The six-gift box set being distributed to the first 1,200 tribal members who show up to vote at General Counsel on April 12 includes artist Jennifer Tracy’s orca paintings. The Board of Directors selected these unique gifts to showcase Tulalip tribal small businesses and each company’s art, crafts, and delicacies.
Tracy shared her passion for painting and expressed, “I have always been interested in painting, and in 2008, I started. It’s very calming and relaxing for me. Once you start, you can kind of get in a groove, and all the creativity takes over, and I never know what I will come up with.” This insight into her artistic process highlights the beauty of her work and the profound connection artists have with their craft, further enhancing the value of the gifts being presented to the tribal members.
She operates under the business name “Jen Tracy Art” and typically showcases her work at pow-wows and other community events. She mentioned that she discovered a call for local artists and found it exciting since she had never seen such an opportunity before. Tracy explained, “I saw that they were looking for more traditional Co-Salish designs, and I thought that was cool, so I decided to give it a shot. It was the most significant order I have ever had. It was a bit grueling fulfilling this order, but it was nice learning that I could fulfill an order this large for future reference.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming GC meeting, Tracy expressed her hopes for the new leadership, “I would like to see the education for our tribal youth enhanced so our kids have a foot up in the future. I would also like to see more business expansion. Who gets elected should be business-minded and tied to our culture and traditions. They should also have a progressive mindset and be able to take initiative.”
Finally, she concluded with optimism, saying, “I hope everyone enjoys the gifts. I look forward to seeing all the different submissions, and I hope people get inspired to help the local artists.”
If you want to purchase art from Jennifer, you can contact her on her Facebook at Jennifer Tracy.
As the 2025 Annual General Counsel Meeting countdown intensifies, a pivotal moment is on the horizon. There is an opportunity to elect two vital members for the Board of Directors (BOD). This meeting and election present a crucial chance for the tribal community to unite and express their views, ensuring that every voice counts, navigating challenges ahead, and selecting visionary leaders to uplift and inspire the community.
On April 12 at the Tulalip Resort Casino, the Tulalip Tribes will gather to determine who will join the leaders on the BOD. To enhance the experience, early arrivals who cast their votes will receive a gift box containing six unique items, carefully curated by the BOD and provided by tribal businesses.
We are excited to introduce culture bearer, Walter Moses in this segment of our six-part series. Walter has prepared unique gifts for this event—yellow cedar clappers that he has intricately carved and embellished with his art. These clappers symbolize sovereignty and the ability of Tulalip and other tribes to create and provide from the land.
Crafting 1,200 cedar clappers for the gift boxes, Walter utilized skills he developed from a young age. He learned to carve at age 11, studying under his father, the renowned Culture Bearer Kelly Moses. Walter states, “What I like most about creating is that it keeps me busy. I was taught as an artist that if you are good with your hands, you must always keep them busy. It makes me feel good, and knowing I can preserve the culture also makes me happy. It also relieves stress and is beneficial for creativity.”
He offers a wide range of artwork, from jewelry like earrings and bracelets to carved paddles and masks, as well as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and sublimation prints. His designs have been featured in events such as Tulalip Youth Services Orange Shirt Day. He also has art installations at Starbucks in Seattle’s U-Village. In response to whether he has ever received an order this large, Walter remarked, “I’d say this is the largest order I have ever had. I didn’t think it would be this much, but I am always up for the challenge. I am using a killer whale and salmon design on yellow cedar.”
For those interested in purchasing his art, Walter said, “I usually vend during the holidays, and that is mainly how you can find me. I will also be at the Hibulb vending on March 29.” Walter said, “I’m thankful that the tribe has taken an interest in local artists, and for orders this large, it’s awesome. I like how they are reaching out and supporting us.”
The BOD selected six Tulalip artists and entrepreneurs to create handcrafted items for the gift boxes, highlighting their talent and cultural heritage. This initiative honors tradition and encourages future generations to preserve and share their artistry.
Totem Middle School hosted its annual Round Dance on Thursday, March 6. This vibrant celebration not only united members of the Native American community but also showcased their rich cultural heritage through traditional songs and dances. The gathering invites students and families from the (MSD) Marysville School District to engage with Native traditions. Over 60 attendees enjoyed a variety of food while taking part in the round dance held in the gymnasium.
