Feb-March 2006 - South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 February, March 2005
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
Auction, Auction, Dinner Dinn Dinner Dinn Dinne Dinner Dinn Dinner er r r ■ ■ 1, 1, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12
12
New Ne New ew w w Employees Employee Employees Employee Employees
Employee Employees s s ■ ■ 2, 2, 3
3
Foster Foster Parent Parent Training Training
■ ■ 4
4
Health Health Program Program News News ■ ■ 4, 4, 5
5
Foster Foster Parent Parent Training Training
■ ■ 9
9
IPC IPC Groun Ground Groun Ground
Groun Ground
d d Blessing Blessing
■ ■ 9
9
SPIPA SPIPA
Intertribal Intertribal TANF TANF ■ ■ 1, 1, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8
NEWS FOR THE CHEHALIS, NISQUALLY, SHOALWATER BAY, SKOKOMISH AND SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
Record Attendance at 5th Annual SPIPA Dinner, Art Auction
Flutes are always popular auction items. This whale fl ute was contributed
by Nisqually Tribal Member Caroline Pierce.
Related Stories, Photos, Pages 10, 11, and 12
SPIPA Intertribal TANF Program Operating Operat Operating ing from Five Sites
South Puget Intertribal
Planning Agency
2970 SE Old Olympic Hwy
Shelton, WA 98584
Return Service Requested
The
Intertribal
News
More – that word sums up an extraordinary event – the Fifth Annual SPIPA Dinner
and Art Auction held November 13, 2004 at the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester,
Washington. Why more? Because there were more corporate sponsors, more who
attended, more revenue was raised, more artists contributed art and then attended. For
example, there were 65 live auction items this year, versus about 40-45 last year. This
year there were about 20 corporate sponsors, versus three last year. About 300 people
attended, versus about 250 last year. There were even interested onlookers who never
made it inside because we had reached capacity.
Part of the success came from an organizational shift. Rather than depend upon
a handful of people to organize and procure items, this year SPIPA turned to an active
committee of nine, supported by three SPIPA staff that did not participate in the committee,
but did procure art. To top all this off there were volunteers, such as Eunice
Herron, who is not a SPIPA employee, but who has always enjoyed participating in
this event.
For the past two-three years Midge Porter has spearheaded procuring artwork
and organizing the auction. This yearʼs auction committee included: Amadeo Tiam,
B..J. Brown, Carmen Kalama, John Simmons, Debbie Gardipee, Joan Claudio, Chiquita
David, Nancy Graham, and Marilee Ransdell.
Supporting committee members included: Dan Gleason, Deborah Dunithan,
The SPIPA Intertribal TANF program is now
serving 271 families. Carol Cordova, SPIPA
Education and Training/TANF Manager, reports
that in January $127,353 was paid out in fi nancial
assistance, with $7,413 spent on support services.
Washington State transferred a large group of clients
and new cases are being opened nearly every day.
Carol says while the bulk of new cases have
been in Pierce and Thurston Counties, each site
reports a steady infl ux of applicants. Geene Felix is
Assistant TANF Coordinator while Sheri Peterson is
the TANF Education and Training Coordinator.
The offi ces for Carol, Geene, and Sheri are
located at 122 Third Street, Shelton, Washington in
The Five Tribesʼ Career Center. You may reach them
at (360) 426-2433 or toll free at (800) 341-6162.
The SPIPA Intertribal TANF program staff tackles
the day-to-date administration of a full-scale TANF
program from fi ve sites. One site is located in on the
Nisqually Reservation; the second, co-located in the
Tacoma Urban League Building, primarily serves
urban Native Americans not served by other tribes.
The third site is on the Skokomish Reservation; the
fourth serves the Squaxin Island Reservation; the
fi fth serves Kitsap County clients and those Mason
County clients not served by Skokomish or Squaxin
Island.
As expected, some new applicants waited for the
SPIPA Tribal TANF before applying for benefi ts.
Each staff member works to ensure that our clients
thrive, rather than suffer losses, in these times of
economic uncertainty.
To that end, each site has called upon existing
SPIPA programs, tribal programs, and community
partners, in order to offer a wide range of economic,
TANF Site Overview, Page 6
Non-Profi t
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Shelton, WA 98584
Permit #182

The Mission of South Puget
Intertribal Planning Agency:
Deliver social, human and health services and
provide training and technical assistance,
resource development and planning to the Chehalis,
Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish and Squaxin
Island Tribal Communities.
SPIPA Board of Directors
Nisqually Tribe
Norine Wells, Delegate
Joe Cushman, Alternate
Squaxin Island Tribe
Kim Cooper, Delegate
David Whitener, Alternate
Skokomish Tribe
Marie Gouley, Delegate
Chehalis Tribe
Dave Burnett, Delegate
Dan Gleason, Chehalis Alternate,
Chairman, SPIPA Board
Shoalwater Bay Tribe
Carol Johnson, Delegate
Bob Bojorcas, Alternate
SPIPA Intertribal News is published quarterly by
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency. Amadeo
Tiam, Executive Director. Marilee Ransdell, Editor.
Unless otherwise noted all photos and stories are
produced by the editor.
Editorʼs note: The articles and opinions in this
newspaper are gathered from many different sources;
they are not necessarily the opinions of the editor, the
member tribes or the SPIPA Board of Directors.
Policy on Letters to the Editor:
SPIPA Board Members and Staff encourage all Tribal
Communities to submit letters for publication. After
verifi cation, letters with a return address and/or phone
number, signed in ink by an individual or individuals,
will be considered for publication.
SPIPA Administration & Planning
2970 SE Old Olympic Hwy., Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 426-3990 Toll Free: 1-800-924-3984
Fax: (360) 427-8003
Accounting Fax: (360) 427-6362
To submit a story idea or for event coverage:
Call Marilee Ransdell at (360) 426-3990
or (800) 924-3984, extension 211 or email:
ransdell@spipa.org
SPIPA welcomes new Payroll Personnel
Janeal Meyer is our new Payroll Clerk at SPIPAʼs
Administrative/Fiscal Offi ces. –
Photo by Marilee Ransdell
Janeal Meyer joined SPIPA on December 6,
2004, as our new Payroll Clerk. She is now
your contact if you have payroll questions, such
as about your time sheet, payroll actions, check
releases, or payroll deductions. Her supervisor is
Senior Accountant Jan Bryant.
