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Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December) 2013 - Volume 20, Issue 12
Dee-ni' Nuu-wee-ya' SMITH RIVER RANCHERIA TRIBAL NEWSLETTER
Honoring Our Past; Serving Our Tribal Family; Protecting Our Children and Independence; and Controlling Our Future.
In this Issue
Waa 'Ee-lee-te (Events)……………………. 3
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Nutrition Menu………….. 4
Lhetlh-xa-nee-dvn (Tribal Council
Place)…………………………………………….. 5
IT Department Report……………………… 5
Enrollment Code Articles IV and V…….. 6-7
Fee-to-Trust Process………………………… 8
Tribal Children’s Christmas Party……….. 9
Red Tide Monitoring…………………………. 10
Children’s Halloween Party Report…….. 11
Candlelight Vigil………………………………. 12
‘Ee-chuu-le’ (“Land-Big-Point”)………….. 13-
14
“40 under 40” Award……………………….. 15
Community Needs Assessment………….. 15
Word Fun……………………………………….. 16
Great California Shakeout Report………. 17
Maa~-xuslh-ghalh (Birthdays)…………… 18
Ch’ee-nvk-t’i (Announcements)…….…… 19
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from
the Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council and Staff
Pictured, left-to-right: Me’-lash-ne Bommelyn, Council Secretary;
Kara Miller, Council Chairperson; Joseph Giovannetti, Council
Member; Mona Chandler, Curry County CASA Director; Lenora
Hall, Council Member; and Marian Lopez, Council Member.
On October 22, 2013, The Smith River Rancheria
Tribal Council presented a check for $3,000 to Mona
Chandler, Curry County CASA Director; a donation for
program operations.
Submitted by the Administration Department
Tribal youth represented SRR at the 28th An-
nual California Indian Conference and Gather-
ing at Sacramento State University this year.
The event was held on October 2nd through the
6th and included a specialized youth track this
year. Over 75 Tribal youth from throughout
California participated in the youth track and
got to experience a campus tour, student pan-
el, and interactive youth icebreaker activities.
The conference was organized by SRR Tribal
member Annette Reed, Ph.D., Director of Na-
tive American Studies at Sacramento State.
Pictured above, left-to-right: Brennan Ellis, Annette Reed, Felicity Lopez,
Dillon Perry, Ashley Eldredge, Alicia Lopez, Ashton Allen
Pictured left-to-right: Scott Sullivan, TERO Officer; Dr. Joseph Giovannetti,
Council Member; Gena Grizzard, CFS Social Worker . Dr. Giovannetti
offered the Saturday morning prayer at the conference.
Submitted by Community and Family Services
2
Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December) 2013 All rights reserved. Smith River Rancheria Monthly Newsletter published by the Smith River Rancheria, 140 Row-
dy Creek Road, Smith River CA 95567. Phone 707.487.9255. Guest editorials, letters to the Editor or columns do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Smith
River Rancheria or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the Smith River Rancheria reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish.
As per the Howonquet Indian Council of the Smith River Rancheria, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best
interests of the Smith River Rancheria.
Editor: Debbie Boardman (707)487-9225 [email protected]
In September, Terri Camarena, SRR’s Human
Resources (HR) Manager, attended a week-long
Advanced Human Resources Certification training
provided by Falmouth Institute. In addition to five
(5) days of intensive training with Indian Country’s
leading HR professionals, participants must pass
an online exam that requires them to apply their
advanced knowledge to solve HR challenges com-
mon in Indian Country. Terri scored the highest in
her class with a “High Pass” Certification! Congrat-
ulations, Terri!
Submitted by Administration Department
Personnel Success
California Ocean Wilderness Delegation L to R: Liz Whiteman, April Bucksbaum,
Curtis Berkey, Roberta Cordero, Karen Garrison, Shawn Padi, Megan Rocha, Mary
Webb, Jim Webb, Kaitilin Gaffney, John Laird, Briannon Fraley, Hawk Rosales
CORRECTION: The above photo was left out of an article about the Wild 10 confer-
ence in Spain, submitted by the Office of Self-Governance in the November issue.
