SEPT 2020 VOL. 54 No. 6
A morning rainbow.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) & OUR MENTAL HEALTH | PAGE 20
CONTENTS Editor's Note ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
5 Estate Sale COVID-19 Requirements .............................................................................................................. 6 Community Happenings ................................................................................................................................... 7 Swinomish Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................... 8 Obituaries .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Fisherman Michael Smith Located: A Message of Gratitude from Swinomish .......................................... 11 Welcome Your Census Takers! ...................................................................................................................... 12 Phase 3 Tallawhalt Groundbreaking Ceremony ........................................................................................... 13 Education Department .................................................................................................................................. 14 Northwest Indian College ............................................................................................................................. 15 Tide Table: September ................................................................................................................................... 16 COVID-19 or Allergies ................................................................................................................................... 17 Being Frank ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 A Message from qyuuqs News ..................................................................................................................... 19 Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Our Mental Health ........................................................................................... 20 Meet The Community Environmental Health Associate ............................................................................ 24 The Truth About Monofilament Fishing Line .............................................................................................. 25 September is Preparedness Month: Assembing a 72-Hour Bag ................................................................ 26 The Tribal Advocate Office is Now Titled Swinomish Defense Services | A New Name for the .......... 28 Reflections of Climate Change ...................................................................................................................... 29 Coronavirus Case Counts: These are people we're counting; not just numbers ....................................... 32 Community Environmental Health: Huckleberry Camp ............................................................................ 33 The Burn Ban & Wildfires .............................................................................................................................. 34 August Birthday List ...................................................................................................................................... 36 Notices & Poem ............................................................................................................................................. 37 September Birthday List................................................................................................................................ 38 Letter from Chairman .......................................................................................................................................
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The last time an Editor’s Note was published was February – six months ago! I now refer to this period as “before coronavirus time.” Where have I been? Living the quarantine life, like you, of course! I am more or less settled into “our new normal” and am working remotely from home. The times we’re living in now, I never expected I would be writing my Editor’s Note to the community from my home. We have all been a bit displaced by this worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The past two qyuuqs News issues were replaced with issues of the COVID-19 Community Resource Guide out of immediacy and need. On a positive note, the qyuuqs newsroom is in a position now to get back to its original form, though it doesn’t look like the conversation of COVID-19 will disappearing soon, even though we would like it to.
TIME WILL TELL Our society moves forward and looks back at time; but what we’re living through is seemingly giving us no time to reflect. All of us were not exactly
Moon of the Silver Salmon pedIexic (pud-kwuh-HWEETS)
prepared for this pandemic. And now that we’re here, we’re not exactly prepared for when the COVID-19 chaos dissipates or clears. Many of us are a little more on edge nowadays! It’s not just a way of living anymore, we’re surviving a pandemic. The protection of our tribal people is the utmost important subject. Our teachings of taking care, even from a safe distance and virtually, our people help each other in times of need. The go-getters, team players, workaholics, and stakeholders pull their sleeves up and get to work! I’m not just referring to essential workers. Each generation, essentially, pulls their weight within our tribal community, in one way or another, especially now. Being quarantined was never part of the plan, but in order for us to move on, we’re learning to adapt to a new way of living, to protect ourselves and our community. Let’s not forget, we’re resilient Indigenous people! We’re very good at rebounding! The immediate future we knew and planned for has been broken, so we’re left picking up what we can to move us forward, but it’s the many facets of all the pandemic’s impacts that has us looking for answers… there’s no expert to seek advice from and only time and our resiliency will tell. Caroline Edwards goliahlitza
Much of September is "moon of the silver salmon." During this moon, silver salmon, also called Coho salmon, are fished by trolling with V-shaped hooks made of bent hemlock attached to a line. The other salmon runs continue in the bays and rivers. Seal hunting, and plant gathering continues. During this moon and the one before, seeds used for trading are collected. Excerpt from ‘13 Moons: The 13 Lunar Phases, and How They Guide the Swinomish People’ By swelitub (Todd A. Mitchell) and Jamie L. Donatuto
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TRIBAL SENATE yal le ka but
Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us
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Joseph Williams, Vice Chair (360) 853.5629 | jwilliams@swinomish.nsn.us
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Barbara James, Secretary (360) 391.3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us
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Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us
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Sophie Bailey (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us
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Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com
The official news publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community The mission of qyuuqs News is to provide monthly communication to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Members near and far. We are committed to serving as an apolitical forum for the Swinomish governing officials and all Community Members. qyuuqs News is not intended to reflect the official position of the governing body at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community but rather reflects the ideas, events, and thoughts of individual Community Members and Tribal staff. As such, the Swinomish Tribe makes no claim as to the accuracy or content of any of the articles contained therein. QYUUQS MAILING ADDRESS 17337 Reservation Road, La Conner, WA 98257 Phone (360) 466.7258 Fax (360) 466.1632 *SUBMISSIONS Send your news tips, stories, and photos to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us Submission deadline: 10th day of the month
SM OK O LO
QYUUQS NEWS Caroline Edwards, Editor cedwards@swinomish.nsn.us
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SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills, Communications Manager hmills@swinomish.nsn.us
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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tracy James, John Stephens, Kevin Paul This issue is available online at swinomish-nsn.gov/qyuuqs
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Photos credits: qyuuqs News Staff or as credited. All rights reserved.
