This cover story is dedicated to something so critically important for the well-being of all of our Tribal Members: Good dental care for all, and our young ones!

Native Peoples, a magazine that focuses on the art and culture of Indigenous people, recently included an article on how Indian Health Service is looking to reduce tooth decay among Native children, called Searching for Solutions.

The article features stellar infor-mation and insights from Dr. Kristi Lisenmayer, who is a pediatric dentist that works within our very own Health Department Dental Clinic.

So many studies and research have shown that our little ones are at such a sad disadvantage when it comes to tooth decay, but there are easy things we can all do to help reverse these statistics.

As it stands now, according to Searching for Solutions article, Native children develop cavities at a rate of three times higher than the general U.S. population, and our children show an untreated decay rate that’s almost four times higher than any other population.

Also, an Indian Health Service survey showed that of 8,461 Native children, 21 percent of 1-year-olds, 44 percent of 2-year-olds and 75 percent of 5-year-olds had a history of tooth decay. Additionally, one in three needed early or urgent dental care, which can cost up to $10,000.

This will likely lead you to question why Native statistics are so unfair and disproportionate to the rest of the U.S. population. That’s something that the health authorities continue to struggle to understand, but Dr. Lisenmayer lists some good reasons as to why this occurs.

She thinks the displacement of Tribes from our Traditional lands and foods helps create the higher rate of tooth decay. She knows, as many of us do here, that Tribal Members have often had negative experiences with dentists and have become wary of them. Lisenmayer also points to sugar-heavy Western diets in fueling tooth decay, and parents that distrust

the dental profession and don’t bring their children in until the kids are in pain.

But the good news is that we don’t have to wait for health authorities to figure out why this happens, and we can work on changing this research by doing such simple things.

As the Searching for Solutions article explains:

u Begin brushing a baby’s teeth twice a day with a small dab of fluoride tooth paste

as soon as the first tooth emerges.

u Take babies to the dental clinic as soon as the first tooth appears and

no later than the first birthday.

u Feed babies a healthy diet and limit sweets and sodas.

As for our adults, we hope you’ll go to the dentist at least twice a year, but more often if

you are a smoker, diabetic, or someone who has chronic gum disease, a weak immune system

or tends to get cavities or build up plaque.Our Tribe is fortunate to have Dr. Burke Cheung who

is the dentist at our clinic. For those Tribal Members who live in our area, if you’re understandably wary when it comes to dentists, please get an appointment to see Dr. Cheung. He has such an excellent background in working with Tribal Members and he has helped so many of us bring our smiles back to good health, and helped them stay that way. For Tribal Members everywhere, we hope you’ll be able to find a dentist that you trust, and don’t stop until you do. Be sure to ask if they have a background in working with Tribal Members to help ensure that you’ll receive better understanding and services. Rest assured that you won’t have to do every dental procedure at once. And, if you have to cancel your appointments, don’t forget to reschedule!

We also know this much to be very true: One of the things we love to see the most is all of you smiling!

For more information, contact the Dental Clinic at (360) 306-5151. n

Snee-Nee-Chum P.O. Box 157 Deming, WA 98244 Volume 4, Number 4 June, 2014

Nooksack Dental Clinic Leads the Battle in Fighting Tooth Decay

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Snee-Nee-ChumTable of ContentsNooksack Dental Clinic Leads the Battle in Fighting Tooth Decay … 1We Miss You, Billy …………… 2Mí sq’eq’ó (Mee ska ka) ……… 2Natural Resources Improves Abandoned Roads to Protect Environment ………………… 3Julian Earns Silver Platter Award ………………………… 3George Proves She’s a Natural Welder ………………………… 42014 Graduates: Contact Education Department for Celebration …………………… 5Emergency Management Response Class Graduates …… 5Health Clinic Hosts Father’s Day BBQ ……………………… 6Support Boat Needed for 2014 Canoe Journey ……………… 6

