July 2026 newsletter by tolowadeeni

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'

School installs Tolowa land acknowledgment sign

After listening to nearly a half-hour of impassioned testimony from Native American and non-native community members, the Del Norte Unified School Board on June 4 unanimously approved the installation of a Tolowa land acknowledgment welcome sign in front of Smith River School.

The 5-foot by 4-foot hand-carved redwood sign features the words "Smith River School welcomes you to Tolowa Territory, Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni'-dvn, 'Vn'daa-naa~-yash."

The school board's decision marks the first land acknowledgment sign adopted by a school site within the school district. It's also the first time a K-12 school in the district has formally recognized that it stands on Tolowa homelands.

The board's decision to accept the sign was preface by a public apology by School Board President Charlaine Mazzei, who, along with Board Member Michael Greer, had previously expressed dislike of the word territory on the sign.

"I appreciate all the people who have taken the time to explain what the word territory means to Indigenous

Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones, Language and Culture Manager for the Nation, addresses the school board during their June meeting, saying "We're still here. We love our homelands. We still say our prayers. We still sing our songs. We're not going anywhere, so embrace it. Why can't we partnership? Why make more division?"

people," Mazzei told the nearly 50 people filling the Smith River School gym. "It means something different than what I understood. I apologize that my ignorance might have come across badly. Thank you for educating me."

During the public testimony part of the June meeting, nearly a dozen citizens expressed their support for the sign and to counter what some believed were derogatory or dismissive comments

made by Mazzei and Greer during the May board meeting, when the sign was first presented for approval.

Many speakers at the June meeting emphasized that nearly all of the land in Del Norte County has been Tolowa territory since time immemorial and remains so. To think otherwise is considered to be ignorant or, worse yet, prejudiced.

See Sign, Page 2

Sign

"The word territory is an extremely common term used by tribes across the United States to indicate and illustrate the extent and wider boundaries of their ancestral land. This differs from the narrow western colonial definition of the word territory," said Amanda O'Connell, a parent of a Smith River School student, member of the Smith River School Local Organizing Committee, and Tolowa Deeni' Nation Tribal Councilmember.

She added, "The sign is intended to be a simple but respectful recognition of the original people of this area, as well as a teaching tool that will encourage our students, staff and visitors to deepen their knowledge and understanding of our shared history and local culture."

The welcome sign was a collaborative project between the Klamath Promise Neighborhood and True North Local Organizing Committee, which presented the sign as a gift to the school in the fall of 2025. The sign was warmly received and championed by the school's Principal Nicole Cochran, Student Council and School Site Council.

In a letter to the school board in January 2026, the Student Council requested the board allow the school to accept that sign: "It is our belief that the sign is a beautiful acknowledgment of the first peoples that lived in this area and an acknowledgment of their humanity and their connection to the land."

The request was presented to the school board during its regular May meeting, but the three board members decided to postpone a decision until there was full board in attendance (two board members were absent). However, before making that decision, board president Charlaine Mazzei expressed

concern about the word "territory" on the sign.

"I don't like the word territory. I think it's exclusionary. I think it connotes a possessionary thing where this is ours and you're our guests being here. I don't disagree with what's been said … and I'm in favor of some sort of acknowledgment, but I think using the word territory does not get us to where we need to be."

Board member Greer agreed with Mazzei at the time, saying "It's the word territory that bothers me, and again with what's going on right now with Tolowa Dunes, I think having that (sign) up there is going to cause more animosity. I don't like the word territory."

Word of these statements spread through the community, fueling strong, emotional responses from Native and non-native citizens leading up to the June school board meeting. However, the public discussion at that meeting—and the board members' apparent change of heart— was an

example of how honest, meaningful dialogue can result in a deeper understanding and respect for Tolowa history, culture and the importance of being acknowledged in the place we call home.

The Nation is grateful to everyone who spoke during the June meeting and the unwavering support of the community that made this welcome sign possible.

