TRIBAL GOVERNMENT NEWSLETTER
DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'
LHA' NUM-NII~-MA~S (January) 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 1
Starts on Page 4
HONORING OUR PAST • SERVING OUR TRIBAL FAMILY PROTECTING OUR CULTURE & INDEPENDENCE • CONTROLLING OUR FUTURE
Financial Aid and Scholarship List
(Not affiliated with Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) studentaid.gov The Gates Scholarship thegatesscholarship.org American Indian College Fund collegefund.org/students/ scholarships Partnership with Native Americans nativepartnership.org/aief Native Forward Scholars Fund nativeforward.org American Indian Science and Engineering Society aises.org Catching the Dream catchingthedream.org/ Cobell Scholarship cobellscholar.org/ Humboldt Area Foundation hafoundation.org/requestingsupport/scholarship-search/ Indian Health Service ihs.gov/scholarship/ Intertribal Timber Council itcnet.org/about_us/ scholarships.html Cal Poly Humboldt humboldt.academicworks. com National Indian Education Association www.niea.org/scholarshipopportunities
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All Council: council@tolowa.gov Chairperson, Debbie Boardman (707) 951-0966, dboardman@tolowa.gov Vice Chair, Scott D. Sullivan (707) 954-6127, scott.sullivan@tolowa.gov Secretary, Jeri Lynn Thompson (707) 951-3875, jeri.thompson@tolowa.gov Treasurer, Jaytuk Steinruck (707) 954-5971, jaytuk.steinruck@tolowa.gov Council Member, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti (707) 218-6569, joseph.giovannetti@tolowa.gov Council Member, Amanda O’Connell (707) 954-5271, amanda.oconnell@tolowa.gov Council Member, Dorothy Wait (707) 218-7346, dwait@tolowa.gov Rising tide at the Smith River Estuary near the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village & Resort.
Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707) 487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.gov Assistant Executive Director, Thomas Metz (707) 487-9255, ext. 1229, thomas.metz@tolowa.gov Administrative Services Director, Emily Reed (707) 487-9255 , ext. 1182, emily.reed@tolowa.gov Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.gov CFW Director, Teela James (707) 487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.gov Community Development Director, Tim Hoone (707) 487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.gov Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck (707) 487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.gov Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar 707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.gov Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.gov Human Resources Director, Jeff Davis (707) 487-9255, ext. 1213, jeff.davis@tolowa.gov Public Safety Director, Tim Sanderson (707) 487-9255, ext. 1260, tim.sanderson@tolowa.gov Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707) 487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.gov Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey 707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@tolowa.gov Tribal Court Administrator, Elsie Petrie 707-487-9255, ext. 1162, elsie.petrie@tolowa.gov Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707) 487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.gov Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707) 487-9255, ext. 1701, cynthia.ford@tolowa.gov
Photo: Julie McHenry
DAY MIN’-NE’ Year in Review.............................................................................................................4 Grant supports homelessness efforts .......................................................................14 Indigenous Peoples Burning Network........................................................................15 Don James: Advocate for Tribal needs........................................................................16 January 17 Petitioner's Election.................................................................................17 Council Motions..........................................................................................................18 Elder banking fraud workshop....................................................................................19 Tribal Citizen birthdays...............................................................................................20 Tribal Home Visiting Program.....................................................................................21 Elder Nutrition Menu and Calendar............................................................................23
Lha' Num-nii~-ma~s (January) 2026 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River, CA 95567. Find our website at tolowa.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation or their staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Nation. For information, contact Public Information Officer Scott Graves at scott.graves@tolowa.gov, call 707-487-9255.
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Year in Review: January & February, 2025
The Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ Department had a rewarding experience interacting with Japanese students from Rikuzentakata High School. Tolowa 2 language class students at Del Norte High School collaborated with Rikuzentakata Xee-she to create a collaborative short story written in Japanese and Tolowa. Five groups of students each contributed a sentence and an illustration to the story's narrative. Once the story was complete, two representatives from each group read aloud and recorded their sentences in Japanese and Tolowa.
Staff with the Nation’s Nvn-nvst-'aa~-ta (Natural Resources) Department spent a cold February day collecting mussels and razor clams from local tidepools during a minus tide with the goal of testing the specimens for more than 300 toxins including heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
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The Nation's Election Board conducted the Petitioner's Election on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Howonquet Hall Community Center. Four election board members were present along with the election voter register, and one board member was absent. After votes were tallied, one of the three petitioners were approved for citizenship: Theresa Thompson. Those who did not pass were Richard Lewman and Margaret Wall. As of Jan. 22, the Nation has 2,083 enrolled citizens, of which 811 are registered to vote. Of the 811 registered voters, a total of 194 votes were cast — 171 absentee ballots and 23 ballots casted in person at the polling place. The Nation hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Dee-ni' 'Ee-ta Lhee-wii-dvn (Regional Tribal Justice Center) on Jan. 23, during which staff, guests, and Tribal Citizens toured the state-of-the-art facility. “The Dee-ni' 'Ee-ta Lhee-wii-dvn is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our staff and Tribal Citizens who have long sought improved access to justice,” said former Tribal Council Chair Jeri Lynn Thompson. The completion of the new wing to the Nation’s headquarters, at 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd., is a milestone in Tribal history. For years, the Nation’s Tribal Court operated in a building on non-trust land in downtown Smith River that lacked adequate lobby and meeting space. The new two-story Justice Center is approximately 8,000 square feet, located on Tribal Trust Land, and provides a safe, secure venue for Tribal Court services for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Elk Valley Rancheria, and the Hoopa Valley Tribe.
