The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, ‘People of the Sands’ (2021)

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, ‘People of the Sands’

CHEHALIS

January-February 2021

inside

Help ease toddler troubles / 6

K-12 seeks grad information / 7

Robert “Bob” Wertz obituary / 7

February-March birthdays / 8-9

Rental assistance / 10

Lucky Eagle Casino welcomes

new Hotel Manager / 10

Powerhouse nettles / 12

TRIBAL

NEWSLETTER

FIND HISTORY, HERITAGE, RESOURCES AT CHEHALISTRIBE.ORG

COVID-19 updates

Raffle, vaccine rollout and

Wellness Clinic numbers

pages 2-3

Women’s heart health

Employees wear red to

support worthy cause

page 11

Housing

mainstay

retires after

35 years

Expansion

helps to fill

clinic need

Virginia ‘Dolly’ Canales

saw major developments

during tribal tenure

New space offers negative air

pressure to prevent infectious

disease spread along with

overnight rooms, trauma

area, ambulance entrance

Chehalis tribal member and

prominent community elder

Virginia “Dolly” Canales recently

retired from the Chehalis Tribal

Housing Authority following her

35-year tenure with the program.

Dolly began her career as a

counselor on Feb. 1, 1985. She

explained that the program was

classified as Public Housing when

she first started. It eventually

switched to Tribal Housing,

meaning services were only

available to Native American

people. When the transition

happened, Dolly took on a new

role in Tenant Services.

“Housing is a very important

component of the tribe because

everybody needs a place to live,”

Dolly said.

See RETIRES, page 5

INSIDE: Tiny Homes purchased with Cares Act funds

offer emergency housing near Wellness Center / 4

A

portion of the Centers

for Disease Control and

Prevention grant funding

received by the Chehalis

Tribe was used to build a 3,500

square-foot expansion to the

Wellness Center.

Funding provided to states

and tribal governments is

assisting in COVID-19 recovery

through relief efforts such as

testing to combat the disease.

The clinic addition is one of

the tribe’s main responses to

the pandemic and includes a

reception area, five exam rooms,

an emergency dental office, a

trauma room and an emergency

ambulance entrance.

The AHBL engineering team

collaborated with KMB architects

to design the new space. The

two companies are completing

numerous building and design

projects for tribes across the

Pacific Northwest.

AHBL published an article

on its website that provided

additional details on how many

entities were granted COVID-19

response funds and more

information about the Wellness

Center’s expansion.

The project was scheduled

to be complete in February.

Manufacturing and supply

delivery delays caused by the

See EXPANSION, page 12

Virginia “Dolly” Canales celebrates

her retirement with Daniel “Bones”

Gleason and Joan Martin.

2

COVID-19

WHAT ARE VACCINES?

Vaccines are medicines that help “teach” our bodies how to recognize and fight

diseases. After receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, your body will develop protection

against the coronavirus. This is called immunity. Vaccines are one of the most

important public health measures ever developed. Because of them, most children

in the U.S. are protected from childhood diseases – saving thousands of lives.

WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COVID-19?

There are three Covid-19 vaccines available,

made by the pharmaceutical companies

Pfizer, Moderna (two doses; depending on

which vaccine, the second dose is given three

or four weeks apart) and Johnson & Johnson

(single dose).

Pfizer and Moderna are about 95% effective

against Covid-19 for all races, genders and

ages! The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 85%

effective.

It is much better to be vaccinated than to get

sick with Covid-19 because the disease can

have serious, life-threatening complications

and there is no way to know how it will affect

you. If you get sick, you also could spread the

disease to your family and loved ones.

Why two doses?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require

two doses to achieve their full protection.

Research has shown that the vaccines are

only about 50% effective after the first shot

but are 95% effective two weeks after the

second shot. Getting both doses is important

to keep you safe.

AFTER YOUR SHOT

GETTING THE VACCINE

You can get your vaccine at the clinic or

drive thru.

When you are scheduled for your vaccine,

expect to spend up to an hour, depending

on the location. First, you might be asked

questions to make sure it is safe for you

to receive the vaccine, including “Are you

feeling sick” or “Have you had another

vaccine (not for Covid-19) recently?” You

will be told which vaccine you will receive

and your clinician can answer questions

you might have about it. Because the

supply of vaccines is still limited, you will

not be able to request a specific vaccine.

Once you get your shot, you will be asked to

wait for 15-30 minutes before leaving. This

is required by the CDC for your safety. If

you are feeling anxious, you can stay longer.

Before leaving, you will be given a CDC

Vaccination Record Card which you must

keep and bring when you get your second

dose. If you haven’t already scheduled an

appointment for your second dose, you will

receive information on how to do so.