Leon John (360) 421.0406 | ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us
Brian Porter (360) 840.4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us
Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770.7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us
Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us
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Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us
Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate
Facebook: Swinomish qyuuqs News Linkedin: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community *qyuuqs News is made available for viewing on the Internet When submitting information, stories, and/or photos, please be aware everything published in the print version of qyuuqs News is also published on the Internet and is available to the world. Please consider carefully whether your submissions contain anything you feel may not be suitable or appropriate for the Internet. By submitting your information, stories, and/or photos to qyuuqs News, you agree to publishing your submission in both the print and online versions of qyuuqs News. qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN: SAFETY COMPLIANCE AUGUST 04 ― Dear Tribal Members and Tribal employees: We have now all heard that Swinomish has **seven (7) positive cases of COVID-19. And we also know that several of these individuals did not experience any symptoms of the illness – they did not even know that they had been infected by the coronavirus. This shows us why we have to strictly follow the COVID-19 safety rules that the Senate has repeated for months – because we do not know whether we might have been infected, even if we feel fine. So we have to just assume we might be carrying the coronavirus, and every day be careful to protect our families and community. It is not hard to do that work to protect the community – we know what we have to do. What can be hard is that we have to do it every day, until this pandemic is over. So we just have to make it our new habit, the way we do with so many other things to keep each other safe. Here are the steps that every one of us has to take to keep our family, our elders, our community, and each other safe: Elders, especially those over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, should stay safely at home. This is the way you can best protect yourself. Your family can help you, so you can protect yourself. All reservation residents should also continue to stay home, except for: » essential activities, such as to get groceries or prescriptions, or medical care, engage in activities essential for the health and safety of family, household members and pets, and participate in outdoor activities such as bike riding, walking, jogging, gardening or golf;
» essential employment that you cannot do remotely; » visiting essential businesses, and/or » participating in essential programs and receive services, as available. If you must go out for one of these essential reasons, then these are the habits we have to follow every time: » Wear a face mask when we are outside our home » Wash our hands many times throughout the day » Maintain social distancing of six (6) feet from anyone outside our household » Only allow household members in our home, and avoid going in other homes I know we can do this. But we need to work at it every day. We cannot cut corners, we cannot let down our guard. If we do not keep up these good habits, every day, the virus will spread further through our community. None of us want that. And we have to help each other. If you see someone who has forgotten a mask, offer to get one. If you see an elder going out, offer to help them so they can stay home. We need to come together as the community we are to keep each other safe. So, if you have questions, call the Medical Clinic and talk to our providers for guidance. And if you should find you’re not sure what the right choice is, just play it safe and be extra careful and stay home. We can do what we need to. We know that case numbers go down in places where everyone comes together and uses their masks, keeps social distancing, and avoids travel and contacts. We can do the same thing here. So please wear your mask, stay safe, stay healthy, and let’s take care of one another. Sincerely, Steve Edwards, Chairman
**As of August 25, 2020, Swinomish Public Health has confirmed 15 positive cases of COVID-19. sw d bš qyuuqs News
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SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY
ESTATE SALE COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS JULY 12, 2020
All persons conducting retail operations must strictly comply with the COVID-19 safety requirements below. 1) Conduct estate sales outdoors in an area where air circulates freely. 2) Discourage unnecessary touching or holding of goods prior to purchase and removal of goods from the premises. 3) Arrange contactless pay options. 4) Customer traffic management. a) Limit customer access to displays of goods in order to maintain six-foot physical distancing requirements. b) Place distance markers such as cones or other objects or markings in order to maintain six-foot physical distancing requirements for customers waiting to enter the display area. Assist and monitor customers waiting to enter. c) Arrange the flow of customers to eliminate choke points and reduce crowding. Mark high traffic areas with six-foot markers to maintain physical distancing requirements. d) Place conspicuous signage alerting customers to the six-foot physical distancing requirement, and policy on face coverings. e) Sneeze guards or other barriers should be placed at all fixed places of potential interaction between customers and those conducting the sale that could be less than six (6) feet. f) When possible, establish hours of operation that permit access solely to high- risk individuals as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
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5) Sanitation. a) Frequently sanitize high-touch areas. b) Ensure operating hours allow downtime for thorough cleaning of areas touched by customers. 6) Safety and Health Requirements. Anyone conducting an estate sale during the COVID-19 pandemic has a general obligation to provide safe and healthy premises in accordance with Swinomish Tribal law, and comply with the COVID-19 safety practices below. a) All estate sales are required to post signage at the entrance to their location to strongly encourage or require their customers to use cloth face coverings when at the estate sale. b) All those conducting an estate sale are strongly encouraged to make face coverings available to customers and are strongly encouraged to require customers to use face coverings when in the store. c) Provide adequate hand-sanitizer and encourage hand sanitizing. d) Anyone conducting an estate sale should ensure frequent and adequate hand washing or sanitizing by those conducting the sale, with adequate maintenance of supplies. Use disposable gloves where safe and applicable to limit transmission on items that are shared. e) Anyone conducting an estate sale should screen themselves and anyone assisting them for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 at start of each day of the sale. Make sure anyone stays home or immediately goes home if they feel or appear sick.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Annual Canoe Journey - CANCELLED Swinomish Days - CANCELLED Annual Clambake - CANCELLED SEPT 3 Swinomish Drive-Thru You-Cook Clambake Census Drive-Thru Sweet Treats Distribtion and Raffles SEPT 10 Back-to-School Gift Card Distribution Day SEPT 17 STOWW Food Commodity
AUGUST 2, 2015 – Youth Canoe Journey
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SWINOMISH PUBLIC HEALTH: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When should I be tested?
COVID-19 testing recommendations depend on many factors. Here are some general guidelines you can use to determine your need for testing: » Every 7-14 days, depending on the risks you take on a daily basis. » If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is best to wait five days after the time of exposure. This is generally how long it takes before testing can detect the virus. » Swinomish is not limiting testing for community members. If you would like to talk with a provider about your individual situation, please call the Swinomish Medical Clininc at (360) 466-3167.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus: cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fever; chills; muscle pain; sore throat; new loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I do if I have symptoms? Stay at home and away from other people, and call the Swinomish Medical Clinic to talk to a healthcare provider about next steps.
How can I protect my community? We can protect our community by continuing to follow safety precautions: » Wear a face mask when outside the home, as required by Senate Resolution » Wash your hands throughout the day » Maintain social distancing of six (6) feet when interacting with those outside your household » Only leave your home for essential purposes » If you have been instructed to quarantine, only leave your home to seek medical care » Only allow household members in your home, avoid entering other people’s homes It is safest to limit social interactions to people in your household. If you are going out, be aware of different levels of risk and avoid the three C’s: 1) Crowded places with many people nearby 2) Close contact settings, especially where people have close-range conversations 3) Confined and enclosed spaces The risk is even higher in places where 2 or 3 of C’s exist.
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WINONA JUNE JAMISON
LOREN EDWARDS SR.
Loren Michael Edwards Sr. (I-buse), member of the Swinomish Tribe, died July 9th, 2020
Winona June Jamison, 77, a resident He was born to the late Lawrence “Putt” Edwards of the Swinomish Reservation, passed Jr. and Lottie Mc Craigie, June 16, 1962 in Glendale away Thursday, June 18, 2020. California. Loren attended prep school and Gonzaga and later graduated from high school at La Conner Visitation was held on Sunday, June 21, 2020, High School in 1980. He later earned his AA degree from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kern Funeral from Skagit Valley College in Information Technology. Home. The family led a procession to the He is survived by his life time partner Myra White and Cedar Hats on the Reservation, where a they made a home and lived together in Stanwood service was held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Washington for many years. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Loren enjoyed being outdoors and loved to hunt, Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon. fish, camping in places like Chelan and Early Winters when he got the chance. He also enjoyed going to concerts all over the place but his favorite place to watch them was the Gorge. He also enjoyed going to Mariners games, watching football, carving masks when he was younger and watching WWF, along with playing softball with the “Smokers”. After he bought his motorhome his bucket list trip was to drive across country to see Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills in South Dakota. After he graduated from high school he joined the Marines, traveled many places throughout the world while faithfully serving his country and was honorably discharged. He later supported himself and his family by crabbing/fishing, selling fireworks, becoming a floor supervisor at the Swinomish, Silver Reef, and Tulalip Casinos. He also went on to work as a TGA agent. Loren was also a member of the Catholic Church, an honorable member of the Swinomish Veterans, and multiple AA groups. Loren is survived by his mother Lottie Mc Craigie and life time partner Myra White. His children Loren Edwards Jr., Raven Edwards, god sons General Cayou and Cordell Manibusan, step-sons Jesse Wolfe-John, and Kyle Bailey. His beloved grandsons Kaiden and Elliott Edwards. Along with his siblings Lily Stanger, Lori Ann Cayou, Eugene Edwards, Catherine Hanway and multiple nieces and nephews. Loren was proceeded in death by his father Lawrence “Putt” Edwards Jr., Paternal Grandparents Lawrence “Pudgy” Edwards Sr., and Ester George. Maternal Grandparents Eddie Mc Craigie, Ester Samuel Mc Craigie and his siblings John Edwards, Lewis Edwards, and Edward Hanway. sw d bš qyuuqs News
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FISHERMAN MICHAEL SMITH LOCATED: A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FROM SWINOMISH INTERIM CHIEF EARL COWAN, SWINOMISH POLICE DEPARTMENT
August 20, 2020 – Swinomish Tribal Member Michael Smith has been located. Michael was last seen Monday, August 17 at approximately 4 p.m. He was traveling north on the south west point of Lummi Island where he continued north until he ran out of fuel. His boat drifted north into Canadian waters, into Boundary Bay, which is east of Point Roberts. Michael drifted in the bay and was unable to hail assistance. This particular bay does not get much vessel traffic, therefore Michael was not noticed. Michael made it to land on the morning of August 20. He climbed over a dike, located people, and the Delta Police were called. Michael is currently being detained while the situation and border crossing are being sorted out. A diligent search was conducted by Swinomish Tribal Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, and numerous fishing crews during the time Michael was missing. Swinomish officers were contacted by hundreds of fishermen asking about Michael. They let us know they were looking and praying for him. The fishermen were notified of Michael’s disappearance through various text message hotlines and Facebook information sharing. Our entire extended tribal family was doing all they could to bring Michael back to his loved ones. We called on everyone we could to help during
our search efforts. Everybody answered our call and put their teams and equipment into action. The willingness to help was nothing less than impressive. The most common question asked was, “What can we do for you?” We had hundreds of people looking. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Michael and his family. A lot of tears were shed during the time Michael was missing; however, those tears are now from relief and joy. Swinomish Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards asked that we do our best to thank everyone involved with the search. We raise our hands in gratitude to the following tribal governments, their staff, and their members in the fishing community: Lummi Nation; Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe; Nooksack Tribe; Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe; Suquamish Tribe; Tulalip Tribe; Upper Skagit Tribe; and Swinomish Tribal Employees and Fishermen The Swinomish Police Department would like to extend a special thanks to the members of the United States Coast Guard who put in numerous hours of time searching and working with our search command during the effort. The Coast Guard stayed in touch with our command every hour to make sure we were doing all we could. They are the true experts when it comes to searches and we are very grateful to have them a phone call away.
