Kawennì:ios Newsletter - Ohiarihkó:wa / July 2013 - Saint Regis ...

It's Not Just Pollen Out There...In the summertime we find a lot of other thingslike insects and bugs in our living area: indoorand outdoor. Bugs and insects arenatural; they have their job in life justas we do. But that doesn’t mean wehave to like them. Lots of people areafraid of bees and stinging insects.Why? Because they are allergic (ordon’t know if they are allergic anddon’t want to find out) or becauseit hurts to be stung. Bees aren't theonly stinging insect out there either.We have yellow jackets, hornets,wasps and biting mosquitoesBees: There are a few types ofbees around: bumble bees, honeybees, ground bees. Bumble beeslike flowers. They pollinate plantsand gather nectar. They are notnormally aggressive unless they feelthreatened. Honey bees are alsopollinators and are considered oneof the most beneficial bees on earth.Honey bees are the ones that arekept in boxes but can invade yourhome with hives weighing hundredsof pounds because they have tens ofthousands of worker bees. Groundbees burrow in the ground and getreally mad when the lawn mowergoes over them. They are veryeasily agitated and can become veryaggressive.Wasps: Wasps like to nest inattics but will build it anywhere:eaves, shutters, decks, swing sets,acid rain collectors and light fixtures.Their sting hurts the worst.Yellow Jackets: These can sting repeatedly andtypically have yellow or white on their faces.By Angela Benedict, Air Quality Program ManagerHornets: Introduced from Europe in the middleHornets eat Leaves, Tree Sap, Flies,Bees and Other InsectsWorker Honeybees are all Female andare the Only Bees Most People SeeWasps Prey upon Pest Insects, Eitherfor Food or as a Host for its Larvae4of the 19th century and are considered more painfulbecause of their venom. The European hornets cansting multiple times and do not havebarbed stingers and they are notpulled out from their bodies.Mosquitoes: We all know whatmosquitoes are and that they arevery annoying and plentiful. Thereis a lot of research going on aboutwhy mosquitoes seem to like oneperson over another. It is knownthat mosquitoes like carbon dioxideand sweat. They also like peoplewith excess steroids or cholesterolon their skin they can smell it fromup to 50 meters away.So what can we do to makeour BBQ atmosphere insect-free?Nothing! But we can minimize theamount of pests. Insect repellent isgood, citronella is good, wasp andbee traps are good. Covering upyour skin helps with mosquitoesalthough they still buzz in yourear. Depending on the type of beeyou may not want to kill them.For example, honey bees can beharvested by a bee keeper. Othernests such as wasp nests can bedeactivated by using Dawn® dishdetergent and water poured on thenest. I hear it kills them instantly.And because they don’t like soapthey will probably not come back.Hopefully, I gave you some goodinformation here about things in theair other than pollen and it will helpthis summer as we BBQ and play outside. So for nowand the next seven generations, let's keep our familyand friends safe from insect bites/stings. ◊

Election Board AnnouncesAppeal DecisionSpecial Election for Chief and Sub-ChiefPositions ScheduledNews ReleaseOn June 10, 2013 the Election Board heardan appeal from a community member whopresented to the Election Board evidence thatthe integrity of the April 02, 2013 Election andReferendum Ordinance was jeopardized. Aftercareful consideration of the facts presented anddocumentation supporting the appeal, the ElectionBoard has determined, as per the April 02, 2013Election and Referendum Ordinance, the appeal issuccessful.Therefore, the June 1, 2013 tribal election for thepositions of Chief and Sub-Chief is null and void.The positions for Chief Judge, two Traffic CourtsJudges and the two referendum results have notbeen affected by this appeal.To ensure fairness and integrity to the processof the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Elections, theElection Board has determined that a specialelection will be held on July 13, 2013 for thepositions of Chief and Sub-Chief.Please Be Advised:• No Caucus will be conducted for the July 13,2013 Special Election.• Candidates from the May 4, 2013 Caucuswill remain on the July 13, 2013 ballot forthe position they had been nominated for.from the July 13, 2013 Special Election,please contact the Election Board by June24, 2013.Timeline for Special Election:• June 24 to July 10: Absentee Ballots availablefrom the Tribal Clerk’s Office• July 10: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - In-HomeVoting• July 11 & 12: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Walk-In Voting - Community Building Lobby• July 13: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - SpecialElection - Community Building LobbyAny questions or concerns regarding the eligiblevoters list or requests for an absentee ballot can bedirected to the Tribal Clerks Office at 518-358-2272.Contact the Election Board to schedule in-homevoting at 518-358-2272.Election Board Members are Wendy Adams,Christine Horn, Katrina Jacobs, Mark Martin andBetty Roundpoint. ◊• Candidates who wish to remove themselves5

