Puyallup Nation News and Opinions

Petition for Term Limits Amendment to the Constitution - PuyallupTermLimits.com

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:26:00 GMT

Please print sign and distribute this Petition for Term Limits Amendment to the Constitution. Many Puyallup Tribal Members believe this is the only way to elect leaders who serve the people and not their self-interests.

Here is the link to a printable petition form. Be sure to read and follow the instructions below:

Term_Limits_Petition.pdf

Reasons for signing this Referendum:
• Equality for tribal members.
• Allows all tribal members a fair chance to get on Council.
• Opens up job opportunities for all.
• Encourages new ideas and promotes trust.
• Brings fiscal responsibility & accountability.
• More opportunities for input & new ideas from other tribal members.
• Gives the rights back to the people – not just a few families!
• Ensures that politicians who have become ineffective get out.

What will happen by not signing this Referendum:
• Nepotism will continue.
• Large families will continue to dominate tribal politics.
• Government corruption continues.
• Council will continue to operate outside of their own outdated policy & procedures.
• Wasting the tribe’s money by funding political agendas will never end.
• Decisions made in a vacuum with no input are guaranteed to continue.
• Information will not be shared with the membership.
• Lame ducks – definition is a politician who has become weak & ineffective – will continue to hinder progress of the tribe!

Send your friends to: PuyallupTermLimits.com

Important instructions for supporting this referendum:

If you are able to collect other Puyallup Tribal Member’s signatures, please complete these steps:

1.    Click on PDF icon
2.    Print PDF file. You can print multiple pages if needed.
3.    Fill-in row 1) completely then
4.    Have each additional tribal member fill in his/her printed name, signature, address, enrollment #, and date of birth.
5.    Try to get all the signatures you can
6.    Once you have all the signatures you able to get
7.    At the bottom of the page you must print and sign your name again
8.    This is to verify that you collected and can attest to each person on the list.
9.    Mail the original form to the below post office box.

If you are the ONLY signer, please complete these steps:

1.    Click on PDF icon
2.    Print PDF file
3.    Fill-in row 1) completely
4.    At the bottom of the page you must print and sign your name AGAIN
5.    This is to attest to your signature in line 1).
6.    Mail the original form to the below post office box.

PO BOX 9202
Tacoma, WA 98404

Deadline for mailing is: April 19, 2010

If you have any questions, please email it to the Comments or editor@puyalluptribalnews.com and we will answer within 48 hours. Thank you for caring about the future of the Puyallup Tribe!

Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Witness first hand, through the words and images of native people, as they share the story of the resurgence of the cedar canoe societies – and how it has opened a spiritual path of healing through tradition. Interviews with elders and youth, songs and dances from tribal canoe families, and canoe ceremonies are in this inspiring 54-minute documentary.

If you have had a chance to view Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey, please post a comment below.

What Makes David Bean Who He Is?

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Progress is what you call it. Since David Bean has been on council we have seen nothing but progress, I.e., an elders center is about completed, a youth center became reality, there have been several ground breakings for much needed services for tribal members and was active in creating language classes to bring our traditional language back to our people -- which is extremely valuable.

David is very visual in the community and is always present in all youth activities. He created a program entitled "Youth Summit" three years ago for Chief Leschi students and I had the honor to sit in on the last Youth Summit break-out sessions, sit in on open and closing events and listen to a very talented Native American rapper.

David Bean and James Miles spent the whole day speaking to youths, encouraging them to continue their education, lifting their spirits and praising their every positive effort. I sat, watched and observed these youngsters walk into the room tired and dragging, like they didn't want to be there. Thirty minutes after David and James addressed educational issues, hope, despair, fear of the future and general apprehension I observed these youngsters respond positively. They had a little hip hop to their step, they were smiling and laughing, they thanked David and James and left with a definitive sense of being and the positive attitude that "YES, I can go on to college or trade school and be the best I can be." That is progress. When they left the room I saw them as little fire flies, sparkling, beautiful and full of life.

Historically children and elders have been put on the back burner. David has made them first priority. These youths hold our lives as elders in their hands . They are our future.

