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 our Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, 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
Chelángen and Xws7ámeshqen Director
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 Resource 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.
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.
Julie Hanson, Samish Library Assistant
My name is Julie Hanson, and I am the new library assistant for the Samish Library at Summit Park. I came on board in May. I am a retired nurse. I spent 22 years in the military, spending most of my career working in the Emergency Room. After the military, I spent some time as a clinic nurse, a camp nurse, and a school nurse for the Oak Harbor Public Schools. I’ve lived in Oak Harbor for almost 9 years this time around—the last time was 1968-1970. In my free time, I love to read and listen to books. I’m a voracious knitter and belong to a knitting group that meets twice a week. I also volunteer once or twice a week at the Oak Harbor Habitat for Humanity store keeping their ‘library’ section stocked and in order.