Child CareProgram FeatureThe Early Childhood Development Program(ECDP) is a housed together under thedirection of the SRMT Community and FamilyServices Division and Education Division. The ECDPoffers comprehensive programming for Akwesasnechildren and families, through five components:1. Child Care Center: Provides structured,developmentally-appropriate programming forchildren ages three months to five years. TheChild Care Center has an Infant room (three– 18 months), a toddler room (18 months– three years) and atransition room (threeto five years). It is openMonday through Friday7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.2. Head Start Center:Provides comprehensiveearly education servicesand school readiness forchildren three to fiveyears of age and theirfamilies. Head Starthas four classrooms forchildren and is openMonday through Friday8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.3. Home–Based ChildCare: Provides flexible,developmentallyappropriateprogramming for children ageszero to 13. Non-traditional hours are availableincluding evenings and weekends.4. Child Care Subsidy: Assists low income, nativefamilies with the cost of child care.5. Resource and Referral: Provides access tosupport systems enabling parents to makehealthy choices for their families.By Barbara Buckshot, Program ManagerAll of our staff is trained and qualified in theirparticular content area. As the Program Manager,I oversee all program operations. The Child CareEducation Coordinator ensures programming andcurriculum are implemented and meets all state andfederal standards. She also ensures the individual goalsset by the families are met. The Education Coordinatorenhances each child’s level of development and assistsfamilies with children with special needs through earlyintervention, by identifying needs and by coordinatingservices within our program or outlying community.The Child Care Home-Based Coordinator offersassistance to parents whochose the home-based care. ARegistered Nurse Supervisorensures our program has asafe, healthy environmentconducive to work/learning.Thirteen teaching staffoffer individualized, ageappropriateprogrammingto enhance development inall areas: cognitive, social,emotional, physical, culturaland health.Niwakera:a and teacher, Jenna TimmonsIn the past year wedeveloped a strongmanagement team focused onprogram quality and efficiency.It effectively meets the needsof our children within thetribal, state and federal government guidelines.Through self-evaluation, the management team,staff and parent groups identified deficiencies. Toaddress them, our team updated written plans andclassroom/playroom guidelines for all content areas.These describe exactly how services will be providedto meet each standard and have increased professionaldevelopment.6

We identify delays and establish services in anefficient manner. We revamped programming to bemore developmentally-appropriate and individualized.We have increased communications so that staff,parents and tribal administration are on the same page.We strengthened our relationships with our partners inAkwesasne and outlying communities.In a formal letter to the Saint Regis Mohawk TribalCouncil, the Child Care Supervisor, in collaboration withChild Care Aware of America and other organizations,called attention to the importance of high-quality childcare services. Through resolution 2013 – 27, the SaintRegis Mohawk Tribe proclaimed the second Fridayof May as “Child Care Provider Appreciation Day” inAkwesasne.We continue to develop our program to offercomprehensive services. This includes an expansionto our Head Start 12:1:1 classroom and Child Carebreastfeeding room. Other improvements includephysical improvements to our gross motor room,playground restructuring and bringing a SpeechTherapist and Mental Health Consultant on staff.We will increase the effectiveness of programming forinfants and toddlers, increase the quality of the HomebasedChild Care component develop wrap-aroundservices and develop computerized tracking systemsto ensure all requirements are being met in a timelymanner.We hosted a Father’s Day Brunch on June 15, 2013followed with a public hearing to review our Child Careand Development Fund (CCDF) Plan preprint. This isto raise public awareness of our CCDF funding and howit contributes to quality programming for each child.CCDF supports our mission by providing the fundingto train educators in early childhood development andmaterial to plan, implement and assess our activities.We welcome the following new colleagues to ourteam and look foward to continuing our efforts to createa quality family- and community-engaged program.• Rachael Patterson, Infant Teacher• Jennifer Conners, Toddler Teacher Aide• Lillyann Laffin, Head Start Teacher Aide• Jenna Timmons, Waddler Teacher Aide• Melissa Conners, Child Care Home-BasedCoordinator• Justine George, Per Diem Teacher Aide• Carrie Smoke, Per Diem Teacher Aide ◊7Tehotenion Herne Climbs Around with Courtni DayAvalea Ward and Jennifer ConnersMaking Happy FacesKaientake Allen Checks out the Slide

Tribal Ethics OfficeProgram FeatureBy Peter Garrow, SRMT Ethics Off iceram pleased to announce that the Saint RegisI Mohawk Tribe now has an official EthicsCommission in place. The following SRMT memberswere sworn in as Commissioners by SRMT EthicsOfficer Peter Garrow: Sally Marie Hamelin, AlmaCecilia Ransom, Minerva C. White, Wanda AnnPatterson, Barbara A. Lazore and Mark C. Martin.Their first order of business as a newly-formed EthicsCommission is to review the existing SRMT TCR2007-61 Ethics Ordinance passed by referendum June2, 2007 and recommend amendments to the Ordinancefor clarification and implementation.This Ethics Ordinance serves as a Code of Conductraise the quality of life for their Mohawk members.The Ethics Ordinance has been in place since 2007and has never been implemented. A review of theOrdinance needs to be undertaken as some sections ofthe Ordinance require adjustments or amendments tobe fully functional and operational as a proper oversightof elected officials. This process will be enacted by thisnewly formed Ethics Commission and the amendmentswill be brought forward to the community for approvalat a series of three public meetings. This Commissionis being guided by Carrie Garrow, Executive Directorof the Center for Indigenous Law, Governance andCitizenship of Syracuse University College of Law.Ethics Commission Swearing In Ceremony, L-R: Minerva White, Sally Marie Hamelin,Peter Garrow, Alma Ransom, Wanda Ann Patterson and Barbara A. Lazorefor the Tribe’s elected officials (Chiefs, Sub-Chiefs andTribal Clerk). The ordinance is intended to provideguidance for these officials in enacting their officialduties as leaders as they conduct tribal business while,protecting the interests of the tribal membership andprotecting the integrity and reputation of the Tribalgovernment. It is extremely important that all electedofficials are transparent and accountable to theirmembership and maintain high standards of honesty,integrity, fairness and impartiality in their actions toCarrie participated in the first meeting of the SRMTEthics Commission, held at the SRMT Tribal CourtBoardroom on May 23, 2013. The purpose of themeeting was to review the existing Ordinance in detailand discuss potential amendments. There will be onemore Ethics Commission meeting to prepare theamendments for the public meetings. The amendedOrdinance can then be in place for implementation. ◊8

