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Elders, Caregivers, and Veterans

Our S7elálexw (old people) have always been the holders of wisdom and teachers of the generations to come. They are our most valuable resource. Our program works hard to help them continue sharing their gifts.

Lunch is Served on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

The Elders Nutrition Program provides nutritional congregate meals on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 12 noon – 1:00 pm.

We'll meet at 715 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221. Come early, at 11:30 am, for refreshments and good conversations.

Elder Supportive Services

We provide elder supportive services to Native Elders - Samish Citizens age 45+, American Indian, and Alaskan Native. The service area is Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties. Please contact us using our Elders Contact Form about eligibility for services. 

Caregiver Supportive Services

The Samish Caregiver Program provides services to an unpaid, informal family member, friend, or neighbor giving care to one of the following:

  1. Cares for a native elder.
  2. Elder caring for people of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD).
  3. Elder caring for children under the age of 18 - includes grandparents raising grandchildren.
  4. Elder caring for adults with disabilities. An individual with a disability is defined by the American Disability Act.

Caregiver Services are provided in a 4 County area: Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties. To learn about services and eligibility, please use our Elders Contact Form.

Virtual & In-Person Elders Gatherings and Bingo Fun!

Samish Elders are invited to our Virtual and In-Person Elders Gatherings. We meet quarterly for good conversations, activities, games, and prizes. Between our quarterly gatherings, we meet online and in person for an hour of Bingo Fun! The events are posted on the calendar, or you can use Elders Contact Form for details and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Veterans Program

We are updating our veteran's list and would like to know if you are a military veteran. Please provide your name, branch of the military, and years served. Also, include your mailing address, phone, and email. We want to thank you for your service by gifting you a Samish Indian Nation veteran's vest. Please send your information to our Elders Contact Form.

If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, you can call the US Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and selecting 1 or text 838255. Qualified responders for confidential help are available 24/7. You can learn more about the Veterans Crisis Line at their website, veteranscrisisline.net.

FULL - Virtual Christmas Party (online)


Gather virtually for the annual Virtual Samish Christmas Party.

Dates: 12 – 12 Dec, 2025

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)


Gather for a shared dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming.

Dates: 18 – 18 Dec, 2025

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https://www.samishtribe.nsn.us/departments/health/tribal-wellness-services


Join us for an exciting year of fitness challenges designed to keep you motivated, active, and healthy throughout the year. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there's something for everyone in each season's unique challenge.

Dates: 03 Jan, 2026

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Xws7ámeshqen Syisó7steng’ (Samish Language History)


Learn and discuss history of Xws7ámeshqen Syisó7steng’ (the Samish Language)

Dates: 15 – 15 Jan, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 15 – 15 Jan, 2026

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Treaty Day Talk (Summit Park campus + online)

Anacortes, WA

Join us at Summit Park or online to learn about the history and significance of signing of the Treaty of Point Elliott.

Dates: 22 – 22 Jan, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 29 – 29 Jan, 2026

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 30 – 30 Jan, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 12 – 12 Feb, 2026

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Dentalium Earrings Class (online)


Make a pair of dentalium earrings and learn about the cultural importance of dentalium shells.

Dates: 17 – 17 Feb, 2026

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Earthquake/Tsunami Preparedness


Informative session on emergency preparedness.

Dates: 19 – 19 Feb, 2026

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Dentalium Earrings Class (Summit Park campus)

Anacortes, Washington

Make a pair of dentalium earrings and learn about the cultural importance of dentalium shells.

Dates: 21 – 21 Feb, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 26 – 26 Feb, 2026

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Samish in the Historical Record (Fidalgo Bay Resort + online)

Anacortes, WA

Join us for a public history talk tracing the history of the Samish Indian Nation, presented by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 03 – 03 Mar, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 12 – 12 Mar, 2026

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Weaving Retreat (Samish Island)


Get away to Samish Island for a weekend of 2-day wool and cedar weaving projects, along with language classes and games.

Dates: 20 – 22 Mar, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 26 – 26 Mar, 2026

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Spring Gathering


Join us for an afternoon of good conversation, culture talk and bingo.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 23 – 23 Apr, 2026

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