THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBE (2025)

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

| JANUARY 2025

Port Gamble S’Klallam Leadership Celebrate

Successes Connected to Town of Port Gamble

the event was attended by PGST Council

members, including Chairwoman Amber

Caldera, Vice-Chair Chris Tom, and Matt

Ives, as well as Roma Call, Natural Resources Director, and other PGST members and

staff. The S’Klallam Singers kicked off the

event with a song to welcome the over 175

attendees.

The program included remarks from

Chairwoman Caldera, Suquamish Chair

Leonard Forsman, Raydient Vice-President

Jon Rose, and Nathan Daniel, Executive

Director, Great Peninsula Conservancy.

During her remarks, Chairwoman Caldera

talked about the long relationship between

PGST and the owners of Port Gamble, especially the sawmill.

PGST Council Member Matt Ives and Vice-Chair Chris Tom at the

Port Gamble Country Christmas event

On the evening of Saturday, December 14, Raydient, which owns the

town of Port Gamble, invited partners, including the Port Gamble

S’Klallam Tribe, to celebrate three recent milestones, including:

•

•

•

30th anniversary of the closing of the sawmill, which many PGST

members worked at until the very end,

Completion of the clean-up and restoration of the town and Port

Gamble Bay, and

Impending completion of the public/private conservation partnership known as String of Pearls, which is responsible for the creation

of parks and other public recreation areas throughout North Kitsap.

A related program, the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project, lead to the purchase of over 9,000 acres in Hansville by PGST.

Held in conjunction with Port Gamble’s annual Country Christmas,

“While our people were displaced to make

way for industry we didn’t ask for, we recognize that the Mill also offered a way for

our families to remain close to this sacred

place during a time of upheaval. (Chairman Jeromy Sullivan’s) father, as well as

Vice-Chairman Chris Tom and his father,

and many of our elders worked at the Mill,

leaving behind a legacy that blends hardship with resilience,” said Chairwoman

Caldera in her remarks.

She acknowledged the hard work of Chairman Sullivan, who forged relationships

with the owners and managers of the town.

~Port Gamble Event

Continued on Page 7

PAGE 2

| JANUARY 2025 |

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

• Joe Lipari, Acting 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

| JANUARY 2025 |

PAGE 3

Call for Native Artists

Montana, Idaho, Washington State

A Trail Marker Logo Design Project

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association

(AIANTA) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and

the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA), is

requesting proposals from Native artists to create a new

service mark (logo) that will serve as the visual identity of

the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT).

This work is your chance to:

• Develop an original design honoring PNT regions.

• Become part of the PNT's official visual identity.

• Be featured on AIANTA’s website and receive a $2,500 commission!

Who can apply?

Native artists or tribally endorsed artists from Montana, Idaho,

and Washington State.

Application deadline: February 28, 2025

How to apply:

1. Scan the QR code to access the online application form.

2. In your submission, include:

• A description of your proposed design approach for the logo.

• A small portfolio showcasing your previous artwork.

Learn more or have questions?

Your design could shape one of the eleven federally registered

National Scenic Trail Service Markers!

Thank You Sponsors and Partners!

Credit Tri County EDD

Contact Eric Villegas, (505) 581-4646, evillegas@aianta.org

PAGE 4

| JANUARY 2025 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

PGST Welcomes New Police Chief, James Beck

Chief Beck, a member of the Cherokee Nation, was born and

raised in Oklahoma and has spent most of his career serving

in Indian Country. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he became

a Marshal with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service where,

among other responsibilities, he investigated financial crimes

and child abuse.

His background also includes extensive experience working

with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services

(BIAOJS).

His career with the agency began as a Sergeant with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in New Mexico—the socalled Indian Police Academy, which is responsible for training

tribal police officers from across the country.

He also served as a Supervisory Special Agent for BIAOJS

overseeing a team of police officers, special agents, dispatchers,

and law enforcement assistants in the direction of daily agency

operations and criminal investigations.

New PGST Police Chief James Beck

In November, the Port Gamble S’Klallam welcomed

James Beck to lead the Public Safety division.