IHS LaboratoryHealth Services Program FeatureThe IHS Laboratory is an integral part ofthe SRMT Health Services Medical Clinic.Our purpose is to provide quality healthcare supportfor our patients and medical providers by deliveringaccurate analysis of all laboratory specimens.Most of you may be familiar with the routine ofhaving your blood drawn. You see your healthcareprovider, make your appointment for lab work, fastovernight, and come tothe lab to have your blooddrawn. What most of youdon’t know is what goeson behind the scenes afterall the blood samples aretaken. In the main partof the lab you can hear thehumming and whirring ofall of our equipment. Eachday we ready all of ourlaboratory instruments inpreparation for the tests tobe done. Our lab consistsof seven departments:Chemistry, Hematology,Urinalysis, Serology,Immunohematology(BloodMicrobiologyVirology.Banking),andFor each test performed, weare required to run quality control (QC) checks toensure the accuracy of our analysis. Quality controlis a considerable part of our daily and routine testing.Not only do we perform QC on a daily basis for thetests we run, we are also required to perform quarterlyproficiency testing from outside agencies each year.By Alice Tarbell, Medical Technician (ASCP)IHS Lab Staff: Melissa St. Mary, Alice Tarbelland Nicole MeachamWe receive samples to test from the New YorkState Department of Health (NYSDOH) as wellas from the American Association of Bioanalysts(AAB). We run these tests and submit our resultsand in return we receive grades for our testing.This testing ensures that we are performing andreporting patient samples accurately since passingthese tests are essential to maintaining our licensefor operation. Alongwith proficiency testing,we also undergo rigorousunannounced inspectionsfrom the NYSDOHto ensure that properlaboratory procedures andrequirements are beingmet.Our lab is currentlystaffed with three NewYork State CertifiedLaboratory Technologistsand Technicians. We are asmall but busy lab. In 2012,we ran a total of 39,703patient tests and 24,765QC tests for a grand totalof 64,468 laboratory tests.We performed blood draws ona total of 4,745 patients as wellas drawing over 1,700 samplesto be sent to reference labs for other testing. Thenumber of patients we see each year is increasing.We have a limited number of patient slots for bloodwork each morning which is why it’s so importantthat you keep your lab appointments. ◊9

EnvironmentThe Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, EnvironmentDivision is seeking public comments onproposed revisions to the Water QualityStandards (Standards). These Standardsapply to surface waters and groundwatersof the Tribe and are implemented underthe authority of the Federal Clean WaterAct. As required by law the Standards mustbe updated every three years to regulateemerging pollutants, refinement of existingstandards and account for updated science.The Standards can be downloaded fromthe Environment Division website at thefollowing address: www.srtmenv.org.Please send written comments to Tony David,Program Manager of Water Resources, 412State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 oremail to Tony.David@srmt-nsn.gov by closeof business Ohiarihko:wa/July 26, 2013.Wellness DayLearn about wellness programs and servicesavailable from the Tribe, MCA and at areabusinesses. The 23rd Annual Wellness Daywill be held rain or shine on July 25, 2013from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Officefor the Aging, 29 Business Part Road,Akwesasne.The 'Thompson Trio' will host a lacrosseskills clinic, question and answer period andautograph session from noon to 2:00 p.m.Bring your family for booths, vendors, food,door prizes, face painting and give-a-ways.Contact Outreach at 518-358-3141 if youhave any questions.Higher EdVendors WantedThe Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort willbe hosting their 11th Annual IronworkersFestival on Saturday July 20 and their 2ndAnnual Car Show on Saturday July 27.If you are interested in being a vendor ateither event, please contact Ashley Thompsonat (518)358-2222 ext 2112 or athompson@mohawkcasino.com.There is no charge to set-up but register earlybecause space is limited.Hey, are you going back to college? Have yougot your FAFSA and TAP applications doneyet? If not, what are you waiting for?Don’t forget those application dates for thefall semester- New York State Indian Aid,AMBE and the Saint Regis Mohawk HigherEducation program of July 15, 2013.If you are considering college for the fallsemester, please do not wait for the lastmoment to apply.Good luck next semester.Questions, give a call at 518-358-2272 x 247.Roderick Cook, DirectorSaint Regis Mohawk Higher EducationProgram10

School Based Health CenterIHS Program FeatureBy Aimee C. Vida FNP and Lisa Tarbell, Health AssistantStaffed by a New York State Licensed FamilyNurse Practitioner, a Health Assistant anda Supervising Physician the School Based HealthCenter (SBHC) is aprogram of the Saint RegisMohawk Indian HealthServices and is located atthe Saint Regis MohawkSchool. The staff workswith a School Nurse toprovide a team approach tothe overall care and wellbeingof students enrolledin the SBHC program.The SBHC is dedicatedto providing each studentwith the opportunity foreasy access to primaryhealth care with a strongfocus on prevention and tohave educational servicesreadily available.The SBHC along withthe school, health careproviders and parents,will work with families toassure that children come to school each day healthyand ready to learn. Other main goals of the programare to provide support for students who may be atrisk for physical and emotional concerns and tokeep the access of health care easily attainable forstudents who need it.Services provided by the program are open toall St. Regis Mohawk School students at no costand regardless of insurance status. ParticipantsAimee Vida, FNP and Lisa Tarbell, HealthAssistant Finish Another School Yearwill receive health care provided by the SBHCand insurance will be billed but no payments arerequired from families. The program also providesassistance for families thatmay need help in obtaininginsurance coverage forservices outside the SBHC.Enrolled students willreceive preventive dentalservices that includedental related education,oral hygiene instructions,fluoride treatments routinedental cleaning, temporary/permanent fillings andsealants to prevent toothdecay (It is important tonote that these dentalservices do not replacea regular dental exam).The SBHC program alsoprovides free check-ups,immunizations, physicalexams, prescriptions,treatment for illnessesor injuries and healtheducation and counseling.The School Based Health Center’s hours ofoperation are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m. This program runs from September throughJune, when school is in session. If you would like tocontact SBHC, please call (518) 358-4124 or (518)358-2763 Ext. 6164. ◊11

