Even through the sound of constant traffic, the familiar melodic piano chords of ‘Still D.R.E.’ could be heard blasting in the parking lot of the now defunct Walmart on Highway 99. It was a fitting and perfect moment, when S-N-double O-P’s voice came on during the chorus, a group of volunteers posed in front of a sign that read Big House of Doggs, spelled in the style of uncle Snoop himself: D-O-double G. And ooooweee, the delicious smell of glizzys filled the air.
“My name is Tyler, but everyone calls me Big House,” exclaimed a very tall and burly gentleman with a warm friendly smile. As the rest of the crew nodded their heads to the beat and carried on with preparations, Big House was joined by his wife and Tulalip tribal member, Celia Dockendorff to discuss their new business venture.
According to the couple, the idea of Big House of Doggs came organically during a scroll through social media. “It was just one of those things,” Tyler explained. “I was on Facebook Marketplace, and I saw that there was a hot dog cart for sale. And I asked Celia what do you think about us selling hot dogs? She is always down for anything I come up with and she was like, ‘Yeah, sure. Why not?’.”
Celia added, “My mom drove us down to Portland, and we got it. It was just a $1600 little cart. And we’ve been doing this for over a year now. The Stick Games Tournament was our first gig, and it just took off from there.”
From humble beginnings to an instant crowd favorite, the Dockendorff’s hot dog stand has served locals at many tribal events throughout the past year, including the Lights and Ice festival at the Tulalip Amphitheater. The passion for culinary arts must’ve been passed down to the next generation because Celia’s aunt is none other than Lynette Jimicum, owner of the iconic TeePee Creepers, which was the very first Native American food stand at the Bite of Seattle in 2023. And this year, another Native American owned food stand will be added to the list as Big House of Doggs prepares for their debut at the summertime event.
Picking up knowledge and the ins-and-outs of the local food truck game from TeePee Creepers, Tyler and Celia know branding is everything. That must be the reason why Big House of Doggs boasts a fun and unique logo that features their very own Boston terrier in a doghouse, holding a pair of tongs in one paw and a hot dog with all the fixings in the other. Which of course makes for a fun anecdote to share with their customers.
Said Big House, “We don’t have kids. We have tons of nieces and nephews and family, but it’s just us and our dog. So, we based the theme around our dog.”
To passersby and hungry customers, this may just look like a whimsical themed hot dog stand, but it is so much more when considering the owners and how big their hearts are. When interacting with the duo, it’s sweet to see how much love they have for each other. And of course, through our teachings we learn that when working with good hearts and a positive mindset, your art will have a terrific outcome. And that’s no exception here. At the top of the article, we talked about how one could hear hip hop classics bumping through their speakers, but what we have yet to mention is how awesome it was to hear the group of volunteers laughing, joking, and sharing stories while they worked. It was good vibes all around and a testament to the type of environment Celia and Big House create while on the job.
That brings us to the afternoon of January 14, and the reason Big House of Doggs was stationed alongside the highway. In this particular area of Everett, there seems to be a large population of folk who fell on hard times and are braving the cold winter without shelter. Many of whom are also experiencing bouts of hunger pangs. As we mentioned before, the Dockendorff’s have big hearts. And after their first successful year in business, they decided to look out for those individuals struggling to get by on a day-to-day basis.
“We are so grateful that the Tribe was able to put together Lights and Ice and put us in a position to have a good end to the year,” shared Tyler. “Because we were super successful, we thought it was important to give back and make sure the community knows that we appreciate them. We were supported by the Tribe and so we wanted to give back as much as we could and support other people.”
“My grandma always gave back,” Celia stated. “She always made sure that after I went through all my clothes, or if I had like an extra sweater that I didn’t need, we would go to Seattle and my grandma would give it out. She was huge on that. And me, my mom, and my sisters would make sandwiches to pass out in Seattle when I was younger. So, it’s been awhile but this is really good for the soul.”
In addition to bringing Big House of Doggs to the people, Celia and Big House also invited others to join in on the give back effort. Not only did people receive hot dogs and chips free of charge, but they also walked away with warm clothes, blankets, hot chocolate and/or cider, and a BBQ plate.
After posting up for several hours, and providing food to over 300 people in need, the night ended on somewhat of a sour note as the security of the strip mall took issue with their presence in the area. But even after they were not-so-kindly asked to leave, that didn’t dampen their spirits.
“Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness, because we were still able to accomplish our goal today,” Big House reflected. “We will definitely be doing this again, but hopefully with approval.”
You can catch Big House of Doggs throughout the year at local gatherings or during their occasional pop ups on the reservation. They are already slated to appear at Boom City, TRC’s Employee Day, and the Bite of Seattle in 2025. Updates can be found on either Tyler’s personal Facebook wall or on their Big House of Boom Fireworks page. You can also scan the QR code with your phone’s camera or follow this link, https://lisi.menu/6722cfc7d987e to check out their menu.
