Page 5 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - August 2024
P. 5
5
Housing head
ready to serve
community
Hello. My name is Tracy Parker and I am
the new executive director of Chehalis Housing
Authority.
Prior to working for the Chehalis Tribe, I
served as community development planner for
Squaxin Island Tribe for more than 22 years. I
had the opportunity to work on a multitude of
projects securing millions of dollars in funds
for new housing, rehabilitation
of existing homes and other
priority projects benefiting the
community.
Prior to Squaxin, I was the
manager of Makah Planning and
On July 25, Chehalis elders spent time together and honored those celebrating birthdays. Economic Development for four
Dinner marks another years. In the mid-90s, I worked
for Quinault Housing Authority
as the office/accounting manager. Tracy Parker,
I received my bachelor’s
year around the sun degree in business Executive
Director of
administration at the University
Chehalis
Housing
of Washington in 1995. Prior
to that, I worked for the Authority
By Bobbie Bush Quinault Indian Nation in
several capacities. I served
The Chehalis Tribe’s elders come together on the ONABEN (Oregon STAFF
to celebrate birthdays near the end of each Native American Business
month in the beautiful new Elders Center. and Entrepreneurial NEWS
The only time this did not happen was Network) board. We provided
during COVID-19 closures. curriculum, training and
At 5 p.m. July 25, Elders gathered to organization capacity building
mark July birthdays for Elisa Sanders, Paula focused on developing entrepreneurship in
Reininger, Jorja Potter, Ronald Rogers, native and indigenous communities. In addition,
Marlene Hjelm, Linda MacDougall, Jodie I served as a board member for the PRTPO
Smith, Donald Williams, Allen Fricke, (Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning
Gloria Jones, Stanley Youckton, Yvonne Organization), an intergovernmental partnership
Peterson, Calvin Bray, Sharon Hall and where we worked collaboratively to meet the
Carmen Brown. Twenty-four people signed mobility needs of the Peninsula region.
in to celebrate. I am an enrolled member of the Quinault
Dinner was catered by L&L Hawaiian for bingo. Six games took place during the Indian Nation and descend from other bloodlines,
Barbecue. Tom Hayden Jr. served elders as evening. Gloria nabbed two victories, Allen including: Satsop, Chehalis, Chinook, Quileute,
they arrived and he was very considerate. Bush won twice, Marlene nabbed one win Hoh and Assiniboine/Sioux. I have been married
Virginia “Dolly” Canales made sure everyone and Cheryle Jones declared “Bingo” once. to my husband Justin Parker, a Makah tribal
had drinks and dessert. Congratulations to the winners and to all member, for more than 26 years. We have five
After dinner, the tables were cleared those elders who celebrated birthdays! children and 10 grandchildren. I enjoy watching
my grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins
play sports. I also love attending tribal canoe
journeys, tribal celebrations and potlatches where
I can watch my kids and grandkids sing, dance
and follow the traditions of their ancestors.
I am excited for this opportunity to serve the
Chehalis Tribal Housing Authority and will work
hard to fulfill the mission of CTHA: “To promote
the wellbeing of the Chehalis Tribe’s communities
and residents by providing sustainable and
reliable housing to Chehalis tribal members.”
I look forward to working collaboratively with
the Chehalis Tribe and tribal members to meet
the needs of the community. I would love to hear
your ideas and look forward to meeting you.
Please feel free to stop by my office at the CTHA
office.
