3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” (2026)
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3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Skokomish Indian Nation
June 2026
p3dqWi?cHsH3d
“Time of King Salmon”
Skokomish Elders Program Celebrates Active May, Looks Ahead to June Outings
O
ur Skokomish Elders Program
wrapped up a full and lively
month of May, marked by community
fundraising, outdoor gatherings, and
ongoing celebrations honoring the Nation’s elders. From a bustling arts and
crafts bazaar to a relaxing afternoon
in the park, the program kept elders
engaged, connected, and celebrated
throughout the month.
ing for the elders who attended, offering a refreshing break from the routine
and a chance to reconnect with one another in a natural setting.
Monthly Birthday Lunch Continues
The Elders Program continues to host
its Monthly Elders Birthday Lunch
on the last Thursday of every month,
a beloved tradition that recognizes
all elders celebrating birthdays that
month. In addition to a shared meal,
the event features board games, cornhole, special guests, and culturally relevant movies. All community members are welcome and encouraged to
come out and join in the food, fun, and
fellowship.
Bazaar Brings Community Together for Good Cause
On May 2nd, the Skokomish Vocational Rehabilitation Program hosted
the Annual Tuwaduq Arts & Crafts
Bazaar, and the Elders Program was
an active participant throughout the
day. Staff and elders set up an arts and
crafts table, a plant sales table, and a
raffle table, drawing steady interest
from community members in attendance. Elder cooks also took to the
kitchen, preparing and selling Indian
Tacos and hamburger soup, which
proved to be popular offerings at the
event.
All proceeds from the Elders Program’s participation went directly
to the Skokomish Elders Activities
Fund, which supports programming,
outings, and celebrations for tribal el-
ders throughout the year. Every purchase made at the elders’ tables was
a direct investment in the wellbeing
of the community’s most cherished
members.
Program coordinators extended a
heartfelt thank you to the many people
who made the day a success, including
elder volunteers, elder cooks, Tribal
staff, and community members who
continue to show up in support of the
program and its fundraising efforts.
Elders Enjoy Spring Outing at
Skokomish Park
On May 20th, the Skokomish Elders
Program and Tuwaduq staff hosted
a potluck lunch outing at Skokomish
Park. Attendees gathered to share
homemade dishes, enjoy laughter, and
spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors
together. The park was particularly
beautiful this time of year, providing
a scenic and peaceful setting for the
gathering. Organizers noted it was a
much-needed and well-deserved out-
June Events on the Horizon
The Elders Program has two exciting outings planned for June. On Saturday, June 13th, the program plans
to attend the Muckleshoot Gold Cup
Indian Relay Horse Races at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, a
thrilling cultural event that draws visitors from across the region. Community members interested in attending
are asked to contact the program as
soon as possible.
A second outing is scheduled for
Wednesday, June 24th, with a planned
visit to the Burke Museum. Elders
wishing to attend are encouraged to
reach out early so organizers can plan
accordingly.
For more information or to sign up for
upcoming events, contact Skokomish
Elders Coordinator Perry Carrington
at 360-426-7788 or 360-968-3416.
Photos by: Perry Carrington
and Tony Herrera
~ Education News~
Eagle Child Spotlight:
Deer:
Deer Student Spotlight:
E
O
T
ear room’s student of the month is Ezra. “Ezra has come a long way from
when she first began attending our program. She enjoys hanging out with her
classmates now and likes to partake in any activities that the teachers have going
on in their room. Ezra’s favorite word lately is “Hi” and she’ll keep telling you
hi until you tell her “hi” back. She is also enjoying practicing her colors while in
class.” -Teacher Molly
agle Room’s student of the month
is Kalaiah! “Kalaiah is such a
sweetheart. She is a little shy, but
she has been blossoming into such
an amazing little human! She’s the
sweetest, silliest girl with so much
compassion and love for her friends.
She has such a big heart and can always
make her friends laugh. She’s sooo
smart and such a fast learner. Everyone
loves her and her big hugs!” -Teacher
Taliah
ur classroom had the opportunity
to watch the life cycle of
butterflies over the past few weeks.
Then, they saw them released to find
a new home. We also planted flowers
to learn about plant life. Our students
will be caring for their plants, watering
them and watching them grow.
We had some activities about seats that
we use on a daily basis. We continue to
introduce letters of the alphabet and are
going to make a nature pinata for the
letter “P”. Our next classroom study
will be learning about rocks. -Teacher
Angel
D
eer Room’s student of the month
is Urijah! “Urijah is a very loving
little guy that loves the color red. He
enjoys music, different toy vehicles that
make sounds, and being outside on the
playground. He also enjoys practicing
letter recognition and counting. He is
a pleasure to have in our classroom.”
-Teacher Angel
Bear Student Spotlight:
B
Orca:
he kids had so much fun learning
about butterflies, their life cycle,
and Skokomish song and dance.
They are continuing to learn their
numbers and letters. We are almost
through the letters that have straight
lines, soon will be doing letters with
curves.
The kids are continuing to learn the
canoe song, and we have been singing
it a few times a week. We will be
bringing the paddles into class for them
to learn the dance. Both classes will be
learning in preparation for graduation.
We have gotten a few new kids in
Orca since school has started, and our
kids are doing well with the regular
schedule of the day. They also have
been having fun learning our tuwaduq
words, counting to 10 is one of their
favorites. -Teacher Lucille
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Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies
Orca Child Spotlight
O
rca room’s student of the month
is A’naiya! “A'naiya is a super
cute kid with a personality to match!
