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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.

Chat & Craft


Chat & Craft

Dates: 04 – 04 Apr, 2023

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Book Club: Indians of the Pacific Northwest - Virtual


Book Club: Indians of the Pacific Northwest - Virtual

Dates: 06 – 06 Apr, 2023

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Blankets in Coast Salish Culture - Virtual


Blankets in Coast Salish Culture - Virtual

Dates: 11 – 11 Apr, 2023

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Blankets in Coast Salish Culture - Hybrid

Anacortes, Washington

Blankets in Coast Salish Culture - Hybrid

Dates: 15 – 15 Apr, 2023

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Loom Beaded Earring Class - Virtual


Loom Beaded Earring Class - Virtual

Dates: 25 – 25 Apr, 2023

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Samish Elders Virtual Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders Virtual Bingo Fun!

Dates: 28 – 28 Apr, 2023

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Loom Beaded Earrings Class - In-Person

Anacortes, WA

Loom Beaded Earrings Class - In-Person

Dates: 29 – 29 Apr, 2023

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Chat & Craft


Chat & Craft

Dates: 02 – 02 May, 2023

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Book Club: A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other - Virtual


Book Club: A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other - Virtual

Dates: 04 – 04 May, 2023

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Traditional Fishing Talk - Virtual


Traditional Fishing Talk - Virtual

Dates: 09 – 09 May, 2023

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Salmon Cooking Class - In-Person

Anacortes, WA

Salmon Cooking Class - In-Person

Dates: 13 – 13 May, 2023

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Drum Making (Adult & Kid Size) Class - Virtual


Drum Making (Adult & Kid Size) Class - Virtual

Dates: 23 – 23 May, 2023

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Drum Making (Adult & Kid Size) Class - In-Person


Drum Making (Adult & Kid Size) Class - In-Person

Dates: 27 – 27 May, 2023

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Chat & Craft


Chat & Craft

Dates: 30 – 30 May, 2023

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Book Club: Motorcycles and Sweetgrass - Virtual


Book Club: Motorcycles and Sweetgrass - Virtual

Dates: 01 – 01 Jun, 2023

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Self-Guided Homelands Tour - Virtual


Self-Guided Homelands Tour - Virtual

Dates: 06 – 06 Jun, 2023

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Canoe Journey Talk - Hybrid

ANACORTES, WA

Canoe Journey Talk - Hybrid

Dates: 10 – 10 Jun, 2023

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Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering


Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering

Dates: 16 – 16 Jun, 2023

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Annual Elders Luncheon


Annual Elders Luncheon

Dates: 23 – 23 Jun, 2023

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