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Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December) 2016 - Volume 23, Issue 12

Dee-ni' Nuu-wee-ya' TOLOWA DEE-NI’ NATION TRIBAL GOVERNMENT NEWSLETTER

Honoring Our Past; Serving Our Tribal Family; Protecting Our Culture and Independence; and Controlling Our Future.

Waa 'Ee-lee-te (Events)……………… 3

Council Attendance/Motions……… 4-5

Acquisition of Xaa-wan’-k’wvt……… 6-8

Cultural Children’s Activities……….. 10

Housing Department…………..…….. 11

Natural Resources Department……. 13

Ben Madley, Author…………………… 14

Maa~-xuslh-ghalh (Birthdays)…….. 18

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Nutrition Menu…... 18

Ch’ee-nvk-t’i (Announcements)... 19

Ramah Settlement Dv-laa-ha~ Tribal Citizens,

Some of you have had questions about the Ramah Settlement monies coming to the Nation. First, some

background information.

The Federal government, in the execution of its Trust responsibilities to federally recognized tribes has

engaged in contractual relationships with native nations. When the United States Government enters into

any fully funded contract the item known as Contract Support Cost (“CSC”) is paid in full. This, generally,

is a percentage of the total contract dollar amount that is needed by an organization to carry out the

activities of the contract (e.g Human resources to hire new employees, IT to set up new computers, Fiscal

to process payroll information, etc.). However, despite the Trust responsibility to American Indians/Alaska

Natives the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) did not fully fund CSC.

A lawsuit was filed in 1990 against the BIA alleging that it was illegally underfunding CSC. The lawsuit was

eventually won and the court declared that the BIA must pay all CSC (and thus that the Congress must

fully fund CSC).

Because CSC was not fully funded the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation had to backfill programs to keep them alive,

as there was inadequate funding to run them. The Settlement monies that we receive (totaling

$571,478.59) will be budgeted back into the various programs and departments of the Nation, to

continue the excellent work that they do, and to begin development of Phase I of the Dat-naa-svt Housing

Project.

Shu’ shaa nin-la,

Tribal Council

Welcome New HELP Director

Dv-laa-ha~

My name is Doreen Wells, I am the new Director for Howonquet Early

Learning Program (HELP). I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child

Development and have worked in early education for over 30 years. My

last position held was the Early Education Director for Del Norte

Schools. I have worked for Federal Head Start/Early Head Start and

State Preschool/Full Day programs serving pregnant moms to children

Birth to 6 years of age. My husband, Bret, and I moved to Smith River

with our family in 2002. I have 3 adult children and no grandchildren… yet. I'm excited to be here and

looking forward to getting to know each of you and your children!

Shu’ shaa nin-la

In Observance of

Christmas and New

Year’s Day, Tribal

Offices will close at

12pm on December

23 and be closed on

December 26 and

January 1.

2

Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash at Nii~-lii~-chvn-dvn

December: Monday, 19th – Friday, 23rd

The Tolowa Dee-ni' celebrate the New Year during the time of the Winter Solstice through our World Renewal Ceremony known as the Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash. During this Nee-dash we focus on balancing the earth. We do this by giving thanks for the blessings we have had in the previous year and praying for a good year to come for our families &friends, the plant & animal life and the earth. The Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash is a multiple day event filled with stories, food, prayers and dance. For more information contact the Waa-tr’vslh-’a~ (Culture) Department.

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Dec 3 Family Movie Night 4pm-6pm Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center Dec 8 Regular Session Tribal Council Meeting - 6:00 pm Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center Dec 9 January Newsletter Deadline Dec 13 Wee-ya’ Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me’-ne’, Lucky 7 Casino Dec 17 Tribal Children’s Christmas Party 2pm-5pm Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center Dec 20 Fish and Game Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino Dec 21 Waa-tr’vslh-’a~ Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino Dec 22 Regular Session Tribal Council Meeting - 6:00 pm Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall Community Center Dec 28 Housing Committee Meeting - 5:00 pm Nii~-li~ Me'-ne', Lucky 7 Casino

Loren Bommelyn

Chairperson

(707) 951-1862

[email protected]

Denise Padgette

Vice Chairperson

(707) 218-7719

[email protected]

Scott D. Sullivan

Secretary

(707) 951-4864

[email protected]

Dr. Joseph Giovannetti

Treasurer

(707) 218-6569

[email protected]

Marvin Richards Sr.

Member

(707) 951-6730

[email protected]

Jeri Thompson

Member

(707) 951-3875

[email protected]

Leann McCallum

Member

(707) 954-8319

[email protected]

Na’sr-dvtlh-nvsh-dvn (Tribal Office)

Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Wray

-(707) 954-0665, [email protected]

Chief Financial Officer, Hank Shields

-(707) 487-9255, ext. 1115, [email protected]

Chief Operating Officer, Ronda Ritchie

-(707) 487-9255 , ext. 1225 [email protected]

Chief Governance Officer, Briannon Fraley


Community & Family Services Director, Dorothy Wait


Culture Director, Pyuwa Bommelyn

-(707) 487-9255, ext. 1190 [email protected]