Help Save Lives by Taking Head Injuries Seriously ……………… 6Complete a Medical Survey and Receive an Incentive Until the End of June ………… 6Schedule Appointment for Mammogram Party ………… 7Honor Your Life ……………… 8Health Department Welcomes Alicia Johnny, Natasha Miranda … 8Journey’s Group Increases Knowledge of Traditional Foods, Stories ………………… 8Gautheir Provides Activity Ideas For Youth ……………… 9Nooksack Child Support Is Here To Help………………………… 9Nooksack Automotive Department …………………… 9Solomon Teaches Youth About Drug and Alcohol Effects …… 10The Snee-Nee-Chum Newsletter …10I Strengthen My Nation ……… 112013 Holiday Calendar ………… 12Administrative Contacts ……… 12

We Miss You, BillyOur hearts have been hanging so heavily ever since we, and everyone in

Indian Country, learned that we lost one of our most fearless leaders, Billy Frank, Jr., who he recently took his journey to the other side.

Please honor Billy by continuing his work in fighting for Treaty and fishing rights, our environment, and Tribal Sovereignty. Doing so will help ensure that Billy will live forever in our hearts, minds and work.

Rest in Peace, Billy Frank, Jr., and thank you for everything you did for people, our environment and Tribal Members here and everywhere. n

Mí sq’eq’ó (Mee ska ka) “Coming Together”

As many of us know, the Nooksack community building on Mission Road sits on Ancestral land of Lester Alec and Joe Louie. On April 11, 2014, the Nooksack Community gathered to honor and remember our Nooksack Ancestors Lester Alec and Joe Louie. Honor songs were sung, prayers of love and blessings were offered, a meal was shared, and a picture of Joe Louie was unveiled. Stories and history of Lester and Joe were also shared with the people. The picture that was unveiled will be displayed in the building for all to see and remember Joe Louie of Nooksack Tribe.

Our Ancestors, Elders and leaders of the Tribe have had it on their minds to place a name on the community building that would best and appropriately describe its purpose. The purpose of the building is to be able to gather our people, to come together as a Nooksack Nation to care for each other, protect what is ours and to celebrate together. The name of the community building is now Mí sq’eq’ó, which means “coming together.” The Mí sq’eq’ó Building will continue to bring our people together as we move forward as Nooksack Nation. n

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Natural Resources Improves Abandoned Roads to Protect Environment

The Nooksack Natural Resources Department has been working with forest landowners and local partners in the South Fork Nooksack watershed to assess and abandon high risk logging roads since 2010. The assessment focused on the Stewart Mountain area, which lies to the west of the South Fork Nooksack River between Acme and Van Zandt. This area has a long history of landslides, many from old logging roads, which have degraded instream habitat and water quality, and threatened the safety of those living along the streams.

In 2013 the Natural Resources Department, in partnership with the forest landowner, received an EPA Clean Water Act grant to abandon old logging roads on property owned by North Cascades Timberlands, that are managed by American Forest Management. The abandonment project focuses on nearly 4.7 miles of roads in the Sygitowicz, Hardscrabble, and Standard Creek watersheds that haven’t been used since the Forest Practices Act was passed in 1974, and are not covered by current road management plans. These roads are overgrown and are no longer drivable, but have not been officially abandoned. Under-sized culverts and unstable road fill have been left in place, and continue to pose a risk of failure.

In the fall of 2013, the first sec-tion of the project was completed. Unstable road fill was pulled-back and stream channels restored along approximately 5,000 feet of road in the Hardscrabble Creek watershed. The road abandonment project is expected to reduce sediment delivered to the creeks and damage to streamside vegetation caused by road-related landslides, as well as to restore the paths of stream flow where it has been altered by the old road grades. The project will continue in 2014 with the abandonment of the remaining roads that have been identified in the assessment as a high risk for landslides. Thanks to the support from the Tribal Chairman and Tribal Council, the Natural Resources Department is looking forward to continuing its work to protect and restore habitat and water quality. For more information, contact Natural Resources at (360) 592-5176. n

Road abandonment in the Hardscrabble Creek watershed, November 2013.

Landslides related to forest roads in the Sygitowicz Creek watershed (Photo:

DNR 1983).

