Kenaitze Indian Tribe Newsletter

Welcome Tim Sheffel D.O.

New Medical Director for the Dena'ina Clinic

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe welcomes Tim Scheffel, D.O. as the new medical director for the Dena'ina Clinic.

Dr. Scheffel received a masters degree from Indiana University and a medical degree in 1980 from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon completion of his internship in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Scheffel began practice in Seattle where he remained until he relocated with his family to Girdwood in 1991. Dr. Scheffel founded the Girdwood Medical Clinic and served the Girdwood, Whittier and Hope communities for several years.

In 1998 Dr. Scheffel was hired by South Central Foundation as the medical director for the urgent care clinic in the emergency department at the Alaska Native Medical Center and has served in that position for 10 years.

Dr. Scheffel's philosophy of healthcare incorporate the best of scientific medicine with a patient-centered approach emphasizing education and preventative measures. He hopes to help guide the Kenaitze Tribe towards continual improvement in the delivery of healthcare.

Dr. Scheffel currently lives with his wife, Frani, and daughter, Naomi, in Homer. He enjoys skiing, boating, fishing, flying, and camping.

Dr. Scheffel looks forward to his new role as medical director for the KIT.

---

From the Executive Director

Summer is here! The fish are in and everyone is busy with their garden. I am happy to announce that after a year-long search we have successfully recruited and hired a new doctor. Dr. Tim Sheffel D.O. is featured on the front of this issue. Please join me in welcoming him to the Tribe.

Another success I'd like to highlight is the Tribe's very own Christopher Anderson, who earned the Best Sportsmanship for Male Athlete award at the Spring Senior Native Youth Olympics. Congratulations Christopher, we are all very proud of you and your winning attitude!

My best to you all. Enjoy a safe and happy summer. - Jaylene Peterson-Nyren, Executive Director

---

News From Nakenu

Gearing Up for Nakenu Summer Programs

As the school year continues to wind down to the end, Tim, Kim and Phillip have started gearing up the upcoming Nakenu Summer Program. We will be running two - four-week sessions (June 2 thru June 26 and July 7 thru July 31) for approximately forty Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth that participate in Nakenu programs. We are excited about the program as we have been able to secure a great location for the program, and increase the activities for the youth.

The program will be located at Kenai Middle School (KMS), with the ability to utilize classroom space for group instruction; the Home Economics room for meal preparation; and life skills activities in the gym, rock wall, fields and outdoor space. We will be swimming at the Nikiski pool once a week to promote healthy lifestyles and appropriate hygiene. We have purchased climbing gear and are having staff trained and certified in belay so that we can utilize the rock wall in the gym at KMS.

Each group will attend an age appropriate workshop at the Challenger Learning Center, with a focus on teamwork and self-esteem. Curt Shuey will lead a talking circle with each group weekly. Martina Georges will be meeting weekly with each group to provide cultural education and activities. Deb Nyquist will be teaching TaiChi and other healthy lifestyle activities and education. Cultural & Education will be spending time with our children and staff, teaching the philosophy and events of NYO, and will be meeting with groups periodically to evaluate client individual growth. We are very fortunate and thankful for all that we are able to provide for the children we work with, and most of all for the wonderful personal resources within Kenaitze and the community that are sharing their talents and activities with us!

What about us Adults?

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe's mission is to foster the well-being of its members and their families. The Tribal Youth Justice Program is part of this effort, as it draws on cultural values and principles to help our youth find a good path when they hit difficult patches in their lives. The Circle brings together Tribal and community members who offer their love, wisdom, and a listening ear, returning to an ageless tradition where the individual supports the village and the village supports the individual. As great as this sounds to us adults, the teens are not so sure. You can see the confusion and fear in their faces when they hear about the process. It is clear that this idea is unfamiliar to them. It may be an honored tradition from the past, but it is not a current custom.

We know all too well that our own difficult times didn't end after the teenage years, but what do we adults do when things get tough for us? What example do we provide to our youth? Children learn more from what they see in the lives of their parents, grandparents, and other adults than from any other source. Do we turn to our community for help, or keep it to ourselves? Do we open our hearts, or close them?