3
Kara Miller
Chairperson
(707) 218-7723
Denise Padgette
Vice Chairperson
(707) 218-7719
Loren Bommelyn
Secretary
(707) 218-0197
Joel Bravo
Treasurer
(707) 218-7720
Marian Lopez
Member
(707) 218-0121
Dr. Joseph Giovannetti
Member
(707) 218-6569
Lenora Hall
Member
(707) 951-9345
Na’sr-dvtlh-nvsh-dvn (Tribal Office)
Administrative Assistant, Devon White - (707) 218-0177, [email protected] Chief Financial Officer, Hank Shields - (707) 487-9255, ext. 3115, [email protected] Community & Family Services Director, Dorothy Wait -(707) 487-9255, ext. 3135, [email protected] Culture Department Manager, Marva Jones -(707) 218-5934, [email protected] Enrollment Specialist, Theresa Ferrer -(707) 487-9255, ext. 3120, [email protected] Grants & Contracts Manager, Cassandra Mitchell -(707) 951-4255, [email protected] Housing Director, Earl Brown -(707) 218-5935, [email protected] Howonquet Head Start Manager, Ronda Ritchie
-(707) 218-6357, [email protected] Human Resources Manager, Terri Camarena -(707) 487-9255, ext. 3215, [email protected] Information Technology Director, Darryl Yarak -(707) 218-7724, [email protected] Natural Resources Director, Brad Cass -(707) 218-7504, [email protected] NAGPRA Coordinator, -(707) Project Coordinator, Nita Rolfe -(707) 218-7782, [email protected] Recording Secretary/Office Supervisor, Jessica Haas -(707) 487-9255, ext. 3221, [email protected] Self Governance Director, Briannon Fraley -(707) 951-4152, [email protected] Social Worker, Paulie Hawthorne -(707) 218-6005, [email protected] TERO Officer, Scott Sullivan -(707) 487-9255, ext.3190, [email protected] THPO Officer, Suntayea Steinruck -(707) 218-7868, [email protected] Tribal Administrator, Russ Crabtree -(707) 218-7727, [email protected] Tribal Court Administrator, Nita Green -(707) 487-9255, ext. 3160, [email protected]
Lhetlh-xat-ne (Tribal Council) Waa 'Ee-lee-te (Events) Dec 5 Community Input for Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Grant 7-8:30pm
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center
Dec 10 Regular Session Tribal Council Meeting - 6:00 pm
Dec 12 Wee'-ya' (Language) Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm
Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino
Dec 13 January Newsletter Deadline
Dec 18 Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ (Culture) Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino
Dec 19 Fish & Game Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino
Dec 20 Candlelight Vigil - 4:00pm to 7:00pm—’Ee-chuu-le’
Dec 21 Tribal Children’s Christmas Party - 2:00pm to 5:00pm Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center
Dec 24 HOLIDAY-Tribal Offices Closed at 12:00pm
Dec 25 HOLIDAY-Tribal Offices Closed
Dec 30 Housing Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino
Those “winter blues” may be more than just the blues. Are you tired, oversleeping, craving carbs or
gaining weight for no apparent reason? Do you feel depressed, fatigued or exhausted? Have you been
diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder in the past? Do you live in an area far away from the
equator that has greatly reduced sunlight in the winter season? Do your symptoms increase from
October through March?
If you said yes to more than a few of the above questions you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder
or SAD. The most common characteristic of people with winter SAD is their reaction to changes in
environmental light. Patients with SAD also report that their depression worsens or reappears whenev-
er the weather is overcast at any time of the year, or if their indoor lighting is decreased.
If your depression is moderate to severe or you feel hopeless or extremely sad, contact
your local mental health or medical provider for a full screening.
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and/or
medications. Photo therapy is non-invasive and easy to do at home. In the fall and winter season use
multi spectrum or “grow “ lights or your provider may recommend special high UV or phototherapy
lights.
Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you
have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the
year. If you don’t know who to call, call CFS and we can refer you to the appropriate provider.
Submitted by Community and Family Services
Winter Blues? It may be Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD
4
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2 Red Beans & Rice
3 Meatloaf
4 Chicken Noodle Soup
5 Elk and Rice
6 Chicken Divan
9 Bean and Cheese Burrito
10 Spaghetti
11 Navy Bean Soup
12 Liver and Onions
13 Breakfast
16 Alfredo Pasta
17 Chicken ala King
18 Beef and Vegetable Soup
19 Fish and Chips
20 Holiday Lunch
23 Sack Lunch
24 HOLIDAY
25 HOLIDAY
26 Tuna Casserole
27 Shepherds Pie
30 Chili Relleno Bake
31 Teriyaki Chicken
Lunch served @ 12:00 pm
Reserve Lunch @ 707-487-4463 Menu Subject to Change
101 Indian Court in Smith River
Tai Chi - Every Wednesday, 12:30 pm
BP/BS Checks—call CHR @ 487-0215, 464-2919, or 482-2181
RepChem 3rd Wednesday
Suggested donations:
Elders 55+, $2 (some are free) Under 55, $7
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Nutrition Center Menu - December
Local Veteran Keeps on Serving
In celebration of Veteran's Day, on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, the students had the honor of a visit from Smith
River Elder, Frank Richards and his daughter Denise
Padgette. In addition to learning the Dee-ni' language,
our students are exposed to local history and culture.
Language and culture are inseparable, so opportunities
like this are invaluable. Frank shared his knowledge,
memories and experiences from World War II and life as
a youth in Smith River, with the students. The students
were able to ask questions and learn about the effects
of World War II on native people and our local area.
Learning through the eyes of an elder is a unique expe-
rience that we are so lucky to be a part of. Shu' shaa-
nin-la Frank for your service and ongoing dedication to
our youth.
Submitted by SRR Language Program,
Tolowa Language Teachers: Guylish Bommelyn and Cynthia Ford.
Above: Frank Richards shares photos, maps and other memorabilia
from his service in World War II. Left to Right: Frank Richards,
Guylish Bommelyn, Neena Richards and Karlie Scott.
Below: Nicole Mattz, Christian Cerro
and Brayden Throop look over
World War II photos, courtesy of
Frank Richards.
5
In October, the Tribal Council approved:
Joel Bravo was successfully nominated to the Caltrans Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC).
Resolution #13-34 authorizing Council Chairperson to sign loan documents for the business loan agreement with Umpqua Bank.
Howonquet Head Start and Early Learning Center Policies and Procedures will remain unchanged.
Fiscal Year 2014 Indian Housing Plan Grant Application.
Letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in response to the Del Norte County comments on the Fee-to-Trust application.
Tax-Exempt Tribal Bonds Tax Compliance Guidelines.
Resolution #13-35 approving Loan Documents for the Tax Exempt D--- bond loan.