Grade Three Students GainAppreciation for St. LawrenceRiver Area Of ConcernBy Mary LaFrance, Environmental Health EducatorThe Grade 3 Education Outreach Day is anevent hosted by the St. Lawrence River Area ofConcern (AOC) program at the Saint Regis MohawkTribe (SRMT) as a way to introduce environmentalscience to children at a critical age and to foster anappreciation for the local environment, particularly thelocal St. Lawrence AOC.The event was held on the morning of June 5 atthe Tewathahita Walking Trail for Grade 3 studentsfrom the St. RegisMohawk and SalmonRiver Central schools.Approximately 105students arrived thatmorning to discoverthey would be assistingreal life biologists,technicians, andhistorians conduct ‘fieldwork’. They were givenbook bags donatedby the New YorkState Department ofHealth Tribal FisheryAdvisory project, andincluded Conservationfor Kids activitybooklet donated bythe New York State Department of EnvironmentalConservation, and field journals and pencils to recordtheir observations at four different interactive stationslocated around the trail.The first station introduced students to turtlesand traditions where they heard from the AkwesasneCultural Center and Riveredge Associates, LLC, aboutthe important roles turtles have in Mohawk culture andMichael Reynolds, Riveredge Associates, LLC, Presentingwith Sue Ellen Herne, Akwesasne Cultural Center, aboutTurtles and Traditions12also as an important indicator species for environmentalhealth. They were also given a unique opportunity to getup close to SUNY Potsdam’s collection of live turtles.At the water quality station students assisted SRMTwater quality technicians sample the water quality of anearby pond. Each student was given the opportunityto conduct water quality tests and learn how waterquality influences various species.A third stationintroduced students toanimal tracking withthe help of the Friendsof the Robert MosesState Park (RMSP)Nature Center. Theylearned about theadaptations of furbearing mammalsthat make them goodindicator species ofenvironmental healthand even collectedanimal tracks in theirfield books.At the last stationstudents played aninteractive gamewhere they learned about pollution pathways and howpollution gets in to the environment. With some helpfrom wildlife technicians from Riveredge Associates,LLC, students observed how pollution affects certainspecies of animals by modeling a food chain.The success of the Grade Three Education OutreachDay event would not have been possible without thededication of the SRMT Environment Division staff

SRMT Staff Jade Gabri and Angela BenedictPrepare to do a Water Quality Demonstrationor the cooperation of local agencies that volunteeredtheir time and donated to the event. Thank you SRMTstaff, Riveredge Associates, LLC, the Friends of theRMSP Nature Center, the Akwesasne Cultural Center,the New York State Department of EnvironmentalConservation, the New York State Department ofHealth and SUNY Potsdam.For more information about the St. Lawrence RiverAOC please go to the SRMT Environment Divisionwebpage www.srmtenv.org, or ‘like’ the St. LawrenceRiver AOC Facebook page. ◊Students Learn to Identify and Record AnimalTracks with Friends of the RMSP Nature Center,Mary DanboiseMary La France, Environmental Health Educator,and Joel Danko from Riveredge Associates, LLC,Entertain Questions from Eager Students13

Monthly Tribal MeetingOhiarì:ha / June 8, 2013Chairperson Chief Paul O. ThompsonAgenda1. Introductions:• Welcome• Reading of Action Items - Tribal Clerk2. AB&GC Annual Report Presentation• Jessica Cree Jock3. Prescription Pills Abuse• Beverly Cook FNP4. Update on MOU• Michele Mitchell5. New Business6. Reading of Action Items• Tribal Clerk7. AdjournmentAction Items from June Meeting• To look into limiting commercial traffic on Route37 from Friday to Sunday• To look into offering something for the children atthe Casino• To look into the promotional coupons given out bythe Casino (Class 2 vs. Class 3)• To look into having valet parking expand to secondentrance• To have a financial report from April to the presentsince the Bingo Palace moved to the Casinoavailable at next month’s tribal meeting• To look into having incentives for honor rollstudents• A request for a written report from EconomicDevelopment on the efforts put forth to create jobsFollow-up on Action Items from May Meeting1. Possible Broadband internet providers present tothe community what services their company willoffer.Follow-up: Once all companies have presented toTribal Council, presentations will be scheduled forthe community2. Publish the Broadband project timeline.Follow-up: A simplified project timeline is beingprepared for posting on the Tribe's website3. Look into the registration fee that FranklinCounty charges when renewing vehicleregistration.Follow-up: A letter has been drafted indicatingthe community member is a resident of the SaintRegis Mohawk Reservation, that state taxes do notapply and citing state tax. However, it was notedthat there is no guarantee that Franklin Countywill accept it.4. Community member requesting minutes fromFebruary, March and April meetings heldregarding changes made to the Election ordinance.Follow-up: This request was forwarded to BettyRoundpoint, member of the Election Board.Additionally, it was noted that this request shouldbe made in accordance with The Open RecordsPolicy.14