Janeal worked for 15 years for the Providence
Health System, working fi rst in the In-
David Palmer joined SPIPA October 15, 2004, as
our Accounts Payable Clerk. He is an enrolled
member of the Colville Tribe, but he has lived at the
Skokomish Reservation for the past three years while
he worked in the Skokomish Tribeʼs Accounting
Department in an Accounts Payable/Accounts
Receivable position. David says he has lived at
Skokomish, off and on, for about 15 years.
David attended Shelton High School during his
freshman/sophmore years, but transferred to Juneau-
Douglas High School for his junior/senior years
when his family moved to Juneau. David says a lot of
family still lives there, including his Mom. His Dad is
from Nespelem, Washington.
David has four brothers and four sisters. He
says, “Iʼm #1, the oldest, as well as being #1. Half of
my brothers still live in Alaska, the rest of my siblings
live in Washington.”
David received his Associates Degree in
Electronics Technology from DeVry/Phoenix. When
asked how he transitioned to accounting he says that
math and science always came easy. That made the
transition to accounting a natural progression. His
fi rst accounting position was for the Tlingit and
Haida Central Council.
David worked on a Santa Barbara based
seiner. “We fi shed for squid in the Channel Islands,
which are just across from Santa Barbara. Squid
– thatʼs where calamari come from!” After seine
fi shing David returned to work in the Skokomish
formation Services department at Providence St.
Peterʼs Hospital, then in the payroll department at
the Providence Mother Joseph Care Center.
“I am very happy to be working at SPIPA,”
she says. “I am so impressed with the people
I work with and those that have come into the
offi ce.” Janeal adds that she is a people person.
“Everyone has had so much patience and kindness
and has made me feel welcome. ”Janeal admits
she likes to be organized at what she does and that
is a good thing as she will also be tracking GSA
vehicles and getting involved in the inventory
process.
Sheʼs lived around this general area for the
past 16 years and currently lives in McCleary with
her fi ancé, Mike.
She has two sons, Jason and Gene. Jason
lives in Eugene, Oregon, while Gene and family
live in Catania, Sicily (Italy). “I also consider
Mikeʼs children family. His son, Wade, is the same
age as Jason.” She adds that Mikeʼs daughter,
Angela, and her family live in Rainier so they see
them often.
Her hobbies include gardening (fl owers and
vegetables), sewing, cross-stitch and reading. Her
music collection ranges from vinyl to CDs. Her
movie tastes are equally diverse, as she enjoys
everything from action to animated to foreign
fi lms. Janeal has an AA in computer applications
and in accounting, so we are glad to have another
computer whiz aboard. ■
David Palmer, Accounts Payable Clerk, is new to
the SPIPA accounting team. –
Photo Marilee Ransdell
Tribeʼs accounting department and says, “I just
ended up sticking around.”
When asked about hobbies he says reading
and sports is about all he has time for these days.
■
Page 2 Visit Our Website:

. . a new Receptionist, Grant Writer, and Many New TANF Staff
Tamara Fulwyler started with SPIPA in ful in life. I also think all people are born with the potential to be
TNovember
of 2004 as a Grant Writer. She productive and live meaningful lives
says, “Working at SPIPA is a dream come true
Tamaraʼs professional experience is as varied and extensive as
. . . I have learned about the broad range of
her educational background. She says, “I have worked in commu-
SPIPA SPIPA activities and projects in community nity-based non-profi ts for about 10 years, providing executive-level
services, social social services, and education/train-
leadership to build capacity through developing fi scal and administraing.
The services SPIPA SPIPA provides for the tive infrastructure.”
people of the fi ve tribes are well aligned with She adds, “My most recent post was as the Executive Director
my professional goals.”
of a victims services agency supervising fi ve programs: a shelter for
Tamara was born in Oregon, but grew battered women and their children, a crisis advocacy team, a sexual
up in Oklahoma. She is an enrolled and voting assault response team, a court & community advocacy team, and a
member of the Chickasaw Tribe. She says, thrift store. I also have done consulting work for a variety of clients,
“My great-grandfatherʼs people were the including TTAC, a training unit of the Offi ce of Victims of Crime at
Choctaw. Some members of my family have the U.S. Department of Justice.”
followed the the Choctaw path, while others others align When asked about her family she says, “My youngest child,
with the Chickasaws.”
John, will graduate from high school in January right at the same time
Tamara has a broad range of educational he turns 18. He will move to Portland and live with my middle child,
achievements. She received her Liberal Arts Jennifer. My oldest, Lacey, lives in Bothell with her new husband
undergraduate degree degree from Eastern Eastern Oregon Ian.”
University in 1995 with a dual major: one in in
She currently lives in Olympia. She loves the water and the
business administration and one in geology,
mountains and can be found kayaking, rafting, fi shing, hiking, and
along with a minor in Spanish.
camping. She loves live music and wants to know, “Do you have
Tamara Fulwyler joined SPIPA in
“Last year, I changed the focus of
drumming events here? I like to explore new places and meet new
November, 2004, as our new Grant Writer.
people. So, please, invite me to come visit and learn about your
my professional goals and started graduate
Sheʼs a member of the Chickasaw Tribe.
program,
school. I am in my fourth term at Walden
event, or
University working on a Masters of Public
community.” ■
Health, community focus.” The shift was caused by her belief that “. . . access to good
health, liberal education, and affordable housing are primary to being happy and success-
If you drop by the offi ce or call SPIPA you are bound to notice Rebecca Barlin. She joined SPIPA as Receptionist
October 13, 2004 and has quickly become quite indispensable, offering much needed administrative support with a
smile and a polite, professional demeanor. “I really like working here at SPIPA.”
Rebecca has worked as a medical records clerk for Olympia Family Medicine. She was one of four main receptionists
for Huling Brothers — a very large dealership that sells fi ve lines of vehicles and operates three used car lots.
Rebecca graduated from Timberline High School in 2001 and is studying Horticulture Technology at South Puget
Sound Community College. She has lived in the Olympia area for 21 years. Her college studies give you a clue as to
one of her hobbies – gardening. Rebecca says, “I love plants, singing and I do a little acting for my friend Edgar who really
wants to become a director one day.” She adds “I do little roles where I just stand in the back because I donʼt really
want to be in the spotlight.”
We all welcome Rebecca to SPIPA! ■
Many members of the SPIPA Intertribal TANF team members are new employees.
Please read the TANF articles on pages, six, seven, and eight.