David has faced much adversity, false accusations and threats yet he holds his head up, smiles and helps even his accusers. He is always available to speak with tribal members. I know when I have an issue and speak with David when I leave him I feel like I can make it, that all is not lost and I have the strength to go on.

I have many quotes stuffed away in boxes, drawers, in my purse and all over my office. I found one the other day which must have been written with David in mind (if that is possible) It reads as follows:

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort

and convenience, but were he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Verna Marie Bartlett

HOW DO YOU MAKE GOOD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS?

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:14:00 GMT

I was in the council chambers when legal papers were served on each of the seven council members. The court papers listed 49 individuals who were taking legal action against the entire tribal council. It is a matter of public record. It was nothing more than rehashing issues related to the last election and what these individuals believed James Miles, David Bean and Nancy Shippentower Games did illegal. Which is a lot of rhetoric, retaliation and individuals who carry malice in their hearts.

I thought about the 49 individuals who were bringing these false accusations against our council and remembered something I learned in college. It is a quote which goes "How do you make good people do bad things? You can't. You make them believe that what they are doing is good and they will do anything you tell them to do." I believe that is the case in this legal battle.

Some of these individuals are vulnerable, some are illiterate, others are easily persuaded and most of them really believe that they are doing is right for whatever reason. You have a collective group of individuals who are following individuals who are less than truthful, have fabricated stories and are hell bent on regaining their previous power within or tribal organization.

I have observed David Bean in a lot of situations. I knew him as a young, sincere, intelligent, dedicated and caring young man. He sought out a formal education. His goal was/is to help our people in any and all ways. He focuses on the youth and spends much of his time concentrating on assisting them. He encourages them to continue their education. He attends the circle at Chief Leschi most every day. He always has to time to talk to elders, children and teen-agers. His message is a good message. Just being there is a powerful movement as I cannot recall any previous council member devoting as much time to the youth as David. I have never seen David angry, hateful or "out to get anyone." Rather he takes all situations and methodically thinks it out. His first goal is to not insult anyone or spew out hateful reactions. There are few such individuals who handle difficult situations as well as David. I see him now and he is still strong but he is hurt to his heart to see the names of the 49 individuals who are taking legal actions against him.

He loved his mother who raised him to be the good person he is today. He thinks of her daily. I remember when Gloria would get up to bring to the attention of the membership the numerous short-comings at the tribal school, administration and the need to invest more time and effort into our youth. Maybe she held the microphone too long but as everyone else got up to serve themselves a meal, talking and ignoring her, I sat and listened and her words and they echo in my head today. She was right. She had the best interest of all of our people in her heart. I remember when she came to a meeting going around, smiling, shaking hands and hugging people. Three days later she passed away. What a great loss to our tribe.

What exactly has David Bean done so wrong or illegal? As the legal process plays out and the drama fades out in front of our eyes the the truth will vindicate him. As David states, "I stand here alone and welcome all of these allegations. I know I've done nothing wrong."

Verna Marie Bartlett

Recall and Election Facts (aka Biggest Losers)

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:05:00 GMT

Opponents of Full Circle held a press conference September 20th and told the News Tribune they had enough signatures to hold a recall vote against James Miles and David Bean. Someone must have mis-counted, because, according to the Puyallup Tribal Election Committee, there weren’t enough signatures collected to trigger a recall.

Undeterred by their failure, Sylvia and Roleen are trying to sue everyone in Tribal Council and on the election committee. Listed here in this Official Court Document are the names of the plaintiffs and defendants. A full six months after the election, they can’t accept their loss and continue to with their false accusations.

Tactics used by signature gatherers for the recall include bullying, threatening, buying alcohol, and lying. They have shown up at members’ homes and refused to leave until they sign. Many letters have been written complaining about the tactics used.

The recall was triggered by Sylvia Miller’s loss in the June election. Sylvia and her supporters came forward with 14 allegations - all proven to be false. Here is the response to the ad they took out in the Tribal Newspaper: response-to-election-protest.pdf

When they couldn’t overturn the election, they resorted to starting a recall petition against David and James. Many of the petitioners work for the tribe and it is believed that names and addresses of tribal members were unethically acquired for the recall.

