March 2026 newsletter by tolowadeeni

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'

TAA-XEE NUM-NII~-MA~S (MARCH) 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 3

Nurturing the next generation of fish

The Nation's Fisheries Division and staff at Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery have been busy collecting steelhead broodstock and rearing juvenile Chinook salmon that spawned in the fall and winter of 2025.

Last November, staff from the

Nation's Natural Resource and Public Works and Facilities departments, with help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, collected adult Chinook salmon from the mainstem Smith River using a beach seine and transported them to the hatchery.

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Eggs were collected from females and fertilized using milt (sperm) from males. The eggs were incubated until hatched. In February, Fisheries Division and hatchery staff began transferring Chinook salmon fry (young salmon whose yolk sac is almost fully absorbed) to outdoor ponds for their next stage of growth, where they learn to feed. During the ponding process, staff weigh and count small batches of fry to estimate the number of fish that have been ponded. In late spring/early summer the juvenile Chinook salmon will be released into the river at the lower Smith River Fred Haight Boat Ramp.

This year steelhead broodstock have been collected from Rowdy Creek, Patrick's Creek, and the Middle Fork of the Smith River. Collecting fish from tributaries farther up the Smith River watershed will result in fish that are closer to being ready to spawn, which reduces holding time at the hatchery.

"While operational issues related to the new weir picket fence and trapping infrastructure are being worked through at the hatchery, this method allows staff to try to meet broodstock needs and stay on track for the season," said Jennifer Jacobs, the Nation's Fisheries Division Manager.

Tangle nets are similar to gillnets in that they are made of monofilament mesh, but a

tangle net is made from smaller, looser mesh.

A gillnet is designed to catch fish by their head while tangle nets catch fish more gently by their jaw, a tooth or on a fin. Because the mesh is less likely to compress the gill covers, the fish can continue to breathe while entangled. This is a critical advantage for broodstock, as oxygen deprivation and stress can significantly lower the quality of the eggs they eventually produce or result in fish mortality.

The process of deploying and fishing with the tangle net is fast-paced and staff are primarily focused on animal welfare. The nets are left in the water for only the time it takes to drift and tangle a few fish The fish are quickly removed, identified, and either released or placed into a net pen to be transported to the hauling tank and brought to the hatchery for broodstock.

Staff with the Nation's Public Works and Facilities Department use tangle nets to trap fish on Rowdy Creek.

Eggs from female salmon are prepared for incubation at the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery.

Chinook salmon fry are transferred to outdoor ponds for their next stage of growth.

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

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

DAY MIN’-NE’

Taa-xee Num-nii~-ma~s (March) 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.

A lone person watches winter waves at Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, Oregon

Pursuing sovereign energy goals

Nation's staff joins other U.S. Tribes at annual renewable energy conference

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation staff this year traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to attend the 8th Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference, which provided Tribal participants from around the country with a wealth of knowledge and insights on a broad range of energy projects.

The Nation is an active participant in a variety of energy-related projects, increasingly shifting from a history of fossil fuel extraction toward utilityscale renewable energy development. In 2024, in response to many shifting federal priorities involving energy projects impacting Tribes, our Tribal Council created a "Renewable Energy

Coordinator" staff position. This position is currently being filled by Tribal Citizen Jadelin Castellaw, who works within the Justice Department under the office of Self-Governance.

The purpose of the position is to manage all the information regarding renewable energy projects, policies, funding opportunities, technological advancements, community engagement initiatives, and any relevant stakeholder communications. This ensures the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation has the necessary data and insights to make informed decisions and achieve its energy sovereignty goals.

In January, Castellaw and TERO Officer Brian Millett attended the 8th Annual

Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference, an annual convention hosted by Seminole Tribe of Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Castellaw and Millet were joined by members of various California Tribes that belong to the Ocean Energy Tribal Working group, including Blue Lake Rancheria and the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California. Also attending the conference were representatives of the California Energy Commission and Tribal representatives from across the country. The threeday conference included informative discussions, presentations and lectures from subject experts, government

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation staff Brian Millett (far left) and Jadelin Castellaw (third from left) join Tribal representatives at the Seminole Tribe's renewable energy conference.

representatives, and Tribes sharing their energy project successes.

"Attending the conference was incredibly valuable for my role as Renewable Energy Coordinator," said Castellaw. "With the federal energy landscape constantly shifting, it's critical that Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation stay informed and proactive."

She added, "The sessions and conversations at this conference help strengthen our understanding of current policies, emerging technologies, and funding opportunities. All of these directly support our long-term energy sovereignty goals and our ability to keep leadership and our community informed and prepared to make timely decisions."

The conference also provided insight into workforce development strategies, including internship and training programs to prepare Tribal citizens for future employment opportunities as energy projects advance. Several topics focused on workforce development involving Tribal Energy. Sessions included topics such as Tribal Energy Capacity Building and Workforce Development, and Energy Security Camp—a session breaking down an innovative workforce initiative that enables Tribes to train and empower Tribal Youth Workforce Programs to conduct energy audits for their Tribe.

"There has been a lot of changes and shifting priorities involving legislation around not only wind energy, but also solar and other renewable energy initiatives" said Millett, "From a workforce development perspective, we want to ensure that we not only keep up, but stay ahead of what the latest laws, trends, technologies and best practices are in effort to create an effective energy focused workforce development program.

He added, "Timing is of the essence as it pertains to any potential employment opportunities that may come out of any these topics as once priorities shift, funding opportunities and timelines get expiration dates, and TERO wants to prioritize the ability to ensure we have a reasonable runway of time to identify any

and all employment opportunities that may result from potential energy projects. That way, we can then create a complementary workforce programming schedule that would identify any necessary training and certifications that would empower Tribal Citizens to gain the necessary skills and qualifications in a timely manner to be first in line for any and all new employment opportunities."

