JAN 2026 VOL. 60 No. 1
Election Issue
Candidate Objectives Letters | PG. 3
CONTENTS Senate Seat #3 Brian Porter, Incumbent
3
Senate Seat #4 Greg Edwards, Incumbent
4
Senate Seat #4 Kevin Paul
5
Senate Seat #5 Tandy Wilbur, Incumbent
6
Senate Seat #5 Lena Joe
7
Senate Seat #5 James Bobb
8
Provisional Members for Adoption
9
Pursuant to the December 11, 2025, Senate Decision. In the Matter of 2026 Election Certification Appeal.
AMENDED NOTICE OF SENATE CANDIDATE CERTIFICATION Senate Seat #3 Brian Porter, Incumbent Senate Seat #4 Greg Edwards, Incumbent Kevin Paul Senate Seat #5 Tandy Wilbur, Incumbent Lena Joe James Bobb A Primary Election is required for Seat 5 – STC 2-01.130. The Primary Election will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Pursuant to STC 2-01.230(A), the Election Board shall certify the first and second place finishers for the Senate Position subject to the Primary as candidates for the General Election. The General Election is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. Authorizing Resolution No. 2025-12-267.
2
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER
Senate Seat #3
Brian Porter, Incumbent
I often reflect on the days past when our Grampa Chet was on the Senate. I remember when he would come home from a long meeting with the Senate and share what was going on in our community not knowing that someday we would be sitting at the Senate table making important decisions on behalf of our tribe. I didn't see the vision back then that Senators seen. I trusted that they were making the right decisions for our community. I would only hope that the vision of our present Senate is just as strong now as it was then. We have taken great strides to improve and prosper as a community. We have utilized government funding, we have grown as an enterprise and we have grown our administration. With this growth requires adaptation and change. The goals and objective that I would like to continue to focus on are part of the subject matter committees that I serve on. I would like to see our housing development keep up with our community needs. With the existing project we have going on now I believe we are going in the right direction. We have an aging infrastructure and facilities. We should continue to update, improve, replace or build what is needed for our Community development. I would like to thank our community for allowing me to be a member of the Senate. It has been an honor to represent our people. We take pride in knowing that our tribe is present and accounted for when it comes to government to government issues. There are some ongoing topics that our Senate has been addressing over the years. We've been in court, in meetings, in mediation and negotiation with several outside entities such as Burlington Northern Railroad, Seattle City Light and the Harbor Safety Commission. We have been involved in negotiations with the state on several important topics like the Culverts case, US v Washington and Fisheries. We as a Senate have heard the concerns and recommendations of our General Council and made some changes to our Committee Boards and Commissions by allowing more community members to serve as outstanding members of our committees. The work that is done at our Senate table is a collaborative effort by all our Senators. I believe that every comment, suggestion and action made by each one of our Senators is important. I believe that we all speak on your behalf when it comes to our tribal issues. I prefer to keep an open mind to how we approach each and every topic whether it be through resolutions, concensus or just a well engaged conversation. I believe in our intricate system of government. The responsibility of the Senate can be anything from budgets to government fuctions and services to community need and events. As an incumbent to this election I would kindly ask our community to allow me to serve another term as one of your Senators. Da Ha Dubs Yaqualeouse Brian Porter
3
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER
Senate Seat #4
Greg Edwards, Incumbent
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./K.uts 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. It has been an honor to serve the Swinomish Tribal Communities in Senate Seat 4 for the past 5 years. Participating in tribal committees including Enrollment, Education Sub-Committee, N.A.P.A.C.(Native American Parent Advisory Committee), Planning Commission, Environment and Lands, Gaming Enterprise Management Board, Tribal Building and Facilities, Swinomish Housing Development Committee, and Elders Committee. I have been walking the red road of recovery the last 10 years. These last ten years have been the best years for me and my family, breaking that cycle of alcoholism. I am the LaConner Middle School boy's basketball coach. Being in recovery and coaching has taught me many things patience, listen, trust, confidence, objective, preparation, balanced, flexible, firm and realistic. My last five years in leadership I have used these tools daily to serve our community. Alongside my fellow tribal senators, I will continue working to build programs that serve our community members. In my first term we have made progress toward open communication with the community this must continue. I am committed to listening and being a voice for our members. Some things I am committed to for our community are: • As a tribal member in recovery I am committed to continuing to fight for recovery from this opioid epidemic we are facing; • Represent by listening to our people and communicating openly about our government; • Continue being active in our committees, planning process, projects and creating opportunity for my tribal member involvement; • Expanding economic development to increase revenue that supports tribal programs; • Support continued growth of housing including upgrading our infrastructure for the future; • Continue to support education for all members that set us up for a strong workforce; • Encourage and support tribal member job recruitment, training and advancement; • Fully support all Elders programs; Our youth will always be a main priority to assure our future success, it is our responsibility assure a healthy, thriving community for them to take over one day.