Keep planning to stay safe.

The day we can stop wearing masks and

hug our family and friends is coming, but

until the majority of the population is

vaccinated, we need to keep wearing masks

and socially distance to keep ourselves, our

family and our communities safe.

After being vaccinated, scientists do not

know whether you could still be carrying

the virus, even if you feel fine. You could

also get sick while your body is building its

defenses. You might unknowingly pass the

virus to someone who hasn’t received their

vaccination, yet. Wearing your mask and

social distancing will help prevent that. If

you feel ill, stay home and call your clinic.

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Let family and friends know that you have

received the vaccine! Some people may be

skeptical or concerned about the vaccine.

Hearing or seeing positive stories about

getting the vaccine might encourage them

to get vaccinated and help stop Covid-19!

By getting vaccinated, you are helping in

the fight against the pandemic by keeping

yourself, family and community safe. Thank

you!

BUILDING PROTECTION

Mild side effects, such as tiredness,

headache and muscle pain can happen

but they usually go away in a few days. If

you have any of these symptoms, don’t be

alarmed, it means your body is building

protection against the virus! Many people

report no side effects at all. If you do have

concerns, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

HERD IMMUNITY

Herd immunity (also called community

immunity) is when enough of the population

is immune to a disease, it cannot easily

spread to people who are not immune.

Achieving herd immunity is usually done

through vaccines, like the polio vaccine.

That way people do not have to become sick

to acquire immunity.

Many scientists, including Dr. Anthony

Fauci, believe that around 75%-85% of the

population will need to be vaccinated to

achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

LEARN MORE

For detailed information about the

three current vaccines, go to cdc.gov/

coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines.

3

RAFFLE

WELLNESS CENTER COVID-19 STATISTICS 3/2020-2/2021

To enter: Get your first

COVID-19 vaccination shot

through March 31 to be

entered into the raffle.

Raffle day: On April 1, we will

hold raffles for these age groups:

n 18-35

n 36-50

n 51-65

n 66 and older

Vaccines bring hope to community

It’s been a little while since

our last Chehalis Tribal Wellness

Center COVID-19 update. No

doubt, the journey to this point

has been long, however the light is

at the end of the tunnel.

To those who have lost loved

ones or have experienced the

severity of this novel virus, we

mourn and grieve with you.

For the many who have had

only mild symptoms or have

successfully managed to stay safe

and COVID-free until now, let us

congratulate and celebrate each

other.

During the past month and

half, the Chehalis Wellness Center

joined the medical community

in celebrating a major milestone

of this pandemic: We started

providing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Although not a cure, the Moderna

vaccine has been proven to be

effective in preventing major

complications from COVID-19.

These include organ failure, heart

problems, respiratory distress,

blood clots that can result in

hospitalizations and death.

The following information is

current as of Feb. 19:

n Since December 2020, we

have vaccinated 1699 individuals.

n In February 2021, we had a

total of seven positive Covid-19

tests with four on the reservation.

Households were successfully

isolated/quarantined and the virus

was contained.

n Since March 2020, we have

had 98 positive COVID-19 tests

with a high majority of those

being non-tribal employees or

patients living off of the Chehalis

Reservation.

n Since March 2020, we have

had 2,794 negative COVID tests.

Prizes: Those eligible in each age

group will have the chance to win

one of two Safeway gift cards

valued at $200 each!

We want to encourage all

Chehalis tribal members and

those in their households who are

18 and older to get the COVID-19

vaccine.

If you have received your first

shot, you are already entered into

the raffle.

Many tribal members are still

unvaccinated. We encourage

everyone to get the vaccine,

which helps “teach” our bodies

to recognize and fight specific

diseases. Once fully vaccinated, it

is important to continue to wear

your mask, wash hands often

and practice social distancing.

You can still carry the virus and

unknowingly pass it to others.

Appointments: To receive a shot,

call the clinic at 360-273-5504.

Contact: For raffle questions,

contact Community Wellness

Manager Christina Hicks at

360-709-1741 or chicks@

chehalistribe.org.

4

Tiny homes, sizable purpose

Spaces to provide temporary

housing for tribal members

facing COVID-19 quarantine

This winter, the Chehalis Tribe

acquired six new tiny homes for

emergency housing during the

ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The new homes were purchased

with Cares Act funds and are located

behind the Chehalis Tribal Wellness

Center. They are equipped and ready to

house those in need.

Utilities Project Manager Brian Von

Cluck with the Planning Department

led the project. He said the units will

provide temporary emergency housing

for community members impacted

by COVID-19 who need to be in

quarantine or isolation.