In his role, Chief Beck manages operations of the

Police Department and Natural Resources Enforcement alongside Deputy Chief Robin Houtz (PD)

and Deputy Chief Tyler Steinmetz (NRE). Chief

Beck reports to Gina Steiner, who, as of January 1,

2025, oversees the Tribe’s Court and Police departments.

Chief Beck comes to PGST with decades of experience in law enforcement, including several leadership positions with federal and local agencies. He

holds a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security from

Northeastern State University.

Most recently, and after a few years spent working in the private sector, Chief Beck served as Sheriff of Delaware County

in Jay, OK—his only non-tribal law enforcement role. While

the elected position reignited his passion for public safety,

community-building, and leadership, he found himself wanting to return to tribal law enforcement.

“This position came at the right time. It’s a pretty area and I

was looking for a change,” said Chief Beck.

While the availability of the role might have been serendipitous, Chief Beck has gone into it with a clear plan for the

department. At the center of his approach is community connection.

“We’re here to serve the community, they are always a priority

above all else. I truly believe that,” said Chief Beck.

In December, he held the first of what he hopes will be regular

public meetings to help develop trust and partnerships within

the PGST community.

~Chief Beck

Continued on Next Page

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| JANUARY 2025 |

PAGE 5

Chief Beck, Cont. from previous page

a Youth Program and Citizen Police Academy—in the development of programs that will educate about the role

Chief Beck also understands that there is some work to be of law enforcement. Every effort is intended to achieve

done among community members—especially youth— the main goal of connecting with those the department

who have negative impressions of police officers generally. serves.

“In some cases, the only interaction someone will have

with the police is when something bad has happened. It’s

important that there’s a more positive impression,” said

Chief Beck.

“There’s not a lot of crime (on the reservation), but by

being more visible, we can act as a deterrent,” said Chief

Beck. He added: “I want people in this community to

know I am always available day or night. I am here to

serve them.”

To this end, Chief Beck is exploring options—including

PGST Legal Department Changes

Effective January 1

Gina moved to in-house general counsel from the Tribe’s Children and

Family Services attorney in 2007 after serving three years there, when her

mentor and predecessor, Tallis King George left to work for the Puyallup

Tribe. Then, Ron Charles was the Chair and Harry Fulton the Vice. Jeromy, Kelly and Betty also served on Council. Since Gina’s time here, she’s

served with many council members like Lena Tunkura, Kari DeCoteau,

Francine Swift, Marie Hebert, Jamie Aikman, Chad Sullivan, and many

others. She was here when Dallas, Tallis, Laurie, Greg and Marilyn all

worked here. The only remaining administrative employee from that era,

besides Gina, is Alice Bundalian. (We have other long-term employees like

Sue Hanna and Kay Jones and others).

When Gina first began her career here with the Tribe as a front desk receptionist around 1990, the Tribe only employed 80 or so employees. Since

then, the Tribe has expanded its land base from 1,340 acres to 3,053 acres

(1,707 reservation lands) and now has approximately 350 employees. In

Gina’s time, the Tribe moved from a small bingo hall to offering full gaming and built the Point Hotel. The Tribe destroyed the old Point no Point

Beginning January 1, Gina Steiner is in a Treaty Council building, removed “the Dock” to build a large boat ramp,

and legalized marijuana. The Tribe has grown and changed a lot since Gina

new position at PGST

first started here a front desk receptionist, and then 20 years as an attorney

Effective January 1, 2025, our long-time for the Tribe. We’re confident she will continue to help the Tribe grow and

tribal member lead attorney, Gina Steiner succeed in her new role and we’re happy she’s remaining with the Tribe.

will be retiring from the legal department as Good luck, Gina!

she has accepted a position as an administrative director, overseeing the Tribe’s Court and We ask community and staff members to direct all legal questions to StePolice department. Gina will work alongside ven Moe, interim Director of the legal department. Steve, along with DaDestiny Oliver, and Tamara Gage, under Ex- vid Robinson and Tashe Streun can help address the Tribe’s legal needs.

ecutive Director, Kelly Sullivan.

Gina will be focusing on her new role, and not available to address legal

questions.