If our children are to trust the Circle to help them onto a good path, they must see that we are willing to apply these traditional values to ourselves. An opportunity to "walk our talk" is coming up in June when the Southcentral Foundation's Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) hosts an Arrigah House in the Kenai area. Arrigah House is a place for adults to talk with each other about things that hurt us as individuals and as a people; difficult subjects like conflict, domestic violence, and all forms of abuse. If you are interested in attending or if you would like additional information on the Arrigah House Conference, please contact the Family Wellness Warriors Initiative offices at 907-729-5440 or visit their website at www.fwwi.org.

---

Tyotkas Elder Program

News from Our Elders

We would like to thank all of our Elders and guests for their patience during the time that our ice machine has been down. We have it on good word that it should be in working order within the next week - yeah!!! It's amazing how much we've come to depend on a little frozen water.

Tyotkas Elder Center has always tried to serve traditional foods when available. For our Mothers Day luncheon we had King Salmon, wild rice, salad bar and corn on the cob. Hooligans are also a part of the menu. Bonnie will soon be mailing a menu along with an activities calendar to all Elders that live in KIT service area. Again this year we will have elder fish days at the net you can pick up a schedule at the elder center.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the Seward Sea Life center. In celebration, the 10th of each month admission is free, and we plan on taking elders down for this occasion.

Welcome Back Dave!

Dave Segura worked with our Elders for 6 years, and is now the new Director of Tyotkas Elder Center. "It's great to be back at Tyotkas working with our Elders," says Dave.

In addition to their regular programs, summertime brings with it Elder Fish Days, field trips to the net at Waterfront every other week. These trips give the Elders a chance to share in the bounty of salmon making their way to the Kenai River. Everything caught is distributed to all the Elders who attend. See insert for dates and times of Elders Fishing Schedule.

Beginning in May, raffle tickets will be given to everyone attending Elder Luncheon each day. On Fridays a ticket will be drawn, and one lucky winner each week will receive a coupon for a free lunch. The grand prize at the end of each month is a $40 coupon, worth up to twenty luncheons!

---

Southcentral Foundation's Family Wellness Warriors Initiative

Southcentral Foundation's Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) is hosting an Arrigah House in the Kenai area in June of 2008. Arrigah House is a faith-based conference designed to educate and train individuals on how to interact with, work with, and respond to those whose lives have been impacted by abuse, neglect, and / or domestic violence. Those who attend are given tools to help understand how past harm plays into the current ways we relate to and interact with those around us. Participants are also taught how to safely enter conflict in such a way that invites healthier relationships and more meaningful and positive outcomes with others.

As leaders in our homes, communities, and careers it is important that we understand the devastating and long-term impact that domestic violence, abuse, and neglect has on those who have experienced it or are currently experiencing it. When we are able to see each individual as a person of worth and dignity and treat them as such, then the result can have a profound impact that translates into healthier relationships at home, work, and throughout our communities.

The Arrigah House Conference is coming to the Kenai Peninsula in June of 2008. If you are interested in attending or if you would like additional information, please contact the Family Wellness Warriors Initiative offices at 907-729-5440 or visit their website at www.fwwi.org.

---

Greetings From Housing

Summer's Finally Here!

I certainly hope you didn't find many unwelcome surprises under the snow after it melted. If you did, perhaps we can help. Be sure and give us a call if you have any problems or need a little advice.

When applying for any program, the following information will be needed:

• Three years tax forms.
• Pay stubs for last two pay periods.
• Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal Card.
• Borough Assessment.
• Deed bank agreement, lease, or quit claim.
• Proof of insurance.
• Current contact information.

Having this information available will speed up the application process. Stop in for a visit and a cup of coffee.

Rusty

Are you living in a sick house?

An environment with poor indoor air quality may be referred to as having sick building syndrome (SBS). SBS describes a situation in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in a building, yet no illness or cause can be specifically identified. The complaints can be localized in a particular room or widespread throughout the home or building. Poor indoor air quality can lead to increased health problems causing reduced productivity due to discomfort or increased absenteeism from work.

The following list is a general overview of the most important maintenance and housekeeping items that you as a homeowner can do to improve the health and durability of your home.

• Clean and disinfect appliance drip pans regularly to reduce contaminant growth and exposure.
• Keep your basement or crawlspace dry to avoid mold, mildew, and rotting problems.
• Clean dirty air filters. A dirty air filter will be ineffective in cleaning the air and will spread contaminants throughout the house.
• Keep your furnace or other fuel burning appliance maintained and have it checked regularly to avoid combustion air contaminants.
• Repair broken or leaky pipes to keep mold from growing in concealed spaces.
• Inspect chimneys and vents for soot stains, cracks, or improper fits that could leak combustion gases.
• Reduce humidity levels with proper ventilation.