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News; photos from Tulalip Bay Fire Department Facebook
One of the most challenging fires in California’s history has engulfed the city of Los Angeles, destroying over 10,000 houses and consuming more than 23,700 acres in Palisades County. The fire began on January 7 and spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Additionally, 14,100 acres burned in Eaton, 800 in Hurst, 1,052 in Kenneth, and 43 in Sunset. As of Tuesday, January 14, this tragedy has left 23 lives lost and damages exceeding $100 billion. Thousands of individuals have lost everything they owned and now face unimaginable hardships.
Yet, in the face of adversity, hope prevails. Brave crews from Washington have rallied to the cause, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience. Fire departments, such as the Tulalip Bay Fire Department, have joined forces with others in the area, demonstrating unwavering determination to help control the fires in Los Angeles.
On Friday, January 10, after an exhausting 18-hour drive into Los Angeles, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department crew faced a grueling 20-hour shift, totaling 38 hours without rest before their first break. Upon reaching Zuma Beach, the command post for their operations, the crew prioritized inspecting vehicles and gear to ensure readiness for combating the fires.
“When Mother Nature calls, our firefighters are ready to respond,” the Tulalip Fire Department said on their Facebook page.
Their first shift occurred on Sunset Boulevard, where they protected residential areas overnight as the fire approached. “In the morning, the fire was bumping up against the neighborhood, and we had to put in handlines, lay hoses connecting off hydrants, and work with air tech when the fire started getting going again,” Captain James Shockley explained.
The firefighters are part of North Strike Team 1, alongside other teams from Washington State. Seven states, along with Canada and Mexico, have joined the fight to end the Palisades fire. Initially, California funded these efforts, but with worsening weather conditions, the Federal Government has stepped in to ensure resources are available.
Captain Shockley described the weather’s challenges. “The biggest issue is the wind. It ripped through a big stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway when the fire first started. All the homes built on the ocean side were destroyed. It ran through those homes like nothing could stop it. To see chimneys left standing and Sunset Boulevard in ruins was just next-level devastation. It has been wild to see.”
Despite the damage, the crews’ support has been exceptional. “Everyone here has been great,” Captain Shockley noted. The ground support for our team and rigs has been excellent. With long drives out to our work sites and back, each shift takes about 32-34 hours. So, being diligent about getting a good night’s sleep is essential to handling the workload.”
The Tulalip team along with crews from South County, Camano Island and Snohomish are actively working in the Ventura and Balboa neighborhoods. They are clearing areas to prepare for potential fires that may occur due to the expected winds in the coming days and weeks.
Due to the current weather conditions, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department will be stationed in Los Angeles for the next two weeks as they continue their efforts to combat the fire.
If you or someone you know would like to help, you can donate to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund at lahsa.org. Your support can make a significant difference in helping those affected rebuild their lives.
By Kalvin Valdillez; photos courtesy of Ilivia Hatch
“Amazing asf.” “Sooo good!” “Fire fr.” “Definitely a must!” “Bussin’” “100/10.” “Girl Ur chamoy SMACC!” “You did your thang on these.” “Obsessed!”
Those direct quotes are just a handful of reviews that can be found in the highlight section of an Instagram page named Munchiezznsweetzz. Also here, there are dozens of live reaction videos that are wholesome and worth the watch to see everyone’s faces, from kids to elders, light up as they take their first bite into a tasty treat made by Tulalip tribal member, Ilivia Hatch.
Though her sugary concoctions have garnered her fans all throughout the region, her biggest supporters appear to be the young adults from the reservation. Which is wonderful to see. Among the glowing reviews of heart-eyes, fire flames, and 5-star emojis, one word seems to sum up Munchiezznsweetzz perfectly – bomb – which of course is one of the highest compliments among both gen z and millennials alike.
So, with that in mind, we understand if you’d like to take a moment to find her page, check out her grid, and place an order before you continue you reading. (And she created a special promo code exclusively for the readers of the SeeYahtSub and Tulalip News, just enter code: ‘Tulalip’ for an extra 10% off of your order.) Alright, now that you’re back and you checked out her snacks… IKR? Every dish looks incredible. It definitely makes you want to order one of everything on the menu.
If her food photos blew your mind, you’re in store for another big surprise. But before that’s unveiled, we invite you to take a closer look at her page. A fun logo of lollipops and candy canes serves as the profile pic for the business page. In the bio area, she has her store hours set and a link to her personal bakesy page, where you can place your order and find out any necessary details about your payment and pickup options. The last thing we’d like to point out is her interactions with her followers. Not only does she regularly hold giveaways and asks her clients for input/requests, but she often offers daily, weekly, and monthly specials as well. She also adds a personal touch to each order, including instructions on how to store the treats properly and a variety of whimsical stickers too.
In today’s society, over half the battle with creating a business is having a legit, inviting, responsive, and awesome social media team. Success often lies in online engagement, which is why many people hire marketing companies to boost their brand to help get their name out there. Looking at all the details that went into her page, from her logo to her policies, you’d think she had professional help setting it up, but Ilivia has done absolutely everything by herself. She is 100% self-made. From the ground up, she has built a great following online. Just a year and some change in the game and she has over 1,000 people checking on her page daily for the latest details and creations, which is a number she hopes to grow even more, as she has a personal goal of reaching 10,000 followers.