Thank you, Swinomish Police Department, for your service to the Swinomish people. Especially during these tense and challenging times. sw d bš qyuuqs News 11 e e
WELCOME YOUR CENSUS TAKERS! Make sure you are counted! it is important for our tribe, and it is important for all of Indian Country! If you have not completed your 2020 Census questionnaire online or by phone as of August 10, a census taker will soon visit your home, if they haven’t already, to ensure that you and your family are counted. Census takers are your neighbors. They are people from our area who are hired by the U.S. Census Bureau to go door-to-door to collect census information from our community residents who have not completed their census yet. You can identify a census taker by their openly-displayed I.D. card and their official census bag, and they are likely a member of our community — so welcome them when they arrive at your door! The census taker who visits you will be wearing a face mask and will stay outside your door following CDC guidelines. They will not ask to come inside.
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The census taker will ask you approximately ten questions after your greet them at your door, and will fill out a form on their electronic device as you answer. The entire process should not take more than ten minutes. They will not ask for your social security number. All your information is confidential and can’t be shared with anyone outside of the Census Bureau, including law enforcement or housing authorities. This is our chance to make sure our community and Indian Country are counted. Federal funding for schools, roads, health clinics, and other vital services are determined by U.S. Census data. If you have not already done so, you can avoid having a census taker knock on your door by completing the census today. You can do so online at my2020census.gov, by calling (844) 330-2020, or by completing and return mailing the U.S. Census form that was mailed to your home.
Phase 3 Tallawhalt Groundbreaking Ceremony
Housing director and board members (Lance Simons, Brian Porter, Sophie Bailey, Cathi Bassford, Janet Charles) stand with the contractors and architect at the groundbreaking site of where eight new homes will be built at the end of Tallawhalt Lane.
TALLAWHALT PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY NOTICE The Tallawhalt Phase II construction project has started and will likely continue through January 2021. There will be substantial construction activity in and around the project area during this time, which means there is a greater need for community awareness and safety. Please be on alert for dump trucks and equipment entering and leaving the associated roadways and areas circled on the map. There are also numerous walking pathways through the development area that should be avoided and should be considered off limits due to safety concerns. Your help and teamwork on this matter of safety is appreciated. Questions or concerns? Email Robert Pell at rpell@swinomish.nsn.us sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News 13 e e
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MICHAEL VENDIOLA, EDUCATION DIRECTOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE-THRU DISTRIBUTION DAY
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 The Education Department will be distributing school supplies and $450 gift cards to eligible Swinomish students Thursday, September 10. Eligible students must be: »
Enrolled in the Swinomish Tribe
»
Enrolled in preschool (ages 3-5 before August 31)
»
Enrolled in school (K-8th grade)
»
Attaining a minimum 1.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in their most recent semester in school (9th12th grade)
»
Able to provide verification of a completed dental exam prior to the date of the rescheduled Distribution Day
It is strongly encouraged that students complete all incompletes from spring semester before receiving their fall 2020 back-to-school gift card. All Swinomish enrolled members in grades 6-12 who are not attending La Conner Schools are eligible to receive a back-to-school gift card so long as they have their final 2019-20 report card/ grades or other proof of academic enrollment. All Swinomish students in grades 6-12 who earned less than a 1.00 GPA during the last semester will need to contact Michael Vendiola to find out options for receiving a gift card. Email Michael at mvendiola@swinomish.nsn.us or call him at (360) 707.1482. To submit report cards/grades and dental and well-child check information: Mail: Candace Casey, 17337 Reservation Road, La Conner WA 98257 Email: ccasey@swinomish.nsn.us Questions? Call or text Michael Vendiola at (360) 707.1482 or email mvendiola@swinomish.nsn.us
NEW! Optional Wellness Incentive All Swinomish gift-card program eligible youth are also eligible for a $50 wellness incentive gift card. The purpose of this wellness incentive is to encourage Swinomish youth to receive a well-child check/physical at least once a year. TO BE ELIGIBLE, A YOUTH MUST provide verification of an age-appropriate well-child check-up
within the past year prior to the date of Distribution Day. The wellness incentive will be optional for the 2020-21 school year and mandatory for the 2021-22 school year. sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
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PRESCHOOL
Please use the following contacts for any questions you have about childcare or preschool. Childcare: Jeanne Robson Email: jrobson@swinomish.nsn.us Phone: (360) 333.7496 Preschool: John Haley Email: jhaley@lc.k12.wa.edu Phone: (360) 391.5920
ABE/HIGHER EDUCATION The Swinomish Education Department is happy to announce the following HS+ June 2020 graduates: Zebadiah Grossglass Rodney John Jr. Kurtis Perry Monica Alexander (Nooksack) In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students continue to thrive and meet their goals, as well as being role models for other community members.�
NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE, SWINOMISH CAMPUS GAYLENE GOBERT, SITE MANAGER
Fall quarter is September 21 thru December 11, 2020. Registration is open. Contact NWIC/Swinomish Site Manager Gaylene Gobert to register today! Email: ggobert@nwic.edu Phone: (360) 399.8094 You can also contact Gaylene via Facebook Messenger or request a Zoom video chat.
Bachelor of Arts in Tribal Governance Business Management Students Jenny Serpa is serving as the temporary Tribal Governance Business Management program advisor. Contact Jenny with questions about registration, to talk about degree planning, or for general support. Jenny Serpa, MPA Extended Campus Manager, Nisqually Site Office phone: (360) 456.5221 x 1184 Call or text: (360) 764.9565 Email: JLSERPA@nwic.edu
High School Diploma/GED Any tribal student 18 years and older can register to complete their high school diploma. Work on earning the credits you need to graduate by taking classes online. Kathy Humphreys is available to meet via Zoom video conferencing to assist you with classes.
Congratulations on your achievements!