Resolution #13-36 dissolving the Events Committee.
Appointment of Denise Padgette as primary delegate and Joseph Giovannetti as secondary delegate to Northern California Indian De-
velopment Council (NCIDC).
Resolution #13-40 disposing of four (4) non-operating Smith River Rancheria-owned vehicles.
Resolution #13-39 approving the Tribal transportation Improvement Plan (TTIP).
Submitted by Administration Department
Lhetlh-xat-ne-dvn (Tribal Council Place)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT: October 2013
· Deployments recently completed o Hardware: All desktops upgrades for this fiscal year budget are deployed. This year we completed refreshing 13 older workstations. o Software: Upgrade of Adobe Acrobat Professional has begun.
· Department initiatives o CFS – set up Grant funded video conferencing system for TFRC o Howonquet Lodge – looking at ways to boost cell phone service in hotel o Tribal – supported Dee-nee’ Day activities with audio/video services
· Web site updates for www.tolowa-nsn.gov o Met with Culture/Language department to look for ways to support interactive content. o Added new plug-in to allow photo slide-shows since photos are very popular o Getting updated info from Tribal Court, Housing Department and Head Start o Reviewed Facebook/Twitter/Google statistics for past month – all increased o Next staff committee meeting set for November 22, 2013 in Tribal Conference Room
· Graphical Information Systems (GIS) Department o Worked on development of Data Dictionary for our GPS handheld units for collection of relevant feature data. Some of the feature sets
are for: SRR Community, SRR Infrastructure, SRR Cultural Resources, SRR Water Sampling. o Working with existing data sets and adding photos to our database resources o Working with Ocean Biologists on staff to GPS gravel beds along coast as part of Grant funded program o Going through existing GPS equipment and testing it, checking functionality.
Submitted by the IT Department
Information Technology (IT) Department
6
ARTICLE IV - Application for Enrollment
Section 1 Application Form A written application form shall be established by the Enrollment Committee and approved by the Tribal Council. It must be filed by or on behalf of each person applying for mem-bership.
Section 2 Completion of Application The application form must contain information as required to permit the Enrollment Committee to determine eligibility of the applicant. The application must include the following:
Name Current Address Applicant must state that they are not a member of another federally recognized or non-recognized tribe Family Tree listing Original Birth Certificate must be submitted. Copy of Social Security Card State section from the Constitution that you qualify for enrollment.
Statement certifying, under penalty of perjury, that information is true and correct must be signed by applicant
Section 3 Sponsoring an Applicant If the person to be enrolled is a minor, incompetent, member of a family of a person in the armed forces or employed and stationed outside the continental United States, an ap-plication for enrollment may be completed and filed by applicant's parents, legal guardian or next of kin, or other person authorized to file an application for enrollment on behalf of the applicant.
Section 4 Accuracy of Application Information The applicant or sponsor of an applicant must certify that the information given is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. Knowingly giving false information on the applica-tion form shall be immediate grounds for disenrollment.
ARTICLE V - Processing of Enrollment Applications
Section 1 Control Procedures Each application must be signed and dated by the applicant or sponsor and shall be stamped with the date it is received by the Enrollment Office The Enrollment Office shall keep a log of both outgoing and incoming applications with a description of supporting documentation submitted with the application listed on the incoming log. Only copies, not origi-nals, will be kept on record as supporting documentation.
Section 2 Enrollment Committee Review The Enrollment Committee shall meet no less than once a month for the first year to review application. At least three (3) of the five (5) members must be present to act as a committee. All enrollment meetings shall be closed session to keep confidentiality of the applicant's file. The Enrollment Committee shall review and make a recommendation within sixty (60) days of receipt of an application. The Enrollment Committee shall review all enrollment applications and adoption petitions and shall consider the information provided in such applications, together with all other available evidence concerning the applicant's eligibility for membership and make its written recommendation to the Tribal Council as to whether the application should be approved or rejected. Where the Enrollment Committee considers additional information is needed, it may make a request for such information in writing from the person filing the application and may request such person to appear before the Enrollment Committee for a personal informal interview. The content and form for such written recommendation shall be approved by the Tribal Council. Section 3 Notice of Hearing When Application is Recommended for Rejection (A) Written Notice Required: Whenever the Enrollment Committee recommends rejection to the Tribal Council, written notice that a hearing will be held concerning such application shall be given the person filing the application, in the manner herein after provided, before a determination of the applicant's eligibility for enrollment is made by the Tribal Council.
(B) Contents of Notice: The written notice required to be given under this section shall (1) indicate the tribal membership requirement or requirements which the applicant failed to meet or other reasons why the application should be rejected, (2) fix a time and place for the Tribal Council to hold a hearing to make its determination of the applicant's eligibility for enrollment (3) indicate the person filing the application may appear before the Tribal
Smith River Rancheria Enrollment Code-Article IV and V
Continued on page 7
7
...Enrollment Code Continued Council at the time and place fixed for such hearing to show why the application for enrollment should not be rejected and to present additional evi - dence, if any, concerning the applicant's eligibility for enrollment The content and form of such written notice shall be approved by the Tribal Council.
(C) Manner of Giving Written Notice: The notice required under this section shall be given twenty (20) days prior to the time fixed for the Tribal Council to hold a hearing to make its determination of the applicant's eligibility for enrollment and notice shall be sent by certified mail, with postage thereon fully prepaid and return receipt requested, addressed to the person filing the application for enrollment at the mailing address provided by such person in the application enrollment form, or at such different address as such person may subsequently provide the Enrollment Committee in writing.