Enrollment Specialist, Theresa Ferrer


Grants and Contracts Manager, Tim Hoone


Housing Director, Earl Brown


Human Resources Manager, Terri Camarena


Information Technology Director, Darryl Yarak


Natural Resources Director, Brad Cass


Operations Manager, Virginia Young


Project Coordinator, Nita Rolfe


Social Worker, Paulie Hawthorne


TERO Director, Wade Owen


THPO Officer, Suntayea Steinruck


Lhetlh-xat-ne (Tribal Council) Waa ‘Ee-lee-te (Events)

Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December) 2016 All rights reserved. Tolowa Dee-ni’

Nation Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, 140 Rowdy Creek Road, Smith

River CA 95567. Phone 707.487.9255. Guest editorials, letters to the Editor or columns do not necessarily

reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the

Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal

newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Editor: Debbie

Boardman (707)487-9225 [email protected]

ATTENTION TRIBAL YOUTH AGES 15-20

Do you want to become more involved with your tribe? The Xaa-ghii-ne

Mii~-xvsh-xay (Youth Leadership) Committee has openings. Please mail or

drop off your letter of interest to the tribal office at 140 Rowdy Creek Road,

Smith River CA 95567

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M/S/C (Padgette/Sullivan) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Repatriation Coordinator job description, with changes as discussed. The position replaces the

NAGPRA Specialist position.

Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Thompson, Richards, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Sullivan/McCallum) 5-0-1 Motion to approve staff recommendation to accept the 2017 Blue Shield Health Insurance policy changes including

raising the Health Equity card to five-thousand-dollars ($5,000) and a 5% premium increase

Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Thompson, Richards, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Sullivan/Richards) 6-0-1 Motion to approve budget of $99,908 for Phase I of the remodel of Sri’-srwvlh Mee-ne’

Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Thompson, Richards, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Padgette/Richards) 6-0-1 Motion to approve remodel of the Howonquet Hall Community Center kitchen, not to exceed $26,610.20


M/S/C (Padgette/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve the amended Agenda Item Submission Policy


M/S/C (Padgette/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-1611-0782 with Randy Johnson Painting in the amount of $14,900 for interior painting of

the Howonquet Clinic remodel


M/S/C (Padgette/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-1640-0786 with GHD in the amount of $216,000 for design and permitting for Storm water

Improvement Project (Grant funded)


M/S/C (Padgette/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation 2017 Indian Housing Plan Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (McCallum/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve locating the Smith River Food Forest on property adjacent to Howonquet Early Learning Program Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (McCallum/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Subaward Agreement No. 23623 between Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and University of Oregon for “Turning the Tide Toward Fluency” project Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (McCallum/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Contract CT-1611-0784 with LACO Associates in the amount of $26,800 for assessments of the Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor properties Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Padgette/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 16-42; UIHS Title VI Senior Nutrition Program 2017-2021 Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum, Sullivan Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Sullivan/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 16-20; 2016 Community Services Block Grant

Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum, Sullivan Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Giovannetti/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve contract CT-1611-0788 with Castle Rock Countertops in the amount of $23,701 for cabinet

construction and installation for Howonquet Clinic

Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum, Sullivan Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (McCallum/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to approve 3rd

Quarter Casino Employee Incentives

Ày~: Padgette, Sullivan, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

Council Attendance and Motions—October 2016

October 6, 2016 Special Council Meeting

October 13, 2016 Executive Council Meeting

October 13, 2016 Regular Council Meeting

October 20, 2016 Special Council Meeting

October 27, 2016 Executive Council Meeting

October 27, 2016 Regular Council Meeting

All Councilors Present




Absent: Councilor Sullivan— Self-Governance Advisory Committee

Absent: Councilor Sullivan— Self-Governance Advisory Committee

Continued on page 5

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Council Attendance and Motions continued... M/S/C (Sullivan/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to accept bid of $28,780 from GR Construction to repair casino siding


M/S/C (Sullivan/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve purchase of eleven (11) IGT bar top video machines at a total of $87,934


M/S/C (Sullivan/McCallum) 6-0-1 Motion to approve purchase of four (4) Ainsworth video machines at a total of $75,860


M/S/C (Padgette/Sullivan) 6-0-1 Motion to approve conversion of four (4) Ainsworth video games at a total of $16,500


M/S/C (McCallum/Thompson) 6-0-1 Motion to approve re-opening units 59 & 61 at Jed Smith Park as per the recommendation of the Culture Committee.


M/S/C (McCallum/Giovannetti) 6-0-1 Motion to amend September 10 motion to purchase Ship Ashore/Salmon Harbor, with the additional 14.5 acres, not to

exceed $6.1m


M/S/C (Giovannetti/Thompson) 4-0-1 Motion to purchase seven baskets from Ed Hanson for a total of $9,250 Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Thompson,

McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Giovannetti/Padgette) 5-0-1 Motion to contribute $5,000 donation from First American Fuel Suppliers to the Tribal Youth Activity Reimbursement

Program

Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

M/S/C (Padgette/McCallum) 5-0-1 Motion to approve Resolution 16-43; Application for GAP Funds from EPA Region IX Ày~: Padgette, Giovannetti, Richards, Thompson, McCallum Duu: 0 Xwee-la: Bommelyn

Translation: ‘Ay~=Yes Duu=No Xwee-la=Abstain

Donation Received by Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation

At the November 10th Regular Council meeting, Jed

Davis of First American Petroleum presented a $5,000

customer appreciation donation to Tribal Council. First

American Petroleum, a Native owned business under the

Yakama Nations, supplies state tax exempt fuel to Tribal

gas stations in California including the Lucky 7 Fuel

Mart. The tax exemption is passed on to customers

keeping local fuel prices down.