PAGE 6

| JANUARY 2025 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Changes In Leadership Announced:

Joe Lipari Named as Interim General Manager

From Noo-Kayet Investment Leadership

We would like to inform our community about a leadership change at The Point Casino and Hotel. Our former

General Manager Sam Cocharo has left the organization,

and the NKI Leadership Team and Board of Directors

would like to thank him for his years of service. We wish

him well in his future endeavors.

Noo-Kayet’s I.T. Director, Joe Lipari, has assumed a new

role as acting General Manager. With over 20 years of

Tribal Gaming experience, Joe brings to NKI a varied

background of job skills and knowledge. During his many

years of career advancement in the industry, Joe learned

the true value of hard work, hustle, discipline and loyalty.

He began his career in 2004 at Santa Ana Star Casino

in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico where he spent seven years rising from entry-level roles to the management

team. During his tenure, the casino underwent significant

construction and expansion, giving Joe firsthand experience in managing operations through periods of growth

and transformation.

Joe’s reputation for excellence in construction and system

deployment led him to Angel of the Winds Casino and

Hotel in Arlington, Washington where he played a key

role in a $150 million expansion. Joe’s innovative solutions and strategic decision-making saved the casino over

$1 million in costs, further solidifying his reputation as a

leader in the industry.

Throughout his career, Joe’s focus has centered on technology and data. He has established multiple analytics

programs that have improved customer experience and

Casino operations management leading to higher rates

of return-on-investment. Among his many attributes, the

one which sets Joe apart is his ability to focus on a

“customer-first” approach in all aspects of gaming.

As Interim General Manager of The Point Casino and

Hotel, Joe brings a wealth of experience and a vision for

progress. He is committed to moving the needle forward,

ensuring the property continues to grow and thrive. As

Joe often says, “If we are not moving forward, we become

Following his time at Santa Ana Star, Joe was recruited to stagnant.” Under his leadership, The Point Casino and

help build Albuquerque Downs Casino, a $100 million Hotel is poised for a new era of innovation and success.

project in Albuquerque. As part of the construction team

from the ground up, Joe was instrumental in managing Thank you for your continued support!

all aspects of the build, leveraging his extensive network

and expertise in purchasing to ensure the project’s success.

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| JANUARY 2025 |

PAGE 7

Port Gamble

Cont. from Cover

Scenes from the Port Gamble Country Christmas Celebration: (at left) the S’Klallam Singers kick off the event;

(at right) Chairwoman Amber Caldera addresses the gathering

These efforts culminated in the clean-up of Port Gamble

Bay and the restoration of the former Mill site, also known

as Noo-Kayet Point. In 2019, PGST purchased a Conservation Easement that protects the site from development in

perpetuity.

PGST Natural Resources staff has been working with the

town’s planners to design a new future for Noo-Kayet

Point. “Over the next few years, Noo-Kayet will transform

from a former timber mill cleanup site to a community

space for educational activities, canoe journeys, and public

access to the shoreline. With the completion of the aquatic

cleanup and the upland cleanup being close to complete,

we look forward to a renewed connection to our lands on

both sides of the Bay,” said Chairwoman Caldera.

In her comments, she thanked “all the people and agencies who have supported and funded this effort, including

Commissioner Christine Rolfes, Representatives Tara

Simmons and Derek Kilmer, the Department of Ecology,

the Department of Natural Resources, the Washington

State Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Recreation and

Conservation Office, and the Department of Commerce.

I would also like to thank Lois Schwennesen, who, in her

role as mediator, was integral to the agreement that led to

the cleanup of the Bay.”

The Chairwoman wrapped up her comments recognizing

this new chapter in the life of Port Gamble and how important it will be to embrace and respond to opportunities

and challenges to come.

“One thing I’ve learned is that while honoring the past is

vital, being prepared to adapt, advocate, and lead through

the complexities of today and tomorrow is essential for

our community to thrive,” said Chairwoman Caldera.

“Over the past year as Chairwoman, I’ve faced challenges and moments of reflection. While I wish these new

responsibilities hadn’t come under such heart-breaking circumstances, I know the best way to honor Jeromy’s legacy

is to continue his work.”