4
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER
Senate Seat #4
Kevin Paul
Kevin Brian Paul
17544 Pioneer Parkway P.O. Box 1147 La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 540-3906 November 19, 2025 Swinomish Election Board Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Dear election board, My goals and objectives, if elected to the Swinomish Senate, are as follows. My goals provide an overall direction. One goal is to help with our healthcare system by providing improved healthcare to our tribal members. A second goal is to help improve education so that our children and youth receive a quality education in K - 12 and as they seek a higher education. A third goal looking at our growth as a tribe, with increased membership. Infrastructure is another goal to reach by creating ideas and plans with input by tribal community members. Objectives are specific measurable actions to achieve those goals. Alternative health additions, such as an onsite chiropractor is an objective to improve our healthcare system. Education objectives are to create a tract for tribal members to become engineers. Getting a department trained and staffed to monitor development surrounding our tribal lands is important. A path from education to skilled positions is essential. With increased enrollment, additional housing is necessary. Infrastructure improvements to move the project forward for a retirement center for our elders. Develop and build our own grocery store. Financial stability for tribal members is to create jobs within our economic development. Respectfully, Kevin Paul
5
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER Senate Seat #5
Tandy Wilbur, Incumbent
Dear Swinomish Relatives, I hope this letter finds you and your families well. As our Nation prepares for another year of growth and decisionmaking, I am writing to respectfully ask for your vote for re-election to the Swinomish Senate, Seat #5. It has been an honor to serve our community, and I remain committed to working toward a future that reflects the values, strength, and sovereignty our ancestors fought to protect. Over the past four years, I have continued to advocate for transparency, accountability, and clearer communication between leadership and Tribal Members. I am proud to say that I did what I said I would do the last time I ran. We now have clearer and more consistent access to information, and I remain committed to strengthening these systems so decisions, financials, and long-term plans are easier for all members to understand. When we share information, listen to one another, and make decisions together, we build a stronger and more united Nation. As a community, we are also facing major challenges, particularly as industrial and environmental pressures continue to threaten salmon, shorelines, and treaty-reserved waters. The legal and regulatory battles of recent years have shown us how essential it is to stay vigilant. Our identity as a fishing people depends on the health of the Skagit River, the Salish Sea, and the beings that sustain us. I am committed to defending treaty rights, protecting salmon habitats, and continuing the climate-resilience work necessary to safeguard first foods, beaches, and future generations. Strengthening the Tribe's long-term stability also requires that we take meaningful steps toward self-sustainability. Food sovereignty, economic growth, and responsible development are crucial to ensuring a strong future. We need new pathways for returns on investment-projects that are profitable, sustainable, and aligned with our cultural and environmental values. Economic development must serve the people, not the other way around. I believe Swinomish has the talent, vision, and leadership to do this well. With greater transparency now in place, the natural next step is accountability. Our public programs, enterprises, and political decisions must be held to standards that ensure they truly serve the people. Accountability is not about criticism-it is about responsibility. It is about making sure every decision made in the name of Swinomish actually benefits the community. We must hold ourselves accountable so our systems can be successful and so our children inherit strong, stable governance. Housing, youth development, and community wellness continue to be foundational priorities. Every family deserves a safe home. Every child deserves culturally grounded education and opportunities for leadership. And every Tribal member deserves access to whole-person care, especially as the opioid crisis continues to impact Native families across the region. Our didgwalic Wellness Center remains a model tor healing, and I will continue advocating for expanded prevention, mental health support, and cultural wellness programs. It would be an honor to continue serving you. I respectfully ask for your vote so that we may continue building a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous Swinomish With gratitude, Tandy "Wolf" Wilbur 6
Pursuant to SITC § 2-02.110(C)(5) Candidate statements shall be no longer than 500 words in length. The first 500 words of submitted statements are provided.
