Page 8 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June 2024

8

CELEBRATION

Parade Chehalis tribal

elder Tony
Medina was
honors named grand
marshal of
Oakville’s 2024
Independence
‘Uncle Day Parade. As
Youth Center
Manager, Tony
Tony’ dedicated
years to
empowering
youth and
creating rich
memories.
Oakville Chamber of Commerce

Oakville’s Independence
Day Parade on July 6 recognized
Chehalis tribal elder Tony
Medina as grand marshal.
Tony worked in the Chehalis
Tribal Youth Center for 26
years, retiring as manager in
2019.
In that time, he became
everyone’s beloved “Uncle Tony,”
often caring for kids who would
grow up and send their own
kids to hang out with him at the
Youth Center in turn.
Many people have fond
memories of Tony greeting the
school bus with hugs, a funny
made-up song and sometimes a
snack.
Beyond the after-school
program, Tony arranged field
trips, holiday outings, special
recognition ceremonies and
made sure the Youth Center
was represented in local
parades.
Chehalis tribal royalty and
Chairman Dustin Klatush also
took part in the parade. Dozens
of Chehalis tribal community
members came out to enjoy the
festivities.