This event is the start of a year-long celebration at Port

Gamble to celebrate its recent achievements and its future,

which includes development outlined in the Master Plan

that was approved in 2022.

PAGE 8

| JANUARY 2025 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Culture Column:

Winter Fun with the Culture Department

only encouraged creativity but also strengthened the bonds

within our community as participants worked side by side.

Additionally, our Beaded Ornament Classes, led by the talented Roxanne Hockett, provided an exciting opportunity for

attendees to transform ordinary bulbs into decorative masterpieces. The intricate bead coverings created during these sessions added a festive touch to the holiday season, showcasing

the artistic talents of our community members.

Our department also had the privilege of supporting the Natural Resources department during their Winter Gathering.

This collaboration focused on the significance of cedar, where

we taught participants about its uses and as well as how to

make medicinal salves. By connecting traditional practices

with community health and wellness, we reinforced the importance of our natural resources and the knowledge that has

been passed down through generations.

The month concluded with a lively celebration at the Youth

Department’s Inter-Tribal Ugly Sweater Jam. This event was

filled with singing, dancing, and delicious food shared with

our fellow Salish relatives. The delightfully tacky sweaters

worn by participants added to the holiday cheer, making for a

memorable night of community spirit and joy.

This month, the Culture Department has been bustling with energy and creativity, bringing our community together through a series of engaging events aimed

at celebrating our heritage and fostering connections

among members of all ages.

As we reflect on these wonderful events, a heartfelt thank you

goes out to our dedicated volunteers and knowledge keepers. Their invaluable support has been crucial in making these

gatherings a success. Special

to Arriana Griggs, Roxanne

Hockett, Kyle Swanson, Mellissa Struen, and all the commuOne of this month’s highlights was the Beading Em- nity members whose contributions have made this year even

broidery class, taught by skilled Tribal member Arri- better than the last.

ana Griggs. Participants enjoyed a delightful evening

learning the basics of flat stitch or beaded embroidery. Together, we continue to strengthen our cultural ties and enIt was heartwarming to see youth, parents, and grand- rich our community.

parents collaborating, sharing their skills, and creating

We look forward to more exciting events in the coming

beautiful pieces together.

months!

We also collaborated with Prevention Services and

Prevention Coordinator Emily Arnesen, for the Holi- For questions, please stop by the Cultural Resources Building

day

Workshop which was another standout or reach out at (360) 297-9656.

event. Families gathered for a fun night filled with food

and crafts, coming together to create thoughtful gifts The Culture Team - Laura, Misty, Alicia, Rowan

just in time for the holiday season. This workshop not

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

Culture

Department

WINTER

FUN

| JANUARY 2025 |

PAGE 9

H A P P Y BIRTHDAY

PAGE 10

| JANUARY 2025 |

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

...to everyone celebrating in JANUARY!

January 1

Vera Carpenter

Jesse Ives

Cassandra Tom

January 2

Sarah Black

Darius Cole

Kainan Redbird

Shane Simmons

January 3

Kari Decoteau

Carol Glenn

Joseph Najera

Faith Tom

January 4

Koda Moran

Abby Purser

Tyton Purser

January 5

Michael Abrahamson-Dietrick

Roderick Decoteau

Angela George

Elliot Mendenhall

January 6

Anthony Adams III

Dominic Aguayo

Tina Ramirez-Oya

January 8

Trevor Broten

January 9

Grace Bennett

Alex Charles

Robert Knox

Ryan Murray

January 10

Betty Decoteau

Tracyn Fulton

Johnathan Hirschman

Isaiah Jackson

Vanessa Ponce-Ramirez

Bone Redbird

Edward Scheibner

Frederick Stark

January 11

Sarah Fulton

Claire Ives

Michael Reynolds

January 12

Jeremiah

Abrahamson-Dietrick

Jason Hayes

Joseph Ives, Jr.

Shastin Morrison

Mariya Oliver

Tyler Sullivan

Shawnee Tassitsie

January 13

Karen Abrahamson-Dietrick

Daisy Ann Castro

Kaiya Laroche-Wellman

January 14

Kyle Carpenter

Kimberly Freewolf

Melissa Jones

Mandi Moon

Angela Sanders

Donald Whisler

January 15

Carl Murphy

Keith Murphy

Daisy Nelson

Luis Ponce-Ramirez, Jr.