Year in Review: March, 2025 Tribal Citizens gathered for the Nation's 2025 Annual General Membership Meeting In March at the Tolowa Event Center, where they enjoyed a hot breakfast and lunch. Presentations were given by the Tribal Council, executive staff, departments, Lucky 7 Casino, and Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort. The meeting ended with a public comment period and 13 people were nominated for two open seats on the Tribal Council. The Voter Registrar issued 22 new Tribal identities, took four changes of address, registered 12 new voters, and updated 15 Tribal Citizen signatures. The meeting also featured tables where Nation staff provided information and displays about our Foster Care Program, employment opportunities, TERO and the Tribal Heritage Preservation Office. With an increase in illegal drug overdoses affecting our communities, the Nation invited former police officer and national drug expert Chris Cuestas to conduct a multiple-day “street drug” awareness training in March. Staff with the Nation’s Justice, Community and Family Wellness, and Education departments attended the event.
Eight Tribal Citizens were running for two seats on the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council, with the election set for May 17. A total of 13 Tribal Citizens were nominated leading up to and during the March 15 General Membership Meeting. The candidates who accepted the nominations: Dr. Paula Aubrey, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti, Lenora Hall, Cara Khun, Kurt Miller, Lisa Richards, Suntayea Steinruck and Dorothy Wait
Emily Reed, the Nation’s Director of Administrative Services, along with Public Information Officer Scott Graves, attended the annual Travel Southern Oregon Coast (TSOC) Network Conference in Coos Bay, Oregon. “Speaking about the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation at a conference for business owners and tourism leaders is crucial because it reminds visitors that the Indigenous people of this area are still here, thriving, and part of the cultural fabric of the community,” Reed said. Reed, a featured presenter, was joined by two other Oregon based tribes on the panel: Jared Schmidt, Coquille Indian Tribe, and Jesse Beers, Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians of Oregon.
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Year in Review: April, 2025 Two dozen Tribal Citizens attended the free Cultural Resources Monitor Training and Certification workshop hosted by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation in April. The 3-day workshop provided participants the opportunity to meet and interact with cultural resources specialists, including archaeologists, botanists and geologists, and members of the Nation's Tribal Heritage Preservation Office (THPO), Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), and the Tribal Corps Program. Workshop topics included an overview of monitoring equipment, recording procedures, legal responsibilities, safety practices, and quick studies on geology, botany, and how to differentiate between ancient artifacts and more recent items.
Tribal families discovered that the pinwheel serves as a radiant emblem of peace during “Pinwheels for Peace” family unity activity at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center in April. The event was hosted by the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program and the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program, both of Community and Family Wellness. The blue pinwheel, chosen in 2008 as the national symbol for child abuse prevention, shines brightly with its vibrant colors and simple elegance. It evokes memories of carefree childhood — a time when tranquility reigned.
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Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal leaders shared information about recent projects and contributions to the community during the 2025 Economic Summit hosted by the Crescent CityDel Norte Chamber of Commerce on April 16. The all-day event at the Lucky 7 Casino Event Center featured multiple presenters, including TDN Executive Director Troy Ralstin, Administrative Services Director Emily Reed, and Lucky 7 Casino General Manager Ken White. This year's summit focused on "The economic impact of tourism: Strategies for growth." Community leaders, business owners and local and state officials gathered to discuss and share information on current and future projects for Del Norte County. Young children at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start learned about fire safety and how to use powerful water hoses from members of the Smith River Fire Department who visited in April.
Year in Review: May, 2025 Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council incumbents Dr. Joseph Giovannetti and Dorothy Wait were re-elected to open council seats during the General Election on Saturday, May 17, at the Regional Justice Center in Smith River. A total of 329 Tribal Citizens voted in the election, with 64 Citizens voting in person on election day. The remaining Citizens dropped off their ballots or mailed them in the weeks leading up to the election.
Tribal Citizens and community members joined in the 2025 Cemetery Cleanup Day and Elders' Gathering on May 18. People converged on the Howonquet Indian Cemetery to socialize while caring for the resting place of our loved ones and ancestors. The activity began with a community breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center. Workers then took up gardening tools and supplies such as gloves, rakes, shovels and trash bags. Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation flags adorned the white picket fence and small U.S. Flags were provided for veterans' gravesites.
