JAN/2021 VOL. 55 No. 1
Election Issue
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES & GOALS LETTERS | PAGE 14
CONTENTS Editor's Note ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Letter From the Chairman to the Swinomish Community .............................................................................. 5 The In-Person General Council is Postponed to May 1, 2021 ........................................................................ 6 Free Wifi at the Education Tent, Social Services, Dental Clinic & Medical Clinic ....................................... 7 Resolution 2020-12-251: A Resolution Postponing the General Council Meeting ..................................... 8 Election Board: In-Person Voting COVID-19 Safety Policy and Procedures ............................................. 10 Senate Election Polling Location - Map ....................................................................................................... 12 Senate Secretary Candidate Certification ................................................................................................... 13 Candidate Objectives & Goals Letters ......................................................................................................... 14 2021 Provisional Adoptees ............................................................................................................................ 23
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS EVENTS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19: COMMUNITY DINNER JANUARY 16 Swinomish Primary Election Behind the John K. Bob Ball Field along the road to the Swinomish Smokehouse - See Senate Election Polling Location on PAGE 12 8AM-1PM FEBRUARY 13 Swinomish General Election Behind the John K. Bob Ball Field 8AM-1PM
HOLIDAYS
JANUARY 1 New Year's Day
JANUARY 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day sw d bš qyuuqs News e e
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editor’s NOTE
New Year's Motivation Moving life forward into a new year during a pandemic is just not the same. The "new year, new you" concept is just
This month's publication includes important information for the upcoming election, including the Primary Election on January 16; the General Election and Senate Report on February 13; the in-person General Council on May 1; Secretary Candidate Certification; Candidate Objectives and Goals Letters; and the 2021 Provisional Adoptees. The election environment will look different this year, but nonetheless, an election will occur. The Election Board has worked through the logistics to make this work for tribal membership to vote safely. Remember to wear a mask and turn your cell phone off when you are voting. Read more
not there. The thought of what the new year has in store is unknown, but there is always hope; even when, at times, it seems the coronavirus stole some of our society's hope for the future. Try not to let the walls that surround you prevent you from growing within. Pulling through this one is going to require more grit than ever before. Continue to grow, even through the madness that surrounds us. Happy new year! Caroline Edwards goliahlitza
about why on PAGE 10.
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Moon of the Sacred Time
(pud-HA-HA)
The late December/January moon is the "moon of the sacred time." Both the final moon of one yearly cycle and the beginning moon of the next cycle, it is a time for renewal and rebirth. Thus, it is also the perfect time for learning spiritual and cultural traditions from elders around the longhouse fire. Sea-run cuttthroat trout, blackmouth salmon and steelhead are fished during the winter moons; ducks, geese, deer and elk are hunted; and tools, baskets and other items are constructed. Shellfish are collected during the nighttime low tides.
Moon of the Windy Time
pedIexic
(pud-kwuh-HWEETS)
The moon around late January/February is "moon of the windy time." In the bays, Chinook salmon, also called blackmouth or kings, are fished year round. Sea-run cutthroat and steelhead are fished during the winter moons; ducks, geese, elk and deer are hunted; and tools and baskets are constructed. Ironwood, as strong as its name, is usually harvested from the shrub oceanspray and used for making many of these tools: fish spears, fish sticks for cooking, and long knitting needles for sewing cattail sleeping mats. Ironwood is harvested before and after the height of the fishing season. 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
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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
sOladated Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us
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Sophie Bailey (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us
wa lee hub
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
Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com
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
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
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Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us
Photos credits: qyuuqs News Staff or as credited. All rights reserved. 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 siwelce? everything published in the print version of qyuuqs News is also published Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us 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 Website: swinomish-nsn.gov print and online versions of qyuuqs News.
@SwinomishSenate sw d bĹĄ qyuuqs News e e
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qyuuqs News is a publication of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community produced by Swinomish Communications.