After taking all of that information in and considering all the work it takes to start a business, what makes this all the more impressive is the moment you find out that Ilivia is only 21 years of age. Munchiezznsweetzz is turning two this April, which means that at just 19 years young, Ilivia created a successful business model which has been thriving since that first review came in.
Take a moment to read over this short Q&A to get to know the mastermind behind Munchiezznsweetzz.
Why don’t we start out with a little bit about who you are?
I’m Ilivia Hatch. My mom is Priscilla Sconawah, she’s from Yakima tribe. My father is Ezra Hatch III from Tulalip. My grandparents are Donald J. Charles and Carmen Sohappy, and then Rosemary Alexander. Growing up, I lived with my grandparents at Tulalip my whole life.
When did you start your business?
I started my business around two years ago, in April 2023. I did move out of my grandparent’s house for a while – like three ago. I was living in an apartment when my business started, so it originated from west Everett.
How did you come up with the idea for Munchiezznsweetzz?
When I first started doing it, I never thought I would get this far. It was just me and my sisters in a room, and we would always joke about starting our own little businesses. And eventually, I came up with the idea for Munchiezznsweetzz because I used to smoke a lot, and that’s where the idea came from. I’m completely sober now, like five months sober, but that’s how it started.
How did you get into making these treats? Have you always had an interest in cooking or creating desserts?
Yeah, it really started with my mom. She used to make these special cakes and I kind of just took over for her and started baking them myself. And then I came across these viral grapes. That’s what my business is mainly about, candied grapes. They went viral on TikTok and I thought, maybe I could make these. And then I did. But at first, they were so bad, it was a rough start. It took me like a whole year to actually get my recipe down and everything looking good. I would always say that I was going to quit and give up on everything, but my mom pushed me to do better. And then in April 2023, I moved back to my grandma’s house, and I’ve been doing it here ever since. I’m very grateful they let me do it out of their home.
What are candied grapes?
Candied grapes are grapes dipped into candy. I make my own candy out of Carroll’s sugar, water, food coloring, and flavoring. It’s called tanghulu and originated from Asia. But I put my own spin on it and make it with different flavors. It’s basically a hard shell of candy, kind of like a Jolly Rancher, around the grape. And when eating it, you have a nice crunch to it and with the grapes, it’s like all the flavors come together for the perfect combination.
So, candied grapes are your staple, and you do those in different varieties?
Yeah, I do candied grapes, candied pineapples, candied strawberries. I would say the fan favorite is the crack grapes. That’s Jolly Rancher coated, or Jolly Ranchers blended up and coated over the grapes. I dip the grapes into liquid candy that’s hot and then dip it into the Jolly Rancher mix. And I call it crack grapes because it’s so addicting, to the point that everyone wants that in their orders.
You mentioned that you picked this up from your mom. How does your family feel seeing you have a successful business and find that passion in the kitchen?
My grandparents and my mother, I think, are my number one supporters. Because, like I said, there were times where I would feel like giving up, but they kept me motivated. I would get really discouraged when I had to deal with hate comments or when I would mess up. I’m so grateful for them looking back at it now. Yesterday, my mom called me and was crying because she was so excited for me and was saying that I came a long way. From how messy I was at first, and how good I’m doing now and how successful I’ve been.
My grandparents are so proud of me. They always ask me every day about the order I’m working on. They’re there to push me on those days when I don’t want to get up. They’re always like ‘just get up and do your order, you’ll feel better about yourself’.
That’s so cool. And from your end, how does it feel to get that love and support from your family?
It feels amazing, honestly, I can’t thank them enough. I know that it’s all me and I’m the one doing it, but I feel like if I didn’t have that backup motivation there, I would have given up a long time ago, because it is stressful. It’s not an easy job. Especially when I have big orders over $100, because I am doing it all by myself. But it makes it easier when I have their positive words. Or when I’m having a stressful day, they’re like, ‘just take a step out of the kitchen. Take a breath.’ I was always taught that you’re not supposed to be in the kitchen when you’re mad because it can get really bad. What I’ve learned to do is calm myself down and use their motivational words, so my work is not getting messed up. I feel like it’s always just been something that I love – to have them there on my side.
And I get a lot of support from our community. I’ve had a lot of people from Tulalip order from me. That makes me feel really happy that I can be the one to make these special and unique treats, that no one else really can make for them.
Do you have any words for those people who haven’t been fortunate enough to try your treats yet and are interested in putting an order in?
They’re always welcome to come and try something new. Feel free to check out my reviews and see if there’s something on there you want to try. All my reviews are on my highlights. I’ve always had amazing reviews, and only a couple down reviews which I worked to fix on my end. But personally, I love the watermelon crack grapes, they’re really good. And everyone loves the blue razz too!
I know people can place orders through your website, do you ever do orders for special occasions or themed birthdays?
I do take pre-orders, and I do require a 100% deposit. Just because, when I first started, I would let people place an order and I would make it for them, and sometimes they wouldn’t show up. I don’t deal with that anymore. I do have that website, it’s linked in my bio, and a lot of people place their orders through it. They can find pictures of everything I’ve already made there. And there’s a specific form for custom orders – like for custom candied grapes. But I don’t just make candied grapes, I also make cakes, cookies, Mexican treats, I make drinks as well. Another fan favorite is the dulces enchilados, it’s chamoy covered gushers with tajin. It’s one of my best sellers along with the crack grapes.