PBS released the documentary "Northern California Indian Veterans of WWII," featuring Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Citizen Day-sri Frank Richards, along with Daysri Lee Hover (Karuk) and Day-sri Wally Scott (Yurok). This one-hour documentary originally aired on KEET-TV in 2007 and is now available to view on their website. Stream on PBS.org at www.pbs.org/video/ original-patriots-northern-california-indian-veterans-of-worldwar-ii-ensslr
More than 60 Tribal and non-tribal citizens walked silently carrying signs through downtown Crescent City at noon May 5 to bring attention to the fact that thousands of Indigenous individuals go missing or fall victim to murder or human trafficking every year The walk along the southbound and northbound sides of Highway 101 south of the Del Norte County Fairgrounds was the concluding part of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's 3rd annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Walk. The MMIP event shines a spotlight on Indigenous victims who were murdered or have been reported missing throughout the United States and within the Nation's service area spanning Del Norte and Curry counties.
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Year in Review: June, 2025
The Nation, along with Redwoods National & State Parks and Redwood Parks Conservancy, hosted the annual Tvm-chaa-me' Day on June 16 at Chvn-su'lh-dvn (Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park). It was a wonderful celebration of Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' Weeya' (Tolowa People's Language) and our heritage, community and watershed. The event offered Tribal Citizens, members of the local community and visitors to the park an opportunity to learn more about the Nation and our rich, natural environment. Highlights of the day included a Tolowa Dee-ni' waa-tr'vslh-'a ~ (cultural & language) presentation, a wee-ya' (language) competition, Redwood dugout xee-nvs (canoe) rides, Mvsr-tan'-ne' (food) demonstrations of sanchvn t'uu-'i' (acorn soup), baa-shuk ghvt-sra (sandbread), and lhuk daa-tr'vlh-t'es (open-fire salmon roast). Construction of four onebedroom units for incomebased elder Tribal Citizens at See-waa-dvn in Smith River begins. The units are expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2026. Applications are available at the Housing Division Office, 300 Dat-naa-svt Loop, Smith River, and online at tolowa. gov. To receive an application by mail or learn more about housing, call 707-487-9255, ext. 1601 or 1605.
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The 2025 docuseries "For Our People" received five 2025 Telly Awards, recognizing excellence in storytelling, the innovation of Tribal Nations, and the power of Tribal SelfGovernance in action. The series' episode entitled "Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation – Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area" was selected as the Gold Winner in the Sustainability category by the Telly Awards. The episode highlights Indigenous-led marine conservation rooted in sovereignty and cultural lifeways. It focuses on the efforts of The Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, the Tolowa Deeni' Nation, and the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria to establish the Yurok-Tolowa Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area, protecting nearly 700 square miles of ancestral waters. Watch the episode at youtube.com/watch?v=TeKI97mU-5U.
Multiple fire agencies and Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation fire crew members responded to and quickly contained a wind-whipped driftwood fire on Dat-naa-svt Beach below the Howonquet Indian Cemetery that was reported around 6:30 a.m. June 2. No structures were threatened and the fire remained a safe distance from the cemetery. Crews used water hoses to extinguish the flames and smoldering driftwood, and used hand tools to create firebreaks to halt the fire's progress. Shu' shaa nin-la (thank you) to our local and regional fire crews as well as our Tribal fire crews for the quick response.
Year in Review: July, 2025 Crescent City received a $2 million grant in July that officials say will extend the Tolowa Cultural Trail in Beachfront Park to Battery Point where many Tolowa were imprisoned in the 1850s. The city approved a contract to install lithomosaic basket patterns at the entrance to the visitor center and as a welcome to the Tolowa Cultural Trail. A contractor will also create a special lithomosaic pebble pattern at the Tolowa Cultural Trail welcome station. The first part of pebble mosaic path will feature 2,400 pebbles, representing the Tolowa population precolonization, followed by a section with 121 pebbles, the number of remaining Tolowa people according to the 1905 census. The video team of Ana Rau and Corbett Jones spent more than a week in July in Smith River documenting several Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation activities and projects, primarily related to the Natural Resources Department's Ghvtlh-k’vsh shu'-srnelh-'i~ (Kelp Guardians) grant work. Additionally, the film crew received the rare invitation to document and interview Tribal Citizens about traditional practices at private family fish camps during the running of lhvmsr (surf smelt). They also captured footage and information about the Nation's monthly Tribal food giveaway, community garden, tribal nursery and chis-chu (elk) hunts.
This summer, 18 Tribal youth were busy nearly five days a week interning with the Nation's staff in various departments and divisions as part of our Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, which provides youth ages 15-18 with paid work experience and career exploration, is hosted by the Nation's Na'sr-dvtlh-nvsh Waa-tr'uu-nii-dvn (Tribal Employment Rights Office-TERO).