Another added value of this conference, Millet explained, was the networking opportunities—staff was able to connect with other Tribes working on renewable energy projects, learn about financing options, and receive updates on federal policy and legislative changes impacting energy deployment in First Nations. Networking was particularly valuable at

"With the federal energy landscape constantly shifting, it's critical that Tolowa Deeni' Nation stay informed and proactive. The sessions and conversations at this conference help strengthen our understanding of current policies, emerging technologies and funding opportunities."

— Jadelin Castellaw Renewable Energy Coordinator

this conference as staff have been working to develop a Sovereign Energy Plan—a detailed document that layouts a strategic framework that asserts Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation's right to exercise autonomous control over its energy production, distribution and consumption.

Tribes across the country have been adopting Sovereign Energy Plans to utilize as a roadmap for achieving energy sovereignty, moving beyond simple "energy security" (which focuses only on supply) to emphasize self-determination and democratic local governance, Castellaw said.

"This conference also gave us the opportunity to build invaluable relationships with technical experts, including engineers from the Division of Energy and Mineral Development, who offer free technical assistance to Tribes," she said. "Those connections will help ensure our Sovereign Energy Plan is informed by current technology, sound engineering, and practical guidance as we move toward long-term energy sovereignty.

The Nation's Renewable Energy Coordinator Jadelin Castellaw gains invaluable insight from experts and engineers at the January conference in Florida.

Major grant will benefit Tribal families

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation has received a $1,075,000 child welfare grant for a project that strengthens services for Tribal families that are at risk for child abuse and neglect.

“This funding represents an investment in the future of our children and our Tribe," said Teela James, Director of Community and Family Wellness. "By strengthening the bridge between TANF and child welfare services, we are creating a system that supports families early, preserves cultural connections, and helps our youth grow up safe, strong, and surrounded by their community.”

The Nation was one of eight Tribal recipients across the U.S. chosen to receive grants, to be applied over a five-year period, from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and Office of Family Assistance (OCF). The grants focus on tribe-specific programs that:

• Improve case management for families eligible for assistance from a Tribal TANF program.

• Provide services and assistance to Tribal children in out-of-home placements and the Tribal families caring for such children, including families who adopt them.

• Provide prevention services and assistance to Tribal families at risk of child abuse and neglect.

See Grant, Page 9

Grant

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The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation will receive $215,000 a year for the next five years for the "Building Bridges to Improve Outcomes for the Youth of Our Future Project."

The project aligns with the Nation's mission by addressing the social and economic needs of Tribal families with accountability, integrity and respect. It will focus on enhancing case management, promoting collaboration between TANF and child welfare programs, and incorporating best practices to strengthen family preservation and reduce the number of foster care placements.

Services will include crosstraining for TANF and child welfare staff, joint case management procedures, mentorship programs, and family support activities such as parenting workshops and community events. The project will serve Tribal families in Del Norte and Humboldt counties in California, and Coos, Curry and Josephine counties in Oregon.

Project impacts will include a measurable decrease in foster care placements, improved family reunification rates, increased knowledge among families, and enhanced selfsufficiency, fostering longterm resilience within the community.

COUNCIL MOTIONS

Motions for January 8, 2026

WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):

M/S/C (Thompson/Steinruck) 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/Thompson) 5-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Contract CT-2550-1471 with Woods Plumbing; TGC - Surveillance Policy; L7C P&P w/ changes: Slot; Drop & Count; Security; Accounting; Casino 2026 Capital Budget; Polling: CT-2557-1472 Native Strategies - TTPSF Proposal.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman; O'Connell

NVN-NVST-'AA~-TA (NATURAL RESOURCES):

M/S/C (Steinruck/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2440-1397 Mod #3 no cost extension with West Coast Contractors making the end date extended to June 20, 2026, for Recirculating Aquaculture System.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting a grant application for the Salmon in the Classroom Project to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Youth Initiative Program.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck,

Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Sullivan/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting the Fish Hatchery Maintenance Program Proposal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 2026.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Trust Services 2026 Endangered Species Act Compliance program Proposal for adult Enumeration and Species Apportionment.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (O'Connell/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2542-1470 with Cramer Fish Sciences Biometrician in an amount not to exceed $60,000.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Wait/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting the Marking and Coded Wire Tagging Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery Chinook Salmon proposal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Endangered Species Program.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Sullivan/O'Connell) 6-0-1 Motion to approve (with the stipulation of having a conversation with Kleinschmidt) Contract CT-2140-1054 Mod #4 with Kleinschmidt Associates for an extension of time to June 30, 2026, and an additional $38,730 to the contract.

'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/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 2026-01 Tribal Flag Code. Title 2 – General Provisions, Chapter 6 – Tribal Flag Code.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):

M/S/C (Sullivan/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-2457-1379 Mod #1 with QK4, Inc., with a new Scope of Work, adding tasks necessary under the MOU with Caltrans and added funds in the amount of $949,411.81, totaling $1,234,458.00.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

M/S/C (Thompson/Wait) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting a grant pre-proposal in the amount of $500,000 to the Strategic Growth Council, for Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC).

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

LHETLH-XAT-NE (TRIBAL COUNCIL):

M/S/C (O'Connell/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve submitting documents to ACF TAC for Councilor Waits re-appointment to the committee.

'Ay~: Sullivan, Thompson, Steinruck, Giovannetti, O'Connell, Wait; Duu: 0; Xwee-la: Boardman

Motions for January 22, 2026

WEE-NAA-TR'AA-'AA-DVN NUY-NII~-'A~ (APPROVE AGENDA):

M/S/C (O'Connell/Steinruck) 4-0-1 Motion to approve agenda with the addition of two items under Lhee-wii-dvn (Justice).