Laughter, music, and culture were at the heart of Tulalip’s ‘United in Love’ Pride celebration. Held with the intention of uplifting our 2SLGBTQ+ community, the July 12 event offered a safe space filled with acceptance, education and support.
Upon entering the Gathering Hall, attendees were offered a sage cleansing. While inside the hall, the party atmosphere took over. Amid a rainbow of colorful décor and party favors, DJ Monie Ordonia set the mood with an energetic set as event organizers distributed Pride shirts, bags, and food tickets for the tantalizing treats from food trucks outside the venue.
Monie, an avid supporter of the 2SLGBTQ+ movement, described the event as open and friendly. “You know, not every person here is gay, but there are family members who are allies that support other family members who may be.”
Attendees, many dressed in festive outfits and glittery makeup, browsed a variety of crafts, merchandise, and health and safety tips, with some even taking part in a virtual sobriety test. Members of the Tulalip Police Department managed the test, which uses a VR headset to evaluate motor skills and reaction time.
Numerous groups and organizations were also on hand, offering resources available within the Tribe and greater Snohomish County. These included information on homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction recovery, and more.
Games and prizes, including a ribbon skirt and shirt fashion show, were also part of the festivities. But the day’s dual highlight came from the guest entertainers: performer Holli B. Sinclair (Navajo) and comedian Janelle Niles (Mi’kmaw).
Sinclair, an Indigenous drag queen based in Seattle, graced the stage as the event MC. Her bright personality and flair matched the afternoon celebrations as she mingled with the crowd and posed for photos.
“I am grateful to be here today surrounded by other Indigenous people and to celebrate people of all different intersectionalities,” said Sinclair. When asked why she decided to attend this year’s event, she jokingly said, “because I’m getting paid,” but then followed it up by saying, “it seemed like a fabulous opportunity to be involved with people in my Native Culture.”
Serving as the featured speaker with an added dose of humor, Niles a two-spirit comedian and TV personality from Canada, found the experience to be unforgettable. “The atmosphere here is electric; this is an event you don’t want to miss.”
The celebration continued into the evening with a Coastal Jam. The Lummi drum group “Blue Lightning” filled the Gathering Hall with songs, as young warriors danced, circled by their sisters as they all moved to the rhythm of the drums.
For Tulalip tribal member Carlee Jimicum, this was her first time participating in a Coastal Jam. “It was fun to dance and everyone made me feel nice,” said Carlee.
Near the end of the Coastal Jam, laughter erupted as dancers prepared for the switch dance. This is a dance where partners switch both their roles and their regalia – skirts are given to the male partners and straps (male regalia) are given to the female partner. As they challenged each other to keep the rhythm in these reversed roles, serious faces gave way to smiles and laughter.
What started as a golf tournament that struggled to fill teams has grown into an annual tradition that golfers now eagerly wait to put on their calendars.
The 12th annual Leah’s Dream Foundation Golf Tournament returned to Battle Creek Golf Course on Saturday, July 11, bringing 36 teams together and raising $60,000 to support activities and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Deanna Sheldon, Leah’s mom and host of the tournament, has watched the excitement surrounding the event continue to build. “I think that’s one of the best things, as someone who puts on any type of fundraiser, to see the excitement build and anticipation of new teams or teams who have been there from the very beginning,” she said. “At the end of the day, everybody knows where the money is going to, and they’re all just so happy to give and partake in all the contests that we have.”
Organizers capped the tournament at 36 teams this year to help maintain a faster pace of play, but interest in joining the field remained high. “There were four teams ready to go, and the day of the tournament, they’re like, ‘Let us know if someone drops out at the last minute. We will be there,’” Sheldon said. “For sure, next year we’ll probably add in that 37th team.”
Tulalip tribal member William McLean III has participated in the tournament for nearly six years and said this year’s event stood out for how smoothly the day moved. “I think as far as scrambles go, the pace of play was awesome this year,” he said. “There wasn’t too much sitting around and waiting. It was mostly get up there, get straight to golfing, so it was nice.”
