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Response to COVID-19

COVID19

As the COVID-19 situation in Washington State continues to evolve, the Samish Indian Nation is monitoring closely and taking appropriate steps to keep our citizens and staff safe. We will be updating this page often, and using the Tribe's social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) to keep our community connected.

Updates

  • September 13, 2021: Samish Nation has developed a program to support eligible Samish Citizens who need assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit COVID-19 Citizen Economic Assistance Support Program page for more information and to apply.

  • April 2, 2021: If you have a family member who died as a result of complications due to COVID-19, FEMA will be providing reimbursement for expenses related to Funeral Assistance. FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on April 12, 2021 through a dedicated call center. There will be no online means to apply for this funding.

    While you must be the direct applicant who applies for this funding, Samish staff can support your efforts. Please use the above resource links for details and feel free to contact Planner David Strich if you need assistance.

  • January 15, 2021: COVID-19 vaccine resources for tribal citizens:

    Please follow WA DOH for up-to-date Washington State COVID19 vaccination information.

  • December 23, 2020: Citizens who submitted Citizen Support Forms to Samish by November 16, 2020 were reviewed, and checks were made to the address on file for those who were eligible for a second distribution. Mail may be delayed due to the holidays, calls or emails left between 12/23/20 and 1/4/21 will be answered again in the new year.

  • October 17, 2020: Citizen Support Forms relating to pandemic financial impacts were mailed to all citizens enrolled as of March 10, 2020. Forms must be received, one per citizen, by November 16, 2020 to be considered for future assistance related to the pandemic.

    Samish Indian Nation
    PO Box 217
    Anacortes, WA 98221

    For more questions contact 360-726-3155.

    Download the CARES Act Citizen Support Form Questionaire (pdf).
    Form no longer available to download – update 2/19/21

  • July 29, 2020: Resolution 2020-07-013: Directive to Wear Face Masks to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 (pdf)
  • April 21, 2020: Chairman Wooten's March 24 letter to Tribal citizens (pdf)

Get Assistance

Many Samish and Washington State programs are ready to assist you. Contact:

Please Stay Home, Stay Healthy!

Watch a special message from Skagit County community leaders, including Samish Chairman Tom Wooten:

Messages from local leaders. from Skagit County on Vimeo.

Changes to Events and Activities

  • Elder Congregate Meals at Summit Park
    All daily meals are canceled until further notice. Contact Elders Program Manager Allison Coonc at 360-726-3857 to arrange for prepared meal packages to be pickup or delivered.
    All Samish Elders are also invited to attend virtual quarterly gatherings, with games, songs, prizes, and chances to share good news. Contact Allison at 360-726-3857 for details.
  • Cultural Classes
    Online platform for cultural events:
    See Events Page and email rsvp@samishtribe.nsn.us to attend.
  • Samish Health Fair
    Cancelled as a precautionary measure
  • Beaver Lodge Carving Shed
    Closed until further notice. 
  • Tribal Council Meetings
    Regularly scheduled in-person tribal council meetings will be conducted via videoconference. Tribal citizens over age 18 should contact Executive Secretary Denise Gaggens at 360-726-2387 to arrange for a call-in phone number. You must contact Denise the Thursday before the meeting at the latest.

Office and Facility Closures

  • Tribal Offices
    Samish employees are working from home beginning March 13, 2020. We are keeping services available via remote operation consistent with our continuity-of-operations plan. We will return emails and phone calls in a timely manner as usual. See our staff directory for contact info.
  • Samish Longhouse Head Start & Early Learning Center
    Consistent with Anacortes Public School District return to on site learning for youngest students, Samish Longhouse will resume limited classroom activities in November.
    All Longhouse operations are temporarily moved to Fidalgo Bay Resort, during building renovation.

Campus Status

Updated 11/3/2020 at 12:00pm

Admin 🚩 Minimal staffing, closed to public.
Archives 🚩 Staffed, closed to public.
PRC 🚩 Minimal staffing, closed to public.
Cannery (HHS) 🚩 Minimal staffing, closed to public.
Longhouse 🚩 Classes moved to Fidalgo Bay Resort.
Summit Park 🚩 Minimal staffing, closed to public.
Gate is set to remain closed.

Flat Beading Class (online) - FULL


Learn the foundations of flat beading with a provided design.

Dates: 19 – 19 Mar, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 2


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

Dates: 20 – 20 Mar, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 22 – 22 Mar, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 23 – 23 Mar, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


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

Dates: 23 – 23 Mar, 2024

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Self-Guided Homelands Tour (online)


Join us for the launch of our newest GIS StoryMap!

Dates: 26 – 26 Mar, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 3


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

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 29 – 29 Mar, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 30 – 30 Mar, 2024

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Bugle Beaded Earrings (online)


Learn to make a pair of bugle beaded earrings.

Dates: 02 – 02 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 4


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

Dates: 03 – 03 Apr, 2024

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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 Apr, 2024

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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 Apr, 2024

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Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter (virtual)


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

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 5


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

Dates: 10 – 10 Apr, 2024

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Brain Health


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

Dates: 11 – 11 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 12 – 12 Apr, 2024

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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 Apr, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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Samish Language Series - week 6


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

Dates: 17 – 17 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 19 – 19 Apr, 2024

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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 Apr, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


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

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 7


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

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


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

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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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 Apr, 2024

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Drum Making - midday (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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Drum Making - evening (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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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

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


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

Dates: 18 – 18 May, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


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

Dates: 15 – 15 Jun, 2024

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Annual Elders Luncheon


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

Dates: 28 – 28 Jun, 2024

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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

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