THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBE (2024)

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBE

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WWW.PGST.NSN.US

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360-297-2646

| DECEMBER 2024

PGST Signs Agreement with Kitsap County Allowing

Police Enforcement Against Non-Indians on Reservation

Left to Right: Christine Rolfes (Kitsap County Commissioner, District 1), PGST Chairwoman Amber Caldera,

Katie Walter (Kitsap County Commissioners, Dsitrict 3), Charlotte Garrido (Kitsap County Commissioner, Distrist

2), and Kitsap County Sherrif John Gese

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has reached an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Kitsap County to allow

tribal officers to deal with immediate law enforcement

and public safety needs on and near the PGST Reservation. The ILA was signed by Chairwoman Amber Caldera during the Kitsap County Commissioners meeting

on Monday, November 25.

As a general rule, before this agreement, PGST police

could not arrest non-Indians on or near the reservation

under Washington state law. They could only temporarily

detain and wait for a Sheriff’s deputy to take further action.

When it was not possible for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s

Office (KCSO) to send a deputy, PGST police would be

forced to release suspects to avoid unlawful detention.

“The ILA and protocols enable PGST to better protect

public safety, authorizing tribal police officers to enforce

state law against non-Indians even when a Sheriff is unavailable,” said David Robinson, PGST Attorney. “The

effects of the ILA and protocols are most likely to be felt

at the Casino, Gliding Eagle, and other community and

governmental areas that are exposed when the Sheriff

can’t respond or is unable to respond fast enough.”

The ILA closes a public safety gap that has existed

between the jurisdictions of the PGST police and

KCSO. It is intended to allow PGST police to protect

the PGST community against smaller Washington state

crimes and misdemeanors. More serious offenses, such

as murder, will still be presided over by KCSO.

~ILA

Continued on page 5

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| DECEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

PGST Vision Statement

Our vision is to achieve the full potential of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal sovereign nation to be selfsufficient, proud, strong, healthy, educated and respected.

PGST Mission Statement

The mission of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is to exercise sovereignty and ensure self-determination and

self-sufficiency through visionary leadership. We will ensure the health, welfare and economic success of a

vibrant community through education, economic development, preservation and protection of the rich culture,

traditions, language, homelands, and natural resources of our Tribe.

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

31912 Little Boston Road NE

Kingston, WA 98346

Telephone: 360-297-2646

Fax: 360-297-7097

Website: www.pgst.nsn.us

Email: info@pgst.nsn.us

Tribal Council

Amber Caldera, Chairwoman

Matt Ives, Councilman

Chris Tom, Vice Chairman

Kyle Carpenter, Councilman

Renee Veregge, Councilwoman

Donovan Ashworth, Councilman

Entity Directors

• Kelly Sullivan, Executive Director

• Greg Trueb, CFO

• Tamara Gage, Administrative Director

of Tribal Government

• Destiny Oliver, Administrative Director

of Tribal Services

• Eric Croft, Interim Chief Executive

Officer, Noo-Kayet

• Sam Cocharo, General Manager,

The Point Casino

• Nic'cola Armstrong, Executive

Director, Tribal Gaming Agency

• Andrea Dolan-Potter, PGS Foundation

Executive Director

• Kara Horton-Wright, Port Gamble

S'Klallam Housing Authority

Executive Director

This newsletter is a product of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.

For advertising inquiries or to submit items for publication,

please contact Ginger Vaughan at ginger@vaughancomm.com.

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Noo-Kayet Investments: Highlights from Our

Annual Community Gathering

Article provided by Noo-Kayet Investments

•

Hello, PGST community! We’re excited to share the highlights

from our annual PGST Community Gathering event, which

took place on Wednesday, October 23rd, at The Point Casino

Hotel. Noo-Kayet Investments (NKI) hosted this gathering to

update everyone on our organization and the remarkable entities

we manage on behalf of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.

•

Our event kicked off with an engaging discussion led by Eric

Croft, NKI’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, alongside Alicia

Fulton, the Interim Chairperson of NKI’s Board of Directors.

They introduced several new faces who are joining our NKI

Team: Michael Arnette as General Counsel, Yong K. Kwon as

Chief Financial Officer, Joe Lipari as IT Director, Evan Mills as

HR Director, and Chuck Wallace as Safety and Emergency Coordinator. A special shout-out goes to long-time employee Kelly

Bauch, who has taken on the new role of Gliding Eagle Market

Store Manager!