Food Distribution February & March, 2005
February
Squaxin Island February 3
Little Boston February 7
Skokomish February 10
Chehalis February 16
Nisqually February 23
March
Little Boston March 3
Squaxin Island March 7
Skokomish March 10
Chehalis March 17
Nisqually March 23
R-e-m-i-n-d-e-r: Please stick to the monthly schedule for the WIC and Commodity Programs
Both WIC and food distribution staff have other duties that they are responsible for on the days they are not
issuing WIC vouchers and commodities. If youʼre not able to make the date when either one of these
programs is at your tribal site, please call and schedule an appointment with appropriate staff. These programs
are not always able to accommodate walk-ins due to their other duties.
For WIC, contact Debbie Gardipee at (360) 426-3990;
for commodities, call the Warehouse at Nisqually (360) 459-9607
Rebecca Barlin, our new Receptionist!
– Photo Marilee Ransdell
WIC/First Steps Schedule
Shoalwater Bay
February 1 and March 1 ❥ 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Skokomish
February 2 and March 2 ❥ 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m
Chehalis
February 3 and March 3 ❥ 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Squaxin Island
February 7 and March 7 ❥ 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Nisqually
February 8 and March 8 ❥ 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
www.spipa.org Page 3

Tribal B.E.A.R staff recruits several new tribes
One goal for the Building Effective Aids Response (B.E.A.R). Project is to
build effective response teams comprised of clinic staff at each participat-
ing tribe. The second goal is to recruit new tribes each year within Washington
and Oregon. During the fi rst year the Project served two tribes: Nisqually and
Skokomish. In the second year the Puyallup and Spokane Tribes came on board,
while the Shoalwater Bay Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
joined during the third year.
Current recruiting efforts have taken place with the Lummi Tribe in Washington
State and The Grand Ronde Tribe in Oregon. The team that introduces
each prospective, or new tribe, to this vital project includes Fransing Starblanket
Daisy, Ph.D. (Cree) from the University of Washington AIDS Education and
Training Center; Jutta Riediger, Project
Coordinator of the SPIPA B.E.A.R. Project and Chiquita David, HIV/AIDS
Training Coordinator.
On October 14, 2004 Carmen Kalama SPIPA Community Services
Manager accompanied this team to Grand Ronde for an initial presentation to
nearly 40 clinic staff members. The training was so well received that the tribal
health and wellness center requested another training session for their mental
health staff. On November 18 about 30 mental health providers participated in a
HIV/STD Risk Assessment training tailored to address Native American needs
and issues. That was so well-received the tribe requested a community dinner
and two additional trainings. The January 19 community dinner and January 20
training helped reach community members and featured HIV-positive speakers.
An additional training at Grand Ronde is scheduled for April 7.
A presentation was made to the Lummi Tribe presentation on December 16,
2004. After the training the tribe selected training topics for their coming fi scal year.
Who Provides the Trainings?
The training is provided by faculty of the University of Washington who
currently practice medicine and work with AIDS patients at the University of
Washington Medical Center, Harborview, and the Madison Clinic. The training
provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education Units
(CEU) for participating health providers.
Because the project is tribally based, trainings can be tailored to meet each
clinicʼs needs. After an initial needs assessment, the clinic staff can pick the
yearʼs training topics. By working in this manner they have the opportunity to
select the training that best fi ts their needs. The clinic staff works with the team
to focus on outcomes resulting from this training. For example, a tribe may select
to improve their prenatal HIV-testing program, or offer HIV-testing to all people
being seen for sexually transmitted diseases.
The feedback about the training offered by the team has been extremely positive.
The University of Washington uses evaluation and feedback forms to examine the benefi
ts of this training on tribal clinics and services to HIV-positive patients. This feedback
is measured over the years of tribal participation to show the positive effect of project
and its training methods.
The partnership with the University of Washington provides 24-hour consultation
with physicians to support local, participating providers in making correct diagnoses,
offering appropriate medications, and working on medication-adherence issues. Clinicians
are invited to travel to either Seattle or Portland to participate in preceptorships
working directly with HIV/AIDS patients. The preceptorship program offers travel
reimbursement and covers the cost of the stay. The opportunity to work closely with
excellent U.W. staff and one-on-one with patient has been most welcomed by both tribal
clinic and tribal mental health staff.
In October, 2004, the SPIPA B.E.A.R team introduced the project at a meeting for
tribal clinic medical directors from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Their presentation
was well-received. Several clinics expressed interest and were sent introductory packets.
■
SPIPA staff attend government-to-government training sessions
Gordon James helped SPIPA employees understand some of
the issues surrounding government-to-government relations
between the tribes; city, county, state and federal governments;
but he also talks about one-on-one relationships and the tribeʼs
contributions to this region. – Photo by Marilee Ransdell
Jutta Riediger is the B.E.A.R. Project Coordinator and Chiquita Davis is
HIV/AIDS Training Coordinator. They work closely with B.E.A.R. staff at
participating tribes. – Photos by Marilee Ransdell
In January, 2005, Gordon James, Chairman of the Skokomish Tribe and an instructor for the
Governorʼs Offi ce of Indian Affairs, presented two day-long “Government-to-Government
Trainings” to the SPIPA staff. Executive Director Amadeo Tiam felt this training was so important
that he made attendance mandatory for all SPIPA staff.
The sessions helped SPIPA staff gain an understanding of our Northwest Tribes, their unique
culture, and the importance of multi-culturalism. The workshops emphasize that the tribes contribute
more to the Stateʼs economy, culture, environment and leadership than most people realize.
As the regionʼs tribes continue to expand economically and politically, there is more interaction
between state and tribal agencies as well as tribal and non-tribal communities. Closer interaction
requires improved communication, cooperative education, and the development of a lasting,
respectful relationship. Gordon feels his trainings are an integral part of building such relationships.
The one-day training session gives a tribal historical perspective then moves to discussing
legal issues, tribal sovereignty, and tribal government.
SPIPA Grant Writer Tamara Fulwyler, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Tribe, said
“Chairman James engaged the SPIPA staff audience with an entertaining, educational approach to
understanding the history, culture, and sovereignty of the tribes in the Northwest.” Skokomish tribal
member Rita Andrews told him “I am so proud of you and the work you do.”