Good indoor air quality is a healthy indoor environment where the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, good health, and a sense of well being. There are many benefits to good indoor air quality, the most obvious is the health of the building occupants.

---

Career & Education Program

Dear Kenaitze Newsletter Readers:

New Frontier Vocational Technical Center (NFVTC) has received a Denali Training Fund Youth Program Grant. NFVTC offered a Career Skills Institute (CSI) to teach employability skill to youth, ages 14-24, who are interested in careers in high growth industries during a week long training June 2-6, 2008. Youth who participated may be matched with local employers to practice their employability skills in either subsidized or paid employer.

Youth who attended the CSI training will be selected to work for a Tribal program in Cultural, Housing and/or Environmental Departments. To qualify for the Workforce Investment Program (WIP) you must be Alaska Native/American Indian, with an established financial need and 14-21 years old. If you do not qualify for the WIP, CSI will provide another meaningful job in our community.

Our final project for the Rural Human Services Certificate was to facilitate the Yaghanen Youth Council. Vide Van Velzor, Martina Georges, and myself contributed ideas for Youth Leadership for the project in conjunction with the Title VII and Cultural Departments.

We, as well as eight presenters from other Tribal programs, addressed subjects such as child abuse, domestic violence, justice circle, and drug & alcohol abuse, as well as some fun hands-on projects making drums and preparing foods. I think the most important part of our project was working together and mirroring teamwork and communication. Eleven students and four Elder/Mentors stayed throughout the entire project even with the tough subjects that were being addressed. My thanks go to all youth, Elders, mentors and presenters who participated in the Yaghanen Youth Council.

Don't forget to check out the latest job openings at our website www.kenaitze.org. Youth, make sure to check out the Workforce Investment Act Program for ages 14 to 21 - learn while you earn!

Chiqinik! Tsin'aen,
Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart
Career and Education Counselor
education@kenaitze.org
(907) 283-3633 ext. 265

---

Dena'ina Dental Clinic

March & April Cavity-Free Club Members!

Mikaila Colton ~ Ruscia-lea Colton ~ Dakota Curtiss ~ Tristan Davis ~ Henry Eide ~ Jess Eide ~ Adrienne Maxie ~ Sierra Morton ~ Dominique Showalter

Great Job Kids!

Dental Clinic Staff Visits Head Start Students

Dr. Morton and the Dental Clinic staff visit Head Start to check up on the kids teeth and apply fluoride treatments.

Dental Staff

335-2100 ext #2

Dr. Michael Morton, DDS
Dr. Carol Doser, DDS
Lucki Smith, RDH
Kristin Smith, EFDHA
Melisa Walstrom, Dental Asst.
Melanie Hutchings, PT Dental Asst.
Leah Skolnick, Receptionist
Hours M-F: 8:30am - 1:00pm & 2:00pm - 5:00pm

---

Diabetes Prevention Program

Yaghali Ch'ulane

"Healthy Mind, Healthy Body"

Increasing Awareness and participation in healthy activigies to prevent diabetes in our community.

Moose Roast

3 lbs Moose Round or Rump Roast
3 Cups carrots, diced
2 Cups potatoes, diced
3-4 sticks celery, chopped
Add mushrooms
1 Envelope dry onion soup mix
1 Tbl. Parsley, dried
1 Tsp. Garlic powder
1/2 Tsp. Black pepper

1. Mix together all ingredients in a large glass bowl (or in the pot roast container). Add moose roast.
2. Marinate moose in mix with a cover over the bowl & refrigerate overnight.
3. Transfer roast & marinade the next day into baking pan. Add water if necessary. Cook at 300-325° for 4-6 hours.

"I like using the dry onion soup mix for this recipe. I use it quite a lot for recipes such as meatloaf & hamburger." -John Jacobsson, DPP Participant

Eating more traditional foods like moose helps maintain a healthy weight.

When choosing a meat eat 2 servings a day of lower fat meats such as moose, caribou, reindeer, lean beef, pork, salmon, halibut, clams, tuna, ptarmigan, skinless chicken or turkey. One serving equals approximately 3 ounces.

Upcoming DPP Activities

July 9 - Lifestyle Balance Curriculum Core Group 8 begins every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Walking every Tuesday from 4:30 to 5 p.m.

