Kim Kalliber, Author at Tulalip News

Michael Moore’s Poetic Plea to Obama: “Dear Mr. President, Please Let Leonard Peltier Come Home”

www.democracynow.org

Singers Harry Belafonte and Pete Seeger hosted the “Bring Leonard Peltier Home in 2012 Concert” at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Friday, December 14th to raise awareness of Peltier’s 37-year ordeal and plea for executive clemency from President Obama. Peltier is the Native American activist and former member of the American Indian Movement who was convicted of aiding in the killing of two FBI agents during a shootout on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975. Among those who spoke was Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, who read a poem he wrote urging Peltier’s release.

Influenza claims three lives in Snohomish County

Vaccination is the best protection against this severe flu; plenty of vaccine in the county

Press Release, Suzanne Pate, Snohomish Health District, www.snohd.org

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — The Snohomish Health District reports three residents of Snohomish County died in recent days from the severe flu that is circulating throughout Western Washington. A Bothell woman in her 40s, an Everett woman in her 80s, and an Edmonds woman in her 80s died in late December in Snohomish County hospitals. All had underlying medical conditions.

“We may be facing the most severe flu season since 2009,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum. “I urge everyone over 6 months of age to get an annual flu shot. It’s still the best weapon we have to fight the flu strains that are circulating this year. Wash your hands often, stay home if you are sick, and cover your cough!”

Snohomish County is well supplied with flu vaccine in providers’ offices as well as community clinics, pharmacies, and the Snohomish Health District clinics. The Health District stocks about 1,000 doses of adult vaccine, and 300 doses of children’s vaccine. More is available as needed.

Dr. Goldbaum noted that this year’s vaccines appear to be well matched for the two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B that are circulating this year. The three strains are H1N1A, H3N2A, and B/Wisconsin. The dominant strain is H3N2, which can cause more serious illness. As of Jan. 2, a surveillance report from two area hospitals shows 52 people have been hospitalized with flu symptoms since Nov. 1 in Snohomish County.

During the 2010-2011 influenza season, we received reports of 16 persons hospitalized with influenza; there was one death reported due to influenza. During the 2011-2012 season, 39 were hospitalized and there were two deaths. Thus, in Snohomish County this season to date compared with each of the past two entire seasons, more people have been hospitalized for or died from influenza.

The Washington State Department of Health reported three deaths in December in King and Pierce counties. Lab-confirmed deaths are reportable although many flu-related deaths may go unreported because they are not lab-confirmed or tested for influenza. The CDC estimates that up to 49,000 people could die from the flu this season.

Flu shots are especially important for people at high risk for complications from the flu, including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and women who recently gave birth, and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and neurologic conditions. You need a fresh flu vaccine every year; last year’s vaccine won’t work on the current circulating strains.

Visit CDC for more information about the 2012-2013 flu season. To find flu vaccine in your ZIP code, go to the Flu Vaccine Finder page. You also can find good health tips and background about the flu at the Department of Health website.

Established in 1959, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier Snohomish County through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Find more information about the Health Board and the Health District at http://www.snohd.org.

Thomas Paquin

Tom was born on August 22, 1947 in Tacoma, WA, and he went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2013.

He resided in Tacoma, WA most of his life. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967, and he was a dedicated Lincoln Abe fan. He also held season tickets to the Tacoma Rainiers for many years. He was a fast-pitch coach for the boys and girls club until his health began to deteriorate. He loved the holidays and birthdays, so he made sure that those times were special. He was very dedicated to his family, and he was the best daddy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lavita Lamm, his father, Augusta Wooster, and his brothers, Johnny Paquin, Ernie Wooster, and William Craft.

He was survived by his brothers, Larry and Gary Wooster, his children, LaDawn Brewster, Dameon Criteser, and Angelica Paquin, and his grandchildren, NaTasha Brewster, Angelia, Isaac, and Lily Paquin.

There will be a dinner and a rosary held Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 5pm in the Tulalip tribal gym 6700 Totem Beach Road Tulalip, WA 98271, and his service will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 10 am also in the Tulalip tribal gym.

Tulalip Tribes Diabetes Day 2013, Jan 16

Providing culturally sensitive diabetes health care to promote the overall well-being of our people

Join the Karen I Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic staff on Wednesday, January 16 for Diabetes Day 2013.

The event is schedule for 9:20 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and will being 8:00 a.m. with an opening prayer and song. Lunch will be served at noon.

Clinic staff will be offering comprehensive Diabetic Services for all Tulalip Tribal members and authorized patients of the Karen I Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic.