Letter from the Chairman to the Swinomish Community
DECEMBER 22, 2020
Dear Swinomish Tribal Community members and staff, I’m sure you have heard that two different vaccines are now
making plans for the upcoming holidays, we ask you not to
being shipped to Washington State. The Senate has decided
gather with people outside your household and not to travel.
that Swinomish will receive the Moderna vaccine, which
With rising cases everywhere, we cannot let our guard down.
we expect to begin arriving during the holiday break. The
I know it is not easy, but it is more important than ever that
Medical Clinic plans to begin providing vaccinations here at
every one of us follow Public Health recommendations to
Swinomish soon after Tribal offices re-open in January.
keep each other safe and healthy. We have done well in
We are still working out the details, but we expect the first vaccinations to be given during the week of January.
protecting our community – we just need to keep on for a bit longer until we all can have the benefit of the vaccine.
The Senate’s goal with vaccinations is to protect those
This holiday week, let’s all remember the Swinomish Public
who are most vulnerable and who are at highest risk of
Health guidance and avoid the three C’s:
COVID-19 infection. The Senate therefore has authorized the Medical Clinic to begin offering vaccinations to all
1) Crowded places with many people nearby.
Swinomish Elders, their spouses or significant others, and
2) Close contact settings especially where people have
their caregivers in the first week of January. The Senate has
close-range conversations.
also set as a high priority for vaccinations the Tribe’s health care workers (Medical and Dental Clinic and didgwalic) and
3) Confined and enclosed spaces.
first responders (Swinomish Police and Fire District 13).
4) As Public Health has taught us, the risk is even higher
As Swinomish continues to receive vaccine allocations,
in places where 2 or 3 of C’s exist.
vaccinations will then be offered to other essential workers, including those with Tribal leadership and management responsibilities, as well as to child care, Youth Center and food preparation staff. We are optimistic that over time the Tribe will receive enough vaccine to offer vaccinations to all Tribal and community members and Tribal staff.
Take care, stay healthy, and enjoy your Christmas and New Year’s holidays in a safe and good way. Sincerely, Steve Edwards, Chairman
The Medical Clinic will share the details once vaccination plans are finalized. In the meantime, the holiday season is upon us. I know that we all want to spend time with friends and family, as we always do at this time of year. But when
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THE IN-PERSON GENERAL COUNCIL IS POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 1 JANUARY 04, 2021 Swinomish Tribal Community members, The Swinomish Senate continues to work to protect our membership and community from COVID-19. In light of the continued serious health risk, in December the Senate passed Resolution No. 2020-12-251, postponing the annual in-person meeting of the General Council to May 1, 2021. It is hoped that with the vaccination programs at Swinomish and elsewhere, and with continued COVID-19 safety measures, it will be safe to gather in person at that time. The Senate recognizes the importance of this annual meeting and desires to make a presentation to the community in the afternoon on February 13, 2021, the day of the General Election. This presentation will include an overview of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community’s Annual Report, which is being mailed to members a week prior to the General Election, COVID-19 Updates, Director Reports, and the General Election Results. This presentation will be via Zoom webinar, with an opportunity for questions or comments via the chat feature of the Zoom meeting. You will need to register to attend. The Swinomish IT Department will be available to assist members with Zoom questions. Registration information will be made available on the Swinomish Senate Facebook page and mailed to all eligible voters.
The Resolution No. 2020-12-251 is located on PAGE 8-9.
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FREE WIFI AT THE EDUCATION TENTS, SOCIAL SERVICES, DENTAL CLINIC & MEDICAL CLINIC
The Tribe has free WiFi available at the locations listed in the map above.
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Election Board: In-person Voting COVID-19 Safety Policy and Procedures Overview The goal of these voting procedures is to minimize, or eliminate when possible, human contact and close proximity interaction in light of the public health crisis. This document
feet away from others. 2) All persons visiting or remaining at a polling station shall practice social distancing.
is meant to address the process of voter check-in, ballot
3) All Election Officials and poll workers shall be
issuance, and secure vote casting. At each step in the
required to wear gloves when interacting with voters and
voting process, the following protocols will minimize the
handling ballots.
