St'xalq Friedlander, daughter of Cil u sasqet Sr & Rebecca Friedlander, granddaughter of Jerry & Colleen Payne, Suzi Friedlander, and Scott Austin, great-granddaughter of Louella Friedlander and Tootsie (Rickteroff) Lowry. She is a descendant of The Confederated Tribes of Colville and enrolled in Pedro Bay Village Athabascan. St'alq is a Sophomore at Benson Polytechnical High School, as an Electrician Major. Stalg is active in sports; she has been playing lacrosse for the last 8 years. She currently plays for Cleveland High School Girls Lacrosse and this summer she will be playing for

NW Native Lacrosse. St'alg is also on the Benson Swim Team. St'xalq helps her sister run the Native American Culture Club at Benson bringing more Culture awareness to their school community, throughout the school year, not just in November. St'alg has held an MMIW Awareness event every year since fifth grade at her schools and with the help of her sister they have also started a Truth & Reconciliation Awareness event bringing to light the suffrage of

Indian Boarding Schools. Stalg has a big heart for animals. She has 2 bunnies, Superman & Galaxy, that roam free in her bedroom. She also helps take care of and train the 2 family blue heelers. She has been in Scouts of America since she was in second grade. Her love of animals is well known among family & friends, and it has shown in Scouts. She is currently working on becoming a Wrangler and this summer she will go on a Horse Trek, riding a horse for 165 miles over 10 days. St'alq has been a Den Chief for the last few years with Cub Scouts, where working with young kids and being a good role model has become particularly important to her. She believes Scouting can help kids learn new life skills, make

friends, and become good leaders. St'xalq found a love for sewing when she was only 7 years old and she loves sewing with her grandma and making her own patterns. She is a highly creative young lady whether it be with poetry, music, drawing, clay, and so much more. If it is something creative, she wants to learn. She has been basketweaving for a couple of years now, and has found pine needle to be her favorite. She will start interning at her family's trading post this summer to continue her education in beads, fabric, and more. She enjoys cooking with her dad, however, baking is her go too, even at midnight she will feel the urge and her family enjoys waking up to delicious treats the next morning. She is a full-time high school student, part-time wrangler, part-time mentor, and lifelong student of all things creative and of

her cultures. She is the biggest supporter of her family & friends and puts others first always.

Koosah Quenelle is the first son of Sherri Rice. He is a descendant of the Tlingit people and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. As the middle child among five siblings, two older sisters and two younger brothers—he was raised in Portland by his mother.

Throughout his life, Koosah has demonstrated a strong commitment to dance, beginning at the age of one and continuing until thirteen. He initially focused on chicken and grass dances and is now returning as a men's traditional dancer. Koosah holds a deep respect for his cultural heritage and the responsibilities inherent in participating in the circle. He takes pride in dancing on behalf of those unable to do so and in memory of those who have passed. He enjoys spending time with his elders, whether it be assisting them, learning from them, or just listening to their stories. Additionally, he actively contributes to and learns about regalia making, preparing to share these skills with future generations.

Koosah has three nephews, one niece, and is expecting another niece or nephew in May. He has assisted his mother in raising his two younger brothers and holds family, friends, and his dog in high regard, carrying these connections into all aspects of his life. Known for his natural rapport with children, Koosah also enjoys gaming and playing basketball. He considers it a distinct honor to serve as Head Man and is grateful for the opportunity to represent his community with respect, humility, and pride.