She is so smart, one of her favorite
things to do is circle time. She is great
at coloring, playing with her friends,
and learning. She participates in
everything we do and just enjoys being
at school. Pictured is her learning one
of the Skokomish tribe's songs- the
butterfly song and dance. Her birthday
is coming up and we wish her all the
best!” -Teacher Lucille
Choice High School
SPSCC
June 4 @ 6:00 PM – PAC
June 13 @ 10:00 AM – The Evergreen
red square
Cedar High School
June 6 @ 6:30 PM – SHS PAC
Hood Canal School District #404
June 15 @ 4:30 PM – gym
Shelton High School
June 6 @ 6:00 PM – SHS
Skokomish Education
Department Celebration
NWIC
June 20 – (decorate)Cars @ TC 1:00
PM, Parade 2:00 PM, Ceremony 3:00
PM - Skokomish Community Center
June 8 @ 1:00 PM – Lummi Campus
Evergreen State College
June 12 @ 1:00 PM – Red Square
Skokomish ECE Head Start
Eastern WA University
July 18 @ 10:00 AM – Skokomish
Community Center
June 12 & 13 @ 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM,
5:00 PM – Reese Court
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
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Our Bright Shining Stars
ames Byrd is a hardworking
and kind 4th grader who always
comes to school ready to learn.
James is very respectful to his
classmates and teachers. He takes
pride in what he does and stays on
top of his work. His class recently
went on a clam seeding field trip
down to the boardwalk where he
had a blast! We look forward to
continuing to watch him grow and
succeed. Way to go James!
J
www.skokomish.org
his month’s Student Spotlight is
Raiden Stratton! As the school
year starts wrapping up, Raiden is
already excited for summer school
to start because he doesn’t want
to stop learning. He loves school,
enjoys learning new things. His
class recently visited the zoo, and
his favorite parts were seeing the
tigers and riding the carousel.
T
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Page 3
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Employee Spotlight
S
hanon Millman has been working in the Skokomish education
department for 10 years. Her title is
the Director of Tribal Programming
with South Puget Sound Community
College. Within her role she serves
our high school plus students here in
Skokomish, as well as Squaxin, Che-
Page 4
halis and Nisqually. The high school
plus program is an excellent program
for students to complete and receive
their high school diploma. Shanon
serves students 18 and older. Between
all 4 tribes and over 10 years, Shanon has helped 232 students receive
their diploma, 74 being received in
Skokomish. This year we will have 11
new graduates. Shanon is dedicated to
the success of our students and tribal
members, and we cannot thank her
enough for her hard work. Congratulations on your 10 years of service with
Skokomish and thank you for your
dedication to our tribal and community
members.
If you are interested in obtaining your
high school diploma, do not hesitate
to reach out to us in education. Shanon is available in person Tuesday’s
and Thursday’s from 12:30pm – 5pm
or you can drop in and talk with Amber Hanson, the education manager for
more information.
Tutoring
Our tutors have been working diligently this year to ensure the tutoring needs
of our students are being met. If you
have a student that needs extra support
during or after school, please do not
hesitate to contact us at the Education
department (360-877-2460) to set up a
time to meet and create a plan to support your students’ needs.
Tutoring Schedule
Grades K-5 @ Tom’s After School Program with Kasiah Brown and Helen
Tinaza
•
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Grades 6-8 @ The Education Building
with Leah Andrews
•
day 3-5pm
•
During lunch and recess at
Hood Canal School
Grades 9-12 @ The Education Building with Hattie Williams
•
Monday – Thursday 2:30-4pm
Graduation
In Education, we are also starting to
plan for our graduation ceremony this
June. If you are a college or high school
student graduating this year, reach out
to the Education Department to ensure
you are on our 2026 list of graduates.
For any questions, comments or concerns please reach out to Amber
Hanson, Education Manager, at 360877-2460 or by email at Amber@
skokomish.org.
Monday, Tuesday and Thurs-
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
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Building the Next Generation of
tuwaduq Language Keepers
fasayeb PisuWa It’s a good day
everybody! With the retirement of Tony
Herrera, the language department has
been super busy! Over the last couple
of months we’ve had 2 Community
Language Night events, gone to a
very informative Native Language
Convening hosted by the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction,
and been teaching classes 4 days
a week at the Head Start working
with all of the children, as well as
teaching classes 2 days a week to the
kindergarteners and first graders at
Hood Canal School. We are happy to
say that this work is beginning to pay off.
The kindergarteners and first graders
showed off their tuwaduq knowledge at
the end of April, flawlessly singing the
tuwaduq counting song that we have
been practicing with them all school
year in front of the entire school.
Our program has been working with
many of the first graders for 3 years,
since they attended Head Start. The
goal is to follow those children all the
way up to 8th grade, each year adding
another grade to the classes we already
work with. It will take time, but with
continued work and practice, we will
have a population of tuwaduq speakers
who can carry on (and hopefully pass
on) their Ancestral language and keep
it alive and thriving.
For the month of June, we are planning
a make two take one style Community
Language Night where we will be
making paddle necklaces. The first
necklace that each person makes
will be used as part of the give away
items that our Skokomish people will
pass out at Canoe Journey in July. The
second one, will be yours to keep. As
always, we will have raffles for kids
and adults, but in order to win, you
must be present. This applies to the
children as well, since the raffles are
meant to encourage them to stay in the
room with us and participate. Dinner
will be provided, and we would love to
see you there! Community Language
Nights are held on the last Wednesday
of the month (unless there is a holiday
or funeral service) at 5pm at the
Community Center.