Work on the $3.5 million expansion of the Tolowa Deeni' Nation's Head Start facility in Smith River continues with frame work and the pouring of the concrete foundation by the Nation's construction crew. Once the project is completed, the new addition will enable the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Head Start Program to provide childcare and educational services for up to 16 children ages 0-3. The Nation received Best in Show honors at the Crescent City Fourth of July Parade. Staff with our various departments created a wonderful cultural-based float. Coordination also took place with THPO for the regalia that was showcased on the float. The Nation offers a huge "Shu' shaa nin-la!" to all the volunteers and Tribal Citizens who showed up on parade day to help out.
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Year in Review: August, 2025 A dozen Tribal Citizens enjoyed a leisurely hike through the Lake Earl Wildlife Area in August, spotting numerous bird species, harmless snakes, fire ants, dragonflies and even a few pesky mosquitoes as part of the Nation's Tes-dvm-ne (Trail People Time) program. Guided by Guylish Bommelyn, a language teacher for the Nation's Language and Culture Division, participants in the program's various summer hikes explored local mountains, forests and coastline learning about Tolowa Dee-ni' culture, history and language. On the hike through the Lake Earl Wildlife Area, people enjoyed the beauty of the Tolowa Coast dune region with its salt and freshwater marshes. Previous excursions provided hikers opportunities to explore trails in the Redwoods, including the recently opened Grove of Titans, as well as Yontocket, a place near Smith River that is considered our spiritual and political center of the Tolowa world. A dozen Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation staff and citizens participated in a multi-day training offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office's Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR). Participants who completed the training received certification. This training was designed to strengthen preparedness, meet safety requirements and support effective communication and coordination during oil spills and other emergency incidents. Instructors were Jim McCall and Francesa Batac from CDFWOSPR. McCall's training included classroom instruction and a demonstration of how various gases such as oxygen and propane react to fire. The Nation begins work at Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Village and Resort (XVR) in Smith River with the goal of redeveloping and revitalizing the riverfront property. This area of prime land, located on Highway 101 adjacent to the estuary of the Smith River, was formerly known as Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor Resorts. This summer, the Nation began renovating the existing RV camping area, which includes re-grading the entire park and installing new utilities such as water, sewer and electric to the RV spots. The project also calls for the installation of a new drinking water main line, two fire hydrants, lighting, concrete pads and asphalt roads.
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Games and good food were the highlights of the 3rd annual Back to School event for Tribal families held in August at Rowdy Creek Park. Children received much needed school supplies and educational information from the Community and Family Wellness Department. More than 300 people crowded the park, where CFW staff and representatives from local public safety agencies greeted families with smiles and school supplies.
Year in Review: September, 2025 Staff with the Marine Division’s Ghvtlh-k'vsh shu'srnelh-'i~ (Kelp Guardians) grant project, with project partner Reef Check, complete dives for SCUBA certifications needed to monitor and restore kelp forests in Tolowa ancestral territory. The program was spurred by the recent decline of California’s kelp forests, which affects the cultural lifeways and health of the Nation. The work often engages Indigenous youth in kelp restoration projects and workshops.
Hundreds of Tribal Citizens, community members and visitors joined the Nation in celebrating our culture and traditions during the 18th Annual Dee-ni' Day at Howonquet Hall Community Center in Smith River on Saturday, Sept. 6. There were more than 90 vendors at the event with many people enjoying the food, shopping, and various cultural demonstrations and activities. The traditional stick games attracted a large crowd and players of all ages from various regional Tribes. People sampled traditional sand bread, watched a regalia showcase, and participated in shell dice games, men’s gambling, and horseshoes.
Nearly 300 Tribal Citizens made our annual Dee-ni' Night on Sept. 5, an epic event, honoring our elders and veterans and celebrating the academic accomplishments of our young people. The event began with a traditional prayer and a song, followed by a welcome by the Nation's Executive Director Troy Ralstin, and introduction of Tribal Council members. A moment of silence was held for Tribal Citizens we lost this year. Prior to dinner, dancers participated in sharing a traditional Nee-dash. After dinner, the night’s program recognized the Nation’s 96 elders that are 70 years and older, including eldest elders Ina Chapman, 93, and William “Bill” Richards Sr., 89. A total of 56 U.S. Veteran and present military Tribal Citizens were recognized for their service to the United States Armed Forces. A total of 26 eighth grade graduates, 32 high school graduates and 86 post-secondary graduates were recognized and received a necklace and certificate. The Nation's Natural Resources Environmental Division has launched a Wetland Program with a clear mission: to preserve, protect, enhance, restore, and manage wetlands within Tolowa homelands and across the Smith River Watershed. These landscapes act as nature’s filters and buffers, recharging groundwater, protecting shorelines, storing carbon, and offering safe zones against floods and wildfires.
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Year in Review: October, 2025 Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation citizens and staff joined dozens of community members at the Oct. 8 Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board hearing focused on development of an agricultural order to regulate cultivation of Easter lilies in the Smith River Plain. The water quality board, a division of the California Environmental Protection Agency, called a special meeting in Taa-'at-dvn (Crescent City) to hear testimony from residents, scientists and environmental organizations seeking to regulate discharges of residues and other harmful runoff associated with lily bulb cultivation into the estuary. Citizens expressed their concerns about impacts of the industry and its heavy use of chemical pesticides that runoff into the lower Smith River.
