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There’s an important Crow tribal story about one of our great Chiefs. As a nine-year-old boy, Chief Plenty Coops had a vision while he was fasting in those mountains. He dreamed of our Bison disappearing, and cattle replacing them.
Upon his return, a tribal elder interpreted his dream as a foretelling that the white people would come and take over our homeland. Our tribe made an important decision based on Chief Plenty Coop’s vision. It was decided that it was in the best interest of the Crow Nation to never fight the white people or engage in war with them.
From 1851 to 1888 my tribe’s reservation drastically shrank and lost over 90% of its reservation, which included the Crazy Mountains. Later, those mountains fell into private and U.S. Government ownership. Since colonization, my fellow tribe members describe our experience as feeling like we’ve been put through a meat grinder. We need the Crazy Mountains to maintain who we are, preserve our traditions, and carry them forward to future Crow generations.
Tribal sovereignty means that Native American Tribes have the right to make their own laws and govern themselves. Tribal government predates the formation of the United States. Tribal governments function the same as any federal, city, county, or state government. Unfortunately, federal and state governments do not always honor tribe’s treaties, so it is up to the tribes to continue to stand up for their treaty rights to protect themselves and what belongs to them.
The U.S. Forest Service has been deciding how it will manage the Crazy Mountains. To protect that land, my tribe has formally requested that the U.S. Forest Service recommend the Crazy Mountains for the Wilderness Protection Program in the Custer Gallatin Forest plan. The U.S. Forest service should stand with my tribe because it’s part of the 1851 treaty rights. Not only that, but my tribe needs that profound connection to those sacred mountains to keep our Apsáalooke culture alive and thriving.
Even though the Crazy Mountains were taken from my tribe, we still send our young there on quests. We are still passionately connected to those mountains. My hope is that they are preserved, just as they are, for the Crow Nation’s future generations, so we may carry on our cultural traditions. In those highly spiritual mountains, we are connected to everyone, everything, the ground we walk on, and it’s an immense source of power and spiritual strength for us. It’s a place that speaks deeply to our hearts and souls. I hope that wherever your special place is that speaks so deeply to your heart and soul, that it will remain intact for you and your future generations to enjoy.
Awards to Expand Children’s Advocacy Centers in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
The National Children’s Alliance (NCA) request for funding proposals to expand Children’s Advocacy Centers in American Indian and Alaska Native communities is open.
NCA, under a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), will administer federal funds to expand Children’s Advocacy Center services to American Indian tribal areas and Alaska Native villages to better meet the needs of child victims and their families living on tribal lands, Alaskan villages, and more remote areas not easily accessible to Children’s Advocacy Centers.
Learn more and apply.
Applications are due Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, by 11:59 p.m.
Tribal Representatives for the DCYF Oversight Board
The DCYF Oversight Board is seeking applicants to serve as tribal representatives for both eastern and western Washington. The Oversight Board exists for the purpose of monitoring and ensuring that DCYF achieves the stated outcomes as intended by the legislation, and to ensure that the department complies with administrative acts, relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to early earning, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, and children and family services.
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Eastern Washington tribal representative - The Board has an open position for a tribal representative that resides east of the Cascade Mountain Range. Apply here
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Western Washington tribal representative - The Board has an open position for a tribal representative from Western Washington. Apply here
For more information about the Board, review RCW 43.216.015 or contact staff with any questions at nickolaus.colgan@gov.wa.gov.
Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee
The Attorney General’s Office is soliciting applications for members of a new Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee related to our state’s history with Indigenous boarding schools. This Tribal Advisory Committee was established by proviso in the FY 2024-25 Washington State Operating Budget.
More information and the application portal can be found at Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee Application (wa.gov). Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on July 14, 2023. For questions or additional information, please reach out to the AGO Policy Team.
Fatherhood & Father Figures Curriculum
There is a new no-cost online curriculum now available designed for fathers and father figures. This curriculum highlights lived experiences and stories from communities around the country to illustrate the importance of including fathers and father figures in early childhood systems of care. It also provides a comprehensive set of resources on father intervention and affirming activities.
