Justice Gorsuch opinion in ICWA ruling is worth reading

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Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch offers a masterclass on tribal sovereignty in his concurring opinion offered in the court’s recent decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act.

“In affirming the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Court safeguards the ability of tribal members to raise their children free from interference by state authorities and other outside parties. In the process, the Court also goes a long way toward restoring the original balance between federal, state, and tribal powers the Constitution envisioned,” he writes in a 43-page opinion.

“I write separately to add some historical context. To appreciate fully the significance of today’s decision requires an understanding of the long line of policies that drove Congress to adopt ICWA. And to appreciate why that law surely comports with the Constitution requires a bird’s-eye view of how our founding document mediates between competing federal, state, and tribal claims of sovereignty.”

Click here to read his analysis in full.

‘Brown water’ advisory for tribal housing neighborhoods

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How to get your clear water back on tap

The Suquamish Tribe maintains a well that provides water to homes in several tribal housing neighborhoods, as well as the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center, Family & Friends Center, Fitness Center, and Ball Field sprinkler system. The water is treated with chlorine to protect public health.

When the water runs with a brownish tint it usually means water flow has been briefly disturbed, lifting up water sediment. Traces of manganese, a naturally occurring metal in the sediment, causes the brown hue. The water clears when the sediment settles.

Manganese does not pose a threat to public health.

Still, we know it doesn’t look good. That’s why the Suquamish Water Utility Program periodically flushes the mains to minimize these occurrences. However, due to increased water usage during summer months, including use of the ball field’s sprinklers and activated fire hydrants, brown water can still show up.

Clearing it out: Dos and Don’ts

If brown water occurs at your location, there are some things you can do to help clear it out. Here are some dos & don’ts to keep in mind:

Do run your water on cold – You can speed this by up by also flushing toilets and running spigots. If the water does not clear after a few minutes, turn off water, wait an hour, and then try again.

Don’t run hot water – Running hot water will empty clear water from your hot water tank and fill it with discolored water.

Don’t do laundry – Manganese-tinted water can stain clothes, so wait until it clears before starting your next load.

If you have run cold water a few times and it still does not clear, please contact our staff for additional assistance:

James Old Coyote, Water Utility Operator (360) 394-8509
William Lawrence, Water Utility Manager (360) 394-8506

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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The Suquamish Tribe’s Wellness Center has a slew of events planned for Mental Health Awareness Month through May. All activities are open to the Suquamish Community.

Here’s a round-up of what’s coming up:

Weekday Wellness Activities: Each weekday of the month of May join us in connecting with ourselves and culture to support our wellness. Monday Meditations, Tuesday Traditional Crafts, Wednesday Walk or Jog, and Thursday Canoe Journey Giveaway making.

Events/Presentations: Please join us in food, crafts, fun field day, storytelling, workshops, and training this month. Frybread Tacos, Happy box and aroma therapy making, Seven Grandfather Teaching for Youth, Nutrition and Wellness Talk, and Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults.

Personal Wellness Journey Booklet: Self-guided booklet utilizing evidence-based and cultural-based practices to support holistic wellness (available for pick up at Wellness Center or electronically at request via email to oponce@suquamish.nsn.us)

31 Days of Mental Wellness for Youth: In partnership with the ELC and Family & Friends Center, Wellness will support both agencies in a 31 days of mental wellness activities that can be done both at the centers and at home.

Check out the May Wellness Calendar for more details.

2023 Communications Survey

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Thank you for taking the time to help the Suquamish Tribe communications team serve you better. Please contact us at Communications@Suquamish.nsn.us if you have any questions or requests.

 

 

Proposed Tribal Code Amendment

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Proposed Amendments: Chapter 5.15- Exclusion of Tribal Members from the Port Madison Indian Reservation

The Suquamish Tribal Council is seeking written comments on proposed amendments to Suquamish Tribal Code Chapter 5.15—Exclusion of Tribal Members from the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Please submit written comments by March 31, 2023. Contact the Office of Tribal Attorney for a copy of the proposed amendments.

