Aren Sparck, HCA Office of Tribal Affairs Administrator.

Annette Squetimkin-Anquoe, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, plays a key role in advancing innovative work that bridges state systems and Tribal health priorities. She is currently leading efforts on the Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration which is focused on creating reimbursement pathways for traditional health care practices. Her work includes designing, implementing, and ultimately overseeing a Traditional Indian Medicine program at the state level, an initiative grounded in cultural respect with a long-term impact. Her ability to navigate complex systems with multiple perspectives makes her an essential part of advancing Tribal health initiatives.

A major component of Annette’s work involves statewide planning in close partnership with Tribes. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a five-year demonstration project that aims to transform how traditional healing practices are recognized and supported within the health care system. This effort reflects a broader vision of improving service delivery and ensuring better health outcomes for Tribal members seeking care. 

Known for her collaborative and grounded work style. While supporting leadership coordination across legal, financial, and Tribal relations teams. She values face-to-face connection. What drives Annette most is her deep connection to the communities she serves. Having worked in Tribal communities for many years she brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. She shares that being part of the Office of Tribal Affairs means contributing to something meaningful and doing work that will impact generations to come.

Annette appreciates the dynamic and supportive culture within the Office of Tribal Affairs. Even during complex and challenging decisions, she values a workplace that remains engaging, interactive, and in purpose. “There is never a day I don’t learn something.” She reflects that “the work is complex but that’s what makes it meaningful, we’re always thinking about what’s best for the future of our people.” When a project is complete or when things go her way, Annette likes to sit back and say out loud, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Outside of meetings and planning sessions, you might find Annette eating her favorite snack, an apple, or munching on Doritos. Outside of work, she likes to be with her family, enjoy pow wows, read, and be creative with arts and craft projects.

Getting to know Salmonberry

Article reshared from GRuB.org

Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) forms dense thickets in wet forested areas, especially along streams and rivers. Plants grow as high as nine feet tall with brown stems covered in thorns and leaves resemble the raspberry plant. Deep pink flowers have five petals and many stamens. Leaves are sharply toothed, pointed at the tip, and grow in threes. Salmonberries are the first berry to ripen—usually in April through June. They can be orange to ruby-colored and are the same shape as raspberries and blackberries. Salmonberry is in the rose family. 

Salmonberry provides important food for many species. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and insects, including bees, drink the flower nectar. Insects carry pollen from bush to bush and assist in pollinating flowers and creating more berries. Salmonberries are eaten by many types of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and larger mammals like coyotes, bear, deer, and elk. Salmonberry patches provide shelter for birds and small mammals.

Many Native communities in the Pacific Northwest associate salmonberry with Swainson’s thrush, which is also called salmonberry bird. Salmonberry flowers are often in bloom when this bird returns from its winter grounds. You might hear it singing its song from salmonberry bushes.

Some Salish Elders teach that salmonberry is an environmental indicator for salmon runs. Salmonberries often grow along waterways including rivers and streams. If there is enough rain and the waters are healthy and flowing well, salmonberry flowers will be abundant, and salmon will be able to easily spawn up rivers and streams to renew their species. 

Read the full article. 

Youth Toolkits sent to schools

 Over the last year, HCA Office of Tribal Affairs has worked closely with Tribes and Native-serving organizations to create materials and resources specifically for Native youth. OSPI is working with the HCA Office of Tribal Affairs to send out toolkits to State-Tribal Education Compact (STEC) schools and districts with Title VI Indian Education Programs across the state.  

The toolkit includes youth-specific items like posters, rack cards, and an interactive refusal skills slider. Then, you will have the opportunity to order more of the available materials and have them customized (with your Tribal School logo or Native education department contact information, for example) and shipped to you at no charge. If you have any questions about the For Our Lives youth toolkits or the campaign in general, please contact ForOurLives@wearedh.com. 

DH Accepts two Addy Awards for Integrated Media Public Service Campaign and Best in Show for For Our Lives campaign

Each year, creative agencies, studios, freelancers, and organizations producing advertising and social marketing campaigns across the come together at the Spokane American Advertising Awards to recognize the teams and talent who think creatively and deliver exceptional results. We are pleased to that this year the For Our Lives campaign’s youth expansion received not one, but two awards — a gold Addy award for Integrated Media Public Service Campaign and a best in show!

This award would not have been possible without our campaign participants and the thoughtful input, guidance, and creative work of Tribes, Urban Indian Health Programs, Native partners and creatives, Washington state health agencies, task forces and workgroups. 

This local competition is the first tier of a three-level national awards program, and as a Gold Addy Award-winner, For Our Lives youth expansion will advance to the District XI competition, bringing this important work to a wider stage.

MMIWP - Standing in solidarity  with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
As of 2026, Washington state ranks among the highest in the Nation for missing and murdered Indigenous people, with cases disproportionately affecting our local Tribal communities. The Washington MMIWP Task Force continues to work alongside Tribes to address jurisdictional gaps and systemic barriers. We encourage communities to stand in solidarity with Indigenous families, amplify their voices, and utilize resources like the new Missing Indigenous Persons Toolkit to support prevention and response efforts. For active alerts, visit the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Missing & Unidentified Persons Unit.

May is mental health awareness month

May is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, and fostering a community of support for the one in five adults in the U.S. living with a mental health condition. Established in 1949, this month serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that no one should face their challenges alone.

Whether it is practicing self-care, checking in on a loved one, or accessing resources, this month is about taking action and reminding everyone that it is okay to ask for help.

Let’s turn awareness into action this May by breaking the silence, offering compassion, and supporting mental well-being for all.

Need support?

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.