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Public Works crew finished the replacement of the fences at Yan'-daa-k'vt Chi~s-lu (Yan'-daa-k'vt Cemetery), known as the Tolowa Dee-ni' Center of the World. It is also the site of the second largest recorded massacre of American Indian People in the United States in 1853. Yan'-daa-k'vt remains a critical tribal cultural landscape to the Tolowa Dee-ni' and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
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During the October "Setting of the Stones Ceremony" Tribal Citizens wrote their ancestors’ names on small, flat rocks and glued them to a mat that will later be set in the stone path planned for the Tolowa Cultural Trail in Crescent City's Beachfront Park. The pebble mosaic will become a public art feature where visitors will walk across thousands of pebbles arranged to represent the Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' population before and after colonization 10,000 pebbles symbolizing the pre-contact population and 504 pebbles representing those counted in the 1906 BIA census. The mosaic will stand as both a memorial and a testament to the resilience of the Tolowa people. The Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, in partnership with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, completed three mainstem Smith River Chinook Salmon broodstock collection events in October. Broodstock are the adult fish collected from the wild and spawned in the hatchery to provide the facility with eggs that are hatched and reared for release. The Nation's staff, employees with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and volunteers deployed a 330-foot seine net by boat near the riverbank and stretched it across the channel, and then downstream. The salmon collect were transported in a metal tank to the nearby hatchery.
Year in Review: November & December, 2025
This fall marked the return of traditional Tolowa Dee-ni' fire practices to See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm-dvn (Peacock Bar), located along the mainstem Smith River in what is now called Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Nation staff and citizens, with support from the North Coast Redwoods District of California State Parks, CalFire, UC Cooperative Extension, North Coast Resource Partnership, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the US Forest Service, successfully burned approximately 10 acres of oak woodland and mixed conifer forest. This marks the first return of cultural burning to the landscape since Tolowa Dee-ni' were forcibly removed from the area in the 1850s and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park was created in 1929. Staff at Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery in Smith River were busy in November spawning Chinook salmon. With the help of Public Works staff, the process included catching and transporting salmon from the Smith River to the hatchery, where eggs from females are fertilizing using male milt (sperm). The eggs were incubated until newly-spawned salmon hatch. After weeks, they were moved to ponds where they are grown out until ready to be released into the river as juveniles.
In December, the Nation publicly unveiled a proposed Community Resilience Center project to be built adjacent to the Tribal Headquarters in Smith River. The Nation received $495,525 in grants to fund the planning phase for a center that will provide shelter and resources during climate and other emergencies. It is also meant to provide services and ongoing programming that build overall community resilience. The Nation anticipates designing a 40,000-square-foot facility, which will likely be built out in phases over many years. Some features may include a gymnasium, cafeteria, clean air refuge, emergency backup power, emergency supply distribution areas, and training facilities. During a December meeting, community members were invited to review and give input on the project and meet with the Nation's planning staff and the architect firm staff.
Community members attended a public information meeting in November to learn about the planning and design of the Ocean View Drive Multi-Use Path Project, a long-needed improvement to make this busy road safer for everyone. The first phase will focus on improving the narrow, curvy section of Ocean View Drive between the Tribal headquarters and Lucky 7 Casino. This phase is funded by the Rural Tribal Assistance grant program. The Nation is working with Native Strategies, a Native American-owned engineering and design team, to prepare a full design that supports safer travel, better access, and a more connected community.
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$1.25M grant strengthens Nation's effort to assist families facing homelessness The Nation received a $1.25 million grant in December from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to deepen our work to support families experiencing homelessness. “Tribal children in crisis need immediate, effective solutions and this grant helps the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation deliver that, here in our community and across the country,” said Jeri Robertson, Mvn'-dvn (Housing Division) Manager. “We are committed to creating pathways to housing and stability for every tribal child and family." The Nation is one of the 32 organizations across the country that
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shared a total of $102.5 million in grants awarded by the fund, created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The organizations were identified by an independent advisory group of homelessness experts who are leading advocates and bring expertise on homelessness, housing policy and effective approaches and solutions to family homelessness. The Mvn'-dvn plans to use this one-time grant over the next five years to strengthening emergency housing, rapid rehousing and culturally responsive case management, while adding proactive outreach to connect
families experiencing homelessness with resources. “Our work reflects the strength and resilience of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, and this grant acknowledges that,” said Debbie Boardman, Tribal Council Chair. “It enables us to build on what we’ve achieved and provide even greater support to address homelessness and protect the wellbeing of Tribal children and families.” Since its inception in 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has awarded 280 grants totaling more than $850 million to organizations serving families in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. The Day 1 Families Fund grant recipients have tremendous flexibility to use the funds in the ways that are most impactful in their communities, making the grant a game-changer for organizations on the frontlines of the family homelessness crisis. The full list of awardees is available at bezosdayonefund.org/ day1familiesfund. Case studies of the impact selected grantees have made with their funds are available at www. bezosdayonefund.org/case-studies.
