Page 9 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - November 2023

9

Coeur D’Alene journey brings folks together

Chehalis tribal elders
road trip to luncheon

By Bobbie Bush
On Oct. 4, 26 people loaded up
the big tour bus for a trip to the
Coeur D’Alene Elders Luncheon
the next day.
Because the event was more
than six hours away by bus, our
Chehalis tribal elders traveled
there Wednesday, ate lunch on
Thursday and returned Friday.
The bus stopped at 12:50 p.m.
for lunch at the Buzz Inn in
Ellensburg on the way. Everyone
said the food was good as they
climbed back on the bus.
The ride toward the Gorge was
pleasant, sunny and a little breezy.
The trip took elders through
the agricultural fields of eastern Chehalis tribal elders gathered for a group photo during their trip to the 2023 Coeur D’Alene Elders Luncheon.
Washington. I could see the spots
where fires had come close to the south and soon arrived at our Door prizes were drawn The luncheon was served family
road and homes. destination. immediately and quickly. Helen style and included pasta salad,
About 4:30 p.m., we had just 17 Everyone on the bus was Sanders won a cute SpongeBob cranberry sauce, green beans,
more miles to go before reaching relieved to be at the hotel and SquarePants pillow at the mashed potatoes and gravy,
Coeur D’Alene. checked in to their rooms. beginning. cornbread stuffing, Waldorf salad,
Everyone felt excited to be The luncheon began at 10 a.m. Chehalis tribal elders received turkey, ham and dinner rolls.
almost there. Then we kept going Thursday morning. Elders from quite a few door prizes. Donna Dessert featured cherry, apple and
and going and going past the turn many Indian Nations packed into Glackon, Marie Bird, Nancy pumpkin pie. Sugar-free pie also
off to 95 south, which would take the events center. Romero and our bus driver Don was available.
us to the hotel casino. Next, we The gathering opened with the also took home goodies! As the food was served and we
saw a sign that said Missoula 66 Veteran’s Color Guard. Rose Creek I won $34 during a quick began to eat Fleetwood Mac cover
miles! This was too far. Drum sang the entrance song and session of bingo. As the game band Paper Flowers provided
John Youckton took out his honor song when the colors were wound down, the group of hungry entertainment. Many audience
GPS and the bus turned around. posted. An opening prayer and elders watched servers begin members sang in unison to the
We made the turn onto 95 welcome finished the kickoff. to prep for the abundant meal. song, “Don’t Stop.”

Rez Animal spay/neuter program is a success

Since the organization first started in 2006,
Rez Animal Resources & Education has spayed or HELP FOR PETS
neutered 883 dogs and cats owned by Chehalis tribal
members. This is a major step to improving the lives
of pets and reducing the number of strays on the
Chehalis Reservation. Rez Animal serves the Chehalis,
In 2023 alone, more than 112 dogs and cats were Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay,
spayed or neutered thanks to the support of Rez Squaxin Island and Skokomish
Animal. Through the program, tribal member pet tribal communities.
owners can get their dogs and cats spayed at local Thanks to donations, Rez Animal
veterinary clinics for only $5. is able to offer animal rescue,
If you need help getting your pet to a veterinary spay/neuter services, adoption
clinic for the surgery, they can help with that. Rez and emergency vet care.
Animal has appointments available every month at To receive spay and neuter
two area veterinary clinics and will transport your pet. assistance from Rez Animal or if
Spaying and neutering is so important to reduce you would like to donate, please
the number of homeless animals. Since the pandemic, call Amy Loudermilk at 253-370-
nearly all shelters and rescue organizations are over 6392 or email info@rezanimals.
capacity with homeless pets. To prevent your dog or com.
cat from having accidental litters, please make sure
they are spayed or neutered.