Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - April 2024

2

LUNCHEON
From page 1
Cooks included Shawn Ortivez,
Hector Canales, Tony Youckton,
Robert Cayenne, Jessie McMahan,
Ricky Charles, Tara Livingood-
Schott, Rachel Simmons, Mya
Ortivez and Todd Delamater. They
cooked 44 salmon.
Jessie Gleason served as the
MC and opened the event with
door prizes right away. There was
a contest to honor the oldest elder.
At age 92, Ivan Willup Sr. of the
Swinomish Nation was the oldest
male elder. Liza Smith, 85, was the
oldest female elder in attendance.
The morning progressed
quickly with door prizes. Pictures
with Tacoma Rainiers baseball
team mascot Rhubarb were very
popular with all of the elders. A
photo booth for instant pictures
was set up front near the stage.
Everyone was ready to dig into
lunch. The delicious meal included
salmon cooked over an open pit on
sticks, ham, green beans, mashed
potatoes and a roll.
Our elders were blessed to see
so many people and enjoy hugs
from family, jokes with friends and
lots of laughter. The camaraderie
brought a lighter spirit to the
luncheon than that of other tribal
gatherings.
An invitation from the Hazel
Pete Institute for a Weaving Event
on May 10-11 was extended to
guests.
The three-piece group Elvis
Unplugged played a full set of
Elvis hits such as “Jailhouse Rock”
and “Love Me Tender” to “In the
Ghetto” and “Viva Las Vegas.” The
group also offered a rendition of
“What a Wonderful World” in the
style of Louis Armstrong. It was a
nice set and folks danced, laughed
and even cried a little.
A special recognition was given
to veterans from all branches of
the United States armed forces:
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air
Force, Space Force and Coast
Guard. Members from each branch
of services was asked to introduce
themselves and share where they
served. This portion was moving.
Our people exhibited the Warrior
Spirit of their ancestors when they
answered the call to service.
The day concluded with the
quickest drawing of door and
raffle prizes in history. People
stayed until the very end because
they had a good time and hoped to
win one of the 55-inch HD TV’s. The annual Elders Luncheon honored proud veterans and
The luncheon was a wonderful gave participants the opportunity to greet the Tacoma
time! Hope to see you there next Rainiers mascot Rhubarb and visit with members from
year. many other tribes.