“They offer everything that a regular

house offers,” Von Cluck said.

The homes, purchased from Tiny

Heirloom in Portland, feature:

n Bathroom with a toilet, shower

n Kitchen area with sink, oven/

stovetop, microwave, Keurig coffee

maker, table space

n Flat screen TV

n Bed space

n Washer-dryer combination

All of the units are insulated and

have air conditioning and heating.

Planning developed the site by

having electricity, water and sewage

hook-ups installed. Everything in the

home is designed ready to help meet

specific community needs.

The tribe purchased six houses:

three 26-foot single-bedroom homes

that are already on site and three

30-foot homes with a single bedroom

and upstairs loft which are being

customized and shipped during the

next upcoming weeks.

After the pandemic, the Tribal

Government will determine where the

homes will be placed and the purpose

they will serve.

The Chehalis Tribe

purchased six new tiny

homes, which will offer

emergency housing for

tribal members impacted

by COVID-19. The homes

provide a comfortable stay

in well-appointed spaces

featuring items such as a

washer-dryer, coffee maker,

TV and tribal table decor.

5

Dolly explained.

It’s important to continue

traditions and tell stories to

younger generations so they are

aware of the “struggles to preserve

the tribe for them,” she said. She

hopes younger tribal members will

help bring back those values and

carry on the traditional ways.

RETIRES

From page 1

Filling a need

Through the decades, she

helped out in pretty much every

area of the Housing Authority.

“I did a little bit of everything,”

Dolly said.

She collected rent payments,

verified income, processed

paperwork, assisted move-ins,

ensured houses were taken care of

and conducted inspections to help

keep the reservation drug-free.

Dolly even stepped up to

fill in several times when the

director position was vacant

and temporarily managed daily

operations as deputy director.

She took part in the

commissioning process with the

U.S. Department of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD) to

build the first tribal housing for

the Chehalis people. This involved

acquisition of land, building and

maintenance of the homes.

She also was part of a program

that helped provide downpayment assistance for individuals

ready to buy homes. This was

a way for Housing to extend its

services to a larger demographic of

tribal members.

Learning experience

“I’ve always been a part of the

tribe,” Dolly said.

Both her mother and stepfather

served on the Chehalis Tribe’s

Business Committee during Dolly’s

childhood. She can recall when

she would attend General Council

meetings with her parents and

siblings and the children would sit

quietly while the adults met.

When she was old enough,

Dolly was glad to be able to be a

part of the General Council and

join various committees. She

used it as a learning experience to

acquire knowledge from elders who

were involved in the development

of the tribe. She also gained an

understanding of the purpose that

each committee served.

Dolly was on numerous boards

since the 1970s and was Chehalis

Tribal Chairwoman for multiple

terms during the late ’70s and

early ’80s. She said things were

not the way they are now.

“It’s very different,” Dolly

said, “We didn’t have that many

employees. A majority of our

money was grant money.”

This meant the Business

Committee had fewer ventures

to oversee. As with the rest of the

Tribe, the Planning Department

Virginia “Dolly” Canales bids farewell to her decadeslong work for Chehalis Tribal Housing Authority.

wasn’t fully developed during that

time and funding was sparce.

Other committees Dolly

volunteered on include Elders,

Enrollment, Enterprise, Fisheries,

Heritage & Culture, Head Start

and Personnel.

Dolly was a member of the

Justice Committee, which is no

longer active. She also helped

lead and took great pride in the

Indian Action Team Program

(also inactive). Individuals were

trained in certain fields/ and

trades that could lead to potential

careers, such as construction and

education. Dolly remembers that

during construction training,

participants learned how to read

blueprints and perform electrical

and plumbing work to obtain the

skillsets to build and remodel

houses.

Tribal growth

The tribe had a major

development stage in 1995 when

Lucky Eagle Casino opened for

business. Dolly acknowledges that

the casino and Chehalis Tribal

Enterprises has impacted the tribe

by providing its people jobs and

opportunities for financial growth.

“We weren’t prepared for the

difference that it was going to

make within our tribe … so, we

kind of had to learn the hard way,”

Dolly said about taking on new

operations during major tribal

development periods.

The casino and tribally owned

‘The part I’m

going to miss

is working

with the

individual

people. I’m A new path

Now that she is officially

going to miss retired,

Dolly said, “The part I’m

being able to going to miss is working with the

individual people. I’m going to

talk to them miss being able to talk to them

and listen to them. I always took

and listen

time to visit with them.” She

enjoyed being able to provide

to them.’

businesses produced revenue

for the Tribal Government and

enrolled members. Dolly said

this was the moment when the

Chehalis tribe and its leaders had

to make adjustments. Income was

used to form departments and

programs that provide services for

tribal families.