The new Tolowa land acknowledgment welcome sign hangs on a building near the entrance to Smith River School.

Tribal Councilmember Jaytuk Steinruck reads a statement on behalf of the council to the school board members.

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

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

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

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start graduation.........................................................................4

Transforming deer hides into leather ...........................................................................5

Tolowa Dee-ni Day events & registrations.................................................................6-8

Head Start expansion ribbon cutting............................................................................9 Congratulations 2026 graduates............................................................................10-15

Children release juvenile salmon................................................................................16

Back to school event at Rowdy Creek Park................................................................17 Tribal job opportunities...............................................................................................22 Event calendar & elders lunch menu..........................................................................23

Srch'ee-te Num-nii~-ma~s (July) 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.

Rowdy Creek, at Rowdy Creek Park, is renowned for its pristine waters and vital steelhead and Chinook salmon runs.

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start graduating class of '26

Congratulations to the 15 children from the Dan'-dee-ni' (Spring Salmon) and K'weelhin'chu (Frog) classrooms at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start, who moved on from pre-school during a graduation ceremony presented by the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Learning Program.

The event, held at Xaa-wan'k'wvt Hall Community Center in Smith River, was attended by more than 60 family members, friends and staff. The graduating students were thrilled to receive new bikes, generously donated by CRT Curry Transfer and Recycling. They also received summer gift bags.

This wonderful event was made possible by the support of the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Learning Program staff, the Head Start Parent Committee, and the Tribal Council. A heartfelt shu' shaa ninla (thank you) to everyone who supported our children.

Graduating Class

Emmitt Heriford

Benjamin Hough

Ryker Leonnig

Alice Harte-Lopez

Lily McKenzie

Daniel Stepaniuk

Samuel Summers

Zachary Quair

Maxton Campbell

Aliyah Cavalier

Dominic Domenici

Ethan Feely

Jazmin Flores

Clide Lewis

Archer O'Reilley

Learning the Tolowa traditional art of hide tanning

Tribal Citizens participated in a physically demanding three-day Xa'srdvtlh-k'et-dvn (hide tanning workshop) on May 29-30 at the Nation's Srtaa~-dvn (Food Sovereignty Building). A total of 10 hides were processed, with some participants bringing their own hides, and others using donated hides.

The workshop was presented by staff with the Nation's Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Language and Culture Division) and the Stlh-xat-dvn (Habitat and Wildlife Division), who contracted with hide tanning expert Jay Sliwa. He led 25 to 30 citizens each day through the tanning process, which included using various tools and traditional techniques to transform deer hides into usable leather.

Braintanning is a traditional, highly sustainable technique used to transform animal hides into soft, breathable, and durable buckskin or fur. The process uses the natural oils found in the animal’s own brain to coat and soften the fibers of the skin.

Once hides are tanned, they can be used to make ceremonial regalia, clothing, bags, moccasins, and other items.

Vendors sought for Dee-ni' Day

The 19th annual Dee-ni’ Day is Saturday, Sept. 12, in Smith River, and registration is now open for food and art vendors, horseshoe tournament, men and women gambling, stick games, regalia showcase, and the Tribal Citizen Art Show.

The free, family-friendly event, which draws thousands of people, is open to entire community and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Howonquet Hall Community Center at 101 Indian Court in Smith River, across from the Lucky 7 Casino. The event also features kid activities, cultural demonstrations, and a photo booth.

Vendors spaces fill up fast and fees increase after Aug. 15. Fill out the vendor application at tolowa.gov/329/DEE-NI-DAY. For more vendor information: tero@ tolowa.gov or call 707-487-9255.

Cash prizes are awarded to winners in the stick games, horseshoe tournaments, art show and gambling. The stick games call for teams of three people in various age categories starting at 6 years old. The horseshoe tournament is open to teams of two, single elimination.

The Tribal Citizen Art Show is open to Tribal Citizens 8 years and older, with one entry per category. The gambling tournament is open to men, with a 6-person per team limit for men, and to women, with a 2-person per team limit.