(D) Presumption that Written Notice Was Received: Where it appears that the notice required under this section was deposited in a United States Post Office more than forty (40) days prior to the time fixed for the Tribal Council to hold its hearing concerning the applicant's eligibility for enrollment and that such notice was sent by certified mail as provided for in Sub-Section (C) above, it shall be presumed that such notice was received by the addressee more than thirty (30) days prior to the time fixed for the hearing by the Tribal Council.
Section 4 Tribal Council Shall Determine Applicant's Eligibility for Enrollment Reviewing Applicant's Eligibility: The Tribal Council shall review applications for enrollment together with the recommendation of the Enrollment Committee and
determine whether the applicant is eligible to be enrolled as a member with the Smith River Rancheria, Smith River. California. The person filing an appli-cation had the burden of proof of establishing to the satisfaction of the Tribal Council that the applicant meets all the requirements for tribal membership. The Tribal Council shall consider all relevant evidence regarding the applicant's eligibility for enrollment, but the relevancy, weight and sufficiency of such evidence shall be determined by the Tribal Council. Hearing to be Held Before Application is Rejected: Before making a determination that an application for enrollment should be rejected. the Tribal Coun-cil shall hold a hearing concerning the applicants eligibility for enrollment and the person filing the application shall be given written notice of the hearing. The manner of conducting such hearing or any other matters pertaining to enrollment procedures shall be determined by the Tribal Council.
Determination of Applicant's Eligibility: The determination as to whether an application for enrollment is approved or rejected by the Tribal Council shall be re-duced to writing and signed by the Chairperson of the Tribal Council regarding each application for enrollment filed with the Enrollment Committee. Such determination shall also set forth the findings of fact indicating whether the Enrollment Committee recommended that the application be approved or re-jected, the date of the applicants birth and the membership requirement or requirements which the Tribal Council found the applicant failed to meet If the Application is rejected, the Tribal Council shall also make special findings of fact concerning the written notice of hearing which was given to the per-son filing the application and whether on not such person was present at such hearing. The form of the Tribal Council's written determination shall be approved by the Tribal Council.
Section 5 Notice of Tribal Council's Determination of Applicant’s Eligibility (A) Notice Required: Every person filing an application for enrollment shall be given written notice of whether the Tribal Council rejected or accepted the application for enrollment.
(B) Content of Notice of Rejection: If the Tribal Council rejected the application for enrollment the written notice shall (1) indicate that the application was rejected and set forth the tribal membership requirement or requirements which the Tribal Council found the application failed to meet and (2) provide that the rejection of the application for enrollment may be appealed to a meeting of the general membership sitting as a "committee of the whole". A majority vote of 66% of at least 75 of the Rancheria's eligible voting members in attendance will be the final appeal. All voting will be done by secret ballot and the Tribal Council will approve the ballots to be used. The notice shall indicate the time within which such an appeal must be commenced and the procedure for commencing such appeal. The content and form of the notice of rejection shall be approved by the Tribal Council.
(C) Content of Notice of Approval: If the Tribal Council approved the application for enrollment the written notice shall indicate that the application was approved and the tribal resolution number and the date of its enactment whereby the approval of such application was commemorated. The content and form of the Notice of Approval shall be approved by the Tribal Council.
(D) Resubmission of Enrollment Applications: An application with new information for enrollment may be re-submitted only upon the following terms and conditions: 1. There must be a material fact of new information which will significantly enhance the possibility that the applicant will be enrolled in Smith River Rancheria. 2. The new information must be presented to the Tribal Council and the Tribal Council must determine by a majority vote in a duly called and noticed meeting that the new information will significantly enhance the possibility that the applicant will be enrolled in Smith River Rancheria.
Submitted by the Enrollment Department
8
The Smith River Rancheria owns land that is in fee status and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Tribal Trust. Property that is in fee status has property taxes charged against it and falls un-
der the county and state zoning and construction codes. Some of the fee properties owned by
the tribe will not be developed until it is transferred into trust status. The tribe has develop-
ment plans for some of its properties which will not adhere to the counties zoning, so the land
must be in trust status in order for the tribe to fall within its own jurisdiction rather than an
outside governmental agency.
According to the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, having fee simple lands transferred into fed-
eral trust status is a powerful tool for making reservations whole and protecting Indian lands
for future generations. When fee lands are returned to trust, Indian nations and people begin
to eliminate the checkerboard pattern of trust and fee lands and regain control of lands on the
reservation.
Trust lands are protected from sale or default to non- Indians, are free from county taxation
and are within tribal jurisdiction. Having lands in trust status also allows individual Indian land-
owners and tribes to take advantage of federal programs restricted to trust lands, such as op-
portunities for business development, housing, environmental and cultural protection.
Steps in the Process
Before submitting the Application for Trust Acquisition of Fee Land, the tribe or landowner has
to gather all of the required information and discuss the application with the BIA realty office
staff. It is important to make sure that the initial application is completed carefully, with special attention paid to the criteria required for the secretary
of the interior to authorize a request as identified in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 25, Part 151, Section 10, On-reservation acquisitions (25
CFR 151.10).