When I started out in Everett, my chamoy products were my number one. But when I came back home to Tulalip, no one knew what it was. I mean, everyone knew what chamoy was, but they weren’t familiar with it. When people try my chamoy, it’s the best, because personally, I feel like I make the best chamoy in town because I make it homemade. So when they try my chamoy, they become obsessed with it and end up ordering it a lot because of how much they enjoy it.
Can you remind our readers of your age and what it means to you to find success and your passion so early in life?
I’m 21 years old. And honestly, I wish I found my passion earlier because it is a good feeling. I’ve never had help from no one. Maybe from my mom here and there, but everything for my business came out of my own pockets. I started out so small, just seeing my business grow and grow and grow, and being able to buy trays, supplies, and all my gushers (6 boxes) all at once, it makes me feel happy. I’m at the point where I get so much income now, that I’m able to support myself and my business. It makes me feel good that I have over 100 customers who I consider as my regulars. Like, most of them come back all the time. It feels good to make those connections with my people as well. I try not to call them customers, supporters, or clients, because they’re basically like family. I call them my besties because they’ve been with me since day one, through my trial-and-error stages. It’s just so great to have loyal people and to share my success with them as well.
And there was one month where I was dedicated just to my business and was consistent, and I brought in $4,000 that month just from my business. And because I work alone, that felt like a big accomplishment for me.
Why is it important for other young tribal entrepreneurs to see your grind and the business do so well?
I feel like if another tribal member sees this, and sees someone so young doing it, they might feel inspired to start their own business. And my advice would be to start early, like right now. Because who knows what will happen. When I first started, I only had like 200 followers for a whole year, and then my business just boosted up out of nowhere. I feel it’s important to never give up on yourself and to believe in yourself over anyone. Don’t pay attention to what other people say, because at the end of the day, people will be there to support and assist you. So, I feel like if you are wanting to start a business, you should just go for it.
What’s the next step for you and Munchiezznsweetzz?
I’m really trying to reach 10,000 followers. I know that’s a lot but that’s my biggest goal. If I could reach 1,000, then I can definitely reach 10,000. I don’t feel like I need to be higher than that, but if I do get more that’s cool. That’s the biggest step for me. I don’t know if I actually want to own a store or do a truck yet. I feel like I’m getting a new house soon though and if I just work from my own house that would be better for right now. And I am looking into hiring people, not at the moment, not until I get my own things settled down first.
Munchiezznsweetzz operates between the hours of 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily. Currently, she has a Valentines Day giveaway going with the grand prizes of strawberry crunch cookies and strawberry crunch tres leches cake. Be sure to visit the Munchiezznsweetzz Instagram page to see more of her specials and to place your order.
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.
“I did receive a Pendleton and a blanketing ceremony! It was very emotional because they (beda?chelh team) all seen the growth, because I did grow a lot through the program. I was able to dig deeper into why I do what I do and why I think the way I do. And I’m really thankful that they acknowledge the work that is put in, that they acknowledge that you are a good parent. I feel that’s very important.”
-Jaida Wasko, Tulalip Parent/beda?chelh client
Shelly Lacy and her team at beda?chelh have been on a mission to reinstill trust with their clients since she took the helm at the Tribe’s child welfare program. This effort is to show the community that their number one goal is to keep Tribal families together and to reunite children with their parents, if the court removes them from the home.
A common misconception about the program is that beda?chelh’s only interest is separating the kids from their parents, and that beda?chelh makes the final decision to place them in another home. When in actuality, their role is to assess the child’s living environment and open a case if there’s a safety issue that calls for removal.
Following a co-investigation with the state, the Tribal court system will determine if the child needs to be placed in another home or can remain with the family. beda?chelh is there regardless of the outcome to help you plan your next step, whether that’s addressing those issues with the children still living in the home or beginning the reunification process.
Jaida Wasko, Tulalip Parent and beda?chelh client, recently regained custody of her kiddos. In an interview with Tulalip News, she expressed a great amount of gratitude for beda?chelh and her caseworker. And though her partner may have had a slightly different experience with beda?chelh, she credits the program for their growth as parents and states that with their help, they were able to reunite as a family in an expeditious fashion.
Said Jaida, “I feel like the program is protecting and looking out for the best interests of our children, whether or not people are able to see the hard work that they do. Because it is hard work pulling kids out of families when they don’t want to, but they have to. It’s case by case, but I feel it’s important for someone to step in and motivate parents to reunite and get better for the wellbeing of our kids. Because our kids need stability, discipline, structure. beda?chelh is a really good resource for people like me who are going through things, and they just can’t quite get out of it. They give me motivation to keep going.”
Through their latest efforts, like the implementation of a monthly cultural class for their families, beda?chelh is going the extra mile to show that they are a resource and not the enemy, that they care for the wellbeing of the kids and the entire family unit. And that they are there to support and uplift you through those challenging times.