Often held during winter, the round dance promotes healing, celebrates life, and represents the interconnectedness of everything. Initially said to have been started by the Plains Indians, this tradition soon spread throughout Indian country. During the dance, drummers play in the center of the room while the dancers circle them clockwise. Each group of drummers performs four songs, followed by another group singing four songs to represent the four seasons.
Although the event was not crowded, participants eagerly embraced the dance floor and immersed themselves in the festivities. Terrance Sabbas, MSD Native American Liason, commented, “Round Dance is an annual event we host in collaboration with Native education, the Marysville School District, Tulalip youth advocates, and Totem Middle School. The vision when I started this round dance was to create unity between our people, district staff, and the community. To come together, enjoy our way of life, indulge in good food, and have a good time. In today’s uncertain times, I want people to connect. I want non-Natives to know us better and for our Native peoples to be around their relatives.”
Sabbas describes the round dance as a means of healing, noting, “When we share in this way, it heals us. Through this round dance, we can enjoy one another and our way of life deeply. This gathering provides comfort through togetherness.”
Emmarie Davis, a member of the Tulalip tribe, shared, “This is my first time coming. I had a great time dancing. It’s important to keep tradition alive, to be with our community, and to remember our old ways while spreading our culture to those who may have lost theirs or want to feel closer to the community.”
The Round Dance at Totem Middle School achieved its purpose: It created an inviting space for everyone to revel in a joyful evening filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. Attendees left with warm hearts and cherished memories, eagerly anticipating the next time they can gather.
Located in the heart of the U Village shopping center is a coffee spot that has withstood the test of time. Originally opening its doors in 1972, this shop has seen many businesses come and go as the U Village has gradually grown into the high-end retail mecca that it is known as today. Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to not find a Starbucks within a 5-mile radius of any given location. But back then, this was the only Starbucks in the entire world, aside from the flagship store in Pike Place Market, which opened 60 years prior in 1912.
The second Starbucks to ever exist has received a couple of renovations throughout the years, in 1994 and once again in 2009. Most recently, the establishment decided to feature local artwork at the historic location, enlisting three Seattle artists to work on designs for the building’s exterior. And with a desire to incorporate traditional art from a local tribal artist, Starbucks also reached out to Tulalip’s own Walter Moses for a project inside the store.
“I just finished up my project with the Starbucks in the U Village,” exclaimed Walter. “One day I was checking my e-mails, and I got a random e-mail from somebody at Starbucks. I’m not sure how, but they got my info and said we would like you to do some designs for us, are you interested? And I was like, ‘uh, yeah!’.”
There is a significant amount of foot traffic in this particular Starbucks by shoppers who need a little extra boost as they check out the dozens of retailers in the village. The lounge is often filled to capacity by local UW students who enjoy a grande or venti sized beverage while they actively work toward their degree. Which of course means that there are many eyes that are constantly drawn to Walter’s work each and every day.
Said Walter, “It’s exciting because I get to leave something behind. They actually had a theme in mind, which was water. Being that it’s in the Pacific Northwest and next to the Puget Sound, they wanted to encompass some kind of water into the design. I told them, ‘Hey, good news because you know, we’re like thee water people. Because we eat salmon, we’re fishermen, and we live by the water. So, this is right up my alley,’.”
Upon entry to the store, customers are welcome to hop in line to place an order or find a space to take a seat in their lounge. Splitting the floor into those two areas is a partition in which one side features booth-style seating for the lounge. On the other side there are a number of high-top tables. Sitting directly on top of this partition, that aesthetically curves throughout the store, is a wooden rail. And this is where Walter’s designs are showcased.
“I did a salmon design, the salmon are spawning and going up a stream, and there are little salmon eggs around it. Another one I did were otters, because the otters are part of the water, and I think the design looks pretty cool. The otter is swimming on his back and holding a clam. The other one is two killer whales, and I did that because it’s a symbol of our Tribe. And I also did canoes with paddles in them, and there’s a salmon egg in the middle. It’s like the canoes are on the water and you can see the islands in the background.”
Last time Tulalip News caught up with Walter was during the pandemic as he was launching his business Salish Art Designs. This was highly anticipated at the time due to the rise in popularity of his cedar carved earrings. Since then, he has continued to expand that business and opened up an Etsy page to feature his items for sale and reach more potential buyers.
Originally, all of Walter’s earrings were hand painted onto cedar scraps that he salvaged from his job at a lumber mill. However, once he was featured in the syəcəb he began to receive an overwhelming amount of orders, requests, and inquires for the earrings. This is when he started looking into laser engraving machines to help streamline the process and keep up with the demand of his clientele.
