All Cowlitz Matter is supporting the following candidates for Tribal Council
See which of your fellow tribal members have signed on to endorse our candidates
Brad Thayer
My Name is Brad Thayer. I am running for Tribal Council to be a representative for all Tribal Members. I am from Tacoma where a large portion of my family resides. We are also spread to other states in the Pacific Northwest and across the Nation.
Currently, I reside in Puyallup after living in Texas while mobilized for the Army Reserves. My wife and I have two girls, Emilia (9) and Gwenyth (8). We have a son, Dean (13), who resides in Colorado with his mom. It is great to be back home where we can be around family. I currently work as the Transportation Assistant Director for Puyallup School District.
I joined the Army at the age of 17. The Army teaches 7 core Army Values; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. My family has always reflected these values, so it was never difficult for me to accept.
My uncle has nominated me for the second year in a row. It took a lot of Personal Courage for me to accept that I could be a representative for more than just my immediate family, but All my Cowlitz Family.
I support Tribal members wherever you are and expanding our outreach/information to you.
Other initiatives that I support:
– Being a voice for those members that cannot be heard
– Growing the potential of GWE for all members through maximizing the Tribal Economic diversification
– Supporting grant funded Programs that benefit all Tribal members
– Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering rights being restored
More than anything, I will listen to the needs of All members.
I hope that you entrust me with the opportunity to be your voice on Tribal Council. Thank you for your consideration!
Cheryl Bell
CANIDATE FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL- CHERYL BELL
HONORING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US AND ALL COWLITZ NO
MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE, BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR
CHILDREN.
My name is Cheryl Bell, daughter of-
Janice Wills Landahl, daughter of-
Hazel McKay Wills, daughter of-
Aureilia Burr McKay, daughter of-
Adelaide Delaunnis, born on the Cowlitz prairie and descendant of Chief
Elias Quatama and Suckpia his wife. Both full blooded Cowlitz .
I currently reside in the city of Anacortes, Washington. Gateway to the
San Juan Islands where my family has resided for generations.
I retired from USDA FSIS in 2020 at the onset of the Covid outbreak after
19 years of service. I found myself suddenly with a lot of time on my hands
and decided to dedicate that time to the Cowlitz Tribe. It was always a
desire of mine, but my work kept me from participating in all that I
wanted. I attended meetings as time allowed. I was voted onto TC and
have served in that capacity to this day.
Boards and Committees I am currently serving on include:
Indian Child Welfare- protecting our children and supporting our families.
Code Revision Ad Hoc Committee- reviewing and updating Tribal Code
with the approval of Tribal Council.
GWE Committee-committed to bringing the most GWE possible to our
members.
Enrollment Constitutional Amendment Committee- bringing our family’s
home!
Committee on Boards and Committees- Reviewing Tribal boards and
committees to ensure they serve as intended in our fast growing tribe.
In the past I have also served on:
Culture Board
Tabacco Building Design Team
Qunapso Board
Financial Planning Workshops
Values I support for the Cowlitz Tribe and members are:
Vote by mail for all Cowlitz members- It is important for all Cowlitz voices
to be heard and when something is brought to TC for consideration or
recommendation from GC members I feel all GC members should have
their voices heard, not just those able to attend a meeting.
Maximum sustainable GWE for all members
Enrollment amendment for our unenrolled Cowlitz family members
Health and dental coverage for all members
A more unified Tribal Council-
We have an exciting future ahead of us and I’m looking forward to seeing
our potential growth become a reality!
I would be honored to be reelected to continue serving our tribe as a
member of Tribal Council. Thank you in advance for your support.
Kris Kitz
In 2005, when John Barnett and my uncle, Mike Caso, handed me one of our Tribe’s first academic scholarship checks, I had no idea it would lead to his son, Dave Barnett, asking me to run for Tribal Council 15 years later. That day, John and my uncle made it clear—I would be called to serve our Tribe one day. My uncle Mike, who dedicated decades to our people as a Council Member, passed in 2016.
After a long debate with Dave on many, many issues, I chose to run, reminded of the promise made that day in 2005 at St. Mary’s. It has been my honor to serve, and I respectfully ask for your vote and continued trust in this election.
