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The Indian Education Parent Committee meeting will be held tomorrow evening in the 1st Floor Training Room of the Tulalip Administration Buildin, beginning with a light dinner at 5:00 p.m.
A brief tentative agenda is as follows, there will be a full agenda at the meeting:
I. Announcements: Liaison/Advocate School Reports
II. Superintendent Search Process – Chris Nation, Wendy Fryberg and Wayne Robertson
Parents are encouraged to attend
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Burn bans in effect in King, Pierce, Snohomish
SEATTLE, WA – To protect the public from unhealthy levels of air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued burn bans for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The bans are designed to reduce public exposure to harmful wood smoke pollution from indoor and outdoor burning.
Wood smoke is a growing health concern nationally and increasing attention is paid to the health impacts from short- and long-term exposure to the fine particles and other pollutants it contains. Recent studies have tied wood smoke exposure to health effects such as aggravated asthma, increased heart attacks, acute bronchitis and chronic lung disease.
Locally, high levels of wood smoke pollution violate the federal Clean Air Act in the greater Tacoma area. Within this area, known as the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is implementing robust new enforcement and assistance programs recommended by the community to clean up the air.
Fine particle pollution levels are monitored daily by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at more than a dozen locations in four counties, including three sites inside the Smoke Reduction Zone. The figure below shows daily accumulation of fine particles as measured by a device known as a “Federal Reference Method sampler.” The sampler inhales approximately twice as much air as the average adult over the course of a 24-hour period.
The “Stage 2” burn ban will remain in effect as long as air quality conditions remain poor. Until then, no burning is allowed in any wood-burning fireplaces, stoves or fireplace inserts. Use of pellet stoves and all outdoor burning is also prohibited.
Residents should instead temporarily rely on their home’s non-wood source of heat.
Updated air quality information and current burn ban status are available through the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at www.pscleanair.org or (800)552-3565.
Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
STAGE 1 BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR KING, PIERCE & SNOHOMISH COUNTIES
Please rely on your home’s cleaner source of heat until air quality improves.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is lowering the air quality burn ban to a Stage 1 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effective at 1 PM on January 15, 2013. The ban remains in effect until further notice.
“Air pollution levels throughout the region have dropped, likely due to clouds and warmer temperatures,” said Dr. Phil Swartzendruber, agency forecaster. “The drop in pollution could also be due to the help of our communities following the burn ban.”
Dr. Swartzendruber added, “Calm, cold, and clear weather conditions are likely to continue over the next few days, so ongoing cooperation with the burn ban will help keep our air healthy.”
The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the air quality and weather situation.
During a Stage 1 burn ban:
It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).
Published on Jan 10, 2013
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released the following statement in support of the First Nations of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) efforts to hold the Canadian government accountable to its commitment to consultation.
On Friday January 11, 2013, AFN will host a meeting of a delegation coordinated by AFN and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of his Cabinet. The meeting comes after AFN and First Nations have called for improved nation-to-nation consultations following legislation passed by the Canadian Parliament in December 2012, Bill C-45; Jobs and Growth Act, 2012. AFN and First Nations expressed opposition prior to and following the passage of Bill C-45, which fails to respect the Treaties and rights of First Nations.
“NCAI supports AFN and the rights of Canada’s First Nations to nation-to-nation consultation and calls on the Canadian Government to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which Canada and the United States have both adopted. As stated in the Declaration, and has been proven time and time again, consultations between indigenous peoples including tribal nations and the governments of North America, are essential to crafting a vision for a shared future,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI, the United States’ oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization.
“We stand united as the tribal nations of North America, as a family of first peoples and first governments of this land, and we stand united to protect our rights. There may be a border separating Canada and the United States, however as first Nations of North America we are not separate, and we will not be divided. And nor should we be divided in our nation-to-nation relationships,” continued Keel.
“Tribal nations of the United States have recently engaged in extensive and improved nation-to-nation consultations as a result of the Obama Administration’s commitment to upholding the U.S. President’s Executive Order on Consultation. These consultations have resulted in strong tribal nations, and a stronger America. We look forward to hearing from AFN the results of tomorrow’s discussions with Prime Minister Steven Harper and the Canadian Government. We stand ready to support AFN and the First Nations of Canada as they take important action to protect the rights, lands, and resources of First Nations and people,” Keel concluded.
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.
United Way of Snohomish County, www.uwsc.org
(Marysville, WA) – Last year, volunteers at the free tax preparation center organized by United Way of Snohomish County helped 347 customers file their taxes and brought back $516,974 in refunds. That money gave a boost to the local economy, built up savings and helped people pay off credit card debt.
This year, the free tax preparation center in Marysville will be located at Goodwill’s Marysville Job Training and Education Center on 9315 State Ave. The site will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3.pm from January 22 to April 15.
This service is available for households earning $51,000 or less.
The Marysville site is one of six sites being opened by United Way throughout Snohomish County. The others will be in Everett, Lynnwood and Monroe. All of the sites will be staffed by United Way volunteer tax preparers.