Nation hosts Indigenous Peoples Burning Network The 2025 annual workshop of the Indigenous Peoples Burning Network (IPBN) was hosted by Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation in November. The purpose of the workshop was to further develop a support network among Native communities revitalizing their traditional fire cultures in today’s challenging fire context. More than 65 individuals from 26-plus tribes and 24plus different organizations attended. Through field visits, discussions and interactive
exercises, participants shared updates on community burn events, cultural fire learning centers and co-management/costewardship of ancestral territories. Shu' shaa nin-la to Natural Resources/THPO Staff, Tribal Council, Natural Resources & Harvesting Committee, Waa-tr’vslh-’a~ (Culture) Committee and Lucky 7 Casino for hosting, helping and participating!
- Submitted by Habitat & Wildlife Division Manager Elena Sisneros
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Don James: Advocate for Tribal needs In December, Tribal Citizen Don James completed his final term as an appointed member of California's Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Advisory Group. "It has truly been an enlightening experience as I’ve navigated the complexities of funding language," James said. The advisory group, which meets quarterly, consists of volunteers who provide local perspectives to the State Water Board as it works to improve access to safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities throughout the state. James, who is also the Nation's Public Works Utilities Operation manager, was appointed to the SAFER board in 2020. The initial idea behind having tribal representation on this board was to ensure that funding opportunities were accessible to tribes without compromising sovereignty. At that time, there was no representation for tribes within this state funding mechanism, and James felt it was
"I have seen significant progress, with language now included in the funding opportunities that explicitly acknowledges the needs of tribes." — Don James
crucial to advocate for the inclusion of tribal needs in the conversation around funding. "Over the years, I have seen significant progress, with language now included in the funding opportunities that explicitly acknowledges the needs of tribes," he said. "This development is vital as it allows disadvantaged communities— whose drinking water systems are at risk or failing—to access resources necessary to find solutions. The overarching goal of connecting the right resources to the relevant issues and those who can address them is something I am proud to have contributed to."
celebration of National Adoption Day on Nov. Promoting 22,In the Nation's staff wore white to raise awareness of children in foster care, promote adoption, and adoption recognize the efforts of adoptive parents, social workers and advocates. of children In 2023, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis
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He added, "Learning the intricacies of funding language has been a humbling experience. It can often be more complex than the issues we aim to solve. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have been part of this process and to have played a role in advocating for the needs of our communities." In 2019, California enacted Senate Bill 200, establishing the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to advance the human right to water. The same year, the State Board launched the SAFER drinking water program to administer the SADW Fund and several complementary financial sources.
and Reporting System found that approximately 50,000 children were adopted with involvement from child welfare agencies and that an estimated 48,000-plus children were still waiting to be adopted. For information about becoming a Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Resource Family, call 707-487-9255.
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COUNCIL MOTIONS Motions for November 13, 2025 WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUYNII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA): M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve agenda 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman WAA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (CONSENT AGENDA): M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Letter - NIGC - Mod 25 CFR 559.2; Regular meeting minutes for 9.25.25; Construction Workgroup - Contract CT-25511451- Red Sky Roofing, for Gilbert Creek; Construction Workgroup Contract CT-2551-1452 Northridge Electric, for Gilbert Creek; Contract CT-2540-1466 w/ Franks Heating & Refrigeration; Construction Workgroup- CT-2514-1465 Vantage Point for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Services on Fiber Project; Poll Vote - Contract CT-2540-1464 - Jay Sliwa - Hide Tanning Workshop; Poll Vote - L7C Server room AC Proposal; Poll Vote - Computer Logistics-Dell PE R660 Servers; Contract CT2550-1607 Mod #1 w/ Red Sky Roofing; Grant - CDFW -Boating Access Grant Program; Regular Meeting minutes for October 9, 2025; Contract - CT-2571-1421 Mod #1 w/ Nants'vn Jones-Scott; Contract CT-2571-1432 Mod #1 w/ Antonio Padilla; Contract CT-25711431 Mod #1 w/ Jaytuk Steinruck; FWHA Interpretive Center - TTP