There are five modules:
- Why Fathers Matter
- Fatherhood For All: LGBTQ+ Fathers
- Fathers With Disabilities
- Indigenous & First Peoples
- Frameworks, Models, & Interventions
Find out more by visiting NTTAC’s Fatherhood & Father Figures Curriculum (nttacmentalhealth.org).
Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee Coordinator (MA3)/DCYF
Position closes: 7/19/23, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee Coordinator (MA3) – Remote | Apply tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
Tribal-Early Learning Fund Specialist (MA3)/DCYF
Position closes: 7/23/23, 11:50 p.m.
Apply online: Tribal-Early Learning Fund Specialist (MA3) - Statewide | Apply tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
Title VI Native American Coordinator/Lake Washington School District
Submit application by 7/21/23
Apply online: Job Posting - Title VI Native American Coordinator
Regional Child Care Program Specialist (Chicago, Illinois)/Office of Child Care, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Position closes: 7/24/23
Apply online: USAJOBS - Job Announcement
Data Case Manager/Mother Nation
www.mothernation.org/jobs
Send resume and cover letter to info@mothernation.org.
Communications Manager/Mother Nation
www.mothernation.org/jobs
Send resume and cover letter to info@mothernation.org.
Finance Specialist/Mother Nation
www.mothernation.org/jobs
Send resume and cover letter to info@mothernation.org.
Yeha:wi MMIWP Family Advocate/Mother Nation
www.mothernation.org/jobs
Send resume and cover letter to info@mothernation.org.
Justice Department Opens Application Period for Program to Enhance Tribal Access to National Crime Information Databases
The Justice Department is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information, which improves public safety by providing federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes, such as the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities. Webinars will be offered throughout July and August. For more information about TAP, including webinar dates, times, and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.
Help Me Grow WA Tribal Adaptations Project Update
In April 2022, the Help Me Grow Washington state affiliate, WithinReach, partnered with Kauffman and Associates, Inc. (KAI), a Native-owned firm in Spokane, Washington. The purpose of this joint work was to engage with tribal nations and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) in the state of Washington and to work toward ensuring the Help Me Grow system model embraces each UIO and respective tribal community in a culturally responsive way. This project concluded in April 2023.
Through this project’s broad engagement with tribes, UIOs, local communities, and state agencies, key insights were provided to help shape a set of recommendations and next steps for this work, which include:
- Integrate HMG into existing tribal programs. A priority and theme across the interviews focused on finding areas to integrate HMG components into existing programs rather than create duplicative efforts.
- Apply an Indigenized Approach for suggested adaptations. The intergenerational approach starts by connecting with the tribal elders and then taking their guidance to community leaders directing tribal programs, before engaging with families and children.
- Elevate interviewees’ specific recommendations for HMG adaptations. Recommended actions include engaging with tribes to explore HMG system design, hiring tribal community members to provide HMG resource navigation and support, and developing a resource directory specific for services rooted in tribal communities.
As the HMG Washington Network moves forward, the next phase of this learning process is expected to begin this summer, again contracting with KAI. Read the full update to learn more about the Tribal Adaptation project.
34th Annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation invites you to the 34th Annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow on July 21-23 in Seattle, Washington. Come and celebrate with family, reunite with old friends, and make new ones! Enjoy fantastic food, music, and dance. This is a free event that is open to the public. For event details and schedule, visit: 36th Seafair Indian Days Powwow July 21-23, 2023 » United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - Daybreak Star
https://unitedindians.org/powwow-new/seafair-powwow-2023/
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s 2023 Canoe Journey is Coming Soon
Save the date for Paddle to Muckleshoot, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s 2023 Canoe Journey. Landing at Alki Point is scheduled for July 30 and continuing through August 5 at Muckleshoot. This year’s theme is Honoring our Warriors Past and Present. For more information, visit: Muckleshoot Canoe Journey.