Walter shared that he lives by a ‘keep your hands busy’ philosophy, so once he got the Etsy page up and running, he felt it was time to take his jewelry designs to the next level. By learning how to operate the Adobe Illustrator and Procreate software systems, Walter was able to elevate his art and utilize the latest technology and equipment, like laser engraving machines, to bring traditional artwork into modern day projects, such as the Starbucks railing.
He stated, “To me, it’s important that I utilize any and all ways to create art. Whether it’s drawing on a notepad, watercolor, painting, carving. I use printers as well as a photo printer. And I essentially use it to forward the the cultural awareness of art. There’s some skepticism. There are people who are critical of how I do some type of art. Some people criticize using laser machines. I’ve always been called out by a lot of artists and people who say why don’t you do traditional – why don’t you use like rock and stones? And it’s like, no. We use chainsaws and if chainsaws were available at the time our ancestors were alive, they’d be using them too.
“I’ve always been a techie guy since I was a kid. I was there at the dawn of computers, word processing, and typewriters. I was there when all that started kicking off. I’ve always been into electronics and video games, taking apart like radios and stuff and putting them back together. Using software is something that’s like a natural thing to me.”
As a Tulalip artist, Walter is very proud of continuing his family’s legacy in traditional art. He shared that his father, Master Carver Kelly Moses Sr., taught, encouraged, and inspired him to be the best artist he could be from an early age. Walter expressed a tremendous amount of joy in the work he did in the Tribal Designs department, a position he held for 14 months, but ultimately had to give up due to the strenuous daily commute from Bellingham to Tulalip. He stated that one of the best parts of that position was visiting Heritage High to pass on his knowledge and work on projects with the students.
“Our art is a visual way of telling stories,” he explained. “I don’t recollect us having a written language. The art was a way to tell a story and it’s an expression of self and family history. A lot of the stuff I do has some of the old traditional stories incorporated into them, but it also has modern stories, things that I’ve gone through, and my family has gone through. And also, just very important values.”
Next time you find yourself in the Seattle area, be sure take a trip to U Village to see his artwork in person. If you are interested in checking out some of Walter’s additional works, you can follow his Instagram page, @WalterMoses_Art. And to purchase his popular and beautiful jewelry, please visit his Etsy page, Salish Art Designs.
Embracing the spirit of the holiday season, Youth Services shuttled several dozen excited kids to Seattle for the unveiling of WildLanterns – a brand new experience at Woodland Park Zoo that is illuminated by large-scale animal and nature scape lanterns.
“We were particularly excited for this event because we know the holidays can be a financial strain for families, and by providing dinner, transportation, and zoo tickets we were doing what we could to create a memorable holiday experience,” explained Sarah Murphy, Youth Enrichment Manager. “In the days leading up to this trip, you could hear kids in the Youth Services building talking about it and asking their friends and cousins if they were going to go. Now that we’re here, you can definitely see the excitement on their faces. And for me, that’s the best part is witnessing their excitement and knowing they can have fun on and off the reservation.”
The youth, along with their chaperones, traversed through the zoo’s Mystical Forest where stunning creatures gleamed brightly. They then embarked on a journey through the bright Desert Highway to see desert flora and fauna. Imagination took flight in the Birds of Paradise Zone, where magnificent peacocks flaunted their flamboyant plumes and birds of a feather perched above on enchanted branches.
Izzy Wolftail enjoyed everything WildLanterns had to offer while being both an event chaperone and proud father to his children in attendance. “The kids are just loving all the lights and attractions, especially the interactive jump pads,” shared Izzy what walking along the Mystical Forest with the kids. “I have a 7 and 9-year-old here, too, and they keep saying they want to see everything, and we better not be missing any cool displays.
“As a tribal member and a father, I’m so grateful the Tribe gives my kids and, really, all our kids opportunities like this,” he continued. “Shoot, I’m enjoying being here and soaking in all the excitement, too. This experience is making good memories for my family to look back on one day.”
During Izzy’s interview, his 7-year-old daughter Marilyn gleefully exclaimed, “It’s so much fun! Have you seen the monkeys? If not, you better check them out!”
If you have yet to experience Woodland Park’s WildLanterns, there is still plenty of time. The illuminated zoo attraction is running from 4:00pm to 9:00pm now through January 19, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online at www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
At the behest of young Marilyn Wolftail, be sure to check out them monkeys.