McLean said his team worked well together throughout the round. “We did pretty well. For the most part, we ham and egged it pretty good to where everyone kind of covered every level we needed to, so it was a good day.”
His shot of the day came on hole 13 after purchasing the cannon shot for the round, but he decided to hit his driver anyway. “I cleared the ravine, probably got to about 100 yards out,” McLean said. “It did pretty dang good for me. That’s probably the shot of the day for me, even though it didn’t matter for nothing.”
For McLean, the tournament offers more than a round of golf. “It’s a great way to get out. It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I think there’s just enough interaction with other people and sponsors, taking chances and stuff out there, and it makes the day go by really smoothly.”
The $60,000 raised will help continue expanding Leah’s Dream Activity Club and its growing list of activities, including open mic nights, bingo, a walking club, and bowling outings at Strawberry Lanes. “When we do our open mics, we always pay for the pizzas and the Capri Suns that we give out so families can come,” Sheldon said. “Anyone can come. They sing, and if they don’t want to sing, they don’t.”
Some of the foundation’s largest events are held during Halloween and Christmas, with additional funds going toward making the holidays special for families. “For Christmas, we do spend more because we try to make it extra special,” Sheldon said. “We have a Santa come, and then we purchase little things for people to bring home.”
The foundation also supports new teachers in resource rooms and developmental learning programs in Marysville, while helping to meet additional needs in other programs. Sheldon remembers a time when simply filling out the golf tournament took considerable effort. “When we first started, we could barely get anyone to sign up. We would ask everybody we knew,” she said. “Our very first tournament, we asked everyone in our family, everybody in our friend group, just come out. That was a lot of work. I never thought we were ever really going to get off the ground.”
The tournament’s growth has followed Leah’s own journey. Now 16 years old and preparing to enter her junior year, she has grown up alongside the foundation created in her name. “Every year, everyone gets to see her grow up into who she is becoming, a beautiful young lady,” Sheldon said. “When we first started doing the tournament, she was just a little five-year-old. She couldn’t even go to the golf tournament. Now she just rides in the cart with my sister. And so it’s pretty remarkable.”
Sheldon still pictures Leah as the little girl seen on the foundation’s website, looking up from hole seven at Battle Creek Golf Course. “When she was little, after a long day of therapy, we’d have her just go up and run the course to get tired so she could go to bed because she was horrible at sleeping,” Sheldon said. “Battle Creek has always just been so good to us.”
As the foundation approaches its 13th year, Sheldon said the next step is to continue building Leah’s Dream Activity Club and expand events into neighboring school districts. The foundation’s Unified Prom now brings in young adults from Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, and Arlington. “We’re kind of starting to get a name for ourselves, branching out to other teachers or directors from other school districts,” Sheldon said. “I do feel like there is a need.”
Families also regularly approach Sheldon after a child receives a diagnosis, and they are unsure where to turn. “There are a lot of families that do currently come up to us and basically tell me, ‘Hey, my grandson just got diagnosed. We don’t know where to go,’” she said. “I always tell them to reach out to me. I feel like it would be good to have a coffee chat or start something like that.”
Looking back, Sheldon’s perspective on Leah’s autism has changed since the early years of therapies, diagnoses, and trying to understand what the future would look like. “I can’t honestly believe what autism has meant for us,” Sheldon said. “I feel like in so many ways, God gave us a gift. And yes, it was hard at first, but if we didn’t have autism, we wouldn’t have had this tournament.”
Sheldon hopes families understand that Leah’s Dream Foundation events are open and inclusive, regardless of diagnosis. “Your child doesn’t have to have autism to come and participate,” Sheldon said. “We try to make it as inclusive as possible, where everyone can just feel like they belong. That’s really big for us.”
Snohomish County Fire District #15 is turning to local voters as it looks to secure funding for three full-time Firefighter/EMT positions and maintain emergency response services in the Tulalip Bay community.
On August 4, residents will vote on a new Maintenance and Operations Levy that could generate approximately $450,000 each year. The funding would help fill a looming gap as a federal grant currently supporting the positions is set to expire at the end of 2026.