“I had tested positive for fentanyl and meth, and my kids ended up having to come out of the home,” explained Jaida. “It was kind of hard because they were stuck between opening a case and not opening a case, because me and my husband were both functioning addicts. From the get-go, it was very hard, but they were very understanding. And at the end of the day, we are very thankful for the opportunities we did get. We were able to get help financially from them with clothing vouchers, food vouchers, gas vouchers. They were also able to get us into the same parenting classes, so we were able to do it together. It’s a lot of hard work, but if me and my husband can push through and do that work, anybody can.”
Photo courtesy of Jaida Wasko
Upon the closure of a case, when the child is back in the care of their parents, Tribal Court usually holds a blanketing ceremony, accompanied by a prayer chant or song by local culture bearers. beda?chelh recently took this ceremony over, utilizing the event as an opportunity not only to acknowledge the families’ work of completing their journey with the program, but also to celebrate each accomplishment that their other clients make throughout their time with beda?chelh.
Shelly expressed, “That’s always the fun part of our job, because we get to celebrate that they’ve done it. We make sure to remind them of all their hard work, and how far they’ve come, because sometimes people think we don’t value their work. We want them to know how proud we are of the work they’ve done to get their kids back, reminding them that their kids will always remember the work that they’ve done for them. And then we’ll also award certificates at the celebration lunch, for every family that hits a major milestone.”
In Native America, a blanketing ceremony is held on momentous occasions, such as a graduation or a marriage, to honor your successes. The blanket serves as a physical reminder of your accomplishments and your growth through a certain phase of life, as well as an indicator that you are ready to begin your next journey. In traditional ceremonies or gatherings, blankets are a sign of wealth within tribal families, and to receive a blanket as a gift is a high honor.
When asked about the significance of the blanketing ceremony at beda?chelh, Shelly said, “Now, this is just how I think of it, because it depends on what family you’re in and where your beliefs come from. To me, when we wrap you in that blanket, we put our hopes for you, our love for you, our caring for you in that blanket. We are wrapping you in hope, love, and our caring, so when you’re having a rough day, you can wrap yourself up in that blanket and you can still feel that from us.”
Photo courtesy of Jaida Wasko
With one last case on the verge of closure in the coming weeks, Jaida is excited to join the next blanketing ceremony and celebrate the work her family put in as well as the efforts made by other parents.
“It’s so awesome to see that they go out of their way to do blanket ceremonies for our people,” she said. “It was a surprise when it happened to me. I was surprised, it was emotional, and it shows that we truly do recover. My caseworker said she was so proud of us both, because they don’t see a lot of couples do it together. The way I look at it is our kids are our future. My kids are the most important people on the earth to me. And all the work that they do at beda?chelh is in the best interest of our kids, that’s who they are doing it for.”
Jaida and her family’s experience with beda?chelh is a good example of the saying ‘it works if you work it’. With many new success stories coming from beda?chelh, one could assess that team’s new hands-on approach and emphasis on celebrating their client’s victories is helping overturn that negative perception that many folks on the reservation hold against beda?chelh. One thing is for sure, the program is going to have to stock up on wool blankets as more parents are buying into the program, doing the work to reunite their families, and understanding the need for and the importance of the Tribe operating their own child welfare agency.
“It’s just about providing that extra layer of support for our clients. We really do want you to keep your kids, and we want to be there to help you get your kids back,” Shelly stated. “This is a way to really celebrate with the parents and give them that encouragement to keep going. Because it can feel like there is so much you have to do. It can seem like you have so far to go and you’re not going to make it. So, it’s important to stop and celebrate the work you’ve done.”
beda?chelh is planning to hold a blanket ceremony on the first Tuesday of every month to celebrate their clients’ accomplishments and inspire them to keep working toward reunification. The celebration will be held during the lunch hour at the beda?chelh headquarters. For more information, please contact Shelly Lacy at (360) 716-4059.
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.
The Tulalip Heritage girls basketball team returned to the court for the 2024-2025 season on December 5 in an away game vs. the Shoreline Chargers. Many of the core players from last season are back, plus some key additions to give the Lady Hawks more depth and more skill sets for head coach Sabrina Moses to work with.
“We’ve added several new players, including Aylani Lewis. She’s just a freshman, but has the game of a much older player. She’s a true point guard who can control the tempo of our offense and get us into sets that her teammates are comfortable with,” said coach Sabrina. “She’s joining her sister Raylee who played with us last year.
“Also returning are sisters Lilly and Isabelle Jefferson to fortify our defense. I can always count on them to give full effort every minute they are on the court, which gives us an intensity we need.”
Controlled tempo on offense and intense defense were both on display by the Lady Hawks in their dismantling of Shoreline. Aylani’s effectiveness with the ball in her hands was evident from the jump. She scored 12 points in the 1st quarter by blowing by much larger defenders and scoring layups over their outstretched arms. Meanwhile, Heritage’s defense was wreaking havoc. The girls were jumping passing lanes and hounding Chargers ballhandlers into one turnover after another.
