Our Elders Program sponsors the monthly Elders Luncheon and the annual Elders Gathering. These events provide an opportunity for our Elders to gather, socialize, exchange gifts and share in the community spirit. The Elders Committee and staff plan Elders Trips providing opportunities for Elders to enjoy gatherings and celebrations at other Northwest Tribes and take pleasure in each other’s company while participating in fun activities. A group of Elders gathers at the Tribal Center each week to work together on craft projects.
“Preserving, Restoring and Sustaining our Indian Heritage and Community Continuity.”
Our After School, Summer Culture and Youth Empowerment programs provide opportunities for children and youth to learn the history, beliefs, traditions and connections of their Jamestown community. Elders and Tribal Artists have shared their skills, stories and legends and children and youth learn how traditional cultural values provide strength for today’s Tribal citizens. The five-week Summer Reading Program uses Native American literature to increase children’s reading skills and interest in reading. Our children and youth programs provide a continuing connection to the Tribal Center and Community.
Cultural Preservation
Special grant support was used to support a series of classes for Tribal Artists. During the first year of the project, master artists taught classes in tool making, Salish design, beading, woodcarving, basket and blanket weaving and story telling. Twenty-one Tribal citizens enhanced their skills resulting in the production of many beautiful works. The second year of the project included classes in advanced beading, making cedar hats and baskets, mask, bentwood box and drum making. Twenty-three Tribal citizens participated in this series of classes. Artists also learned how to use the silkscreen, weaving and embroidery equipment to turn their Salish designs into marketable products that can be sold through the Tribe’s retail outlet, Northwest Native Expressions.
Our two year Cultural Preservation Project produced a book that preserves history and knowledge of the Jamestown people as told by our Elders. Cultural program staff interviewed Tribal Elders, reproduced pictures shared by Tribal families, and local newspapers, libraries and museums. Pictures, remembrances and stories were published in a book that was distributed to all Tribal citizens. The Tribe received artifacts from the Sequim By-Pass Archeological Project from Eastern Washington University who conducted the archeological project for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The pre-historic and historic artifacts include tools, fire rock, a complete fire hearth from a pit house and antler, horn, teeth and shells. Part of the Sequim By-Pass Collection represents one of the largest collections of artifacts from one site from 4,000 – 8,000 years ago in Washington State. An agreement with the State Department of Transportation has established an Endowment Fund for the Tribe to care for the artifacts. The Collection will eventually be housed in the future Jamestown Tribal Museum.
Over the years, our Cultural Preservation Program has retrieved the remains of fifteen S’Klallam ancestors from the Burke Museum in Seattle, the Clallam County Museum, the Heard Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Washington State University and the University of Pennsylvania. Our ancestors received ceremonial burials in Tribal cemeteries at Jamestown, Lower Elwha and Port Gamble and at a site on Indian Island.
Growing Our Future
The Health Department announced a new opportunity available to our Tribal Families. The Family Building Blocks program provides assistance and education to families with children three years and younger. Our goal is to help parents promote the best, healthiest living and learning environments for their child. During home visits with staff, parents can learn fun activities designed to stimulate physical and intellectual growth. Staff answer questions about raising children and support families by helping them access other Tribal and community resources.
Supporting Strong Families
The Jamestown S’Klallam Community Network Board brings together Tribal citizens, staff and community members to share knowledge and discuss how we can support our families.
The Family Preservation and Support program provides assistance to families and children to help families develop skills and use the tools and resources in the community to mange the stresses and solve problems faced by families in today’s world.
The Indian Child Welfare program provides protection for children who are at risk due to abuse or neglect. The ICW program works with families, social workers, foster families and court systems to provide safety for children and to work toward family reunification.
Education
Providing opportunities for personal growth through education, training and employment is a high priority of the Social and Community Services Department.
Our After School Program for elementary school children has expanded its services to include a Homework Helper class. Children receive individual attention and assistance from the program staff and volunteers.
Our Youth Empowerment helps spark the interest of middle school students in exploring career possibilities through field trips to local businesses. Business owners and their employees have been gracious hosts and have helped expand the horizons for our young students.
The Tribal Education program provides a number of services to Tribal citizens. High School Graduate Scholarships are provided to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college. Higher Education Grants are available to full time students attending a vocational training program, a community college or a four-year college or university. The Adult Alternative Education program provides financial assistance for Tribal citizens who participate in short courses, workshops, seminars and other training that will improve job skills and employability.
Employment and Training
The Employment and Training program provides work experience, on-the-job training and classroom training for youth and adults. The Summer Youth Employment program provides opportunities for youth to work for the Tribe in a variety of positions within all Tribal departments. The Tribes participation in the Western Washington Indian Employment & Training program consortium provides funding for classroom training, work experience and on-the-job training for adults. Work experience and training are provided at the Tribal Center, the Casino and other Tribal enterprises, and with employers in the local communities. Our Employment Counselor also assists Tribal citizens with work search and job placement.
 “Self-Reliance, Self Sufficiency and Developing Strong People.”
A number of Economic Support Services are provided to assist Tribal citizens while they are participating in education and training programs and to support working families. The General Assistance program provides financial assistance to help pay for essential needs when an individual is working on a plan to increase financial independence by becoming employed. The Childcare Voucher program provides financial assistance to help pay for the cost of childcare for families when the parent(s) are working, participating in training or attending school. Childcare subsidies are paid to licensed childcare providers and relatives. The Energy Assistance program helps pay for the cost of home heating during the winter months for any eligible Tribal citizen.
Youth Team Development
Summer Youth Program
Asking permission to come ashore at Lake Crescent.
Afterschool Program
Whether we are helping to tutor the children of the Tribe or making tobacco prevention videos, going swimming or bowling, you can always find a smile on our faces.
Youth and Teen Development