Tribes monitor Hooper Creek after culvert removal

A cutthroat trout is counted and measured in newly accessible habitat in Hooper Creek.

Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, www.nwifc.org

When Sierra Pacific replaced an inadequate culvert with a 45-foot bridge over a tributary to the Skagit River, enough sediment had accumulated behind the fish barrier to fill 30 dump trucks.

Biologists with the Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC) monitored the channel, habitat quality and fish distribution before and after the 2008 culvert removal in Hooper Creek near Concrete. SRSC is the natural resources management arm of the Swinomish and Sauk-Suiattle tribes.

As the landowner, forest products company Sierra Pacific is required to fix culverts that block fish passage.

Forest and fish biologist Mike Olis was pleasantly surprised to discover an increase in habitat quality downstream of the project area. A year after the bridge was built, Olis counted almost three times the number of the large pools (with at least 3 square feet of surface area and 1 foot of residual depth) fish need to feed, rest and stay cool.

“We were expecting some pool-filling from the released sediment,” he said. “The increase in pools is good for the fish.”

Hooper Creek’s resident cutthroat trout quickly took advantage of the newly accessible habitat. In 2009, a year after the project was completed, surveys found 23 trout above the new bridge, including one as far as about a half mile upstream. In 2010, there were 137 fish. Of those 101 were younger than one year.

Coho also spawn in Hooper Creek, but year-to-year spawner surveys don’t necessarily reflect changes in habitat following the culvert removal because run sizes vary. More coho were seen spawning after fish passage was restored, but there also was a larger coho run that year. What the numbers do show, however, is that the release of 300 cubic yards of sediment didn’t have a negative effect on coho spawning.

For more information, contact: Mike Olis, SRSC biologist, molis@skagitcoop.org or 360-708-2809; Kari Neumeyer, NWIFC information officer, 360-424-8226 or kneumeyer@nwifc.org.

Grovers Creek Coho Used for Stormwater Runoff Study

Coho-runoff-experiment-Grovers-Kate-Julann-Nov-2012-2267-thumbnail-300x200 — Biologists place a coho (inside the PVC tube) in a bin of stormwater runoff.

Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, nwifc.org

Using fish from the Suquamish Tribe’s Grovers Creek hatchery, federal agencies and their partners are determining just how lethal polluted urban highway runoff is to salmon.

Staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA) have been working with the tribe to expose a small number of adult coho spawners to polluted urban runoff.

“We know that toxic contaminants in stormwater are bad for salmon, and that adult coho are dying prematurely in urban watersheds throughout Puget Sound,” said Jay Davis, a USFWS contaminants specialist. “The current study is designed to help us determine the underlying cause of death.”Last year, agency scientists exposed adult coho to cocktails of chemical contaminants that were prepared in a lab to simulate stormwater runoff. The fish were largely unaffected by artificial mixtures of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons.

However, when exposed to actual urban runoff this fall, the spawners quickly developed the familiar symptoms of pre-spawn mortality syndrome. Symptoms include a gaping mouth, and loss of orientation and balance. Affected fish display these symptoms just before they die, and adult coho became symptomatic after just two to four hours of being exposed to the stormwater.

Blood and tissues were collected from the hearts, gills, and livers of the coho. Genetic analyses of these samples are expected to show physiological stress in fish, such as heart or respiratory failure. Samples from coho exposed to stormwater will be compared to samples from unexposed fish and symptomatic spawners found in Seattle-area streams this fall.

“Urban runoff is a very complex mixture,” Davis said. “But we’re getting closer to understanding why stormwater is so lethal to coho.”

“The tribe has been a good partner to work with,” said Nat Scholz, a NOAA research zoologist and ecotoxicology manager. “We like to use the Grovers Creek facility because of the easily available coho, the facility’s abrupt saltwater-freshwater transition, and the availability of protected space to do the exposures and tissue collections. The findings should be applicable throughout Puget Sound, including Kitsap.”

The contaminated water is taken for disposal to Kitsap County’s wastewater treatment plant in Kingston.

William G.Shelton

April 24, 1943 – January 1, 2013

Shelton peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 surrounded by his family and friends. Bill was born in Tulalip, Washington in 1943 and moved to the SeaTac area as a young man.
He served three years in the United States Army. Bill met Janet Hartong from Tukwila, Washington while both were employed by the Boeing Company and were married in 1984. They built a wonderful life together in Kent, Washington filled with friends and family. Bill and Janet have a daughter Amanda, whom Bill loved and adored and was exceedingly proud of.