Julian Earns Silver Platter AwardWe wish to congratulate Gigi Julian for receiving the Silver Platter Award from the Whatcom County Health

Department. Her food program for the Nooksack Indian Youth Program received this award for achieving outstanding scores during all food safety inspections throughout the year. The Education Department and our participants appreciate her and all she does to keep our kids well fed before they go home after a long day at school and program. Thank you and Congratulations, Gigi! For more information, contact the Education Department at (360) 966-9696. n

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George Proves She’s a Natural WelderKatrina George is a Nooksack Tribal Member who started her associate in Applied Science Degree in Welding

Technology – Pipe Welding and Fabricating in the Fall of 2012 at the Bellingham Technical College. She’s a great example of one of the participants in the Native American Career Technical Education Program (NACTEP). Katrina will be graduating from BTC this June. Our whole Tribe can be proud of her accomplishments as an honor student with a cumulative 3.88 Grade Point Average. Her instructors were very supportive of her education and impressed by her welding skills and referred to her as a “natural welder.” There’s a great need for skilled laborers here and everywhere, and we hope other Tribal Members will consider following Katrina’s lead. We also wish Katrina the best of luck with her bright future as a Native welder. n

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2014 Graduates: Contact Education Department

for CelebrationIt’s that time once again to celebrate the accomplishments of our Tribal

graduates. If you know of a Tribal Member senior graduating from high school or a Tribal Member who has gained their General Education Diploma, or received a college certificate or graduated from a college or university, please contact Lorraine Zapata or Precious Iuli at Timber Ridge (360) 966-9696. This will get the graduate’s name on the list so we can order incentives and start planning the celebration. The graduation recognition will be held in July. For more information, contact the Education Department at (360) 966-9696. n

Emergency Management Response Class Graduates

2014 CERT Class

Bernice Hewitt Ronald M. Hewitt Lisa Cooper Agripina (Abbie) Smith Christopher Robertson Leo Redfox Andy Garcia James Adams Roswell (Ross) Cline Sr. Therese Davis Genesse Cooper Valarie Cooper Steve Woodrich Tammy Cooper Woodrich Alexis Harden Samantha Nickell Sharon Point Dawn Cline Morgan Tveter Danielle Cooper n

The Nooksack Tribe Emergency Management Department recently hosted the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at the Fire District One Fire Station near Nugent’s Corner. This training was free of charge to all Nooksack community members thanks to grant and program funding. Each participant received a manual and CERT response bag that included safety and response items that would be needed during an earthquake event

and put into practice their newly acquired search and rescue skills.

This is the third CERT class that Emergency Management has offered, which brings the total number of trained Nooksack CERT members up to 59.

Darrington Fire Chief Denny Fenstermaker taught the students basic firefighting skills, and was the lead in setting up the earthquake scenario. Fenstermaker was on the front lines of the Oso natural disaster and his dedication to training citizens of not only the Nooksack Tribe, but

those of the Darrington area, resulted in a more qualified team of volunteer search and rescue personnel in those critical first hours before the professionals arrived.

Eighteen Nooksack community members attended all or part of the CERT training and those who completed all of the required 24 contact hours were awarded a Certificate of Achievement. We congratule and thank all of our 2014 CERT attendees and graduates. For more information, contact Emergency Management at (360) 592-HELP.

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Complete a Medical Survey and Receive an Incentive

Until the End of JuneThe Health Department will continue to conduct Behavioral Risk

Factor Surveillance System Medical Surveys until the end of June. Each Nooksack Tribal Member who participates in the survey will receive an incentive upon completion. The survey is not required of Tribal Members, but completely confidential and voluntary. For more information or to schedule a survey, contact Richard Edwards, rmedwards@nooksack-nsn.gov, (360) 966-7704 ext. 2255. n

Help Save Lives by Taking Head Injuries Seriously

Tammy Cooper-Woodrich, our Tribe’s vocational counselor, is also a public servant of Washington State who sits on the Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Council. Traumatic brain injury is defined as “injury to the brain caused by physical trauma resulting from, but not limited to, incidents involving motor vehicles, sporting events, falls, and physical assaults.”

According to the TBI council website, nearly 123,750 Washington residents live with traumatic brain injury-related disabilities. Each year, there are approximately 5,500 traumatic brain injury hospitalizations in Washington State, and approximately 1,300 people die. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury deaths are falls, firearms, and transport-related injuries — injuries involving motor-vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists

To combat this, we need to take TBI seriously. If anyone has a head injury of any kind, even a slight concussion, symptoms should be watched for, including impaired abstract thinking, attention, behavior, cognition, information processing, judgment, memory, motor abilities, physical functions, problem solving, and reasoning. Additional symptoms could include behavior, mood or even physical changes.