Upon receipt of the application, the superintendent will notify the state and local governments who have regulatory jurisdiction over the land to be
acquired. These entities have 30 days to provide written comments as to the acquisition’s potential impacts on regulatory jurisdiction, real property
taxes and special assessments. The applicant is provided with a copy of these written comments and is given a “reasonable time” in which to reply
and/or request that the secretary issue a decision. If everything goes smoothly, the land will be put into trust at this point. However, if the state pro-
tests, the application can go first to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals (IBIA) and ultimately end up in federal court.
Local and county governments will sometimes challenge fee-to-trust transfers because it could result in loss of tax revenue and jurisdiction. In some
cases, Indian nations have to be prepared to educate neighboring communities about the importance and benefits of restoring Indian lands to Indian
control and trust status. Some of the benefits include: economic development and jobs, new community amenities, and natural or cultural resource
protection.
Individuals seeking to have fee lands transferred to trust status can also encounter resistance either from the tribe, the BIA or other entities. In gen-
eral, the BIA gives priority to tribal over individual fee-to-trust transfers. Attitudes toward individual fee-to-trust transfers can vary dramatically from
one region or agency to the next, and, these attitudes can influence the process itself. Landowners should fully understand their rights and responsi-
bilities regarding fee-to-trust transfers and be prepared to advocate for their position every step of the way.
Submitted by the Housing Department
SRR and the Fee-to-Trust Process
Kara Miller, Tribal Chair; Denise Padgette, Vice-Chair; and
Amy Dutschke, BIA Pacific Region Director on May 30,
2013, signing the Keeter Property into trust.
9
Save The Date...
10
Red Tide Monitoring
Red Tide & Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring
In coordination with the California Department of Public Health, Marine Biolo-
gist Rosa Laucci and Tribal Resources Technician Jaytuk Steinruck have been
taking samples of seawater to monitor phytoplankton abundance and also tis-
sue samples of California mussels to monitor PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning)
levels.
Samples are taken locally and then sent to the labs at the Department of Public
Health for analysis. These results will help to better inform the public and
county of the hazard level of PSP and recommendations for quarantines.
The alert level is 80 micrograms (ug) per 100 grams of tissue; so far our
levels here are at a low positive of 56ug/100g. Rosa and Jaytuk will con-
tinue to collect samples monthly to ensure the most up-to-date information
for the safety of our tribal members.
For more information, contact Rosa Laucci at [email protected] or by calling the Tribal Office at 487.9255 x3152
Submitted by the Natural Resources Department
11
Subm
itte
d b
y Com
munity
and F
am
ily S
erv
ices
12
Save The Date...
Vigil will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2013
at 'Ee-chuu-le'. For more information call:
Smith River Rancheria Culture Department
707-487-9255 ext. 3176 , or visit us online @
www.tolowa-nsn.gov
Dv-laa-ha~, we will be gathering this year at 'Ee -chuu-le', off Old Mill Rd, Crescent City, in recognition of our people. This is a time to honor and remember our ancestors and our Holocaust. Family and friends are welcome.
Following the vigil we will gather at the Fish and Wildlife Interpretation Center, on Old Mill Rd, for: 'es-day (tea), k'aa-be (coffee), taa-svlh (homemade soups) and baa-shuk (bread).
* Candles will be provided. * Event will be held regardless of weather. * Wear warm clothing and rain boots. * We suggest you bring a chair and umbrella. * Please note this year's vigil is not at Yan' -daa-k'vt!
A Candlelight Vigil for The 1854 'Ee -chuu-le' Massacre
& Our Tolowa Dee-ni' Ancestors
Directions to 'Ee-chuu-le':
Start from Home Depot in Crescent City
Head north on North Crest Rd
Turn left onto Old Mill Rd
Go 1.6 miles on Old Mill Rd to the
Fish and Wildlife Interpretation Center.
Sponsored by the Dee-ni' of the Smith River Rancheria
13
‘Ee-chuu-le’ (“Land-Big-Point”) Ee-chuu-le' is located on the peninsula between Lakes Earl and Taa-laa-wa in Del Norte County CA. The name 'Ee-chuu-le' means; 'ee = "land", -chuu = "that-is-
big", -le' = "at-a-point/tip".
'Ee-chuu-le' was a large Dee-ni' town for its time. It was the capitol of the 'Ee-chuu-le' yvtlh-'i~. A yvtlh-'i~ is a polity or governance district governed by the Xvsh-
xay-yu', the Headmen. The ownership of the 'Ee-chuu-le' yvtlh-'i~ spanned along the coast from Point Saint George to Kellogg Road. Then on inland across the
Smith River east to Signal Peak located below Gasquet CA. on the north Fork of the Smith River. The yvtlh-'i~ ownership and control included King's Valley and the
north end of Elk Valley and all of the streams flowing into Lake Earl.
'Ee-chuu-le' was renowned for its vast wealth and elaborate dance attire. It was the Dee-ni' societal center and where the Coming of Age ceremony, the Ch'anlh-day
wvn Srdee-yvn or Flower Dance, took place. This ceremony brings an adolescent girl into her womanhood. In those days marriages were arranged between families
following this ceremony. Families traveled long distances to arrange unions between the youth of their various yvtlh-'i~.
The water of lagoons surrounding 'Ee-chuu-le' is home of the great Serpent named 'Ii~-le'-sti~. Lakes Earl and Taa-laa-wa were famous for duck hunting. When the
fowl lighted on the lake their numbers were so immeasurable that the sunlight was blotted from the sky. While molting, their down and plumage, would wash ashore
and be two feet thick along the shoreline of the lagoons. The 'Ee-chuu-le' Dee-ni' were famous fabricators and exporters of their fine hand-woven tule bedding and
floor coverings.