For more information or to register for activities visit www. tolowa.gov/329/DEE-NI-DAY.

Head Start expansion celebration set for July 22

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation is celebrating the completion of the 7,500-square-foot expansion of our Head Start Early Learning Program (XELP) facility with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. July 22, at 12840 Mouth of Smith River Rd. in Smith River, Calif. We invite everyone to attend the event and tour the facility!

"This project represents the Nation's vision to further develop the Department of Education. It allowed program staff to be integral to planning the building, including designing the natural playground," said Sheryl Steinruck, the Nation's Department of Education Director.

This project is a model of teamwork and effort to meet the need for culturally appropriate early learning for infants and toddlers, Steinruck said.

"The Construction Committee's collaboration was instrumental in the start-up phase, keeping things moving," she said. "We express our sincere gratitude for the dedication to excellence, supported by various departments, especially the Finance Department, which ensures compliance with financial reporting requirements. We extend our sincere gratitude to our funding partners, Tribal leadership, staff, the construction crew, subcontractors, and everyone who helped make this project a reality."

The $3.5 million expansion will enable the Nation's Head Start Program to provide childcare and educational services year-round for up to 16 children ages 0-3, including pregnant mothers. The expansion compliments the Nation's existing Head Start Program, created in 2007 as a spin-off from the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRHIB), which continues to serve 34 children ages 3 to 5 and now includes a year-round program.

The grant-funded expansion project, which took one year to complete, includes two classrooms, space for services, and educational and social experiences for children, parents and teachers. The Nation intends to employ four full-time teachers, two fulltime teacher assistants, one classroom aide, a full-time cook, and a full-time janitor for the 0-3 program.

Development Block Grant and Early Head start Expansion Grant—totaling $3.9 million funded the construction.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation generously donated $700,000 towards the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation match portion of the grants. The Nation also applied for and was awarded an additional $1.1 million per year to operate its Early Head Start Program.

Starting three years ago, Tribal Council met with Head Start officials in Washington D.C to convey the urgent need for an expanded facility and operation dollars. The Nation wanted to address an unmet need for working parents seeking quality childcare for infants and toddlers. The lack of such placement creates a barrier for employment, as childcare costs exceed the affordability factor for parents. Further complicating the matter, working parents of multiple-aged children are currently forced to travel for services at separate locations due to the age factors between Early Head Start and Head Start.

After the Tribal Council's meeting in Washington D.C., Tribal staff pursued grant applications to fund both the construction and operation of the early learning program. Two grants—Indian Community

"This is a project the entire community can be proud of," said the Nation's Community Development Director Tim Hoone. "The Nation's Construction Division, led by Construction Superintendent Allen Bommelyn, helped design the building, and then out-did themselves, handling the construction of the expansion, from the ground up, with quality workmanship throughout the facility."

The Early Head Start program hours of operation mirror the existing Head Start hours, beginning at 8 am and concluding at 2:30 p.m., for a total of 6.5 instructional hours per day with 200 days of operation within an elevenmonth academic school year. These hours are intentionally aligned with the schedules of the neighboring Del Norte Unified School District (DNUSD) and BrookingsHarbor School District (BHSD) for families with schoolage siblings. The upcoming academic 2026-2027 school year is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Work on the new addition to the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Head Start campus is nearly complete, with a ribbon cutting and tours scheduled for July 22.

Congratulations Graduates!

Anthony Smith, son of Roger and Sharon Smith, graduated this summer from Western Washington University with a Doctorate of Education. He currently works as an administrator who leads special education and language services, and he plans to eventually lead a district.