On Friday, December 6, the Tulalip Tribes hosted the Providence General Foundation’s 39th Annual Festival of Trees Holiday Gala and Live Auction in the Orca Ballroom at the Tulalip Resort Casino. This cherished event brought together over 500 attendees, including community leaders, medical professionals, corporate executives, and other generous donors, to support a cause directly benefiting North Puget Sound’s children and families.
“This event has a long history; it’s the largest event of its kind in North Puget Sound.” shared Aimee Martin, Senior Philanthropy Officer with Providence General Foundation. “People come together during the holidays to make a difference in the lives of local children, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to thrive.”
One of the two chairpersons for the event, Tim Halliday, has been attending the Festival of Trees since the early 2000s. “He represents a second generation of giving back to the community and is passionate about supporting women’s and children’s services,” said Martin. Halliday, along with chairperson Karen Wetzel, ensured that the evening was an entertaining and smooth running success.
The gala featured 14 stunningly decorated Christmas trees designed by local community members. The auction of these trees raised thousands of dollars, with seven trees donated back to local organizations, including the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club. Interestingly, the trees already slated for donation drew the most considerable bids of the evening.
The highest bid went to the Decadent Holiday Dreams tree, which sold for an astounding $33,000. The winning bidder agreed to donate the tree and its gifts to Dawson Place, a center dedicated to helping children in need. The tree was a whimsical masterpiece adorned with pastel sweets, sugary donuts, cotton candy garland, and ornaments shaped like macarons, cakes, candies, and sprinkled donuts. It also included plush Squishmallow toys, 77 free drink gift cards, and other delightful surprises, making it a true treasure trove of holiday cheer.
This year’s gala proceeds will benefit children’s services at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. Martin explained, “The children’s services fund offers comprehensive support to children under Providence’s care. Contributions will help finance vital programs and services, including our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Children’s Center, the Providence Boyden Family Autism Center, and Camp Prov, a summer camp for kids with special health care needs.”
A unique “Fund-a-Need” portion of the evening raised additional funds for the Providence Pavilion for Women and Children, supporting safe and healthy births for mothers and babies.
“It’s a higher priority at Providence to guarantee that babies and children receive the necessary care and support to grow strong,” Martin emphasized.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Spirit of Festival Award to local florist Stadium Flowers. “Since the late 1980s, Stadium Flowers has been a cornerstone of the Festival of Trees,” said Martin. “Their stunning floral arrangements enhance the ambiance yearly, and we’re excited to recognize their contributions.”
Reflecting on the generosity of the event, Tulalip Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin shared, “It’s wonderful that we could donate that money, see these beautiful lights, and it’s for a good cause, especially to help with the kids at the Providence hospital.”
The Tulalip Tribes bid on two displays during the auction, one of which will be at the Tulalip Tribes Administration Building, further sharing the holiday cheer with their community.
The Annual Festival of Trees Holiday Gala demonstrated the power of community, generosity, and holiday spirit. From the beautifully designed trees to the heartfelt donations, an incredible $1,452,581 was raised to benefit children’s services in the region.
“This event is an opportunity for people to give back during a special time of year,” Martin said. “It’s a generous group of people coming together to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare of North Puget Sound.”
For nearly four decades, the Festival of Trees has been a beacon of hope and support for children and families, and this year’s event spectacularly continued that tradition.
On Sunday, November 10, the Tulalip Tribes hosted the heartfelt Missing from Fire Trail Road premiere, directed by Sabrina Van Tassel. The film has garnered international recognition for its sensitive portrayal of the ongoing case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a Tulalip Tribes member missing since November 2020. The event brought together the Tulalip and surrounding communities, united in support of Johnson-Davis and the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW).
As Native culture continues to gain recognition, the film highlights the urgent need to address the tragic issues affecting Indigenous communities and work toward healing. Van Tassel’s documentary delves into the deep-rooted causes behind the MMIW epidemic, examining the challenges Indigenous communities face in securing justice and support. It shines a light on the systemic issues that lead to insufficient investigation of crimes on reservations, such as jurisdictional gaps, lack of resources, and historical trauma that exacerbate Indigenous women’s vulnerability.