In the winter of 1854 the age-old life of the 'Ee-chuu-le' Dee-ni' changed forever. In 1851, the State of California funded the campaign to exterminate all California
Indians. Local militias were paid to execute the Indian vermin. After the Dee-ni' Holocaust began in 1853 with the destruction of Xaa-wan'-k'wt and then Taa-'at-dvn
at Crescent Bay, the shanty town of Crescent City was erected for the immigrants in 1854.
Since time immemorial, until the winter of 1853, Yan'-daa-k'vt had been the host of Nee-dash, the crucial Earth Renewal Ceremony. After the Dee-ni' arrived from
across the homeland to attend the ceremony the local militia fell upon Yan'-daa-k'vt and slaughtered 450 Dee-ni' celebrants. The Yan'-daa-k'vt massacre is the sec-
ond largest single mass destruction of Indians in American History.
With Yan'-daa-k'vt obliterated Nee-dash had to be held at 'Ee-chuu-le'. It was the last of the Dee-ni' capitols left in one piece in California. The Dee-ni' gathered at
'Ee-chuu-le' to Re-make the World in the winter of 1854. On New Year's Eve the hired militia set the attack upon worshipers. The account by Joseph Endert from his
book, Indian Lore of the North California Coast, by Warburton & Endert of 1966 tells a Whiteman's version of the slaughter. Their report claims only seventy-five Dee
-ni' perished in the annihilation of 'Ee-chuu-le'.
Opposite the Strain ranch on Lake Earl in Del Norte County was an Indian village called Aichulet by the whites because of the name of the headman living there.
Shortly before JF's birth, the Indians of the area and the whites were involved in a good deal of trouble. One of the Indians had stolen a horse belonging to a white
man. This was too much for the white people who forgot about their sale of liquor to the Indians, the fact that whites had taken the Indian women for immoral pur-
poses, and had beaten the Indians whenever it suited them, had squatted and seized the Indian lands and game. The Indians had to be punished for the taking of
this one horse, and the whites organized a party armed with guns. The group went out to Aichulet and hid in the brush surrounding the village, agreeing that no-
body would shoot until the Indians came out of their houses in the morning.
The Indian men that night had gathered in a sweat house council. A little dog apparently caught the white men's scent and did a lot of barking. A young Indian
woman went to the council house three times during the night to express her fears, but was driven away by the men each time. Finally at day break a single shot
was fired by a nervous white man and the whole Indian village was awakened. As the Indians, men, women, and children, came from their homes they were shot
down as fast as the whites could reload their guns. The Indians were unable to defend themselves as the attackers were hidden in the Continued on page 14
14
...‘Ee-chuu-le’ (“Land-Big-Point”) cont. brush. A few of the Indians who survived the massacre at the village ran toward Lake Earl and plunged into the water. The angered whites followed, shooting at
every head that appeared above water, so fierce was their determination to exterminate the entire village as a lesson to other Indians in the area.
Old Pay Way was one of the few Indians who escaped this massacre, and eventually went back to live in his old home. From his name the village came to be called
"Pay-Way."
The white attackers reported that sixty five Indians were known to be killed. This figure did not include those who were shot in the water and sank. One Bill Saville
who came from London, England, brought with him his double barreled rifle. Saville boasted that he himself had killed more Indians than anyone else in the party,
for the others had only single shot guns. Saville, whose description of the Indians was "Smoked Yankees," is now buried in the Brother Jonathan Memorial Cemetery
at Crescent City, California.
On New Year's Day of 1855 seven layers of Dee-ni' bodies were burned by the armed forces in the
Great Dance House of 'Ee-chuu-le'. Following the 'Ee-chuu-le' massacre, from January 2nd to the
4th of 1855, a treaty was negotiated at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt. The Dee-ni' Holocaust persisted in the Or-
egon Territory until July of 1856, but, the Ethnic Cleansing and subjugation of the Dee-ni' continued
for decades to follow.
The Dee-ni' survivors rebuilt upon the ashes for their ancestors. 'Ee-chuu-le' contained eleven hous-
es and four sweat houses. As the authority of the settlers grew, the Dee-ni' were expected to move
onto reservations and later onto rancherias negotiated by the Headmen and the Government in
1906 at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt and Elk Valley. The Dee-ni' endured at 'Ee-chuu-le until 1913 when the
ranch owners named McLaughlin finally forced them off. When Baa-le or Blind Poly, who refused to
leave, passed away the Dee-ni' life of 'Ee-chuu-le' came to an end.
Today many of the members of the Tribe are descendants of 'Ee-chuu-le' or The Lagoon Dee-ni'.
Submitted by: Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn
“Treecycling” for Del Norte County
Baa-le (Blind Polly) weaving baskets at ‘Ee-chuu-le’. A
survivor of the “Ee-chuu-le’ massacre.
15
“40 under 40” Award The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, NCAIED, hosted the 38th annual INPRO, Indian Progress in Business Awards Gala on October 24, 2013 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler, Arizona at their regional RES Arizona conference. INPRO is the oldest and most prestigious Native American recognition even acknowledging
accomplishments and contributions made by American Indians and those who support
their economic and business development endeavors. A special awards ceremony was held
to honor the class of 2013 recipients for the prestigious Native American “40 under 40”
Awards. Senator Carlyle Begay, (Navajo) for the State of Arizona was the Master of Cere-
mony for the evening. Senator Begay is the youngest State senator in the Legislature, and
had the honor of presenting the awards to the 40 Native American emerging leaders under
the age of 40.