Recall supporters took out an ad in the Puyallup Tribal Newspaper with many unsubstantiated accusations. Petition circulators misrepresented the purpose of the recall: “Sign this for the betterment of the Tribe”, “Sign this or you’ll loose your percapita” are some of the claims reported by members.

Full Circle’s platform is for fair and open government, tribal unity, and continued strong percapitas. James and David have broken the government stalemate of the last 20 years. In order to undo some of the past, they intend to make council minutes available to tribal members, and reduce tribal council’s extremely high salary. Groundbreaking and construction has already begun on a new Elder’s Center.

What is Full Circle Really About?

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:48:00 GMT

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon.

I will reiterate that I have been involved in our tribe since 1978. I am now an elder and I make my own choices. I chose to support Full Circle and I will continue to do so. I have watched all phases of what has transpired since Full Circle was formed. In spite of all the accusations made against David Bean and James Miles, they have faced fear and held their heads up displaying real courage. They have made our tribe a better place. They are not out to hurt or destroy anyone. They invite everyone to their gatherings and sincerely welcome those who attend. They absolutely do not tell anyone "you are not welcome here" or "this is a private gathering". They have absolutely not divided our tribe but rather have brought us together. This the first time in 30 years that our tribe is NOT divided in spite of efforts of individuals who refuse to accept positive change.

For years I listened to tribal council candidates and members state that children are our most valuable asset. I advocated for a child abuse center. I advocated for social services to address the needs of children who were/are abused It fell to deaf ears until David Bean, James Miles and Nancy Shippentower Games were on the tribal council. CHILDREN are our most valuable asset. Isn't it time to address their needs?

I have seen first hand what really happens to children who have been abused. I KNOW first hand of the horrible stories of children who have been abused. I have been bringing it to the attention of whoever will listen. I advocated for a Child Protection Team and was told "We don't want any thing negative around here." Many individuals would rather that I just give up and go away. Well, I haven't given up and I haven't gone away. David, James and Nancy have listened to me and are working toward creating a child abuse center on our reservation. We need to provide child abuse victims, family and even the perpetrator support systems. We need to provide the community with education about child abuse. We need to acknowledge that child abuse happened and is happening on our reservation.

Numerous accusations have been made about Full Circle, David Bean, James Miles and Nancy Shippentower Games. The burden of proof lies with the accusers yet they have failed to back up their accusations with facts.

Why can't we all just work together in the best interest of all tribal members instead of attempting to destroy Full Circle and it's members? Full Circle exists in spite of threats, false accusations and intimidations. They have "walked their talk" They continue to walk their path with honesty, sincerity and face each battle head on. That's what Full Circle is about.

Verna Marie Bartlett

Being part of the solution - Robert Satiacum

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:22:00 GMT

There is so much that I want to say, and have struggled for days on where to start. I have seen, heard, and read more whining, back stabbing and filth than I can take, and am partially to blame. I've allowed unintelligible, unstructured, misspelled, incomplete sentences, of anonymous filth, to last me a life time, and allowed it to be published on my web site. Was it the schooling or lack of it? Was it the up bringing, or lack of it?

My web master asked me many times if some of the unscrupulous comments should be allowed to be posted, and I permitted it. I believed it showed the character and true content of such beings. This web site was intended to become an on line newsletter, designed to share accomplishments, stories, family news, community announcements and so forth.

I’ve conferred with my web master, and felt enough was enough. I reminded my web master, that it was a positive and good intention that this web site was base on, like some of the benefit programs the tribe has to offer. But, there’s always that individual, that 10% that wants to ruin it for the rest of us.

For this reason, I’m going to archive this portion of the Puyallup Nation .com and Puyallup Tribal News.com, and let it be a reminder of growth. We will turn the page and move forward, we will go on, as it should be, in a good way. No longer will I allow anyone to post their comments without signing or identifying who they are. If you take the time and effort to write something and are proud of it, there should be no reason not to sign it. To me, this behavior is like “tagging” or spray painting graffiti under the cover of darkness, because you don’t want to get caught. And the next day, going around to your pals and bragging what a brave person you are. What sort of behavior is this?

Not knowing exactly where to begin, I remembered something I once read, that has always stuck with me, and thought it would be a good jumping off point, and place to start, and that you, the reader, might be able to take something good from it, and reflect on it.