In 1999 Governor Locke and tribal chairs from throughout Washington State met to sign the
“Agreement to Institutionalize The Government-to-Government Relationship For The New Millennium”
which emphasized working together, government-to-government, for the benefi t of both
tribal and non-tribal people. ■
Page 4 Visit Our Website:

SPIPA receives Komen Grant to fund breast health initiatives
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency receives $39,762 in funding to provide breast health education and outreach to tribal women
On January 19, 2005 the South Puget Intertribal
Planning Agency announced it had received
a total of $39,762 from the Puget Sound Affi liate
of the Komen Foundation for its Native Womenʼs
Wellness Program. This program provides no-cost
breast and cervical cancer screening and education
for low-income women of the Chehalis, Nisqually,
Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish, and Squaxin Island
tribes.
“Many factors, such as fear, cost, cultural traditions,
and lack of cultural sensitivity within the
off-reservation health care system, are barriers to
Native women receiving lifesaving breast cancer
screening,” says Reva Wittenberg, coordinator of
the Native Womenʼs Wellness Program. “There
is a tremendous need to reach Native American
women with information and resources,” adds Wittenberg.
“We are grateful that Komen shares this
mission, and has chosen to support our program.”
“The Komen Foundation is committed to
our mission of eradicating breast cancer as a life
threatening disease,” said Cherie Skager, director
of grants and education for Komen. “We know
weʼre making a difference in our community by
helping these worthy organizations deliver programs
that educate medically underserved women
about breast cancer, as well as reduce the barriers
for women to access life-saving breast cancer
screening and treatment.”
Through the Grant Awards Program, Komen
awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to 19
Western Washington nonprofi t, educational and
government institutions that deliver breast health
outreach, cancer screening, treatment and support
services. South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
will specifi cally use their grant to fund breast
health outreach services for the Native Womenʼs
Wellness Program. These services will be pro-
vided by women who are members of the communities
in which they work, ensuring that women of
the Five Tribes will receive culturally appropriate
education, support, and clinical services.
The purpose of the local grant recipient
program is to encourage eligible Western Washington
healthcare institutions and community-based
organizations to develop breast-cancer projects that
educate and provide breast-health services to underserved
women of the region. The funds come from
the Puget Sound Komen Affi liateʼs largest fundraising
event, the Komen Seattle Race for the Cure ®,
as well as the Seattle Hotel Associationʼs Evening
of Hope Gala, the Tacoma Lunch for the Cure and
other private giving activities. All grants were
announced during a ceremony at Komenʼs 2005 annual
breakfast celebration at the Sheraton Hotel and
Towers in downtown Seattle. SPIPA released this
information to all regional media outlets. ■
About the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker
to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization
with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affi liates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure® to eradicate breast cancer
as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fi ght against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfi lls its mission through support of innovative breast
cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientifi c and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affi liate
Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $600 million for the fi ght against breast cancer.
SPIPA program coordinator invited to speak . . .
Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan receives attention
The Alliance For Reducing Cancer, Northwest
(ARC NW) recently invited John Simmons,
the SPIPA Project Coordinator for the Comprehensive
Control Plan (CCCP) to speak. ARC NW
became aware of CCCP through Carrie Nass, of
the National Cancer Instituteʼs Cancer Information
Service, and Teresa Guthrie of the Spirit
of EAGLES – American Indian/Alaska Native
Leadership Initiative on Cancer. Guthrie and Nass
serve on the CCCP Advisory Committee.
The ARC NW is a collaborative team of
Puget Sound cancer prevention and control experts
who share similar interests including reducing
cancer among priority, high-risk groups. ARC
NW is dedicated to research related to cancer
screening, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and
work-site health promotion. Their aim is to design
and obtain funding for community-based research
to reduce cancer among such priority populations.
Both CCCP and ARC NW are funded by the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC).
Simmonsʼ presentation included an overview
of the CCCP. John explained that the projectʼs
goal is to develop, then implement, a communitydriven
plan using a multidisciplinary approach to
cancer prevention. The project engages each tribe
in the planning process through a series of twoday
“community orientations” that include easy
access to educational material,
a PowerPoint presentation, and
an array of guest speakers that
range from cancer survivors to
research specialists. A survey,
conducted at the conclusion of
each orientation, gathers more
accurate data than has been
available to date and helps
defi ne each communityʼs cancer
issues and concerns.
Jeff Harris, ARC NWʼs
Principal Investigator, expressed
interest in visiting
SPIPA to learn more about
the participating tribal communities
and the agencyʼs
comprehensive cancer control
planning effort. Other experts
expressed a similar interest.
ARC NW is a member of the Cancer Prevention
and Control Research Network (CPCRN),
a federally funded consortium of academic, public
health, and community partnerships across the
nation. CPCRN members include CDC Prevention
Research Centers at Harvard University-Boston
University,
University of South Carolina, University of Texas-
From left to right, John Simmons Project Coordinator for the CCCP,
Carrie Nass of the National Cancer Institute, and Teresa Guthrie of
SPIRIT of Eagles.
Houston, University of Washington, and West
Virginia University-University of Kentucky. Visit
www.arcnw.org for more information about this
organization.
If you wish to contact John Simmons for
more information about CCCP call (360) 426-
3990. or toll-free at (800) 924-3984. ■
www.spipa.org Page 5

Overview of the fi ve SPIPA Intertribal TANF sites
Continued from Page One
social welfare, educational and cultural services.
New community partners include: the Northwest Indian
college, Tacoma Community College, and Bates
College, to name a few. Community partnerships are
always being developed to best-serve clients, both
now and in the future.
The TANF program is large, complex, and
growing. Several sites already anticipate the need for
additional staff. Sites will be featured one or two at
a time, until you are introduced to each site and each
TANF staff member.
The Nisqually Site
Site Manager Tina McCloud (Puyallup) and
Case Manager Alice “Allie” McCloud (Nisqually)
are the only staff at Nisqually and are meeting with
Nisqually clients from temporary quarters. That will
soon change once Rod Obi (SPIPA Information Sys-
tems Tech/LAN Administrator) and the contractor get
their network fully functioning.
Due to anticipated growth in caseload, interviews
are scheduled for both a case aide and a receptionist.
Sara Mack (Case Manager at Pierce County)
has expressed interest in transferring to the Nisqually
site. For now call Allie or Tina by calling (360) 426-
2433 or (800) 341-6162.
The Skokomish Site
Site Manager William Martin (Tlingit), Case
Manager Marty Rogers, and Case Aide Phyllis Brisson
(Colville) are co-housed with Skokomish Social
Services in a beautiful new manufactured home.
(see related story page 8). If you want to reach them
please call (360) 426-7788.