One of the services Dolly wishes

more enrolled tribal members

would utilize is the Higher

Education Program. She would

like to see more of the younger

generation go off to college, pursue

a degree and bring that knowledge

back to the Chehalis people.

Changing times

Dolly said the extra money

from the casino and enterprises

has caused the tribal people to

lose part of their traditional ways

that made them “Chehalis.” She

acknowledges that the earnings are

very beneficial, but she remembers

a time when the tribe didn’t have

many resources and had to work as

a community to survive.

“We all had to work together as

a group,” Dolly said. “I remember

a time when we had to pay dues

every month.”

Tribal members would attend

the General Council meeting and

pay the Treasurer. She explained

that is how they made sure their

electricity bill was paid. Back then,

the tribe didn’t need to worry

about as much because the only

facility they had was the Tribal

Center.

Dolly said she believes

members have “lost part of what it

meant to be able to work together

as Chehalis tribal people.” She said

it seems most people aren’t willing

to do anything without receiving

payment in return. “So, we are

losing the values that go along

with how we used to do things,”

assistance to those in need of a

home.

Dolly was so actively involved

in her work that she didn’t have

time for many hobbies.

Although she isn’t working

anymore, Dolly still gets up

routinely at the same time

every day. She plans to use her

retirement to organize documents

and photos she has accumulated

through the years.

Dolly said one thing that

remains consistent is that she

never misses a Gonzaga University

men’s basketball game.

Still involved

She still plans to be involved

with tribal operations. Now

that Dolly is on the outside

looking in, it allows her to notice

previously overlooked matters.

She understands that the Business

Committee has a focus on certain

endeavors, but living on the

reservation and being a part of the

community enables her to view

certain needs from a different

perspective.

Dolly is looking forward to

better times when the COVID-19

pandemic is under control and

people can get back to living

normal lives. Dolly highly

anticipates the moment when the

tribe can start having gatherings

and annual ceremonies.

She wants the Chehalis Tribe

to continue moving forward and

plan for the future by setting

goals. Dolly encourages younger

tribal members to buy a home

while they are young and working

so they don’t have to worry about

rent upon retiring.

Housing operates underneath

HUD requirements and calculates

rent based on household income,

which Dolly explained has gone up

dramatically because of the tribe’s

economic growth and increased

annual stipend for its members.

6

FAMILY

Understanding your toddler’s frustration

Tips to reduce stress

Because toddlers are still

learning all about cues and only

starting to understand the right

words to communicate, they often

get upset and frustrated when

they:

n Can’t have something desired

n Are unable to communicate

needs

n Feel overwhelmed or tired

n Can’t move the way he or she

wants

Here is a prime example of

how toddlers feel frustration and

how you can help curb the upset:

If you won’t let her hold a toy she

reaches for in the store, she will

think you don’t understand what

she wants so she’ll use a bigger

cue! She’ll point, stretch her body

toward the toy and make more

noise. She may start to climb out

of the cart as she gets louder and

exploring with their fingers. Your

toddler must use his hands to

touch, hold, pick up and even

throw things. Sometimes, he

won’t eat unless you let him

feed himself. Practicing during

mealtimes can be messy and

frustrating for parents but it is

very important to give him a

chance. Have a towel nearby for

quick clean up.

louder. As hard as it is to deal with

a screaming toddler, if you let her

hold the toy when she screamed

for it, she will learn that screaming

and getting out of the cart is the

best way to get toys.

Your own response can have

a big effect on your toddler’s

behavior.

n Toddlers are growing more

slowly. He may eat more food one

day and less the next day. He will

not always eat as much as you

expect. Try not to worry when he

doesn’t seem hungry.

n Toddlers need to practice

n Set regular meal and snack

times and routines. Close the

kitchen between meals and snacks

except for water. Sitting with him,

limiting noisy distractions and

having a mealtime routine can

help your toddler stay focused.

Structure is key

Your child thrives with

routines. Here are a few tips that

can make the day easier:

RESTORE BALANCE

WITH VIRTUAL YOGA

WHO: Chehalis tribal members/community members

WHAT: Michelle, owner of JoonBug Yoga, is offering

virtual yoga videos. All you have to do is press play!

WHERE: Find the videos at chehalistribe.org

WHEN: Videos are updated monthly and range from

beginner to intermediate levels.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Yoga mats and blocks are available

for pick up. First come, first served.

CONTACT: Domestic Violence Advocate

Samantha Sandstrom at 360-789-3627

or ssandstrom@chehalistribe.org.