The donation will be applied to the Tribal Youth Activities

Reimbursement Program fund.

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A Note From the Chairman The Acquisition of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt

The name Xaa-wan'-k'wvt means "Along-There Upon-It." Our Dee-ni' name describes the bench of prime land setting along the eastern oceanfront in the estuary of the Smith River.

Currently, this expanse of property is known as Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor.

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation (TDN) signed the initial offer on September 10, 2016 during Dee-ni’ Day. The very day that celebrates us, the Tolowa Dee-ni’. A great day that led to the

purchase of our own historical Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and its return to our people as a new Cultural and Economic Development Project on November 30, 2016. These lands have a

socio-economic impact on the TDN historically as it was once the location of the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt municipality that provided us with governance, food, housing and worship. The

reminiscences of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt hold a deep and profound place in our identity.

As we welcome Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor into the TDN group of companies, we believe that this significant acquisition will serve the economic sustainability of our citizenry

while meaningfully impacting our local economy. Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor are welcome contributors toward expanding the business offerings of the Nation.

As part of continuing the expansion of TDN, the new acquisition of Ship Ashore and Salmon Harbor will improve our business growth to our existing customers. United by our

traditional culture, this acquisition opens the door to Aboriginal Tourism, First Class RV camping and a unique resort opportunity. This will make the TDN a forerunner in

employment and business opportunities in the Smith River area complimenting the Lucky 7 Casino, the Howonquet Lodge and Fuel Mart while enhancing future growth and

performance of TDN. This prime oceanfront property has remarkable opportunities for business development and growth.

TDN currently has strengths and assets that are not found from other business contributors in the area. By combining resources, TDN will continue to contribute to the communities

of Smith River and Crescent City, California and Brookings, Oregon. Beneath these resorts lies the prehistoric antiquity of we, the Dee-ni' people.

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt was a Dee-ni' metropolis. It was only second in size to nearby Yan'-daa-k'vt at the Center of the World. The redwood plank homes were four rows deep along the

shore having streets and alleys. Da'-chvn-dvn lies below Xaa-wan'-k'wvt. Da'-chvn-dvn means "The-Mouth-at-the-foot-of". Da'-chvn-dvn was the canoe mooring place for its large

population and commerce.

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt was seated within the Yan'-daa-k'vt Yvtlh-'i~ or "Yan'-daa-k'vt Governance-District." This yvtlh-'i~ laid across the land from Cone Island to Kellogg Road along the sea

shore, west to include Dan'-sa~ located six miles out on the Point Saint George reef and east beyond Gasquet to include the drainage of the middle and north forks of the Smith

River. Xaa-wan'-k'wvt contained several suburbs. Upstream was Srdvn-das-'a~ or "The Island". Downstream above the cove in the mouth of the river was Tr'uu-luu-me' meaning

"Fishing-In." Just north at the mouth of Cemetery Creek on the Reservation was Tr'in-des-'a~ meaning "Downwardly-Solid At," referring to the tall boulder at the tip of the peninsula

there. This entire unit formed the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt support and allegiance structure.

The long ridge to the east of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt was control burned to maintain an expansive meadow to support and increase the elk and deer herds. This meadow ran from Dominie

Creek to the Winchuck River. It also provided protection from attacks to be made from the east. Prayer alters are situated along this expanse of land. The most notable is Xaa-wan'-

le' or "Xaa-wan's-Peak." Below Xaa-wan'-le' at Xaa-wan'-chii-la' meaning "Xaa-wan's-Tail" the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Treaty was shaped there in 1855.

The Valley below along the pristine river supplied salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, duck, flounder and trout. The riverine valley and estuary was filled with an old growth climax

redwood and spruce forest. The forest provided large timber to carve sea going canoes for commerce and social networking to far distances up and down the along the Pacific coast

that also connected the great expanse of the Taa-laa-waa-dvn or "Tolowa-Homeland" across many rivers. In 1872 Stephen Powers described a seagoing canoe he observed in

Humboldt Bay that had been fashioned by the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Dee-ni'.

"I saw one on Humboldt Bay, which had been launched by them on Smith River, and which had therefore demonstrated its sea-worthiness by a voyage of over a hundred miles. It

was forty-two feet long and eight feet four inches wide and capable of carrying twenty-four men or five tons of freight. It was a "thing of beauty", sitting plumb and lightly on the

sea, smoothly polished, and so symmetrical that a pound's weight on either side would throw it slightly out of trim. Twenty-four tall, swarthy boatmen, naked except around the

loins, standing erect in it, as their habit, and with their narrow paddles measuring off the blue waters with long, even sweeps, must have been a fine spectacle."

To the west men paddled out to Dan'-sa~ to harpoon sea lions. The coast north of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt is named Dat Naa-svt or "North Beach." To the south extends Yan' Naa-svt or

"South Beach" on the spit. Both of the shores provide smelt, perch and whale. Clams, mussels and seaweed are provided at the foot of Setlh-xa~ or "Prince Island."