The Kitsap/Mason County Site
Case Manager Jean Nieminen and Case Aide
Lea Cruz (Squaxin Island) work twice a week from
Meet the SPIPA Intertribal TANF Pierce County Team
Allen Frazier (Round Valley Tribe, Northwest
California) is the Pierce County Intertribal TANF
Co-Site Manager with Debra Johns. Allen was hired
that co-site managers were needed due to the caseload.
Allen came to SPIPA from the Nisqually Tribe where
he served as Assistant Tribal Administrator and Self
Governance Coordinator. Heʼs an experienced, educated
administrator and ready, with his staff, to serve all Native
Americans in Pierce County who arenʼt being served by
the Puyallup, Suquamish, or Muckleshoot Tribes.
Allen Frazier was born, grew up, and attended
school on the Round Valley Indian Reservation. Growing
up there made him aware of the discrimination,
oppression, and dehumanization in society. He speaks
about multigenerational grief and the nearly one-million
people who died in his region as many different
tribes were pushed into the mountain valley reserve.
Debra Johns, Co-Site Manager at SPIPAʼs
Pierce County Intertribal TANF site.
Heʼs happy that the tribes have taken steps with such
programs as SPIPA Initertribal TANF to help people in
need and put them back on their feet.
Allen attended junior college in Eureka before the
University of California at Davis called him. “They called
me looking for qualifi ed minority students. They had 200
African Americans, 200 Chicanos, and a handful of Native
Americans.” At U.C. Davis he received a degree in
Applied Behavioral Sciences. He chose an indigenous college,
D-Q U, to complete a Masters in Community Development
and Education because it valued his culture. “Our
values, beliefs, and practices have sustained, enriched, and
carried up through thousands of years.”
Similar beliefs compel the entire Pierce County
TANF team to be sensitive to the needs of their clients.
“Weʼre here to say you can go ahead and go to work and
have a quality life. You can defi ne you life,” says Allen.
“Our clients need compassion and help.” He continues,
“It all starts with one person. And act of kindness now
and then can make a difference.” ■
the second fl oor of the Worksource Building,
1300 Sylvan Way, Bremerton. The remainder of
the week you can fi nd them at The Five Tribesʼ
Career Center, 122 Third Street, Shelton. Call
Jean or Lea at (360) 426-2433 or (800) 341-6162.
The Pierce County Site
Debra Johns (Skokomish) and Alan Frazier
(Round Valley/California) serve as Co-Site Managers.
Their staff includes Case Manager Sarah
Mack, and Case Aides Patricia Gonzales, Aide Olivia
Bill (Yakama), and Leah Henthorne. The staff
operates from the ground fl oor of the Tacoma Urban
League Building, 2550 South Yakima, (253)
250-0550. The quickly growing caseload means
additional staff may soon be needed; the receptionist
position is vacant.
Please look for future articles about SPIPA
Intertribal TANF staff in The Intertribal News. ■
Allen Frazier, Co-Site Manager at SPIPAʼs
Pierce County Intertribal TANF site.
Debbie Johns (Skokomish) recently began as Pierce County Co-Site Manager for the SPIPA TANF program.
In June she received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington. She
complete her Bachelors degree at the same university.
Debbie is another one of those faces youʼll recognize. Sheʼs worked for her own tribe, the Skokomish
Nation, off on and on all her working life. She says, “I have worked at everything from Head Start, to newsletter
editor, to the summer recreation program.”
Debbie has also worked for SPIPA. About 10 years ago, when SPIPA began to develop and implement
their Vocational Rehabilitation program, Debbie was there to help the program be successful. She hopes to do
the same for the SPIPA TANF program.
“Iʼm quite excited,” she says. “This will be the fi rst time SPIPA has had the opportunity to reach out to
urban Indians.” The site opened October 1, 2004, and began with no furniture, phones or fax. A receptionist
still needs to be hired, but the site is up and running smoothly.
Allen and Debra talk about Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I the offi ce was established and Washington
State transferred 150 clients. Phase II includes maintaining the fi rst 150 clients, serving walk-ins, and expanding
services to includes educational contracts with Bates Vocational College and Tacoma Community
College. The contract with Bates will operate a program similar to The Five Tribesʼ Journey to Success.
“We want to provide culturally appropriate services to the clients we serve.” Sheʼs had experience doing
that with SPIPA in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Like many others in the SPIPA TANF Program she
feels the SPIPA TANF will have the ability to provided much more culturally-attuned TANF services. ■
Page 6
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More staff from the Pierce County site . . .
Sarah Mack is the Case Manager for the Pierce County
Intertribal TANF site. Sarah thinks, “This is exciting
because I get to use my major and work with people.” She
says she is very excited about working with people from
diverse tribal backgrounds.
If Sarah seems like another familiar face you are right.
She worked for the Skokomish Tribeʼs Head Start Program
for nearly a year before accepting this position.
Sarah earned a BA in Sociology from the University of
Oregon. While working on her degree she was an intern at a
residential treatment center for teens.
She has also worked as a teen center activity leader at
a parks and recreation center in Springfi eld, Oregon. Her
park experience includes two national parks: Yellowstone
and Glacier.
Sarah grew up in Hermiston, Oregon. She moved
to the Lacey area in October, 2003. Her hobbies include
watching movies, working out, and spending time with her
boyfriend. ■
Olivia Bill (Yakama) is a Case Aide at the
SPIPA Intertribal TANF Pierce County
site. Just prior to coming to SPIPA Olivia
was serving as the accountant for her parentsʼ
logging business on the Yakama Reservation,
but that was just for the summer. She has also
worked for the Lummi Tribe in their accounting
offi ce – so sheʼs experienced in using a variety
of computer programs.
Olivia is just a few quarters shy of receiving
her BA. She attended Central Washington
University at Ellensburg, and then attended
Washington State University at Pullman. Her
SPIPA Pierce County TANF Case Aide
Patricia Gonzales (Colville) began working
with SPIPA in November, 2004. She was born in
Oakland and has moved back and forth between
California and Washington her entire life. She
says her primary duty as a Case Aide is making
clients feel comfortable while she steps them
through the two-hour intake process, whether
they are a new client or a client transferred from
the State of Washington.
She assists Case Managers, with each
clientʼs packet, helping to ensure all the necessary
forms are complete. “January has been a
busy month,” she admits, especially as the offi ce
gears up for Phase II of TANF.”