Kathy Humphreys Email: khumphreys@nwic.edu
The Education Department will formally recognize these students at a later date. If you are a Swinomish Tribal member interested in pursuing a technical or other higher education degree, please contact Lisa James at (360) 333.9947 as soon as possible to begin the Swinomish Scholarship process.
NWIC Student Accounts Contact Joal Galindo by calling (360) 927.4771
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TIDE TABLE: September 2020
Lone Tree, Snee-Oosh, North Skagit Bay | Department of Environmental Protection Day
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Tue 01
00:10 4.73 ft 05:05 9.57 ft
11:47 −0.48 ft 18:49 10.89 ft 6:28 AM 7:50 PM
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Wed 02
00:42 4.24 ft 05:49 9.58 ft
12:24 −0.07 ft 19:10 10.78 ft 6:29 AM 7:48 PM
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Thu 03
01:12 3.73 ft 06:31 9.53 ft
13:00 0.50 ft 19:31 10.70 ft 6:31 AM 7:46 PM
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Fri 04
01:42 3.20 ft 07:14 9.43 ft
13:34 1.24 ft 19:54 10.62 ft 6:32 AM 7:44 PM
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Sat 05 Sun 06
02:13 2.66 ft 07:58 9.30 ft 02:46 2.15 ft 08:45 9.14 ft
14:09 2.13 ft 20:21 10.49 ft 6:34 AM 7:42 PM 14:46 3.12 ft 20:49 10.26 ft 6:35 AM 7:40 PM
9:26 PM 9:45 PM
Mon 07
03:23 1.72 ft 09:36 8.96 ft
15:24 4.16 ft 21:19 9.92 ft
6:36 AM 7:38 PM 10:07 PM
Tue 08
04:04 1.41 ft 10:34 8.80 ft
16:09 5.20 ft 21:53 9.49 ft
6:38 AM 7:35 PM 10:33 PM
Wed 09
04:50 1.22 ft 11:44 8.70 ft
17:05 6.12 ft 22:32 9.03 ft
6:39 AM 7:33 PM 11:04 PM
Thu 10
05:43 1.08 ft 13:12 8.80 ft
18:29 6.77 ft 23:22 8.64 ft
6:40 AM 7:31 PM 11:45 PM
Fri 11
06:43 0.89 ft 14:47 9.20 ft
20:19 6.90 ft
6:42 AM 7:29 PM
21:33 6.60 ft
6:43 AM 7:27 PM 12:35 AM
Sat 12
00:28 8.44 ft
07:46 0.55 ft 15:51 9.71 ft
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01:38 8.55 ft
08:47 0.07 ft 16:32 10.17 ft 22:14 6.08 ft
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Mon 14 02:42 8.94 ft
09:41 −0.43 ft 17:03 10.55 ft 22:48 5.37 ft
6:46 AM 7:23 PM
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Tue 15 03:40 9.49 ft 10:31 −0.78 ft Wed 16 04:34 10.04 ft 11:17 −0.84 ft Thu 17 05:26 10.48 ft 12:01 −0.52 ft Fri 18 00:39 2.29 ft
17:31 10.88 ft 23:23 4.48 ft 18:00 11.17 ft 23:59 3.43 ft 18:29 11.42 ft 06:21 10.75 ft 12:45 0.18 ft 19:01 11.58 ft
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01:21 1.20 ft 07:16 10.83 ft 13:31 1.23 ft 19:35 11.60 ft 6:53 AM 7:12 PM 9:41 AM 02:06 0.27 ft 08:15 10.72 ft 14:18 2.49 ft 20:11 11.43 ft 6:54 AM 7:10 PM 11:04 AM
Mon 21
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DID YOU KNOW? COVID-19 AUGUST 14 –– Washington state surpassed the 66,000 mark in total COVID-19 cases, but a new report indicates new cases are plateauing statewide. Source: komonews.com/news/coronavirus/ washington-adds-800-new-covid-19-cases-whilenew-report-says-cases-are-plateauing
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Low
AUGUST 15 –– The top four Washington counties with the highest confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are: » King County 17,623 COVID-19 Cases » Yakima County 10,625 COVID-19 Cases » Pierce County 6,150 COVID-19 Cases » Snohomish County 5,730 COVID-19 Cases Source: seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/coronavirus-dailynews-updates-august-17-what-to-know-today-about-covid-19in-the-seattle-area-washington-state-and-the-world/
COVID-19 OR SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Symptoms more common of COVID-19
» Fever » Muscle and body aches
Symptoms more common of both
» Cough » Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing* Lorem ipsum
» New loss of taste or smell » Nausea or vomiting » Diarrhea
» Fatigue
Symptoms more common of seasonal allergies
» Itchy or water eyes » Sneezing
» Headache » Sore Throat » Congestion or runny nose
COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, but there are some key differences between the two. For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. The image above compares symptoms caused by allergies and COVID-19. Because some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are similar, it may be difficult to tell the difference between them, and you may need to get a test to confirm your diagnosis. This is not a complete list of all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or seasonal allergies. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You can have symptoms of both COVID-19 and seasonal allergies at the same time.
Source: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extraprecautions/people-with-seasonal-allergies-faqs.html
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*Seasonal allergies do not usually cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unless a person has a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen.
BEING FRANK PACTS OFFER PATH TO STREAMSIDE HABITAT PROTECTION LORRAINE LOOMIS
AUGUST 4, 2020 - The most powerful actions we can take to recover our region’s salmon are to give our rivers and streams room to breathe while protecting the land and vegetation lining their banks. The Timber/Fish/Wildlife (TFW) Agreement and Forests and Fish Report (FFR) successfully tackled similar salmon habitat issues across the state’s landscape decades ago, offering a win-win approach to cooperative natural resources management that is unique in the nation. We think the processes offer a blueprint to expand and further protect streamside habitat throughout Washington. A war in the woods raged in Washington in the early 1980s. Federal courts had ruled that tribal treaty rights include the right to protected salmon habitat. Meanwhile, tribes, government agencies, timber companies, environmental groups and others were battling in court over the effects to fish, wildlife and water quality of timber harvests on private forestlands. Time, money and effort that could have been better spent on protecting and restoring our shared natural resources were instead being wasted in court. In a bold move, NWIFC Chairman sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
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Billy Frank Jr. and Stu Bledsoe, Director of the Washington Forest Protection Association, a timber industry trade group, committed to find a way forward through cooperation. What they found was a solution that not only protected fish and wildlife habitat but also ensured a healthy and sustainable timber industry. Dozens of meetings between all parties led to the creation of the 1987 TFW Agreement that replaced conflict with a cooperative science-based management approach. Best available science would now “lead wherever the truth takes us,” Frank said. Today, those ideals embodied in law protect more than 60,000 miles of streams on 9.3 million acres of private forestlands across Washington. But it is the classic case of one step forward, two steps back. Growth, development and a changing climate are causing salmon populations to continue to decline because we are losing their habitat in other areas faster than it can be restored and protected. Riparian (streamside) habitat is among the most important for salmon. Shade from trees and other vegetation helps keep water temperatures low. More than
1,700 miles of streams and rivers in western Washington do not meet federal or state standards for high water temperatures that can kill salmon. Streamside vegetation also filters harmful runoff and slows erosion to prevent eggs from being smothered. When trees fall into a stream, they help create gravel spawning beds and pools where salmon can rest. The state and treaty tribes in Western Washington have begun an effort to develop a uniform, science-based riparian habitat management approach for nonforestlands. Like TFW, we expect it to meet resistance and we will need support from stakeholders such as the timber industry, farmers, environmental groups, developers and others. We should look to the TFW/FFR model because it shows that when all parties win, they are invested in the solution and are committed to making it work. At the core is a willingness to agree to find consensus. It doesn’t mean everyone gets what they want, but what is needed. It requires participants to listen carefully and give the same priority to addressing the needs of others as they do their own. It encourages creative problemsolving that breeds cooperation, trust and commitment to find opportunities that benefit everyone. Embracing and expanding the TFW/FFR model is a ready-made opportunity to slow the decline of salmon with the help of a proven science-based management approach to restore and protect critical streamside habitat.