Deborah Parker, a respected tribal leader and advocate for Native American rights at both state and national levels, serves as the documentary’s primary interviewer, and co-producer. Her partnership with Van Tassel aims to amplify Indigenous voices and further the search for Mary Ellen. “Our hope is, one, to find our path to Mary, and two, to honor her and her life,” Parker said at the premiere.
During the Women’s Warrior Song, she led the audience in raising their hands in solidarity with Johnson-Davis’s family, marking a decisive moment of unity. After the film, Parker expressed, “As emotional as this film is, it’s also healing.”
The documentary also highlights the barriers Indigenous communities face in the legal system, including the limitations tribes face in prosecuting non-Native offenders on reservations. Van Tassel hopes to increase awareness of these injustices, explaining, “It was my goal to give [Mary Ellen] an identity.” The film advocates for enhanced tribal authority to pursue justice for crimes committed within Indigenous communities, as current jurisdictional limitations often allow non-native offenders to escape prosecution by leaving the reservation.
Carmelita Escarsega, an anti-human trafficking advocate with the Puyallup Tribes, attended the premiere and shared her perspective on the film’s impact. Her friend, and anti-human trafficking manager, Carolyn DeFord, has personally been affected by the MMIW crisis—her mother has been missing for 25 years. “This is a powerful story to get out to the public and the world and let them know what is going on and what is not,” Escarsega said. She reflected on law enforcement’s response in the documentary, “The FBI looked like he was squirming in his seat with what he was saying. I’m grateful that they did this.”
When asked how well the film represents the Indigenous community, Escarsega emphasized its impact: “It’s powerful. It shows that we are underrepresented in the media and that we are just as human as everybody else, and we deserve to be heard, seen and believed. When we say something is wrong, something is wrong. To let people get away with coming jurisdictionally onto our reservations and taking and stealing our women and our children and our people is wrong.”
This call for accountability resonates with Tulalip Chief of Police Shawn Ledford, who emphasized the importance of community support in solving Mary Ellen’s case. “If you know something or have an idea, come forward and give us a call. We want to bring Mary home,” he urged, adding, “What we do need is additional leads.”
Missing from Fire Trail Road is available to stream on Amazon and Apple TV, allowing audiences across the U.S. to engage with this important story and support the search for Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis.
Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis is still missing. If you or anyone you know has information or tips regarding her whereabouts, please call the Tulalip Police Department tip line at (360) 716-5990 or contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.
Following an engaging, educational, and introspective Season of Healing, Tulalip enters November with a fresh perspective and with their hearts on the mend. It’s fitting that the community is experiencing such a grounding sensation as the leaves make their descent down to Mother Earth’s floor. And like the trees from which they fell, the people of Tulalip are preparing for a new chapter.
Speaking of new chapters, we have a few book recommendations for you to enjoy in this transitional period before the holiday rush kicks in. And since it’s Native American Heritage month, we wanted to highlight ten different Indigenous authors on this list, whose works span across multiple genres in the literary world. So, whether you’re looking for crime thrillers or children’s tales, we got you.
Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
A little bit of horror. A little bit of mystery. Extremely thrilling from beginning to end. Bad Cree follows a grief-stricken young woman, Mackenzie, who moved to Vancouver B.C. from her reservation in Alberta for a new start. However, upon getting acclimated to the city life, she begins having eerie encounters with crows and realistic nightmares about an incident from her past. Taking these as signs to return home, Mackenzie finds comfort and strength in family, while also repairing broken bonds along the way. But the closer she grows to her sisters, mom, and aunties, her nightmares seem to intensify, and they keep calling her back to that ill-fated night. There is plenty of rez humor in this page-turner and author Jessica Johns does an excellent job in incorporating her tribe’s culture, traditions, and stories into her work.
Shutter and Exposure by Ramona Emerson
Taking place in New Mexico, these two novels are collectively known as the Rita Todacheene series. As a forensic photographer for the Albuquerque PD, Rita is usually first on the scene, snapping photos of victims and the manner in which they died. As a Navajo woman, she is naturally in tune with the spirit world, for better or worse. In her line of work, she often encounters the ghosts of the victims. Many of whom she helps crossover by informing them of their passing, the others, however, seem to linger. In Shutter, things take a turn when a particular spirit haunts her every waking moment, demanding that Rita solves her case and finds her killer. But the further Rita digs, the more danger she finds herself in. Exposure is the second novel in the series and was just released in October. Early reviews have Exposure rated a notch higher than Shutter with an average of 4.5 stars on sites like Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. This time around, Rita is working to uncover the identity of a serial killer who is targeting Native Americans in the city of Gallup.
Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur
You already know we had to show some love to Matika! This book is original as it is beautiful. Filled with hundreds of stunning photos and stories, Project 562 highlights Native peoples from each of the 562 federally recognized tribes across the nation. And through their voices and portraits, she captures the perfect picture of present-day Native America. Dedicating over a decade of her life to Project 562 and traveling to each reservation, Matika put together a book that connects all of our people, while also educating the reader about our different traditions, our cultural way of life, our resilience, and the issues we face as Indigenous people in today’s society.
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk and Thunder Song Essays by Sasha ‘taqʷšəblu’ LaPointe
Let’s keep things local and explore the works of Sasha LaPointe (Upper Skagit/Nooksack). By reading the titles of her books alone, one could surmise that Sasha has a strong connection to music. And that love for punk rock and the lifestyle shines in her writing. First, she grabs a hold of your attention by referencing local reservations, cities, and places. Then once you’re hooked, she reels you in by speaking on the teachings she’s acquired from influential tribal leaders known throughout the Salish Nations. Her grandmother was thee Vi Hilbert after all. But what closes the deal is her lyrical prose and her ability to turn her experiences with heartbreak, transgressions, and devastation into these deep and elegantly composed sentences and poems that are drenched with the pain of generational trauma. But yet, at times, are also filled with joy, optimism, and a strong love for her culture and heritage. Both of Sasha’s books are a must-read. And if you do pick them up, be sure to have a box of Kleenex nearby because the tears are sure to fall.
Come Home Indio: A Memoir by Jim Terry
If you aren’t familiar with Jim Terry, Come Home Indio is the perfect introduction to this up-and-coming author and cartoonist. Jim’s artwork can usually be found in the horror realm, but this graphic novel is about his personal journey. Growing up as a suburban Indian, Jim struggled with his identity from a young age. This is his story about reconnecting with his Indigenous roots and consequently overcoming grief and alcoholism through that work. And what makes it all the more impressive is that it’s a comic-style memoir which features over 200 pages of his remarkable artwork.
Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
This collection of short stories all occur in the state of Maine, on the Penobscot Indian Reservation. Featuring twelve Indigenous horror stories in total, Morgan explores numerous problems that Native people experience on the daily. This includes drug use, generational trauma and violence, and the numerous challenges that come with living on a reservation. Each story is relatable if you are a product of the rez. And if you aren’t, Morgan does a fantastic job at bringing attention to these issues while incorporating some humorous Indigenous dialogue. Within these atmospheric stories, he showcases the strength of our families and tribal communities. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, this book is a perfect weekend read.
Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones
What would an Indigenous book list be with the incomparable SGJ? Now, we know you are probably familiar with The Only Good Indians or the Jade Daniels trilogy, and though this story is significantly shorter in comparison, it is still packed with the same amount of unnerving energy, supernatural horror, and mystique as his heavy hitters. We don’t want to give away any spoilers about this beautifully haunting story, but we would like to note that it is centered around Junior, a young Native American man who begins to see the ghost of his late father. What happens next? You’ll have to check out this novella, which is free on Kindle Unlimited, for yourself.
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Aarigon Starr.
Switching gears, we are going to share lighthearted books from this point on. And after reading Mapping the Interior, these next recs might be just what you need. Starting with Contenders, this brightly illustrated YA book takes us back to the year 1911and is based on a true story. Set around the World Series, this read follows the trials and tribulations of John Meyers (White Earth Band) and Charles Bender (Cahuilla Band) as they face-off against each other for the chip, becoming the first two Native American players to do so in baseball history.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
An ode to our favorite commodity creation? Kind of, but not really. What it’s really about is how the delicious food creates an opportunity for our people to connect with one another. It’s about how sharing a meal can bring families closer. It is cute, heartwarming, and speaks on the importance of keeping traditions and practices alive. The children’s book also explains how frybread was born out of necessity, after hundreds of tribal nations were relocated to reservations with little to no access to their traditional foods. Whether you are sharing this story with your children or enjoying it by yourself, this picture book is not only a fun learning opportunity, but also a great example of Indigenous representation for tribal youth and families throughout the nation. Author Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation) also included a frybread recipe for you to try at home!
Modern Native Feasts: Healthy, Innovative, Sustainable Cuisine by Andrew George Jr.