Patricia brings a depth of experience to her
position. She worked as a Case Aide at Catholic
Community Services in Tacoma; she has been
a Case Manager at a Native American Shelter
in Long Beach California; and she worked in
the Housing Dept. for the Chemehuevi Tribe,
Lake Havasu, California. She loved living at
Lake Havasu but was uncomfortable with her
job since she was responsible for collections and
evictions.
Patricia serves as a model of what is pos-
major is business
administration. Perhaps
the reason that
Olivia never fi nished
is that her interests have changed—sheʼs now interested
in serving others. Working in the SPIPA TANF
program gives her that opportunity.
Olivia and her family moved to Bellingham as
her husband had accepted a position with the Lummi
Tribe. Then she and her family moved to Puyallup
about a year ago because she likes the Puyallup
school system.
From left to right, Case Aide Olivia Bill, Case Aide Patricia Gonzales, and Case Manager
Sarah Mack. The Pierce County is busy with a large, growing caseload at the SPIPA
Intertribal TANF Pierce County Site. – Photo by Marilee Ransdell
sible. She received an Associates Degree in the
human services fi eld from Tacoma Community
College after 23 years away from school. “I
hadnʼt been in school in about 23 years so I had
to take a lot of required courses.” When asked
about speeding up the process through online
courses, she admits she prefers a classroom setting.
“I plan to take a year off, then plan to go
back to college, but donʼt know where yet,” she
says. The University of Washington interests her
at this point.
Patricia enjoys helping clients meet their fi -
nancial, work, and educational needs. She talked
excitedly about partnering with regional colleges
so that clients may choose from a number of
programs including: receptionist/clerk, medical
offi ce clerk, or a services specialist program.
Patricia has fi ve daughters and
three grandchildren (she raised two of them).
She has two more grandchildren on the way.
Her oldest has remained in California to be near
friends. ■
She has a son who is six, and a daughter three.
She and her husband are politically active. Her husband
recruited Native votes for the 2004 election.
Her hobbies include: lots of reading (Craig
Lesley stories), likes to make Native American dolls
dressed in regalia. “They look like little, traditional
people” She is just learning traditional basket
weaving. ■
The sign succinctly sums up this new program
– it reads Tribes Assisting Native Families, SPIPA
Intertribal TANF Program – Photo by Marilee Ransdell
Case Aide Leah Henthorne, hired December 12, 2004, was not available for interview
prior to press time, so please watch for her in the next issue of The Intertribal News.
www.spipa.org Page 7

Meet the Skokomish staff for SPIPA Intertribal TANF
William Martin (Tlingit) is the TANF Site Manager at the
Skokomish Nation and his team includes Case Manager
Marty Rogers and Case Aide Phyllis Brisson. “I love my job and
this is a great place to work. We have a good team. Itʼs best to be
surrounded by people who work hard to support the clients and
their community,” he says.
Martin says this site currently serves about 41 clients, up
from the original transfer of about 27. His past experience working
in a TANF program leads him to believe that there will soon been
need for additional staff.
He worked for two years as a Case Manager for the
Tlingit/Haida Central Council. They used the same EagleSun
database system in place at SPIPA, making him a real asset to
the SPIPA program.
The Skokomish site refers clients who need education or
training to The Five Tribesʼ Career Center through Education and
Training coordinator Sheri Peterson (Skokomish). “We havenʼt
had any Vocational Rehabilitation referrals yet,” he says.
Martin, who began working with SPIPA September 15,
2004, grew up in a small village on an island in southeast
Alaska. He modestly describes himself as an “Alaska Hillbilly,”
which belies his extensive education and leadership. In addition
to his previous TANF experience, he worked for three years for
the state of Alaskaʼs Department. of Disability and Senior Services
as a Disability Planning Specialist.
Martin graduated from high-school in Juneau, then took
one year off, before attending an East Coast Tribal College. “I
put myself through college doing construction, mostly fi nish
work.” He says “I was junior class president which helped me to
develop my leadership skills.” After his 1996 graduation he and
his Bulgarian wife served for one year as missionaries in communist
Bulgaria. “I had a huge culture shock when I came back
to the states,” he says. “Even the poor here have so much more
than most people in Eastern Europe.”
Skokomish TANF Case Manager Marty Rogers began working for the
SPIPA Intertribal TANF program August 30 and was among the fi rst
round of employees hired. Before coming to SPIPA she had worked as a Head
Start Disabilities and Health Coordinator for the Skokomish Nation. She had
worked there since 1993 and took on other duties, such as serving as the
safety person.
“I was working for Head Start when I attended a TANF workshop. So I
when I accepted this position I was familiar with TANF.” Her extensive experience
working with children is backed by a CNA in Early Childhood Development.
While she enjoyed her Head Start position she found the opportunity to
work in the TANF program exciting. “I was looking for new challenges. So I
accepted this TANF position.”
Phyllis Brissonʼs (Sisseton/Whapeton Sioux) fi rst day as Case Aide with
SPIPAʼs Skokomish TANF program was August 30. She works as a part
of the TANF team that helps our Tribal families gain independence. You may
recognize Phyllis since she was the Head Start Director for the Skokomish
Tribe for 12 years. She also worked for SPIPA as a Foster Care Caseworker.
“Iʼm really enjoying my job here,” says Phyllis, who has extensive experience
helping children and families.
Phyllis received a B.A. in Education from the University of Washington.
“I got into education via my fi rst job as a head start teacher. I worked at
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation in Seattle. She says, “It was my fi rst
job working with children and I found that I had a knack for teaching children
and loved it! I later became the Director of the Department of Education (Kindergarten
Project) for United Indians. I worked there for seven years.”
In 1991 Phyllis moved to the Shelton area when she accepted the position
of Head Start Director at Skokomish. “I worked primarily with three to
The SPIPA Intertribal TANF Team at Skokomish includes, from left to right: Site Manager William
Martin, Case Aide Phyllis Brisson and Case Manager Marty Rogers. – Photo by Marilee Ransdell
Moving to Washington State was also a bit of a shock. On the day he was interviewed this
region had just experienced snow, freezing rain, and ice. Martin said “Iʼm accustomed to driving
in colder weather.” While it was in the mid-20s and low-30s here, he said it would have stayed
around 15 in Juneau. “That lasts for about fi ve months. And we get a lot more rain there.”