A message from qyuuqs News
Thank you, essential Swinomish workers! » CULTURAL EVENTS » COMMUNICATIONS » DEFENSE SERVICES (TRIBAL ADVOCATE) » ENROLLMENT » FINANCE » GRANTS » HEALTH PROGRAMS » HUMAN RESOURCES » INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
» OFFICE OF THE TRIBAL ATTORNEY » NATURAL RESOURCES » PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT » POLICE DEPARTMENT » RECORDS & ARCHIVE » SOCIAL SERVICES » TAX AUTHORITY » TRIBAL COURT » TRIBAL SENATE
We would also like to acknowledge our fellow colleages and friends who may be unemployed or furloughed at this time. We are hopeful and looking forward to brighter and less taxing days in the near future. sw d bš qyuuqs News 19 e e
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) & OUR MENTAL HEALTH CAROLINE EDWARDS
our days purely happy knowing we have to face the daily anxiousness of being safe and keeping this new coronavirus at bay?
Have your read the news headlines lately? Did you know the world is currently experiencing a pandemic of an infectious disease called coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19?
stresses, restrictions, and what’s to be expected during this era of self-quarantine the same, especially when reminders of coronavirus (COVID-19) seem inescapable.
How can we not know this? It’s all over the news, day after day, and there are constant reminders everywhere… event cancellations, remote working, frontline working, store and business closures, furloughs, signs that read “keep a distance” or “mask up everyone!” Not everyone can handle the
Without any projections of how long the COVID-19 pandemic will linger and in what ways, it’s difficult not to get lost in “COVID-19 time,” which has imprinted in negative ways on Anxiety many. A great portion of our society’s ability to stabilize its Anxiety can be thought of as mental health is at risk. How can a person drowning in fear and any of us proceed throughout thought – throw in a worldwide
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We all don’t feel the same and we all are not wired the same. Because of this, one thing is for sure, we need to be kind to ourselves and we need to be kind to others.
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Without any projections of how long the COVID-19 pandemic will linger and in what ways, it’s difficult not to get lost in “COVID-19 time,” which has imprinted in negative ways on many. A great portion of our society’s ability to stabilize its mental health is at risk.
Are we experiencing more anxiety because of the coronavirus? There are so many situations outside our control, including how long the pandemic will last, how other people behave, and what’s going to happen in our communities, that anxiety is to be expected, but we should all pay close attention to our minds and bodies and seek support when it sounds like the right thing to do.
Depression Coping with and surviving a pandemic, it can feel unexplainable with all the varied emotions. We’re human. We socialize. We require interaction. It’s the lack of the kind of “normal” interaction we remember that has most of us daydreaming about what we are going to do once we come out of
quarantine. For a great portion of our population though, the reality is different and requires much more effort – this pandemic may have set a person right back into the depression they previously worked so hard to get out of. It’s important that we all be aware of the symptoms of depression. Symptoms may last for two weeks or more, occurring nearly every day, and may include: » A depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or on the verge of tears) » Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed » Weight loss (even when not on a diet) or weight gain, and decreases or increases in appetite » Difficulty sleeping or being overly tired » Restlessness or feeling slowed down » Fatigue or a loss of energy » Feeling worthless or guilty » A lack of concentration
or difficulty with decision making » Thoughts of death or suicide
COVID-19 Fatigue It’s a thing! We’ve been cooped up in this pandemic in one way or another for months and months now. It hasn’t been easy getting accustomed to being quarantined when, let’s face it, we all have an ongoing expectation of reopening as a whole society someday, hopefully soon. Keeping a distance between us and our loved ones and wearing face coverings have become part of our routine, and it’s getting tiresome. An unclear ending to this story is running us all to the point of fatigue – we’re COVID-19 fatigued. However, this is where it is essential to keep our chins up and remember that we are all in this together (our community, our state, our country, the whole world!) and that staying the course with our actions to be safe are not only for ourselves but our family and our community. So, keep it up! We’ll get there! sw d bš qyuuqs News 21 e e
pandemic and you have potential ingredients for an outright panic attack for some. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. will grapple with one at some point in their lives, and the condition strikes more women than men.”
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 QUARANTINE
ESS N I L LONE
ANXIOUSNE S S
TIME
M
E N
T
A
L
EXHAUSTION
?
THE UNKNOWN FUTURE
Computing
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SWINOMISH COUNSELING SERVICES Counseling support services are available to you. You can contact the Swinomish Medical Clinic at (360) 466-3167 for an appointment, or reach out to a Swinomish counselor directly by utilizing the contact information below. Counseling sessions are available via phone, Zoom, and Skype. Outdoor social distancing sessions are also available. AFTER HOURS & WEEKENDS Phone: (360) 707.1904 Julia Ortiz, MSW, LMHC, EMMHS Phone 1: (360) 466.7278 Phone 2: (360) 707.1904 Lori Nash, LMFT
Laura Lindberg, M.A., LMHC
EMERGENCY RESOURCE NUMBERS
Phone 1: (360) 466.7375 Phone 2: (360) 708.3916
» Call 911
Denise Miller, M.A., LMHC
» 1-800-584-3578 (Local Crisis Line)
Phone 1: (360) 466.7323 Phone 2: (360) 214.4397
» 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text START to 741741
Phone1: (360) 588.2836 Phone 2: (360) 682.8201
» 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) » 1-360-757-7738 (Skagit County Crisis Center) » 1-866-488-7836 (Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth)
What’s your coronavirus story? Each of us has a story to tell, especially now more than ever. The qyuuqs News is doing a call for coronavirus (COVID-19) stories. Your story will be remembered and written in our history.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Guiding questions: » How are you keeping yourself busy these days? » What or who has helped you get through each day, week, or month? » How are you coping with coronavirus? » Elders: How has the coronavirus impacted you? » What’s your funniest quarantine story?
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Please submit your story to: qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
Meet the Community Environmental Health Associate ANNA COOK, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
My job includes helping maintain our community 13 Moons Garden; assisting in hosting traditional medicine and harvesting workshops; advocating for food sovereignty within our community; bringing fresh produce and plant medicines to community members when possible; helping educate about the importance of climate change; and finding ways to interact with community members as well as promoting our traditional lifestyle and teachings. Some projects that I’ve helped with so far include conducting the clam garden location survey; hosting at a Swinomish Produce Walk; helping to create a produce stand for community members to have fresh goods and plant medicines; making cedar-infused hand sanitizers for everyone who gets tested for COVID-19; and working in the 13 Moons Garden: weeding, mulching, planting/ transplanting, seed saving, watering, and updating our garden boxes.