In 2012, 2,511 Snohomish County working families had their taxes prepared for free at a United Way Tax Preparation Site, saving an estimated $414,315 in tax preparation fees. United Way customers had an average refund of $1,700, which amounted to nearly $4.28 million in refunds (including $1.25 million in Earned Income Tax Credits).
Over the past six years, United Way volunteers have prepared 9,181 tax returns worth more than $15 million in refunds for Snohomish County working families.
This year’s sponsors and partners include The Boeing Company, the Washington State Department of Commerce, Moss Adams, LLP, Goodwill, the Walmart Foundation, and the Internal Revenue Service.
What You Should Bring
Although no appointment is necessary, people should bring a picture ID; social security card or tax identification number for everyone on the return; W2s or other income statements from all employers, any 1099 forms; the name, address and tax ID number for your child care provider; records of student loan payments; record of payments for educational expenses such as college tuition; mortgage interest and property tax statements; a bank account number to receive your refund via direct deposit; last year’s tax return – if you have it; and if you’re filing jointly, both spouses must be present to file electronically.
For more information, please visit http://www.uwsc.org/freetaxpreparationcampaign.php or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals.
By Jeannie Briones, Tulalip News staff
TULALIP, Wash. – To shape the minds of the next generation of leaders, is to first start by setting a good example of what moral values encompass and many other life skills.
If you are interested in taking the time to make a difference and become a mentor, Tulalip Boys & Girls Club staff are looking for volunteers willing to help children grow and flourish in life.
Anyone over the age of 16 can sign up to become a mentor. The Club requires that volunteers have a valid ID and pass a standard background check. Kids under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form.
Mentors will be working with kids ranging from five to eighteen years of age and the minimum requirement is one hour per week, any day Monday through Saturday. For more information, please contact the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club at 360-716-3400.
By Jeannie Briones, Tulalip News staff
The Skagit Eagle Festival is a month-long celebration that takes place during the peak of eagle-watching season in Eastern Skagit County, Washington. This January marks the 27th year for the festival, which offers fun activities that take place in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount every Saturday and Sunday in January.
On January 12th, in Marblemount, people came to join the festivities that were immersed in Native American culture. Jewelry, natural crafts, stone carvings, contemporary native flute music, storytelling, drumming and a puppet show, depicting the legend of how the Sockeye Salmon came to Skagit and the Baker River, were some of the sights and sounds offered to attendees, along with vendors selling homemade goods.
“Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount are the three up-river towns that share in the celebration of the bald eagle festival with different events each weekend. The second week of January traditionally has been the weekend that Marblemount hosts the celebration that focuses on honoring and sharing native culture. We have been fortunate that a number of people have volunteered their time and effort to share what they do,” said Christie Fairchild, Komo Kulshan Outdoor School.
The Skagit Eagle Festival also features a variety free tours, educational programs, bird watching, crafts, and wine tasting.For more information about the Skagit Eagle Festival, and events taking place through January, visit www.SkagitEagleFestival.com. From I-5, take Exit 232 (Cook Rd.), and drive east to the light at State Route 20 in Sedro-Woolley. Turn left and travel approximately 25 miles to Concrete (milepost 88), or continue to Rockport (milepost 98) and Marblemount (milepost 106).
Jeannie Briones: 360-716-4188; jbriones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
By Jeannie Briones, Tulalip News staff
SEATTLE, Wash. – The Chief Seattle Club has been serving urban American Indians and Alaska Natives for the past four decades. It’s a safe place where homeless and low income Native Americans can receive help; enjoy a hot meal, and access social services.
“In addition to providing meals we also have nurses that come here every day from the Seattle Indian Health Board for healthcare. Downstairs there’s the laundry, people can wash their own clothes, take a showers, and get hygiene items. We also have a clothing bank. We provide financial assistance for those that are trying to get into housing or trying to prevent from being evicted from their current housing. We also offer bus passes, and ID cards,” said Jenine Grey, Chief Seattle Club Executive Director.
The Chief Seattle Club thrives on donations to provide care and essential needs for Native Americans. Sizable donations from outside communities, such as the Tulalip Tribes, help to keep the Club running successfully. Every month, Donald “Penoke” Hatch, Tulalip Tribes Board of Director, delivers a truck load of donations that are given by the Tulalip community, consisting of new and used clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, and other essential items.
“I bring 12 to 15 truck loads a year. I want to help my people. There are a lot of different areas within the tribe that are donating things,” said Don.
The Chief Seattle Club staff is always in need of sleeping bags, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, socks, underwear, backpacks, towels, and toiletries.
Among the many benefits offered at the Club, Native Americans can join in on the Sunday service, held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Father Pat Twohy.
The Chief Seattle Club is located at 410 2nd Ave. Extension South, Seattle, WA 98104. For more information about the Chief Seattle Club and donation hours, please contact, Executive Director, Jenine Grey at 206-292-6214 and email jenine@chiefseattleclub.org.
Jeannie Briones: 360-716-4188; jbriones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
