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.

  • FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
  • FEMA Assistance Line Number: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
  • FEMA Funeral Assistance FAQ

  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:

  • Seattle Indian Health BoardAmerican Indian & Alaska Natives 55 & older by appointment only
  • Puyallup Tribal Health AuthorityAmerican Indian & Alaska Natives who live in Pierce County
  • Veterans AffairsPlease see VA COVID19 Vaccination page for further details

  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.

  Forms may be mailed to:
  Samish Indian Nation
  PO Box 217
  Anacortes, WA 98221
  OR, forms may be emailed to:
  citizensupport@samishtribe.nsn.us

  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:

• Samish Health and Human Services (Health, Housing, Social Services, Voc Rehab)
• Washington State Employment Security Department

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.