keepers, Ray Secena, Jr., and Amil Starr

Jr.; clean up crew, Carla Thomas, Geo Jack,

Ethan Wittwer, Cheyne Youckton, Devon

Boyd for all their hard work; umpires and

scorekeepers, Any Zaidy, Casey Pickernell,

Chet DeLamater, Tony Youckton, Joey

Fulton, Doug Davis, Wayne Barr, Darrin

Jones, Corey Sullivan, Roger Sullivan,

Shannon Jones, Ray Lopez, Rueben Lopez,

Jerry Youckton, Carla Thomas; Youth Center

activities, Tony Medina, Marla Medina and

Teresa Pannkuk; Tournament Preparation,

Carla Thomas, Angie Youckton,

and Joyce Thomas.

Pictured from left to right are:

Nora Ortives (Lil’ Miss Head

Start), Emily Pickernell (Lil’

Miss),Malena Canales (Jr.

Miss),Deidra Hawkes (Miss

Tribal Days).

Draft a Will Clinic

At the Wellness Center

June 22, 10AM - 2:00 PM

Are you an Elder age 60 or over? Would

you like to get help with drafting a will? If

so, The Northwest Justice Project will be

conducting a Will Clinic here at the Chehalis

Tribal Wellness Center. There is a will packet

and you will need to get an Individual Trust

Inventory Report (ITR) or Trust Inventory

Report from the BIA and bring it with

you. This will be a one hour appointment.

Schedule one by contacting Christina Hicks,

Community Health Coordinator at

360-709-1741 or email chicks@chehalistribe.

Head Start

Graduation

at the Youth Center

June 26

starts at

5:30 PM

Everyone is invited. Come join

us in celebrating our Head Start

graduates. Any questions contact Lloyd

Commander at 360-273-5514.