DONATE NOW

Help for pets

Nonprofit agency serves Chehalis,

Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Squaxin

Island and Skokomish tribal

communities

THANKS TO DONATIONS, WE OFFER:

n Animal rescue

n Adoption

n Spay/neuter

n Emergency

vet care

253-370-6392, rezanimals.com

7

OBITUARY

Robert ‘Bob’ Wertz

Pandemic EBT

for School Year

2020-21 is

coming soon!

What are

Pandemic EBT or

P-EBT benefits?

Due to COVID-19, children

who are eligible for free

or reduced-price school

meals will get extra food

benefits. These food

benefits are called P-EBT.

March 27, 1950–Feb. 9, 2021

Footprints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach

with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For

each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in

the sand. One

belonging to him

and the other to

the Lord.

When the last

scene of his life

flashed before

him, he looked

back at the

footprints in the

sand. He noticed

that many times

along the path of

his life, there was

only one set of

footprints.

He also

noticed that it

happened at the very lowest and saddest times of

his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned

the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow

you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have

noticed that during the most troublesome times

in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I

don’t understand why when I needed you most

you would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious

child, I love you and I would never leave you!

During your times of trial and suffering when

you see only one set of footprints, it was then

that I carried you.”

P-EBT benefits help

Washington families buy

food when schools are

closed or have reduced

in-person attendance.

Who is eligible?

Children are eligible for P-EBT benefits if:

• Their school is closed or has reduced in-person

attendance hours.

• They are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

How do families apply?

When will P-EBT cards arrive?

Great news: Families don’t have to apply for

the P-EBT Program! If your child is eligible for

free or reduced-price school meals, they may

automatically qualify. Families should ensure

their current mailing address is on file with the

child’s school and are encouraged to fill out a

school meal application if their child doesn’t

get free or reduced-price meals already.

Eligible children should expect to receive a

notice by late March, which will contain more

information. The P-EBT card will be mailed

separately in the following weeks.

How much will families get?

Benefit amounts vary depending on the

learning model of their child’s school for each

given month. The monthly benefit amount will

range from $25 to $123.

What does the P-EBT card

look like?

Watch the mail

for a card that

looks like this!

The P-EBT card

is separate from

and doesn’t

replace a food or cash (Quest) EBT card.

How are P-EBT cards used?

P-EBT cards can be used like a debit card to

buy food in most grocery stores and farmers

markets, or to buy food online at Amazon or

Walmart.

Will families get a new P-EBT

card each month?

No, families should keep each child’s P-EBT

card. The first issuance will include benefits

for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year

through January 2021. Additional benefits may

be issued to the card every two months through

the end of the school year for as long as the

COVID-19 public health emergency continues.

Visit dshs.wa.gov/PEBT to learn more!

If you need this information in another language,

call the P-EBT Contact Center at 833-518-0282.

Families are encouraged to participate in

Grab-n-Go school meals even if they have

P-EBT benefits.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

In loving memory of

Robert “Bob” Wertz

ATTENTION: K-12 SEEKS INFORMATION ABOUT GRADUATING SENIORS

This is a friendly reminder that graduation is

right around the corner!

The Chehalis Tribe will honor class of 2021

graduates this spring with a dinner and

recognition ceremony.

If you know of community or tribal members

that will graduate this spring, please contact

the K-12 program to ensure the

student is on the list of graduates.

The ceremony is subject to change

contingent on COVID-19 restrictions.

To share information or need assistance,

please contact JJ Shortman at 360-709-1749

or Jodie Smith at 360-709-1897.

8

FEBRUARY

BIRTHDAYS

JENIFER BIRD

ALBERT ORTIVEZ III

MICHAEL BOYD

ALBERT ORTIVEZ-HICKS

DARYL BOYD JR.

MEADOW OWENS

DARYL BOYD SR.

SABRINA OWENS

KELSEY BRAY

KILYNN OWENS

VIRGINIA “DOLLY” CANALES

BAILEY PARKINSON

LUKE CAYENNE

CHASE PEREZ

LINKIN CHARLES

STEPHANIE

PICKERNELL

JOURNEE CHARLES-CAYENNE

TOMMY COLSON

LAYNE COLSON

MARLA CONWELL

LOIS POLING

AMY POTTER

BONNIE QUIRKE

STEVEN CORTEZ-NAPOLEON

JENNIFER REVAY

LEVI DUPUIS

JOSEPH REVAY

MARY DUPUIS

RITA RIVERAHERNANDEZ

NORMA FLORES

XAVIER FLORES

TIMOTHY GARZA

MAGGIE GLEASON

TOM HAYDEN JR.