July 15 - Centennial Walk, 2.2 miles with stops along the way, 2 p.m. at the Kenai Wildlife Refuge.

July 17 - Waterfront Net Activities including fishing, walking, food taste testing, and stress management.

August 5 - Spirit Lake picnic and fun.

August 13 - Waterfront Net Activities.

August 28 - Skilak Lake Walk.

"Be Fit Recommit" AfterCore classes coming this fall ~ Motivation for Lifestyle Change

Continuing Lifestyle Balance takes time and diligence. DPP supports enrolled participants with opportunities to participate in traditional activities. Risks for Type 2 Diabetes can be reduced by practicing lifestyle balance by eating healthy & increasing activity. Call to find out how you can participate and learn the tools of Lifestyle Balance at 335-2172 or stop in to see us at the Dena'ina Health Clinic, Yaghali Ch'ulane DPP Program.

---

Dena'ina Health Clinic

Diabetes Wellness Gathering

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our April Diabetes Wellness Gathering and Tyotkas Elders' Lunch with celebrity chef Sam Talbot a success. Sam's visit was fun and the lunch was exciting; keep incorporating traditional foods into your healthy diet.

Wellness Tips

Be Healthy at Work

Deborah J. Corker, MDiv, MSCP, CT, ABD, Executive Director of Alaska Health Fair, Inc., offers these tips on staying well in the workplace.

• One of the best things you can do for yourself on the job is to get a good night's sleep!
• The second thing is to have a life outside the job: Be social, interact with others, spend time with your family.
• Take your lunch time. Get up from your desk, walk around, go outside, eat - but most importantly take a break. Productivity and your health will be improved if you take a break.
• Check your environment. It may be as simple as getting an ergonomically correct keyboard, chair or desk. It could involve adding or removing a plant. Remember you are living in your work space, it should be a place in which you feel physically comfortable.
• If your employer has a gym, wellness programs, or offers memberships to fitness programs, take advantage of them. As little as 15 minutes of exercise three times a week (work week) can make a world of difference to how you feel physically and mentally.
• Often, high-stress, high-demand jobs stretch our limits physically, intellectually and emotionally, so make sure you have an outlet. Find something you really enjoy and be sure to reward yourself for a job well done.

• Welcome to our new Medical Director, Tim Scheffel, MD, OD. We look forward to working with Dr. Scheffel and the opportunities that will result from having him on staff.
• Thank you for your patience during our renovation construction. Please tell us what you think of the expanded waiting room, new lab and exam rooms.
• Emergency Room charges are only being considered for eligible services for Kenaitze Indian Tribe members; information is posted at the Clinic and ER brochures are available.
• To be seen at the Dena'ina Health Clinic, you must have proof of eligibility on file: Certificate of Indian Blood or equivalent. Please ask for assistance if you need help obtaining your eligibility documents.
• Clinic staff meeting closures will be posted at the clinic at least 1 week in advance of meeting time.
• Celebrate a safe 4th of July with your family. The Clinic will be closed July 4th; regular clinic hours will be held on Saturday, July 5th.

Imagine

If you stopped smoking right now, your blood pressure would drop in 20 minutes.

In 8 hours, the oxygen level in your blood with increase to normal.

And in 24 hours, your chances of a heart attack would decrease.

Imagine how good you'll feel a month from now. Your circulation will improve.

Nerve endings will regrow. Lung function will improve significantly.

Imagine the freedom of being a non-smoker.

Imagine the joy of feeling healthy.

Imagine quitting.

What does this mean?

• 72 patients had colorectal cancer screenings at the clinic
• 61 screenings have been "normal" - no polyps were found; these patients need flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in 5 years
• 11 patients had polyps - polyps were biopsied and sent to lab
• 7 of the 11 were "negative" - no cancerous changes; these patients need flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in 5 years
• 4 of the 11 were "positive" - they had cancerous changes; these patients were referred for colonoscopy and treatment; these patients will need a colonoscopy on a more frequent basis

Polyps are slow growing; with time they could become cancerous. The only way to find them is through colorectal cancer screening. If you are 50 or older, get screened. Flexible sigmoidoscopy clinic is every Friday. If you or a family member has had polyps or colorectal cancer, ask about a colonoscopy referral.