Some other things that we can help
you with include:
•
Printing language posters
•
Help with word pronunciation
and spelling
•
Private language lessons,
individual or small groups
•
Words or phrases in tuwaduq
•
Large format printing for
educational purposes
If there is something specific that you
need language help with, feel free to
stop into the Education building to see
us. You could also call us at 360-8772460 ex. 2702 or email us at christie@
skokomish.org or ladean@skokomish.
org and we’ll do our best to get you the
information you need.
Rez Photo of the Month Answer
The young lady in this photo is none
other than: Georgie Johns! Cooking of course :)
www.skokomish.org
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Page 5
Natural Resources Restoration Projects This Summer
Hedgerow planting effort:
I
n April the Skokomish natural resources department partnered with Mason
Conservation District (MCD) to install a planting at the community center.
Our crew processed all the necessary approvals and conducted the site
preparation, while MCD provided over 400 plants (see list below), all the soil
and mulch, as well as the labor involved!!
T
here will be a lot of construction
activity in the Skokomish
Watershed this summer as two of our
many watershed restoration projects
are coming to fruition this year!!
In the Upper South Fork, work has
already begun with an access road and
staging area for the large wood that
will be placed in the river.
At river mile 6.5 there will be a
staging of large wood and construction
equipment to create side channels
that connect to the wetland complex
and install engineered log jams at key
locations.
There will be closures in some areas
while construction is taking place. This
could impact travel times and access to
the Upper South Fork, and will close
Page 6
the WDFW area at rocky beach, which
will impact river floating.
These projects are being implemented
to:
•
Restore natural function to
degraded habitats
•
Manage sediment distribution,
storage, and transport
•
Provide an abundance of
pools, riffles, and shade for the various
life cycles of salmonids
•
Increase connectivity with the
floodplain and wetlands via overflow
channels
Please be careful this summer when
traveling the Skokomish and keep
clear of the construction. We’ll update
at the end of summer with images postproject. So, stay tuned
Shrubs
Scientific Name
Common Name
Quantity
Corylus cornuta
Beaked Hazelnut
12
Lonicera involucrata
Black twinberry
3
Sambucus caerulea
Blue elderberry
7
Vaccinium ovatum
Evergreen Huckleberry 12
Physocarpus capitatus Ninebark
3
Holodiscus discolor
Oceanspray
1
Vaccinium ovalifolium Oval leaf blueberry
15
Rhododendron macrophyllum Pacific Rhododendron 3
Ribes sanguineum
Red flowering currant 4
Vaccinium parvifolium Red huckeberry
12
Rubus spectabilis
Salmonberry
6
Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium Tall Oregon grape
5
Rubus parviflorus
Thimbleberry
12
Ground Cover
Scientific Name
Common Name
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Camassia quamash
Common camas
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnikinnick
Allium cernuum
Nodding onion
Gaultheria shallon
Salal
Lupinus polyphyllus
Washington Lupine
Aquilegia formosa
Western Columbine
Fragaria virginiana
Wild strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Woodland Strawberry
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Quantity
10
16
50
24
5
6
7
2
300
24
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Preventative Maintenance
Barn Swallows
When the weather turns warmer, the
sky can be full of swallows. While
their mid-air antics may be fun to
watch, these birds can leave your
property looking awful.
Swallow
drippings speed up the deterioration of
outdoor furniture and disfigure lawns.
According to United Wildlife Control,
Tips for Summer Lawn Care
these birds can even cause health
issues in humans, including salmonella
and a parasite disease. Because barn
swallows are migratory birds, it is
illegal to harm them or their eggs.
Swallow nest damage can deface
the outer walls and eaves of homes
and buildings. They are as much an
eye sore as they are a hazard. These
insect infected mud nest can ruin the
appearance of you home. If they
are left on the building long enough
staining will occur. Once swallows
leave, nests are left vacant and new
tenants appear. In addition to leaving
their nests, swallows also leave their
parasites behind. Without hosts, these
insects tend to move in to your home
to find new hosts. Ideally, swallow
prevention is recommended. The best
way to get rid of barn swallows is to
remove their mud nest.
