About Us

Lifelong member and resident of Lummi Nation, Northwest Indian College alumni, Native Environmental Science, focus on traditional Native Plants; lifetime student in Traditional teachings, (teachers; Grandmothers, Sadie Celestine-Jones and Aurelia Balch-Celestine). Traditional knowledge verses scientific knowledge: I am attempting to acquire a respectful way to balance each in collaborative approach, without offending science and tradition. Born to Richard J. Ballew Sr. and Ernestine Lane (Ballew-Gensaw); third of nine siblings, all traditional artists of sorts.

Growing-up along the waters of the Nooksack River and Hales Passage, water is valued part of my life, alongside, fishing, native plants, art, sustainable food, native healing, treaty right, women’s rights and traditional ways of life. Life today compared to this westernize living of present day, I attempt to implement tradition in anyway needed. I am retired commercial salmon fisher; retired traditional canoe puller, I worked for the Lummi Nation for approximately 35 years in various programs, departments, committees, commissions, boards, and projects.

My Traditional teachers were and still are my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and parents. Our classroom is a 24/7 opened sessions; the world is/was our living classroom. One difference is we never received a piece of paper acknowledging our achievement of that traditional education.

Doreen is currently retired from her occupation and spends a majority of her time advocating for our children, being that she is the Chair for the Lummi Grandparents Committee since 2009. She has a Degree in Business and Computer Management and has studied Culinary Arts. Doreen was prompted by the community to be an active member of the Lhaq’temish Foundation and has been a member since June of 2011.

Nicole moved to the South Fork Valley of the Nooksack River in 2002, where she became involved in protecting the life ways of the Salish Sea. She holds a Doctorate in Rhetoric and Composition and is an Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Technical Communications, and Writing Studies at Western Washington University. Nicole fits right in with what we are doing here at Lha’qtemish Foundation, she has served on several University Committees, committee groups and non-profit boards. She is committed to supporting the building and strengthening of Indigenous communities via artistic, intellectual, and financial reciprocity and understands Indigenous knowledge systems and sovereignty as a cultural interface for truth and reconciliation efforts to benefit indigenous communities. 

Rita is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Silver Reef, a lifetime resident of the Bellingham/Lummi area. She has eight years of experience in the gaming industry, three in operations. Her strengths are project management, community development, financial & business development, and financial analysis. Rita holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from WGU. She is passionate about team development and prides herself on being a team player. Rita loves raising her two daughters and spending time with family. In her free time, she is an active participant in outrigger & canoe pulling events and fundraisers for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).