---

Kenaitze Cuya Qyut'anen Head Start

Kenaitze After School Program

Our children are concluding a very successful year. I am so very proud of the growth in academics, social and problem solving skills demonstrated by your children. With our support there is no goal they will fall short of. It has been a privilege to spend time with them every day and help them celebrate their successes. Rarely does a day go by that the adults in the room don't make eye-contact and the silent message passes between them, "Did you see (or hear) that?" I truly appreciate you sharing your precious sons and daughters with us.

Moose & Bears Room

The children are enjoying spending time outside in the fresh air and the warmth of the sun. The Little Bears and Little Moose have grown to quite a family. With the help of our Stop and Think lessons their social skills have increased. Watching them apply their lessons to "real life" situations has been a joy and a treat for us.

Salmon & Whales Room

As we wrap our year up, we once again would like to thank all of the volunteers that have helped our classroom to be such a warm and caring environment. Without parent help on field trips, special days such as the Imaginarium Day, and around our room we could not have done it. We are excited for our younger students to return to Head Start next year and feeling both happy and sad to send our older students on to Kindergarten next year.

Eagles & Ravens Room

The Ravens and Eagles are great singers, loving new songs and finger plays, some in sign language. Miss Maggie introduced the Dena'ina names for body parts & the Band-Aid song "Egedu". They are top-notch listeners at story time and are sharing with our group their ideas and personal experiences. We have been learning about our 5 senses; hearing, smelling, tasting, seeing & touching.

Alaska Native Education Otter Class

The Otter students are really into cultural studies and language learning. Their favorite seems to be the Raven Ggugguyni song and dance. We learned the Egedu song from Miss Maggie. Then we chose a neat Yagheli du? song and Hdi Yah do ho march done with cultural sticks. We wish to thank all the parents for sharing their precious young learners with us. We also want to thank all the volunteers who visited the Kenaitze Preschool and enriched our learning experience.

All Programs Include:

• Certified Teachers
• Encourage Self Confidence & Spontaneity, Curiosity & Self Discipline
• Dena'ina Cultural Curriculum
• Stop & Think Social Skills Curriculum
• Monthly Field Trips
• Indoor / Outdoor Active Play
• Meals Provided at No Cost to Families
• Weekly Family Activities
• Social and Emotional Assessments
• Health Assessment including Dental, Nutrition, Mental Health
• Child Development Assessments
• Family Workshops & Seminars

Early Childhood Education Curriculum with emphasis on Social/Emotional skills and Kindergarten Readiness

Kenaitze Head Start

Ages 3 to 5 Years
Tuesday thru Friday
10:00 am to 2:30 pm

• Income Based
• Bus Service to Community Stops
• Kenai, Soldotna & Nikiski

Kenaitze Preschool

Tuesday thru Friday
8:00 am to 12:00 pm

• Native Based for 3 to 5 Year Olds
• Alaska Native / American Indians

Kenaitze After-School Program

Monday thru Friday
3:00 to 6:00 pm

• Native Based or Former Head Start Students - K-2 grade
• Dena'ina Language Curriculum
• Cultural Activities including Dance and NYO
• Bus Service
• Partner with Elementary Schools to assist with Tutoring

Imaginarium Kids Fair

All of the staff at the Kenaitze Head Start and the Alaska Native Education Pre School & After School Programs would like to thank all of the parents and families that attended the Imaginarium Kids Fair at the Family House on April 18, 2008.

The children enjoyed many activities and centers. There were 19 presenters from the community and 179 guests. We would like to say thank you to all the presenters and guests that helped contribute to a great turn out.

---

Cultural & Educational

We've Moved!!!

Remember When Yaghanen and Cultural Programs Shared Fort Kenay with the Elders Program and the Russian Orthodox Church?

We're back!! Cultural and Educational moved to Fort Kenay June 2nd. We have many fond memories of activities and events when cultural and youth programs operated at Fort Kenay and look forward to creating many more. You are welcome to visit us anytime, however during most of the summer we will be at camps and K'Beq' so be sure to call ahead. We're planning a "We're Back" reception in the Fall to present our program goals, schedules and coming events. We hope you will join us. We enjoyed sharing a building with Nakenu and will miss the daily camaraderie just as much as we'll miss having an office copier!

Above: Randy Ashford and Corey Stuart draw door prizes at Qetihldiht 'you will learn a skill place' Career Fair. Jabila'ina dancers perform Raven's Song.

Tall Tales of Trapping Welcomed!