Hi, friends and relatives! My name is selestel-lot, Anna Cook. I am a Swinomish Tribal member and am happy to announce that I graduated from The Evergreen State College with a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies this spring. I am grateful for our Swinomish College Scholarship that assisted me in getting my degree, and am grateful for the job in the Swinomish Community Environmental Health program I was recently hired for. I am working as a Community Environmental Health Associate, similar to the job I held last summer within the same program, as a Native American Food Sovereignty Summer Associate. I began work in July, in the midst of one of our biggest harvesting seasons for traditional plants and medicines, as well as when COVID-19 started taking off in our local communities. Considering all of this, we’ve had to adjust the program and how we are able to spread our knowledge within the community. 24 sw d bš qyuuqs News
We are excited to announce that we will be working with the Youth Center and child care kids for the rest of summer, encouraging them to get to know our plants and berries. We will be using our 13 Moons curriculum and adapting it for the kids to learn about our traditional calendar and what the different harvest times mean. Some of our latest harvests include mountain huckleberries, blackberries, devil’s club, salmonberries, blackcaps, thimbleberries, salal berries, California poppy, St. John’s Wort, fireweed, veggies from our elder garden, and more.
"I’m hoping that during this difficult time for so many of us, that our plants can help us get through. They have a lot to teach us when we are there to listen." Anna Cook Harvesting is a sacred practice that I’m honored I get to partake in. I hope that I can help encourage others to join me as I continue my journey of learning about our first foods.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE HEIDI BOCK, WATER QUALITY PROGRAM
Help keep the community and environment safe by recycling your monofilament fishing line! The Department of Environmental Protection is implementing a monofilament fishing line recycling program and is working to place recycling stations around the reservation.
What is monofilament line? Monofilament line is a type of fishing line made from a single fiber of plastic instead of a braid of multiple fibers or materials. Monofilament line presents a huge danger to marine and human life when left in the environment. It can injure swimmers and boaters, foul boat propellers, and entangle and poison wildlife. Since monofilament is designed to be almost invisible in the water, animals will often swim into it and become entangled, or accidentally swallow it. The line can also cut through animals’ skin rather easily, causing them to lose a limb, fin, or blood, and potential lead to infection. If a creature swallows the fishing line, it may feel full when really it is starving to death because it is not getting any nutrients. As with most plastic, it does not biodegrade and can remain in the environment for up to 600 years! For these reasons, monofilament fishing line recycling stations will be placed in a handful of places around the reservation. The lines will be collected regularly and sent to a recycling center.
Monofilament recycling bin
Monofilament line presents a huge danger to marine and human life when left in the environment.
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SEPTEMBER IS PREPAREDNESS MONTH: PART 1
ASSEMBLING A 72-HOUR BAG How many of you remember the wind storm last year that knocked out our power on the Swinomish Reservation for five days? Are you prepared for a disaster? Individuals and families need to prepare to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours, but best for 7-14 days. Following a disaster, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, telephones, and transportation routes may be cut off for days, weeks, or even longer. Keep the items you will most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large covered bin with handles, camping backpack, or duffel bag. » Water • Plan for at least one gallon of water per person daily for 3-7 days » Food • Plan enough food for at least 3-7 days. Include non-perishable packaged or canned foods, juices, food for infants or the elderly, and snacks. Make sure to include a non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, fuel, paper plates, plastic utensils
» Medical supplies • First aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs, extra glasses, hearing aids with extra batteries, contact lenses and solution, syringes, cane » Sanitization • Antiseptic towelettes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitization, toilet paper » Flashlight(s) • Don't forget the extra batteries » Radio • Battery-operated and NOAA weather radio » Cash • Be prepared with some cash as banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods » Important documents • Driver's license, tribal identification, insurance, medical records, bank account number, social security card - all in a waterproof container » Tools • Keep a set with you (multi-purpose tool) » Whistle as a way to signal for help
» Bedding items such as blankets and pillows
» Face masks to help filter contaminated air
» Clothing
» Cell phone with chargers
• Include seasonal, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• A car charger is recommended in the event of a power outage
» Specialty items for infants and the elderly
» Thermal emergency blankets
» Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
» Rain ponchos for each family member
» Vehicle fuel tanks filled
» Keys
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• Proper identification, immunization records, food and water, carrier or cage, medications, muzzle, leash, toys, blanket » Entertainment • Toys, books, games, coloring books, crayons, and other forms of non-electronic entertainment
OTHER ITEMS TO HAVE AVAILABLE » Instructions and tools to turn off gas, electricity, and water » Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place » Warm blankets » Tarps, tents, and ropeFire extinguisher » Carbon monoxide detector » Water purification equipment » Snow shovel and salt to remove snow and ice from pathways for your safety and the safety of others » Outdoor faucet covers and/or insulation to wrap outdoor faucets to protect them from freezing » Camping stove and fuel (for outdoor use only) » Firewood and waterproof matches (for wood burning fireplace or outdoor use only) » Local maps with pre-determined evacuation routes » Additional unique family needs Look for Part 2: Get Ready for Windstorms in the next qyuuqs! Sources: TakeWinterByStorm.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/10/TWBS_English_ EmergencyChecklist_2018.pdf; ready.gov
Preparedness 101: How to build a two week emergency pantry Editor's Note: I came across a blog written by a garden writer named Erica and wanted to highlight my key takeaways for you: » It is very apparent the author centers her blog around the interruption of the electrical grid. Why? She explained there is so many potential "points of failure" in the daily transportation of the foods Americans eat on a daily basis. For example, just think about the complete hault of the refrigrated semi-trucks that transport our food. It could happen! Our entire food system could be interrupted by a natural disaster. All the more reason to start building your own emergency preparedness pantry! » How much should I store? The author answered the question, "The general rule of thumb for disaster scenarios is a minimum of two weeks of non-perishable food." » I learned there are different approaches to building up a two week supply of perishable food. Whether you cook at home or eat takeout, your individual and/or family emergency pantry will vary. I highly recommend checking out Erica's blog and taking her simple quiz to see whether you identify with the statements of a "deep larder" or "emergency food." It completely changed my perspective on how I should be preparing my own kit. » Storing food is dependent on your rotation of expired foods schedule. The author recommends “Keeping the ‘emergency’ backstock of food (your emergency pantry) in the same place you keep your normal food - because it’s all integrated.” Remember to use the "first in" and "first out" concept and to date and rotate your food! Preparedness 101: How to build a two week emergency pantry - blog website: nwedible.com/preparedness-101-how-to-buildtwo-week-emergency-pantry/ sw d bš qyuuqs News 27 e e
» Pet care items
THE TRIBAL ADVOCATE OFFICE IS NOW TITLED SWINOMISH DEFENSE SERVICES The Tribal Advocate Office title was officially changed to Swinomish Defense Services. The office seeks to provide diligent and respectful client-centered legal representation to individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings in Swinomish Tribal Court and is staffed by the Public Defender (formerly called the Tribal Advocate). For more information about the office, its mission, and other defense-related criminal justice issues, please visit swinomish-nsn.gov/ resources/defense-services.
About Swinomish Public Defender Laurence Blakely
My name is Laurence Blakely. I spent my childhood going back and forth between France and Rhode Island and moved to Western Washington as a young adult. After attending law school in Washington, I moved to Alaska to work first for the court system and then the state public defender. I am thrilled to be back in Western Washington and joining the Swinomish community as the new public defender. While our community is limiting in-person contact due to the pandemic, please reach out to me by phone at (360) 708-4493 if you have a question about your criminal case or Swinomish Defense Services.