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory or defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt

Having shared that, I heard at the membership meeting, this web site being referred to as the “Full Circle” web site, and would like to clarify this notion. When this all began, concerned members gathered to discuss the issue that our children’s trust fund was being considered to be compromised. At that first meeting there was several angry members. They were scared, confused, and felt betrayed by the very people they voted in to lead them. That evening, people wanted heads to roll, there was talk of recalls and referendums, they were demanding immediate satisfaction.

Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Needs, wants, issues, and questions were written down and posted all over the hall. This went on for a few weeks, it didn’t take too long before people started getting discouraged, and started leaving or not showing up, because we didn’t go about it the “way we always do, and recall.” We respected the position of the council, and didn’t want to attack them as a bunch of hot headed, out of control members, screaming our concerns. We noticed enough people were concerned about a lot of the same issues that were occurring within the tribe. We knew we had to keep the fire alive and strive for results. If we wanted change, what kind of change did we want? Positive or negative. How were we going to be heard. Could we get organized? It was these very challenges that attracted me to become a supporter and crusade for a better tomorrow for myself, family, clan, tribe and nation. I am a very reverent and spiritual person, and these traits were widely accepted amongst the other founders. I have always felt as an Indian person, that we are first and foremost a spiritual and reverent people. We are blessed and fortunate that are spirits reside in our Red bodies.

I purposed that we needed to build a foundation, a foundation of Love, Hope, Faith and Charity, build upon absolutes. I felt we needed to have a name to be recognized by all. We needed a mission and goal statement that reflected our beliefs, and vision of the future.

It was then that I informed the rest that we could use the web site to perhaps get the word out about our efforts and intentions. A source of information, at that time a lot of people that shared our beliefs worried about losing there jobs, and some did, but it gave them the opportunity to hope, to check in and monitor the progress of positive change.

I’ve heard many attempts to alter the meaning of the goal or mission statements , or what they stand for to no avail. Literally and physically impossible, just can’t be done when you’re dealing with absolutes. How could one not support these ideals or waste precious moments of their lives looking to discredit these beliefs?

I encourage the reader to take notice of Goal #4 b and d. Stabilize and Grow Per Capita checks, how do you get, Full Circle wants to cut or do away with your per cap? Stop and explain this to me when you see me, please. It was the subject of the per caps being compromised is what brought us together! Full Circles goal is to STABILIZE it. Relying solely upon a casino is not stable, and look forward to our Port venture, and the other many multi-million dollar projects in planning or under construction that Henry John mentioned at the membership meeting, Aho!

For stability, we need other sources of revenue to provide insurance for the unexpected, the “rainy day” so to speak. For your reading pleasure, and peace of mind, I’ve included the mission and goals of Full Circle, and invite you to take time to read and think about what could be.

Our Mission:
Full Circle is committed to traditional values, spiritual teaching, and the health & wellness of our people. Through mutual understanding and respect we promote government reform and fiscal responsibility to ensure survival of future generations. By bringing our community together, enlisting our elders, and nurturing our youth, we will once again achieve a strong, united and balanced tribal community for years to come.

Our Goals:
I. Cultural Education and Preservation of Traditional Ways
a. Spirituality (Love, Hope & Faith) as a Base
b. Elder's Care Center
c. Elder's Programs
d. Longhouse
e. Museum
II. Nurturing Our Youth
a. Youth Care Center
b. Youth Safety
c. Youth Programs
d. Youth Mentoring
e. Higher Education
f. Protecting our Children in Foster Care (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Financially)
III. Government Reform
a. Council Accountability
b. Transparent Management of Tribal Programs
c. Constitutional Change
d. Promote Positive Change and Leadership Accountability
e. Committee Member elections
f. Planning for the Future
g. Protecting Tribal Member's Rights
IV. Fiscal Responsibility for the Long Term
a. Include Earmarked Funds for Youth (i.e., 15% annually)
b. Stabilize and Grow PerCapitas
c. Financial Audit of all Tribal Programs and Staff Positions
d. Rainy Day Fund

These goals are attainable, the mission is comprehendible and comprehensive. By and through an educated membership, we are victors and no longer victims of the way it was. Education and knowledge will ensure there is a tomorrow for us all.