need for personal contact between polling place officials and voters. This Policy is authorized for the January 16, 2021 Primary Election, if needed, and the February 13, 2021 General Election and does not replace any other procedures approved by the Swinomish Tribal Senate. All Election Board members shall comply with polices issued by the Swinomish Senate, including: » Mask Policy » Employee COVID-19 Testing Policy; and » Policy for Response to COVID-19 Exposure, Diagnosis or Positive Coronavirus Test Result. » Site Layout Pursuant to Swinomish Senate Resolution 2020-11-234, the 2021 Senate Primary Election, if needed, and the 2021 General Election shall be held on behind the John K. Bob
Voter Guidelines 1) Voters may arrive on foot or in any type of transportation vehicle. 2) Voters are required to maintain social distancing from all other persons at the polling place and if arriving in a vehicle, must remain in their vehicle while at the polling place. 3) Voters will be directed to a polling station or wait area by a poll worker. 4) Voters in vehicles shall turn off their vehicle while in the polling station or wait area. 5) Voters will be provided hand sanitizer, a mask and gloves, if needed.
Ballfield along the roadway to the Smokehouse that connects
6) Voters must self-disclose if they have any symptoms
Reservation Road with Snee-Oosh Road.
of COVID-19 or if they are in isolation or quarantine.
Physical Distancing and Facial Coverings 1) Masks are REQUIRED for all Election Officials, poll workers, and voters at all times within the polling area.
Voters in this category should travel to the polling place alone or only with those that are isolating or quarantining with them.
Masks and face coverings may be temporarily removed
7) Campaigning signage regarding the Swinomish
for purpose of eating and drinking but anyone removing
election on any vehicle will be covered with sticky
a face covering, even temporarily, must be at least six
notes while in the polling station. Campaigning signage
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regarding a Swinomish election is prohibited within 150
5) All persons inside a vehicle are encouraged to be
feet of the polling station, pursuant to STC 2-01.200(B).
silent and respectful while a person is casting a ballot.
Voter Check-In 1) An Election Board member will verify the identity of the eligible voter through Tribal I.D., Driver’s license or personal knowledge. The Election Board member will use an electronic device loaded with the Eligible Voters list to check in each voter. 2) A voter that is presenting identification will show the
6) Each ballot shall be returned to the poll worker inside the privacy envelope. 7) No ballot may be removed from the polling station.
Maintenance of Voting Area 1) Voting areas shall be cleaned and sanitized every hour.
identification through the vehicle window or, if arriving on
2) Poll workers responsible for cleaning voting areas
foot or in windowless vehicle, shall show identification
shall wear protective equipment such as gloves, mask
while behind a Plexiglas shield.
and face shield while cleaning.
3) Voters whose identity has been verified as an Eligible
3) Poll workers responsible for cleaning voting areas
Voter shall be directed to a polling station or wait area.
shall inform an Election official to close a voting area
Issuing of Ballots on Election Day 1) Voters must turn off their cell phones and other electronic devices while in the polling station. The use
temporarily if more than one hour has elapsed since the last cleaning time.
Accommodations to Voters
of photography or video recording is prohibited inside
1) An Election official may assist a voter that requires
the polling station.
aid in order to cast a ballot.
2) Each voter shall be issued a ballot and privacy
2) Only an Election official may provide assistance to a
envelope in order to cast their ballot.
voter that requires aid in order to cast a ballot.
3) Each voter shall be issued a golf pencil or pen to mark
3) When feasible, the voter that requires aid shall be
the ballot. The golf pencil or pen shall not be returned to
directed to call the Election Official to receive aid in
the poll worker.
reviewing the ballot.
4) Any voter in need of assistance in order to cast a
4) An Election Official is authorized to mark a ballot as
ballot shall be authorized to do so using the Assistance
directed if the voter is unable to mark the ballot due to
Rules provided below.
existing physical limitations.
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SENATE ELECTION POLLING LOCATION
Entrance e
n
-
W
a
y
vatio
n Rd
Squi-Qui Ln
O
Rese r
Voter Sign-In
Ballot Box
Rd Pio ne er Pk wy
F Fiirr sstt S Stt
A Ave
Sne e-O osh
Feet 0
30 60
120
180
240
300
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community makes no claim as to the completeness, accuracy, or content of any data contained herein. This map is not intended to reflect the exterior boundaries of the Swinomish Indian Reservation. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior permission of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Tribal_Elections_Voting_Location.arpx, jtully, 12/2/2020. Aerial Imagery: Pictometry 2019
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Exit
Senate Election Polling Location
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Senate Secretary Candidate Certification On November 30, 2020, I received, reviewed, and considered the following Petitions for Nominations and the Election Board's 6-0-0 Certification Recommendation pursuant to STC 2- 01.120( G ). I hereby certify the following individuals as Candidates for the 2021 Swinomish Senate Election.
