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Chelángen Department

The mission and vision of the Chelángen Department is to create a cohesive tribal community with strong cultural ties while preserving, promoting, and protecting our traditions, culture, and language.

In November 2015, the Chelángen Department was created by bringing together existing positions into one department with the goal of helping us work more cohesively and efficiently. Our department puts on all of the cultural classes, events, and gatherings. In 2020, with the global pandemic, we've gone completely online with our gatherings. Check out the Events Calendar to see what's offered.

If you are in need of cultural or spiritual assistance, please reach out to our Chelángen Resources Specialist, Trish, who can help connect you with the appropriate people or resources. If you're looking for cultural resources consultation (Section 106 or EO 21-02), contact Jackie.

The word “schelá7ngen" (noun) or "chelá7ngen" (verb) has a complex set of meanings, including one's upbringing, background or genealogy, personal history, tribal history, culture and heritage, oral traditions and teachings.

Meet the Chelángen Department

Jackie Ferry, Citizen Services Senior Director and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

My background is in archaeology: I have an M.A. in Landscape Archaeology and spent 7 years working for cultural resources firms in the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains before starting at Samish as the Cultural Resources Manager in 2010. In 2014, we successfully applied to become a Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and in 2015, I was promoted to director when we formed the Chelángen Dept. In 2023, I became the Citizen Services Senior Director.

Jason Ticknor, Archivist

My background is in archives and history: I have an M.A. in History, with a specialization in Archives. After several internships and a Records Management job, I was hired as the Samish Archivist in February of 2008. I have worked at Samish for over 12 years, facilitating various projects, aiding researchers, and working with the Samish historical collections.

Cheryl Chatt, Samish Library Assistant

I am a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Skagit Valley College, and I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington. I am a 6th generation Skagitonian whose Samish ancestors have lived here since time immemorial. I have a deep sense of this place and the people that I come from. My career in public education began in 1990. From 1998-2018, I ran an elementary school library and expanded the library collection to benefit all students. I am proud to now be the Samish Library Assistant and am excited to help visitors to the library find just the right material that they are looking for. Hóy7sxwq'e.

Thea Roe, Chelángen Events Planner

My background is in events, marketing, and administration. I have a B.F.A. in Advertising Design with a minor in Contemporary Writing. From 2008-2019, I worked and volunteered as a Graphic Designer and Event Coordinator for nonprofits in the Seattle Area. From 2019-2022, I served as support staff at Deception Pass State Park. I joined Samish in 2022 and am overjoyed to be here.

Patricia Breckenridge, Chelángen Resources Specialist

Hello everyone, I am a tribal citizen of Samish; I come from the Wooten, Matthews, and Cayou family lines. I live on the Swinomish reservation with my husband Dean Dan, Jr and our two kids Conner and Britteny.  I’m a member to the Swinomish Smoke House going on 17 years now. Most of my Cultural teachings come from the Cayou family and from many, many elders from all the tribes around here. As we grow, we never stop learning. Every day we wake up is a school day. No matter how old we get will never know it all. I look forward to meeting you and learning everything we can together.

Chat & Craft (virtual)


Join us for a casual evening to virtually meet with friends, work on crafts, and just generally have a good time.

Dates: 03 – 03 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 06 – 06 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 07 – 07 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 13 – 13 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 14 – 14 Oct, 2023

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Book Club: Red Bird, Red Power (virtual)


Join us virtually for a discussion of “Red Bird, Red Power: The Life and Legacy of Zitkala-Ša” by Tadeusz Lewandowski.

Dates: 17 – 17 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 20 – 20 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 21 – 21 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 27 – 27 Oct, 2023

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!

Dates: 27 – 27 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 28 – 28 Oct, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 03 – 03 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 04 – 04 Nov, 2023

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Save the Date: Harvest Fest (hybrid)

Anacortes, WA

Join us virtually or in-person to celebrate the season of Píxwel (fall)!

Dates: 04 – 04 Nov, 2023

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Chat & Craft (virtual)


Join us for a casual evening to virtually meet with friends, work on crafts, and just generally have a good time.

Dates: 07 – 07 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 10 – 10 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 11 – 11 Nov, 2023

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Book Club: The Language Warrior's Manifesto (virtual)


Join us virtually for a discussion of “The Language Warrior's Manifesto: How to Keep Our Languages Alive No Matter the Odds” by Anton Treuer.

Dates: 14 – 14 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 17 – 17 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 18 – 18 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 24 – 24 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 25 – 25 Nov, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 01 – 01 Dec, 2023

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Samish Community Virtual Christmas Party


Join us virtually for a multi-generational gathering with trivia, giveaways, and more!

Dates: 01 – 01 Dec, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 02 – 02 Dec, 2023

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Christmas Party (in-person)

Anacortes, WA

Join us at Fidalgo Bay Resort for the Annual Samish Christmas Party!

Dates: 02 – 02 Dec, 2023

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Chat & Craft (virtual)


Join us for a casual evening to virtually meet with friends, work on crafts, and just generally have a good time.

Dates: 05 – 05 Dec, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 08 – 08 Dec, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 09 – 09 Dec, 2023

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Book Club: Two Old Women (virtual)


Join us virtually for a discussion of “Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival” by Velma Wallis.

Dates: 12 – 12 Dec, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 15 – 15 Dec, 2023

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 16 – 16 Dec, 2023

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