-Robert Satiacum

Full Circle Reality Check

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:57:00 GMT

Myths, rumors and misunderstandings you may have heard about Full Circle

Despite the internet, e-mail and text-messaging, the greatest source of information in our tribe is still good old “word of mouth”. Sometimes however, words can take on a life of their own and become rumors, misunderstandings, or are simply not true. Here is our best effort at dispelling some of the myths we have heard about Full Circle:
MYTH: Full Circle wants to cut our Per-Capitas.
FACT: Full Circle was founded by members that banded together in order to put a stop to Tribal Council’s plans to cut the Children’s Per-Capitas. Full Circle has acted as a “watch dog” for the Tribe when our financial stability has been put in at risk.
MYTH: If Full Circle Candidates are elected, [Somebody-fill in the blank] will loose their job.
FACT: Full Circle supports the authority and accountability of the Tribe’s employed Managers and Directors. We do not believe it is the role of Tribal Council to interfere with the established chain of command and micro-manage departments.
MYTH: Full Circle wants to give jobs and benefits to their people.
FACT: Full Circle wants to put an end to the nepotism and special favors given to friends and supporters of Tribal Council Members. Fairness and equality is the foundation of our Mission.
MYTH: Things won’t be any different if Full Circle Candidates are elected to Tribal Council - they are just another group wanting power.
FACT: Anyone can see that things have already started to change for the better. Full Circle members are committed to a set of principals that, we believe, most all Tribal Members would agree with - including an open and transparent government. We believe that integrity, honesty and service are the foundation of good leadership. These are the traditional values that make us a strong Tribe.

Click to see Video Interview
with Nancy Shippentower-Games

Full Circle mission, values and goals:

Our Mission:
Full Circle is committed to traditional values, spiritual teaching, and the health & wellness of our people. Through mutual understanding and respect we promote government reform and fiscal responsibility to ensure survival of future generations. By bringing our community together, enlisting our elders, and nurturing our youth, we will once again achieve a strong, united and balanced tribal community for years to come.

Our Goals/Values:

I. Cultural Education and Preservation of Traditional Ways

a. Spirituality (Love, Hope & Faith) as a Base
b. Elder's Care Center
c. Elder's Programs
d. Longhouse
e. Museum

II. Nurturing Our Youth

a. Youth Care Center
b. Youth Safety
c. Youth Programs
d. Youth Mentoring
e. Higher Education
f. Protecting our Children in Foster Care (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Financially)

III. Government Reform

a. Council Accountability
b. Transparent Management of Tribal Programs
c. Constitutional Change
d. Promote Positive Change and Leadership Accountability
e. Committee Member elections
f. Planning for the Future
g. Protecting Tribal Member's Rights

IV. Fiscal Responsibility for the Long Term

a. Include Earmarked Funds for Youth (i.e., 15% annually)
b. Stabalize and Grow PerCapitas
c. Financial Audit of all Tribal Programs and Staff Positions
d. Rainy Day Fund

Responses to the News Tribune Story on Full Circle

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:15:00 GMT

Danelle Reed-Inderbitzin wrote:
"News Tribune Got it Right!"
I would like to express my appreciation for the TNT article that posted on 12/2/07. In my life I have had been blessed by many elders and educators whom have shared their wisdom with me including the values expressed in this recent article. Full Circle embodies many of our traditional values especially inclusion, respect, honesty, generosity and most importantly…openness.

As the article explains, the truth is that since gaming has come to the tribe information has increasingly been censored and kept from the general membership. Since critical information was not being shared rumors fueled by fear were our only source of information. Our newly elected tribal members have worked diligently to bring factual information to our membership, which I see as the greatest gain made in the past two years. This increase in information sharing and openness among our membership allows us to make informed decisions for the betterment of our tribe. One of the greatest lessons passed onto to me is that “knowledge equals power.” Knowledge is being returned to the people and power is coming back to its rightful and traditional place; which is with the membership.