Housing Wait List as of June 1st
Rental Applicants
1 Jonathon Edwards
2 Willie Grover
3 Brandon Carrington
4 Alexie Moon
5 Aaron Wilbur
6 Tyler Andrews
7 Lashya Johns
8 Maxamus Miller
9 Shera Johns
10 Timber Ware
11 Jimmy Byrd III
12 Jose Mendoza
13 Kristine McMann Sweatland
14 Sunsomay Keith
15 Torina Kenyon
16 Billy Allen
17 Ben Tinaza
18 Valani Andrews
19 Marilyn Thomas
20 Joshua Kennedy
21 Baily Plant
22 Vera Smith
23 Edward Smith
24 Charles Henry Jr.
25 Joseph B. Peterson
26 Doreen Strong
27 John Smith
28 Beth Burfiend
29 Ben Peters
30 Taylor Strong
31 Hattie Peterson Willams
Ownership MH/ Applicants
32 Malakai Seymour
33 Rachel Smith
34 Thomas Peterson Bluebird
35 Haidi Williams
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
1 Eleanor Smith
2 Myranda Andrews
3 Jeff Johns
4 Jimmy Byrd III
5 John Smith
6 Addison Emerson
7 Jamie Kenyon
8 Shannon Edwards
9 Spilyay Miller
10 Kayla Strong
11 Matthew Auld Plant
12 Joel Allen-Johns
13 CarrieAnn Smith
14 Alan Peterson
15 William Pickernell`
16 Christine Tinaza
17 Kaylean Mendoza-Lopez
18 Beth Burfiend
19 Jonathon Dominguez
20 Ben Peters
21 Jonathon Edwards
22 Helen Tinaza
23 Willie Grover
24 Tyler Auld
25 Brandon Carrington
26 Alexie Moon
27 Chase Burfiend
28 Hattie Peterson-Williams
29 Tristan Johnson
30 Taylor Strong
31 Treyton Andrews
32 Rachel Smith
33 Aaron Wilbur
34 Jeremy Wilbur
35 Tyler Andrews
36 Lashya Johns
37 Maxamus Miller
38 Shera Johns
39 Amy Kenyon
40 Timber Ware
41 Jose Mendoza
42 Kristine McCann Swetland
43 Sunsomay Keith
44 Angel KingGeorge Parker
45 Torina Kenyon
46 Ben Tinaza
47 Valani Andrews
48 Marilyn Thomas
49 Joshua Kennedy
50 Bailey Plant
51 Vera Smith
52 Joseph B. Peterson
53 Rachel Smith
54 Billy Allen
55 Haidi Williams
56
57
58
Eligibility income at the time of admission shall not exceed the most recent amount established either by the
Skokomish Tribe or by HUD, but in any case, cannot exceed 80% of the Median Income. Income as defined by 24CFR
You will be requred to update your wait list application every (12) months to keep you active
on the housing wait list. Applicants who have no change in circumstances still need to update
their application in order for the Housing Department to determine if you are still interested.
www.skokomish.org
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Page 7
Skokomish Resolutions Approved by Tribal Council
RESOLUTION NO 2026-033:
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE
SLD CONTRACT NO. 2026-K00041 FOR ELECTION SERVICES WITH M.K. ELECTION
SERVICES, LLC
RESOLUTION NO 2026-034:
RESOLUTION
APPROVING
THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE AMERICAN INDIGENOUS TOURISM
ASSOCIATION’S FY 2026 NATIVE ACT GRANT
A CONTRACT WITH JOSHUA
C. SNEVA AND APPOINTING
HIM AS INTERIM PROSECUTOR FOR THE SKOKOMISH
TRIBAL COURT
RESOLUTION NO 2026-037:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONTRACT WITH JUSTIN
KOVER OF KOVER LAW PLLC
FOR CIVIL LEGAL AID SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO 2026-035:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE
LOWER ELWHA KLALLAM
TRIBE
RESOLUTION NO 2026-038:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE SKOKOMISH INDIAN
TRIBE’S 2026/2027 ANNUAL
COMMERCIAL AND SUBSISTENCE DUNGENESS CRAB
REGULATION.
RESOLUTION NO 2026-036:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
RESOLUTION NO 2026-039:
A RESOLUTION APPROV-
ING THE RELINQUISHMENT
OF TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP OF
LISA LYNN OLNEY RUFFIN
RESOLUTION NO 2026-040:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RELINQUISHMENT
OF TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP OF
RAYMOND EUGENE GOULEY
RESOLUTION NO 2026-041: A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A
DATA SHARING AGREEMENT
FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
CRAB
RESEARCH
GROUP
FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2026
WIOA SECTION 166 INDIAN
AND NATIVE AMERICAN
PROGRAM FUNDING ON BEHALF OF THE SKOKOMISH
INDIAN TRIBE
RESOLUTION NO 2026-043:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE SUBMISSION OF THE UPDATED 25 C.F.R. PART 292 APPLICATION FOR THE DUHLELAP CASINO 43.5-ACRE PROPERTY.
RESOLUTION NO 2026-042:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
SPIPA’S SUBMISSION OF A
RENEWAL APPLICATION TO
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR EMPLOYMENT AND
TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
Skokomish Tribal Court Welcomes
Civil Legal Aid Justin Kover
J
ustin Kover is a descendant
of the Nisqually Tribe and an
experienced Tribal law attorney.
He has worked in many areas of
Tribal law, including housing,
eviction matters, Indian Child
Welfare, truancy, criminal defense,
prosecution, and other civil matters.
He is admitted to practice in Tribal
Courts across Washington and
California.
In Skokomish Tribal Court, Mr.
Page 8
Kover serves as the Civil Legal
Aid Attorney. He provides legal
assistance to eligible Tribal
members in qualifying civil cases.
Tribal members may contact
him for help understanding court
paperwork, preparing for hearings,
receiving legal guidance, and
getting representation in court when
appropriate.
Mr. Kover grew up near the
Nisqually Reservation and earned
his law degree from the University
of Idaho College of Law.
Office Hours:
Wednesdays during scheduled
Skokomish Tribal Court hearings
Additional appointments may be
available as scheduled
Contact:
Justin Kover, Civil Legal Aid
Phone: (360) 951-6962
Email: Jkover@skokomish.org
Tribal members with questions
about eligibility, services, or
scheduling may contact Justin
Kover directly.
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
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~Skokomish Wellness Center News~
June is PTSD Awareness Month
By, Anna Cook, RMA, SUDPT
MAT Coordinator
P
ost-Traumatic Stress Disorder,
or PTSD, is something that
can happen after a person goes
through a very scary, dangerous,
or upsetting event. This could be
something like a bad accident,
a natural disaster, violence, or
losing someone important. PTSD
does not mean a person is weak.
It means their brain and body
are having trouble feeling safe
again after something frightening
happened.
Our brains have a built-in alarm
system to help protect us from
danger. When we are scared, the
brain sends signals to the body to
get ready to react quickly. This is
called the “fight, flight, or freeze”
response. The heart may beat
faster, muscles may tighten, and
breathing may speed up. These
reactions are helpful during real
danger because they help keep
us safe.
For someone with PTSD, the
brain’s alarm system can stay
turned on even after the danger is
over. It is like a smoke alarm that
keeps ringing after the fire is gone.
The brain keeps warning the body
that something bad might happen
again, even when the person is
safe.