During the presentation, we shared some exciting financial news.

NKI and its entities have had a fantastic year, with growth over

the past four years enabling us to fund numerous projects that

benefit both NKI and PGST. The profits and taxes we collect

go directly back to the Tribe each month, helping us all thrive

together.

One of our standout initiatives, the Tribal Development Program, is making waves in the community! Managed by Jonelle

Grady, this program is dedicated to hiring and promoting PGST

members within NKI, along with supporting entrepreneurial

endeavors for those who want to start or grow their businesses. We currently have one approved business and three pending

LLCs, and we’re in talks with Kitsap Credit Union to enhance

loan availability and establish NKI’s own Community Development Financial Institution Fund (CDFI).

If you’re a PGST member interested in the Tribal Development

Program or need assistance in building your business or advancing your career, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jonelle Grady at

360-655-5492 or via email at jgrady@noo-kayet.com. We’re

here to help!

We also shared several updates during the meeting:

• The Point Market (formerly Kountry Korner) is nearing the

finish line on renovations and is set to reopen in 2025 as a

recruitment and training center for NKI entities, along with

a dealer academy for The Point Casino.

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Our “credit/debit only” gas pumps at The Point Market

complex have proven to be a profitable venture!

NKI entity, Miller Bay Properties, has successfully closed on

a 14-acre property north of the Casino. We’re currently evaluating the best use of this land, with ideas ranging from retail opportunities to community housing and RV facilities.

Exciting progress is being made on the new Eagle’s Nest

Espresso! Architectural design work is complete and construction is expected to begin before the end of the year. The

official groundbreaking ceremony occurred on November

26, 2024.

The Gliding Eagle Market Deli, under the management of

O’Donavan Monk, has seen a surge in sales thanks to a revamped menu.

We’re enhancing the Gliding Eagle Market with upgrades

like new security cameras, landscaping, and paving, with

more cosmetic improvements coming in 2025.

Ascension’s Clean Green-certified products are now available in over 20 stores, receiving fantastic feedback from customers.

High Point is thriving with rapidly increasing sales, boosted

by our new daily store hours from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight.

We’re considering an exciting remodel of the Little Boston

Bistro inside The Point Casino, featuring a new Asian cuisine menu.

NKI is also exploring a potential expansion of The Point

Casino, which could include more slot machines, a banquet

center for up to 600 guests, additional dining options, and

a new administration building.

The presentation wrapped up with an inspiring vision for The

Point Development Master Plan. Our goal is to create a walkable, community-oriented experience that connects The Point

Casino and Hotel with the Warrior Ridge subdivision, all while

honoring the rich history and character of the Port Gamble

S’Klallam Tribe. Stay tuned for more information as we move

forward!

We invite all PGST members to join us during the “Open Comments” section of our Board Meetings, held on the fourth Thursday of each month, as well as during Tribal Council Meetings.

If you have any questions or concerns about NKI or its entities throughout the year, please feel free to reach out to Interim

CEO Eric Croft at ecroft@noo-kayet.com.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community! We look

forward to continuing to grow and thrive together.

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| DECEMBER 2024 |

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PGST Health Center Awarded Health Equity Zones

Grant to Better Support Members in Five Counties

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Community Health Center

has been awarded $200,000 per year for two years by

the Health Equity Zones Initiative, which is managed

by the Washington State Department of Health.

Health Equity Zones (HEZs), supported by the 2021

signing of Senate Bill 5052, are communities within a

specified geographic area. They have limited access to

health care and face other challenges that negatively

affect health outcomes. Recognizing that communities

impacted by health inequities are often best suited to

find solutions, HEZs identify concerns specific to their

community and develop projects and strategies to

address these issues.

Currently, PGST members living outside Kitsap County are ineligible for the Tribe’s Purchased and Referred

Care (PRC) program and face barriers to accessing

healthcare due to a lack of insurance, high deductibles,

or copays. In addition, third party providers typically

do not recognize PGST culture, customs, and values

that can impact health. HEZs funds will allow the

Health Center to expand the PRC program and access

to specialty care for all members.

