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 [email protected]. Graphic design by Lindsay Maine.

At the November General Council Meeting on November 2, the Cowlitz Canoe Family proudly celebrated the crowning of the 2024/2025 Canoe Family Princesses and Canoe Family Warriors. The selected youth showcased their cultural knowledge by filleting fish, engaging with Elders, and demonstrating their talents in dance and song. As representatives of the Tribe, the newly crowned royalty will travel throughout the Pacific Northwest, serving as role models and participating in cultural events such as powwows, canoe journey, and other costal events and ceremonies. The role of the Canoe Family Princesses and Warriors emphasizes the importance of passing down traditions in a manner that resonates with our Tribal community and reflects the values of our Cowlitz youth. Their journey is a testament to our commitment to honoring our heritage and fostering the next generation of leaders in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Congratulations to the 2024/2025 Cowlitz Canoe Family Princesses and Warriors! We are so proud of you! Photo courtesy of Cathleen Lombard.

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Cowlitz Indian Tribe is looking for Tribal members to serve on several boards and committees! Applications for all open positions close on November 27, 2024. Election Board (3): The Election Board has three open seats! The Election Committee oversees the Elections process for all Cowlitz Elections and voter opportunities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YRUHpW Weavers Committee (3): The Weavers Committee is seeking three members! Applicants must be experienced in weaving culturally significant materials and able to learn how to teach weaving to others. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3AJdEmA Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Committee (2): The ICW Committee is seeking two new members. The ICW Committee has the ultimate decision-makingauthority on the subject of Tribal participation in ICW cases involving Cowlitz Tribal Members and potential Cowlitz Tribal members. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hSLiqA Culture Resource Board (1): The Culture Resource Board is looking to add one member. The Culture Resource Board supports, assists, and advises the Cultural Resources Department on the department’s budget and cultural events and programs. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UT9K1v Tribal Council Member (1): Tribal Council has one open seat. The Council oversees land management, service provisions, judicial affairs, and the preservation of the Tribe's cultural heritage. It exercises legislative authority over Tribal membership and enrollment and liaises with various government entities, including other tribal councils. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZaXgnh Enrollment Committee (3): The Enrollment Committee is electing new officers for Committee Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. The Enrollment Committee discusses enrollment issues and processes enrollment applications. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YQ1mB1

Today we recognize and honor Veterans Day. Thank you, Cowlitz Veterans and all Veterans, for your countless sacrifices, endless dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting us, our families, and our country. With the deepest respect and gratitude, we say thank you.

Heads up! Cowlitz Indian Tribe offices will close at 3:00pm today and are closed on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday.

Work for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT)! Current open positions include Health Services Program Coordinator, Fish Cutter, 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

On Wednesday, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman William “Bill” Iyall and Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong, with support of Governor Jay Inslee signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing government-to-government relations between CIT and the department in a ceremony at the Cowlitz Transportation building in Longview. This agreement seeks to remove administrative barriers, improve communications, and enhance culturally appropriate data privacy and security measures. “This historic agreement is not just a document, and its signing is not just a ceremony; it is an investment in the future of the Cowlitz people and a moment to honor those that came before us and fought for our right to self-determination,” said Chairman Iyall. The Wednesday ceremony highlighted the Tribe’s transition to clean energy and gave an update on its clean energy projects. With over $8 million secured in state funding, CIT is electrifying our vehicle fleet, installing solar panels and battery storage, upgrading pedestrian pathways and bike lanes, and more. Learn more about CIT’s clean energy projects here: https://bit.ly/4f5zeRl (Photo credits: Paul Rich)

Happy Native American Heritage Month! This month we celebrate the culture, traditions, and resilience of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and all Native American communities. This year is especially meaningful as President Biden recently issued a formal apology acknowledging the U.S. government's role in creating and operating Indian boarding schools, following the recent Bureau of Indian Affairs’ investigative report published in July. This formal apology is a critical step in addressing the deep pain and trauma caused by these boarding schools. While our communities continue to heal, we look forward to future conversations and actions that support justice and reconciliation. Check out the article to learn more: https://wapo.st/3NNvbwO

Happy Halloween from CIT! We wish you a safe, spooky, and candy-filled holiday. ?????? Have an amazing Halloween costume? Send a picture and a short description of your costume to [email protected] to be featured on our social media and in the Weekly Updates!

Save the Date! Kick off the holidays at ilani’s annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:00pm on Sunday, November 17th! More information will be provided in coming weeks.