For more information, visit www.TBIWashington.org or lean about the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington at www.BIAWA.org.

For more information regarding Vocational Rehabilitation call (360) 592-5176 and ask for Tammy Cooper-Woodrich. nSupport Boat

Needed for 2014 Canoe Journey

The Health Department is accepting bids for a Support Boat for the 2014 Canoe Journey to Bella Bella. The Support Boat provides safety during the journey, including assistance with Nooksack Tribe canoes, pullers, emergency equipment and communication with ground crews and skippers. Support boats also provide water and snacks, tow the canoes in rough water, give paddlers a break when needed, and they sometimes pull paddlers out of danger. Applicants must have a sea-worthy boat that is safe and large enough to hold pullers, food and supplies. Applicants must also be CPR and First Aid certified. For more information, contact Peter Joseph at (360) 966-7704. n

Health Clinic Hosts Father’s Day BBQ

The Health Department is spon-soring a Father’s Day Barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. on June 11 at the Mí sq’eq’ó Community Building, 2515 Sulwhanon Drive. This event will include good food, a motivational speaker and door prizes. We hope you’ll join this special day in celebrating fatherhood. For more information, contact the Health Department at (360) 966-2106. n

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Health Department Welcomes Alicia Johnny, Natasha Miranda

The Nooksack Health Department would like to welcome Alicia Johnny as our new Front Desk Receptionist. Alicia is a Nooksack Tribal Member and very happy to work for her Tribe. She comes to us with a great amount of knowledge as a receptionist, has numerous years of customer service experience and has friendly and welcoming voice when answering the phone. Alicia not only answers calls to the Nooksack Health Clinic, but also welcomes WIC Clients for appointments, as well as setting up CHR Transportation. Welcome, Alicia!

The Health Department also welcomes Natasha Miranda as the new WIC Certifier. Natasha comes to our team with knowledge as a WIC Clerk with very good customer service. She is also a people person and willing to help any way she can to provide excellent service to our WIC Clients. Welcome Natasha!

Our WIC program, which serves pregnant, post-partum, infant, and children to the age of five, is accepting new eligible clients. Tribal and non-tribal members are welcome who need residence, income and nutritional assistance.

For more information call the Health Clinic at (360) 966-2106. n

Journey’s Group Increases Knowledge of Traditional

Foods, StoriesThe Journey’s group celebrated Earth Day with

guest speakers Melody Coleman and her mother Tammy Cooper-Woodrich who shared information about traditional foods and their medicinal purposes. Melody provided handouts for students to take home and share and Tammy shared a Traditional story. These experiences provided a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. n

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Gautheir Provides Activity Ideas For Youth

Pilar Gautheir also visited the Journey’s class recently to present on alternative activities youth can participate in when bored. They received handouts with culturally appropriate things to do as positive alternatives to engaging in drugs or alcohol. She offers students the opportunity to see themselves as successful in school, as well as being fully engaged in traditions at home. n

The Snee-Nee-Chum NewsletterYou may submit news items or department updates

for consideration to Roxanne Murphy at rmurphy@nooksack-nsn.gov.

Newsletter information and photos may also appear on our Nooksack Indian Tribe Facebook Page. Be sure to follow us at www.facebook.com/NooksackIndianTribe.

Questions? Call Roxanne at (360) 592-5176 extension 3287.

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Solomon Teaches Youth About Drug and Alcohol EffectsAnnette Solomon visited the Tribe’s Journey’s class and presented to youth about the horrible effects that drugs

and alcohol can have on the teenage body. Students listened intently as she talked about the red flags associated with people while drinking and drugging. Students felt comfortable asking questions about their experiences, they participated intently throughout the class time, and we hope this will be just one more reason why our teens will keep taking the right path in life. For more information about the Journeys Class, contact Victoria Mayers at (360) 966-7704. n

Nooksack Child Support Is Here To HelpClients are often grateful for the assistance the Nooksack Child Support program provides. People learn information

that they never knew about and they frequently want to refer Tribal Members to these services. If you owe child support, contact the program because there could be a solution that would work, and all it takes is a phone call.