I’m a Washington native from Port Angeles, raised by my parents, Michael and Darcie (Caso) Kitz, alongside my grandmother, Louise Spicer (Meyer), whose strength and kindness continue to inspire me. My wife and I met in college, married in 2007, and have two children, Cayden (14) and Natalia (11). We’ve lived in Gig Harbor, Eugene, and now Tucson, AZ, where I work as a healthcare executive. While we appreciate the sun, we hope to return to the Pacific Northwest.
What I Support:
· All Cowlitz Matter – ALL members, regardless of zip code, or blood quantum, are equal.
· Decision-Making Priority – Focus on issues benefiting all members.
· Maximizing Payments to Members – Distribute as much GWE revenue as possible and sustainable.
· Invest in the Future – Grow and diversify economic enterprises to increase income, ensure stability and continue to increase member GWE payments.
· Healthcare – Expand beyond prescription drug coverage to include medical and dental care for ALL Cowlitz.
· Supporting Our Leaders – Tribal Council should govern, not micromanage. Governance includes politics. Management does not.
· Sustainable Growth – Responsible spending, strategic planning, and leadership that reflects our tribe’s needs today and ensures a strong future.
I am committed to continuing the work for our people. Your vote and trust mean everything.
Native/Tribal Leadership Positions
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
· Tribal Council Member; Audit Committee Member; GWE Committee Member; Health Board Member; Planning Committee Vice Chair
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
· Economic Development Corporation Treasurer/Board Director
Employment Positions
· Chief Executive Officer – Wyatt Surgery Center/Tucson Anesthesia/Eye Associates of Tucson
· Chief Strategy Officer – TMC Health & President – Southern Arizona Hospital Alliance
· System Vice President – Retail Health & Strategic Partnerships. MultiCare
· Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer – PeaceHealth/Oregon
· System Director – Strategy & Business Development, MultiCare
Education
· High School Diploma, Port Angeles High School
· Associate of Arts, Peninsula College
· Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, University of Washington
· Master of Health Administration, University of Washington
Larry Kestner
I grew up in Tacoma, Wa. and joined the Navy at 20. I was an East Coast Sailor, settling in Florida and raising a family for 25 years. After my military service, I went to work at the Post Office, becoming a Union Steward and gaining valuable experience, which has greatly helped in my current role as a TC member. I moved back to Wa. In 2021 and was elected to TC in 2022.
I spend my time working as a TC member (a 24/7 job) and participating (and learning!) at Tribal events. I am currently on several committees, including our Code, Pow Wow, Cultural Resources, Hunting Fishing and Gathering (to advocate for our inherent rights), and GWE committees. I have served on our Weavers, ad hoc Enrollment and Elder’s symposium committees. I attend almost every committee or board meeting I am allowed to attend. I feel it’s my obligation as a TC member to be as fully informed as possible. I particularly love to weave cedar, garden, and travel with my BFF Raven, whom you can see in my photo with me!
I am running for my 2nd term on TC. I am asking for your vote so that I can continue to deliver results for our members.
I think one of my most important responsibilities, if re-elected, is to continue to implement the Revenue Distribution Plan voted on by members in Nov. 2024. Based upon that vote, 50% of Casino revenue Must be used for Gov./programs and member GWE.
I am committed to distribute GWE directly To our members, without “reserving” or holding back available Casino and Tax revenue From our members.
I brought forward and fought for, despite opposition, the Winter GWE in Dec. 2024, using unspent government budget funds.
I will ask the tough questions, do the research, investigate issues, and bring forward proposals to find answers, such as the motion I made in 2024 to contract a vendor to conduct an Enrollment Projection Study, just completed, which will enable all members to better understand the effects of changing our enrollment rules far into the future.
My past work with the Tribe starts with attending Tribal events and learning our culture, language (we are now teaching our language in online classes!) and the history of our people.
I’ve learned to make many kinds of Cedar projects, including the Fedora I am wearing in my photo. I’ve given presentations at three different schools to talk with students about our tribe.
Being in office for almost three years, I have made numerous contacts with TC members from other Tribes. After meeting with a Colville TC member, he gave me info regarding an Enrollment survey that his Tribe had done and I brought the idea forward for us to use. I’m a big believer in learning from others.
I am a very strong advocate to the idea that All Cowlitz matter, no matter your last name or where you live.