Senate Seat #3 Brian Porter, Incumbent Dave Johnston Senate Seat #4 Kevin Paul, Incumbent Greg Edwards Bruce James Senate Seat #5 Joseph Williams, Incumbent Rodney John Tandy Wilbur Abraham McDonald In its recommendation, the Election Board noted that some of the Goals and Objectives Letters exceeded the 500 word criteria. Pursuant to STC 2-0l.120(C)(5), no more than 500 words will be accepted in each Goals and Objectives Letter. Certified Candidate letters will be printed in the upcoming edition of the qyuuqs and each shall end at the sentence before the 500th word. Dated this 30th day of November, 2020. Brian Wilbur, Acting Senate Secretary
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Candidate Objectives and Goals Letters Senate Seat 3
Brian Porter O’Siem, Hello my respected community, My traditional name is Yaqualeouse. My parents are Tina Cayou and Michael Porter. I am a father of four and have two amazing grandchildren. My wife is Laura Porter of the Lummi Nation. As an indigenous father, son and grandfather I was brought up knowing the importance of knowing who we are as Indian people and to understand the principals of whom we are as cultural beings. I owe my personal experiences to my grandfather, Chet Cayou Sr-Qua Tee Sa Luq. My grandfather first introduced tribal government to me during his years on the Senate. His influence and guidance is what first inspired me to serve my community at the Senate level. I have been taught that our cultural beliefs, traditions and values are the guiding principles when serving your people. The importance of culture in everything that we do teaches the importance of honesty, integrity, respect and being teachable. I will continue to advocate in the best interest of our Community by protecting our treaty rights. We have taken great strides to improve and prosper as a community. I have been very fortunate and honored to have been a part of our rapid growth since I first start working for the Tribe. We have grown as an administration and with this growth requires adaptation and change. I would like to see our Housing Development keep up with our community needs. As a part of the growth we are seeing we are recognizing the need to improve, enhance and expand our elder care. We are also seeing more college graduates and we must be better prepared to enter them into our workforce by recognizing and honoring our tribal preference policies. With the existing projects we have going on now I believe we are going in the right direction. We have an aging infrastructure and facilities and we should continue to update, improve, replace or build what is needed for our community development. I am aware of the hardships we are facing as a direct result of the current pandemic we are living though and we will need to prioritize our efforts to stabilize and rebuild our financial stability in the best interest of our community. It has always been my belief that as a Senator elected to serve the people that it is my duty to be available and willing to address any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions. I will always seek input from our members as we are their voice at the Senate table. When I was first elected to Senate I vowed to always ask the hard questions that needed to be asked. I can agree to disagree and think that healthy debates are critical in our decision making process for the best interest of the community. Da ha dubs. Thank you for your time and consideration. Brian G. Porter, Seat 3
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Senate Seat 3
Dave Johnston Dear Swinomish voter, first and foremost I want our votes as a people to count and if we decide to vote on any specific issue it needs to be carried out as the will of the people. Another very important issue to me Is the complete transparency in the Senate. All of our tribal business needs to be conducted so we all understand our objectives and direction we are going within our tribe. I want our tribe to be run like any would expect a business to be run and keep all programs funded, especially for the very young and our elders. Growing up on the reservation in the 70’s I watched a very inclusive community and when someone was hurting people helped. Our senators worked for the good of the people and when my mother was on the senate she got $25.00 per meeting. It wasn’t about the money, but helping the people. I want people to feel there is a chance at upward mobility in the tribe and see more ascend to leadership positions In our enterprises. I see a need for changes in our enrollment and the imaginary boundaries where literally cousins on one side of 1-5 could be enrolled, and another cousin denied because he lived on the wrong side of a freeway. I don’t believe in these artificial boundaries separating our people when our own hunting U&A goes from the Canadian border to Mt. Rainier, and our fishing grounds go from the Canadian border to the far reaches of Admiralty Inlet to the Skagit bay, our home on Fidalgo Island. Exclusion from enrollment for those with family blood ties should never happen considering we have adopted others with no such ties. Obviously education Is Important as we turn Into a world economy and along with that I would like to see an emphasis on childhood nutrition because early development without proper nutrition will not produce the children’s development on par to be the best they can be in a competitive world. I would like to see another summer school type program we had as children where then it was Indian language, sewing, physical education, but to also include basic money management such as budgeting, opening a bank account, paying bills, and building credit to teach basic management skills to our youth. At 54 I am still learning this along with procedures on starting a new business and doing it responsibly. I could’ve used this as a kid. I also see the need for changes not only in the General council, but daily in the way we share information and vote. We are in the 21st century and we all carry personal computers in our pockets (cell phones) and it is far easier to share information instantly, so if there is an issue we can poll test the people to see where we all stand on important issues. Sincerely, SILIGH-KA-DUB David William Johnston