Anthony's Tolowa ancestry includes: K’wvlth-nee-sha~ and Laa-saa-ghii~-na, who had Betsy Grimes, who married Charlie Brown. Betsy Grimes and Charlie Brown had Henry Brown. In the same generation of K’wvtlh-

Donna Magana, daughter of Keven Lee Gerard and Delfy Rose Waggle, graduated this year from University of California, Riverside, with a BA in Native American Studies. She plans to work in student support within post-secondary education. She would also like to continue her education and possibly teach Native American Studies to create spaces where Native students, families and communities are represented and valued.

nee-sha~ and Laa-saaghii~-na, but on a different branch of the family tree, Joel Channon and Chaa-met had Sarah Channon. Sarah

Channon and Henry Brown had Jessamine “Jessie” Channon Coppock, who married Cesare “Chess” Bravo. Grandma Jessie and Chess Bravo had Aleena Eunice Bravo Towler, who had nine children including my Grandpa Frank Gochanour, his brother Leon Gochanour, and their sister Anna Campbell. Frank and Pat Gochanour had my mother, Sharon Smith, who is married to my dad, Roger Smith.

Throughout his life, Anthony has participated in many organizations including

the Lions Club, YMCA Board of Skagit County, Children on the Valley Board of Directors, and community advisor with the Boys and Girls Club of Sedro-Woolley. He received the 2026 Sedro-Woolley School District Employee of the Year award, and the Mike and Dianne Crawford community member recognition for the SedroWoolley Boys and Girls Club. His words of advice to others: "Know you are good enough and worth it. Hard work over time and being there for each other can overcome anything."

Magana's Tolowa ancestors include White, Son-tash, Pete, Pope and Spargur family lines. She grew up in Quinault, Washington, where she attended Lake Quinault School in Amanda Park, Wash. She pursued higher education to honor her family and ancestors, and to show her children that even when life gets hard, it is still possible to keep going and reach your goals.

While attending University of California, Riverside, she participated in the Foster

Youth/Guardian Scholar program, the TRIO ACES program NASP, NCEP and

American Indian Scholarship fund as a Full Circle Scholar. She received the Katherine Saubel Award for promoting the preservation of cultural awareness.

Her advice to others: "Take all the help you can, and utilize as many resources as possible. It is never too late to pursue higher education. I hope to help lead the path for others."

Donna Magana

Anthony Smith

Teexeeshe' Adeline Jones-Scott is attending junior college to complete her general education requirements and will transfer to University of Oregon to pursue a law degree.

She plans to be an attorney to advocate for Nvn-nvst'a~ (Mother Earth), Nii~-li~ (rivers), Si~-sxa (Ocean) and overall Ch'ee-taa-ghee-dvn (Biomes). Legal advocacy, stewardship, empathy, and activism are her main areas of career goals.

Teexeeshe' played on the Del Norte High women's soccer team for four years, track & field for three years, swim team for one year, modern dance for two years, and surf club for three years. She spent much of her life participating in women's shell dice and women's sticks, and she is a language speaker, regalia maker, Nee-

KaLynn Davis, daughter of Pamela Ray Hostler and William Buckley Davis, graduated this year from College of the Redwoods-Del Norte, where she earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing and graduated with honors.

KaLynn's Tolowa ancestors include grandfather Elmer Hostler, son of Laura Coleman, who is the daughter of Alice. From Nii~-lii~-chvndvn.

She grew up in Del Norte

dash dancer, singer, runner, swimmer, and hiker. Who is your family?

Shii Nii~-lii~-chvn-dvn (Tolowa), Dvtlh-mvsh, Ch'vm-ne, Norelmuk Wintu, & Mole Lake Ojibwe deeni' hii-chu nvsh-li~. (I am a Nii~lii~chvndvn, Yurok, Karuk, Wintu and Ojibwe Native.)

Shii day-sri Ch'im day-sri Yuu-nvs Xash-wee-tes-na ch'aa-ye-chu nvsh-li~. (I am the great-granddaughter of

County and faced many hardships throughout her life, yet she was determined to pursue an education to provide for her children and build a better future. This led to the medical field, where she discovered a deep passion for helping others and finding true fulfillment in her work. She is currently employed at Sutter Coast Hospital as an LVN and will now step into a new role as a registered nurse. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of

day-sri Jim and day-sri Eunice Xashweetesna Bommelyn.)