Among the recipients was Briannon Fraley, Tribal Citizen and Self-Governance Director for
the Smith River Rancheria, Tolowa Dee-ni’. The “40 under 40” award was bestowed among
individuals who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication to achieve im-
pressive and significant contributions in their
business, communities and to Indian Country.
This year’s class brings the Alumni of the “40
under 40” to 200. Briannon was selected as an
honored recipient of the award for the work she does for her Tribe, where she focuses on advocating for indigenous Tribal rights, devel-
opment of the Tribes governance structure, and preservation of cultural values.
A summary of RES Arizona and INPRO awards ceremony can be found on Indian Country Today Media Network at: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/10/28/res-arizona-ncaied-announces-business-scholarships-40-under-40-and-indian-progress
Class of 2013 Native American 40 under 40 and the National Center for American
Indian Enterprise Development Board of Directors and CEO and President.
Pictured Right: Native American “40 under 40”
honoree, Briannon Fraley and the 38th annual
INPRO Gala Submitted by the Office of Self-Governance
Attention Tribal Citizens:
In the new few months the Tribal Administration will be conducting the Community Needs Assessment to help us better understand the needs of our tribal community. As a first
step, we need your input on what the best way to gather the information would be. Two possible options include:
Online survey
A mailed questionnaire that would be filled out and returned to the Tribal Office
Please let us know which of the options you would prefer by calling the Tribal Office at 487-9255, no later than January 9th, 2013. Staff will record your preference and we will pub-
lish the results, along with possible next steps, in the February Newsletter.
Community Needs Assessment
16
Holidays can be stressful,
but so can everyday life:
Parenting, work inside
and outside the home,
extended family, school,
news events, health, and so many other
things. Much of our stress is related to other
people . . . they don’t do what we think they
should do. We assume people do things be-
cause they are out to get us, or that they
should base their lives on being considerate
and not offending us. But really they are just
doing their thing, without bad intent. We
don’t get angry at the wind for blowing, and
yet the blowing does affect us. Instead of
letting the actions of others cause you stress,
assume they don’t know any better. Let it go.
Think to yourself, “It’s just the wind blowing.”
Submitted by Community and
Family Services Submitted by the
Waa-tr’vslh-a’~ Culture Department
Flowing with Stress
Word Fun
Tribal Member Sierra
Fender has joined the
Smith River Rancheria
team! Sierra participat-
ed in the Summer
Youth Employment
Program for four sum-
mers, gaining job skills
and knowledge of trib-
al government operations. We are excited
to welcome Sierra to the Administration
Department as the Receptionist!
Submitted by Administration Department
New Employee
17
2013 Great California Shakeout
Submitted by the Natural Resources Department
Volunteer Driver Program in Humboldt County
The Volunteer Center of the Redwoods Volunteer Driver Program needs volunteers. Volunteers will drive those who are age 50 and older to and from
health care appointments. Passengers must reside in Rio Dell north to McKinleyville, and call at least 1 week ahead of time for a free ride pending
volunteer availability. Volunteers must possess a valid California Driver’s License, provide a DMV report, pass a criminal background check, and have
vehicle liability insurance of $100,000 and $300,000 per bodily injury. Volunteer drivers choose their own hours and get reimbursed for mileage. To
volunteer or book a ride call 707-442-3711 ext. 306 or toll free at 800-408-4636.
Source: Area 1 Agency on Aging
www.a1aa.org/volunteer-driver-program Submitted by the Administration Department
18
Maa~-xuslh-ghalh (Birthdays)
Ashton Allen Austin Allen Michael Austin
Maximus Baines Guy Balcom Will Baldridge Gary Batini Karen Bimemiller Megan Boardman
Anna Boatsman Andrea Bravo Andrew Bravo Seaira Brundin Esperanza Calderon Mya Carpenter
Makayla Chapman Zackary Chapman Jalissa Cole
Christy Crawford Stormy Criner Timothy Criteser Aleena Dass Devry Davis Kalynn Davis
Victor Dobrec III Noella Essex Cole Estrada Alvina Fairchild Nellie Fox Felicia Fugate
Sierra Fullam Abaline Gardner TyAnn Garey Vancha Gilkey Steven Gochanour, Sr. Leon Gochanour
Thomas Gochanour Lynne Gonzalez Heather Griffin
Tandy Harmon Arnold Hempel Cheyanne Hinshaw Wesley Hinshaw Kourtney Holz Nicholas Husted, Jr.