Non-custodial parents are often at a loss regarding what to do in their situation. They have no guidance regarding which way to turn or what is available. Our Child Support Program works for the best interest of the child, but we also look at circumstances of both parents. The program may not have all the answers, but we can get the answers for you.

If you have a child support case and would like to speak with a case manager to see what the possibilities are, call (360) 306-5090 or stop in at 5061 Deming Road to see if a case manager is available. We are all here to provide the services you need. n

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Snee-Nee-ChumP.O. Box 157Deming, WA 98244

Administrative ContactsTribal Council Office ………………… (360) 592-5164 Enrollment Office ………………………… (360) 592-4158 x1010Tribal Council Fax ……………………………… (360) 592-4506

AdministrationAdministrative Office Main ……………………… (360) 592-5176Administrative Fax ……………………………… (360) 592-2125Human Resources (Director: Suzanne Brownrigg) … (360) 592-5176Emergency & Risk Management ………… (360) 592-HELP (4357)(Program Manager: Glenn Yorks)(Program Facilitator: Steven Jimmy) …………… (360) 303-3457

Law Enforcement (Police Chief: Rory Gilliland)Police Department ……………………………… (360) 592-9065

Health Services (Director: Rebecca Crocker)Medical Clinic (Manager: Lona Johnson) ……… (360) 966-2106Dental Clinic …………………………………… (360) 306-5151Medical Business Office ………………………… (360) 966-7704Genesis II Office (Manager: Rick George) ……… (360) 966-7704

Behavioral Health ………………………… (360) 966-2376

Social Services (Director: Nadeen Jimmy)Social Services Main ……………………… (360) 592-5176 x3668Elders Office …………………………………… (360) 592-0100TANF-Deming ………………………………… (360) 592-3219TANF-Skagit …………………………………… (360) 848-1758GED Office Nooksack …………………… (360) 592-3219 ext 5124GED Office Skagit ……………………………… (360) 848-1758Domestic Violence Office ……………………… (360) 592-5176DV Emergency Hotline ………………………… (360) 592-4164

Family Services (Director: Ken Levinson)Indian Child Welfare (ICW) …………………… (360) 306-5090Child Support …………………………………… (360) 306-5090

Education (Director: Donia Edwards)Education Main Office ………………………… (360) 966-9696Headstart-Deming ……………………………… (360) 592-0141Headstart-Everson ……………………………… (360) 966-0523Youth Program ………………………………… (360) 966-9696

Other ServicesTribal Court ……………………………………… (360) 306-5125Tribal Court Fax ………………………………… (360) 306-5108Housing Office (Director: Katrice Romero) …… (360) 592-5163Natural Resources (Director: Gary MacWilliams) (360) 592-5176Fishing and Shellfish Fisheries Hotline ………… (360) 592-5140Cultural Resources (Director: George Swanaset, Jr.) … (360) 306-5764Tribal Veterans (Program Manager: Jovie Joven) …… (360) 592-5839Tribal Gaming …………………………… (360) 592-5176 x1456Facilities & Maintenance (Director: Mike Davis, Jr.) … (360) 592-0162Auto Shop ……………………………………… (360) 306-5756Tribal Library …………………………………… (360) 592-5291Community Building …………………………… (360) 966-9153North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program …………………… (360) 592-5176 x5118

Casinos & Market CentreNooksack River Casino ………………………… (360) 592-5472Toll free ………………………………………… (877) 935-9300Nooksack Northwood Casino …………………… (360) 734-5101Toll free ………………………………………… (877) 777-9847Nooksack Market Centre ………………………… (360) 592-4214

2014 Holiday CalendarThe Nooksack Tribal Council has approved the 2014 Holiday Schedule. Tribal Offices will be closed on the following days in 2014.

July 4 – Independence Day • August 29 – Tribal Council Elected • September 1 – Labor Day

September 24 – Nooksack Governance Day • November 11 – Veterans DayNovember 27 – Thanksgiving Day • November 28 – Day After Thanksgiving • December 25 – Christmas Day