Shii aawok Cliff-vd day-sri Dvl-ma Jones ch'aa-ye'-chu hii-chu nvsh-li~. (I am the great-granddaughter of aawok Clifford and aawok Delma Jones.)

Shii aawok Wallace aawok JoAnne Scott ch'aa-ye' hii-chu nvsh-li~. (I am the granddaughter of aawok Wallace Sr & aawok JoAnne Scott.)

Shii Marvin Jones and Vicki Bommelyn ch'aa-ye' hii-chu nvsh-li~. (I am the granddaughter of Marvin Jones and Vicki Luu-k'vm-naaghe' Bommelyn.)

Shii Maa-ba Sii~xuu-tes-na Jones aawok Wallace Franklin Ray Scott (I am the daughter of Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones and aawok Wallace F.R. Scott.)

Where did you grow up?

Science in Nursing degree, complete a master's program and eventually educate and inspire the next generation of nurses.

Her words of advice to others: "No matter where you come from or what obstacles you have faced in life, there is always an opportunity to create a new future for yourself. Through hard work, perseverance, and determination, you can achieve your goals."

I was raised in my maternal family's homelands at 'In'le' (East Shore of Lake Earl) and Nii~-lii~-chvn-dvn (Nelechundun) village along the Smith River in Dan'-taadvn (Del Norte County).

Who are your Tolowa and Yurok ancestors?

My Taa-laa-wa & Dvtlh-mvsh (Yurok) Dee-ni' ancestors are Bommelyn, Frank, Charley, Henry, Legion, Wilson, Jones, Charles, Wautek, Nix, Jack, Oregon-Charlie, & Mitchell ancestors along the Smith, Salmon, Trinity, and Klamath rivers.

Words of advice to others?

"Always listen to yourself and your intuition, pray for strength and guidance, and never give up on what you believe in. Keep an open mind, keep growing, stay humble, and stay grateful."

Teexeeshe' Adeline Jones-Scott

Kalynn Davis

Congratulations Graduates!

Summer Cadence Kessler, daughter of Lance and Lauren Kessler, graduated from Brookings Harbor High School in Brookings, Oregon, and will attend Southwestern Oregon Community College this summer for prenursing while also pursuing phlebotomy online through National Health Career Association.

Summer's Tolowa ancestors include great, great, great grandmother Elsie McClung Criteser Brown, great, great grandmother of Evelyn Blagden; great grandmother Deanna Howard; and grandmother Cynthia (Cindi) Olds.

While attending Brookings Harbor High School, Summer participated in cheerleading, concert choir, jazz band and four years of Sea Breeze,

which went to state OSAA championships two years in a row.

Summer recently represented as this year's Azalea Princess for the Azalea Festival Pageant and received the sponsorship award. She was a part of the trio program as well as the Ace Program where she made traditional Tolowa hair wraps and ties with Mattie Bommelyn and Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones.

Her words of advice to others: "Don't worry about having a lot of friends because the right ones will find you."

Makinsey Lemley, daughter of Todd and Joelle Lemley, grew up in Eureka, California, where she graduated this year from St. Bernard's Academy. She plans to attend Sacramento City College in the fall to study business and cosmetology.

Makinsey's Tolowa ancestors include Joelle Lemley; grandmother Michele Vogle; great grandmother Sharyne Harper; great, great grandparents Sylvia and Beeb White, and Joseph F.

Hostler; great, great, great grandmother Bertha Grimes Stewart.

In high school, she played volleyball, basketball and softball. She participated in HHS club, S Club and Student Government (ASB). She received H-DN AllCounty awards in volleyball and softball, and the Presidential Scholar Athlete Award for four years.

Her advice for others: "Attend all the school functions, get involved in sports and/or clubs. Stay

focused on your dreams, and enjoy high school because it goes by fast!"