After one quarter of play, Tulalip led 16-2. They stretched that lead to 22-5 at halftime. In the 3rd quarter, Lady Hawks forward Laniyah Moore made the most of a couple well-timed offense rebounds and scored on back-to-back high percentage shots.
The Lady Hawks were rolling until an unfortunate moment of friendly fire when Aylani and fellow guard Audrielle Mclean both went for a loose ball and collided at full speed. The collision resulted in both players exiting the game; Audrielle with a forehead cut that required 5 stitches and Aylani with concussion-like symptoms.
Without their top playmakers, the Lady Hawks held on for a well-deserved 34-18 victory. Aylani led all scorers with 15 points, while Laniyah and big sister Raylee both added 6 points each.
Following the season opening win, Lilly shared, “It felt really good to get this win. For me personally, I worked a lot on my shooting and dribbling to be more confident in games. Last year, I looked to pass lot. Now, I’m looking to shoot and handle the ball more, when the team needs it. It paid off tonight after losing Audrielle and Aylani, I was asked to play point guard. It helped for me to get to the areas I like to shoot, and I made a couple buckets in that 4th quarter. It just feels good to be undefeated
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Without several starters, Lady Hawks fall to Darrington
The Lady Hawks produced a valiant effort on the evening of December 9. In their second straight road game to the start the season, the Heritage girls played the Darrington Loggers extremely shorthanded. In fact, they were down three starters; both Lewis sisters and Audrielle Mclean.
Without their primary ballhandlers, sisters Lilly and Isabelle Jefferson were asked to step up and run the offense. Playing against a Logger’s defense consistently applying full court pressure, the sisters were regularly forced to dribble around multiple Darrington defenders just to get the ball up court. The constant pressure made it difficult for the Lady Hawks to execute their sets, let alone produce an unhindered view of the basket to attempt a shot.
Undermanned and outgunned, the Lady Hawks trailed 5-28 at halftime, and ended up losing 13-47. Isabelle led the Lady Hawks with 4 points.
Even in an emphatic loss there are always positives. With the injuries, several players got extended run. One such player was freshman Janiesha Zackuse. She scored her first Lady Hawk point with a made free throw. Something she knew made her family who made the hour-long venture to watch her very happy.
“It felt pretty good to play so much. I’m tired out now though,” admitted Janiesha post-game. “We had a lot of supporters in the stands. It’s pretty awesome to see everybody who drove all this way to watch us play.”
Last season, the Heritage Hawks basketball program exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. They began the season (1-3) while developing their on-court identity with a mix of stout senior players and phenomenally talented freshman. Once they found their rhythm and groove, they also discovered their winning ways. Their midseason turnaround culminated in a 2nd place finish at Districts, 3rd place finish at Tri-Districts and, ultimately, the boys fell just one win short from a State Tournament bid.
The Hawks are returning a number of players from that (17-9) squad, including the starting backcourt of J.J. Gray and Amare Hatch who are both sophomores now. They are joined by a plethora of new faces who are eager to carve out impactful roles on a team primed to build off last season’s success.
“We’re looking to accomplish all around growth for the program, and to continue developing our boys for what we hope is another lengthy post season run. Of course, this year we want to make it all the way to State,” shared Heritage head coach Shawn Sanchey. “It’s been so exciting being able to watch our program grow and to receive so much support from our community. When we’re winning in front of packed crowds, it really doesn’t get much better than that.”
The 24-25 season officially kicked off on Thursday, December 5, when Tulalip travelled to Shoreline High School for an away game against the Chargers. It was less a game and more a coming out party for the new-look Hawks.
The J.J. and Amare pairing as playing making combo guards who can just as easily stroke a 3-pointer as they can beat their man off the dribble and finesse in a layup, scored 19 points in the early going to give their team a commanding 34-5 lead. This pleased the many Heritage fans who journeyed south to swarm the Shoreline gymnasium.
In the 3rd quarter, newcomer Ziggy Myles-Gilford did his best Dennis Rodman impersonation by gobbling up every loose rebound and scoring off high percentage shots in the painted area. The Tulalip forward accounted for 14 points and nearly as many rebounds in that third frame. With the game all but a wrap, Coach Sanchey unleashed his bench players to have their fun during the 4th quarter.
After the decisive 75-19 season opening victory, guard Amare said, “Our on-ball defense was on point tonight. I don’t know how many steals we ended up with, but it was a lot, that’s for sure. I think our team chemistry is already at a good place because so many of us have been playing together in Native tournaments. All those extra games and reps have gotten us comfortable with each other’s games. We want to be better than we were last year and this first W is just the start.”
In total, ten Heritage boys registered a bucket in the blowout win. Ziggy led all scorers with 20 points.
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Hawks chop down Loggers, 90-46
With more Tulalip fans in attendance than Logger fans, the energy was more befitting a home game for the Heritage boys playing in Darrington. Chants of “Tulalip power!” rang out early and often as the Hawks break neck pace led to a 26-13 first quarter lead.
The long ball wasn’t falling, or any jumper for that matter, but it didn’t matter because the Hawks couldn’t be denied from getting to the basket whenever they wanted. Both Hawks forwards, Ziggy Myles-Gilford and Tokala Black Tomahawk, controlled the glass and routinely corralled offensive rebounds to give their team additional offensive possessions. The two Hawks bigs combined to score 25 points in the 1st half and were a big reason why Tulalip led 47-26 at halftime.