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A New Name for the Swinomish Grants Department Formerly the Grants Department, the Compliance Section of Finance coordinates implementation, management, compliance, and close out of grants while working closely with accounting and legal staff. The services provided by external funding agreements are designed to achieve the tribe’s economic, social, cultural, health, educational, community and development goals. Late last year the Grants Department underwent a reorganization that included shifts in both reporting structure and focus, as well as a name change. The department now sits under Finance within the tribe’s organizational chart and staff report to CFO Sarah Holmstrom instead of the tribe’s general manager. While the department continues to provide individualized training and technical assistance to program managers, an added focus for the department is grants compliance, which includes the development of internal controls and systems that ensure all the requirements of the many grants the tribe manages are achieved. A department name change was recently initiated and approved in an effort to reflect these substantial changes. The department is now the “Compliance Section of Finance.” In other news, Teresa Hackler was recently hired as the tribe’s temporary grants user support specialist. Her role here is to build training tools and job aids that will assist Swinomish directors and program managers to successfully navigate and manage their grant-funded programs within all the mandated rules of compliance. Teresa comes to Swinomish with three years of experience in tutoring and education and will be working to develop resources for use across tribal departments. The department also hired Ginger Want to fill the open grant administrator position. Ginger most recently worked for the Skagit County Health Department where she gained 16 years of experience in accounting and compliance. She will be working primarily with Swinomish Health Programs.
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Reflections of Climate Change LINDY HUNTER, FISHERIES DEPARTMENT
“Mirror, mirror on the wall…” These familiar lines from a well-known childhood tale stir up different emotions in each of us. They can also reflect a central motivator in the pursuit of science, the desire to ask questions and seek answers. We all have questions about this world, or more specifically about how our past, present, and future ties in with it. If only there was a tool, much like a fairytale magic mirror, that could answer any question. What would you ask? And how would the answer inform the way you see the world around you? Climate change presents many questions all of us would love to know the answers to. In the face of our rapidly changing climate it is hard to predict how certain areas and creatures will respond. Answering these questions is of central importance in order to maintain traditional practices for current and future generations. As much as we would love to get our answers from a magic mirror, these questions are not the stuff of fairytales and require an organized, systematic approach and a lot of hard work.
Species-specific maps have been created for larval and juvenile crab, juvenile Chinook salmon, and cockle larvae. The results predict the bleakest
outcome for young crab, with juvenile Chinook salmon as a close runner up, and cockles in a slightly less dangerous predicament. There are, of course, a lot of other factors to consider before final conclusions can be drawn. In combination with other climate change vulnerability resources, these maps reflect areas to target for protection and restoration efforts. The framework of this model has been designed as a foundation to build off of; incorporating newer data and more species will increase its value immensely. Continuing to develop tools for understanding and managing the challenges of our future are essential. Through this and in promoting first foods and treaty rights there is still hope for our own happily-ever-after. The entire Climate Change Vulnerability Model report can be found on the Publications page of the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/ resources/publications sw d bš qyuuqs News 29 e e
The Swinomish Fisheries Department partnered with the Skagit River System Cooperative to create a mathematical model, the Climate Change Vulnerability Model. This model is a tool – much like the fairytale magic mirror – that allows us to consider specific shoreline characteristics, and make evidence-based predictions as to how they may be altered by the increase in sea surface temperature, wave energy, and sea level rise. Using this tool, vulnerability maps can be created for shorelines in and around the Swinomish Reservation with present day conditions as well as those projected under different climate change scenarios. The model also provides a pathway to consider different species, their life cycles, and how these changes might impact their ability to utilize the different habitat types they rely on.
August 24, 2020
Questions & answers:
Lost Wages Assistance Program What is the LWA program? The Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program is a temporary emergency measure to provide an additional $300 per week to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are receiving unemployment benefits. The LWA was authorized through an Aug. 8 Presidential Memorandum.
Will Washington apply for the LWA program? Yes. Washington’s Employment Security Department applied for the LWA program through Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The application was approved on Monday, Aug. 24.
How much money will a person get each week? Individuals who are eligible for LWA will receive an additional $300 on top of their weekly unemployment benefits. The state is not providing an additional $100 on top of this amount.
For how many weeks will eligible people receive the money? According to current guidance from the federal government, those who are eligible will receive the $300 per week benefit for three weeks. Payments will start once our application to FEMA is approved and we implement the program. Whether claimants receive more weeks of benefits will depend on how long the program is available from the federal government.
Do individuals need to apply for the LWA? No, there is not a separate application for the LWA program. Individuals who meet the self-certification requirements will be eligible for the additional LWA benefits. Individuals who are disqualified for benefits are not eligible for LWA.
Who is eligible for the LWA? Not everyone who has filed an unemployment claim will be eligible. To qualify for the program, claimants must: • Have received unemployment benefits from July 26, 2020, through Aug. 15, 2020, and • Self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. This will require a new step for claimants currently receiving regular unemployment benefits, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits. Those who are receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will likely not need to certify because they already have.
When will eligible individuals receive the LWA benefit? We don’t know yet. ESD is working as quickly as possible to implement this temporary measure and distribute payments to Washingtonians once our application is approved. Announced on Aug. 8, federal guidance for this program continues to evolve. We will have a better idea of when payments will start once Washington’s application is approved by the federal government.
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August 24, 2020
Is the LWA the same program that paid the extra $600 per week under the CARES Act?
Do claimants have to receive more than $100 in weekly unemployment benefits in order to receive the extra benefits?
No. The $600 per week available under the CARES Act expired at the end of July. LWA has different eligibility requirements and is a limited pool of money to be shared among all states that apply and are approved.
No. The $100 requirement is specific to weekly benefit amounts. Since Washington’s minimum weekly benefit amount is higher than the $100 required by LWA, this is not a concern for Washington claimants. As long as claimants are eligible to receive at least $1 in benefits, they can receive LWA.
Individuals will have to complete a one-time selfcertification that states they are unemployed, partially unemployed or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID. Individuals who have applied and been approved for PUA already self-certified at the time of their application and they answer questions weekly about their eligibility. So, these individuals already have satisfied the LWA self-certification requirement.
Why is LWA only for three weeks? Currently, LWA is limited to those who received unemployment benefits from July 26 through Aug. 15. The LWA program has a limited budget, so the length of time the LWA program is available, the amount that is paid out will be determined by the number of participating states, the number of payments that go out, and how fast the limited federal funds are exhausted.
For example, individuals who receive less than $100 each week because money is being deducted from their weekly benefit payment will still be eligible for the entire $300.
How much money could the LWA program contribute to Washington’s economy? We estimate that the LWA could provide more than $400 million to families, individuals and our state’s economy. Any additional funds to help unemployed workers are welcome.
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What does self-certification mean?
CORONAVIRUS CASE COUNTS: THESE ARE PEOPLE WE’RE COUNTING, NOT JUST NUMBERS CAROLINE EDWARDS
In the beginning, when you first learned about the coronavirus (COVID-19), do you remember how you reacted when you heard stories about individuals who contracted the disease? Seven months later, what’s your reaction now, when you hear about all those rising numbers? Coronavirus statistics have risen to a level that is almost incomprehensible due to the massive amount case counts worldwide and how quickly those numbers are rising. As of August 19, a total of 39,318 new cases were reported in the United States, bringing the total to 5,460,429 coronavirus cases. That’s five-million, four-hundred and sixtythousand, four-hundred and twenty-nine cases in the United States alone! You see people wearing masks and hear about the virus throughout the day, whether it’s witnessing the precautionary actions taking place when you go out or through the news media, but what about the individuals who were infected? The ones you don’t know? The ones you can’t see? Have you checked out the coronavirus case counts lately? Those are not just numbers – those are people, someone’s friend, someone’s family member. Because they were infected, and perhaps
without notice, the virus continues to spread to others, and the number will continues to rise if statewide precautions are not taken seriously by individuals and households. We’re not in the clear yet! Show the people who have been infected by COVID-19 that they are not just a number in a case count total: » Wash your hands often; » Avoid close contact; » Wear a cloth face-covering when in pubic settings and when your are around people who don’t live in your household; » Cover your coughs and sneezes; » Clean and disinfect often; » Monitor your own health daily and stay home if you’re not well
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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WE’RE HUMANS, NOT NUMBERS.