Preston Gerovac, son of David and Diana Lunsford, graduated this year from BrookingsHarbor High School. His Tolowa ancestors are grandmother Noella Boak; great grandmother Sandra Jordan; great, great grandparents Robert Jordan and Patricia Jordan (Lopez); great, great, great grandparents Edward and Lena Lopez.

Preston, who grew up in Brookings, Oregon, is planning to join the U.S. Navy this summer and become an aviation structural mechanic. In high school, he played football and baseball for all four years. He maintained an Honor Roll GPA all four years of school.

His advice to others: "Do not let others define who you are. At the end of the day, all you have is yourself and it's important to stay true to who you are."

Preston Gerovac

Summer Kessler

Makinsey Lemley

Amelia Mahan, daughter of Johnny Mahan and Hannah Mouser, graduated this year from Lindale High School in Texas. Her Tolowa ancestors include Joelle Swan, Kathryn Swan and Hannah Mouser.

Amelia, who grew up in Crescent City, participated in theater, band, math UIL, and the Engineering Club in high school. She also placed first in a Veteran's Day Essay Contest and first place in an Academic Science Fair in East Texas. She plans to go to college to pursue a career in chemical engineering.

Her words of advice to others: "Focus on the future not the present."

Kanyon Starkey, who grew up in Crescent City, Calif., and is son of Victor and Lanie Starkey, graduated this year from Del Norte High School. He plans to attend trade school and pursue a career as a lineman.

Kanyon Tolowa ancestors include great grandmother Marian Lopez, great, great grandparents John and Ada Richards, and great, great, great grandfather Sam Lopez.

He participated in the Grange showing pigs. In high school, he participated in football, basketball and baseball for all four years. His advice to others: "Just keep going even when you want to give up!"

Delaina Bommelyn, daughter of Shelly and Allen Bommelyn, graduated this year from Del Norte High School. Her Tolowa ancestors include Day-sri Eunice Charlie and Day-sri Alice Charlie.

Delaina, who grew up in Del Norte County, plans to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College in the fall and pursue a career in CIS Digital Design and Business. In high school, she played two years JV softball, one year JV volleyball, two years participating in Brookings livestock and shooting sports, and 8-plus years doing Pig Irons. She was on the Honor Roll for four years and qualified/competed in Oregon shooting sports. Her words of advice to others: "Tak all opportunities and explore all possibilities to help choose your future career path."

Kayden Joseph Mitchell, son of Tyler and Rebecca Mitchell, graduated this year from Crater High School in Central Point, Oregon. His Tolowa ancestors include grandmother Tamyra Mitchell-Finigan, great grandmother Marilyn Mitchell, and great great grandfather Harvey Moorehead.

Kayden, who grew up in Central Point, plans to attend Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon in the fall. He plans to pursue a career in medicine. During high school, he received three scholarships, worked at a restaurant 20-25 hours a week, and currently plays in the band Wake Shore.

His advice to others: "I would recommend not taking several AP classes. I had to sacrifice some of my credits to attend my college of choice."

Kanyon Starkey

Kayden Mitchell

Delaina Bommelyn

Amelia Mahan

Congratulations Graduates!

Nevarra Ridders, daughter of Amber and Josh Ridders, graduated this year from Baker Charter Schools Web Academy. Her Tolowa ancestors include Elsie Brown, Evelyn Critser, Deanna Howard, Cynthia Olds, and Amber Ridders. Nevarra, who grew up in Brookings, Oregon, plans to attend Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Oregon. She wants to pursue a career in dental hygiene. In high school she participated in Sea Breeze (advanced choir), which placed 5th at the OSAA Choral State competition in 2026. She was also an Azalea Festival princess and honorary Azalea Queen (first runner up). She graduated from Baker Web Academy with two chords: medical and health sciences, and fine arts. Her advice to others: "Choose your classes based off of things you love. High school is hard enough, but if you focus on what you enjoy, you can make the most of it."