For the past several years, Fire District #15, also known as Tulalip Bay Fire, has used funding from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant to strengthen its emergency response staffing.
“This levy is about ensuring we can continue providing the level of emergency response our community expects and deserves,” said Fire Chief Ryan Shaughnessy. “The SAFER grant allowed us to add three full-time Firefighter/EMTs who have made a measurable difference in our ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies. Without replacing that funding, we risk losing those positions when the grant expires.”
Unlike many fire districts, Fire District #15 receives a large portion of its operating funds through service agreements with the Tulalip Tribes and Quil Ceda Village. Nearly 55 percent of the district’s annual operating budget comes from those partnerships.
While the agreements continue to play an important role in the district’s operations, fire officials said they are not meant to replace local voter-approved funding needed to maintain staffing levels.
Shaughnessy said keeping adequate personnel on duty affects more than the department’s ability to answer calls. Staffing levels can impact response times and firefighter safety while ensuring enough emergency personnel are available for medical calls, fires, rescues, and other incidents.
“The reality is that emergency calls continue to grow in both complexity and volume,” Shaughnessy said. “Maintaining these positions means we can continue delivering reliable emergency medical services, protect our firefighters during high-risk incidents, and provide the level of service our residents have come to expect.”
If approved, the levy would establish a local funding source to support emergency operations, staffing, equipment, training, and other essential services.
Shaughnessy acknowledged that asking residents to approve additional funding comes at a time when many families are already watching their expenses.
“I understand that any new levy represents an added financial commitment for our residents, and I recognize the burden that can place on families,” he said. “However, public safety is one of the most fundamental services a community provides. This investment is about protecting lives, preserving the staffing necessary to respond when people call 911, and ensuring Fire District #15 remains capable of serving our community today and well into the future.”
The Maintenance and Operations Levy will appear on the August 4 election ballot. District officials are encouraging residents to learn more about the measure and the emergency services provided by Fire District #15 before casting their vote.
There was no shortage of academic pride inside the Orca Ballroom as families, friends, and tribal leaders gathered beneath elegant chandeliers and beside gigantic cedar caps to celebrate one of the community’s greatest investments, its scholars.
The annual Higher Education banquet honored more than 40 Tulalip graduates who, over the past academic year, earned college credentials ranging from associate and bachelor’s degrees to master’s degrees. Each diploma represented countless late nights studying, moments of perseverance, and a commitment to creating brighter futures not only for themselves, but for their families and their Tribe as well.
“This is our last graduation event of the season, and it’s been amazing to watch all of the families cheering on their loved ones,” described Education Director Jessica Bustad. “I just want to reiterate to all our graduates in the room that each of you are extremely valuable and what you’ve accomplished is powerful. There’s great value in taking everything that you’ve learned and using it to uplift your community. I hope that each of you considers honoring your roots by joining Tulalip’s workforce and helping us build a stronger foundation for our future generations.”
This year’s graduating class included 13 associate degree recipients, 15 bachelor’s degree graduates, and four master’s degree earners, alongside numerous vocational, certificate and specialized program completers whose educational journeys reflect the many pathways available to success.
For one evening, textbooks and deadlines were replaced with applause and celebration. Tulalip’s newest Councilwoman, Malory Simpson, led the ballroom in one such applause after sharing her admiration for all the working parents who managed to balance school, work, and a busy home life in order to create a better future for themselves and their children.
“I know what it feels like to be a working college student and a mom with four kids at home,” reflected Malory. In 2023, she earned her B.A in Community Advocacy and Responsive Education. “Part of what motivated me to pursue my B.A. was knowing my kids were watching, and if I could do it, then they could, too. To each of the grads here tonight, I want you to know that you are inspiring your family, you are inspiring your community, and you are inspiring people you aren’t even aware of who are looking up to you. We are all so proud of you.”
As graduates entered the ballroom to the cheers of loved ones, they were welcomed into a room decorated in their honor, complete with a formal dinner, heartfelt speeches, and individual recognition for every scholar who crossed the stage.
