Page 1 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - January-February 2022

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, ‘People of the Sands’

TRIBAL

CHEHALIS NEWSLETTER

January-February 2022 FIND HISTORY, HERITAGE, RESOURCES AT CHEHALISTRIBE.ORG

inside Beautiful handmade items
Staff updates / 3 February birthdays / 9 Elders Bazaar featured artisan
Traditional classes / 4 Podiatry visit / 10 products perfect for giving
Brunch with Santa / 5 Salmon recipe / 10
January birthdays / 8 Manny Medina’s legacy / 12 page 6

THUNDER CANNABIS

Tribe-owned dispensary grows a strong future

The Chehalis Tribe partnered with
Thunder Cannabis to open a marijuana
dispensary at Exit 99 in Tumwater. Thunder
Cannabis is an exciting new business
endeavor for the tribe. Customers have the
option to select from both recreational and
medical marijuana products throughout the
spacious 2,500-square-foot store.
Washington and Colorado became the
first states in the United States to legalize
recreational marijuana use in 2012. Shortly
after, tribes in Washington negotiated
compacts to allow tribes to operate
dispensaries in subsequent years.
Thunder Cannabis opened for business
on April 10, 2021. The majority of its
operation is handled by General Manager
Chris Klatush, an enrolled Chehalis tribal
member. Klatush previously worked
more than 20 years with Chehalis Tribal
Enterprises and managed The End of the
Trail II gas station prior to transitioning to
his new role. He is responsible for leading
the crew at Thunder Cannabis.
“I like being here for the new challenge,”
Klatush said. He took part in the opening
of EOT2, which was the first station on the
reservation to serve fuel. He was a major
See CANNABIS, page 2 The Chehalis Tribe’s partnership with Thunder Cannabis yielded a thriving dispensary in Tumwater.

Tribal employees celebrate

2021 brought merry return to The pandemic prevented the celebration
Christmas Party, Spirit Week in 2020.
Much has changed in the way
departments interact. Prior to COVID-19,
Chehalis Tribal Government employees staff were able to collaborate on projects
celebrated the 2021 Christmas season and gather regularly. The virus forced
with a host of activities throughout the more independent operations with less
week prior to holiday break. day-to-day interaction among employees.
The tribe brought back its annual The Christmas Party once again provided
employee Christmas Party, which brings
The annual employee Christmas Party and Spirit together staff from various departments.
Week provided welcome seasonal fun. See CELEBRATE, page 7