Because of this, PTSD can affect
www.skokomish.org
both the brain and the body. A
person may have nightmares,
scary memories, trouble sleeping,
or feel nervous and jumpy. Loud
sounds or reminders of the
scary event may suddenly make
them feel afraid. Their body
may also react with headaches,
stomachaches, tiredness, or a
racing heartbeat.
The good news is that people with
PTSD can get help and feel better
over time. Talking to trusted adults,
counselors, or therapists can help
the brain learn that the danger
has passed. Calm breathing,
exercise, sleep, art, music, and
spending time with caring people
can also help the body relax and
feel safe again.
It is important to remember that
people with PTSD are not “crazy”
or “broken.” Their brains are
trying very hard to protect them.
With support, patience, and care,
many people with PTSD heal and
learn healthy ways to cope with
their feelings and memories.
Not everything is negative with
PTSD, people can slowly grow
in good ways too. That doesn’t
mean the bad thing was okay. It
just means people can heal and
become stronger over time.
Here are some positive changes
that can happen:
• They realize they are
stronger than they thought.
•
A person might think,
“Wow, I got through something really hard.”
•
They care more about other people’s feelings.
•
They become closer to
family or friends.
•
Hard times can bring people together.
•
They
appreciate
things more.
•
They become braver about
trying new things.
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
little
•
Some people use their experience to support people
who are hurting.
It’s also important to know that
healing can take a long time.
People can still feel sad, scared,
or upset while they’re growing
stronger. Both things can happen
at the same time.
If you feel like you need to talk
to someone, you can call and
schedule an appointment with
one of our licensed trauma
specialists; Daylen, Terri, or Ari at
the Skokomish Wellness Center
360.426.5755.
Page 9
A Simple Call Helps
Everyone Get Care
I
n this community, every medical
appointment matters. When a patient
does not show up and does not call, that
time is often lost. A doctor, nurse, or
health worker is ready to help, but the
appointment goes unused. At the same
time, another person in the community
may be waiting for care. That person
may be sick, in pain, or worried about
their health. Calling ahead to cancel an
appointment is a simple act, but it can
make a big difference.
If you think you may not be able to
make your appointment, please call us
at 360-426-5755 as soon as possible.
Even a little notice can help. Keep
the clinic phone number in a place
that is easy to find, such as on your
refrigerator or in your cell phone. If
you need a different day or time, our
staff can help reschedule you. We want
you to get the care you need when you
can come in.
There is no penalty for calling ahead
to cancel. We understand that life
happens. Cars break down. Work
schedules change. Children get sick.
Weather can turn bad (or good).
Sometimes you wake up and know you
cannot make your appointment. That is
okay. Our goal is not to punish anyone.
Our goal is to help every patient get
care in the best way we can.
Good health care depends on working
together. By calling ahead to cancel,
you help yourself, the clinic, and the
whole community. Please remember:
if you cannot come, call. That simple
step can help care reach the people
who need it most.
Warrior’s Path Crime Facts and Safety Tips
Property Theft Prevention:
W
ith nice weather, and summer just around the corner it is tempting to
leave our tools and toys outside. Here are some tips on how to keep
your belongings safe:
•
Keep belongings out of sight in home, garage, or shed
•
Install flood lights to detour would-be thieves from property
•
Break down and dispose of boxes from big purchases like
televisions
•
Lock up homes and outside facilities with a heavy-duty lock
•
Install a security camera that catches angles to your property
If you would like more information, you can contact Warrior’s Path at
360-462-7954
Eben Card
Victim Services Manager
Ecard@skokwellness.gov
Page 10
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Visit us on the Web @
Guidance for Skokomish Tribal Members
Seeking Medical Care at Mason General
W
hen you or a loved one who is an enrolled Skokomish Tribal member or
eligible for Purchase Referred Care (PRC) are admitted to Mason General
Hospital, we at the Skokomish Clinic ask that you present with your tribal
identification card and state that your primary care provider is located at the clinic;
doing so allows for Mason General’s case management staff to communicate
to us that you are receiving care there. This means that in situations where, for
example, a tribal member is admitted to the emergency room (ER), we will be
made directly aware by the hospital’s staff that you have been taken to the ER and
will therefore be more capable of maintaining accountability in your medical care
for the duration of your time there. If a loved one is admitted and unable to do so
themselves, we ask that you notify Mason General staff of their tribal enrollment
so that line of communication may be established. This simple step goes a long
way to ensure Skokomish community members receive quality care from external
providers. Thank you for doing your part!
Sasha Redfield, Wellness Case Manager at the Skokomish Clinic
www.skokomish.org
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Page 11
Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s:
Supporting Them While Caring for Yourself
Written By: Desiree White, MPH
C
aring for a loved one with
Alzheimer’s is an act of love, but it
can also be tiring and emotional. Many
caregivers put their own needs aside,
which can lead to burnout. This guide
offers simple tips to help you care for
your loved one and protect your own
wellbeing. It also explains sundowning,
a common Alzheimer’s symptom, and
how to respond when it happens.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning is when a person with
Alzheimer’s becomes more confused,
restless, or upset in the late afternoon
or evening. About 1 in 5 people with
Alzheimer’s experience this. Their
brain has a harder time handling
fatigue, changes in light, and the busy
feeling of the end of the day.
Common signs of sundowning
• Pacing or wandering
• Irritability or anger
• Trouble following directions
• Shadowing (staying very close
to the caregiver)
• Yelling or resisting care
• Difficulty falling asleep
These behaviors are symptoms of the
disease, not intentional actions.
How to reduce sundowning and
aggressive behavior
• Keep a steady daily routine.