Patty Kinswa-Gaiser
I have been an active lifelong member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. My path has come full circle as and I wish to continue to serve the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. I will work diligently with all 5,000 members in mind.
I am a descendant of Ike -Kinswa and Taidnapum or Upper Cowlitz, which historically originated from eastern Lewis County to the Cowlitz Prairie at Toledo, Washington.
I served my community long before the Tribe achieved federal recognition in 2000. As a child, I attended general council meetings with my parents at the Cowlitz Prairie Grange in Toledo, before growing into an adult where I have served as a volunteer on several boards and committees and eventually, I served as Elders Program Manager until 2015 and then as interim Tribal manager.
I serve on the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority (CTGA).
I also work with the Chemical Dependency Department, Medical Assisted Treatment programs, the Mental Health Group, handing down her knowledge of beading, the making of medicine bags and regalia, and working with cedar.
I am passionate about my family including my spouse, Fred Gaiser, my daughter, Suzanne Donaldson, my son, Mike Donaldson, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and all those who have crossed over, to include my ‘other’ son, David Barnett.
I have served several consecutive three-year terms on the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Council where I served at Tribal Council Chair and most recently, serving as the first General Council Chairwoman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
I would appreciate your votes!
Vanessa Robertson
My name is Vanessa Robertson. I am the daughter of Elizabeth Robertson, granddaughter of Leatrice Joann Swanson, and a descendant of Simon Plamondon.
After graduating from Ferndale High School, I moved to Longview WA. to pursue degrees in early childhood education. During that time, I had the honor to work for our tribe in the Elders program where I learned many things, including how to cook and feed our people, the importance of gathering and connecting to our community, and heard an invaluable number of stories from our Elders who also taught me the importance of listening as well as speaking.
For 18 years, I worked in early childhood education as a lead preschool teacher where I developed skills in leadership, patience, and understanding. Through experience and classes, I have come to know and understand the Washington State Administrative Codes as well as compliance and regulations. I also gained significant experience with Child Protective Services, Family Health Services, and local and state resources for families. These skills equipped me when I had the honor to become one of the founding member of our Cowlitz Indian Child Welfare committee. This committee role has taught much more about Indian Child Welfare, the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, broaden my understanding of the Tribes sovereignty in child welfare cases and truly humbled me.
My great-grandfather and grandmother, both served on the Tribal Council and taught me the importance of preserving our culture and history and that the Tribe comes first. This means prioritizing what is best for the tribe, as a whole, not just for individuals or certain families. I hope to continue in the footsteps of my ancestors and improve the generations to come. To that end, I believe in equal benefits and opportunities for all tribal members, regardless of age or location. I advocate for training Cowlitz individuals to fill positions before hiring non-Cowlitz and full transparency in all council and business dealings that do not breach confidentiality clauses.
The council was established to represent the general membership, their wants, and needs, and to do what is best for the whole. However, it seems that with each passing year, the council has drifted further from this mission. My main goal, if re-elected, will be to represent the members’ wants and needs while looking to the future for stability and identify ways to thrive while preserving our way of life and culture. We must adapt to the times and find more ways to support our people so that we can continue to be The Cowlitz people.
I have dedicated my life to helping children succeed in a safe, loving environment and to keeping them within our culture and tribe. To ensure that our children thrive, we must support the entire family unit with resources such
as medical care, food, housing, education, career opportunities, daycare, and mental health services, regardless of where they live.
Council/Board/Committee involvement:
· Tribal Council Secretary
· ICW Committee Member
· ICW Committee QEW
· Youth Board Chair
· Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Committee Chair
· Employees on TC Adhoc Committee
· GWE Revenue Plan Committee Secretary
· Disabilities GWE Founder
· Executive council
· GWE Childcare Committee
· Qanapsu Board
Priorities for re-election:
· Preserve Cowlitz culture through engagement opportunities for tribal members
· Address generational trauma and ensure CIT policies, protocols, and practices uphold our values and helps heal our community
· Continue to support current programming with grant funded and utilize tribal revenue to support GWE programs for members that strengthen generational wealth for Cowlitz families by supporting direct payments to members
· Restore our hunting and fishing rights and programs and bring horses back to the Cowlitz people