'E'sr-k'aa-ni or "Sinestia-Rock" on the reservation is the home of the Shaa-sree-ni or "The Little People" and is a prayer place for the Nee-dash Ceremony. Now blown down, See-

cha~ or "Rock-of-Weather" stood at the Mouth of Lopez Creek. Prayers are offered there to bring sunny weather in the summer to dry the surf fish in the camps below. See-ch'a~

and Yaa-ghii~-'a~, "The Hole in the Ground" are also homes of the Shaa-sree-ni.

The Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Xvsh-xay-yu' or "Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Headmen" were a wealthy and powerful lot and feared by adjacent tribes. Conflict with the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Dee-ni' was avoided

as it would bring the wrath of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt and their Mii~-xvsh-xay or "Bosses" upon themselves. While attending the home of the Xvsh-xay-yu, the Mii~-xvsh-xay could not seat

themselves. They maintained a squatted posture known as dalh-ch'ak in preparation to spring forth in combat. Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Mii~-xvsh-xay were hired into battle by external

Capitol Headmen. The Mii~-xvsh-xay trained in hand to hand combat. They trained in the river currents, swam the ocean, ran the hills for stamina and practiced marksmanship. At

the completion of training one would choose a deer from a herd and chase it until it buckled down, frothing foam from the mouth, in complete exhaustion. Another trained by

swimming around Setlh-xa~ until he could swim the twelve miles out and back from Dan'-sa~. Others prided themselves in the timing of Continued on page 7

7

long distance running. Mii~-xvsh-xay ran far distances between Headmen carrying correspondences and event announcements. They could run the thirty-seven mile distance from

Xaa-wan-k'wvt to the Taa-chit Capitol or "Requa" and back in one day.

With the detection of gold in 1849 California was hastily brought into statehood in 1850 and thus began the California and Oregon Holocaust. Beginning with the first days for the

new of the State of California racism defined the destructive future pitted against the thousands of Indians living in the territory. In 1845 the California Indian population was

estimated to have been 150,000 strong. In 1848, at the end of the Mexican-American War, Indians in California outnumbered Whites in California by ten to one.

On April 22, 1850, at the First State Constitutional Convention, California enacted an Indian slavery law called, "The Act for the Government and Protection of Indian." Indians of all

ages could be indentured or apprenticed to any White citizen for a period of involuntary servitude for an average term of sixteen years. The Indian slave brought in from $50.00 to

$250.00 each. It was legal to execute the Indian parents and sequester their children for sale into slavery. While the Act was repealed in 1863, slavery continued for many decades.

Peter Barnett moved from the Oregon Territory and served as the Lieutenant Governor and then became the first Governor of California from 1849-51. On January 7, 1851, He

proclaimed, "a war of extermination will continue to be waged between the races, until the Indian race becomes extinct." State and local militias formed to execute the mandates

of extermination. The earliest recorded attack by miners in the Taa-laa-waa-dvn occurred on a Dee-ni' town on eastern drainages in 1851. The state received Indian scalps for

evidence to pay the militias. Scalping continued in Del Norte County until 1895. Identical extermination began in the Oregon Territory at Jacksonville with the screams, "Exterminate

the whole race, knits breed lice. We have been killing Indians all day."

The next attack was in the spring of 1853 at the Taa-'at-dvn Capitol at Crescent City Bay to establish Crescent City. Following attacks hit Xaa-wan'-k'wvt and then Yan'-daa-k'vt

Capitol where they were also burned the redwood homes and Dance Houses to the ground, as was the European practice of annihilation. Seventy Mii~-xvsh-xay and citizens

perished at Xaa-wan'-k'wvt. Hundreds and hundreds of Dee-ni' perished during the hallowed Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash or "Fix-the-Earth Nee-dash" at Yan'-daa-k'vt. The Yan'-daa-k'vt

Extermination stands as the second largest, single mass killing of Indians, in American history. Forty plank houses were burned at Duu-srxuu-shi' or "Winchuck Village" with the old

people in them, while the Mii~-xvsh-xay and their families had moved to the hills to harvest for the harvest.

In the fall, on September 10, 1853, the Rogue River Treaty created the Table Rock Reservation near Medford in the Oregon Territory. The upper Rogue River, Applegate River,

Illinois River and Galice Creek Dee-ni' survivors were imprisoned there.

In 1854, the attacks continued with the burning of Chit-xu on the mouth of the Chetco River by Mr. Miller. In December, White rumors escalated about the presence of Rogue,

Chetco and Klamath River Indians at a local rancheria in Smith River Valley. The Dee-ni' were gathered there making preparations for the next Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash Ceremony to

be held at the 'Ee-chuu-le' Capitol at Lake Earl because the state militias leveled Yan'-daa-k'vt Capitol during previous Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash.

On January 1, 1855, the Coast and Klamath Rangers along with the settlers of Smith River Valley descended on the Dee-ni' gathered for Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash at 'Ee-chuu-le'. The

Dee-ni' were trapped by water on three sides of the peninsula located between Lake Earl and Tolowa lagoons. Accordingly, the Crescent City Herald reported: "The die is cast and a

war of extermination commenced against the Indians." Dozens of victims were shot in the waters of Lake Earl as they attempted to swim away from the bloodbath. The results of

this massacre left seven layers of bodies in the Dance House before it was torched.