Predictability helps reduce
stress.
• Lower noise and bright
lights in the evening. A calm
environment helps them relax.
• Limit caffeine and sugar later
in the day. These can increase
agitation.
• Encourage gentle daytime
activity. Walks, sunlight, or
simple tasks can improve
sleep.
• Use a calm voice and simple
phrases. Your tone can help
them feel safe.
• Avoid arguing or correcting.
Reassurance works better
than logic during confusion.
• Offer soothing activities. Soft
music, warm blankets, or hand
holding can help.
If behavior becomes unsafe, talk with
a healthcare provider about additional
support.
overwhelming. You may feel tired,
stressed, or alone. These feelings
are normal. Burnout happens when
caregivers push themselves too hard
for too long.
Signs of caregiver burnout
• Constant fatigue
• Irritability or sadness
• Feeling guilty for wanting a
break
• Trouble sleeping
• Losing interest in hobbies
• Feeling isolated
Recognizing these signs early helps
you take steps to protect your health.
Final Thoughts
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
is one of the hardest and most
meaningful roles a person can take
on. Your patience, presence, and love
matter more than you may realize. But
you deserve care, too. By supporting
yourself, you can continue to support
your loved one with strength and
compassion.
Self Care Tips for Caregivers
1. Ask for help
You do not have to do everything alone.
Reach out to:
• Family and friends
• Local support groups
• Alzheimer’s
Association
resources
• Faith or community groups
Even small help makes a big difference.
2. Take regular breaks
Short breaks help you recharge.
Options include:
• In home respite care
• Adult day programs
• Short stays in memory care
centers
Rest is not selfish — it’s necessary.
3. Care for your body
Your health matters too. Try to:
• Eat regular meals
• Drink enough water
• Move your body each day
• Keep your own medical
appointments
Small habits add up.
4. Set realistic expectations
You cannot control the disease. Some
days will be harder than others. Focus
on what you can do, not what you can’t.
5. Create moments of connection
Even simple moments can bring
comfort:
• Listening to music
• Looking at photos
• Sitting outside together
• Holding hands
These moments help both of you feel
grounded.
6. Protect your emotional boundaries
It’s okay to feel frustrated or sad. It’s
okay to step away for a moment to
breathe. It’s okay to say, “I need help.”
You are human.
The Emotional Load of Care giving
Being
Page 12
a
caregiver
can
feel
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Visit us on the Web @
Oral Buprenorphine And Dental Health
Kinship Care: Keeping Families Together
M
H
edication-assisted
treatment
(MAT) is the use of medication,
in addition to other treatment options,
to assist in recovery from substance
use disorders. Buprenorphine, and
medications containing buprenorphine
such as Suboxone, are approved for
this use.
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) warns that there is a reported
increased risk for dental related
problems, such as cavities and tooth
loss, associated with the use of
buprenorphine containing medications
that are dissolved in the mouth.
Despite these risks, the FDA states
that benefits of buprenorphine clearly
outweigh the oral health related risks.
The way that Buprenorphine increases
the risk for cavities is not definitively
known. Possible causes may be
buprenorphine’s acidity and how it
affects saliva’s ability to protect the
teeth.
The
FDA
has
the
following
recommendations for patients taking
buprenorphine containing medications
that dissolve in the mouth:
• Schedule a dental exam and inform your provider that you are
taking oral buprenorphine
•
After taking the medication as directed, take a large sip of water,
swish it around your teeth and
gums, and swallow.
•
Wait at least 1 hour to brush your
teeth
If you are currently taking oral
buprenorphine or are beginning
treatment, please inform your dental
provider. Your dentist can talk with
you about additional ways to protect
your teeth including dental sealants
and high fluoride toothpastes or mouth
rinses.
To schedule a dental exam please
contact the Skokomish Wellness
Center at 360-426-5755
ave you ever thought about
helping a child in need? Of course,
the answer for most of us is a yes. With
this in mind, let me encourage you to
consider becoming a kinship caregiver.
So, What is kinship care? The
Department of Children, Youth, and
Families (DCYF) and Indian Child
Welfare (ICW) uses “kinship care” to
refer to the full-time care of a child by
relatives, suitable others or relatives
defined by tribal code or custom. More
than half of the children and youth
experiencing foster care in Washington
state are placed in kinship care. Caring
for a child is a significant responsibility
and state and tribal agencies are
committed to supporting you as a
caregiver.
When you become a foster parent, you
provide children and youth with a safe,
loving, temporary home, making it
possible for them to stay in their school,
connected to their parents, siblings,
and culture. If you have a family
member in foster care, learn how you
can support them as a licensed Kinship
Caregiver.
Foster parents need to be supportive
of siblings staying together, committed
to keeping native children with native
families, supportive of all children/
youth, aware that foster care is
temporary, supportive of family
reunification, open to care for medically
fragile/complex children, and open
to caring for children with emotional,
behavioral, and physical needs
You can expect a monthly support
based on the age and needs of the
child, reimbursement for transportation
expenses, training, breaks through
respite care, and access to discounts
to help with the cost of activities and
experiences.
Not ready yet? Respite care is a way
to start especially if you have not
parented or supervised children and
youth experiencing foster care. Respite
care is time-limited, temporary care
intended to give caregivers a break.
Learn More by contacting ICW.
June Is Men’s Health Month, And We
Want To Amplify Awareness In Our Community!!
Y
our body is a machine, and every
part of it needs care—from protecting your heart with healthy eating
habits and regular exercise to making
time for hobbies that support self-care,
relaxation, and good mental health.
Men’s health challenges have long
been overlooked, with delayed care,
limited education, and early death statistics. Men die an average of 6 years
earlier than women, often from preventable and manageable diseases.