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Senate Seat 4
Kevin Paul Hello. This is wee la hub, Kevin Paul. I want to thank you for allowing me to share what is on my mind, about what is happening at Swinomish. We have a lot of work that is in front of us. I could name a few that we need to keep focusing on some of the work. The importance of our education to our youth and the importance of higher education to the ones reaching their goals. We are moving forward giving them the best education that they need. I know the jobs that our tribal members are seeking and whatever education they have, to work here at Swinomish. Like the late Robert Joe, Sr. said, “Go out, get your education, get experience and come home and work for our tribe. My goals are to continue to uphold our Constitution, our Bylaws and our Treaty. There is a way, the vision, there has always been a goal here to take care of our elders. It is much needed to have a care facility for our elders. Since Covid, this has been brought up again. We have been having discussions to move the care facility forward. This is an immediate goal.
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Senate Seat 4
Greg Edwards My name is Greg Edwards Jr.(Spi sta yup ton) of the Swinomish Tribal Communities. My paternal grandparents are the late Alfreda Edge and the late Russell Edwards Sr. Swinomish base roll members. Maternal grandparents are the late Marie Charles and the late Claude Wilbur Sr.(Kuts but soot) Swinomish base roll members. My parents are the late (Qualt to sah)Lisa Wilbur and the late (Spi sta yup ton)Greg Edwards Sr.. I am a father of four children, two boys and two girls. Married to Antoinette Edwards from Tsawout First Nations. I have been thinking about this decision to run for senate for a few years now. Talking with my family along with some of my closest friends, helped me understand that I was ready to take this step in life. I’m ready to work in tribal governmental affairs for our Swinomish Tribal Communities. I am currently serving on the enrollment committee, education sub-committee, and was part of the N.A.P.A.C.(Native American Parent Advisory Committee). I have been walking the red road of recovery the last four and half years. These last four years have been awesome for me and my family, breaking that cycle of alcoholism. I was recently the La Conner High School boy’s varsity basketball volunteer assistant coach for four years. Currently I am the La Conner Middle School boy’s basketball coach. Being in recovery and coaching has taught me many things, such as how to have patience, listen, trust, confidence, objective, preparation , balanced, flexible, firm, and realistic. These are some things we all learned in life, as well being an athlete. We all have picked up these attributes along the way in our life lessons . I often use these traits at home, on the boat, at work, or in my daily life as a father, husband, and friend. With these tools and life lessons, I believe they will help me work alongside our current tribal senators. I would like to help work to complete the current projects and provide insight from a different view. I am committed to listening and being a voice for our members. I work well with others and like the challenge that comes with solving problems. Some things I am committed to for our community are:
» Being active in our committees, planning process, projects » Continue to be a part of the community » Support continued growth of the housing program » Support education for all members
» Encourage and support tribal member job recruitment, training and advancement » Grow and continue improvements to our police department including new space » Fully support all Elders programs » Our youth will always be a main priority to assure our future success
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» Represent by listening to our people
Senate Seat 4