Bill retired from the Boeing Company in 1999 as a general first line supervisor after working for the company for 34 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in business manufacturing from the University of Washington. Bill loved his work at Boeing where he acquired many leadership skills that he continued to utilize in his retirement and established many friendships that endured throughout his life.
Bill and his family settled in Tulalip after his retirement from the Boeing Company where he became active in Tribal governance. Bill will be remembered for his tireless efforts to improve life on the reservation for all people who lived in the reservation community. He was a gifted leader who used his talents and influence fairly and respectfully.

Bill served as the Chair of the Tulalip Planning Commission for many years making a positive impact on land use and protection within the reservation. Recently he served as a member of the Tulalip Tribes Smart Growth Committee, the Tulalip Tribes/Snohomish County MOU Team and the Tidelands Policy Committee. He was honored to serve on the Tulalip Tribes Drug Task Force and Elders Court helping to guide Tribal members to a better path in life. Bill was also active in the Elder Committee, the Hunting Rights Committee and had volunteered many hours at Heritage High School.

Bill was an avid hunter who enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with his daughter Amanda and close friends. He also loved playing golf and established great friendships throughout his life with his golf buddies. Bill adored his miniature pinchers, Annie, Maggie, Jackie and Zoe who brought him much joy.

Bill was a man who expected a lot from the people he knew and loved and in return he gave a lot to the people he knew and loved. He was a man that lived life to the fullest and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Shelton; and daughter, Amanda; his uncle Moxie Renecker, who raised him and his siblings; sisters, Nina Goodman, Janice Arthur, Myrna Holland and Debrah Rowell; and brothers, Steven Warbus and Wesley Warbus; along with countless other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by Rebecca Warbus, Joseph Warbus, Bernice Renecker, Jim Renecker, Norma Rivera, Vivian “Babe” Reeves, Rose Alexander, Elizabeth Ross, Reuben Shelton and Calvin Shelton.

A visitation will be held at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home in Marysville, Washington on Sunday, January 6, 2013, 1:00 p.m. followed by an Interfaith service at the Tulalip Tribal Gym at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Tulalip Tribal Gym, 6700 Totem Beach Road, Monday January 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Being Frank: Aloha, Senator Daniel Inouye

“Being Frank” by Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

OLYMPIA – I’ve met a lot of people in my life, but no one like Sen. Daniel Inouye. A soft-spoken son of Japanese immigrants, he rose to become a war hero and represented Hawaii in Congress from the time it became a state. But I always believed he was an Indian at heart.

My good friend for more than 30 years, he died Dec. 17 at 88. He served in the Senate for 50 years, the second longest term in U.S. history, and became one of the greatest champions for Indian people that we have ever seen.

Danny understood us and our issues in a way that many Americans can’t. I think it’s because he knew what it was like to be different, to be someone who came from a people set apart.

As a 17-year-old, he rushed to enlist after Japanese bombs fell on Pearl Harbor in 1941. At a time when most Japanese Americans were rounded up and forced into internment camps around the United States, Inouye was fighting in Europe. In Italy he lost his right arm, and nearly his life, in actions that were later recognized by a Medal of Honor, our country’s highest military award.

Many might question why a Japanese American like Inouye would fight so hard for a country that treated his people so poorly. That same question could be asked of Indians, African Americans and many others. As a tribal member and a veteran, I can tell you that we did it for the greater good of everyone in the hope that things would get better.

But for Danny, and for many of us, it took awhile for things to get better. On his way home to Hawaii while recuperating from his war wounds, he made a stop-over in San Francisco. Wanting to look good for his homecoming, he stepped into a barbershop, but was told they didn’t cut “Jap” hair.

Despite the injuries he suffered and the racism he experienced, he was never bitter. He became a quiet giant in the Senate, always with an eye toward helping those in need of social justice. He worked tirelessly to support the sovereignty of Indian tribes across the country, and equally as hard to gain that same recognition for native Hawaiians.

During his time in the Senate he helped pass many pieces of legislation important to Indian people. Among them are the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, The Tribal Self Governance Act of 1994 and the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994.

Before enlisting in the Army, he was planning to be a doctor – a surgeon – someone who could help people. In the end, that’s just what he did, but he helped many, many more people while serving in the Senate than he ever could as a doctor.

I will miss him deeply and so will all of Indian Country. One of the things I’ll miss most might surprise you. Danny was one heck of a piano player.

We will not forget this man who understood and helped Indian people like few in this country ever have, a man who worked so hard and endured so much to make our country a better place for everyone.

