Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - February, 2018

2

SUMMIT
From page 1

on community health were
discussed.
Through guest speakers
and discussions, participants
and tribal leaders shared their
perspectives on developing
plans to meet community
health goals. ‘A healthy tribal and
“I enjoyed information
shared at the summit as a urban Indian community
whole. The presentation is a safe and nurturing
from the Lummi Chairman
(Jeremiah Julius) about the environment where
release of the Atlantic Salmon
into the ocean, which caused American Indian and
them a lot of time and money Speaker Celeste Davis visits with Chehalis tribal employee Amy Alaska Native people can
as well as harm to the local Loudermilk during the Tribal Environmental Public Health Summit.
salmon and fish. He received experience emotional,
a standing ovation for his
words,” said Denise Walker, taking over the Environmental building and lifted spirits. The spiritual, physical and
Director of the Chehalis Tribal Health Program and staff from Chehalis Tribal Royalty was social health.
Wellness Center. IHS. This will allow them to on hand to greet and welcome
“It was interesting about better serve tribes with more visitors. – AMERICAN INDIAN HEALTH
the Cowlitz Tribe sharing capacity and staff,” Denise Thank you COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON STATE
how they are reusing their continued. PULLING TOGETHER FOR WELLNESS
wastewater – not for human The Chehalis Canoe Family The first Tribal
consumption, but putting it was invited to perform during Environmental Public
back into their casino and culture night on Tuesday. Health Summit could not staff, volunteers and raffle
grounds needs. I heard that Dressed in full regalia, they have happened without the donators. Thanks to everyone’s
the Portland Area Indian shared songs and drumbeats contributions of our tribes, support, the summit was a
Health Board is looking into that echoed throughout the sponsors, speakers, attendees, success.

Tribe shows gratitude for 34 years

Chris Ortivez was honored for her 34 years
of service working for the Chehalis Tribe on
Jan. 30.
It was wonderful to witness the
appreciation ceremony planned by Human
Resources staff and the Business Committee. RETIREMENT
Co-workers gathered to celebrate a valued PARTY
member of their team.
There were balloons, flowers and a cake 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27
that was stealthily brought in while Chris was Gathering Room
away from her desk.
“We appreciate the work that you do for Dr. William Elton of
us here at the Chehalis Tribe. It is nice to see the Chehalis Dental
your smiling face when we walk through the
doors of the Tribal Center. It is an honor to Clinic is retiring at the
personally thank you for your hard work and end of this month.
commitment to the tribe,” said Chehalis Tribe The community is
Chairman Harry Pickernell, Sr. invited to wish him
Chris was humbled to receive so much well with cake!
attention. She shared how she started
working with Chehalis tribal youth in 1979.
She has been involved with the hub of
activity at our Tribal Center’s front desk for
many years since then. It is an honor to be Chehalis Human Resources staff and the Business
recognized. Committee threw a party for tribal employee Chris
Congratulations on a job well done Chris Ortivez on Jan. 30 to give thanks for her many
Ortivez! years of dedicated service.