CalendarOhiarihkó:wa / July 20133 - 6th Annual Twilight Fun Run/Walk Series Begins - Tewathahita Walking Trail - 5:15 p.m.4 - Independence Day holiday - Tribal offices and transfer station closed9 - Social Security Administration - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Tribal Clerk’s office10 - Absentee Ballots available from the Tribal Clerk’s Office - June 24 to July 10In-Home Voting - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.11 & 12 - Walk-In Voting - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Community Building Lobby13 - Special Election - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Community Building lobby25 - Annual Wellness D ay - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Office for the AgingTuesdays - Tribal Council Work Sessions - 9:00 a.m. - Tribal Council BoardroomNew FacesMarion Adams Home Delivery Office for the AgingBethany Boyea Nutrition Coordinator Office for the AgingDillon C. Cole Fish Technician EnvironmentMorgan Francis Custodian FacilitiesMindy J. Gray Custodian FacilitiesNancy Labarge Registered Nurse Health Services - OutreachKallen M. Martin Director Office for the AgingKristin Pirozzi Shift Supervisor Social Services Preventive UnitDonationsFunerals - $ 2,000JobsDirector of Communications - CommunicationsPharmacy Clerk - Health Services PharmacyRegistered Nurse / Case Manager - Office for theAging15Current tribal job postings at www.srmt-nsn.govAkwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort positions are posted atwww. mohawkcasino.comAkwesasne and surrounding area positions are posted atwww.myaerc.org

Services at the CenterOffice for the Aging Program FeatureThe Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for theAging (SRMTOFA) is centrally located in theheart of Akwesasne. The Tsi Tetewatatkens building(situated just north of the police station) on BusinessPark Road provides easy access to a wide array ofservices to the elderly population of Akwesasne. Ourstaff members are available anytime to provide assistancewith all senior related issues. In addition to the specificservices described on the Tribe’s Seniors/OFA website,the Senior Center has recently secured the services offour additional staff members.Kallen Martin joined the OFA in early May as thenew Director of the SRMTOFA. She brings with hermany years of program management,planning, and administration inthe health, social/human servicesfields. Kallen (daughter of the latePriscilla [George] and AlexanderMartin) hopes to widen the range ofservices available to our AkwesasneSeniors by combining the skillsand knowledge of staff members.The OFA’s Nutrition Coordinator,Bethany Boyea, and HealthEducator, Tewentahawih’tha’ Coleare also new to the center and withtheir joint work, more informededucational sessions and activitieswill be offered at both the centerand in client homes.Caregiver services, for example, are important forfamilies so they know what is happening to their elderas their health either improves or declines. Activitiesthat can increase mobility are critical and familymembers can help tremendously in this area throughtheir encouragement and tutoring. Familiar to many inthe community are medically directed changes in dietsthat come with certain medical diagnoses, for example,diabetes. The new staff members will be available fornutrition counseling and will also be scheduling homeBy Kallen Martin, DirectorMy Favorite Elder, Leona Cook,and her daughter Diane Boots16visits, most likely in the evening, so that families canparticipate. What they will become familiar with aresome of the ways in which foods that are bad can befiltered out of one’s daily diet, and what foods containthe necessary nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for amedically directed diet change. If you receive a homedelivered meal at noon, Bethany Boyea, our NutritionCoordinator will be in touch with you to make sure thehome delivered meal meets your needs along with a fewother questions about your health status.Our new Health Educator, Tewentahawih’tha’ Cole(daughter of Debbie Tarbell and Brian Cole) is agraduate of SUNY Potsdam. She received her Bachelorof Science degree in CommunityHealth in 2011. She brings to thecenter skills and knowledge that focuson health promotion. Stretchingand exercise are important to all ofus, especially for seniors who havebecome less mobile. In addition toour Activities Coordinator, ChanelCook, Wente and Bethany will bedeveloping some exciting activitiesto participate in at the center and atthe Tribe’s Wellness Day, scheduledfor July 25 at Tsi Tetewatatkens. Wehope to begin a series of weeklyactivities that will promote thehealth and flexibility of our seniors.Stay tuned for more details on thesedevelopments.Another new staff member is Marian Jacobs who isassisting in the delivery of meals to those seniors whoare home bound. Besides delivering meals, Marionhas also been trained to be on the lookout for certainsigns or symptoms of ill health among seniors whoare home bound. She was instrumental in noting suchsigns in one senior and called the ambulance rightaway. She reported this to our nutrition coordinatorwho stayed with the senior until the ambulance arrived.

Unfortunately, the senior had suffered a heart attack.But, fortunately, with Marion’s quick action, we wereable to facilitate for this individual the proper medicalattention. With rehabilitation, this senior will eventuallyreturn home, where we hope to be able to provide orfacilitate caregiver and/or home health services.Through the Senior’s Club, groups of our elderlyhave gone on trips to St. Regis Falls and to Kahnawake.In both locations, our seniors were guests of the seniorcenter they were visiting. Theyalso have the opportunity tobegin new friendships or renewold acquaintances, and playbingo!Coming up later in July is theSafe Driving Course sponsoredby AARP. Members of AARPare charged $17.00 while nonmemberspay two dollars more.The two-day course begins at1:00 p.m. on July 23 and 24,Grace Barnes and Alice Jacobs Work on TheirJournals at the Oneida Aging Well Conference2013 at the Senior Center. Participants who complete thecourse receive a 10% discount on their car insurance.As part of its funding, the SRMTOFA will be conductinga needs assessment among the senior population inAkwesasne. A similar assessment was completed in 2010.We hope to be able to utilize the more current findings inour application for funding from the federal government.Another feature of the SRMTOFA is its public forum,designed to gain further insight on the needs of ourMohawk seniors. This forum islikely to take place in late August orearly September.We are beginning to see a muchlarger crowd at the center for ournoon meals which are all homemade,and you don’t have to be 55 yearsof age or older to join us for lunch.When you do join us, be prepared tolaugh, visit with old acquaintancesand enjoy a delicious hot meal or ifyou prefer a toss green salad!Mabel White, Gloria Cook, Michael David, Jr. and Louise CookEnjoy a Mother's Day Meal at the CenterSenior Center Closure UpdateOn June 15, at approximately 3:00 p.m., an alarmnotified the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer FireDepartment (HAVFD) that there was a significantdrop in water pressure at the Office for the Aging SeniorCenter. When the HAVFD arrived, the building hadtwo to four inches of water most areas within the center.The Fire Department, Maintenance, Senior Centerstaff and Tribal Administration responded to the call.All efforts were made to minimize the damages anddehumidify the building as quick as possible. Luckily,with efforts from everyone, most equipment was saved.However, some of the flooring and sheetrock must bereplaced.For the safety of our seniors and communitymembers, all or some of the building will be closeduntil the repairs are complete and the building is safefor our elders to occupy. Announcements will be madeon CKON 97.3 FM, Indian Time and the Tribe'sFacebook page and website. ◊17

