Wipes & paper towels clog the sewer!

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Important Notice on Tribal-supplied Water and Sewer
From Suquamish Community Development Utilities Office

Wipes & paper towels clog the sewer! We are all using more cleaning supplies in response to the COVID-19 Stay Home – Stay Healthy Order. High demand of disinfectant wipes and low supply of toilet paper has created a sanitation challenge. Please discard ALL paper towels, wipes, and personal hygiene products in the trash, not the toilet. This includes all items marketed as flushable or disposable.  These items clog sewer lines and pumps.

Only toilet paper is safe to flush.  If you are served by a Tribally-operated sewer system and observe an alarm, please call 360-979-0109.

Water Supply— Residents may experience periodic discolored water and/or low pressure during this period of high residential demand. If you are supplied by a Tribally-operated system and experience sustained color and/or a significant drop in water pressure, please call 360-979-0109.

COVID-19 Housing Payment Deferment Application

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The Suquamish Tribal Council is aware of the financial hardship and uncertainty our membership is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Suquamish Members in Tribal Housing may request housing and rental payment deferment by completing the COVID-19 Rent Deferment Application.

You can fill out the form online here.

Or, you can download the application here.

If you download it, completed applications must be submitted to the Suquamish Housing Office for processing.  Application and supporting documentation can be submitted through these methods:

  • Email to : [email protected]
  • Mailed to: Suquamish Tribe, Po Box 498, Suquamish WA 98392
  • Drop Box: Lobby of Suquamish Police Department

 

Tribal Government Operations (updated 4/6)

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The Tribal Administration facilities will be closed to the public, and services will be suspended, effective April 6 – May 4, 2020. We will have limited staff available to respond to urgent issues with staff working remotely at a limited capacity.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call (360) 598-4334, which is monitored regularly. You may also contact our response team by sending emails to: [email protected]

The Suquamish Police Department

The Police Department lobby will be available to drop off child support payments, applications, housing payments, and other government-related paper­work. Staff and officers can also forward messages to other Tribal departments as needed.

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8am to 4:30pm

Contact
Front Desk: (360) 598-4334
Emergency: 911

Telework and On-call Services

Child Tribal Welfare: (360) 394-8480

Communications: (360) 394-7184/7102

Community Development: (360) 394-8415

Emergency Work Orders: (360) 900-7050

Emergency Utilities: (360) 710-3223

Elders Meals: (360) 394-8413

Health Benefits: (360) 394-8466

Human Resources: (360) 394-8409

Human Services: (360) 394-8465

IT Help Desk: (360) 394-8485

Finance: (360) 394-8430

Fisheries: (360) 394-8438

Tribal Court: (360) 394-8697

Wellness Center

Therapists are still meeting with existing clients through phone/video sessions. A contact list of providers is available here.

Contact

Front desk: (360) 394-8558
Wellness Fax – (360) 598-1724
Emergency: 911
Crises Hotline: (888) 910-0416
Chat: www.imhurting.org

Tribe Delivers to Elders in Need

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Dozens of Suquamish Tribe staff members came together at the House of Awakened Culture on Thursday and Friday morning to prepare boxes of groceries for home delivery to eligible Tribal Elders in need residing in the local area. The groceries were primarily for Elders who did not have family members in the immediate area who could shop for them.

The deliveries will supply the Elders with enough food to last two weeks.
Made possible by the blessing of Tribal Council, the food packaging and delivery was accomplished through the joint efforts of Human Services, Community Development, Emergency Management, Maintenance, Clearwater Casino Resort, and Suquamish Tribe Administration.

General Council Postponed

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In light of the unprecedented emergency created by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Suquamish Tribe General Council will not be held on March 15 as scheduled.
In a resolution approved by Tribal Council March 12, the General Council is now tentatively rescheduled for June 28.
This decision was not made lightly. We are especially concerned about our Elders and those with medical conditions that could make the disease serious or even fatal. This decision also came at the urging of a significant number of Tribal members who raised similar concerns.
Health experts say the best way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to cancel large gatherings and limit person-to-person contact as much as possible.
Therefore, Tribal Council determined the most prudent course of action is to delay General Council until the threat to our people – and our wider community – has subsided.
The positions of Tribal Council Chairman and Secretary will remain on the ballot and elections for those positions will be held when General Council reconvenes. Until then, the current Council Members will remain in those positions.
The Suquamish Tribe remains committed to doing everything possible to reduce the risks and to care for Tribal members, staff, and the wider community.

Return of the Shores

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The Suquamish Tribe is celebrating the return of 36 acres located on the shores of the Port Madison Indian Reservation.

“For us, it’s a homecoming. We will once again be able to walk the lands in the heart of our community,” said Suquamish Tribe Cultural Coordinator Tina Jackson.