The PGST Community Health Center applies a holistic, integrated, whole-body approach to health,

focusing on harmony of the mind, body and spirit. By

utilizing a social determinants of health screening with

every patient, they can identify underlying problems—

including mental health and substance abuse challenges—and offer proper treatment.

The PGST Community Health Center applied for

HEZs funds to support tribal members within the

five-county area—Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason,

and San Juan—identified under the enrollment eligibil- To schedule an appointment with the PGST Commuity expansion passed earlier this year.

nity Health Center, please call 360-297-2840.

ILA, Continued from Cover

The signing of the ILA opens a new chapter in partnership between PGST and Kitsap County. It came about

through the hard work of internal staff, including PGST

police and attorneys and KCSO representatives. Jeffrey

Menge, Chief, Patrol Division, KCSO, was particularly

helpful throughout the collaborative process.

“PGST and Kitsap County have shared law enforcement

interests and history. The ILA and protocols reflect our

shared concern in protecting public safety on and near

the Rez,” said Robinson.

While the ILA affords PGST police more authority

over non-tribal individuals on and near the Reservation,

KCSO and Kitsap County are not afforded any tribal authority in exchange.

At left: Chairwoman Caldera signs the ILA agreement between PGST and Kitsap County

PAGE 6

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Culture Column: Celebrating Native American Heritage

Month: A Vibrant Showcase of Culture and Community

Engagement

Our involvement also extended to the Strong People,

Strong Artists Exhibition in Port Angeles, where we

celebrated the artistic talents of S’Klallam/Klallam artists from all four bands of the

Artists

including Kaylee Edwards, Chris Jones, Aaron Newman, Jacob Sullivan, and Eric Tom helped create an

unforgettable evening enriched with stories, songs, and

a vibrant celebration of our language,

as well as our artistic traditions. The exhibition served

as a powerful reminder of the beauty and diversity of

Native artistry.

Artist Eric Tom with the carved mask on display at the

Field Arts and Events gallery

As we reflect on a bustling Native Heritage Month, the Cultural Resources Department is proud to share the incredible

work we’ve accomplished together within our Tribal community. A heartfelt shoutout goes to our Canoe Family and

S’Klallam Royalty, who made significant strides in representing our Tribe at our three local schools. Their efforts in

sharing songs and stories have fostered understanding and

connection with our non-Native neighbors, enriching our

community’s cultural tapestry. Below is a link to the NKSD

Facebook page, where you can see the Canoe Family share

one of our social dances with Kingston Middle School:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=569586292383353.

In addition to our local initiatives, our team attended the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and

Museums (ATALM) Conference in Palm Springs.

This annual gathering is dedicated to the vital work

of restoring and repatriating artifacts and remains of

Native peoples, while also providing essential support for artists and cultural programming. ATALM,

as an international non-profit organization, plays a

crucial role in maintaining a supportive network for

Indigenous programs, offering culturally relevant services, and fostering collaboration between tribal and

non-tribal cultural institutions. At the conference, we

were particularly inspired by the presentation from the

Heronswood Botanical Garden, which showcased the

remarkable work on the S’Klallam Connections Garden, honoring over 2,000 years of S’Klallam culture. A

special shout out goes to Debby Purser and Ross Bayton for their outstanding representation of the good

work being done, as they highlighted our commitment

to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage

on such an esteemed platform.

We were honored to have traditional teacher Gene

Jones Senior share his generational knowledge of preparing and preserving chum salmon to smoke using

locally resourced wood. Hands up with thanks also

go to Eric Tom who cut, chopped and stacked all the

wood for us. Appreciation also extends to our Salmon

Hatchery team for always assuring the salmon return

surplus is shared with the community to carry on food

traditions and cultural sustainability.

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PAGE 7

A chum salmon smoking class taught by Gene Jones, Sr.

In honor of Rock Your Mocs Week, we hosted several

engaging classes that allowed community members to

connect with their heritage. Established in 2011, Rock

Your Mocs is a worldwide initiative that celebrates Native

American and Indigenous Peoples’ culture through the

simple act of wearing moccasins. Participants shared their

experiences and photos online using the hashtag #RockYourMocs, creating a vibrant global photo album that

showcases the rich traditions of Native communities.

