Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Cowlitz Artists! CIT is updating our Cowlitz Artist Database to better connect with local artists and notify them of upcoming opportunities such as art showcases, grants, workshops, and more. Sign up at the link below to receive email notifications about these exciting opportunities: https://bit.ly/3Dt268c

Did you know the Cowlitz Indian Tribe through the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build townhomes for active-duty military members and veterans? The Tâlicn (Cowlitz word for “to help”) residential project is a 28-townhome project being developed near Olympia. Once completed, the area will feature 3- to 4-bedroom energy-efficient townhomes and a playground. Through this partnership, we aim to address the critical need for affordable and stable housing while fostering a sense of community and well-being. By incorporating energy-efficient building designs and family-friendly amenities, the Tâlicn project reflects the Tribe’s broader mission of promoting sustainable development and supporting those who have served the nation. (Photo by Steve Bloom/The Olympian) Read more about the Tâlicn project here: https://bit.ly/3Bwt5if

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe would like to congratulate and welcome new Tribal Council member Greg LaDue-Grove! Greg was elected to the open Tribal Council seat at the Saturday, December 7th Tribal Council meeting and was immediately sworn in. Greg will serve the remainder of Council member Appelt’s term, which ends in 2026.

Work for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT)! Current open positions include Program Assistant, Fish Cutter, Part-time Store Clerk, 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

Thinksgiving ~ Friendsgiving ~ Kinsgiving Thankful to be thinking of all the friends, relatives, and neighbors in the season of giving. Giving thoughts to memories is a season-round stimulation of one’s inner dialogue and giving time to those thoughts lead back to visualizations of relatives and friends. Remembrances are there in the great drawer of memory, ready to be pulled out during any holiday season. Thanksgiving usually evokes flashes of dinner, that one spellbinding dinner that brings relatives around the table to catch up on the latest in life events. If relatives are a bit too far or the weather too harsh, there’s the wonderful opportunity to gather with nearby friends. Whether friends or family, whether hosting or attending, there’s an underlying stream of gratitude/attitude that honors the old and celebrates the new. The swirl of collected adults and children generates conversations, laughter, games, conversation, music, football, and ultimately The Dinner - either potluck style or the family traditional spread. Whether Kin or Friends-Giving, time is the most precious offering one gives to the holiday hours, whether one spends it with the family of origin, or the chosen family, or both. As the hours wind down, one might reflect on what’s truly important in life: the people we love and the connections that bind us,—because in the end, every gathering forms its own collection of memories to add to the next rollover of time. Tanna Engdahl

Heads up! CIT offices will be closed Thursday and Friday this week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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.