By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
For hundreds of Tulalip families, the end of summer is marked not by the cooling of the air or the turning of the leaves, but by one of the community’s most anticipated annual traditions, the Back 2 School Bash.
This year, the Bash was bigger than ever. A total of 1,500 backpacks, each stuffed full of essential school supplies, were purchased and made available to students of all ages. The sheer scale of the giveaway speaks volumes about the Tribe’s commitment to ensuring their young ones are fully prepared for the year ahead.
The excitement was undeniable. Families began arriving and lining up shortly after 9:00 a.m., even though the official distribution wasn’t scheduled to begin until noon. By the time staff and volunteers opened the gates, the line had already stretched far across the Youth Center campus. Kids tugged at their parents’ hands, bouncing with anticipation as they imagined the backpack they would soon call their own.
“Honestly, it’s such a blessing to be a part of a Tribe that hosts an event like this,” said Nina Fryberg. Her and her fam lined up promptly at 9:30 a.m. in order to ensure they got first pickings. Nina enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews roam the Youth Center gymnasium, getting their backpacks and loading up on a bounty of school supplies. “As someone who has twenty-plus nieces and nephews, I know full well the struggle it can be this time of year having to buy back to school clothes and supplies. This event really alleviates a lot of stress for so many families.”
Once inside, students were given the freedom to choose from rows upon rows of colorful backpacks, each packed with grade-appropriate supplies. For many, this choice was the day’s biggest thrill. Watching children carefully consider whether to go with a traditional Jansport bag, a sleek and sporty Fuel one, or the stunning Native designs offered by up Skyn Style showed just how meaningful something so simple can be.
“I think events like this provide so much positivity throughout the community,” shared proud mama bear Krisan Fryberg as she departed the distribution area with her two young daughters. “My girls have been looking forward to this day since the flyer first went out. This really shows how much the Tribe supports education and is willing to assist every family provide necessary school supplies, like a backpack full of goodies, to their school-aged children.”
“I’m excited to start school because my teacher is going to be Miss Breezy. I’m also excited to see my old friends and to make new ones,” beamed soon-to-be Quil Ceda Elementary 3rd grader, Presley. She chose a purple camouflage colorway backpack to fill with must-needed supplies.
After watching her big sister be interviewed, 4-year-old TELA preschooler Harley was adamant she be interviewed as well. “I picked a pink backpack,” she declared. Why a pink one? “Because pink is my favorite color.” Duh!
While the backpacks remained the highlight, the Bash was just as much about celebration as preparation. Tulalip’s campus transformed into a mini carnival, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. Youth scaled the towering rock-climbing wall, testing their courage one handhold at a time. Friends faced off in inflatable jousting matches, laughter echoing as they toppled each other over. Rides spun, a petting zoo drew wide-eyed wonder, and everywhere parents and kids snapped photos to capture the joy.
“I ended up choosing a black backpack because it will match all my outfits,” said 11-year-old Lizee Williams while taking a quick timeout between rides. “We came to get our backpacks for school, but we stayed to go on all the rides.”
“She wants to go on, like, all the rides! I’m just here for the food,” laughed fellow 11-year-old Kyleah Moses. Her impromptu food review was the chips and burger combo was “eh, good I guess”. Before running off for their next ride, Kyleah added, “What I’m most excited for about the new school year is seeing all my friends.”
For event coordinators, the significance of the Back 2 School Bash runs far deeper than backpacks and carnival rides. The event stands as an expression of traditional values, chief among them caring for our youth, strengthening families, and ensuring the next generation has the tools to succeed.
“It warms my heart to know that over 1,000 students were empowered with the supplies and resources they need to begin the new school year,” emphasized Youth & Family Enrichment lead, Sarah Murphy. “When our children walk into class feeling prepared and supported, it makes a real difference. Every one of our kids needs to know that they’re not alone, that their Tribe is behind them, always.”
That sense of support was evident in every hug, every smile, and every proud parent watching their child sling on a backpack. Grandparents nodded approvingly, reflecting on how far Native communities have come in the fight for educational access. Parents expressed gratitude for the financial relief at a time when back-to-school shopping can easily strain budgets. And the kids? They delighted in the chance to choose, to play, and to feel celebrated.
Among the celebration was proud papa bear Neil Hamilton and his two daughters, 13-year-old Nevaeh and 10-year-old Adriannah. They spent their summer in Tulalip with their dad and are now preparing to head back to Spokane for the school year.
“It’s nice to get them out of the house and spend an afternoon seeing familiar faces and some faces we haven’t seen in far too long,” said Neil. “It’s busier this year than year’s past, that’s for sure, but I am thankful for the opportunity for them to see their friends and family in such a cool setting.”
While wearing her classic cream-color Adidas backpack, Nevaeh shared, “I’m not ready for the summer to end. I am excited to see my friends when school starts up, but I’m definitely not excited for the homework.”
By day’s end, the vast majority of the 1,500 backpacks ordered had found their new owners. Closing the chapter on summer with laughter and community spirit, the Back 2 School Bash opened the door to a 2025-2026 school year filled with hope, opportunity, and, yes, homework.