Angel Idol Elody James Tyler Johnson Brannan Jones Dean Jones John Jones
Michael Jones Trevion Jones Lorena Joy Terile Keevil Kaitlin Kendall Ezekial Kirby Tasheena Kirby Jennifer Lavezzo Jaz Leddy Amee Lopez Richard B. Lopez Robert N. Lopez Shalawn Lopez Vernon Losh II Cheantel Loucks Daniel McCann Elsie McClung Mitchel McKuhn Trista Mickelson Marilyn Mitchell Norah Mitchell Kris Moorehead Hannah Mouser Sadie Nichols Maggie O’Brian Kristina O’Loughlin Zachary Olds Kaydence Owen Amanda Parke Lucinda Parras Holly Pittman Robin Rasmussen Marvin Richards, Jr. Elijah Richards Jesse Richards III Laurene Richards Rocky Richards Tawnya Richards See-lhsrik Richards-Davis Benjamin D. Roberts Braquel Roberts Ricardo Rojas Arianna Romo Jess Sanders Frances Schriver Marva Scott Philbert Sesher Katrina Simpson Anthony Smith David E. Smith Iris Smith Sharon Smith Gabrielle Solomon Phillip Sullivan Scott Sullivan Cheryl Templer Jacob Thomas Jason Thomas Harold Thornton Tyler Travis Marlee Tribur Alvin Tripp, Sr. Kimberly Vistalli Melissa Vistalli Shane Vistalli-Alvarado Tina Whipple-Hall Remi White Tisha White Brayden Wilber Tyler Wilber Adie Wilson Skylar Windham Treyvon Wolfe-Easley Claud Wyland
ATTENTION TRIBAL MEMBERS
We do not have addresses for:
Danielle Gravatt Jeanie James
Edward Landay IV Monica Livingston
Adrian Lopez Derek Martin
Landon O’Reilley Dawn Popanz
Tiffany Sanchez Adrienne Stone
Nolan Travis Adam Vickers Rose Vickers
Tannis Vickers Deidre Warren Tina Wilburn
Please call the Enrollment Office to update your address:
(707) 487-9255 ext. 3120
Or send mail to: Smith River Rancheria
Attn: Enrollment 140 Rowdy Creek
Smith River CA, 95567
19
Ch'ee-nvk-t'i (Announcements)
Aubrey Marie Ramirez
Aubrey Marie Ramirez was born October 8,
2013 at 1:56pm at Sutter Coast Hospital. She
weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces, and measured 19
1/2 inches. Her parents are Sierra Fender and
Salvador Ramirez of Smith River. Her grand-
parents are William Fender Jr. of Smith River
and Kimberly Castillo of Woodland, and Ofelia
Ramirez of Smith River and Eduardo Felix of
Washington. Her great-grandparent’s are
William Fender Sr. and Jeanie Fender of Smith
River. Her great-great-grandparent’s are
Floyd Richards Sr. and Elinor Richards of
Smith River.
We would like to say Shu’ shaa
nin-la (thank you) on behalf of
our family for all the generosity
that the Rancheria provides to its
tribal families, elders and the
community through out the year.
Blessings to everyone in 2014!
Submitted by Jeri Thompson and Katrina Upton
WANTED: An Experienced Quilter!
Community & Family Services is accepting
bids for an experienced quilter to take our do-
mestic violence/sexual assault/stalking quilt
squares and make them into a quilt. We are
looking for someone who will do this in a re-
spectful manner, mindful of the emotions behind
the squares. The squares measure 10”x10”,
with a built-in 1” seam allowance. We currently
have 11 squares, but the quilt may use 10 for a
balanced design. You will be providing the ma-
terials for the connecting squares, edging, backing, and hanging tabs. Since these
are meant for display, only minimal batting is needed. We encourage you to come
by 110 W. First St., Smith River, to see quilts already completed. Bids should in-
clude a photo of your previous work. The last day we will accept bids is December
30; the quilt should be complete by March 31, 2014. For more information, please
contact Judith Burke at (707) 487-9255 x3134. Shu’ shaa nin-la!
Happy 13th Birthday
Angel Idol
We are all so proud of you!!!
Lots of Love from your family
Attention Tribal Members
December 24 Tribal Offices
Closed at 12:00pm
December 24 Regular Tribal
Council Meeting
Cancelled
December 25 Tribal Offices
Closed
20
Smith River Rancheria
140 Rowdy Creek Rd
Smith River, CA 95567
Presorted
First Class
U.S Postage Paid
Smith River, CA
Permit NO. 4
NEE-SAN-NAA-XEE-CH’AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (DECEMBER) 2013 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER
2013 Winter-Solstice Nee-dash
In the beginning the creators released the sun in the darkness and made the universe. They gave the laws for the Dee-ni' to follow and how to maintain a balanced life.
The law says, Day 'vmlh-te shtr'vn' k'ee-naa-ch'ii~-'a. "What you-need to-me you-pray."
The protocols, duties and prayers of Nee-dash are handed down from one Dance Maker generation to the next.
The law says, Xwii-day mvn ch'vmlh-yvmlh. "Everything for-that you-recite-scripture."
The law continues, Ch'vmlh-yvmlh 'vt nuu-nvn-nvst-'a~ naa-t'e ch'aa-winlh-yvmlh. "Recite-scripture until our-earth around
-it you-have-recited-scripture."
Today this Way continues to help keep the world in balance. Fellow Dee-ni' and Friends are welcome to partake in the Winter Solstice Nee-dash and Activities. Nee-dash will be hosted at the Nii~-lii~-chvn-dvn Dance House on South Bank
Road.
December 26th Baby Blessing, Story Time and Games at 7:00 pm
December 27th End Of the Year Offering & First Night of Nee-dash at 7:00 pm
December 28th Winter Solstice Potluck at the Tolowa Event Center
at 6:00 pm. Nee-dash Ceremony to follow at the Dance House at 8:30
☼ Want to learn to dance Nee-dash, please come Friday night the 27th.
☼ Preparation for a blessing please contact Loren or Lena Bommelyn at 707-464-1665.
2013 Xii-chu Nee-dash
