Cowlitz Indian Tribe

2024 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Cowlitz Pow Wow! This year’s theme is “Carrying Our Culture Forward for the Next Generation”. Join us on Saturday, September 14 at the Cowlitz County Event Center (1900 7th Avenue) in Longview! Doors open at 10:00am, grand entry is at noon and 7:00pm, and salmon dinner begins at 5:00pm. Interested in volunteering? Contact Angie Lepoidevin at alepoidevin1989@gmail.com. Graphic design by Lindsay Maine.

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! In 2024, recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow, with nearly half of the U.S. acknowledging the second Monday in October as a celebration of Indigenous contributions and cultures. We honor and thank the Native activists who have worked tirelessly to advocate for this important holiday and raise awareness of our history and presence. Together, we continue to move forward and anticipate the day where Indigenous Peoples’ Day is fully recognized and celebrated nationwide. (Photo by Derick Wright)

In honor and recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Cowlitz Indian Tribe offices will be closing today at 3:00pm and are closed on Monday, October 14th.

PLEASE SHARE! Cowlitz Tribal Members who live in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton are eligible for a one-time $5,000 emergency GWE payment. The CIT Enrollment Department is actively reaching out to households in the impacted areas. If you have been affected by these hurricanes, please contact Cowlitz Tribal Member Services (CTMS) for assistance by calling 1-877-COWLITZ (1-877-269-5489) or emailing memberservices@cowlitz.org

The Cowlitz Weavers meeting will be held online this Wednesday, October 9, at 7:00pm PDT. The meeting link can be found in the Weekly Updates that was sent out on Friday. Questions? Please contact Kyle Folden at krfolden@gmail.com or 360-259-0757.

Work for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT)! Current open positions include Transit Driver, Wildlife Program Manager, Registered Nurse, and more. CIT offers a competitive compensation package that includes fair wages with opportunities for annual increases, separate sick and vacation accruals, and 15 paid holidays per year, plus an additional paid cultural day where you and your family can learn more about the culture and people we work tirelessly to preserve and uplift. Learn more about our open positions: https://bit.ly/3pCTpkN

The Northwest Justice Project is hosting a free legal clinic on Tuesday, October 29th! Cowlitz Tribal Member Services (CTMS) has partnered with Northwest Justice Project's Native American Unit to offer legal services to our Cowlitz Tribal Members in Washington State. Workshops are one-hour blocks where attorneys will Cowlitz Tribal members with the legal matters listed below. Tribal members have the option of selecting an in-person or a virtual visit with an attorney. Services offered are housing, family matters, education cases, Indian wills, public benefits, consumer issues, and more! Participants must reserve an appointment in advance and answer pre-screening questions that CTMS will call you with before your appointment. Register here: https://bit.ly/4dBoKHE

Mark your calendars! The November General Council meeting has been set for Saturday, November 2 at ilani. Pre-register for the GC meeting here: https://bit.ly/3Y87Z2s In-person check-in will start at 8:30am. Virtual and in-person options will be available for all to participate. Childcare is FREE at Kids Quest during the Saturday General Council meeting only. Kids Quest will open at 9:30am on the day of General Council. Children must be picked up immediately following the end of GC meeting. Pre-register for Kids Quest here: https://bit.ly/42rzW4E Please remember to bring your Tribal ID for in-person check-in and childcare registration. Tribal Members who need assistance with travel costs can receive a $50 gas card (fuel cards are limited to one per vehicle). Sign up here to be a Volunteer or Vendor before October 22: Volunteer: https://bit.ly/3XJSPPo Vendor: https://bit.ly/3TOC3gX The night before the General Council meeting, Friday, November 1, there will be a Healing Circle and a Member Dinner. Those who wish to attend the Member Dinner must register by 6:00pm on October 31st. Registration for the Healing Circle and Member Dinner are completed while registering for the GC meeting at the link above. Call 1.(877).GO.ilani to reserve your room with the special Tribal member rate today! If you have questions, please contact Cowlitz Tribal Member Services at 1-877-Cowlitz or ctms@cowlitz.org

Proud Cowlitz moment! Cowlitz Tribal member Britt Jones will be sworn into the Cowlitz Tribal Court on Wednesday, October 9th at 1:30pm. Britt is a civil litigator who currently serves as the lead attorney on her legal team. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association’s Indian Law section and Litigation section. She also serves as the current Chair of Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association’s Juvenile Court Committee and is passionate about increasing access to justice and preserving the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Outside of work, Britt enjoys spending time with family, creative writing, and Cowlitz cultural activities. Britt descends from the Skloutwout/Legarde line. Outstanding, Britt! What an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of you! If a Cowlitz Tribal member in your family is doing great things and you’d like to celebrate them, send us their name, a photo, and a brief description and you may see them spotlighted on our social media! Please email: WeeklyUpdates@cowlitz.org

Just a few spots left! Join the Cowlitz Weavers Committee for a day of weaving at St. Mary's (125, Spencer Rd, Toledo) on October 26th from 9:00am – 4:00pm in the cafeteria. Please wear clothes that can get dirty or bring an apron. Materials we will be using will be wet and can stain clothing. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event will be put on and taught by the Cowlitz Weavers Committee. To register for this event and to see a list of classes that will be offered, click the link! https://bit.ly/3XRXRcL