Starting in 1855 multiple treaties were negotiated throughout the vast stretches of our Taa-laa-waa-dvn. Following the destruction of 'Ee-chuu-le' a dis-favorable treaty was

negotiated above Xaa-wan'-k'wvt at Xaa-wan'-chii-la' to end the complete destruction of us. Through January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of 1855 this one sided seven article treaty was wedged

between Headman K'ay-lish, K'us-t'uu-t'i and Yu'-xaa-shvlh Junior and the White military officers A.K. Hamilton as Chairman and J.S. Wallace as recording Secretary. From the hasty

and poor drafting, the treaty shows the Whites desire to render our ancestors defenseless and dependent. In short, the Dee-ni' were remanded:

1. To live peacefully and not rake the life of a Whiteman or his cattle and not break any of the articles of this treaty.

2. To give up all fire arms.

3. To not hereafter purchase fire arms.

4. To not harbor any hostile from the Whites and report the hostile immediately.

5. To deliver any Indian charged with a crime or misdemeanor within a Chief's jurisdiction. His failure to do so would make him responsible for the satisfaction of the crime or offense

and himself be duly convicted.

6. To treat the Whites friendly, if not the Tolowas would be considered enemies and the

7. Tolowas would be able to hunt and fish at their pleasure.

The Whites pledged that any White found guilty of a crime toward the Tolowa will be brought to justice according to the laws of California.

As the Headman of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt, K'ay-lish was responsible to enforce the treaty placed against him. His responsibility was to enforce the treaty with the treat of his life by

hanging or imprisonment at San Quentin. San Quentin was established in 1852 in response to the massive criminal activity brought on by the sudden influx of "roughs" seeking their

fortune in the gold fields.The treaty brought a brief calm on the Smith River. "Indian" wars had broken out on the Rogue, Chetco and upper Klamath Rivers the Oregon Territory.

These exterminations and the associated treaties resulted in the creation the Indian Coast Reservation located at Siletz and Grand Ronde far north beyond the Taa-laa-waa-dvn in in

1855. The Klamath River Reservation was also established on November 16, 1855 at Fort Terwer and Requa California. Many Dee-ni' were imprisoned at these new concentration

camps. Continued on page 8

8

By 1855, the California Indian population had been reduced to 50,000. By 1900, less than 16,000 Indians in California had survived the onslaught of murderous invading White

immigrants. Our Dee-ni' population plummeted by eighty percent to two thousand survivors in California and Oregon. One-hundred-thirty-four-thousand (134,000) California

Indian lives were destroyed during this 55-year period following the U.S. Government taking control of California.

Life on The Island, Srdvn-das-'a~, continued in relative peace. Modern sawn wood homes were constructed adjacent to the Dance House belonging to Headman K'ay-lish. The

cemetery sat on the western bank. The Whites named Srdvn-das-'a~, "Tillas Island", from their English versions of Ai-lis, I-las and Tillas after the Headman K'ay-lish. The rest of the

Taa-laa-waa-dvn was overrun by the invading squatters, taking the prime lands for themselves, including Xaa-wan'-k'wvt. The 1855 Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Treaty led to the creation of the

17,000 acre Smith River Reservation on May 3, 1862. During the winter of 1861–1862 a flooding freshet destroyed the Fort Terwer Agency Office that caused the agent and staff to

be transferred north to the Smith River Reservation.

The Smith River Reservation covered an area from the California border, south to Yan'-daa-k'vt, and east to the foothills of the Smith River Valley. Following the 1860 Indian Island

Massacre in Humboldt Bay many Eel River Wiyot and Wailaki Indians were imprisoned at the Smith River Reservation near the headquarters, while the Dee-ni' continued to live

downriver on Srdvn-das-'a~. Headman K'ay-lish passed away in 1866 leaving his descendants to move on. With no impetus left to enforce the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Treaty of 1855, the

federal government annulled the Smith River Reservation in 1868 and removed the Indians to the Hoopa Valley Reservation. Rather than to relocate them, many Eel River citizens

were executed, and then, interred into a mass pit grave in the fields of the Smith River Reservation.

Aged grandmothers too old to trudge to the Hoopa Valley Concentration Camp were dropped into salt boxes tied to the sides of mules for their exile to Hoopa. The Taa-laa-wa Dee-

ni' traversed along their ancient roads up Rowdy Creek, south along Rattle Snake Ridge and east to Weitchpec at the forks of the Klamath River and then on to Camp Gaston at

Hoopa. The Dee-ni' again escaped to their "former haunts" in Del Norte and Curry counties. The Dee-ni' returned to various locations including Srdvn-das-'a~ living under the

intents of the Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Treaty until 1903.

During the winter of 1903, the course of the Smith River began to run easterly and started the severe erosion of Srdvn-das-'a~. The cemetery began to cave into the raging river.

