Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - January-February 2022
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CANNABIS reached that made the tribe
From page 1 owner-operators and the business
would be opened.
part of developing the business The Chehalis Tribe needed to
into a success. His goals are that find a financial holding company.
this business share the same With most major banks unwilling
success as others have for the to work within the marijuana
tribe. industry, the tribe decided to go
Marijuana contains the with Seattle-based Salal Credit
chemical cannabidiol (CBD), Union as its financial institution.
which has long been shown Another unique aspect of
effective for treating a variety the business is that it’s under
of health conditions including the tribal government umbrella
insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, instead of Chehalis Tribal
addiction, anti-seizure and many Enterprises to protect assets that
others conditions. could be potentially affected by
Chairman Harry Pickernell the new business.
Sr. described his personal The Chehalis Tribe originally
experience and the benefits of considered a location at Exit 88
opening a tribal-owned marijuana in Ground Mound. The area has
dispensary. seen economic growth in recent
He said the business offers years. Ultimately, the Tumwater
products to help those who are locale won out based on the
suffering from setbacks because of increased population in the area
illness and/or pain. with more development planned
As with any other business, in upcoming years.
the road to opening included a Thunder Cannabis has 20
long process of decision making. employees. A majority are enrolled
After much discussion, it was tribal members, including
the consensus among Business Klatush.
Committee members that the Future plans for Thunder
tribe would officially pursue the Cannabis include a second
endeavor. location and grow operation at
Tribal government officials Grand Mound slated to arrive in
traveled to the state Department the middle part of this year.
of Justice (DOJ) offices in Seattle In July of 2020, the Chehalis
to see what their position was Tribe adopted an ordinance to
on the Chehalis Tribe opening a allow medical and recreational
marijuana dispensary. use on the Chehalis Reservation.
The outcome from that As part of this ordinance, growing
meeting was an understanding marijuana for personal use or
that the DOJ would not interfere monetary gain is prohibited.
or shut down any operations if the Thunder Cannabis features a robust variety of products. The Chehalis Tribe is required
tribe decided to move the project to own every marijuana plant
forward. operating on reservation land. in the marijuana industry, the on reservation/trust land,
Chehalis tribal leaders began After meeting with WSLCB, tribe decided to partner with the meaning if an individual wanted
negotiating a compact with the details of the compact were company Thunder Cannabis. to grow on reservation land,
the state Liquor and Cannabis decided, including taxes. At zero cost to the Chehalis he or she would be required to
Board (WSLCB) and came to an After discussions regarding Tribe because of land and building operate underneath the Tribal
agreement on the regulations for the best route moving forward ownership, an agreement was Government’s umbrella.
Help for renters, HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND Grays Harbor County Thurston County
Family size/income below
Family size/income below
homeowners Apply to receive funds for small home 2: $84,750 2: $108,250
repairs. Here are the income limits:
n Projects must address a health/safety 3: $95,350 3: $121,800
FROM CHEHALIS TRIBAL issue and be necessary for habitability 4: $105,900 4: $135,300
HOUSING AUTHORITY n Must be income qualified 5: $114,400 5: $146,150
n Assistance depends on available funds
6: $156,950
6: $122,850
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE Grays Harbor County Thurston County
Apply for assistance with back/current Family size/income below Family size/income below
rent and utility expenses. Here are the 1: $23,600 1: $37,700
income limits: 2: $26,650 2: $43,100
3: $30,300 3: $48,400
Contact Alyssa Charles at 4: $33,650 4: $53,850
acharles@chehalistribe.org 5: $36,350 5: $58,200
or 360-273-7723. 6: $39,050 6: $62,500
