'Come eat.' Please refer to the link at the bottom of the blog for the correct pronunciation in S'Klallam.
Please join me in reading about what our Natural Resources, Early Childhood, Heronswood/Foundation & HR departments have been up to for the month of October!
HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES RECIEVED A CERTIFICATION THIS MONTH? OR COMPLETED A TRAINING?
Richard Ogle received his MOOC and GIS certifications.
Courtney Hart attended the 12th US Symposium on Harmful Algal Blooms in Portland, ME where she presented her PhD research on geoduck clams and PSP as also connected with researchers and government agencies to talk about how HABs are impacting communities across the county.
Benjamin Harrison attended a 1-day workshop on Blue Carbon with the Department of Ecology on the science and policy involved in assessing carbon storage, mainly in shoreline and estuarine ecosystems.
Julianna Sullivan completed her Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point training as a requirement for becoming a licensed shellstock shipper.
HAVE ANY GOALS BEEN MET THIS MONTH? WHO REACHED THEM?
The Wildlife staff are caught up on labeling all camera grid data that supports wildlife population surveys.
Richard Ogle closed out the BIA Category 9 Grant. Richard also developed a Facebook page for the department’s environmental education and outreach program.
Michael Higgins presented the Conservation Areas and Biological Assessment to the Tribal Council.
Joshua Carter resolved the Hatchery NPDES BMP and QAP issues and submitted progress reports and fiscal year-end reports.
Ben Harrison met key milestones in finalizing analytical criteria to define critical areas for slope stability and aquifer recharge and he also finalized an up-to-date mapping of streams on PGST lands and boundaries of PGST properties for the geospatial data effort.
ARE ANY GRANTS BEING UTILIZED? WHAT FOR?
The department is utilizing the EPA Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant, which continues to support external contractor Cascadia Consulting Group, working on elements of the Climate Action Plan and The Ecology Tribal Consultation grant which has begun to support staff capacity to review and comment on regional climate-related projects. Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Funding and BIA Endangered Species grants are being used to assess and improve fish passage at the Hood Canal Bridge.
WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OR GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO ANY INDIVIDUALS THIS MONTH?
We would like to give shoutouts to the following Natural Resources Staff:
Leah Mellinger for all the hard work and long hours she put in to meet salmon sampling goals.
Roma Call and Nikki Aikman, for assistance to Michael Higgins on the Tribal Council presentation.
Benjamin Harrison for his work on guiding many of the Stantec discussions and providing valuable insights.
Marla Powers for her contribution to the KNRAMP program and continuing efforts to promote Tribal interests regarding culverts and development.
Joshua Carter for completing the derelict crab pot removal project, with 129 pots removed.
Michael Higgins for providing updates to the critical areas map and for providing guidance for a stream assessment at Shipbuilder’s Creek, along with Chole Donaldson and Marla Powers.
Shane Baze, for leading the effort to seed 900,000 single oysters at the Duckabush estuary.
ANY PROJECTS THAT YOU COMPLETED THIS MONTH?
Garrett Sitting Dog and Richard Ogle partnered with the Education Department to teach youth how to butcher and prepare a deer. Garrett also partnered with the Health Center to purchase gun safes for all designated hunters. Richard completed his collaboration with Earth Corp. Michael Higgins created the field data collection geospatial map.
HAVE ANY GOALS BEEN MET THIS MONTH? WHO REACHED THEM?
Sales goals for Heronswood giftshop have consistently been met thanks to our business manager, Irina Fox, and our regular volunteers who work in our ticket booth.
ARE ANY GRANTS BEING UTILIZED? WHAT FOR?
Grants and generous donor funds are being utilized as construction of our new greenhouse is underway at Heronswood and a new utility cart for the garden staff.
WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OR GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO ANY INDIVIDUALS THIS MONTH?
Haunted Heronswood is the biggest event in our calendar. This year's event was a great success, despite the bad weather, and I'd like to give a big shoutout to ALL of the staff at Heronswood and the PGS Foundation for making it such a success! I'd especially like to single out Debby Purser and James Streun, who put in a lot of time and effort to set up this event and to ensure it proceeded smoothly. Great job guys! - Ross Bayton
Debby Purser and the maintenance team of James Streun, Nate Swift and Marcus McClean for spear-heading another successful Haunted Heronwood event that featured S'Klallam legends and activities for the community.- Rizanino Reyes
HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES RECIEVED A CERTIFICATION THIS MONTH? OR COMPLETED A TRAINING?
Heather Sullivan- Completed "Strong People Parenting Train the Trainer" provided by the Tribal CFS Department
HAVE ANY GOALS BEEN MET THIS MONTH? WHO REACHED THEM?
Increasing cultural connections for enrolled children and families- the ENTIRE ECE SCHOOL FAMILY!
ARE ANY GRANTS BEING UTILIZED? WHAT FOR?
WA State Tribal Early Learning Funds (TELF) continues to support S'Klallam language and cultural ways activities
* Wool weaving to support "Indigenous Pink Fashion Show"
* Horse Clam Digging
* Supporting Elders in classrooms reading to children and participating
Farm to School provided indigenous and local foods for our menus for children
* Huckleberries/Salmon/Local beef/Salad greens/Green beans/cucumbers/squash
WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OR GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO ANY INDIVIDUALS THIS MONTH?
Cassandra Tom/Mistaya Benefield/ Emily McBride/Rayna Espinosa/Quanah Joaquin- enrolled in NWIC for ECE certificates and AA Degrees
Tyler McLain,ECE and Summer Hager ,Tribal Health Clinic for supporting the University of Washington Student Nurses during their on-site community experience.
HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES RECIEVED A CERTIFICATION THIS MONTH? OR COMPLETED A TRAINING?
Kiana Charles is currently working on THRP recertification.
WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OR GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO ANY INDIVIDUALS THIS MONTH?
Shoutout to the entire HR team for presenting to General Council. Great job ladies!
A big thanks to Jenn Tom, HR hosted our first Multicultural Potluck in July. Jenn announced and prepared for employees to gather, share recipes, and connect. Our next one will be held in November 2024!
Audreena Tom held 93 Interviews in 2023. 71 Interviews were conducted in the first three quarters of 2024!
Don't forget to check back next month to read about November! Keep up the great work, PGST!
Please click here to hear the phrase in S'Klallam - it is #48 on the list.
