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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
September 3, 2020     Shelton Mason County Journal
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September 3, 2020
 
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Group of Squaxin teens goes online to aid tribe gym Wgw By Isabella Breda isabe/la@masoncountycom . Cultural preservation, mental health and social change have been the primary topics of discussion since the Squaxin Island Teen Program went fully online. “They represent not all of the youth, but they are a representation of the youth,” Jaime Cruz, Squaxin Island Teen Advocate said. , As soon as it was announced that COVID-19 was spreading within the United States, the Squaxin Island Tribe implemented mandatory social distancing policies, which initially came as a challenge to the teen group that relied heavily on in-person gather- ings. “When we first tried to do Zoom it was definitely interesting,” Cruz said. Soon, however, the teens were back in the groove, developing skills to be- come leaders in' their community. They shifted their typical commu- nity service activities into recording public service videos reminding the community to mask up and offering games and activities that can be done at home. Nicole Rowell, a senior at Shelton High School and the group’s social media coordinator, dedicated her time to edit and produce the PSA videos — something that will help her build her resume for a career in multimedia, Cruz said. While the group doesn’t know when they will be able to gather again for stick weaving, and song and dance, they have been able to cherish those traditions through texts written by In- digenous authors. The middle and high schoolers be- gan two book clubs, breaking into en- lightened discussions about books by Sherman Alexie, an Indigenous author from Seattle and Tommy Orange, a Cheyenne and Arapaho author. The book clubs became the corner- ' stone of the group’s socially distant cul- tural engagement. “We were able to create some really good dialogue,” Cruz said. In addition to cultural connections, Squaxin Island youths have been able to engage with Indigenous small busi- ness owners and historians during their virtual meetings. “One of the goals in our education system is to get kids talking about what to do after high school,” Cruz said. Felicia Stepwhite, a salon owner, discussed how to start and manage a successful small business and histori- an and civil-rights activist Nancy Ship- pentower discussed how to preserve Indigenous stories of the region. After the slaying of George Floyd, an ex—tribal police officer attended a meet- ing to discuss police brutality. “They got to talk about how they felt about George Floyd that was a really good session,” Cruz said. Cruz said these discussions about ‘ making social change are very impor- tant, because one of the primary goals of the group is taking care of the teens’ mental and physical well-being. “The goal of Squaxin Teens is ulti- mately prevention, we have a (Depart- ment of Justice) grant and get (Dedi- cated Marijuana Account) money from Washington state — we’re just trying to keep the kids sober,” Cruz said. “I think it’s especially important to talk about mental health.” In light of the pandemic, the group began Talk about it Tuesdays, offering a safe space for youths to talk through what they are experiencing. “We talk about how things are mak- ing them feel and what could go bet- ter,” Cruz said. To take care of the broader commu- nity’s mental health, the teens are or- ganizing a virtual 5K run or walk for the month of September. Details are forthcoming. The work of the Squaxin Island Youth Council, a part of the teen pro- gram, builds up to the United National Indian Tribe Youth conference, where tribal youths have the opportunity to be recognized for their leadership with- in their community. “Our ultimate goal is to partner in an organization called UNITY,” Cruz said. “It puts out challenges and de- cides the youth council of the year. It basically encourages them to be envi- ronmental stewards and encourages Native youth across the country to take part in any community service activity or things that will benefit the earth.” Ti-IE GOAL OF SQUAXIN TEENS IS ULTIMATELY PREVENTION... WE’RE JUST TRYING To KEEP THE KIDS SOBER," TEEN ADVOCATE JAIMIE CRuz SAID. YOUTH TAKING THE LEAD \\\n““““ ON JULY 16 YOUTH LEADERS FROM UNITY CO—LED A CONGRESSIONAL FORUM ON "NATIVE YOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL HEALTH AND HEALING" WITH RUBEN GALLEGO ‘ (D-ARIZ.). ,‘1 Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 - Shelton-Mason County Journal — Page A-7 Serving you in two locations: Steven H. Bowers, DDS 717 W. Railroad Avenue (360) 426-1664 Thomas Duffy, DDS Marlin Meharry, 1525 Olympic Hwy North (360} 426-9711 V Same Day , Emergency Appomtments Pain Free Dentistry Experts In Helping You Maximize Insurance Benefits Easy Financing Options Evening Appointments Avilable . V ye ’in lwaszcoe‘ Bowers Dental Group is excited to introduce you to the newest member of our team, \ Dr. Meharry. WWW. bowersdeutal group. com ive.,riginal60’s.fi70’s80‘s ' ' Music All Day! Many Vendors wiih Beauiiiul Handmade Gratis, Amazing photography, Cards, Windchimes, Siunning Dainiings, Wnoden Boats XzTruaks, Jewelry, Music and MORE.....