Stepanka's was the last inhabited Dena'ina village on the upper Kenai River. The Tribe, Susten Campers, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service relocated Herman Lindgren's cabin from Stepanka's to K'Beq'. The reconstructed cabin will be the centerpiece for interpretive programs and materials about Kenaitze Dena'ina trapping and fishing on the upper Kenai. Many Kenaitze families visited Stepanka's to fish, trap, or camp and recorded their visit on the walls of the cabin. Visit K'Beq' and look for your relatives' or friends' names and comments. The Tribe is collecting stories and anecdotes about Stepanka's and other places on the upper Kenai. Please contact either Sasha Lindgren or Dana Verrengia if you have a story to share.

Yaghanen Winter Programs

Our Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympics team took their last trip for the winter 2007-08 Yaghanen season to attend the Native Youth Olympics Senior State Competition April 24 through 26. It was a awesome trip, and a great way to end the year. To top it off, Chris Anderson (pictured below), one of our Senior Boys, was awarded Best Sportsmanship for Male Athlete at the State Competition. Congratulations Chris!

We'd like to thank Tribal Council Member Wayne Wilson and Debbie Coveyou for joining our team at State and all they do to support our team. Chiqinik to the parents of all our Yaghanen Youth. We hope to see you all again next year. Yaghali Shani! Have a good summer!

2008 Senior NYO Competition Youth:

Salamatof Tribal Council

Shannon Alexie
Corey Olympic
Dillon Stuart
Kyle Stuart
Alyssa Subera

Kenaitze Ggugguyni

Christopher Anderson
James Andrew
Jack Austin
Angela Idzinski
Michael Lassley
Jack Williams
Jonathan Wilson

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps!

Łuq'a Camp (Fish Camp)

July 14 through 18 for kids ages 9 to 12. ?uqa Camp teaches and preserves the cultural and traditional subsistence ways of life that were established by the early Dena'ina.

Susten Camp (Archaeology Camp

August 4 through 8 (week 1) & 11 through 15 (week 2) for kids ages 13-18. Susten Campers work with a trained archaeologist to guide and teach the youth in methods of archaeology. Susten Camp provides cultural perpetuance, educational presentations and exposure to job opportunities within state and federal agencies that manage our ancestral lands.

If I Were a Snowy Owl

by Nicole Harmon

If I were a snowy owl I'd be large and mostly white. I'd have yellow eyes and furry slippers, and a 66 inch windspan for flight.

If I were a snowy owl I'd glide close to the ground, And drop down real fast to catch the prey I've found.

If I were a snowy owl I'd live in the Arctic country. I'd build my nest on the tundra and I'd be happy to be free.

If I were a snowy owl I'd have very great eyesight. I'd look for mice, rabbits and lemmings, I'd be a good hunter at night.

---

Tribal Environmental Program

Earth Day Gathering a Great Success!

Chiqinik to all of the volunteers and families that helped make the Earth Day Gathering on April 19th a success! We had over 140 people in attendance at the new Tribal Environmental Center located at 502 Overland in Old Town Kenai. We will host our annual beach clean-up on July 12th, the last day of Janteh Science Camp. Hope to see you there!

Above Left: Paula Bobby, who came to make birch bark baskets, is visiting with Steve Abruska. Above Right: Double trouble for pollution, as these girls learn about environmental protection.

Janteh Science Camp

Janteh Science Camp, day camp for youth going into grades 1 thru 3, will be held July 9 thru 11, with the 12th being our annual beach clean-up day. This year we will focus on learning about the Kenai River watershed, recycling, and learning about the great outdoors. Please register early, space is limited.

Boat Motor Buy-Back Program was a Success!

We completed over 220 motor exchanges of boats on the Kenai River. If a Tribal member needs to exchange their two-stroke motor, please call Brenda ASAP, and we may be able to take a few more, but the program is ending, and we completed the mission set in the EPA Targeted Watershed grant!

Junk Vehicle Disposal Program

Did you know a vehicle can cause pollution by just sitting in your yard?

The Junk Vehicle Removal Program is part of Kenaitze Indian Tribe's ongoing effort to improve the lives of its members and clients, and increase environmental protection here in the Kenai area. Eligible Alaska Native and Native American people living within our service area who are willing to remove old vehicles from their property can participate. Call our office for more information.

Project Green Village

Project Green Village is a new part of the Tribal Environmental Program that is designed to help families become better stewards of the earth by reducing waste, reusing, and recycling. We will work closely with five Tribal families for the first session, and report on their progress each newsletter.