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER Senate Seat #5
Lena Joe
?i čəxw Lena Joe tsi dsda? Hello. My name is Lena Joe. The name given to me by my grandpa is Tə-Dac-Sə-Blo. I am the daughter of Lori and Tony Cladoosby. My paternal grandparents are the late Michael and MaryLou Cladoosby, and my maternal grandpa is Calvin Kight, and my grandma is the late Davene Kight. I married my husband, Marcus, in 2016, and we have 4 children: Joey, Isaac, Johnny, and Ambrose. I have lived on the Swinomish reservation for almost my entire life. Except for the nine months spent in Tucson, AZ, in 2009, so I could attend the University of Arizona as a student. I graduated from La Conner High School in 2009. Between 2011 and 201 7, I earned three degrees from NWIC: an AA General Direct Transfer, an AA Early Childhood Education, and a BA in Tribal Governance and Business Management. Currently, I am also pursuing my Master's of Business Administration, with just three classes left to complete. I worked at NWIC as the site tutor for about six years, then at the daycare for three years. After that, I worked at the Swinomish Chevron as a cashier for just about a year. Then I took time off to stay home with my boys for about four and a half years. In 2021, I started my current position as the 9th grade Education Student Advocate. I value the strong relationships I have formed with the youth I've worked with, and hopefully, I've helped and instilled in them an understanding of the importance of education. I was about 16 when I decided that being a senator was one of my life goals. I have since wanted to be part of the process for change and growth in my community. We have always been told that one day our elders will be gone, and someone will need to step up and take their place. This has fueled many of my life decisions. I graduated from Northwest Indian College with my degree in tribal governance, with a focus on tribal politics, so that I could prepare and have a solid foundation for learning about our government. When I started attending NWIC, I felt such a sense of community and belonging that I knew that I would never leave home again. To prepare for stepping into a leadership role, I wanted to learn the processes and gain more experience by serving on a committee. I currently serve on the TERO, HESS, Fireworks, and Housing Development committees. My goals as a senator are as follows • • • •
Show up and be available to my community Be honest and open to everyone's opinions Serve my people Let myself be held accountable to my people and community
If I am elected, the one thing I can promise is that I will do my best to dedicate my time and focus towards serving as an effective senator. Thank you for your time. I hope I have your support! Vote for Lena Joe for Senate Seat #5 !
7
CANDIDATE OBJECTIVES LETTER Senate Seat #5
James Bobb
Greetings to all my fellow Swinomish tribal members, My name is James Bobb, though most of you know me as Jimbo. My father was the late Terry Bobb (Makah), and my mother was Susan Wilbur. I come from a family grounded in perseverance and independenceindividuals who have always inspired me with their strength, dedication, and generosity. I am running for seat position #5, and I respectfully ask for your support. My experience working alongside tribal leadership taught me the importance of listening, showing compassion, and sharing knowledge in a way that uplifts our people. My focus is on strengthening both our youth and our elders by building meaningful connections and supporting one another. I grew up experiencing the unifying power of sports-traveling from tribe to tribe, forming friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I want to continue creating opportunities like these for our young people. I have spoken with collegiate athletes and students who are paving the way for the next generation, and I believe strongly in expanding access to higher education. Whether through scholarships, mentorship, or increased academic resources, our youth deserve every opportunity to pursue advanced learning and reach their full potential. Just as we invest in our youth, we must also care for our elders. It is proven that strong social connections positively affect their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My goal is to support our elders in all aspects of life-whether through improved access to services, community engagement, cultural activities, or creating spaces where they feel respected, valued, and heard. I want to bring elders and youth together so both generations can learn from one another and share in each other's strengths. As a fisherman since the age of 13, I deeply value our treaty rights and the safety of our fleet. I believe we must expand the areas accessible to our fishermen and ensure the security of our entire village. I am committed to being part of the solution and working hard to create a safer, stronger community for all of us. Reflecting on my late mother's dedication during her time in the senate, I am reminded w strongly she valued building relationships and encouraging education. Her constant message of "education, education, education" shaped who I am. She taught me the importance of embracing challenges, moving forward, and always striving to help others I am eager to serve our community and devote my time to uplifting others, just as these values were shared with me Vote Jimbo for seat #5 James Bobb
8
Provisional Members for Adoption APRIL MARY WILBUR
Referred to the General Council pursuant to STC 6-01.120(2)(a) (effective through 11/10/2025) and Resolution April Wilbur 2025-12-246
RONALD DALE WILLIAMS JR.
Referred to the General Council pursuant to STC 6-01.120(2)(a) (effective through 11/10/2025) and Resolution Ronald Williams 2025-10-201
Provisionals member for adoption Swinomish Tribal member Non Swinomish Tribal member 9
qyuuqs News
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Permit #35 ANACORTES, WA
11406 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257 qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us
Recyclable Paper
@qyuuqsNews
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
I AM SWINOMISH. I WILL GRADUATE. Rainbow Bridge