On May 31, 2018 the 50-year lease of the area known as Suquamish Shores expires, returning control of the property to the Suquamish Tribe. Tribal government officials have been anticipating the return for more than two decades, working closely with the Tribal community to create a comprehensive long-term plan for the area.

“Our community has been clear in their desire to create a multi-use space, along with additional housing and facilities for our elders,” said Suquamish Tribal Council Vice-Chairman Bardow Lewis.

As part of the plan, the property will be redeveloped in three phases over the next ten years. Work on phase one, which includes community spaces, is scheduled to begin in late summer 2018. Plans call for a park near the Suquamish waterfront, along with walking trails and a culturally-themed playground connecting the Suquamish Museum to the Veteran’s Monument near the House of Awakened Culture.

A preliminary concept rendering of Phase 1 includes a heritage trail and cultural use areas.

“We have a lot of site preparation to do. There are a number of homes in disrepair that have to be removed before rebuilding can take place,” said Suquamish Tribe Department of Community Development Director Scott Crowell.

Construction of the first phase is expected to continue through 2019, with a scheduled completion date in 2020. Designs for phases two and three are still being finalized and will include staged elders facilities and housing.

“It makes sense that the Suquamish People would want to ensure the property is redeveloped for recreation, housing and cultural use. Traditionally, a large portion of that property was used as a community gathering space. A ballfield was built there in the late 1800’s and was utilized by the community for several decades before the property was leased,” said Suquamish Tribe Historic Preservation Officer Dennis Lewarch.

Early 1900s’ photograph of a baseball game at the original Suquamish Ballfield. Courtesy of the Suquamish Museum.

The subject of the lease has been a contentious issue in the Suquamish Tribal community over the last five decades. Many members voiced their opposition to the move in Tribal Council meetings when the lease was being considered in 1967. However, faced with limited resources and the need to provide basic government services, the Suquamish Tribal Council determined the lease was the best course of action for the future of the Tribe.

“Back then, we didn’t have any money at all. Tribal Council Meetings were held in people’s living rooms. Paperwork, applications, travel to BIA offices in Everett and Portland just to maintain our treaty rights; it was all done by volunteers, on our own time with our own money,” said Tribal Elder Rich Demain, who served on Tribal Council in 1961.

The agreement for the 50-year lease began in July 1968, with Chief Seattle Properties, a non-tribal corporation, paying the Tribe $7,250 annually for the land. The firm then profited from sub-leasing parcels to individuals looking to build on the waterfront property. Chief Seattle Properties later walked away from the project, leaving those who built homes and the Tribe to sort out the details of their individual leases- a process that would take several years and test the relationships between Tribal Members and their neighbors living on the Port Madison Indian Reservation.

Read the Seattle Time 2007 guest editorial on the Suquamish Shores 

“It’s certainly been a long road. I have looked forward to this day for 50 years, and will celebrate when we will be in control of our own resources again,” said Tribal Elder Ed Carriere.

Suquamish Tribe Chairman Elected ATNI President

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Suquamish Chairman and newly-elected Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) President Leonard Forsman addressing attendees at the ATNI Annual Fall Convention in Spokane, WA. Photo by Robin Sigo