For generations, Native Americans were systematically denied educational opportunities. Federal boarding schools sought to erase Indigenous identity rather than cultivate Indigenous excellence, while colleges and universities remained largely inaccessible to Native students. Today, each Tulalip graduate represents another chapter in rewriting that history.
Tulalip scholar Addison Wagner wrote her own chapter while earning her master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Arizona State University. She was selected as one of the student speakers. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of self-empowerment and stepping into the unknown.
“I want to keep growing into someone who can use her voice, take on responsibility, and be more involved in the community that supported me,” said Addison. “I am incredibly grateful to my family, the Tulalip Tribes, and our Higher Education Department for supporting students like me and making opportunities like this possible.
“That support is part of what motivates me to bring what I have learned back to our community, contribute to the work already being done, help continue creating opportunities for others, and keep growing into someone who can contribute in a meaningful way,” she added. “My advice to my fellow graduates is to give yourself the chance to find out what you are truly capable of. Because you might just realize you are more capable and more powerful than you ever realized.”
The Tulalip Tribes have made higher education a cornerstone of community development by investing in students pursuing careers across an ever-expanding spectrum of professions. Whether studying healthcare, education, business, law, environmental science, engineering, social work or the trades, these graduates are building knowledge that strengthens not only their own futures, but the future of the Tribe itself.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the importance of bringing that education home.
“What an honor to share this space with you all. I just want to say that every diploma, every certificate, every degree strengthens us as a nation,” remarked Tulalip Councilwoman Theresa Sheldon. She received her B.A. in Pre-Law from Western Washington University in 2005. “Every time a Tulalip pursues college, they are helping to normalize our people entering and excelling in higher education. So as our people continue to get degrees, please weaponize that education and all your knowledge for the good of your people, for the good of your Tribe.”
As previous Higher Education banquets have emphasized, today’s graduates are tomorrow’s leaders, educators, healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, administrators and culture bearers. They are equipped with both academic knowledge and Indigenous values, uniquely positioning them to serve their people while navigating an increasingly complex world. That combination has become one of Tulalip’s greatest strengths.
The growing number of graduates each year is evidence that educational success has become woven into the fabric of the community. What once represented a rarity has become an expectation, inspiring younger generations to envision themselves wearing caps and gowns of their own one day.
That momentum is fueled by the Tribe’s Higher Education Department, whose mission extends far beyond tuition assistance. Advisors work alongside students throughout their academic journeys, helping them navigate enrollment, financial aid, scholarship opportunities and the inevitable challenges that accompany college life. Their continued support ensures students have every opportunity to reach commencement day.
As graduates posed for photographs with diplomas in hand and embraced loved ones throughout the evening, the celebration extended beyond academic milestones. It became a celebration of resilience, determination and possibility.
In the spirit of possibility, Bibianna Ancheta hopes her bachelor’s degree from Bastyr University opens the door for more Tulalips and Native Americans residing in the area to attend the Kenmore-located, alternative medicine university.
“All tribes have their own medicine, but the sad reality is practicing medicine without a license can have severe consequences. Herbalism and traditional medicine aren’t exempt from that, so we as tribal people have to have the right backing (certificates, licenses, etc.) as protection. That protection gives us power to practice our traditional medicines,” explained Bibianna.
In a genuine moment of self-reflection, Bibianna recounted being in 5th grade and a teacher asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. “I said a healer, and they immediately countered with ‘Oh, you mean a doctor?’. No, I told them, I mean a healer. And now here I am, all these years later, having earned a degree that is proof I am a healer.”
Long after the banquet concluded and the ballroom emptied, the significance of the evening remained. More than 40 Tulalip scholars, including Addison and Bibianna, walked away knowing their community stands proudly behind them, believing in their potential and eagerly awaiting the contributions they will make in the years ahead.
Because when one Tulalip tribal member earns a degree, the entire community rises with them.
Justin “Yakship” Jimicum Jr., aka Junior, was born to Dena Johnnie and Justin Jimicumn Sr. on December 15, 1996. He entered into rest on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Justin is an enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes and a descendant of the Lummi Nation who found joy in spending time with his family. He also enjoyed going for nature walks and loved participating in his Native cultural activities.