THOMAS HECK

KIMBERLY HECK

SHADOW HERNANDEZ

HALISA HIGHEAGLE

LILIA HOHEISEL

ALAYNA JESPERSEN

MACKENSIE JONES

SHYLOH KINKADE

TYLER KLATUSH

HEATHER KLATUSH

KAREN LECLAIRE

CHARLOTTE LOPEZ

ZEDIKIAH SANCHEZ

SUSAN SANDERS

CATHERINE SECENA

RAYMOND SECENA

SHAYLAH SEYMOUR

FRED SHORTMAN

ATTICUS SIMMONS

PATRICK SIMMONS JR.

JERRIE SIMMONS

LAURA STARR

CHERYLE STARR

MEI-LIEN TANNER

CHRISTOPHER TEAGUE

CARLA THOMAS

STAR THOMAS

SHARON TOLBERT

BRADYN LOPEZ

MARIAH VASSAR

RAY LOPEZ

KESAWIN WASHBURN

YEVGENI LUKIANOV

RYAN WHITE EAGLE JR.

CHOAN MACDOUGALL

DAKOTA WILKINS

DAKOTA MARCELLAY

RILEY YOUCKTON

SHELBY MCCRORY

STEVIE YOUCKTON

AALYAH MEDDAUGH

COLETON YOUCKTON

TERRY MIDDLETON

ZAYDEN YOUCKTON

CATHERINE NEMETH

KAYDEN YOUCKTON

DEVIN OLNEY

ANDREA YOUCKTON

9

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

JAYLYNN ALBERT

SEAN ALLEN

ANTHONY ANDREWS

ALEXIS BECKWITH

KAMI BECKWITH

TYSON BLACK

JOHN BLACKETER

MERCEDES BRACERO

ANTHONY BROWN

DEVIN BOYD

FALISITY BUMGARNER

ARICK BURNETT

DAVID BURNETT

JOSHUA BURNETT

SARRA BURNETT-LISLE

MORE WISHES

Garrett Hicks: Happy 31st

birthday. You’re making your

Momma old love you son!

Mathew Reynolds: Twenty

years old. Wow! Your family is

proud of you and loves you!

Noah Snell: Happy 10th

birthday. You have hit double

digits! Hope your birthday is

the best. We love you, Mom,

Dad, Cameron, Adrian and Eli.

Quinten Canales: Happy

8th birthday Qman! Love

Dad, Gramma and Choopa.

STEVE BURNETT

JASON CANALES

QUINTEN CANALES

Annie Jones: Happy birthday to my beautiful momma! Love your

daughter. Quinten Canales: Happy 8th birthday Q-man. Love Dad,

Gramma and Choopa.

LINDA CARPENTER

ALLISON CARTER

HAEZEN CHARLES-CAYENNE

JACE CAYENNE

JOSEPH CHARLES

ROSE CHOKE

JACK COLSON

NORMA DANIELS

AMY DEHART

DEDE DEVLIN

TREVOR DUPUIS

TINA EBLING

CARRIE EHMKE

Lola Secena-Fergusen:

Happy 6th birthday! Love

Mom, Dad, brothers and

sisters. Mel Youckton:

Happy birthday from

your children and

grandchildren.

MATHEW ESSELSTROM

TERRI FARRIER

TED GLEASON

NATASHA GODDARD

RANESSA GODDARD

JEFFREY LECLAIRE

NADIE MCALISTER

JERRY MEAS

TRES MEDDAUGH

EMILY ORTIVEZ

YOLANDA ORTIVEZ

WILSON PICKERNELL

STELLA POGUE

RICHARD REVAY

SIENA REVAY

MATHEW REYNOLDS

ANGELINA SANCHEZ

JAY SANCHEZ JR.

JEREMY SANCHEZ

ZANDER SANCHEZ

AUGUST SECENA-SANDERS

CHRIS SECENA

KYLEE SECENA

LOLA SECENA-FERGUSEN

AMY SHIVERS

JEFFREY GOMEZ

BRENT SIMMONS

VICTORIA HANNA

NOAH SNELL

JIM HAYDEN

ANASTASIA STARR

GARRET HICKS

BEV STARR

COLBY HIGHEAGLE

VINCENT VISAYA

CIARA HOWE

CHARLOTTE WEBER

JACEE HOYLE

SKYLAR WHITE EAGLE

ANDREAS JACOBS

NATHAN WITTWER

RAVEN JOHN

DEREK YAWN

ANNIE JONES

AARON YOUCKTON II

COLLEEN KLATUSH

DAVID YOUCKTON

DALE KLATUSH

GUY YOUCKTON

OLIVIA LATCH

MEL YOUCKTON

CYLLUS LEAL-YOUCKTON

ARIELLA ZAYTSEV

10

Emergency rent, utility assistance is available

Chehalis Tribal Housing

Authority is happy to announce

it is offering an Emergency

Rental Assistance Program.

