Coffee and Language

White Sturgeon Anglers Needed

2022 White Sturgeon Harvest Fishery Rules and Regualations

February 3, 2022

Tribal Members Needed to Participate in White Sturgeon Research and Harvest with the Spokane Tribal Fisheries Program.

The Lake Roosevelt Sturgeon Recovery (LRSRP) project is looking for enrolled Spokane Tribal Members to help with the harvest and collection of biological data from White Sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt. The LRSRP will be seeking individuals to participate in a two week survey using recreational angling equipment to collect and harvest White Sturgeon. A limited amount of space is available and a special drawing will be held to select individuals.

Participants may apply only once for each of the ten selected days. The application period will be from February 3, 2021 through February 18, 2021. After the application period closes and the drawing finalized, successful applicants will be notified via email. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years of age on February 3, 2021 and need to provide the following information: name, age, birth date, tribal enrollment number, phone number, and email address. Individuals can apply for the drawing by email (shireenb@SpokaneTribe.com) or by calling and speaking with the DNR office manager (509-626-4400). Due to COVID-19 policies, individuals MAY NOT sign up in person at the DNR.

Participants will be assisting tribal biologists with the collection of hatchery White Sturgeon for a food habits survey. All White Sturgeon that are within the slot limit (38-63 in.) will be retained for harvest. During these trips, harvested White Sturgeon do not need to be checked into the Public Safety Building, DNR, or at the Two Rivers Marina. Tribal biologists will record the information at the time of harvest. The survey will run for a two week period (3/14/2022-3/18/2022 and 3/21/2022 – 3/25/2022). Angler trips will be 8 hours in length from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Selected individuals must report to the Kettle Falls Marina by 9:00 am on their selected day. Fishing vessels will leave the marina at 9:15 am with or without everyone. Only individuals selected will be allowed to board the vessels. All angling gear will be provided by the LRSRP. Individuals must provide an ice chest or other transport container capable of transporting White Sturgeon fillets. Selected individuals should also provide: food, water, rain gear, and waterproof boots/shoes. Personal floatation devices will be provided by the LRSRP and must been worn at all times while on board the vessels. Alcohol/drugs will not be permitted on the vessels and anyone appearing under the influence of alcohol/drugs will not be allowed to board the vessels.

For more information regarding this survey or any other questions regarding White Sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt please contact Andy Miller or Jacob Velarde at 509-244-7031.

Employee Recognition – Leslie Hardwick

Employee Recognition
Last week, as part of our Phenomenal Friday, we recognized Leslie Hardwick, Telecom Billing Manager, for her phenomenal contributions to the Sṕq́ńiʔ Broadband Services. Leslie, who I will refer to here as the last man standing, did not give up as she watched STTX dissolve and her co-workers slowly go their separate ways. She endured and took on much more than she should have ever had to. She also stood strong through the administration reorganization twice in the past year and now another change as we transition from planning out operations to actual operation of services. Leslie wore many hats, but she succeeded. The Tribe now has internet services and much of this is owed to her relentless spirt and courage. Courage to learn new things, courage to make mistakes, courage to keep moving forward even if it was not perfect and courage to ask for help when needed. Mistakes were made along the way, but lessons were also learned. I have witnessed significant professional growth in Leslie over the past year. Now that we have other staff in place, Leslie can take a break and gear up for her next phase in professional development. I will not make this announcement for her, but watch.., we will see even more phenomenal Leslie over the next few years! 😊
Leslie, thank you for all you have done to improve the Quality of Life for the Spokane Tribal membership and for all you will do in the future.
Sincerely,
Chamisa Radford, MURP
Director of Public Works
Office: 509-458-6592 Ext. 430
Cell Phone: 509-904-6291
chamisa.radford@spokanetribe.com

Spqni Broadband Services Awarded Significant Grant

The Department of Public Works and Sṕq́ńiʔ Broadband Services has some exciting news to share regarding the future buildout of internet service on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Late last year, we applied for the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) Infrastructure Acceleration Grant and we have just received notice that we have tentatively been awarded over 16 million dollars to fund our proposed project. As described in our application, with these funds we will build out fiber optic broadband infrastructure throughout the reservation.  Specifically, we were funded to construct Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Middle-Mile buildout from Wellpinit thru Ford, to Deer Park, and to Chewelah. In summary, this will allow Sṕq́ńiʔ Broadband Services to expand on their current emergency wireless deployment to a more futureproofed and robust network.