Justin is survived by his mother Dena Johnnie and father Justin Jimicum Sr., brother Jay T. Jimicum, two aunties/sisters Justina Velazquez and Juana Velazquez, auntie Maria Prince and numerous aunties, uncles, and cousins. Justin was proceeded in death by his maternal grandma Betty Johnnie and paternal grandma, Mary Spencer Jimicum.
Funeral Service will be held at the Gathering Hall on Thursday, 7/9, at 6:00 pm. Funeral Service to be held at the Gathering Hall on Friday, 7/10, at 10:00 am. Burial Service to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
The Father Patrick Twohy Community Garden became a place of reflection, gratitude, and celebration on Wednesday, June 24, as community members gathered at the Tulalip Health Clinic to honor Father Patrick Twohy and Dale Jones for their decades of friendship, service, and dedication to the Tulalip community.
Held in the garden that bears Father Pat’s name, the afternoon celebration brought together family members, friends, tribal leaders, and healthcare staff to recognize two men whose lives have been defined by compassion, humility, and service. Through prayers, songs, gifts, and shared memories, attendees reflected on the lasting impact both have had on generations of Tulalip families.
Tulalip Health System Administrator Dr. Gary Ferguson welcomed attendees by recognizing the generations of leaders who helped shape the clinic’s mission and the healing work that continues today.
“I realize I stand on the shoulders of leadership, of legends here, as we look at the healing work that the clinic has been doing for many, many years,” Ferguson said.
Before the ceremony’s centerpiece, Tulalip Health Clinic Diabetes Care and Prevention Coordinator Veronica Leahy shared the history behind a tradition that began 10 years ago. She explained that Dale Jones honored Father Pat by washing his feet as a gesture of respect and gratitude for his years of service to the Tulalip community. Wanting to continue that tradition, Dale requested that the ceremony take place again during this year’s recognition.
Leahy explained that this year’s ceremony also gave Father Pat the opportunity to wash Dale’s feet, symbolizing the mutual respect, humility, and enduring friendship the two men have shared over the years.
Following the foot-washing ceremony, both men were presented with handcrafted moccasins. Father Pat’s moccasins featured the words “Love Medicine” and the Medicine Wheel Garden, honoring his connection to the garden and the message of healing he has shared with the community. Dale’s moccasins were inscribed with the words “Basketball is Life,” recognizing his lifelong passion for the game and the many young people he has encouraged through athletics.
For Father Pat, the greatest honor was not the ceremony itself, but the friendships he has built with the Tulalip people over nearly four decades.
“I feel greatly honored to be in the presence of my friends and brothers and sisters in the Tulalip Tribe,” Father Pat said. “To me, there’s no greater honor than friendship and lasting friendships of love and respect, selfless love and giving. Ever since I first came to Tulalip, around 1986, I’ve appreciated the Tribe’s direction and the work they do for the young and everyone. It’s a hopeful time for tribes and the Northwest, and it’s wonderful to live long enough to see it all come to fruition. The power for good is enormous. People need what the tribes teach because, a lot of times, we’re lost.”
There were no losers on a picture-perfect summer evening at the local Sports Complex. Sure, the scoreboard favored Team Angels when the final out was recorded, but the true victory belonged to the Tulalip community.
Employees from Tulalip Resort Casino squared off against their friendly rivals from Angel of the Winds in the 3rd Annual Charity Softball Game. Set against the scenic backdrop of Tulalip Bay, the free community event drew a lively crowd of friends, families, and supporters who filled the bleachers beneath blue skies and temperatures in the low 80s.
The annual matchup has quickly become a summertime tradition, blending spirited competition with a shared commitment to giving back. This year’s beneficiary was the Hawks Nest booster club, an organization dedicated to providing supplemental financial support for Heritage High School student-athletes, athletic programs, and cheer squad.