Hawks players explaining the subtle complexities of Rez ball to an open-minded referee.
In the 3rd quarter, the 3 ball finally started to go in for the Hawks shooters. Amare Hatch, J.J. Gray, and Deveyon Wells each made a 3-pointer to help extend their team’s lead. Up big, 77-35, to begin the 4th quarter coach Shawn inserted his bench players to get in on the scoring frenzy.
Stunned Logger fans even got to witness a couple Ziggy dunks, tomahawk style. His dunks were just the cherry on top of his career night 30 points and 20-something rebounds enroute to Tulalip securing a 90-46 win.
The unbeaten (2-0) Hawks received additional scoring from Amare who chipped in 15 points, while J.J. and Tokala each added 13 points.
Cheerleading is recognized for an energetic blend of athleticism, teamwork, and performance. Beyond the glittering pom-poms and dazzling routines, youth cheerleading serves as a platform for empowering young girls, largely driven by women leaders who act as mentors, coaches, and role models.
At its core, cheer promotes physical fitness and discipline. These benefits to a youth’s physical wellbeing are good, but even better are the emotional, spiritual, and psychological impacts. The high energy, choreographed activity instills critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience. Girls learn to work collaboratively toward common goals, celebrate collective achievements, and navigate setbacks with grace and determination.
Central to this empowering experience are the women who lead cheerleading programs, like Tulalip’s own Sheena Oldham and assistant coach Tara Granquist who together lead Lady Hawks cheer. As coaches and mentors, they hold a unique position to influence and inspire the next generation of young women. Through their guidance, they strive to model leadership, strength, and perseverance.
“We basically started this program from scratch after a few girls came to me during my day job with Youth Services and said ‘We want to cheer, but there are no on Rez options’,” explained cheer coach Sheena. “I reached out in-person and online to every family I knew that might be interest in signing up their daughter or daughters. At our first practice, we had maybe 8 or 9 girls total. A couple months later, we had 42. Enough to form two teams of different age groups (5 to 8-years-old and 9 to 12-years-old).
“From day one, I’ve wanted our program to be about more than just nailing a routine. It’s about our girls learning to support each other and finding confidence in who they are. Getting them to come out of their shells and breaking them of their shyness by building up their confidence levels and helping them find their voice. We even had a few troublemakers that clearly didn’t have an issue using their voice who we challenged in the best kind of way by getting them into leadership roles. Now, their voices help advocate for their teammates and for woman all across Indian Country.”
For young girls, cheer squad can be a safe space where they can explore their feminine identity and develop a strong sense of belonging as part of a shared sisterhood. Cheer’s emphasis on community involvement also allows girls to see firsthand the impact of their efforts. From cheering on school teams to participating in community projects, cheerleaders often become ambassadors of positivity and encouragement, learning the importance of giving back.
The young flock of Lady Hawks amplified their voices and took their united effort for giving back to the next level during their NCYFL Cheer Showcase performance. Held during mid-November at Anacortes High School, the Lady Hawks coaches and cheerleaders proved they could pay tribute to Native American Heritage Month during their performance while openly advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
The jam-packed Anacortes gymnasium went completely silent as hundreds of cheer spectators took in the Lady Hawks routine. Equal parts cultural pride, social advocacy, and in sync pom-pom maneuvers, the girls wowed onlookers when their hip-hop music abruptly cut out and was replaced with a live drumming and singing of Antone George’s MMIW anthem.
Concluding their awe-inspiring performance, cheerleaders Persaeus Fryberg and Laveigha Merritt read the following statement: “MMIW means Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The song you just heard was created by Antone George of the West Shore Canoe Family in 2019. The U.S. Department of Justice found that Native American women face murder rates that are much higher than the national average. Four out of five of Native women are affected by violence. Our purpose of singing and dancing this song is to bring awareness to our sisters who are no longer here to speak for themselves.”
When the two elder Lady Hawks dropped the mic, they and their squad of red hand wearing cheerleaders were met with a thunderous applause. Both coaches and several cheer moms greeted the girls with gigantic, warm embraces as they exited the gymnasium and received their cheer medals.
Head coach Sheena valiantly held back tears while lofting praise on her team. “I’m so extremely proud of each and every one of our girls. Seeing them out there in front of so many people and not missing a beat, it’s just an amazing experience. They’ve worked so hard to reach this point and to see all that hard work pay off with a performance and reception like that is, well what else can it be, it’s epic!”
At a time when positive female role models are more important than ever, youth cheerleading stands out as an illustrious lane for nurturing leadership and, in the case of Tulalip’s Lady Hawks, cultural empowerment. The women at the helm of these programs and the girls they are entrusted with are creating ripples of change. One squad, one routine, and one cheer at a time.
Back in May, the Washington Fatherhood Council and Tulalip Family Haven held an event known as the Fatherhood Café at the TELA gymnasium. With the intention to connect local fathers with resources and information, the four-hour gathering garnered nearly 30 participants.