The top 4 causes of death in Men:
•
•
Heart Disease is the leading cause
of death among men. Always address issues such as shortness of
breath, fatigue, and an irregular
heartbeat. Risk factors include
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking,
and a sedentary lifestyle.
Cancer: Men experience higher
mortality rates from cancer due to
not getting regular checkups. Go
get a checkup if you have unusual
changes in your bowel or urinary
habits, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or any blood
in your urine or stool.
www.skokomish.org
•
Unintentional Injuries: Unintentional injuries include but are not
limited to motor vehicle crashes,
accidental poisoning (such as drug
overdoses), fatal falls, accidental drowning, and unintentional
suffocation. Remember to make
smart decisions, your tribe and
family depend on you, and the
youth are watching you.
•
Stroke: Stroke has similar causes
to heart attacks, but the warning
signs to notice are face drooping,
arm weakness, and speech difficulty. There is an article about it
in the May Sounder, please take a
read.
Let’s work on getting in our best health
this spring and always reach out to the
wellness center if you have any concerns or would like help with transportation, medication pick-up, and/or
resources for weight management, reducing alcohol and drug use, or other
health concerns you may need help.
With wishes of wellness,
Skokomish CHR Team: Danielle Macomber, Tamela LaClair, Nydesta Gouley
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
Page 13
A Month of Honoring, Healing, and Hope
M
ay has been very eventful for
domestic violence outreach. We
helped put in items for the Elder’s Spring
Bazaar which was a huge success.
We have been busy with helping
to honor our Elders for Mother’s
Day by preparing, delivering, and
gifting plants and other small tokens
of appreciation for our elder mothers
before and after Mother’s Day. Being
a mother is the most rewarding part of
life. It is also often the hardest. Some
have experienced losses which can
be devastating at this time of year.
Also, not everyone is able to be a
biological mother. Some of the best
mothers are Aunties and those who
step into the very beautiful role of
motherhood. We are so honored to be a
part of blessing our mothers with a very
small token of appreciation for this
blessed time of the year. The pop up
in May not only honored mothers, but
also MMIW, or Missing Murdered
Indigenous Women. Our department
is also hosting another storytelling
workshop by NDIGI Dreams May
28 through the 31st. Those who
choose will be able to share their
story in our upcoming Domestic
Violence Dinner this October. We
are busy planning a special day to
honor the amazing Fathers, Uncles,
and those awesome men who step into
the blessed role of Fatherhood. Also
coming up in June, the kids will be
out for the summer. It will be time for
kids to catch a much-deserved break
from their studies. We are so proud
of our kids and are looking forward
to allowing them to spend some
time learning to love, appreciate,
and enjoy the outdoors! We all are
looking forward to healing with some
good old vitamin Sunshine! Always
remember if you have a domestic
violence related question or need
assistance don’t hesitate to reach out
to Linda Charette, Domestic Violence
Advocate,
lcharette@skokomish.
org or Starla James, Domestic
Violence Outreach Specialist starla@
skokomish.org or (360) 426-7788. If
you have an emergency, please call
911 and reach out to allow us to support
you in any way we can.
Celebrating Mothers, Honoring the Missing, and Looking Ahead to Father’s Day
T
hank you to everyone who attended the Mother’s Day Pop-Up and
the Missing and Murdered Indigenous
People “Pop-Up” on May 15th. It was a
huge success with over 90 community
members coming through the rain to
participate.
We had 8 raffle items from the DV
program
The raffle winners from the DV raffle:
Hattie W won a blanket and teddy bear
Audrey S won a blanket and teddy bear
Tom K won beaded earrings with a red
hand in the middle
Wendy J won beaded earrings with a
red feather in the middle
Bryan J won the purple ribbon skirt
Sonni C won the red hand ribbon skirt
with the beaded red hand earrings
Paul P won the tie blanket with the Iris
on it
Page 14
Winona P won the hanging flowers
Congratulations to everyone who won!
The next DV “Pop-Up” will be for
Father’s Day June 24th. A BBQ cook off
between the father’s is being planned
again.
The last one was fun and
engaging with the community. Watch
for more information coming on the
BBQ cook off! Contact Linda Charette
and/or Starla James to sign up to BBQ.
First 10 to sign up. Must bring your own
BBQ as well as briquettes or propane.
Grand Chief Edward John (Tl’azt’en
First Nation) said Indigenous fathers
are probably the greatest untapped
resource for improving the quality
of life for Indigenous children.
Father’s play a very important role
in your child’s life. They should be
the cornerstone of the family, giving
support, love and security to the family.
There are times that the father’s role
in the family becomes misplaced and
forgotten within the family dynamics.
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
has been contacted to come to
Skokomish Tribe to present their “Our
Strong Father’s” program to the fathers
within the tribal community. All father’s
are encouraged to take advantage
of this workshop. It is based on the
“Fatherhood is Sacred/Motherhood is
Sacred” model created by the Native
American Fatherhood & Families
Association.
The days and times
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
are still being arranged but if you are
interested and want to be included in
this workshop, please reach out to Linda
Charette, DV Advocate at Tuwaduq
Family Services 360-426-7788 to be
on the list.
More information will be
coming soon.
Visit us on the Web @
Carrying Each Other Forward: PTSD Awareness Month and the Path to Healing
J
une is National PTSD Awareness
Month. Let’s come together as a
collective force to raise awareness
of PTSD and Complex PTSD.
By promoting awareness, having
conversations,
and
extending
unwavering support, we can create a
community where the effects of trauma
are met with empathy, understanding,
and healing.