Suquamish Tribal Code Chapter 5.15 – Exclusion of Tribal Members from the Port Madison Indian Reservation, adopted by Resolution 2022-170 on October 24, 2022, contains a provision in Section 5.15.1(c) stating that any Suquamish tribal member may be excluded from the Port Madison Indian Reservation and all lands subject to the Suquamish Tribe’s jurisdiction if convicted of a violent crime that results in “serious” bodily injury, as defined by tribal, state, or federal law. The proposed amendments would:

  • Revise Section 5.15.1(c) to enable Tribal Council to exclude tribal members who have committed assaults that result in “substantial” bodily injury, as defined by tribal, state, or federal law.
  • Revise “Port Madison Indian Reservation” to “Port Madison Reservation” within the title and throughout the chapter.

Submit comments or requests for a copy of the proposed amendments to: Office of Tribal Attorney, STC Chapter 5.15 Comments, P.O. Box 498, Suquamish, WA 98392 or by email with the subject line “Chapter 5.15 Comments” to: bbrueseke@suquamish.nsn.us.

Written comments are due by March 31, 2023. Please feel free to forward this notice to any and all interested people. Thank you.

Suquamish Tribe Emergency Contact Numbers

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If you are experiencing a medical or life-threatening emergency dial 9-1-1

 

Many Suquamish Tribal Government staff are working from home through the office snow closure. Suquamish tribal members and their families can call any of the following numbers for assistance:

CKA – Principal Rex Green (360) 900-6020

Community Health – (360) 265-0170

Education – Director Brenda Guerrero (360) 633-0643

Elders Program – (206) 920-0748 (cell)

ELC – (360) 394-8578

Emergency Management – (360) 394-7197

Facilities & Maintenance – (360) 340-4563 (cell)

Family & Friends Center – (360) 394-7107 or (360) 340-2338 (cell)

Fitness Center – (360) 930-1545

Health Benefits – (360) 394-8424

Health Clinic – Director Steve Kutz (360) 731-2885

Human Services – (206) 920-0748 (cell)

Natural Resources – (360) 394-8442

Suquamish Police Dept 9-1-1
Note: Please do NOT call the Police Department front desk or individual officers in an emergency. It is always faster to get help by calling 9-1-1

TCW – (360) 394-8480 or (360) 900-7009 (cell)

Tribal Court – (360) 900-3008 (cell)
Note: All non-emergent court hearings will be continued to a later date.

Suquamish Tribal Council seeks applicants for commissions and boards

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Dear Suquamish Tribal members,

Tribal Council is looking for Tribal members to appoint to commissions and boards. Please submit a brief statement of your interest and which board you are applying for, along with your name, phone number, and email address to Amanda Carper at acarper@suquamish.nsn.us.

The deadline to apply is Jan 9, 2023.

Terms are up for the following people. Note: Those holding these positions can apply to retain their seats.

Port Madison Enterprises Board
Cheryl Lawrence
Andrew George

Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission
Roger Contraro
William Gemmell

Suquamish Seafoods Board
Lorraine Brice

Suquamish Housing Board
Jim Henry
Patricia Chargualaf

Enrollment Committee
Lois Sullivan
Mable Anderson
Sarah George
Brenda Guerrero

Suquamish Foundation Board
Rich Deline
Jim Nall
Sarah van Gelder

Suquamish Museum Board
Della Crowell
Lena Purser-Maloney

Higher Education Board
Brittany Bakken

Cultural Committee
Donna Sigo
Also seeking one additional Tribal Member

Suquamish Tribal Housing Maintenance Request

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If you rent a home in Suquamish Tribal Housing and need help with a maintenance issue, you are in the right place!

Please fill out the following form and someone from Housing Maintenance will reach out as soon as possible.

NOTE: You must be a resident of Suquamish Tribal Housing to request maintenance help.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Briefly describe what needs to be fixed. Provide any details you think might be helpful.
Upload any photos that might be helpful
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 20 MB.
    What's the best way to reach you?(Required)

    If you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach out to us at: tribalhousingmaintenance@suquamish.nsn.us

    My Christmas Wish List

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    SUQUAMISH TRIBAL CHILD WELFARE

    Please fill this out completely no later than Nov 25, 2022

     

    Your TCW Secret Santa will be doing the shopping for you. Please include up to five wish list items. One form per TCW youth. Budget for Christmas Wishes: $200.00.

     

    Gifts will be available for pick up the week of Dec. 16, 2022.

    Your caseworker will contact you for pick up time and location or, if you don’t live close to Suquamish, they will be shipped directly to you.