Due to the intricate nature of beadwork, we offered three

“Bead Your Mocs” classes led by the talented Roxanne

Hockett, alongside three “Make Your Mocs” classes where

attendees crafted their own moccasins. These sessions

were not only educational but also a joyful celebration of

our shared heritage.

an eye out for upcoming classes and events that will further celebrate our culture and community. Together, we

will continue to nurture and share the vibrant traditions

that define us.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, learn, and

celebrate our rich cultural heritage!

For questions, please stop by the Cultural Resources

Building or reach out at (360) 297-9656.

The Culture Team - Laura, Misty, Alicia, Rowan

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the

community for their unwavering support.

A special

thank you, goes out to Roxanne Hockett for her dedication and creativity in making these classes accessible, enjoyable, and enriching.

As we look to the future, we encourage everyone to keep

Chris George shows off his new beaded moccasin

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| DECEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Around The Rez

Opportunities and announcements for the S'Klallam Community

Chronic Wasting Disease

Identified in Washington

salvagers to be aware of new rules regarding testing and transport. If you harvest

or salvage deer, elk, or moose in GMUs

Washington’s first case of Chronic Wast- 124, 127, or 130, you are required to

ing Disease (CWD) has been confirmed submit to WDFW the whole head with

by Spokane County, Game Manage- at least three inches of neck attached,

ment Unit (GMU) 124.

or extracted lymph nodes, within three

days of harvesting or receiving a salvage

CWD is a fatal illness of cervids, which permit.

include white-tailed deer, black-tailed

deer, mule deer, elk, and moose in Washington. The disease is caused by mutated proteins known as prions, which can

Basic Needs Support

contaminate the environment and be

Applications Deadline on

transmitted between animals through

December 13

their feces, saliva, urine, and other bodiAttention

PGST Entrepreneurs! Port

ly fluids.

Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Council has

It is important for hunters and road-kill approved Basic Needs Support in the

amount of $4,000 for every enrolled

PGST member aged 18 and above.

Applications are available from

the Front Desk or via a form on

the website in the Members Only

section found at https://pgst.nsn.us/

basic-needs-support/. If you do not

have a login, please visit www.pgst.

nsn.us/member-sign-up.

Paper applications should be returned to the Black Box in front

of the Tribal Center. Applications

handed to staff will not be processed.

The deadline for applications is Friday,

December 13 by 4:30 pm PST.

After 30+ years of service, we

celebrate Kathy Purser Sullivan

in her retirement! Thank you,

Kathy, for your service all these

years. Best of luck in your coming adventures and endeavors!

Congratulations!

Photo credit: Port Gamble S’Klallam Jobs

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PAGE 9

H A P P Y BIRTHDAY

PAGE 10

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

...to everyone celebrating in DECEMBER!

December 1

Stormy Clausen

Tristan Combes

Lenard Jackson

Joziah Knight

December 2

Brett Decoteau

James Ives Jr.

Gordon Najera Jr.

Jeminia Tom

December 3

Anthony Bailey

December 4

Keith Fundak

Aiyanna Hlavinka

Sharon Ives

Aspen Olney

December 5

Kristan McCray

Lily Moff

December 6

Bradley Abad

December 7

Bear Fulton

Clancy Ives

Rigel Mosher

Loretta Traxel

December 8

Amanda Countryman

Phillip Fulton

Brayden Jackson

December 9

Tauna Clausen

Halle Purser

Angela Straw

Hawa Tunkara

December 10

Dana Folz

Chelsi Hunt

Oliver Lacosta

Xavier Redbird

Brooke Weedman

Larry Wooster Jr.

Alison Fulton

Heather George

Lawrence George

Victoria Jackson

Jennifer Janas

Daryl Sullivan

Nicholas Sullivan

December 11

Marion Ives

Branden Kelliher

December 18

Bryce Decoteau

Bronson Folz-Edwards

Destiny Jeffreys

Gabrielle Turnier

December 12

Lisa Brandt

Daniel Decoteau Sr.

Bruce Decoteau

Jericho Hanson

December 13

Karalee Crawford

Janice Givan

Christopher Jones

Lelaina Knight

December 14

Maleri Ashworth

Marlo Charles

Kalista Flores

Matthew Oliver

Christina White

December 15

Hoksila Archambault

Tonya Bray

Mychal Oliver

Michael Sullivan Jr.

Leanna Tom

December 16

John Aikman

Cody Najera

Leeann Rogers

December 17

Marie Anderson

David Ensslin

December 19

Lori Joseph

Joseph Oliver

Jordan Purser

Elisha Stark

December 20

Jack Grady

Nathaniel Lehman

Dawn McElroy

Sarah Wheeler

December 21

Taylor Purser

Joseph Scheibner

Greyson West

Fred Woodruff III

December 22

Keith Fulton

Bridgette Hart

William Ives

Julius Jackson

Ricky Sullivan

Morgan Veregge

December 23

Damien Charles

Terrance Seachord

December 24

Shelby Bray

Forrest Holtyn

Jack Knox

Cyrene Tooze

Aiyana Wellman-Merritt

December 25

Alysia Anderson

Samuel Bidtah

Tina Murphy

Debra Payne

December 26

Zachariah Adams

Clara Jackson

Tracy Seachord

December 27

George Jones

Hope Jones-Calhoun

Deanna Lund

Sawyer Purser

December 28

Jonathan Black

Kira Moran

Jaxson Reynolds

December 29

Jo Ann Decoteau

Ashley Osterman

Anthony Pinkston

Calvin Williams

December 30

Britney Weedman

December 31

Rondi Harria

Matthew Jones

Wanda Medina

Matthew Tom

Lisa Weicht

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| DECEMBER 2024 |

PAGE 11

CHECK IT OUT AT YOUR LITTLE BOSTON LIBRARY

COMMUNITY NEWS— We are open 10 am to 6 pm

Monday-Thursday, Fridays 10 am to 5 pm and

Saturdays 10 am to 2pm. Call 360-860-5080 to

place a hold, make a curbside appointment, or

speak to staff person.

The library will be closed

December 24 & 25th.

Join Us @ the Library!

• December 3 @ 1:00 pm – Little Boston 1st

Tuesdays Book Group

• December 4 @ 10:00 am – Little Boston 1st

Wednesdays Book Group

• December 4, 11, 18 @ 1:00 pm – Crafternoon

• December 5, 12 @ 11:30 am – Family Storytime

• December 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 2:00 pm – Puzzle

Club

• December 6 @ 11:00 am – Little Explorers

• December 11, 18 @ 3:30 pm – Read to a Dog

• December 16-21 @ 10:00 am – Take & Make:

Noisemaker Craft

Reading Recommendations

• Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig

Rice (Anishinaabe – Wasauksing First Nation):

In this gripping stand-alone literary thriller

set in the world of the award-winning postapocalyptic novel Moon of the Crusted Snow,

a scouting party led by Evan Whitesky ventures

into unknown and dangerous territory to find a

new home for their close-knit Northern Ontario

Indigenous community more than a decade

after a world-ending blackout. (Fiction • Book

• 2024)

•

An Indigenous Present by Jeffrey Gibson

(Choctaw/Chippewa): Renowned Indigenous

artist Jeffrey Gibson gathers more than 60

contemporary artists - musicians, filmmakers,

architects, writers, photographers and designers

- in this landmark volume, showcasing diverse

approaches to Indigenous concepts, forms and

mediums. The artists highlighting this book

present an increasingly visible and expanding

field of Indigenous creative practice. (Nonfiction

• Book • 2023)

Magazines

• Vogue publishes 10 times per year.

The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity

style, fashion week updates, and popular culture

reviews.

• Country Living published monthly

Country Living is an American lifestyle and home

magazine.

Focuses on:

·

food

·

home renovation

·

home decor

·

DIY and country lifestyle

Services

Get a Library Card: Any resident of Kitsap County

can get a library card!

• Apply In Person: Anyone can apply for a library

card if they live or work in Kitsap, or live in an

area of Washington state that provides library

service. Visit your favorite Kitsap Regional

Library branch and request yours at the front

desk, simply provide a photo ID and proof of

address.

• Apply Online: All Kitsap residents can gain

instant access to downloadable ebooks,

audiobooks, expansive research databases

and more (www.krl.org/contact).

Lost Your Card? We can help! Reach out any time

online (www.krl.org/contact) or visit your local

branch and we will help you get a new card.

See you at the Library!

PRSRT STD

U.S.POSTAGE

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Kingston, Wash. 98346

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TIDE TABLES FOR PORT GAMBLE, WASHINGTON

DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025