Help us this June as we work toward
positive change for everyone affected
by PostTraumatic Stress Disorder, no
matter the trauma that caused it.
What the Numbers Tells Us
Natives experience PTSD at rates up to
2–3 times higher than the general U.S.
population. Some Tribal communities
report lifetime PTSD rates as high as
22–30%. Native youth experience
higher exposure to violence and
traumatic loss, increasing risk even
further.
Why These Numbers Matter
Research shows that Natives experience
PTSD more often than other groups not
because of who we are, but because of
what we have survived. These numbers
reflect our history, but they also reflect
our strength. Our cultural practices,
our land, and our families continue to
carry us forward.
In our communities, healing is not only
clinical it is cultural. It happens through
connection to land, through Elders
teachings, through gathering, through
song, through beading, through water,
and through the steady support of
family and community.
PTSD is recognized as a disability
when documented by a mental health
provider, and this documentation can
help community members qualify for
Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Many of our people carry trauma.
PTSD can affect focus, memory,
sleep, emotional regulation, and even
your physical health. Vocational
Rehabilitation is here to support
healing and stability through culturally
grounded services that honor who you
are and what you’ve survive, with the
goal of gaining self sufficiency through
employment.
If you would like some help with
Vocational Rehabilitation services,
please contact
Rosetta LaClair at Rlaclair@
skokomish.org
Or
Chinook Miller at Cmiller@
skokomish.org
(360) 426-7788
Tribal Members with Birthdays in June
1st
Timoteo Cacho
Melissa Johnson
Adam Visser
Kristine Miller
Dydemus
Cordova
9th
Tom Peterson Jr
Roslynne Reed
Andrew Tinaza
Stacy LaClair
Roland Thomas
th
2nd
Raymond Johns
Jr.
Phillip Peterson
Alexander Wilbur
Ty Wilbur
Kierra Pierce
3rd
Archie Cultee
Penelope Arca
11
Abbie N. Allen
Cholon French
Jim Byrd IV
12th
Aaron Wilbur
Seath’l Johns
13th
Frederica Plant
14th
Emma Sparr
Unique Byrd
th
4
Lashya Johns
5th
John Hawk
Mitchell
Carrington Jr
th
6
Jodell Wilbur
Norma J. Cagey
Angela Tinaza
7th
Kimberly Smith
Malicio Tinaza
15th
Amanda Peterson
Conan Miller
16th
Celeste Vigil
Raquel Vigil
Melanie
WalkingEagle
Khyasha
LeftHandBull
Aliva Longshore
17th
Anthony J.
Herrera
www.skokomish.org
18th
Cherai Thomas
19th
Valerie Peterson
Tanya Slyter
th
20
Benjamin R.
Johns
Red Hawk
LaClair
Skylar Miller
st
21
Toni SmithAdams
Anthony Herrera
Julian Johnson
Hayzel LuengoCarter
Cheysheen
Thomas
22nd
Amber Sutterlict
Adam Flint
23rd
Kimberly Brasko
Harold Allen
24th
Rick Miller Jr
Natalia Wall
Cheyden Thomas
Daqaste Green
25th
Russell Cultee
Delbert Miller
Peggy Miller
Maris Bordley
26th
Lawrence R.
Wilbur
th
27
Willow Byrd
29th
Tamara Munch
Happy Mother’s Day
We ♥ You
Grandma, Mommy,
Mommy, Auntie Jan ,
Sister
Shout out to Mark Chambless
We are so proud of you for all of
your accomplishments! Graduating
from high school is a huge
achievement, now you’re ready to
go out into the world, just don’t
forget who you are and where you
come from. We’re always here to
reach out a hand to steady you or
pull you up if you fall down.
We love you,
Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and
all your siblings
Matt Rock
Well Fathers Day is coming up,
whattcha getting me :)
Joking, I
am so proud of the father you have
become. Your kids are lucky to have
someone who fits the bill of “Dad”
so well. You wear many hats in your
family and you wear them well.
Happy Fathers Day Kid, Love Dad
3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down”
All 3 of the Cordova siblings sign
on to play college ball next season.
Dydemus Irene and Sonni at
Pierce college. Weetly Cordova at
Northwest Indian college
Neighbor Keirra!
Happy Birthday!
Miss seeing your smiling face!
Love Neighbor
Norma,
Happy Birthday!
Thanks for always being there, always
smiling and just being you :)
Love Mark
Page 15
E WORLD
T
A 98801
or Current Resident
NONPROFIT
US Postage
PAID
Permit #241
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Can you name the young lady in this photo?
Please turn to page 5 for the answer! Good luck!
Rez Sudoku Puzzle of the Month
Skokomish Indian Tribe
80 N Tribal Center Road
SKOK, WA 98584
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Rez Photo of the Month
The Sounder
3sXeXa?l “It’s All Written Down”
North 80 Tribal Center Road
Skokomish Nation, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 426-4232 ext 2053
Fax: (360) 877-5943
E-Mail: sounder@skokomish.org
Mark Warren, Editor
Fill the empty squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that each row across, each row
down, and each 3x3 square contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. Good Luck!
Letters to the Editor are published at the discretion of the
Editor, as space permits. No letter which contains defamatory
or malicious statements will be published. Any letter which
contains questionable material will be sent to our legal office
for review. All letters must contain the writer’s signature,
address and telephone number. Letters not signed will NOT
be published. The Editor reserves the right to edit a letter for
content, clarity and length.
Views and opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are
those of the writer of the letter. They are not endorsed by the
Sounder, Tribal Administration, Tribal Council or the Skokomish
Indian Nation as a whole. The deadline for the sounder is the
third Thursday of every month.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.