“Everything about this softball game is really cool. I think my favorite part was actually all the team bonding and practices we did in the weeks leading up to today,” said Sunny Kennebrew, Tulalip Resort’s H.R. training manager. “At work we think of ourselves as team, so the transition from our day jobs at the Resort to softball practice after work was seamless.
“We know it’s a privilege for us to have the Tribe hosting us at this beautiful ball field,” he added. “We’re hoping to win, again, like we did last year, but at the end of the day, we’re all coming together to have some fun and hopefully raise a good amount of funds for the Hawks Nest.”
From the moment fans arrived, it was evident the evening would be memorable. Raffle tickets were sold throughout the game, giving attendees opportunities to participate in a variety of between-inning fundraising activities while contributing directly to the Hawks Nest’s mission. Every ticket purchased represented another investment in Tulalip youth and the future of Hawks athletics.
Before the first pitch was thrown, Tulalip Vice-Chair Deborah Parker, joined by her nieces Naleia and Nayani, made their way to the pitcher’s mound for the ceremonial first pitch. The family moment set the tone for an of togetherness, where multiple generations gathered to celebrate community while taking in a ball game.
“It’s so exciting because all you have to do is look around and you see people of all ages laughing, cheering, and just having a good time,” described Vice-Chair Deb. “I know the players view it as a somewhat competitive game, but it doesn’t feel divisive at all. Instead, it feels like togetherness and community spirit at its best. There are babies and toddlers running around and elders sitting comfortably while taking it all in. What more could we ask for? Well, maybe a win, but besides that, this evening is incredible.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere were two Tulalip-owned and operated food trucks that remained busy from first pitch to final out. Ryan’s REZ-ipes and Scapa? BBQ served up crowd favorites all evening, with long lines of hungry customers eager to sample the flavorful menus. Whether craving smoky barbecue, classic comfort food, or Salish summertime treats, fans found plenty to satisfy their appetites while supporting Native-owned businesses.
Once the game began, both teams wasted little time showing that this friendly rivalry still carried plenty of competitive fire.
The opening innings unfolded as a pitcher’s duel, with neither side willing to surrender momentum. Tulalip Resort Casino and Angel of the Winds matched each other inning after inning, remaining tied at 0-0 before exchanging runs to knot the score at 1-1 and later 2-2.
With each defensive stop and timely hit, the crowd became more invested, cheering for spectacular catches, hustle plays, and clutch at-bats.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth inning. Team Angels caught fire offensively, batting around their lineup and stringing together a series of timely hits that produced six runs. By the time the dust settled, Angel of the Winds had transformed a tightly contested game into an 8-2 advantage.
“It’s the bottom of the 7th inning right now and I’m going to try be best to contribute to a comeback,” shared Tulalip tribal member and TGO group tour specialist, Jared Parker from his team’s dugout. “Being able to have my daughters throw out the first pitch and then watch me play at this field is a proud dad moment, for sure. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening to have this game.”
Team TGO continued battling until the final out, plating one more run late in the contest, but couldn’t overcome the fourth-inning surge. Angel of the Winds claimed bragging rights this year with an 8-3 victory.
While one team walked away with the trophy, everyone involved helped strengthen the community. Through raffle proceeds, local food vendors, generous supporters, and an enthusiastic turnout, the evening successfully raised funds that will directly benefit Heritage High student-athletes throughout the coming school year.
Ryan was born in Everett, Wa. on 11/06/85 to parents, Naomi Moses & Williams “Bill” Fagundes. He passed away on 6/18/2026 in Seattle, Wa.
He was a Loving Father, Son, Sibling, Nephew, Uncle. He grew up as Brothers and Sisters with all of his cousins which made him “Uncle” to all of the kids in our family.
He is survived by his parents, only child, Lucinda Moses, Siblings, Aunt’s, Uncle’s, & Numerous cousins.
He is proceeded in death by his brother, Jason Lee Moses, Grandparents, Clarice & Alvin Moses Sr. & Grandpa, Delbert Moses who helped raise him.
Ryan will be Greatly missed by all of his family members & Remembered for his love and the way he had the ability to make anyone and everyone laugh.
An evening service will be held Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10 AM at the Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