Bruce James I am Bruce James, Yellakabol, and I am just like many of you other 1020 enrolled Swinomish Indian Tribal Community members here at Swinomish . I was blessed to grow up here in our community with my parents Barbara and Bruce James, and two brothers Warren and Sonny James. I know that living and growing up in our community isn’t a privilege many other members get to experience due to our housing shortage. I currently volunteer my service to our Tallawhalt committee on my own time. Additional housing for our elders and Tribal members on and off the reservation is definitely a goal of mine and will continue to be a goal of mine whether I am elected to the Senate or not. I quit my supervisor’ s job at the Casino to help serve in our Wellness Department. We have many great programs here at Swinomish that our current and previous leadership have helped to build and grow over these past few years. As many of you know I am in recovery and these programs helped me to get to where I am right now in my life. We are always taught to give back from which we have received. Now that I am healthier, my goal is to be of service and pay it forward to those who are still suffering from addiction and continue helping those who are on the red road to recovery. Growing up I didn’t see the value of education until I became a parent. After high school I went to college but didn’t complete my degree. Now that I am older and raising a child of my own I see the importance of education and want a better future for her and our other children here at the Tribe. One thing that I keep hearing is that our children go away to get their degrees but one of the obstacles when they get back is that they can’ t get work back here at our Tribe. I know our Tribe has policies for Tribal preference in hiring but I have seen lately that some of our students are doing internships that have lead them straight into jobs in their field of study. My goal would be to support policies to help our college students get more jobs here at home. This senate seat is only 1 voice of 11 on the Senate. I have learned from all my jobs and committee work how to work as a team player. There are many areas of our Tribe that interest me such as the success of our enterprises, the richness of our culture, traditions, and treaty rights. All these areas of our life are important to us as Native people and my goal is to keep learning from our elders, leaders, and community members so that I can pass it on to our next generation. I want to serve all of you from our youngest child to our oldest elder. Bruce James, Yellakabol
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Senate Seat 5
Joseph Williams I am highly motivated to serve my community and further our community development. Helping build infrastructure to aid in healthy living for our growing comm unity. The experience I have gained throughout my employment history has helped me grow as a team player and team leader. Working together with the rest of the Senate I hope to achieve completion of a couple projects that I have helped get started like the Tallawhalt 2 housing project, Swinomish Senior Center and Gathering facility. Last but not least our Swinomish Power code that will hopefully help guide Swinomish into the future of energy independence. Protecting our Treaty rights and representing our tribal fishermen on a number of boards and commissions that I have had the pleasure to serve on has become one of my greatest passions. In the future I hope to continue this work. Thank you, Joseph Williams (Squi-Qui)
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Senate Seat 5
Rodney John My name is Rodney John I am in pursuit of seat 5 in this year’ s senate. I have been really wanting to do this for some time I just hadn’t felt the time was right. This year I have chosen to pursue this dream of mine on becoming a Senator for the Swinomish Tribe, and becoming a voice for the people and help our Tribe and continue to make a better path for our people. I have served, and currently on various committees for the Swinomish Tribe. I no longer represent Buildings and Facilities or the Swinomish Gaming committee. I currently serve on Law and order, Planning, and Cultural Committees. I have learned a lot and have gained a lot of knowledge. My objective’s for being on Senate are simple to help be the voice for our Swinomish people from the youngest of members of the Tribe who do not know what the job of Senator means to the people, and to the eldest of our members of our Tribe whose legacy of being Swinomish we live on through. My goals for Senate, there are so many and one is our elders we need to do more and will always need to take care of our elders they are the ones, and the reason we are here. We need to get some type of assisted living facility for them, and when I served on TBF committee this was something that was always brought up but moving forward I see there isn’t anything being done to move forward with this kind of facility so our elders can feel safe, but still live on their own terms and still have the feeling of independence. I know we offer a lot of services for our elders but I feel it ‘ s not enough. We put so much into drugs and alcohol and with new buildings being built for rehabilitation or domestic violence. This is the second building for domestic violence and our elders are feeling that no one cares about their wellbeing or their thoughts. We need to help them more and show them we love them while we have them because we never know what tomorrow brings. I know we help them with $250 per month we need to increase this amount $350 to $400 this is what would really help them, the $250 if you think about it that‘s a tank of gas a little bit of goodies for them and that's about it. With today’s economics and the price for food and clothes $250 helps, but it doesn’t get them far. Another one of my goals would be to find some way that we could get help for single parents. I have seen so many single parents feel like they are failing because no matter what they do its never enough. Thank you Rodney John
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Senate Seat 5