Note: A more comprehensive remembrance of Sen. Inouye by Chairman Frank is available at: go.nwifc.org/1aq

Clinton “Bodie” Kevin Sam

Clinton “Bodie” Kevin Sam was born February 6, 1962 in Everett, Wash. to William E. Sam Sr. and Carole B Allen. He went to be with his heavenly father December 15, 2012

He is survived by his wife, Maureen Fryberg; daughter, Carole M. Allen; sisters, Wanda (Ray) Sam, Augusta (Archie) Lobehan, Jessica (Joe) Myers, Angela Sam and Loreen Barr; brothers, Stacey (Sherina) Sam, William Sam Jr., and Anthony Sam; step siblings, Donald Allen Jr., Nick Allen, Emma Allen; grandchildren, Virginia Allen, Malikai Allen, Jayson Sanchez, Aunt Jo (Walt) Landert.

Bodie liked taking long walks around Tulalip and Muckleshoot Reservations. He enjoyed going to the casino to play the machines. Bodie enjoyed going fishing and woodcutting or taking long car rides. He enjoyed the company of his nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Sam Sr. and Carole B. Allen; step dad, Donald G. Allen; and children, Anita Maurice and Clinton Fryberg.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 12 noon at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, with an Interfaith Service at 6 p.m. at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial following at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Avelaka Launches Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, Celebrating Native American Traditions

Press Release, Kaitlin Egan, Ballantines PR

Los Angeles, CA, January 3, 2013– Avelaka is the only apparel line on the market today heralded for its embrace of Native American inspired fashions with a modern woman’s flair. And founder Laura Miranda expands her successful line of unique signature looks even further today with the launch of her 2013 spring/summer collection.

Filled with bright hues such as flame, mimosa, turquoise blue and teaberry, the collection feels like a bouquet of fresh spring flowers. Underscoring that feel are her signature peplum tops and the use of colored laces and bright solids. But the line also draws on strong themes from the American Indian heritage, specifically Southern California’s Pechanga Tribe, where Miranda is a member. For this season’s inspiration, she turned to the Indian songstress Buffy St. Marie, famous for expressing her experiences as a First Cree Woman through music.

“The concept of Avelaka was born out of a passion for sharing my native culture through apparel design,” Miranda said. “Buffy St. Marie expressed her Native heritage through song, before it was fashionable to do so. I want modern woman to see this collection and get lost in the beauty and wonderment of the symbols and designs, just like being lost in the sounds and words of Buffy St. Marie.”

The result is a striking collection of fashionable, yet easy-to-wear designs imprinted with classic Indian themes, such as the lace print inspired by the intricate latticework and antique crochet designs traditionally created by tribal women. Also imbedded into the line are print images inspired by such Native American icons as the Canadian Cree teardrop design moccasin and weave work from Canadian First Nations.

Miranda believes that by using authentic themes and motifs from her heritage for modern day wear, she is not just sharing the beauty of the Native culture.

“I believe it is also a way to encourage women to seize the spirited moments in life,” Miranda said. “We want to inspire women to embrace the beauty in each moment as they move down their paths in life.”

Miranda’s passion for Native American inspired fashions stems from her experiences as a tribal lawyer for more than a decade, advocating for Native American rights. Miranda eventually transitioned into fashion work, founding Avelaka (which means “white butterfly” in the traditional Luiseno language) in Spring 2011. Miranda hoped that by using aspects of the indigenous culture for inspiration, her work could redefine how popular culture depicts the Native American people and their way of life.

Avelaka is sold at fashion forward boutiques across the country, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Austin and Aspen. Her fashions have been featured in Women’s Health, Seventeen, California Apparel News, Los Angeles Business Journal, Refinery 29, Lucky.com, and various regional magazines and fashion blogs. Visit her website at http://www.avelaka.com/

About Avelaka:

Avelaka maintains a unique creativity different from other brands. Looking to indigenous landscapes, authentic themes and motifs, Avelaka shares the beauty of Native cultures encouraging women to embrace the spirited moments in life.

For Spring 2013, Avelaka looks to Indian Country’s fearless songbird, Buffy St. Marie. Through her strong and sweet folk songs she expressed her Native heritage before it was fashionable to do so. By telling her personal story, as a Cree Canadian woman, and staking claim to First Nations tradition her voice sought to reclaim Native symbols while sharing their meaning with all who listened. This collection imagines a classic but modern woman being lost in the sounds and words of Buffy St. Marie.

Miranda, a Native American rights lawyer for over 13 years says she founded Avelaka to, “share the beauty of her heritage and also inspire women in their individual paths through life.”

Avelaka is sold in stores such as Anthropologie, and boutiques throughout the country in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Aspen, Austin, Brooklyn and more. Please also visit: www.avelaka.com.