Program funds from the

Department of Treasury

became available March 1.

CTHA is accepting

applications for the program

and can aid with past, current

and future utility bills and rental

payments to eligible households.

To receive emergency rental

assistance, households must

have at least one individual who

qualifies for unemployment or

has experienced a reduction in

household income, incurred

significant costs or experienced

a financial hardship because of

COVID-19.

CTHA can provide

emergency rental assistance

to any eligible household,

regardless of where occupants

live or tribal status. To learn

if your family is eligible based

on federal income limits, go to

GET AN APPLICATION

Contact Chehalis Tribal

Housing Authority at

360-273-7723 or email

criffe@chehalistribe.org.

HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS ON CHEHALIS RESERVATION

FAMILY SIZE

1

2

3

4

5

6

INCOME BELOW $37,700 $43,100 $48,500 $53,850 $58,200 $62,500

huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/

il2020/select_geography.odn.

CTHA will distribute

funds based on eligibility

and availability of funds.

Preferences are as follows:

n First preference will be

given to eligible households that

have at least one family member

who is a Chehalis tribal member.

n Second preference will

be given to eligible households

that have at least one family

member who is a member of an

Indian Tribe.

n Third preference will

be given to all other eligible

households.

Returning team member committed to service

Stormi Sanchez takes on Lucky Eagle Hotel Manager role

Dear Team Members,

It is with great enthusiasm that I

announce Stormie Sanchez as the new

Hotel Manager. Stormie has a passion

for providing great guest service which

has been refined with years of experience

both at Lucky Eagle Casino, as well as

at the Chehalis Tribe’s own Fairfield by

Marriott in Grand Mound.

He first started at Lucky Eagle

Casino & Hotel in January 2014 where

he journeyed across many departments

including Food & Beverage, the Call

Center, Promotions & Events, Players

Club and Slots.

During his first tenure at LEC&H

he took on progressive responsibilities

culminating with him serving as a

supervisor. In 2018, he left LEC&H to

serve the Chehalis Tribe at the brandnew Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Grand

Mound as a Front Office Manager.

Stormie is excited to re-join the team

members here at LEC&H as he considers

WIC THROUGH SPIPA

them as family. During his first tenure

at LEC&H he established relationships

with our guests which he is looking

forward to re-ignite.

I am very excited about the passion,

commitment to service, positive energy,

and contributions I know that Stormie

will make to the Lucky Eagle Casino &

Hotel Team in his new Leadership role.

Please join me in Congratulating him

and welcoming him back to the property

the next time you see him.

Sincerely,

Ben Scholl

Stormi

Sanchez

USDA food program

9:45 A.M.-1:30 P.M. MARCH 25 COMMUNITY CENTER

Breastfeeding help, health

education, checks to buy food

and services referrals

NEXT DATE: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

April 8 at the Wellness Center

CONTACT: Debra Shortman at 360-709-

1689 or wicnutrition@spipa.org

Remote phone appointments through

at least May because of COVID-19

South Puget Intertribal

Planning Agency’s

program offers an

assortment of food to fill

your freezer, refrigerator

and cupboards

CALL: Debra Shortman, 360709-1689 or 360-438-4216

11

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Employees wear red to support women

Heart disease doesn’t affect only

men. Each year, one in three women

die of heart disease and stroke. We

can change that. Eighty percent of

cardiac events can be prevented with

education and lifestyle changes.

As part of a national campaign,

Chehalis tribal employees wore red on

Friday, Feb. 5, to raise awareness and

help save lives.

When it comes to beating heart

disease and stroke, change can be the

cure. Five numbers that all women

should know to take control of their

heart health are: total cholesterol,

HDL (good) cholesterol, blood

pressure, blood sugar and body mass

index (BMI). Knowing these numbers

can help women and healthcare

providers determine their risk for

developing cardiovascular diseases.

Chehalis tribal staff members wore red on Feb. 5 to help bring awareness to heart disease.

BLOOD PRESSURE

HEART ATTACK

WARNING SIGNS

Signs vary between

men and women. If

you have any or a

combination of these

symptoms, dial 9-1-1.

WOMEN

Before your blood pressure is taken:

n No smoking, exercise, caffeinated beverages or

alcohol for five minutes before and sit still in a chair.

n Make sure cuff is the right size and wrap it above the

bend in the elbow and against skin (not over clothing).

