# 3sXeXa?L “It’s All Written Down” (2026) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Askokomish%3Af1d3be6df7eb43d3 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 Page 2 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” Visit us on the Web @ 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” Visit us on the Web @ 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 Visit us on the Web @ 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” Visit us on the Web @ ~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. --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Askokomish%3Af1d3be6df7eb43d3. Public record. Not legal advice.