Tandy Wilbur I am seeking a chance to represent the Tribe in Senate Seat 5. It was an honor to serve the community for three terms on Senate from 2001 to 2016. I am thankful for all that I learned during that time especially the knowledge from working side by side with my fellow Senators. If elected I will bring this knowledge along with the perspective I have gained over the last five years as a tribal member and tribal employee. I will work on behalf all Swinomish Tribal members. We have a good foundation and need to work together to continue growing and improving the quality of life for our members. I am committed to listening to the wishes of the community and having the work of the Senate be guided by those wishes. A few areas of interest to me are: Education: Our children have a long history of struggles in the school system the pandemic has created a whole new road block to their success. We do not know yet what the long-term effects of this pandemic will be on the social and emotional development of this generation. It is more important than ever that we provide every child the support and resources essential to reach their full potential. Work Force Development: I will support recruitment, development and advancement opportunities for tribal members in our government programs and enterprises. Elder Services: It is our responsibility to care for our Elders in all aspects physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have always supported the development of an Elders assisted living in the community. The covid-19 pandemic amplified this need at times like these we need to be prepared to protect our Elders. This needs to be at the forefront of our conversations at this time. Economic Development: It is essential that we seek development beyond the gaming industry to achieve economic sustainability. The service and entertainment industries were devastated this past year in order to weather another storm such as this we have to expand into other areas of business. I see many possibilities such as a hospital, pharmacy, lease buildings, manufacturing, mini casino site in La Conner. Treaty Rights: I am passionate about protecting our natural resources; they are essential to our way of life. We are in challenging times with a growing population and shrinking natural resources. It is important that we exercise and protect our treaty rights for our children just as past generations did for us. I will always keep the community as my priority. If I am given the opportunity to serve I believe together we can continue to build on our foundation for a strong, healthy, thriving community. Thanks. Tandy Wilbur 9540 McGlinn DR, La Conner, WA 98257
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Senate Seat 5
Abraham McDonald To my Swinomish family, My name is Abraham McDonald, and I am asking you to allow me to represent you on our Senate, Seat 5. Most people call me Abe, Abraham will get just as quick a response. I met my wife Leslie in April of 1999; we have been together since. I was born in January of 1971, which means I will be 50 in 2021. I hope that 2021 and all years to come treat us all better than 2020. The last year has been a rough one for us all. The shutdowns and COVID-19 affected us all in one way or another. Whether it was a job loss, losing loved ones, or not being able to travel to see family or them not being able to have them see you, we are all in this together. Even though our daughter Joreen tested positive, it was detected very early thanks to the amazing staff at our own Swinomish Health Clinic. She is fine now by the way. She was isolated and showed minimal symptoms and passed it to zero people. 2020 was not all bad for my family, in March our oldest daughter got married, and in May our son blessed us with our first grandson, his name is Kynami James, and we got a new president. The great work done by clinic staff was done with the help given by our own senate. With the help of the senate our community will get through this. COVID-19 testing, food distributions, and financial help are just a few ways the senate has helped during this global pandemic. I am sure there are many more. This is only one of the issues that our people are facing. We are doing well. We can do better. Education is always and should be at the forefront of our culture plans. But education is more than just “stay in school”, “get good grades”, and full rides to college. We need more. More life skills and start earlier. We need to teach our kids how to be better students. Drug use, abuse, and addiction all need to be stopped. We can do better. There are far too many issues for me to mention here. I promise that no issue will be too great or too small, and no stone will be left unturned. I will be a voice for those who feel their voice is not heard. I will not be a “Senator”, rather I will be your voice on the Swinomish Senate, Seat #5. Abraham (Abe) McDonald
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2021 Provisional Adoptees Cedar S. Cladoosby Anthony Cladoosby
Mark Schooler
Toni Whisler
Matthew Cladoosby
Susan Coleman
Jennifer Schooler
Cedar S. Cladoosby Provisional Member
Virginia S. A. Metcalf Laurie Metcalf
Grover Topaum
Joey Metcalf
Andrea Topaum
Cora Clark
Virginia S. A. Metcalf Provisional Member
Becky Edwards Mary Dolan
Ben Charles
Kevin Roberts
Dorothey Johnny
Bonnie Charles
Becky Edwards Provisional Member Provisional Member Family Tree
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Roy Roberts
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