MEN

MORE INFORMATION

To make a change, donate at 800-AHA-USA1

or goredforwomen.org org.

CONTACT US

For more information about health and wellness

resources, contact Community Wellness

Manager Christina Hicks at 360-709-1741 or

chicks@chehalistribe.org.

CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

The Confederated Tribes

of the Chehalis Reservation,

‘People of the Sands’

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Articles and opinions expressed

are not necessarily those of this

publication or the Chehalis Tribal

Business Committee.

TRIBAL CENTER

SUBMISSIONS

We encourage tribal members

to submit letters, articles,

photographs and drawings to

be considered for publication

in the newsletter (materials are

subject to editing). Contributing

writers, artists and photographers

include Chehalis tribal community

members and staff.

Frazier Myer, Audra J. Hill and the

Information Technology Team

Main line: 360-273-5911

Address: 420 Howanut Road

Oakville, WA 98568

Office: 360-709-1726

Fax: 360-273-5914

VISION STATEMENT

To be a thriving,

self-sufficient, sovereign

people, honoring our past

and serving current and

future generations.

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

chehalistribe.org

Harry Pickernell Sr. Chairman

LeRoy Boyd Sr.:

Vice Chairman

Sheilah Bray: Treasurer

David Burnett: Secretary

Jason Gillie:

Fifth Council Member

© copyright 2021

The Chehalis Tribal

Newsletter is a

publication of the

Confederated Tribes

of the Chehalis

Reservation

12

Stinging nettle packs a punch

Stinging nettle is an herbal medicine

used across the nation by Indigenous

peoples. It can be found around rivers or

a body of water in wooded areas. We have

used this medicine for many purposes for

centuries.

From page 1

COVID-19 pandemic slowed down finalization

of the building. The updated timeline for

construction completion is April 1.

Safety precautions

Benefits include

n Vitamins A, C, K and B

n Minerals, such as calcium, iron,

magnesium, potassium and sodium

n Amino acids, antioxidants defend cells

against damage

n Help with inflammation such as

arthritis

n Lower blood pressure

n Healing properties that help with

wounds

n Help with asthma, eczema, fatigue,

low lactation, seasonal allergies, type 2

diabetes, and hair, teeth and bones

Around February is the best time to

gather this medicine. When you harvest

nettle, it’s important to be careful. Wear

thick gloves to prevent stingers from

touching the skin and use scissors to avoid

injuring the plant, allowing it to continue

to grow.

Once nettle is gathered, blanch it in

boiling water for just a couple of minutes

to get rid of the stingers. After blanching,

you can freeze nettle

or use fresh in a

meal. It also can be

air dried. The leaves

and stingers will fall

off this way, though it

is a lengthier process.

Stinging nettle can be

added to various food

EXPANSION

Karen Klatush harvests stinging nettle on

the Chehalis Reservation.

dishes. Leaves, stems and roots can be used

to make soups, salads, smoothies and even

a cake. The possibilities are endless. When

dried, leaves, flowers and roots make a

delicious tea.

After fully grown, stinging nettle also can

be gathered and prepped to make

weaving material. Cut

nettle at the bottom

of the stalk, tear off

leaves and hang it upside

down until dry, waiting for

stingers to fall off. When it’s

fully dry, another option is

to re-soak the nettle and

pull/split the fibers away

to reveal twine for weaving.

The expansion will serve as a makeshift

hospital to provide medical attention for those

in need. CTWC Director Denise Walker said the

decision was based partly on the fact that regular

hospitals have been overcrowded. This makes it

difficult for individuals to receive help for medical

issues.

The addition is designed to be a hospital for

patients who are not in critical condition yet need

to be seen overnight. Each of the rooms have

bathrooms and smart TVs along with negative

air pressure to help stop the spread of infectious

diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis.

This eliminates the potential transfer of airborne

infections to medical providers and other patients.

The expansion offers an option for tribal and

community members who don’t want to wait in

the hospital to be seen for less critical medical

issues such as IV fluids to help bodily functions.

Plans for future needs

After the pandemic is under control and

guidelines are lifted, the tribe plans to potentially

use the enhancements for urgent care and patients

who are sick. A trauma room and ambulance

entrance are also included in the design to better

meet the needs of these specific patients. This will

help staff separate patients with illnesses from

those who are seeking routine healthcare needs

such as an annual physical or exams.

Additionally, the Wellness Center has converted

a meeting room into the tribal pharmacy to

continue filling medicine prescriptions. The

updated design features a walk-up window that

allows patients to pick up medications without

entering the building.