You may be aware that the Tribe already had plans to construct a smaller fiber run. This smaller, but linked, project is funded by $3.4M in ARPA funding.  We are very grateful that we will no longer need to piecemeal the reservation-wide fiber optic project as it is now fully funded with the addition of the WSBO award. With the additional grant funding we will be able to bring the entire project to fruition concurrently. This newly funded project is projected to be complete in 2024; however, with existing supply chain disruption, all awardees may be granted an extension.  As of now, it is taking 9-12 months to obtain needed supplies and materials for broadband construction projects, so please be patient.  As with all construction projects, this will not happen overnight, but we are so excited that the process has begun.

Lastly, while we wanted to notify the community members of this most excellent news the Tribe must still complete the process of officially being notified of award and officially accepting the award. While there is still much work to be done, we would like to acknowledge the team that you have working for you and whose goal is to improve the quality of life for all Spokane Tribal citizens.  This grant application was submitted as a team effort by Leslie Hardwick, Lam Chan, our consultants—NoaNet  and their contracted grant writing team, and Chamisa Radford.  We would also like to offer a nod to our predecessors, the STYX team, as without their initial groundwork none of this would have been possible.  For more information on this grant award please visit the Washington State Broadband Office webpage under Building Infrastructure at www.commerce.wa.gov

Sincerely,
Chamisa Radford, MURP
Director of Public Works
Office: 509-458-6592 Ext. 430
Cell Phone: 509-904-6291
chamisa.radford@spokanetribe.com

STOI-IHS COVID-19 Testing Report 1/27/2022

COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation

Notice from the Wellpinit Clinic:

The  most current CDC Quarantine/Isolation guidelines are downloadable here – updated January 20, 2022.

Here is the link to order home test kits:  https://www.covidtests.gov/  or telephone number:  1-800-232-0233.

For COVID-19 testing or vaccine questions, symptoms, exposures or return to work/school letter – contact the clinic at 258-4517 and ask for a COVID Call Back.  An RN or Nurse Practitioner will return your call.  Please confirm the correct telephone number, and ensure voice mail is set up and accessible.

The clinic COVID-19 Testing Schedule:

 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday mornings by appointment.
Thursday afternoon, by appointment.

 The clinic COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule:

Monday afternoon:  12-17 year olds
Tuesday afternoon:  5-11 year olds
Wednesday afternoon:  Adults 18+
Thursday morning:  DRIVE Thru 9am to noon – Adults 18+
Friday afternoon:  12-17 year olds

Reminder:

  • By appointment, except Thursday morning drive thru
  • 17 years and younger need a parent or legal guardian present
  • Bring your vaccine card

Teressa Martinez, ARNP
Acting CEO
David C. Wynecoop Memorial Clinic
6203 Agency Loop
Wellpinit, WA  99040
509-258-4517
Fax 509-258-6757

STOI-IHS COVID-19 Testing Report

COVID Home Test Kits

Good Afternoon,

 The Spokane Tribes Emergency Management Department is happy to inform the Tribe that access to free COVID-19 individual rapid antigen tests are accessible through the United States Postal Service. An order of up to four of these tests may be ordered per household. To order yours, use the link below to fill in your contact and shipping information.

Thank you and stay safe,

https://special.usps.com/testkits

Reggie J. Peone Jr. Emergency Manager Spokane Tribe of Indians 509-458-6573
reggie.peonejr@spokanetribe.com

STOI-IHS COVID-19 Testing Report

STOI COVID-19 Report 1/10/2022