The momentum has shifted within the tribe and those that express displeasure should evaluate their own motivations. In the past two years, funding has finally been approved for youth and elders facilities that were promised and not delivered for the past 10+ years by incumbents. Activities are being offered for our youth and our community is coming together – this too is a return to our traditional ways. Thank you Full Circle for the positive changes that we are all blessed to share with one another!
I wish you PEACE & HAPPINESS this Holiday Season ☺!
Danelle Reed-Inderbitzin

sunnywoman wrote:
I would like to express my opinion on the article that came out in the Tacoma News Tribune today. Although I am not fond of airing dirty laundry for all public to see, I am aware that it is nothing new in the general society. There has to be opposing parties,so people have a choice of who or what itinerary they want to support.
We have been following whoever is in office. Full Circle is just an opposing party, is that not okay? At least the people can look and say I agree or I disagree. We should as grown adults agree to disagree in a respectful manner.
Respect one anothers point of view. The final outcome is who the people will believe in.
Now all we need is debates......opposing parties.
In the general society you're either a Republican,Democrat or independent. When you register to vote you choose a party.
I have a hard time understanding why people are so up in arms over full circle. Why are you so intimidating. I enjoy the freedom to choose.

erv schleufer wrote:
i read your article in todays paper. we have had our problems with greed here too. its good to see change take place. this link to the cdatimes im not sure if that is still going. check out the ndn bloggers. they have a link to the coeur d alenes. its amazing some of the things getting aired out on that site. http://www.ndnbloggers.com/ndnbloggers/

on another note i am a member of the cda and also am a member of the steelworkers. our union has started a national program offering free home lead testing kits and they have members travling around the country doing training. the public shouldnt have to try and protect its self this way but something has to be done to protect our childeren. if you are interested in seeing what they are doing go to www.usw.org . i have checked from the health dept to fema to see if our government is doing anything like this with no luck yet. i dont think its a good idea to find dangerous levels of lead in our childeren before we as citizens take action rather than waiting for someone else to do thier job witch should have been done in the first place.

a couple months ago i took over the job as rapid response coordinator for our local in spokane http://www.local338.com/HotSheet.html what i am wondering is if you ever happen to maybe use this info to start your own home lead program i would like to add that to our web site. the steelworkers in auburn had thier first one last week, im thinking that is going to spread in time.

the coeur d alenes web site is http://www.cdatribe.org/ there you can find a monthly on like copy of our news paper the council fires.

thanks and keep up the good work.

erv schleufer

PuyallupTribalNews.com: Keeping it Fresh ... or Not.

celletti123@comcast.net (Webmaster) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:25:00 GMT

A few regular visitors to this site have written in to ask why the site hasn’t been updated lately. I wanted to personally apologize to readers for not making a better effort to keep things updated and fresh.

My name is Mark Celletti, and I’ve been the webmaster for PuyallupTribalNews.com since the beginning in October 2003, with my friend Robert Satiacum. I designed, maintain and host this site using my own time and money and have never asked for or received any compensation for my efforts. I am a long-time friend and supporter of the Puyallup Tribe and the local Native Community. (At the sweat lodge they call me “South Tacoma Tribe”)

It disturbed me that some of the complaints about the site not being updated were misdirected at my friend James Miles. I just wanted to be clear that, while I am honored to support James, David, Nancy and the rest of Full Circle, the responsibility to maintain and update the site is ours, (myself and Robert) not theirs. I know that both James and David work long hours fighting for tribal members. My friend Robert has a HUGE 6-month old boy to care for, and a wife on the mend form a terrible accident - as most of you know.

Our intention in building this site was to create a community forum for all tribal members to send in their stories, events, photos, etc. Somehow, we became a sort of “Outlaw” web site and many members fear reprisal from Tribal Administration by having their name associated with it.

I want to ask again for your help. We can’t afford to hire staff to write our stories. We rely on you and your words to keep this site fresh.

As we’ve said from the beginning:

…This web site is a labor of love staffed by volunteers dedicated to fostering connections and understanding among members of the Puyallup Tribe and the surrounding Native Community….

We ask you, the Puyallup Tribal Community, to join us by contributing materials to this site….

We will post anything for Tribal Members free of charge provided you say who you are and are respectful of others. “

Hoyt,

Mark Celletti

Webmaster, PuyallupTribalNews.com, PuyallupNation.com

E-Mail: webmaster@puyalluptribalnews.com