During this session, each father displayed a strong desire to learn as much as they could about becoming a better parent and were highly interactive throughout the afternoon. This work allowed the dads to open up about the challenges they face as Indigenous fathers. And it also provided them the opportunity to relate to one another and create bonds with other parents who are on a path toward the same goals.
Working together, the dads identified areas where they needed that extra support and guidance in their fatherhood journey from either the community, family members, or the Tribe. Topics included addiction recovery, reunification efforts, reintegration after incarceration, housing, employment, cultural and community gatherings, and assistance through the justice system.
The Fatherhood Café resulted in a monthly gathering, planned by the dads for the dads, aptly dubbed Dads Group. Receiving a little guidance from Family Haven, the dads organize fun and engaging meetings that are kid and family friendly. With close to a dozen regular attendees, the dads are fully invested and are embracing that fatherhood role and all the challenges and successes that come with it.
Dads Group is a unique experience that isn’t available on many reservations. At each meet up, they allow themselves the space and time be vulnerable and delve into heavy topics such as the loss of a child, the struggle of addiction, or the possibility of never seeing their kids again.
And in response, the other dads show support by not only lending an ear and a shoulder, but also by offering advice and sharing how they got through similar problems in the face of adversity. Whether that’s cultural activities, spiritual work, group therapy, or even the incorporation of exercise into their daily lives, the dads keep an open mind and showcase a willingness to try new ideas and experiences.
Now, though the topic of conversation may be serious, the vibe and air of the room is kept light. As Indigenous People, we will find a way to get our laughs in and bring that Native humor to the forefront of that heavy work. After all, laughter is a big part of healing for our people, and there is plenty of that to go around at Dads Group.
The local dads often pick a theme and activity for the gatherings including traditional arts and crafts, as well as some holiday fun for the kiddos. The last two Dads Group meetings were based around the season, in October the group carved pumpkins while they chatted. And the activity for November was turkey hand crafting, just in time for Thanksgiving.
As the Dads Group moderator, Sasha Smith, Family Haven’s Family and Youth Support Coordinator, helps keep the conversation rolling while also introducing new topics and providing resources/contact info based on the conversation.
Said Sasha, “Family Haven has always had the Moms Group and supports for the moms, but there were never supports for dads. We know that dads are just as important to the family, whether it’s working, providing for your children, introducing culture, making sure they’re getting those teachings in the home. We realized that there wasn’t anything for dads, there’s really a lack of that out here, and that’s the missing link. And I realized that if there wasn’t going to be somebody else doing it, that I just needed to step up. So, I took the Moms Group model and used that to start the Dads Group.”
She continued, “I think that modern society always tells us that men shouldn’t speak up, men have to hold in their thoughts and feelings. But we know that is not good for our mental health. It’s not healthy to be alone, whether you’re in recovery, active addiction, maybe you’re going through separation, a divorce, whatever you are going through in life, it’s not healthy to do it alone. And whether it’s negative or positive, all those emotions are really raw, but once you learn that this is a safe space, then you realize it’s okay to let others be there to support you. At the end of the day, we’re all human and as Native people, we need that connection where we sit down, share a meal, and talk about whatever we’re going through.”
At the latest Dads Group, Robert Coberly and Dustin Moses shared an open discussion about their personal journey. They planned an outing for the group to visit a local CrossFit gym in Marysville. They also spoke about how a number of different Tribal programs and departments helped them along the way, including the Healing Lodge, Village of Hope, the MAP program, and the Healing to Wellness Court.
When asked about why Dads Group is important to have in the community, Robert shared, “For the support. I come here for support for myself and to support other dads and connect them with resources. We did a BBQ and pumpkin carving last month and I got to bring my daughter. It’s great to be a part of this support group and hang out with the other dads and learn how they’re doing in life and just be a part of it.”
Dustin added, “Dads Group is beneficial for dads to access more knowledge on being a better parent and how to help yourself in the long run. This group has helped me in so many ways and I’ve had a whole bunch of new experiences so far. My first time coming here was really interesting because I learned a lot about the culture and parenting information. And it’s helping me learn more about myself. I’m really enjoying it.”
To bring the two-hour gathering to a close, Sasha assigned the dads some homework that they can do with their kids – watch the Disney Pixar movie, Inside Out, because they will be focusing on dealing with emotions at the next group meeting.
Sasha shared that the Dads Group meet ups and outings will vary month to month and that the dads try to plan the group on days that will accommodate the majority of the participants schedules. She also extended an invite to the uncles and grandpas in the community who are helping raise children in their families.
“Continue watching for the flexibility of the schedule,” she said. “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible. You don’t have to commit to the full two hours, you can drop in, grab a snack, grab a coffee. And once you do that a few times, just like everything in life, you start to build in that routine. And that’s we we’re doing here – teaching routine and consistency. I know that at first it can be a bit uncomfortable, but in order for us to learn, especially with our kids, we have to be uncomfortable to experience new things. So, swing by, say hi, and just feel out the vibe and the energy of the space.”
For more information, please contact Robert Coberly at (360) 640-8858, or Family Haven at (360) 716-3284.