Additional education includes work toward a masters degree in Biblical studies. He completed
28 credits at Tennessee Cleveland Church of College and Seminary and hopes someday to
complete his masters degree. The work on his masterʼs degree gave him an opportunity to work on
counseling skills. ■
Rogers describes her Case Managers duties: “I mostly do intake. I create
a family success plan, help clients fi ll out the necessary applications. I explain
what the qualifi cations are and then explain the process, the policies and the
procedures.” She add, “I am also a resource guide. I can help clients get signed
up for food stamps, medical care, and other services they may need.”
Rogers was born in raised in Washington State. “I was born in Seattle,
but raised in Granite Falls, Washington,” she says. Actually, her mother made
it to Seattle just in time for her to be born in a hospital there. She went to high
school in Granite Falls and still has family there. “Granite Falls has grown a lot
since I lived there and went to high school.”
Rogers lives at Mason Lake with her husband and two boys, age seven
and 11. ■
fi ve-year-old children and their families.” She also worked with Cecelia Kayano at
Kayano Communications for a year-and-a-half on a large Indian Health Service diabetes
program. While there she helped produce the “Health for Native Life” magazine
and helped devise a compendium for all the diabetes programs of tribes nationwide.
She wrote articles to inspire people with diabetes and was able to interview
both patients and tribal leaders who had diabetes.
Phyllis has lived in Union for a number of years in a close-knit community
with lots of kids and animals. Sheʼs proud mom to 12-year-old Kehala and a foster-mom
to now 2-year-old Issac Jaggard whose adoption will soon be fi nal. Her
hobbies are not only going to the theater, but also performing. She also enjoys writing,
being surrounded by “good people” and keeping healthy. She has a six-year-old
Malamute and two cats. ■
The next issue of The Intertribal News will feature more TANF employees and interviews
with Education Training/TANF Manager Carol Cordova, Assistant TANF Coordinator
Geene Felix, and TANF Education and Training Coordinator Sheri Peterson.
Page 8 Visit Our Website:

Intertribal Professional Center Ground Blessing
At 10:00 a.m., December 14, 2004, in the gently falling rain, a
very special ceremony took place. Rose Algea, Shirley and
Mike Davis, and Dave Lopeman blessed the site of the Intertribal
Professional Center, the soon-to-be home of SPIPA. The rain did not
dampen spirits of those who came to celebrate this milestone.
The blessing ceremony was performed by Squaxin Island tribal members,
from left to right, Rose Algea, Shirley Davis, and Mike Davis.–
Photo by Marilee Ransdell.
Squaxin Islandʼs Tribal leaders thanked the witnesses from the
fi ve SPIPA Tribes, SPIPA staff, the Squaxin Island community and
staff, and the design-builder Ambia/Korsmo, for their attendance.
Squaxin Island leaders would also like to thank the SPIPA/Squaxin
Foster parents play a vital community role, taking
responsibility for children who need a safe
home until they can be reunited with their families.
Here, and across the U.S., there is a critical shortage
of Native American foster homes. The 1978 Indian
Child Welfare Act requires every effort be made to
place Native American children with Native American
families.
SPIPA is always recruiting prospective foster
families and typically offers training twice a year.
The most recent training was conducted in October,
2004, with another tentatively scheduled for February
24, 25, 26, 2005. Additional sessions will be
offered if enough applications are received. Placement
in non-Native homes adds additional stress as
the children often lose touch with their comforting
culture and familiar social network.
Ideally, children are placed in home with lifestyles
consistent with traditional Native American
values and beliefs; unfortunately there are too few
such homes available.
“We always hope for placement with a relative,”
says Midge Porter, SPIPA Foster Care Caseworker.
“Itʼs easier on the child.” The next hoped-for placement
is with a trained, Native American foster family
in order to reduce the trauma that occurs when a child
is placed outside the comfort of its familiar culture.
Four couples attended the 30-plus hour train-
Squaxin Island Tribal leaders, SPIPA staff, and witnesses from other tribes joined the ceremony. Back
to row, left to right: Squaxin Island Tribal Chairman David Lopeman, Squaxin Island Vice Chairman
Andy Whitener, SPIPA Executive Director Amadeo Tiam, and Squaxin Island Council Member Vincent
Henry. From front row, left to right: Squaxin Island Council Member Paula Henry, SPIPA Board
Chairman Dan Gleason, and Skokomish Council Member Kris Miller. – Photo by Marilee Ransdell.
staff and community members who pulled together for this ceremony, with special
thanks going to B.J. Brown for her help with the meal.
The site is next to Kamilche Dental Center at 3104 SE Old Olympic Highway.
The blessing was following by a SPIPA-hosted, leisurely meal in Squaxinʼs new
Administration Building. The building is slated for completion in the Fall of 2005. For
more information, please contact Brian Thompson at Squaxin (360) 426-9781. ■
Become certifi ed as a foster parent through SPIPA
ing to become licensed, certifi ed foster parents. The
training helps foster parents gain an understanding
of what a foster child may feel, from anger to
depression, or a host of other emotional cycles.
Guest speakers included currently certifi ed
foster parents who encouraged these prospective
foster parents who shared just how rewarding foster
care an be. In addition, applicants took a day long
CPR/First Aid Class.
By working in partnership with the Social
Services programs at each of the member tribes,
SPIPA offers a full range of services to the children
and families involved in foster care placement. For
example, foster parents and children may receive
therapy services. “How good it is to have both
children and parents in therapy when children are
going into foster care,” says Midge Porter. “Itʼs so
rewarding if you can stick with the children through
the cycles and diffi culties they face.”
“Foster care is ʻcaringʼ and foster children
may take awhile before they understand and bond
with their foster family,” says Porter. Since foster
families may care for a child from six months to
years, a strong bond develops. When a faced with
reuniting with their family, foster parents are key to
helping their foster children with a new emotional
cycle.
Assisting Midge in her duties is Rachele
Rioux, Childrenʼs Services Assistant. SPIPA has
been licensed, as a child-placing agency, through the
Washington State Department of Social and Health
Services (DSHS) Department of Licensed Resources
(DLR) since June of 1994 and has provided safe
homes to many children. You are needed are a foster
parent. Please call the SPIPA Social Services Department
at (360) 426-3990 to attend the next session.■
These couples took time to become foster families. Why donʼt
you? – Photo by Marilee Ransdell
www.spipa.org Page 9

Carver Odin Lonning (Tlingit, Woowh-Ke-Taan Eagle, Shark Clan)
and partner Ann took time away from their whale research to attend.
Mrs. and Mrs. Peter Boom. Pete Cuch Boome is a member of the
Upper Skagit Tribe, but has close ties to the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Artist Dan Farsovitch (Aleut) and wife Reinette.