Akdiine (Akii) E. Steinruck, daughter of Suntayea Steinruck and Rex Green, graduated this year from eighth grade at Smith River Elementary School. She will attend Del Norte High School. She comes from the village Nii~lii~chvn-dvn and her great, great grandmother was Alice Charley, great grandmother was Eunice Henry, and her grandmother is Sheryl Bommelyn Steinruck. Akdiine grew up at the village of T'uu-yaa~sdvm-dvn in Fort Dick, Calif., before moving to

Jennavecia L. Lopez, daughter of Day-sri John Lopez Jr., graduated from eight grade at Crescent Elk Middle School. She will attend Del Norte High School.

Jennavecia grew up in Crescent City, Calif. Her Tolowa ancestors include Day-sri John Lopez Sr. (grandfather); Day-sri Robert Lopez and Ethel

live in Bremerton, Wash., for a few years before returning.

While attending Smith River Elementary, she participated in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, softball and 4H Swine Club. Over the years, she received multiple Student of the Month awards, Responsible Student badges, and various student athlete recognitions, including Coach's Choice Award, Most Improved, Starburst Award, and Inspirational Wildcat. Her advice to others: "If you have bad grades, just say to yourself, 'If I keep on trying, I can get better grades, and strive for better every day.'"

Kasandra Kamisky, daughter of Troy and Wendy Kamisky, graduated this year from West Cottonwood Jr. High in Cottonwood, Calif. Her Tolowa ancestors include grandmother Donna (Sesher) Haynes, great grandmother Letty Seshen, aunt Jane Cook, and uncle William Sesher.

Kasandra, who grew up in Cottonwood, will attend West

Lopez (great grandparents); Day-sri Edward Lopez and Lena Lopez (2nd great grandparents); Day-sri Henrietta Van Pelt and Jessamine Van Pelt.

In middle school, she played volleyball and softball. She was named Class Salutatorian and received honors in English, Math and Social Studies.

Valley High School in the fall. In junior high, she played basketball, track, and crosscountry. She participated in FFA, 4-H, Leadership (student body), and served as FFA chapter treasurer and 4-H club treasurer. She was on the honor role all four quarters, received a FFA Discovery degree and honorable mention for History top three.

Akdiine Steinruck

Jennavecia L. Lopez

Kasandra Kamisky

Nevarra Ridders

Alisha Eber, daughter of Haley Abbott, graduated this year from Linus Pauling Middle School in Corvallis, Oregon. Her Tolowa ancestors include Janece Payne and Bud Payne. She will be attending Corvallis High School in the fall. Alisha participated in football at a prior middle school in Roseburg, Oregon, and in wrestling and track when at Brookings Azalea Middle School.

Angel McKenzie, daughter of Greg and April McKenzie, graduated this year from Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Washington state. Her Tolowa ancestors include Fred Bartow, Loyette Bartow, Ben Bartow, and April Mckenzie (Bartow). Angel, who grew up in Vancouver, Wash., participated in volleyball during middle school. She will attend Columbia River High School this fall. Her words of advice: "Your studies and friends are priority. Both are important. Prioritize the one that will get you further in life."

David (DJ) Land, son of Holly Lopez and James Land Sr., graduated this year from Crescent Elk Middle School. His Tolowa ancestors include Day-sri John Lopez Sr. (grandfather), Day-sri Robert Lopez and Ethel Lopez (great grandparents), Day-sri Edward Lopez and Lena Lopez (2nd great grandparents). Day-sri Henrietta Van Pelt and Jessamine Van Pelt.

DJ, who grew up in Crescent City, participated in basketball and baseball in middle school. He received an honors award in social studies. He will attend Del Norte High School in the fall.

Dawson Weber, son of Christopher and Nicole (Allen) Weber, graduated this year from Smith River Elementary School. His Tolowa ancestors include Dan Allen, Elaine (Richard) Allen, Etta (Henry) Richards, Alice (Charley) Henry, Delilah Charley, from Nii~lii~-chvn-dvn.