UW Native Mentorship Day
UW Native Mentorship Day is a unique opportunity for Indigenous high schoolers and limited number of 8th graders to experience college life through presentations, tours, classroom activities, learn about resources and Indigenous spaces, places and supports dedicated to Native student success. This free event is taking place on July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Washington Seattle campus. To register: UW Native Mentorship Day Tickets, Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Free High School Summer Pass at Planet Fitness Gyms
Teens can visit Planet Fitness Gyms this summer for free with a High School Summer Pass. This annual program is available to teens aged 14 to 19; teens under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to sign up. The program runs through Aug. 31, 2023.
Mother Nation Community Offerings
Preserving Our Culture, Bi-Monthly Girls Group Talking Circle | Sundays from 2-3 p.m.
For middle/high school age Indigenous youth. Contact Yvette Pinkham for more information: ypinkham@mothernation.org or call (206) 530-0763
Sweat Lodge at Labatayah | Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Located at 9010 13th Ave NW, Seattle WA 98117. Contact Glem Punkham Gutumpsh for more information: gpinkham@mothernation.org or call (206) 960-1134
Yeka:wi Women’s Healing Circle | Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. | Zoom
For more information, contact info@mothernation.org or call (206) 722-2321.
Yeha:wi Healing Journey, 8-week healing journey beginning July 19 | Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Advanced registration is required. Contact Leslie Marrietta at info@mothernation.org or call (206) 722-2321 extension 221.
Unlock Adventure with Your KCLS Library Card
Did you know you can use your King County Library System (KCLS) library card to get free passes to local museums, parks, and gardens? Learn more about reserving passes and check out a list of participating locations by visiting the King County Library System website.
Puyallup Tribe Mini-Museum Now Open
Puyallup Tribe of Indians Historic Preservation Department has announced that their mini-museum is officially open! Guests are encouraged to visit Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at the Historic Preservation Department at 3700 Pacific Hwy E, Suite 311, in Fife, Washington.
Summer 2023 Art Exhibition: Into the Circle - Opening Reception
Native Action Network is proud to present our summer exhibition, Into the Circle, featuring artwork by Margaret Morris - Sya Yeik’. She has been creating art for decades, using formline design on elk hide drums, dance robes, tunics, beadwork, carving and weaving.
Come celebrate the artist during the opening reception Friday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., at NAN’s office space at 55 Bell Street in Seattle. There will be refreshments and light appetizers provided. The show will be up July 14 – Sept. 6, 2023. Summer 2023 Art Exhibition: Into the Circle - Opening Reception — Native Action Network
Hilltop Artists Programs
Summer Glass Arts Program
July 24 - Aug 4 Session: Students can get on the waitlist.
Summer Glass Arts are held at Hilltop Heritage Middle School in 12 two-week sessions, and Silas High School in one four-week session. The middle school program helps youth build skills in glassblowing, flameworking, or glass fusion; the high school program features glassblowing and flameworking. Summer Glass Arts - Hilltop Artists
Arts Connect
Arts Connect is a Hilltop Artists’ community-based program for youth involved with the Pierce County Juvenile Court, through the court’s diversion, probation, foster care, truancy, and at-risk programs. Serving youth ages 12 to 18, Arts Connect provides an environment for students to build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Each quarter, the students explore a new medium, such as glass fusing, printmaking, glassblowing, and photography. Arts Connect - Hilltop Artists
Outreach Services
The Outreach Services Program at Hilltop Artists is a critical component of our mission to connect youth to better futures and is available to all students in every Hilltop Artists program. Outreach provides in-depth, individualized services, referrals, support and advocacy for students and their families. We do this with respect for the diversity of our students and their families, a lens of equity, and an understanding of trauma-informed care. Outreach Services partners with community organizations for referrals to their services as well as recruiting their clients who could benefit from Hilltop Artists programs.
Outreach Services focuses on:
- BASIC NEEDS: housing / food / clothing /hygiene
- HEALTH: medical, dental, mental health, drug counseling, vision
- EDUCATION: attendance, graduation, post-secondary education, financial literacy
For more information about Hilltop Artists’ Outreach Services, please email info@hilltopartists.org.
Ramona Bennett honored with a Lifetime Achievement at the City of Destiny Awards
Congratulations to Tribal Elder Ramona Bennett who was recognized for Lifetime Achievement at the City of Destiny Awards. The city hosts the event every year to recognize outstanding volunteer work and service. To watch the full recording of the 2023 Awards Ceremony, visit: City of Destiny Awards - City of Tacoma (YouTube).