Isabelle Tom

January 16

Calvert Anderson, Sr.

Connor Anderson

Payton Frank

Star Lee Hagen

Catherine Richman

January 24

Kwichukt Decoteau

Louise Harvey

Gus Makris

Desiree Sullivan

Keri Todd

January 17

Tayana Decoteau

Ronald Rogers III

Jacob Sullivan

January 25

Megan Beckwith

Henry Gresham, Jr.

Gregory Leonard

Sharon Noah

Rozanne Purser

Dakota Stewart

January 18

Mistaya Benefield

Devlin Combes

Kimberely Johnson

Roman Redbird

January 19

Forest McMillan

Matias Miguel

January 20

Keith Anderson

Darlaya Ellenwood

Dennis Fulton

Justice Hankin

Christopher Sullivan

January 21

Aaron Abrahamson

John Folz

Tanner Ives

Tyler Ives

Shawna Morrison

Aiyanna Narte-Cheyney

January 22

Rowan Bunich

Rose Egnew

Alan Freeman, Jr.

Patrick Ives

Dennis Jackson

William Windsor

January 26

Belle Halsey

Jacoby Lavoie

Jason Sanders

Natashe Streun

January 27

Jason Bruce

Skyler Chalcraft-Fulton

Jennifer Garrett

Anthony Hadnot

Bentley Lee

January 28

Selena Fulton

Catherine Ives

January 29

Daniel Castro

Kristina Jones

Layla Purser

January 30

Elliott-James Edwards

Fred Jacobsen

Amy Zent

January 31

Dennis Bendixsen

PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS

| JANUARY 2025 |

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 @ the Library!

• January 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 2:00 pm – Puzzle

Club

• January 7 @ 1:00 pm -- Little Boston 1st

Tuesdays Book Group

• January 8 @ 10:00 am -- Little Boston 1st

Wednesdays Book Group

• January 8, 15, 22, & 29 @ 1:00 pm –

Crafternoon

• January 8 & 15 @ 3:30 pm -- Read to a Dog

• January 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 11:30 am -- Family

Storytime

• January 13-18 @ 10:00 am – Take & Make:

Snowflake Suncatcher

Reading Recommendations

Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese (Ojibwe):

Sixteen-year-old Franklin Starlight’s life of

solitude in the wilderness comes to a halt when

his ailing father, Eldon, summons him back to

town. Despite his resentment for his father’s

many years of absence and neglect. Franklin

grudgingly agrees to help carry out his father’s

final wish to be buried in the warrior way, deep

in the rugged outback of British Columbia. The

journey transforms both men as Eldon shares his

life story, offering his son an inheritance he never

could have imagined. (Fiction • Book • 2018)

Re-awakening Ancient Salish Sea Basketry:

Fifty Years of Basketry Studies in Culture and

Science by Ed Carriere (Suquamish) and Dale

R. Croes: Acollaboration between Carriere,

Suquamish Elder and Master Basketmaker,

and archaeologist Croes, this work traces the

evolution of traditional basketmaking in the

Pacific Northwest from thousands of years

ago to contemporary times. Complete with

descriptive photographs and diagrams, it offers

a rich narrative of the technical complexity of

basketry construction. (Nonfiction • Book • 2018)

Magazines

Highlights

Award-winning content for kids ages 6-12 Fun

and inspiration every month.

Highlights magazine engages children in joyful

learning through:

·

Stories

·

Games

·

Puzzles

·

Riddles

·

Experiments

·

Crafts

·

Activities

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids is an exciting read for

planet-loving kids.

Packed full of jaw-dropping facts, stunning

visuals, exciting stories, and interactive science

content – it is the perfect blend of education and

screen-free entertainment.

Services

Get a Library Card: Any resident of Kitsap

County can get a library card! 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.

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!

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Kingston, Wash. 98346

Silverdale, WA

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TIDE TABLES FOR PORT GAMBLE, WASHINGTON

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025