Simultaneously, the Woman's National Indian Association formed the National Indian Association to purchase land for displaced Indians across California. A Congressional Act in

1906 provided $150,000 for the purchase lands for Indians. C.E. Kelsey traveled to Del Norte County to interview the Headmen seeking information where to establish a land base

for them. The Headmen requested a place to hunt, fish and clam. Kelsey considered a one-thousand parcel of logged over stump land belonging to Hobbs-Wall lumber located

below Dr. Fine Bridge. Kelsey decided one-thousand acres was too much land for the Dee-ni'. The second location for consideration was at the mouth of the Smith River adjacent to

the Setlh-xa~ or "Prince Island" clam bed. The nearby hills and river allowed for game and fish. The eight-hundred dollars in gold coin purchase of one-hundred-sixty acres by Mr.

Kelsey established the Smith River Rancheria in 1908. The Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' began the move from many places across the Taa-laa-waa-dvn in California and Oregon to the new

reservation along with Srdvn-das-'a~ Dee-ni'. A new cemetery was established at the old town of Tr'in-des-'a~ on the reservation. The remaining graves at Srdvn-das-'a~ were

exhumed and moved to the cemetery by 1908.

The final Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash to be held on Srdvn-das-'a~ was in 1910, before the Dance House was swept away in the swift eroding current. The Headmen extended Nee-dash

for an eleventh night as a farewell to K'ay-lish's Dance House on Srdvn-das-'a~, inherited by his grandson Tr'a~lh-t'as or "Longhaired Bob."

The first Rancheria Land Assignments were issued to citizens in 1914. The Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash continued there until federal agents busted up and banned us the right to religious

freedom, They arrested and incarcerated the Headmen during Nee-dash in 1923. With Naa-yvlh-sri Nee-dash put to an end, the Methodist and Indian Shaker churches gained clout,

while Nee-dash went underground.

We continued while working in the timber, fishing and agricultural industries until Termination in 1967. Termination formally severed our Federal Indian Relationship nullifying our

Federal Recognition and our government. Termination opened our lands to sale and loss for taxation that resulted in the loss of forty percent of our reservation. Our government

and reservation were restored under the Tillie Hartwick Case in 1983. The restoration began rebuilding our governance under a new Constitution in 1987, along with the

renaissance our cultural identity and the acquisition property.

Following our restoration from Termination to our self-identification as citizens of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, we have made a turn to further strengthen our Nation. After a long

struggle and wait for its return, finally the Taa-laa-wa Dee-ni' again own Xaa-wan'-k'wvt. With the acquisition of this significant land comes a promising expansion for our Nation

and our values. As the lands along the river return to Trust Status we will be able to traditionally fish and hunt at Da'-chvn-dvn, formerly shut down by Public Law 280 in 1953.

These lands, coupled with the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery and our regulatory codification, will afford lhuk or "salmon," to once again be part of our healthful and customary way of

life.

K'wan'-lee-shvm shu' nuu-xwa nin-la "Creator good for-us you-have-done,"

Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn

November 2016

9

Children’s Halloween Party

Thank you to all who attended the 2016 Annual Tribal Halloween

Party! We had loads of fun celebrating with you all! This year we

had 119 people sign in. We played the great donut race game,

the mummy wrap game, a pumpkin toss, and a cupcake walk!

And for the first time ever, we had a Haunted Hallway!

If you or some one you know would like to volunteer and help at the

Annual Parties, please contact: Felicity Lopez at (707)487-9255 Ext. 1131

Submitted by CFS Staff

11

Housing Department Updates

In November, the Housing and Maintenance Departments, as well as Tribal

Council, received training from Rodney Clements of the Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP).

ONAP administers housing and community development programs that benefit

American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tribal governments and

tribal members. Rodney provided two full days of hands-on training with staff

going over Admissions and Occupancy and Maintenance Repairs, and policies

and procedures. Rodney spent one day with Tribal Council going over Native

American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA)

requirements. The training was a great success for Council and the Housing and

Maintenance Departments.

We look forward to working with our members for their housing needs as we

wrap up the year, and start 2017 with all our programs in full force.

Please continue to update your housing applications annually to remain on

waiting lists. If you have any questions about services you may be eligible for,

please call 707-487-9255 ext. 1140 to speak with Nieca Wright.

UPCOMING RENTAL

LOTTERY FOR 13982

OCEANVIEW DRIVE

For more information, please contact the

Housing and Facilities Coordinator, Nieca

Wright, by calling (707) 487-9255

ext.,1140. THANK YOU!!!

Firewood is available for delivery to elders,

age 55+, in Del Norte and Curry County.

Please call Housing and Maintenance to

schedule a delivery. Supply is limited.

707-487-9255 ext. 1601, ext. 1140

13

Updates from Natural Resources

Submitted by the Natural Resources Department

14

In January 1851 a culture of greed and power by Anglo-Americans created an environment that normalized the murder and other genocidal

acts of California Indians through legal means. The state of California was founded on these beliefs as the first civilian governor of California, Peter

Burnett, declared, "that a war of extermination continue to be waged…until the Indian race becomes extinct," and his statement was supported by

California legislatures when they appropriated $500,000 to pay for the past and future Indian-hunting campaigns by California State militia units.

