Page 12 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - Jan - Feb 2021

CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

The Confederated Tribes NEWSLETTER STAFF
of the Chehalis Reservation, Frazier Myer, Audra J. Hill and the
‘People of the Sands’ Information Technology Team

Articles and opinions expressed TRIBAL CENTER
are not necessarily those of this
publication or the Chehalis Tribal Main line: 360-273-5911
Business Committee. Address: 420 Howanut Road

SUBMISSIONS Oakville, WA 98568
Office: 360-709-1726
We encourage tribal members BUSINESS COMMITTEE chehalistribe.org
to submit letters, articles, Fax: 360-273-5914 © copyright 2021
photographs and drawings to Harry Pickernell Sr. Chairman
be considered for publication VISION STATEMENT LeRoy Boyd Sr.: The Chehalis Tribal
in the newsletter (materials are To be a thriving, Vice Chairman Newsletter is a
subject to editing). Contributing self-sufficient, sovereign Sheilah Bray: Treasurer publication of the
writers, artists and photographers people, honoring our past David Burnett: Secretary Confederated Tribes
include Chehalis tribal community and serving current and Jason Gillie: of the Chehalis
members and staff. future generations. Fifth Council Member Reservation

12

Stinging nettle packs a punch EXPANSION

From page 1
COVID-19 pandemic slowed down finalization
Stinging nettle is an herbal medicine of the building. The updated timeline for
used across the nation by Indigenous construction completion is April 1.
peoples. It can be found around rivers or
a body of water in wooded areas. We have Safety precautions
used this medicine for many purposes for The expansion will serve as a makeshift
centuries. hospital to provide medical attention for those

Benefits include in need. CTWC Director Denise Walker said the
decision was based partly on the fact that regular
n Vitamins A, C, K and B hospitals have been overcrowded. This makes it
n Minerals, such as calcium, iron, difficult for individuals to receive help for medical
magnesium, potassium and sodium issues.
n Amino acids, antioxidants defend cells The addition is designed to be a hospital for
against damage patients who are not in critical condition yet need
n Help with inflammation such as to be seen overnight. Each of the rooms have
arthritis bathrooms and smart TVs along with negative
n Lower blood pressure air pressure to help stop the spread of infectious
n Healing properties that help with diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis.
wounds This eliminates the potential transfer of airborne
n Help with asthma, eczema, fatigue, infections to medical providers and other patients.
low lactation, seasonal allergies, type 2 The expansion offers an option for tribal and
diabetes, and hair, teeth and bones Karen Klatush harvests stinging nettle on community members who don’t want to wait in
Around February is the best time to the Chehalis Reservation. the hospital to be seen for less critical medical
gather this medicine. When you harvest issues such as IV fluids to help bodily functions.
nettle, it’s important to be careful. Wear dishes. Leaves, stems and roots can be used
thick gloves to prevent stingers from to make soups, salads, smoothies and even Plans for future needs
touching the skin and use scissors to avoid a cake. The possibilities are endless. When After the pandemic is under control and
injuring the plant, allowing it to continue dried, leaves, flowers and roots make a guidelines are lifted, the tribe plans to potentially
to grow. delicious tea. use the enhancements for urgent care and patients
Once nettle is gathered, blanch it in After fully grown, stinging nettle also can who are sick. A trauma room and ambulance
boiling water for just a couple of minutes be gathered and prepped to make entrance are also included in the design to better
to get rid of the stingers. After blanching, weaving material. Cut meet the needs of these specific patients. This will
you can freeze nettle nettle at the bottom help staff separate patients with illnesses from
or use fresh in a of the stalk, tear off those who are seeking routine healthcare needs
meal. It also can be leaves and hang it upside such as an annual physical or exams.
air dried. The leaves down until dry, waiting for Additionally, the Wellness Center has converted
and stingers will fall stingers to fall off. When it’s a meeting room into the tribal pharmacy to
off this way, though it fully dry, another option is continue filling medicine prescriptions. The
is a lengthier process. to re-soak the nettle and updated design features a walk-up window that
Stinging nettle can be pull/split the fibers away allows patients to pick up medications without
added to various food to reveal twine for weaving. entering the building.