As Suquamish Police Chief Mark Williams stood near a large screen inside the department’s conference room, five tribal members in the Suquamish Police Advisory Committee leaned forward in silence, watching body camera footage from a recent domestic violence call.   

The room was quiet except for the voices coming from the video.   

The committee members watched carefully as officers responded to a tense situation of alleged late-night domestic violence, eventually wrestling a suspect to the floor and making an arrest. It’s the kind of police work that most community members never see firsthand.   

The Suquamish Police Advisory Committee is one of the newest boards and committees appointed by Suquamish Tribal Council. Currently the committee includes Chair Brittany Dumford, Ah-nika-leesh Chiquiti, Kayla George-Purser, and JoAnn Joe, along with Tribal Council Liaisons Josh Bagley and Andrew George.   

“Historically, there wasn’t a great relationship between tribal members and our police force,” Bagley said. “It’s a lot better now, and I think that’s why we have this committee – to improve that relationship and continue to make it better.”   

Bagley said the advisory board provides accountability while also helping police and community members better understand each other.   

“I think we also need it just so we have a healthy check on our police,” Bagley said. “Just with all the stuff that goes on with cops in general these days, I think it’s good to have tribal members work with the chief and make sure our cops are doing the right things, and de-escalating the way tribal members want them to whenever possible, and – when necessary – arresting people in the right way.”   

The group meets monthly at the Suquamish Police Department and serves in an advisory and oversight role focused on public safety, police practices, and communication between the department and tribal members.   

Some of the committee’s most important discussions happen while reviewing use-of-force incidents. Williams said the process has helped strengthen trust between the community and the department.   

For Williams, that transparency is exactly why the committee exists.   

“It boils down to the police department works for the people,” said Williams. “So, the people need a voice in their police department and eyes on the work we do.”   

In addition to giving committee members a behind-the-scenes look at police work, the meetings also provide a chance to review plans SPD is working on.   

During the recent meeting, for example, Williams briefed the committee on several department initiatives and updates, including:   

•  New K9s: The department is seeking funding for a narcotics detection dog and is also moving forward with an emotional support dog that would spend time interacting with community members.  
•  Officer training: The department is reevaluating where officers attend the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, moving forward with plans to send them instead to one of two federal academies. Suquamish Police Advisory Committee helps rebuild bridges between Police Department and tribal community  
•  Traffic investigations: Marine Division Officer Simeon Barker is receiving advanced collision investigation training through the Kitsap Integrated Traffic Task Force to help the department handle serious injury and fatal crashes.  
•  Recruitment and staffing: Williams told the committee the department is expected to be fully staffed for the first time in years.  

Unlike many tribal boards and committees, Police Advisory Committee meetings are not open to non-committee members because of the often-sensitive nature of the information being reviewed, including body camera footage, police reports, and discussions involving use of force incidents.   

Still, tribal members can always request time on the agenda – to raise concerns, ask questions, or offer suggestions – by contacting committee Chair Brittany Dumford. Williams also has an open door policy for any member of the tribal community who would like to speak with him.   

For Bagley, the committee’s work ultimately comes down to continuing to improve the relationship between the department and the community it serves.   

“It should never be an ‘us and them’ feeling between the tribal members and the police,” Bagley said. “It should always be they’re a part of us. And now, I think, it has become exactly that.”  

The Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow, held April 24–26, drew large crowds this year and marked a major transition as the powwow portion moved from its longtime home at the House of Awakened Culture to the Clearwater Casino Resort.

For years, the full event — including both the Coastal Jam and powwow — has been held at the House of Awakened Culture. But steady growth in attendance has pushed the gathering beyond the capacity of the community space.

“We just outgrew that building,” said Bearon Old Coyote, who has helped his father James Old Coyote organize the event in recent years.

This year, the event opened Friday evening with the Coastal Jam at the House of Awakened Culture, where canoe families from across the region filled the floor with song and dance.

By Saturday, the powwow portion shifted to the casino’s convention center, providing more room for dancers, spectators, and vendors. The Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow traces its roots back decades. The Renewal Weekend was first conceived by James’ father, the late Steve Old Coyote decades ago, and now continues as family tradition celebrating the sobriety and new beginnings.