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HUCKLEBERRY CAMP
ANNA COOK, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE PHOTOS BY: KARI NEUMEYER, STAR JONES, COURTNEY SQUIEMPHEN, TINO & MIA VILLALUZ, JENNIE NGUYEN, ANNA COOK
Thank you, Tino Villaluz and Mia Villaluz for their help in making Huckleberry Camps 1 & 2 possible! We are so happy to have been able to go to the mountains to do a traditional huckelberry harvest this year.
people talked about how much they enjoyed spending time with family and reconnecting; others reminisced on when they used to pick when they were growing up, and some were happy to have been able to see a mountain huckleberry for the first time!
Everyone who attended had great comments about how the trip went, and their time in the mountains. Some
We are grateful for our community members and everyone’s involvement.
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THE BURN BAN & WILDFIRES KELSEY LARSON & CAITLIN ROBERTS, AIR QUALITY PROGRAM
Burn Ban In Effect
JULY 24 - TIER 1 No open burning except cooking and recreational fires within a fire ring, barbeque, or similar structure.
North American Seasonal Fire Assessment August 2020
It is important to be more careful about what and how much you burn during the summer because of the high risk of wildfires and other environmental impacts. The Swinomish Tribe issued a Tier 1 burn ban on July 24 this year, since environmental conditions could allow for fires to spread out of control or impact air quality with smoke. Good air quality is especially important this year since, like poor air quality, COVID-19 affects the respiratory system, and we want to protect our lungs from any additional sources of irritation. The Tribe has the authority to call a burn ban independently of the county and according to the Tribe’s criteria and needs. This is also backed with delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency to implement portions of the Federal Clean Air Act, including those governing open burning. The Air Quality program of the Swinomish Department of Environmental 34 sw d bš qyuuqs News
Protection is responsible for making burn ban assessments. The Tribe calls a burn bans for two reasons: 1. To reduce the threat of wildfire on Swinomish lands 2. To protect the health of the community by preventing bad air quality. The fire forecast for August indicates that conditions in the Pacific Northwest and surrounding areas will favor increased fire activity. This means we are likely to see a lot of wildfire smoke in the tribal airshed this year, which is based on several factors, including drought, stream flow, El Niño, the amount of dry fuel in the forests, and how much burning has already occurred during the year. The seasonal forecast projects that we will see a dryer and hotter year than normal, so it’s important to
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be prepared in case these predictions become a reality.
it’s important to avoid adding to the toxic wildfire smoke pollution by not burning any additional fires.
Tier 1 Burn Ban
At all times, tribal ceremonial burning is exempt from burn bans as long as a cultural exemption letter for a practice is approved by the Cultural Committee. If you want a cultural exemption letter for ceremonial burning, contact Kelsey Larson at (360) 708.3118 or klarson@swinomish.nsn.us.
Tier 2 Burn Ban If it gets dry and hot enough, the Tribe may call a Tier 2 burn ban, which means even recreational and cooking fires are no longer allowed. Wood stove use, except in homes where they are the primary heating source, may also be restricted. Another situation in which the Tribe might elevate the ban to a Tier 2 is when we are seeing a lot of wildfire smoke in the tribal airshed. In this case,
Wildfires pose a serious threat to more than 72,000 U.S. communities. Continued drought, warmer temperatures and increased dried vegetation in our forests have made fire seasons progressively worse over the past 50 years. Residents can, however, help prepare and protect their home and neighborhood from a wildfire.
In and Around Your Home » Keep leaves and needles off your roof and deck, and remove anything that can burn within 3–5 feet of your home’s perimeter. » From 5 feet to a minimum of 30 feet out, thin and space vegetation, remove dead leaves and needles, prune shrubs and trees. » Screen in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. » Remove flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch. » Wildfire can spread to treetops. Prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
There are burn ban signs when you enter and exit Swinomish Reservation boundaries that indicate whether or not a burn ban is in effect. You can also find this information online at swi n o mis h .o r g /re so u r c e s/e nv i ro n m e n tal protection/dep-services/burn-ban.
Stay safe and breathe healthy out there!
» Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. » Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire. » Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. » Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home. » Enclose eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 inch mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry. » Assemble an emergency supply kit and include important documents, medications, cash and personal identification. » Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home. Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place outside the potentially impacted area.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/disaster sw d bš qyuuqs News 35 e e
With the exception of recreational and cooking fires in approved fire pits, no open burning is allowed under a Tier 1 burn ban.
NOTICES August 24 SWINOMISH DENTAL CLINIC
The Dental Clinic is still scheduling emergency dental appointments, no walkins. Please call if you are experiencing a dental emergency.
August 20 – The Youth Center kids made a sign to welcome home rescued tribal fisher Michael Smith who went missing on the afternoon of Monday, August 17 (details page 11).
We are cleared to begin scheduling for non-aerosol producing appointments. This includes denture deliveries and prevention appointments (dental exams, fluoride varnish applications, and SDF). Our pop-up tents will start back up August 25th. The tents will be downstairs by the Senior Center. If you have not received a phone call to get your child or children scheduled yet, please call us at (360) 466-3900. Thank you all for your patience and understanding!
by Marie Charles (The Late) Your world is yours My world is mine Whoever opens the doors And lets them entwine Let love and life enter And sadness dare not venture
August 24 SWINOMISH HUNTING & WILDLIFE PROGRAM ATTENTION HUNTERS
Please contact enforcement at (360) 466.2501 to pick up your general season hunting tags and permits. General season fees waived for 2020. Contact Tino Villaluz at (360) 630.9544 with questions. ELK HUNTERS
If you successfully harvest an elk, please contact Tino Villaluz at (360) 630.9544 or Brandon Nickerson at (360) 770.1683 to coordinate dropping off feet for hoof disease monitoring.
Please enjoy a safe and successful hunting season! sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News 37 e e
POEM
HUMAN RESOURCES & TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE (TERO) JOB OPENINGS
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. Other perks include generous paid time off and discounted meals. To view details about open positions and download our General Employment Application, visit swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/careers. All positions are “Open until filled” unless specified. Email applications to: jobs@swinomishcasino.com Fax applications to: (360) 299.1677 Mail or hand deliver to: Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA 98221 Questions? Call Human Resources at (360) 299.1642
FINANCE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FULL TIME
SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE OBSERVER - Full Time
FOOD & BEVERAGE FOOD COURT SUPERVISOR - FULL TIME
If you are already employed with Swinomish Casino & Lodge, please visit Human Resources to complete an internal application.
MANCHU WOK COOK PART TIME
Staff Attorney Police Department Records Manager Self-Governance Coordinator CMA/CNA Registered Medical Assistant Forester
Full descriptions of the job announcements listed above are available on the Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov/resources/human-resources
HOW TO APPLY: Return completed application, cover letter, and resume to: Personnel Office Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 11404 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257 Fax applications to: (360) 466.1348 Or email to: hr@swinomish.nsn.us Applications must be received in the Personnel Office by 5PM on or before the job closing date. Questions? Call the Personnel Office at (360) 466.7347
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CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS - As of August 21, 2020
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I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE.
Swinomish Warrior Chas James, at the Education Celebration Parade