Dawson, who grew up in Washington, spent holidays, and summer and winter breaks with his family in Smith River. He will attend Del Norte High School. He enjoyed participating in his local youth group at Solid Rock Christian Church and plans to pursue wrestling in high school. In middle school he was nominated student of the month, received a character award for responsibility, and made Honor Roll.

His mother and dad wrote: "Keep the excellence, Dawson. You've proven to be an outstanding student! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication."

Dawson Weber

David Land

Alisha Eber

Angel McKenzie

Children release juvenile hatchery Chinook salmon

In June, staff at Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery finished the last of twelve field trips to release juvenile hatchery Chinook salmon at Shaa-xu-xat (Rowdy Creek Park). Fish were hatched in Del Norte County classrooms as part of the Salmon in the Classroom program run in partnership with the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery and Dan Burgess from Rural Human Services.

The hatchery has also hosted field trips from preschool through

high school classrooms in Del Norte County and Brookings. In total, there were more than 500 kids learning about salmon on Rowdy Creek this year so far.

The hatchery staff would like to thank Dan Burgess, Del Norte County and Curry County schools and the teachers for helping facilitate these visits. We love talking fish, and we are honored that so many classrooms used these limited opportunities to visit the hatchery.

Children from Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Early Learning Program Head Start release juvenile Chinook salmon into the water at Rowdy Creek Park as part of learning about the lifecycle of fish.

Students gather to watch juvenile Chinook salmon swimming in tanks on tailgate of a truck.

The release of Juvenile Chinook salmon supports subsistence harvest for Tribal members and maintain local, sustainable, and recreational fishing opportunities.

Opportunities for citizens to serve Nation

The Nation is seeking Tribal Citizens to volunteer for a variety of committees, boards and commissions.

We currently have openings for the following groups:

• Election Board

• Enrollment Committee

• Housing Committee

• Culture Committee

• Dee-ni' Wee-ya' Committee

• ICWA Board

• Education Committee

Tribal Citizens, regardless of geographic location, are invited to apply to serve on any of these positions.

Applications can be found online at tolowa.gov and at the Nation's Headquarters at 12801 Mouth of Smith River, in Smith River.

Send applications to Tribal Council Secretary Shelly Reynolds at recording.

Tolowa scholarships for DNHS students

Congratulations to six of our Tribal young adults who received $500 scholarships during the Del Norte Scholarship Foundation Banquet at Del Norte High School June 3.

Tribal Council Chair Debbie Boardman and Councilmember Amanda O'Connell attended the banquet on behalf of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. They presented scholarships, given in memory of past tribal leaders, to the following high school graduates:

• Kansas Coulson and Kanyon Starkey: Day-sri Marian Lopez Scholarship for accomplishments in athletics. Day-sri Marian Lopez was a tribal councilmember and deeply involved in local sports activities in the community. Athletics is more than just competition or winning, it includes learning and developing key character traits such as determination, dedication, and cooperation with others.

• Delaina Bommelyn and

Teexeeshe' Jones-Scott: Day-sri Berneice Humphrey Scholarship for dedication to the study of the Tolowa People's ancestral language (Dee-ni' Wee-ya'). Day-sri Berneice Humphrey spent decades working on the Tolowa Language. In the 1960s she documented our traditional language and, later in life, she began teaching language courses in the high school. She co-compiled two editions of the Tolowa Language dictionary, grammar, and cultural resource book.

• Blake Owen and Deja Travis: Day-sri Murray Richards Scholarship for dedication to community service. Daysri Murray Richards was a volunteer firefighter and served as chief of the Smith River Fire Department. He also served his Tolowa Dee-ni' community as a council member, vice chair, housing commission chair, and enrollment committee member.

Left to right: Tribal Councilwoman Amanda O’Connell; Blake Owen, Delaina Bommelyn, Teexeeshe’ Jones-Scott, Deja Travis, Kanyon Starkey, Kansas Coulson; Tribal Council Chair Debbie Boardman.