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Environmental Checklist. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman MVSH-XE NAA-DVTLH-NVSH-NE (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES): M/S/C (O'Connell/Giovannetti) 6-01 Motion to approve the flag code be put out for 30-day citizen public comment. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Giovannetti/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-46 Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Membership x15. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman NUU-DA'-YE'-DVN (COMMUNITY AND FAMILY WELLNESS): M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve accepting funding for the Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program (TNAP) for SFY 26/27 and to submit grant proposal SGRT-TNAP-26-0026, and chairperson to sign all documents related to the grant proposal submission. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve chairpersons signature on the Family First Prevention Services Plan, Preprint and required program assurances. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-42 to approve the Cal OES Native American Children of abuse treatment program Cal OES grant, and to submit the non-competitive Cal OES Native American Child Abuse Treatment application for fiscal year 2026. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Wait/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-47 approval of CAL-OES Unserved/Underserved advocacy and outreach (UV) grant renewal and approval of chairperson or designee signature on necessary documents. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING): M/S/C (Thompson/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve with corrections Resolution 2025-45 The Long Range Transportation Plan. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman LHEE-WII-DVN (JUSTICE): M/S/C (O'Connell/Wait) 6-01 Motion to approve letter to the California State Lands Commission requesting consultation (CSLC) and chairpersons signature on the letter for approval. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
M/S/C (Steinruck/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve chairperson signature on a comment letter to the California Energy Commission on Assembly Bill (AB) 3, California Offshore Wind (OSW) Advancement Act. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman MII~-XVSH-XAY CH'EE-NVK (ADMINISTRATION): M/S/C (Giovannetti/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting all documents associated with Sackler Participation Settlement Agreement, participation form and conflict of interest. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman M/S/C (Sullivan/Thompson) 4-0-1 Motion to approve the Annual Membership for Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) "Certificate of Appointment", appointing Amanda O'Connell as the delegate and Joseph Giovannetti as the alternate delegate. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman; Giovannetti; O'Connell M/S/C (Sullivan/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2025-44 California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Membership Dues and appointment of delegates. 'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman
Tribal Gaming Commission applications being accepted Tribal and non-Tribal citizens are encouraged to apply for the Nation’s Tribal Gaming Commission that oversees all Class II and Class III gaming activities on the Nation’s Indian lands in accordance with the gaming code. The three commissioner positions, appointed by the Tribal Council, consist of a chairperson, vicechairperson and an associate commissioner. The commission will generally meet formally at least once a month. Candidates shall be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Preference will be given to enrolled Tribal Citizens. Candidates shall be knowledgeable in areas of finance, accounting, management, legal, business, governmental regulation,
Tribal policy, law, public administration, gaming operations, management and regulation. Appointed candidates will be required to undergo an extensive background check and are subject to the Nation’s drug and alcohol policy. Please note: No gaming commissioner candidates may be employed in the management of the Nation’s Gaming Facility or be an elected official of the Nation, nor be employed in the Gaming Operating, be a gaming contractor, or be directly related to or sharing a residence with any of those mention above. Applications can be found on the website or at the Tribal Headquarters or send an email to recording.secretary@tolowa.com.
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MAA~-XUSLH-GHALH Taya Adams Jaci Arlandson Chase Aubrey Lena Ault Orion Ault Sarrah Balcom Brittany Balswick Matthew Batini Kai'Laya Benevich Emma Benson Trelynn Bentley Adam Bentley Bryn Bentley Brilynn Bessette Corey Betteridge Linda Blagden Gregory Blodgett Darcie Boardman Amber Boardman Delaina Bommelyn Waa-Sayn-Ni Bommelyn Vicki Bommelyn-Rodriguez Santiago Calderon Madison Calleja Matteo Cari-Arias Dustin Carpenter Marjorie Cavalier James Chapman Shaelee Cox Joshua Criteser Dylan Davis Dionne Dillard Zoey Duncan Breanna Ellis Chance Erkkila
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Gregory Fahl Mateo Felix-Fender-Ramirez Nicole Fillmore Brandy Foster Corbin Fouts Vannessa Freeland Calley Gertsch Kim Giovannetti Juliette Giovannetti Kayla Gochanour Allan Gochanour Jordyn Gonzalez John Goodlin Arturo Guerrero Noe Guerrero Dylan Hall Glena Hampson Kyle Hampson Judy Haynes Misty Hernandez Rachel Hernandez Donald Hodges Sr. Vicky Hoffer Celeste Hoiem William Hostler Bryce Hurd Lucinda Hurt Lisa Irvine Caila Irwin Tvshiina Jacobs Ronald James Carl James Joshua James Draedyn Johnson Cione Johnson-Baltodano Day-Chi-Nes Jones Jennie Joy Hailey Joy