With the promise of gold in May of 1851 Anglo-Americans with their culture and legal precedent of Indian killings entered into our lands. In the

Smith River Valley Prospectors from the east met "Shasta Volunteers" heading north to kill Rogue River Indians and the encountered "about 50" of

our people. After failed negotiations with our people "the whites commenced fire", killing 4 and wounding others. Gold was found in our tributaries

by prospectors and the Tolowa Holocaust from 1851- 1856 began.

In a recent talk on at Humboldt State on November 2nd, 2016, Ben Madley, associate professor at UCLA, discussed the Genocide of the Tolowa

during this time. He has studied Genocide in the Americas for 13 years and his work on the Tolowa culminated in an article in 2012 entitled, When

the World Was Turned Upside Down: California' and Oregon's Tolowa Indian Genocide, 1851-1856. His work continues and resulted in a book specific

to genocide in California in 2016 entitled, An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873. This year

during our annual Dee-ni' Night in September Ben's book was an option for the tribal gift. His presentation touched on information that is found both

his article and book.

The population of our people is disputed and thus varies the severity of genocidal acts occurred upon us, Madley uses a base population of

5,000 Tolowa's in 1851 that decreased by more than 80% of population to 900 in 1856. During this time Madley discussed multiple instances as

examples of the mood, culture and general practice of killing Indians. This included multiple organized massacres at Taa-'at-dvn, Yan'-daa-k'vt, 'Ee-

chuu-let, Duu-srxuu-shi', Chit-xu and many others. This was accompanied with other smaller murders and other acts of the genocide such as rape,

beatings, horrible living conditions, slavery, and stealing children. At this time no one in a Tolowa Family was safe as any member of the family, man,

woman, child, infant, elder was subjugated to systematic acts of genocide. He shared a simple population graph that showed the impact of influx of

Anglo-Americans into California. The decrease of California Indians was not by chance but the systematic and legal

practice backed by the State of California and United States Government.

Ben shared well rounded perspective as he includes historical accounts from multiple sources including accounts

through military personal, Anglo-travelers and from Tolowa Elders. It is refreshing to see a historian acknowledge our

accounts of historical events, as many scholars do not validate our oral teachings. Ben also had a presentation on

genocide in California and was asked why he only focused on genocide during this time, he stated that he had to focus his efforts. He will continue to

work on genocide and encouraged others to take up this field of study. He implied that genocide has occurred up to this point in time and it will take

the effort of others as well to sufficiently study and educate others on genocide in the Americas. To find out more information please find his

presentation on the Humboldt State Library archive at this link,

http://humboldt-dspace.calstate.edu/handle/10211.3/180083.

You will find a video and audio file of the presentation that can be watched on your web browser or that can be downloaded. I encourage you to read

his book and to also read his article on Tolowa Genocide. The article can be found on a virtual tour developed by the Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ Department.

The Virtual Tour can be found on the TDN website after you sign in as a Member. Information for this article was pulled from his article on Tolowa

Genocide and from his presentation on November 2nd, 2016.

Madley, B. (2016). An American genocide : The United States and the California Indian catastrophe, 1846-1873 (Lamar series in western history).

New Haven: Yale University Press.

When 'The World Was Turned Upside Down': California and Oregon's Tolowa Indian Genocide, 1851-1856" in Adam Jones, ed., New Directions in

Genocide Research (New York: Routledge, 2011), 170-196.

Submitted by Pyuwa Bommelyn Waa-tr'vslh-'a~ Department Director

Ben Madley-An American Genocide

Ben Madley, UCLA

16

What Can We Do For You?

Would you like to work for the Tribe? Which Enterprise are

you interested in? Is it the Casino, Hotel, Restaurant, Fuel

Mart or at the Tribal Office? There are several Departments

– Administration, Culture, Child and Family Services,

Natural Resources, Fiscal, Housing and Maintenance,

Information Technology or Self-Governance. Within each of

these Departments are the programs that are a part of the

various programs. What is stopping you from applying? Do

you not have all the skills that are listed in the job

description? The SEEDS Program can assist you with gaining

the skills necessary for you to get the job. We can also

assist with your resume or getting your GED. We can also

assist you with jobs elsewhere in our community.

Tribal Office Administration Culture Child & Family Services Natural Resources Fiscal Housing & Maintenance Information Technology Self Governance Tribal Gaming Commission Casino Restaurant Fuel Mart Hotel

Where is your interest?

Come into the CFS Office and talk to us

or give us a call at 707.487.9255

X1191 (Monica) or x1139 (Sharyne)

18

Maa~-xuslh-ghalh Sri'-lhxvn (Birthday Happy) Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s (December)

Ashton Allen Austin Allen Michael Austin Maximus Baines Guy Balcom Will Baldridge Gary Batini Karen Bimemiller Megan Boardman Anna Boatsman Andrea Bravo Andrew Bravo Seaira Brundin Esperanza Calderon Mya Carpenter Makayla Chapman Zackary Chapman Jalissa Cole Christy Crawford Stormy Criner Timothy Criteser Aleena Dass Devry Davis Kalynn Davis Victor Dobrec III Trista Donaldson Noella Essex Cole Estrada