SUQUAMISH, WA- The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Executive Board has a new president. Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman was elected to the position in a close race against fellow ATNI member and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Chairman Mike Marchand.
“I am honored and humbled to be elected ATNI President. ATNI has a legendary reputation as an intertribal organization that is committed to preserving culture, language, fishing and wildlife habitat, and healthy tribal communities. I look forward to leading our organization in continuing to fulfill its mission to advocate for the tribal rights reserved through treaties, executive orders and other agreements. The Tribes of the Northwest are committed to protecting their homelands and their ancient way of life and I will work hard to help accomplish this sacred duty,” said Forsman.
Forsman was elected September 20, 2017 during the ATNI Fall Annual Convention at The Davenport Grand in Spokane, WA. He replaces President of the Quinault Indian Nation Fawn Sharp, who held the position for 2 terms and did not seek re-election.
“The current climate in Washington D.C. requires us to remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our sovereignty, hunting and fishing rights, health care, education, veterans, sacred places and natural resources from budget cuts and policies and regulatory changes that violate the trust responsibility. We must also work with our allies to protect our housing and economic development programs and initiatives,” added Forsman.
Forsman, a 20-year Tribal Government veteran, is a well-known consensus builder in Indian Country, serving as the Co-chair for the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education, Vice President of the Washington Indian Gaming Association and Vice President of the Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation along with several other intergovernmental committees and organizations.
“Leonard is a dear friend and champion not only for the Suquamish Tribe, but for all of Indian Country. I know that he will serve all the Northwest Tribes and will represent our interests across the country. I am grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with him as ATNI President,” said National Congress of American Indian (NCAI) President and Swinomish Tribal Chairman Brian Cladoosby.
The ANTI Executive Board is made up of 7 positions, with elected officers serving staggered 3-year terms. In addition to Forsman, ATNI Member Tribes also re-elected Theresa Sheldon of Tulalip as 2nd Vice President and Taylor Aalvik of Cowlitz as Assistant Secretary this year.
About Leonard Forsman
Leonard Forsman is Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, a position he has held since 2005. Previously, he was a research archaeologist for Larson Anthropological/Archaeological Services in Seattle, Washington from 1992 to 2003. From 1984 to 1990, he was Director of the Suquamish Museum in Suquamish, WA, and has served on the Museum Board of Directors since 2010. His experience and expertise earned him a federal appointment to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, of which he is now vice-chair, where he assists in promoting the preservation, enhancement and productive use of the nation’s historic resources. In addition, Forsman has held the position of Vice President at the Washington Indian Gaming Association since 2005. He has also been a member of the Washington State Historical Society Board since 2007, the Suquamish Tribal Cultural Cooperative Committee since 2006, and the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education since 2005. Forsman received a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Washington and an M.A. in Historic Preservation from Goucher College.
About ATNI
Formed in 1953, ATNI represents 57 Northwest tribal governments in from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, Southeast Alaska and Western Montana. The organization provides a forum for sharing information on matters of interest to its member Tribes allowing them to develop consensus on matters of mutual importance, and assists member Tribes in their governmental and programmatic development consistent with the goals of self-determination and self-sufficiency, and provides for effective public relations and education programs with non-Indian communities. Through its conferences, forums, networks and alliances, it is the intent of ATNI to represent and advocate for the interests of its member Tribes to national Indian and non-Indian organizations and governments. For more information about ATNI or to obtain an agenda of events, visit them online at www.atnitribes.org

Suquamish Foundation’s Time To Gather Raises 50K

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A silent auction table at the Time to Gather event, held on Friday, March 24 at Kiana Lodge.

The Suquamish Foundation held its annual “A Time to Gather” fundraising event Friday, March 24, at Kiana Lodge. The sold-out crowd of enthusiastic bidders helped the Foundation reach its $50,000 fundraising goal, the proceeds targeted for a planned playground, the Suquamish Museum, and benefiting programs from the broader community.
Guests were welcomed by Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman and Foundation Manager, Angela Flemming who presented a brief history of the event, its purpose and importance to the Suquamish Tribe. Happy attendees enjoyed a delicious meal of either cedar-wrapped salmon, apricot chicken or braised eggplant, all prepared by the experienced staff at Kiana Lodge.
Standout live auction items included a traditional medicinal herbs gathering excursion with Noel Purser-Rosario, a Port Madison Indian Reservation tour led by Tribal Chairman, Leonard Forsman, two limited edition serigraphs by Preston Singletary, a 3 day-2 night Alaska Fishing Adventure, and an original brush and ink painting of the Traveling Coyote by Emma Noyes. Bidding was spirited and exceeded the valued price for the benefit of the Suquamish Foundation.

Suquamish Tribe General Council 2017 Election

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In addition to being reelected at Suquamish Tribal Chairman, Leonard Forsman was also honored as a new member of the Suquamish Elders- a designation given to Tribal Members when they turn 55 years-old.

The Suquamish Tribe annual General Council meeting was held March 18-19, 2017 at Kiana Lodge. In addition to hearing reports from departments throughout government and business operations, Suquamish Tribal Members also had the opportunity to vote for Chairman and Secretary of the Suquamish Tribal Council. A total of 355 Tribal Members voted in the election.

Two people ran for the Chairmanship, incumbent Leonard Forsman and Wayne George. Forsman won re-election with 68 percent of the vote. There were four candidates nominated for Secretary. Nigel Lawrence was re-elected to the position with 120 votes. Matt Hawk Sr. ran and received 113 votes. Votes and remaining candidates were Randy George (78) and Linda Holt (45).

Forsman has served as Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe since 2005. In addition to his position on council, he is also the Vice-Chairman of the national Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds a master of arts in historic preservation from Goucher College.

This is the third time Lawrence has been elected to the Suquamish Tribal Council, and his second consecutive term. In addition to his position on council, Lawrence is the Director of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.

The council consists of four officers; Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary; and three at-large Council members. The Chairman only votes in case of a tie. Tribal Council officers and members serve three-year staggered terms. The Tribal Council meets on alternate Mondays and as needed throughout the year. For more information, visit the Government section of our website.