Last but not least, we have a cookbook. There are many Indigenous cookbooks out there, but very few cover the foods of the Northwest and First Nations coastal tribes. Even fewer blend tradish recipes and contemporary cuisine together. With the upcoming turkey feast that takes place on Tulalip Day Eve, this book is the perfect companion if you are looking to feed your Indian on the last Thursday of November. Might we suggest elk stew, poached salmon with white wine sauce and julienned veggies, mussels with tomato salsa, or clam fritters with a spicy sage dipping sauce? No matter your culinary background or skill, Andrew George Jr. (Wet’suwet’en Nation) created some fun and innovative dishes for you to master in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Happy Native American Heritage Month and happy reading!
When thinking of Halloween time, one’s mind typically conjures up ideas that come straight from the cauldron. We’re talking creepy creatures, supernatural spirits, haunted houses, macabre movies, and vile villains. But the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy (TELA) did something quite magical. They took the scary completely out of the holiday with their annual Pumpkin Extravaganza. And when their students, ages birth to five, put on their costumes for the event, they were so cute you could die.
“The Pumpkin Extravaganza is TELA’s annual Halloween event that we put on for our students and families to spread some spooktacular fun,” said Absyde Dacoscos, TELA’s Family Engagement Coordinator. “Our staff puts together fun booths that consist of games and activities for students to do such as cookie decorating, a spooky hallway with glowsticks, and yard games like ax throwing, mini golfing, and shooting baskets at basketball hoops. We even had a face painting and tattoo station!”
Last year, the Pumpkin Extravaganza was held inside the corridors of the academy due to an excessive amount of rain. The 2024 holiday event made its return outdoors on the afternoon of October 25, as the weather was just a typical overcast day in the northwest. TELA’s teachers and staffers setup their activity stations along the school’s drop-off zone, transforming their parking lot into a mini-Halloween-themed carnival.
Both the Tulalip Police Department and the Tulalip Bay Fire Department took part in the extravaganza, engaging with the kiddos by distributing candy or playing alongside the students at the game booths. The event’s main attraction is, of course, the pumpkin patch and decorating station. The amount of joy the kids displayed when choosing their orange gourds, and then rushing to customize them with silly face stickers, was as wholesome and heartwarming as it gets.
Absyde shared, “I personally love seeing the kids light up. It’s rewarding to see all of them working together, to play and engage with one another. The event is fun because it gives the staff the opportunity to connect with the students and the families outside of the classroom. We get to all dress up, be silly, dance, and enjoy each other’s company.”
For many of TELA’s students and families, the Pumpkin Extravaganza served as a kick-off to the Halloween festivities around the reservation. If you look closely, you may spot some familiar and adorable faces amongst those in attendance of the Tribe’s community Halloween party and Together We’re Better’s annual Trunk or Treat event, which were all held during the same weekend.
After the kiddos were treated to another entertaining Pumpkin Extravaganza, Absyde reflected on the significance of hosting holiday-focused gatherings for their students. She said, “It’s important for TELA to host these events because it creates memories and moments of bonding for our families and students. And it also helps create positive school experiences for them as well.”
The next event that TELA has planned is their annual Family Feast which is tentatively set for November 21. For additional details, please contact the academy at (360) 716-4250.
Growing up on the rez, basketball is more than just a game—it’s woven into our culture. From broken-down hoops in backyards to the pristine hardwood of tribal gymnasiums, rez rats are always ready. You’ll spot them with shorts on under their pants, prepared for a pickup game or to jump in for a tournament. Always in the gym, with a ball in hand, dribbling away the troubles of the world, they live for the game and its escape.
If that sounds familiar, Netfix’s Rez Ball might make for the perfect watch for you and your family, especially if you have a few rez rats under your roof. The story follows a high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, as they try to come together after the tragic loss of one of their teammates. The team faces adversity on and off the court, navigating the challenges of rez life through hardship, unity, and their shared love for the game, all while striving for victory.
Recently, Tulalip News sat down with one of the stars of Rez Ball, the Pacific Northwest’s own Damian Henry Castellane, who plays Ruckas Largo. Castellane, enrolled in the Puyallup Tribe but raised on the Squaxin Island Reservation in Washington’s Mason County, shared insights into his journey to becoming part of the film.
Scene from the movie Rez Ball, now streaming on Netflix. Courtesy of Netflix.