Alvina Fairchild Whitley Fouts Nellie Fox Felicia Fugate Sierra Fullam Abaline Gardner TyAnn Garey Vancha Gilkey Steven Gochanour, Sr Leon Gochanour Thomas Gochanour Lynne Gonzalez Heather Griffin Tandy Harmon Arnold Hempel Cheyanne Hinshaw Wesley Hinshaw Kourtney Holz Nicholas Husted, Jr. Angel Idol Elody James Tyler Johnson Brannan Jones Dean Jones John Jones Marva Jones Michael Jones Trevion Jones

Lorena Joy Garison Kamisky Landon Kamisky Terile Keevil Kaitlin Kendall Kevin Kennedy III Ethan Kennedy Ezekial Kirby Tasheena Kirby Jaz Leddy Iven Lemmon Tisha Lemon Amee Lopez Richard B. Lopez Robert N. Lopez Shalawn Lopez Vernon Losh II Cheantel Loucks Daniel McCann Elise McClung Mitchel McKuhn Marilyn Mitchell Norah Mitchell Kris Moorehead Hannah Mouser Sadie Nichols Maggie O’Brian Kristina O’Loughlin

Zachary Olds Kaydence Owen Amanda Parke-Duncan Lucinda Parras Holly Pittman Robin Rasmussen Elijah Richards Emma Richards Marvin Richards, Jr. Jesse Richards III Laurene Richards Rocky Richards See-lhsrik Richards-Davis Braquel Roberts Ricardo Rojas Arianna Romo Jess Sanders Frances Schriver Philbert Sesher Katrina Simpson Anthony Smith David E. Smith Iris Smith Sharon Smith Gabrielle Solomon Phillip Sullivan Scott Sullivan Cheryl Templer

Jacob Thomas Jason Thomas Harold Thornton Tyler Travis Marlee Tribur Alvin Tripp, Sr. Laura Valley Olivia Valley Kimberly Vistalli Shane Vistalli-Alvarado Tina Whipple-Hall Remi White Brayden Wilber Tyler Wilber Adie Wilson Skylar Windham Treyvon Wolfe-Easley Claud Wyland Jennifer Zeman

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 Meatloaf

2 Breakfast

5 Soup & 1/2 Egg Salad Sandwich

6 Chicken and Noodles

7 Chili

8 Tuna Casserole

9 Sack Lunch

12 Alfredo Pasta

13 Beans w/ Bacon

14 Beef Stew

15 Spaghetti

16 Holiday Lunch

19 Macaroni & Cheese

20 Salisbury Steak

21 Sack Lunch

22 HOLIDAY

23 HOLIDAY

26 Chili Relleno Bake

27 Teriyaki Chicken

28 Beef w/Barley Soup

29 Fish & Chips

30 Chicken ala King

Lunch served @ 12:00 pm Reserve Lunch @ 707-487-4463 Menu Subject to Change 101 Indian Court in Smith River Suggested donations: Elders 55+, $2 (some are free) Under 55, $7 Tai Chi - Every Wednesday, 12:30 pm BP/BS Checks—call CHR @ 487-0215, 464-2919, or 482-2181 RepChem 3rd Wednesday

Nee-san-naa-xee-ch’-aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~s

(December)

Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Nutrition Center

19

CH’EE-nvk-t’i (Announcements)

Community & Family Services is in search of

Tribal Citizens who are 2016 graduates.

If you are a Tribal Citizen graduating or if you know of a

Tribal Citizen graduating from 8th grade, 12th grade or

College level, please contacts us no later than June 3rd

2016. We will add you to our graduation list. Graduates

who contact after this date may not receive a certificate

and gift, but will still be honored.

Please keep an eye out for our Dee-ni’ Night flyer. This

flyer will have information regarding graduation

honoring time, date and location.

Contact Margaret Arias at CFS Phone: 707-487-9255 ext. 1127 Email: [email protected]

Should you see an Elk that has been killed on the Highway, or in the area between the Oregon border and Dr. Fine Bridge, please call the following members of the Tribe’s Fish and Game Committee. Names are listed in order of preference, should you not reach the first name, please go on to the next.

Troy Travis (707) 954-2441

Eric Brundin (707) 951-9148

Jaytuck Steinruck (707) 951-1188

Brad Cass (707) 218-7504

Note: The elk meat is processed and distributed to Elders and used for tribal events.

New Receptionist Hello my name is Elsie Petrie. I am a member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. I was born and raised locally and moved to the Rogue Valley after getting married. Recently we decided to move back home after 13 years. I am a very busy mom of 3 boys with a strong passion for serving within our community. I am excited to start a career within our Nation and look forward to meeting you all.

All the best, Elsie Petrie

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation

is proud to participate

in the 2016 Coats for

Kids campaign. Drop

off new or used coats

of all sizes at the K’vsh

-chu Tribal

Administration Office,

through December 12. ATTENTION TRIBAL MEMBERS

You must present your current Tribal ID

to receive tribal member prices and tax

exemption at all enterprises of the

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation.

Need a current Tribal ID? Visit the Tribal

Gaming Commission located on the 2nd floor

of Lucky 7 Casino.

20

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation

140 Rowdy Creek Rd

Smith River, CA 95567

NEE-SAN-NAA-XEE-CH’AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (DECEMBER) 2016 TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

honoring our past; serving our tribal family; protecting ... · natives the bureau of indian...

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