Talia M. DeCoteau

1. Talia M. DeCoteau Following the beat

2. My Inspiration A seed was planted deep within me by years of following the beat of the drum. • My grandmother Geneva V. Ives (Jones), was the first Port Gamble S’Klallam member to graduate from public high school at North Kitsap High School. • My Mother Betty Y. DeCoteau (Ives) has accomplished her Masters of Science in Accountancy recently, class of 2010. Both of these women have made a huge impact on my life, my career goals, and my education. But, ultimately, they have given me the encouragement to follow my dreams of becoming a Tribal Leader through education. Them both being independent, smart, supportive women, lead me to strive for the goals I once put aside, for raising a family. At one point, I thought, hey if they can do it along with raising us, why shouldn’t I? So, it started Spring quarter 2010 at Northwest Indian College.

3. Who makes me, today My Children have been my sole reason to reach for my goals. After the bar had been set with, my grandmother, and my mother, I had some big shoes to fill! • My first son- Joshua Blake DeCoteau-McLeod (16) Born in 1994, I was only 17, but, he made it easy to forget the struggles, and gave me the confidence to succeed as a young independent mother. I look up to him a lot of times, because he has grown to be a successful, respectful, and motivated young man. • My second son- Deondre Matteo Pierce (5) Born in 2006, was a refreshing new beginning and re-introduced us to the world of parenthood. At a more mature age I was able to look at him and be humbled by the little things in life, he is so grateful for every one and everything he is blessed with. • My Youngest and first daughter- Alishawnee Mattea Pierce (2) Born in 2008, came into our lives and woke up every source of energy and charisma we have in us. She is my little fighter, as young as she is, she stands up for her beliefs. She is vibrant and demanding to her older brothers, but she is also a reminder to us that we have to keep moving forward, and strive for what we dream!

4. Where I Grew up Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation (Little Boston) http://www.pgst.nsn.us/ • I have lived here on the Reservation all my life. • I have worked for the tribe since 1994, starting as the Front desk receptionist and gradually advancing to full time employee in my current department for 15 years, as the Accounts Payable Supervisor. • Education started on the reservation in preschool which I attended, prior to public elementary school. On to Middle school, junior, and senior high school at North Kitsap. • Growing up here I have had access all my life to the resources, which the people of our community share as a common livelihood. • I have also been an active Tribal Commercial Geoduck Diver and harvester since 1999. • Life here has been fulfilling and I am surrounded by a community who really supports each other, I could not imagine moving away from my home.

5. Lifelong Goals and Dreams • Motherhood, no matter what life’s challenges may be, I will always do my best to provide for my family, to make them secure, and to keep a strong and lasting bond with my children. • Health, In good health and taking time to care of my body, will ensure my future and the ability to provide encouragement and awareness to my children in their own safety and ability to live long and healthy lives of their own. • Education, has become a top goal for me, and I have come to realize that an opportunity to learn, will only bring reward to mine as well as my families future. Success can only be achieved with knowledge. • Dreams and Goals for the future, all of the above, Graduating with my masters before my 40th birthday, Success, and to give back to my community within the S’Klallam Reservation, by becoming a honorable Tribal Leader.

6. Time line of my Career 1994-1997 First born son, GED, full time Job with the Tribe. 1998-1999 Full-time job at the Tribal Bingo Hall. 1999-2000 Certification of Dive school, first year of diving successful. Transferred to Tribal Administration, and Natural Resources, and hired in Accounting 10/99. 2001-2009 Second and third child born, Maintaining full-time career in Accounting and advance from Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Payroll. 2010-2011 Promoted to A/P Supervisor, started NWIC in Spring quarter of 2010.

7. Family Without the love, support and encouragement from my family, I would not have managed to accomplish the things I have today. They are my back bone and the beat to my drum.

8. EDUCATION Starting in Spring of 2010 I enrolled in Northwest Indian College. Feeling a little overwhelmed and unfamiliar, one class was a good start. However, it awoke a spark of fire, I had not had in years. The next quarter I applied again, this time FULL time. Still uneasy, but I had a hunger. My plan is to finish my two year degree in Business Admin. Then, transfer to a four year college to graduate with a major in Administration, based in Accounting and Business Law. These are my goals for now. I know I will continue as long as I have the ability to gain knowledge, it will be something I continually yearn for.

9. My Personal Statement God has given me a gift, for which I can share. As, my Grandmothers taught me, I will teach my young to be there. A lesson learned everyday is my goal to succeed, and I will remember when she showed me to carry that seed. To remember the stories, that I will pass on. I am here to help them carry it on. Through the beat of a drum, I follow her song. I will sing it to you, so you will know too, to follow the beat is where we belong. This was a poem I wrote years ago, and has stuck with me. It encourages me to learn, and carry the strength that my grandmother taught me growing up. This was dedicated to her in her memory.

10. Talia M. DeCoteauNORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE SPRING 2011 Computer 101, Stuart Sepp Assignment 7