Stephanie Kasinger Waylon Kessler Allen Keuth Phoenix Kuhn Anne Lackey Toby Lampley Claire Landay Erin Larson Benjamin Larson Arthur Laverty Kimberly Leavelle Landon Leavelle Mason Lehr Kalvein Lehr Madyson Lemley Aimee Lenihan Edward Lopez Jason Lopez Joshua Lopez Mattie Lopez Lilyonna Lopez Shoshoni Lopez Elisabeth Lopez Sawyer Lopez Lola Lopez Makoa Lopez Leo Lopez Daniel Lopez-Arcos Diana Lunsford Gena Marini Derek Martin Otto Martin Alicia Martinez Jeremy May Michael Maynard Ethon Maynard Myra McMahan Ethan Mead
Rafael Medina Tyler Mickelson Braya Mismash Darrell Moorehead Amanda Morse Trever Mouser Zachary Netcher Marcos Nunez-Arias Addison Nyborg Layton O'Reilley Patricia Ott Wade Owen Ben Payne Lawrence Payne Kenneth Payne Bennett Payne Chamet Phillippi Ella Phillips Izabelle Phillips-Martin Rhyan Philpott Vanessa Piazza Joshua Pittman Alli Pittman Jeremy Rhodes Beth Richards James Richards Mattigan Richards Cali Richards Braxxton Richards Floyd Richards III Ronald Richards Sr. Elijah Salcedo Bert Sanderson Logan Sanford Levi Sanford Christy Sarina Seth Scaglione Continued Page 21
Continued from Page 20 Michael Schell Rhonda Scott Jesse Sells Deegan Sendit Aireden Sossaman Sequoia Starkey Sheryl Steinruck Suntayea Steinruck Brexlynn Stoll Joell Swan Daniel Thomas Andrew Thomas Tahnee Thomas Trynity Travis Darlene Van Mechelen Leticia Villegas-Lopez Isabelle Waddington Catori Walters-Thornton Emelia Webb Tyler Weeks Malachi Weeks Austin Weir Clayton Wells Charles Wescovich Tracie Whipple Cecil Wilber Woloja Willburn Paula Windham Shelby Wiseman Freya Woodsman Nieca Wright Heather Wyland Brittany Wyland Giovanni Younker Jayden Zappe
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NA'SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN Welcome new Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation staff
Job opportunities Tribal Office
• Home Visiting Program Coordinator (CFW)- Full Time • Housing Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Technician I (CFW)- Full Time • TANF Prevention Technician (CFW)- Full Time • Classroom Aide (Education) – On Call • Head Start Teacher (2 positions) (Education)- Full Time • Health & Disabilities Coordinator (Education)- Full Time • Tribal Resource Technician (Food Sovereignty)- Full Time • Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer (TGC)- Full Time • Network Administrator (Admin. Services)- Full Time
Lucky 7 Casino
• Security Officer- Full Time • Assistant Fuel Mart Manager- Full Time • Barista- Part Time/Full Time Amanda Bommelyn Tribal TANF Child Welfare Coordinator Communty & Family Wellness
Jeff Mathison Tribal Resources Technician Habitat & Wildlife Natural Resources
Deadline to be reimbursed for youth sports activities is January 9, 2026 All Tribal Youth Activity Reimbursements (YAR) for the 2025 year need to be submitted by Jan. 9, 2026, with all supporting documents. Tribal Citizens can submit paperwork online through the website, request a form be sent to you, come into the front office and pick it up, or send an email to shelly.reynolds@tolowa.gov. The paperwork must be accompanied with all supporting documentation, flyer or something showing the activity, and proof of payment if we are not sending it directly to the organization. There needs to be a separate form for each activity and each youth; please do not combine activities on one form. For more information call Shelly Reynolds at 707-487-9255, ext. 1224.
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Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department. Job descriptions and applications are available at www.tolowa.gov/jobs. Contact Human Resources at 707-487-9255.
ELDER NUTRITION MENU & COMMITTEE MEETINGS Doors to nutrition site open at 11:30 a.m. Reserve lunch by 10 a.m. 707-825-3467, option #3
Suggested donations: Elders 55-plus $2 (depending on income) Under 55 $7 Menu subject to change without notice
January 2026 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
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5 Chili
macaroni
Education Committee 5:30 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Monday of month
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18
12 Cream of
broccoli soup
19 Tribal Offices Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 19
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26 Spoon bread Enrollment Committee 12:30 p.m. TDN Headquarters building 4th Monday of month
6 Baked fish with rice
FRIDAY
1
2 Biscuits &
SATURDAY 3
9 Denver
10
gravy
Tribal Offices Closed New Years Jan. 1
Facebook & Instagram
4
THURSDAY
7 Chicken
tortilla soup
8 Beef
stroganoff
Deadline for Youth Sports Activity Reimbursement (See page 20)
Language Committee 5 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 1st Tuesday of month
13 Ground beef taco salad
14 Egg flower soup
20 Chicken salad 21 Elk stew Natural Resources and Harvesting Committee 5 - 7 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Tuesday of month
27 Spaghetti TERO Commission 5:30 p.m. TDN Headquarters building 4th Tuesday of month
omelet
Housing Committee 5:30 p.m. Nii~-li~ Room 3rd Wednesday of month
15 Salisbury
steak, mashed potatoes
22 Pulled pork sandwich
16 Scrambled
eggs/sausage
23 Bacon & egg scramble
Elder Fraud workshop 1-4 pm Howonquet Hall (See page 15)
28 Baked potato chowder
29 Sweet & sour chicken
30 French toast bake
17 Petitioner's Election Tribal Justice Center Smith River 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (See page 17)
24 Comedy Night Lucky 7 Casino Doors open 7 p.m. (See back page)
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Culture Committee 5 p.m. House of Howonquet, Nii~-li~ Room 4th Wednesday of month
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Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation 12801 Mouth of Smith River Rd. Smith River, CA 95567
LHA' NUM-NII~-MA~S (January)
2026 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER