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

| SEPTEMBER2024

Northwest Horticultural Society Honors

Tribe for Stewardship of Heronswood

Left to Right: PGST Council member Matt Ives, NW Horticultural Society President Sashi Raghupathy,

staff gardener Debby Purser, NW Horticultural Society First Vice President Tanya DeMarsh-Dodson, and

Heronswood’s Garden Director Dr. Ross Bayton

On Sunday, August 18, members of the Northwest Hor- comed a new chapter in the life of the beloved Garden. In

ticultural Society (NHS) celebrated the Port Gamble recent years, several new offerings have been introduced,

S’Klallam Tribe’s stewardship of Heronswood Garden.

including an outdoor classroom connected to the multicultural Traveler’s Garden, and the S’Klallam ConnecAbout 100 members of the renowned gardening collective tions Garden with its emphasis on native plants traditioncame out to tour the garden and take part in an honoring ally used by PGST.

presentation that included remarks from NHS President

Sashi Raghupathy and Tanya DeMarsh-Dodson, the or- The NHS ceremony, which took place in the Traveler’s

ganization’s First Vice President.

Garden, began with a “Happy Song” performed by Joe

Price and PGST Councilmember Matt Ives.

For garden lovers all over the world, Heronswood, with

its vast plant collections, is a symbol of horticultural di~HERONSWOOD

versity. The Tribe’s purchase of Heronswood in 2012 welContinued on Page 7

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| SEPTEMBER 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

| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

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| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Judy DeCoteau Retires

working with the families. She has watched generations

of young women grow into adults and have their own

families. Judy provided mentorship, support and guidance to her clients, and developed lifelong friendships

with them.

One of her favorite memories is working with the moms

who were struggling, and watching them succeed.

Judy’s support for these families is evident, they come to

her to visit and update her on their lives. I am sure this

will continue in her retirement. In a survey the Together for Children Team conducted with the young moms

Judy worked with, here are some of the comments:

“A great resource that everyone should take advantage

of. They really help in any way possible. I would have

struggled so much more without this resource available.

WIC, gas vouchers for appointments, nutritionist, the

food bank, diapers, a car seat, a pack n play, potty training tools, sippy cups for weening from the bottle, books

and so much more.”

Judy DeCoteau

By Cheryl Miller

Judy DeCoteau has retired from the tribe after 14 years as

the Maternal Child Family Support Specialist.

Judy was hired on June 10, 2010 at Children & Family

Services and has been a valued member of the CFS family, serving families, young mothers and the babies, whom

she adored!

Judy has worked with generations of families and their

babies. She originally started in 1979 as a CHR, working

with Auntie Dorothy George and Thelma Fulton. Over

the course of her career she has worked in many positions for the tribe. Her favorite positions has always been

“They helped me through all my struggles with all my

kids”

“Very family/community oriented and involved.”

“They are there to genuinely help with no judgment on

the amount of knowledge you have about parenting.

Judy is an awesome listener and has a lot of experience

with all types of children at different ages. I feel very

comfortable at my visits with Judy and always leave

feeling more confident with a smile on my face.”

Judy will be missed in the Together for Children Program and at CFS, but will always be a member of the

CFS family. I will personally miss dancing with Judy in

the hallways, all the laughs and all of our talks. On behalf of all of Judy’s co-workers and friends we wish her

the very best in retirement, enjoy the time with Bruce,

your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren!

Love you Judy!

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

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Culture Department Announces Exciting

Upcoming Community Events

S’Klallam Living Language Book Signing and Bingo Night

Join us for a celebration of the S’Klallam language! Several

Tribal members have contributed to recent publications,

and we’re hosting a book signing to recognize their valuable

work. After the signing, we’ll have a Klallam Bingo Night,

where participants can win resources that promote the continued use of

in our community.

Don’t miss this chance to support our language and those

who work to preserve it.

Written By Alicia Fulton

Photos By Laura Price

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Culture Department

is excited to announce the beginning of a series of engaging community events in the coming weeks. These

events, designed to celebrate and strengthen our cultural

heritage, and celebrate the unique customs that make us

Smoked Salmon Class

Get ready to learn the art of traditional smoked salmon preparation! The Culture Department is planning

multiple classes, with dates to be confirmed soon. This

hands-on experience will ensure that participants can

learn this important skill while enjoying the bounty of

our local waters. Keep an eye out for the official savethe-date notice.

Regalia Making for Royalty Court Selection

In collaboration with the Youth Department, the Culture

Department will host a special day dedicated to making

regalia for the upcoming Royalty Court selection. This

is a wonderful opportunity for our young ones aspiring

to represent the S’Klallam People. This role is a significant honor, as our royalty welcomes guests and relatives

during important events and represents our community

at various gatherings.

Suicide Awareness Month

Mark your calendars for September 18th, when the Culture

Department will partner with the Prevention Department

for a special event in honor of Suicide Awareness Month.

This community-focused gathering will highlight the healing power of S’Klallam culture and resilience. It’s an important opportunity to come together and address this

critical issue through our shared traditions and strengths.

Stay Connected

As we finalize the dates for these events, we’ll post updates on the Tribal website and Facebook page, as well as

through community text alerts. You’re also welcome to visit

the Cultural Office for the latest information or to share

your suggestions. For more details, contact Rowan Bunich,

Cultural Program Assistant, at 360-297-9656 (rbunich@

pgst.nsu.us), or Alicia Fulton, Cultural Program Manager,

at 360-297-9657 (aliciaf@pgst.nsn.us).

Stay tuned, and we look forward to seeing you!

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| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

PGST Elders Trip to Talking Stick in Scottsdale, AZ

The PGST Elders trip to Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona is from September 29, 2024 through October 3, 2024.

on Alaska Airlines. and will arrive in Seattle at 5:40

PM

The trip is less than a month away and here is reminder

information and details for attendees:

On October 2, 2024, we will be taking a bus to the Salt

River Pima Tribe to play their elders in chair volleyball and

share a meal with them.

• We are staying at the Talking Stick Resort.

We are providing rides to and from the airport and need to

• We fly out of SeaTac on September 29, 2024 at 11:48 know how many Elders will be needing a ride.

am on Alaska Airlines and will arrive in Phoenix at

2:42 pm.

We will leave from the Tribal Center at 7:30 AM on September 29th via shuttles/vans like last year.

On September 30, 2024, from 1-3 PM we have reserved a

room at the resort to allow the elders to have a conversation If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Miller, 360with Tribal Council Members.

689-7958 or cmiller@pgst.nsn.us, or Danielle Folz, 360297-9662 or danielle@pgst.nsn.us.

• We fly out of Phoenix on October 3, 2024, at 2:30PM

Closures Coming to SR104 in Port Gamble

From September 15 through October 11, 2024,

SR104 in Port Gamble will be closed from 6 pm to

6 am, Sunday through Thursday nights. No work is

planned for Friday or Saturday nights at this time.

During the day, SR 104 will be open with a single-lane alternating traffic controlled by temporary

traffic signals.

This closure is necessary to complete essential infrastructure improvements being undertaken by Rayonier/Raydient. Representatives from the company

say they are making every effort to minimize the

impact on traffic in the area. Please see the map for

closures and possible detour locations.

If you utilize SR104, especially for school, work,

or other essential purposes, please make alternative

plans to navigate around the area during closure

periods and be prepared for possible delays during

daytime hours.

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

PAGE 7

HERONSWOOD, Cont. from Cover

Left: Council member Matt Ives and Joe Price welcome visitors to Heronswood with a Happy Song

Right: Dr. Ross Bayton, Heronswood’s Garden Director speaks at the honoring event

Heronswood Garden Director Dr. Ross Bayton then

welcomed the gathered crowd, recognizing the Garden’s

successes and acknowledging the challenges ahead: “In

2012, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe made a bold decision with impressive foresight to restore the garden. A

lot of work has been done, but there is a long way to go

to develop the land for the future. I’m looking forward to

what’s to come.”

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” said DeMarch Dodson in her remarks. “Heronswood is a great

example of a public garden and what the Port Gamble

S’Klallams have done with this garden is remarkable.

They took the remnants of what Heronswood was and

have turned it into an international garden that showcases

plants, educates on culture, and engages the public.”

Over the last few years, visitors and memberships to the

garden have experienced strong growth. This has been, in

part, due to the opening of new gardens, increased open

days, and an expanded events calendar, along with a robust marketing effort that has included renewed public

outreach and several features in the Seattle Times, among

other significant publications.

In 2023, under the guidance of PGS Tribal Council, the

Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation, which oversees Heronswood’s operations, kicked off an exploratory campaign

to gauge interest and feasibility for an events center that

would allow for additional events, rentals, and cultural

gatherings.

Heronswood Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am

to 3 pm through the end of October. Upcoming events

She added: “The public recognition (of the Tribe) is long include the Autumn Plant Sale (Sept. 14), Wine & Wanoverdue.”

der (Sept. 25) and Haunted Heronswood (Oct. 18 & 19).

PGST community and Heronswood Garden members

On behalf of PGST, Ives accepted a gift of a Garry Oak get in free to the garden and receive free or discounted

from NHS to symbolize the organization’s gratitude. The access to most events.

tree will be planted at Heronswood, near the Traveler’s

Garden, with an inscribed plaque that reads: “In recog- For more information about Heronswood, please visit

nition of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s stewardship www.heronswoodgarden.org.

of Heronswood Garden and in appreciation that they are

sharing it and their heritage with the greater community,

the Northwest Horticultural Society gifts this Quercus

garryana.”

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| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Around The Rez

Opportunities and announcements for the S'Klallam Community

Fall General Council:

Saturday, October 5

All enrolled Port Gamble S’Klallam

Tribal members aged 18 and older will

receive assistance of $300 per quarter

Fall General Council is scheduled for

upon completion of the application. ApSaturday, October 5. The meeting will

plicant must be at least 18 years old by

begin at 9 am with breakfast at 8 am.

This change impacts youth benefits such the last days of a calendar quarter in oras Extra-Curricular Scholarships, Driv- der to receive a payment for that quarter.

If you would like to submit an agenda ers Education Assistance, 0-5 Clothing

request, please get it in by Friday, Sep- Assistance, K-12 School Clothes, School The deadline for applications for the

tember 13 at 4:30 pm. Forms can be Supply Assistance, and the Summer current quarter is Monday, October 7,

found from the Front Desk.

Work Program.

2024 at 4:30 pm. No exceptions will be

made.

All PGST members who are able to attend are encouraged to make time to do

Applications must be emailed to vouchso. Meeting a quorum ensures the busi- Seasonal Family Gather- ers@pgst.nsn.us or returned to the Black

ness of the Tribe, including adoptions,

ing Assistance Program drop box in front of the Tribal Center.

can move forward.

On August 25, 2024, Tribal Council ap- Please do not hand applications to staff.

proved Policy 24-P-127, which provides

food assistance to families engaging in

including submission criCommunity Notice for Cultural socialization and exchanges in Applications,

teria and check distribution dates, are

Youth Member Benefits each change of the season. This policy available from the Front Desk or downThe eligibility requirements for Youth takes the place of the former Holiday loadable at https://pgst.nsn.us/seasonGeneral Welfare Benefits were changed Nutrition Policy.

al-family-gathering-assistance-program/.

at the August 11, 2024 Tribal Council

The General Election is Tuesday, November 5. Washington

is a vote by mail state and

ballots should begin arriving

late in September. Fill yours

out and return it via mail or

to a ballot return box, like the

one in front of the Tribal Center.

Not registered? Do it today

at VoteWA.gov!

meeting effective immediately.

To be eligible for benefits, youth must be

an “Enrolled Member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.”

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

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| SEPTEMBER 2024 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

H A P P Y BIRTHDAY

...to everyone celebrating in SEPTEMBER!

September 1

Raven Harvey

Dakota Ives

Melissa Ann McMillan

September 2

Leon Black

Savannah Fulton

Renee Veregge

September 3

Taylor Buckman

Joseph Laducer

September 4

Patience Fulton

Cynthia Jackson

Brandon Phillips

Melvin Sullivan

September 5

Sonya Buchanan

Marion Ives

Peter Jackson

Nizhoni Price

Tasheena Stultz

September 6

Bryce Sheehy

John Townsend Jr.

September 7

Elijah DeCoteau

Joseph Gamble

Bradley Guenthner

Charles Jacobs

Issac Purser

Ronald Whisler

September 8

Mary Lawrence

Daniel Swift

Cecillia Tom

Jennifer Tom

Harmony Tyson

September 9

Mose Ives

Kevin Jones

Dawnita Lund

Cathrine Meyer

Donald Meyer

Ronald Murphy

George Sparks

Bernard Tom

September 10

Thomas Charles

Daniel DeCoteau Jr.

Donna Fulton

Naylahni Purser

Chad Reynolds

September 11

Issaquah DeCoteau

Juanita Holtyn

Joseph Laroche

Irene Purser

Malissa Purser

Andy Sullivan

September 12

Erica Hankin

Gary Wellman II

September 13

Austin Ashworth

Natalie Hall

Kara Horton

Aaron Morrison

Jerry Murphy

Stanton Purser Jr.

Caroline Redbird

Chelsey Stewart

September 14

Gabrielle Bowling

Jacob Toney

September 15

Rachelle Beals

Sasheen DeCoteau

Darcie Efferson

Dawn Halsey

Jade-Cree Ives

Robert Jones III

September 16

Vicente Alarcon

Stacey Hommel

Jered Murphy Jr.

Genovese Russell

Shelaina Webster

Hailey Woodruff

September 17

Duane Aikman Sr.

Wayne DeCoteau

Adriana Fulton

Charlene Ives

Ronald Miguel III

September 18

Carolyn Charles

Drea Fulton

Milliana Purser

Tyler Romero

Angela Wan

September 19

Velena Bryant

Victor Tom III

September 20

Donovan Ashworth

Edwina Bonds

Chelsea Christensen

Leilani Donaldson

Martha Hernandex

Kasey Jacobsen

Kamaili Price-Sullivan

Roger Dale

September 21

Victoria Bowling

Noah Naclerio

Teagan Sullivan

Christopher Tom

September 22

Angel Hayes

Laura James

Samantha McBride

Brenda Smith

Ryan Sullivan

Harley Trevathan

September 24

Cody Melton

Corey Sullivan

Brandy Woodruff

September 25

Serenity Goodall

Sandraya Hardman

Christian Tom

September 26

Amber Caldera

Rebecca George

Tanya Ives

September 27

Joseph Carlos Jr.

Damon Melton

Santana Nilluka

Izaiah Reynolds

September 28

Michael Armantrout

Braylon Cole

Carmen George

Vincent Nabors

Kenneth Stark

September 29

Rachel Black

Daniel Kryscio

September 30

Steven Black

Kelly Hirschman

Casey Jones

Cali Laducer

Rocklyn Wellman Jr.

Teri Zent

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| SEPTEMBER 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.

Join Us @ Little Boston

• September 3 @ 1:00 pm -- Little Boston 1st

Tuesdays Book Group

• September 4 @ 10:00 am -- Little Boston 1st

Wednesdays Book Group

• September 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 1:00 pm –

Crafternoon

• September 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 11:30 am -Family Storytime

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

Club

• September 6 @ 11:00 am – Little Explorers

• September 11, 18 @ 3:30 pm -- Read to a

Dog

• September 16-21 @ 10:00 am -- Take &

Make: Butterfly Yarn Craft

Reading Recommendations

The Red Convertible: Selected and New

Stories by Louise Erdrich (Turtle Mountain

Chippewa): A masterclass in the art of short

fiction, this stunning collection features 31

previously published stories and five neverbefore-published pieces. These stories offer

insight into Erdrich’s use of plot twists and

contrasting psychological landscapes, and

cement Erdrich’s position in the pantheon

of consummate, innovative writers of the

American short story. (Fiction • Book • 2009)

Anakú Iwachá (The Way It Was): Yakama

Legends and Stories edited by Virginia Beavert

(Yakama Nation): In the original 1974 edition,

Beavertcollected legends from 23 different

storytellers across the Columbia River Plateau

to create an educational resource for Yakama

children. This new edition includes an essay

about the original project, an updated glossary,

the spelling of Ichishkíin words updated with

spelling and grammar systems now developed,

and new legends. (Nonfiction • Book • 2021)

Magazines

Real Simple - published monthly.

The magazine features articles and information

related to homemaking, childcare, cooking,

and emotional well-being.

Real Simple is your go-to source for practical,

useful and clever solutions to make every

aspect of your busy life easier:

• Quick, tasty dinners. Our collection of simple,

healthy recipes has fewer ingredients and

will not take forever to get to the table.

• Cleaning and organizing hacks. A clean,

organized space means a clean, organized

mind. Let us help you find your bliss.

• No-fuss beauty and fashion. Sometimes

it’s as easy as the perfect pair of jeans,

comfortable shoes and a dab of sunscreen.

• Sensible health advice. Separate the

proven from the trendy with sound, tested

information about nutrition, fitness, wellness

and mental health.

Smithsonian – published 11 times a year.

Smithsonian is a science and nature magazine,

and the official journal published by the

Smithsonian Institution.

This magazine is edited for modern, wellrounded individuals with diverse, general

interests and chronicles the:

• Arts

• Environment

• Sciences

• Popular culture of the times.

See you at the Library!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024