What Can an Otter Tell UsAbout the Environment?By Mary LaFrance, Environmental Health EducatorYou have probably never seen a river otter innature. That is because they are small, veryintelligent and also semi-aquatic, meaning they canspend just as much time on land as they do in water.In fact, an otter can run up to 18 mph on land and inwater they can hold their breath for up to eight wholeminutes! But, if you are ever lucky enough to see anotter in nature, they can tell you a lot about the healthof the surrounding environment.Otters are excellentanimals to use as indicatorsof a healthy environmentbecause they do not migrate.While most animals willtravel hundreds of milesduring the winter monthsto warmer climates, ottersare adapted to living in coldclimates. They have a thickfur that keeps them warmand they are able to swimbeneath the ice to search forfood. Another adaptationis that in the summer theyare nocturnal, meaning theyare most active at night andduring the winter they arediurnal or active during theday. This helps to regulatetheir energy and maintaintheir temperatures duringthe difference seasons.Another reason why otters are good indicators ofenvironmental health is because they are extremelysensitive to changes in water quality. Water quality refersto the chemical, physical or biological characteristics ofwater. Otters can spend up to one-third of their lives inthe water and often build their dens close to or alongshore lines. If there is a change in water quality in aSRMT Wildlife Technician, Jay Wilkins GetsHis Furry Friends Ready for a Presentation onIdentifying Animal Tracks18particular area otters are likely to relocate to a healthierenvironment with better water quality.The kind of food an otter eats is another way to tellthe health of the environment. Much of an otter’s dietis made up of fish, although they do occasionally eatinsects and small animals like mice or amphibians.When contamination gets into the environment itis deposited in water or on land and is washed intorivers, lakes and ponds where it settles to the bottom.Small animals and fish cantake these contaminantsinto their bodies that canthen be transported upthe food chain into largeranimals like the otter.Because most of their dietis made up of fish they aremore likely to be exposedand experience the healtheffects from environmentalcontamination.In areas of heavyenvironmentalcontamination andpoor water quality, otterpopulations have completelydisappeared. But, the goodnews is that when thesesame areas are cleaned up,the otter will return. TheSt. Lawrence River nearMassena and Akwesasne hasbeen known to be contaminated and efforts are ongoingto restore the environment. One way you can help is byinforming the St. Lawrence River AOC program at theSRMT Environment Division (518) 358-5937 of ottersightings in and around the Massena/Akwesasne areaso that information can be used for population studies.◊

Human ResourcesAdministration Program FeatureThe Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has grownsteadily over the past four years, increasing theemployee base from 601 in 2008 to 728 employees in2012.The Human Resource Department has had torespond to this growth through the addition of aHuman Resource Generalist in 2008 and an EmployeeRelations Specialist in 2013.Anthony Tillman was selected as the EmployeeRelations Specialist in May of this year. Anthony is aMohawk from Akwesasne and he brings practical workexperience from the managementroles in his past. His focus willbe to assist employees in resolvingdisputes between their managers/supervisors.Anthony will develop a trainingplan for all Tribal staff. Training willbe in the areas of Administrativeprocesses, health and safety,harassment and Tribal Policiesaffecting staff. Departments withinthe Tribe will prepare trainingsessions for staff on purchasing andbudget preparation, for example.Anthony will be developing anemployee orientation program tocover all areas of the Tribe and willsit on various committees to betterserve the Tribal organization.Anthony possesses a Bachelors Degree in BusinessManagement and a Masters Degree in EducationalLeadership. He has the education and experience toassist our employees and management in all areas ofHuman Resources.Patti, Margaret and Juanita are orienting Anthonyinto all areas of Human Resources that include staffingof positions, payroll and benefits administration, payrollaccounting, employee relations and Personnel Policyinterpretation.By Juanita Tarbell, Human Resource DirectorAnthony Tillman,Employee Relations Specialist19We welcome him to our department and look forwardto working together with him for many years. Anthonyis located on the first floor of the Community Buildingand can be reached at 518-358-2272, extension 251.Margaret Jacobs, the HR Generalist has been workingvery hard with staffing open positions. In the past year,she has received 1,073 resumes and applications for 142positions.Native preference policies have maintained 72%Native employment in the Tribal workforce. The staffin HR enforce this policy for every open position.Patti Herne, the Pay and BenefitsSpecialist worked with the HumanResources staff of the Casino on anemployee purchase plan for highquality mattresses, the same thatwere installed with the new hotel atthe Casino.Employees were allowed topay for these mattresses throughpayroll deductions. During the 3days of delivery, Patti, Bill Arquetteand McDuck of the maintenancedepartment, Brad Rickerl of theCompliance Department, CraigFuller and Tyler Jock from theCasino HR department, KarliTarbell, Meghan Barnes, TraceySunday-Cook, Troy Thompson,Jerome Thompson, DemitriLaFrance, Eric Romeo, Stevie Jones, Trent McDonaldand Matt Lazore helped load 304 mattress and boxsprings into trucks and trailers. On behalf of all thestaff, Niawen:kówa for making this employee purchaseplan a success.As Human Resources Director, I see how ouremployees go above and beyond on a daily basis. I amvery proud of the commitment of all the tribal employeesand the services they provide to our community. ◊