Photo courtesy of Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
Reservation Dogs Returns for Season 3
Season 3 of Reservation Dogs returns to Hulu on August 2.
From the show’s creator, Sterlin Harjo: “When we came up with the idea for Reservation Dogs, I didn’t think the show would ever get made, but thankfully it did. The first and most basic idea for us as Native people, was to show the world that Native humor and Natives are funny. Almost all television and film depictions about Native people are mostly inaccurate. And most of them have been untruthful. It has been a gift to us to show the world a different perspective of Indigenous people and our culture. Most important of all, it has been a dream to collaborate and make a show that it is entirely written by, directed by and stars Native people. These are our stories, and they represent our people. We know it’s an enormous responsibility and we never took that lightly.” ‘Reservation Dogs’ to End With Season 3 — Read Sterlin Harjo Statement – TVLine
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Indigenous Astronomy: Filling your Spirit with Stardust and Astronomical Knowledge, from Mother Nation’s Healing the Spirit Gathering
July 12 on Zoom from 1-3 p.m. Register at info@mothernation.org or call (206) 722-2321.
Congratulations to Connie Walker, Recent Pulitzer Prize Winner
Congratulations to host and investigative reporter Connie Walker for winning the Pulitzer Prize for her Indigenous-led podcast “Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s.” This podcast focused on her father’s past and the hundreds of Indigenous children at a boarding school in Canada: Indigenous-led podcast wins Pulitzer Prize - ICT News.
Daybreak Star Radio
Listen to the Daybreak Star Radio Network, a station dedicated to content produced, written, created, and/or played by Native American or First Nation peoples.
A 'Sisterhood' Graduates with New Doctorates in Indigenous-Centered Education
Read the article from the Seattle Times about the new doctorates program in educational leadership, a partnership between UW Tacoma and the Muckleshoot Tribal College that is entirely Indigenous-centered.
Secretary Haaland Highlights Investing in America Agenda, Indigenous Knowledge and Collaborative Conservation in Hawaiʻi
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently visited Hawaiʻi to meet with federal, state, and local leaders, and members of the Native Hawaiian Community, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative. Read the full press release here.
“As part of the Department’s work to hear directly from survivors and their descendants through the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, Secretary Haaland met with survivors and descendants to learn how federal assimilation policies impacted the Native Hawaiian Community. During the meeting, she heard how the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and subsequent prohibitions on the use of ʻŌlelo Hawai’i (the Hawaiian language) throughout the 20th century left intergenerational impacts that still persist.
The Secretary also visited two Native Hawaiian language campuses in Kea'au and Hilo, where she met with students and faculty to hear how ʻŌlelo Hawai’i immersion programs and efforts have led the way in restoring and revitalizing Indigenous languages, cultural practices, and worldviews in Hawaiʻi and across the continent. Advancing Native language efforts and investments has been at the forefront of the Department’s policy initiatives. The Department is also supporting the Native Hawaiian Community through funding from the NATIVE Act, which promotes Indigenous heritage and cultural tourism opportunities that advance the socio-economic empowerment of Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.”
“Heal Yourself” by MarÍa Sabina
“Heal yourself with the light of the sun and the rays of the mood. With the sound of the river and the waterfall. With the swaying of the sea and the fluttering of birds.
Heal yourself with mint, neem, and eucalyptus. Sweeten with lavender, rosemary, and chamomile.
Hug yourself with the cocoa bean and a hint of cinnamon. Put love in tea instead of sugar and drink it looking at the stars.
Heal yourself with the kisses that the wind gives you and the hugs of the rain.
Stand strong with your bare feet on the ground and with everything that comes from it.
Be smarter every day by listening to your intuition, looking at the world with your forehead. Jump, dance, sing, so that you live happier.
Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember…you are the medicine.”
GRuB’s plant of the month: Salmonberry
Get to know the Salmonberry! Learn about the Salmonberry’s interconnectedness, as well as how it is used as a medicine and food. Visit GRuB: Garden Raised Bounty (goodgrub.org) to learn more.
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