Peter Boome contributed a number of items this
year. The dinnerware shown above features a
design by Pete who oversees the production to
ensure high quality. Potter Doe Stahr (Tlingit,
Killerwale Clan), who also attended the auction
was happy to meet and share ideas with him.
Lucky Eagle General Manager John
Setterstrom was presented with a
certifi cate of appreciation at the
December 10, 2004 SPIPA Board
Meeting. SPIPA Executive Director
Amadeo Tiam and Chairman of the
SPIPA Board Dan Gleason presented
John with a certifi cate to recognize
his contributions to the success of
the once-a-year fundraiser that has
been held at the Lucky Eagle each
year for the past three years. This
event, a dinner and art auction, was
particularly successful in 2004. –
Photo by Marilee Ransdell
Artist Dakota Marcellay (Chehalis)
This is the second year that award-winning
artist Jim Dunithan has contributed pieces.
Jim is married to SPIPA Sr. Grant Writer
Deborah Dunithan.
This mask
was carved
by John Smith
(Skokomish).
John
contributed
a number of
pieces this
year. John and
his wife Jackie
attended the
auction, too.
Page 10 Visit Our Website:

Left to right, our guest auctioneers Ray Peters (Squaxin Island) and Ron Whitener (Squaxin Island.)
Olympia
Mayor Mark
Foutch (photo
left) attended
as did Senator
Karen Frazer
(photo right).
Former Secretary of State Ralph Munro poses with
Squaxin Island Tribal Member Paula Henry.
Students of the WaHeLut School not only presented
the color for the evening, they performed!
A Special Thanks to
Our 2004 Dinner & Art
Auction Sponsors
Squaxin Island Indian Tribe
Little Creek Casino
Nisqually Indian Tribe
Red Wind Casino
Skokomish Indian Tribe
Chehalis Indian Tribe
Lucky Eagle Casino
Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
Shoalwater Bay Casino
Muckleshoot Casino
Quinault Resort & Casino
Bank of America
Wells Fargo
Venture Bank
Twin County Credit Union
Washington Mutual
Heritage Bank
Coast Offi ce Supply
Olympic College
Bliss Investment & Wealthcare
Island Enterprises, Inc
Brown & Brown Insurance
Welco Skookum Lumber
Alderbrook Resort
Artistsʼ Edge
John Korsmo Construction
Ambia Architects
Denae Construction
Claims & Processing Center
Payne & Associates
Travers Electric Inc.
Color Graphics
The Olympian
Klah-Che-Min
Food Services of America
Lasco Bathware
Empire Offi ce Equipment
Baker, Overby, & Moore, Inc
Graphic Communications and
Graphic Communications Digital
Printing
Saxas Construction
Jensen Fey Architects
Neal and Neal, Attorneys at Law
www.spipa.org Page 11

Lucky Eagle setting again “lucky” for auction
Continued from Page One
Eunice Herren, Midge Porter, and Ruth Garrett.
Sandy Cole and her accounting staff
also provided invaluable support with auction
forms and staffi ng the tables so guests
could purchase items.
The committee, with sub-committees,
meant tasks were spread out to people who
brought a wealth of talents and contacts to
the task at hand. One subcommittee took
on menu-planning, which included several
on-site visits as well as tapping the tribes for
support in the form of salmon and oysters.
Another subcommittee took on a
full-fl edged, staged photo shoot so that live
items could be showcased in both the PowerPoint
presentation and in the full-color
program. Chiquita David and Joan Claudio
were on the PowerPoint team, while Debbie
Gardipee took on secured printing at a really
great price. Marilee Ransdell worked with
the Artistsʼ Edge, Silverdale, Washington,
who framed our art, gave us a corporate
discount, and framed a number of pieces in
an astoundingly short amount of time.
John Simmons mailed personalized
letters to corporate contacts and Marilee
Ransdell tripled the size of the database
mailing list. Joan Claudio made essential followup
calls to both mailing lists. Receptionist
Rebecca Barlin, new to SPIPA, joined in by fi eld-
Lasco Bathware of Yelm contributed a luxury jetted but for the
2005 auction. This has to be one of the largest items donated yet!
Every year there are new and unique items up for bid so donʼt
miss the 2005 Auction! Planning is already underway.
A few examples from the evening!
Basket Woman by Roger Fernandes (Lower Elwah SʼKallam).
“Spawning Salmon” Paddle by award winning
carver Dave Shafer (Cherokee).
ing calls and providing B.J. with inventory support. Eunice
Herron, long-time volunteer, also participated. There was a
lot of support from the Lucky Eagle food service staff, their
marketing department, and from General Manager John Setterstrom.
The Artists. This year more artists attended. For ex-
“Raven Covers All,” Dorothy Stahr
(Tlingit, Killerwhale Clan).
ample, Odin Lonning (Tlingit) and his partner Ann
took take an evening away from their all-important
whale research on Vashon Island. Dan Farsovitch
(Aleut) and wife Reinette were able to get
away from their resort and probably traveled the
longest distance. Potter Dorothy “Doe” Stahr
(Tlingit, Killerwhale Clan) drove from Redmond
to attend and enjoyed visiting with fellow potter
Peter Boome (Upper Skagit) and his wife.
Other artists who came included: John
and Jackie Smith (Skokomish), James and
Missy DeLaCruz (Quinault and Skokomish),
Paula Henry (Squaxin Island) Dakota Marcellay
(Chehalis) and his mother Trudy Marcellay
(representing the Hazel Pete Institute, long-time
SPIPA supporter). Dave and Pam Shafer (heʼs
Cherokee) drove down to Chehalis from his
studio on the Hood Canal.
Newly contributing artists also came. R.D.
Upham (Gros Venture, Assinboine (Nakota),
Dakota, Salish, Pend OʼReille) sat with Gary
Bigbear (Winnebago). We tried to keep track of
all attending artists, and apologize if we have
overlooked anyoneʼs names.
The Purpose of the Evening. Of course the
purpose of the evening is to continue building
revenue for the Endowment Account. This fund
supplement programs for our elders and our youth,
so that their programs are less dependent upon
state and federal grants. This year put us well on
the path. The evening grossed about $42,000.■
Great Tamanamis, Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island)
Basket by Connie Whitener
(Squaxin Island)
Mask by
James
DeLaCruz
(Quinault).
Petroglyph Paddle.
Dan Farsovitch
(Aleut).
Page 12 February-March 2005