Keep It Out!By Angela Benedict, Air Quality Program ManagerThe subject of this article was brought to me bya community member who has real concernsabout this and wanted me to get it out to the rest ofthe community. This article isn't about air quality butI thought it was interesting enough that it should betalked about. It isn't for the weak stomach either. Sowhat's this about? It's about our beloved pets: dogsand cats. I love cats! Dogs are OK and I have onebut I have always preferred cats. This isn'tabout how they affect our indoor air quality,it is about how they affect the things we doin life like gardening. So you ask yourself,how can they affect my garden? Well,besides tearing up the plants andsuch, they can use the gardenas a toilet. Yes, I said toilet.We all know cats dig ahole, do their business,then cover it up. So whatbetter place than a garden.Dogs go just about anywhere.What you might not know is thattheir business is TOXIC, very toxic.Cats: Most people know thatpregnant women and people withcompromised immune systems shouldnot clean or handle the litter box. I wasrecently asked why and now I have theanswer: Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosisis a parasite that infects humans andother animals. Some symptoms of Toxoplasmosis areheadaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes orsore throat. Gardening is actually a second source ofinfection. The first would be contaminated food andwater because you ingest the parasite directly. Cat fecesalso contains roundworms. The roundworms can becarried to the mouth by dirty hands, especially in youngchildren and by fruits and vegetables.So how do you keep them out? A fence can workor some type of deterrent. Some say planting the rueherb helps because cats don’t like the smell. Othersrecommend planting thorny roses or laying thornybranches on the ground around your plants. Anothermethod is sprinkling cayenne or crushed pepper, itirritates cats. Rinds from grapefruit and lemon mayalso work. If you prefer to spray, a tea of rue, hot pepperliquid or lemon juice sprayed on plants may help tokeep them out and will not hurt the plants.Dogs: I hate to say anything about dogs,so many people are very defensive abouttheir dogs. Toxocara canis is the commonlarge roundworm that infects humansand comes from dog feces. Dog fecescontaminates by getting onyour hands and food. Oncethe fresh produce fromyour garden is eaten, theeggs get into your system.Once in your system(small intestine) they hatchand go throughout your body.They get into your bloodstream andfloat to the liver. This is called VisceralLarval Migrans. Another conditionis called Ocular Larval Migrans. Thisone can affect the human eye, attackthe retina and cause blindness.Some things to remember are:Never add dog or cat feces to yourcompost, keep your pets out of the garden, treat yourpets for roundworms, wash your fruits and vegetablesthoroughly before eating, wear gloves when gardeningand wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat/dogfeces and soil.So there you have it! Hopefully you won't bediscouraged from gardening. After all, fresh producefrom gardens is the best. So for now and for the nextseven generations, let's keep our gardens pet free. ◊20

Preventive ServicesSocial Services Division Program FeatureThe Preventive/Foster Care Unit is now located at382 State Route 37, the old police station rightnext to their old building. We have a new Supervisor,Joni Cole, who will be starting on July 1, 2013. Shecomes from the Massena Central School district andhas previously worked as acaseworker for the unit back in2000.Our unit consists of onesupervisor and four caseworkerswho are Stacee Loran, ChloeCebek, Breanne Herne andEllie Fuller. We also have onehome-finder, Mallory Godreau,a LAN Administrator, CassiThompson, and KrystalPhillips is our AdministrativeAssistant.The unit has been inoperation for 19 years. In Aprilof 1994, Tribal Council andthe New York State Officeof Child and Family Servicessigned an agreement allowingthe tribe to handle their ownsocial service problems.The Preventive Unit assistsin court-mandated cases. Thisis an involuntary procedurethrough Person In Need ofSupervision (PINS), JuvenileDelinquency ( JD) or orderedthrough the Family CourtSystem initiated by a removalor order of protection throughan investigation by ChildProtection Services (CPS),another unit of the Division ofSocial Services.By Clarissa Terrance-Chatland, Assistant DirectorOur home-finder is always in constant need of fosterhomes to help with children who are being removed orneed respite for current foster parents.We work with several other tribal programs such as:• Intensive Preventive Program – Positive IndianParenting and Parent/ChildAdvocacy• Mental Health –Traditional Medicine, AngerManagement and Counseling• Drug and AlcoholTreatment – Outpatient andPartridge House• Drug and AlcoholPrevention Program- 6-weekPrevention Program• Three Sisters – Shelter,Supervised Visitation/Exchange, DV Advocacy andSexual Assault Advocacy andEducation• Men for Change –Education• Franklin or St. LawrenceCounty Services – Medicaidand/or Temporary Assistance,Food Stamps• Canadian Services –referrals to ACFSThe Preventive Services Staff,: Krystal,Mallory, Breanne, Chloe, Stacee, Cassidi andEllieTo strengthen, support and protectfamilies of Akwesasne in all stagesof life for Seven Generations.Our offices are open from 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Ifyou have any questions aboutPreventive Services, contact usat 518-358-4516. ◊21

