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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.

Drop-in Class: Flat Beading (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn flat beading, making a beaded medallion or beaded barrette.

Dates: 16 – 16 Jan, 2025

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Home Safety & Emergency Planning


Samish Elders will learn about home safety and emergency preparedness.

Dates: 16 – 16 Jan, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Flat Beading (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn flat beading, making a beaded medallion or beaded barrette.

Dates: 17 – 17 Jan, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Flat Beading (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn flat beading, making a beaded medallion or beaded barrette.

Dates: 18 – 18 Jan, 2025

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Treaty Day (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join Chairman Tom Wooten for a discussion of the history and significance of signing of the Treaty of Point Elliott.

Dates: 22 – 22 Jan, 2025

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Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 23 – 23 Jan, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 23 – 23 Jan, 2025

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Culture Talk: Community + Family Teachings (online)

Anacortes, WA

Learn about cultural, community, and family teachings.

Dates: 28 – 28 Jan, 2025

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 31 – 31 Jan, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 06 – 06 Feb, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Peyote Stitch (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn peyote stitch beading.

Dates: 13 – 13 Feb, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Peyote Stitch (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn peyote stitch beading.

Dates: 14 – 14 Feb, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Peyote Stitch (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn peyote stitch beading.

Dates: 15 – 15 Feb, 2025

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Culture Talk: Traditional Teas (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn about traditional teas, their preparation and benefits.

Dates: 18 – 18 Feb, 2025

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Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 20 – 20 Feb, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 20 – 20 Feb, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 13 – 13 Mar, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Ribbon Skirts (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Drop-in and learn to sew a ribbon skirt.

Dates: 20 – 20 Mar, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Ribbon Skirts (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Drop-in and learn to sew a ribbon skirt.

Dates: 21 – 21 Mar, 2025

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Drop-in Class: Ribbon Skirts (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Drop-in and learn to sew a ribbon skirt.

Dates: 22 – 22 Mar, 2025

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Virtual Class: Quarter Bags (online)


Learn to weave a quarter bag, taught by Emily Blackinton Baker.

Dates: 25 – 25 Mar, 2025

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Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2025

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Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 10 – 10 Apr, 2025

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Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2025

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2025

More Details