---

John Edward Brown

John Edward Brown of Las Vegas, NV died May 6th 2008 of cancer. He was born April 14,1935 in Anchorage, AK. He lived in Anchorage, AK, Everett, WA. Kenai, & Tyonek, Alaska.

"Eddie" as he was known by to his brothers, sister and parents, went to his first 8 grades of school in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1950 the family moved to Everett, WA., where he attended 9th grade at South JR. High School and then went to Everett High School, where he excelled in track & field and graduated in 1954.

Eddie joined the US Navy and saw ports of call worldwide, including Honolulu, San Diego, Tokyo, New York, Rome & Barcelona. He was trained as an electrician's mate.

Eddie moved back to Anchorage, Alaska. There, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, completed his apprenticeship and became a journeyman lineman working throughout Alaska, including wiring an atomic boom on Amchitka.

At a family friend's wedding Eddie met an attractive red-headed school teacher named Frances Reilly. After a short courtship they were married on Sept. 1,1961 in Anchorage, AK.

They had five strapping sons, Kevin, Sean, Eddie, Russell, and James. The boys turned out to be a fine combination of the two strong personalities.

An industrial accident occurred shortly after the Anchorage, AK. 1964 earthquake (9.4 on the richter scale) when he was atop a 60' pole that broke off at the ground. When he hit the ground the pole was on top of him crushing his hip. After spending a year in the hospital, Eddie went back to school to earn a BA teaching degree from Western State College. The Swinnomish Indian Tribe School at LaConnor, WA was his first teaching job.

The following year Eddie moved his family to Kenai, AK, where his Grandfather, John Hedberg had homesteaded and his Mother, Alice E. Brown, was born. He took a position teaching there.

For two years he was the principal in the Alaska Native Village of Tyonek, where he earned the respect of the village & was a recognized success as an educator.

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe of Kenai, AK was one of Eddie's greatest loves. He was a true culture bearer. He was a strong supporter of the tribe as a council member, known for his straight talk and quick wit. He was the push behind the building of a moose skin canoe. He also established the Circle of Life Fund for his son, Sean.

To all who knew them it was a sad day when Eddie and Frances divorced, Jan. 21,1979. They remained supportive of each other and no one ever heard them say a single bad thing about each other.

When work ran out in Alaska, Eddie move to Nevada to help build the Stealth Bomber Base at Tonapau, NV, where he worked after completion as the Superintendent for 10 years until his retirement.

In Las Vegas, Eddie found a new helpmate, Elaine Ingram and they were married on July 4th, 1989. He had a new loving family, daughter Deeanna Wright, sons Dennis Green and Barry Green.

Eddie was preceded in death by his son, Sean, brother, Elmer, sister, Elva, Mother & Father, Elmer & Alice Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, sons, Kevin, Eddie (Diana), Russell, James, and granddaughter, Kaylee. Brother, Gerald (Martha), Nieces, Alisa, Keri, Becky, Susie, nephews, Chris, John, Keith, Ronnie, David & Jimmie, step-daughter, Deeanna Wright, stepsons, Dennis & Barry Green.

No flowers please. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Circle of Life in care of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, P.O. Box 988, Kenai, AK 99611.

---

Transportation Department

Hello from the Transportation Department of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. KIT has been given a wonderful opportunity to help provide the Tribal community and their members greater opportunities for a mode of transportation to a variety of places such as clinic appointments, the Tyotkas Elder's Center, pharmacy visits, etc. We have just received the grant approval of a Tribal Transit Award. This will give us the opportunity for planning to help provide the above mentioned services. We are very excited about this as it should help many members as the fuel prices continue to increase. Thank you to everyone who completed the transportation survey. The 73 surveys that were completed and returned by Tribal members showed the following results:

• 78% are in need of transportation; 22% not in need of transportation
• Of the 78% in need of transportation:
  • 38% to go to the Health/Dental clinic
  • 27% to go shopping
  • 19% to go to the bank
  • 21% to go to the post office
  • 11% to go to fill prescriptions
  • The remainder need to go to Tyotkas Elder's Center, Cultural, Nakenu and Head Start.

We are working on arranging transportation services for the summer programs for Nakenu, Alaska Native Education Program, Cultural and Environmental, and are looking forward to working with all the departments of Kenaitze Indian Tribe, and their members. If you have any questions, please call Jeannette Young of the Transportation Department at 283-0707 ext. 274.

---