Header - Guemes Canoe Trip

Elders, Caregivers, and Veterans

Our S7elálexw (old people) have always been the holders of wisdom and teachers of the generations to come. They are our most valuable resource. Our program works hard to help them continue sharing their gifts.

Lunch is Served on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

The Elders Nutrition Program provides nutritional congregate meals on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 12 noon – 1:00 pm.

We'll meet at 715 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221. Come early, at 11:30 am, for refreshments and good conversations.

Chat & Learn

Samish Elders are invited to our virtual and in-person Chat & Learn – Physical Activity on Thursday, March 14th, at 12:30 pm.

We will talk about four types of physical activity that can help you stay healthy and independent. Each participant will receive a Fit for Life exercise guidebook and a set of resistant bands or walking poles. Afterward, join us outside for a short walk or bring your drum for indoor drumming and dancing!

On Thursday, April 11th, we will host Chat & Learn – Brain Health. Samish Elders are invited to join us virtual or in-person at 12:30 pm.

Enjoy a fun game of bingo while learning about brain health! Participants in this special bingo game will learn about dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, how to reduce the risk of dementia, how important early detection is, and information to help those living with or caring for someone with dementia.

To participate, please contact us using our Elders Contact Form. Virtual attendees will receive a link to participate online. Please meet at 715 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA, 98221 for in-person.

Elder Supportive Services

We provide elder supportive services to Native Elders - Samish Citizens age 45+, American Indian, and Alaskan Native. The service area is Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties. Please contact us using our Elders Contact Form about eligibility for services. 

Caregiver Supportive Services

The Samish Caregiver Program provides services to an unpaid, informal family member, friend, or neighbor giving care to one of the following:

  1. Cares for a native elder.
  2. Elder caring for people of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD).
  3. Elder caring for children under the age of 18 - includes grandparents raising grandchildren.
  4. Elder caring for adults with disabilities. An individual with a disability is defined by the American Disability Act.

Caregiver Services are provided in a 4 County area: Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties. To learn about services and eligibility, please use our Elders Contact Form.

Virtual & In-Person Elders Gatherings and Bingo Fun!

Samish Elders are invited to our Virtual and In-Person Elders Gatherings. We meet quarterly for good conversations, activities, games, and prizes. Between our quarterly gatherings, we meet online and in person for an hour of Bingo Fun! The events are posted on the calendar, or you can use Elders Contact Form for details and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Veterans Program

We are updating our veteran's list and would like to know if you are a military veteran. Please provide your name, branch of the military, and years served. Also, include your mailing address, phone, and email. We want to thank you for your service by gifting you a Samish Indian Nation veteran's vest. Please send your information to our Elders Contact Form.  

If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, you can call the US Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and selecting 1 or text 838255. Qualified responders for confidential help are available 24/7. You can learn more about the Veterans Crisis Line at their website, veteranscrisisline.net.

Flat Beading Class (online) - FULL


Learn the foundations of flat beading with a provided design.

Dates: 19 – 19 Mar, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 2


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 20 – 20 Mar, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 22 – 22 Mar, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 23 – 23 Mar, 2024

More Details

Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 23 – 23 Mar, 2024

More Details

Self-Guided Homelands Tour (online)


Join us for the launch of our newest GIS StoryMap!

Dates: 26 – 26 Mar, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 3


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 29 – 29 Mar, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 30 – 30 Mar, 2024

More Details

Bugle Beaded Earrings (online)


Learn to make a pair of bugle beaded earrings.

Dates: 02 – 02 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 4


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 03 – 03 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 06 – 06 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 07 – 07 Apr, 2024

More Details

Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Firekeeper's Daughter” by Angeline Boulley.

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 5


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 10 – 10 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Brain Health


Enjoy a fun game of bingo while learning about brain health!

Dates: 11 – 11 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 12 – 12 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 13 – 13 Apr, 2024

More Details

2-Day Cedar Weaving Class (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to prepare cedar for weaving and complete a project during this 2-day class.

Dates: 13 – 13 Apr, 2024

More Details

2-Day Cedar Weaving Class (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to prepare cedar for weaving and complete a project during this 2-day class.

Dates: 14 – 14 Apr, 2024

More Details

History Talk: Guemes Village (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join Tribal Chairman Tom Wooten to learn the history of Samish’s last village community.

Dates: 16 – 16 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 6


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 17 – 17 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 19 – 19 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

More Details

Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Language Series - week 7


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

More Details

Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

More Details

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 27 – 27 Apr, 2024

More Details

Drum Making - midday (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

More Details

Drum Making - evening (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

More Details

Book Club: Red Paint (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk" by Sasha Lapointe.

Dates: 14 – 14 May, 2024

More Details

Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 18 – 18 May, 2024

More Details

Culture Talk: Blankets of Nobility (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn about the role of Coast Salish women in fostering a social economy of generosity.

Dates: 04 – 04 Jun, 2024

More Details

Book Club: Native Seattle (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place” by Coll Thrush.

Dates: 11 – 11 Jun, 2024

More Details

Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering


If you cannot attend the Annual Elders Luncheon, Samish Elders are invited to our Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering.

Dates: 14 – 14 Jun, 2024

More Details

Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 15 – 15 Jun, 2024

More Details

Annual Elders Luncheon


Samish Elders and regional tribes of the Salish Sea are invited!

Dates: 28 – 28 Jun, 2024

More Details

Book Club: 1491 (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann.

Dates: 15 – 15 Oct, 2024

More Details