When asked about his connection to basketball, Damian shared, “I started playing reservation basketball at about five years old. I’ve only played in tournaments and never played school ball. For us rez kids, basketball is all we have. It’s the only way we know to escape our home and school lives. Growing up, my uncles were excellent basketball players, and I was always encouraged to pick up where they left off, so I just had to take it there.”
The conversation then turned to how Castellane landed his role in Rez Ball. He recounted, “I like to tell this story because it encourages people to take risks. My good friend Thomas sent me a casting call he found on Facebook for a Netflix movie produced by LeBron James. I laughed and thought, ‘They’re not going to pick me; I’m from Squaxin.’ But he insisted I give it a shot. I submitted my name, and they called me for a video audition. They liked my look — the tattoos, the hair — and asked me to read for the role. I set my phone up, had my girlfriend read the other lines, and sent it in. They loved my humor and invited me to audition in person in Albuquerque. There were 5,000 auditions for Rez Ball, and I felt honored to be picked from such a large pool. I performed well in both the basketball and acting sides of the audition. Two days later, they called to offer me the role of Ruckas Largo and asked me to fly out in four days. I stayed for two months, and the rest is history.”
When asked what it meant for him to be part of the film, Damian said, “It meant everything because I feel like I was doing it for Indian Country. Basketball is so meaningful and powerful to me. What better film to be a part of than Rez Ball? I can’t express enough how grateful I am for this opportunity.”
Castellane also spoke about how his community has responded to his success. “What’s funny is that on the Squaxin Reservation, people still treat me like the same person I was before. They don’t see me as a Netflix star, which I love. I can walk into the tribal store, and it feels like home. However, when I go outside my reservation, such as to the Puyallup area, I can’t go into stores or casinos without being recognized. It’s picture after picture in those places, but I appreciate that my reservation treats me like I’m still just me.”
In today’s era, shows like FX’s award-winning Reservation Dogs offer hope to Indigenous youth. Many of us grew up without seeing anyone who looked like us in movies. All we had were films like Dances with Wolves and Smoke Signals. But now, shows like Reservation Dogs have paved the way for Native representation in Hollywood. “Now we see people who act and look just like us,” Castellane said. “I believe Native cinema is opening doors for many young Indigenous individuals, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Photo courtesy of Damien Henry Castellane
Damian shared his childhood dream of acting: “Since I was a kid, I would tell my mom, ‘I’m going to be on TV one day, Mom. I’m going to go to Hollywood!’ She always supported me, saying, ‘I believe you, son.’ Growing up, I’d tell my friends I wanted to be in movies or become one of the biggest rappers of all time, and they would laugh at me, saying things like, ‘Yeah, right. Pick a different dream.’ So finally achieving this dream by being in the film has been the best experience ever. I’m a humble person, and I’m just proud of myself.”
One of Castellane’s favorite memories from filming was a lighthearted moment involving sheep herding. “During the scene where we were herding sheep, it was real—we were actually pushing those sheep to the pen. There was this one timid sheep that was hyper. A background character named Cooper is in the movie, and that sheep managed to juke him out, causing him to fall. I hoped that would make it into the film, but it didn’t. It was a funny moment that everyone on set still talks about.”
Regarding the heavier themes in the movie, including struggles with suicide and addiction, Damian said, “I can relate a lot. In Indian Country, issues like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and suicide are significant concerns. If you haven’t experienced it personally, you’ve likely seen it firsthand through family, friends, or in your community. For example, when I was 13, my aunt Jamie committed suicide. The film addresses suicide—like the character Nataani taking his life—which brought back memories for me. I also connected with Jimmy, who tells his mom he’ll get her beer money. I had a neighbor growing up who struggled with alcohol, so that resonated with me.”
As the interview concluded, Castellane urged, “I encourage everyone to watch the film. If you need to, watch it again because it’s truly an amazing movie. The whole cast and crew of Rez Ball would appreciate your support as we aim to win awards with this film.”
As for his future, Damian teased exciting projects ahead. “Whether in music or acting, I want to take everything as far as possible. I have a big acting gig coming up that I can’t discuss yet, but it’s exciting. I also recently dropped an album titled AJ’s World, dedicated to my little brother, who passed away on March 9. You can find it on all platforms—Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.”
Damian Henry Castellane’s path from reservation basketball courts to the big screen is a quiet reminder of the power of pursuing one’s passion. You can catch his work in Rez Ball, which is now streaming on Netflix.