The SRMT BrownfieldsEnvironment Program FeatureSince its inception in 1995, EPA's BrownfieldsProgram has grown into a proven, resultsorientedprogram. It has changed the way contaminatedproperty is perceived, addressed and managed. “TribalBrownfields” are defined as properties on tribal land thatare “hindered from expansion, redevelopment, or reuseby the presence or potential presence of a hazardoussubstance, pollutant or contaminant.” The SaintRegis Mohawk Tribe received its first grant in 2010to establish a BrownfieldsProgram in Akwesasne.“EPA’s BrownfieldProgram empowers tribes,states, and communitiesby providing money andtechnical assistance toprevent, assess, safely cleanup and sustainably reuseBrownfields. Through theseresponse programs, tribesare taking an active role incombating environmentalissues in Indian country,while creating selfsufficientorganizations forenvironmental protection.”The Saint Regis MohawkTribal Brownfields Programis currently gearing upfor its fourth year ofservice. We are continuingto gather information from the community aboutpotential Brownfields sites. The Brownfields Databasecurrently has 38 possible Brownfields properties andcorresponding data. This information was collected overthe course of this year and last year through communityoutreach activities. The Brownfields staff created aplan for the next phase of inventory: prioritization. Toassist with this we have established the “AkwesasneBrownfields Committee” (ABC) of Akwesasnecommunity members to help prioritize criteria to applyBy Amberdawn LaFrance and Julia JacobsAmberdawn and Julia Display the New"Akwesasró:non Pledge to Mother Earth" feathers.Photo by Jari Thompson.22to the sites. The criteria were then used to create mapsof natural resources that the group considered prioritiesto protect from environmental contamination. Thenext step in this process will be to compare the map ofresources to the map of potential sites and see whichsites pose the most hazards to community resources.The Brownfields Program participated in the Treeand Seed Giveaway and the Akwesasne RoadsideCleanup Day this year. A table with information anda map was set up at theTree and Seed Giveaway,for community membersto identify potentialBrownfields sites. For theRoadside Cleanup Day,the Brownfields Programdonated 13 mugs, filled withcandy and a magnet, to beused as door prizes for thecommunity members thatspent the day cleaning upthe roadsides. Brownfieldswill also be participatingat the Akwesasne AnnualWellness Day by hostinga table with informationand prizes for thecommunity. Outreach staffalso developed a 12-inchfeather-shaped postcardwith inspiring words, titled“Akwesasró:non Pledge to Mother Earth.” This will begiven to community members as a reminder to keep ourMother Earth clean and to call our local environmentoffice about potential Brownfields sites.On April 23, 2013, Amberdawn Lafrance andJulia Jacobs attended the bi-annual BrownfieldsRoundtable Discussion in Albany, NY. This meetingbrought together Brownfields grantees, the EPA, andNYSDEC to discuss anything about Brownfields

Grants, assessments, funding, etc. This meeting isimportant for the SRMT Brownfields team becauseit is an opportunity for all Brownfields grantees,including tribal grantees, to get togetherand share ideas, stresses and otherinformation. We also met withPhil Clappin, our project officerfrom EPA Region 2.On May 14-17, 2013,Brownfields staff DanielBenedict and Julia Jacobs,along with SRMT EconomicDevelopment representativeLindsay Tarbell, traveledto the National BrownfieldsConvention held in Atlanta,Georgia. Daily a room was setaside for tribal representatives togather, network and discuss issuespertinent to tribal communities. Severalsessions were relevant totribes such as AssessingBrownfields Challengesin Tribal Communitiesand AddressingOpen Dumps andConstruction Wastein Tribal and RuralCommunities. Danielattended a series ofshort film clips whichdemonstrated howcommunities can worktogether on Brownfieldsclean-ups. Two of thefilms were projectsby Native AmericanTribes: the Cherokee inTahlequah, Oklahomaand the JamestownS’Klallam Tribe ofSequim, Washington.Another new feature tothe Brownfields conference was the Tribal ListeningSession co-hosted by EPA’s OSWER (Office of SolidWaste and Emergency Response) AssistantAdministrator Mathy Stanislaus, andEPA’s Janice Simms. They also touredAtlantic Station, a $2 billion dollarsmart growth project locatedon a 138 acre Brownfield sitein the heart of Atlanta. Theyattended a RevitalizationRoundtable which consistedof the nation’s most innovativeleaders. The leaders were theAtlanta mayor Kasim Reed,the Cincinnati mayor MarkMallory and Asheville mayorTerry Bellamy. Other leadersincluded White House Directorfor Intergovernmental Relations JayWilliams, the Assistant Administrator ofUS EPA Mathy Stanislaus and the PresidentScott Condra of JacobyDevelopment Inc.During this sessionthe panel shared theirvision for sustainablerevitalization and how tointegrate redevelopmentwith support forstruggling families andcitizens.Yocasta Dejesus, Brownfields Project Manager, JuliaJacobs, SRMT Brownfields Outreach Coordinatorand Schenine Mitchell, Brownfields Projects OfficerStanding at EPA’s Region 2 Informational Booth atthe National Brownfields Conference in Atlanta, GA.Photo by Daniel Benedict.The SRMTBrownfields Programhas submitted a proposalto continue funding for2013-2014. The proposalincludes a new sectionunder site-specificactivities. We hope tobegin our first round ofsite assessments in thenext funding year. ◊23

Join the Let's Get Healthy Program for the 6th AnnualTwilight Fun Run/Walk SeriesThe Twilight Fun Run/Walk series is a fun, family activity for all ages and fitness levels. Itwill be held at the Tewathahita Walking Trail at Generations Park. The series will be everyWednesday evening starting July 3 to August 28, 2013. Please sign in from 5:15 to 5:30 p.m.The event starts at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.Free T-shirts for those who participate in four of nine nights. Bring your family and help usin our fight against diabetes.For more information please contact the Let’s Get Healthy Program at 518-358-9667Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe412 State Route 37Akwesasne, NY 13655ECRWSSPRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDMAILED FROMZIP CODE 13655PERMIT NO. 26POSTAL PATRON