“Renewal – it’s springtime. That’s the time for change, that’s the time for renewal,” Old Coyote said. “And at the same time, it’s a celebration for sobriety — those who choose to walk that Red Road.”

The powwow blends competitive dancing with cultural celebration, creating space for community members to gather, reconnect and honor those in recovery.

“It’s one that we all look forward to every year,” Old Coyote said. “The community just gets bigger and bigger.”

Alongside the dancing, the Renewal Powwow Royalty Pageant highlighted the next generation of young leaders.

This year’s pageant featured a dozen contestants, one of the largest groups in recent memory.

“We do this because being a part of our royalty and representing the Suquamish Tribe and the powwow that we’re a part of is really important for the growth of our youth,” said pageant organizer Kali Chargualaf. “The responsibilities they get to experience and learning about the tribe and the powwow they represent — it’s important work.” Royalty serve as ambassadors throughout the year, representing the community at events, conferences and gatherings.

“They get to play a leadership role when they attend these events and wear their sash,” Chargualaf said.

“There’s many different people from different tribes in here,” she said. “They’re representing their tribes and their families too.”

After more than an hour of interviews, a three-judge panel deliberated before selecting this year’s winners.

2026-27 Renewal Royalty Winners:

• Senior Miss Renewal: Shaunie Cordero
• Senior Renewal Warrior: Dakotah Reynolds
• Junior Miss Renewal: Willow Squetimkin
• Junior Renewal Warrior: Nakotah Reynolds
• Tiny Tot Renewal Princess: Isla-lynn Ives
• Tiny Tot Renewal Warrior: Legend George

Chargualaf said the strong turnout reflects growing visibility and pride in the event.

“I actually love it,” she said. “I love that there’s a lot more visibility with the Renewal Powwow and that people are wanting to represent this powwow and wanting to represent themselves, their tribes and their families.”

Chargualaf also offered special thanks to the talented artists who created this year’s royalty regalia including:

• Crowns – Shilene George, Keenas Limon, Kailiyah Kriehble
• Warrior headbands – Janaka Old Coyote
• Sashes – Alaina Capoeman
• Drums – Bearon Old Coyote
• Rattles – Jimmy Price

Outgoing royalty were also recognized during the pageant, offering thanks to the family members, mentors and community who supported them throughout their year of service.

From a packed Coastal Jam to an expanded powwow stage, this year’s Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow reflected both growth and continuity, honoring culture, celebrating sobriety and marking the seasonal shift into spring.

“We go from darkness into light,” Chargualaf said.

 

Suquamish youth joined peers from across the county at the 2026 Kitsap Youth Forum on March 19 at Olympic College in Bremerton, taking part in discussions with local leaders on issues affecting young people.

The annual forum provides a free space for youth and young adults to engage directly with decision-makers, share concerns, and learn more about local policy and community issues.

Attending from the Suquamish community were Nardine and Narmine Ridani, Genevieve Boure, Teylor and Charlotte Ives, and DeSean Santos. The group was accompanied by Family & Friends Center Director Barb Santos and Activity Coordinator Ryan Boure.

The forum created opportunities for youth to ask questions of elected officials, while also answering leaders’ questions in return, creating a two-way dialogue. Suquamish participants were especially engaged in discussions about youth homelessness, mental health, and safety.

“The youth came ready with thoughtful questions and a real desire to understand what resources are available and how systems are working to support them,” Santos said. “They were especially interested in how communities are responding to youth homelessness and making sure young people feel safe and supported.”

Tribal Council Vice Treasurer Josh Bagley participated as a panelist alongside other Kitsap County leaders, answering questions and sharing information about services available to tribal members and the broader community.

“Our youth were encouraged to hear that outreach teams are actively checking on people experiencing homelessness and helping connect them with services,” Santos said. “They also appreciated learning about counseling and family support programs that are helping bridge gaps for young people and their families.”

The forum reinforced the importance of youth voices in shaping community conversations and solutions.

“The biggest takeaway is that their voices matter,” Santos said. “They asked important questions, listened closely, and came away with a better understanding of both the challenges and the support systems that are out there.”