By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Warm songs, heartfelt stories, and a powerful sense of unity filled the Don Hatch Youth Center on Friday, October 17, as community members gathered for Tulalip’s annual Coastal Jam for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hosted by the Legacy of Healing, the event invited survivors, families, and supporters to share in a meal, hear powerful words, and dance together in healing and solidarity.
For organizer Malory Simpson, the evening carried both reflection and renewal. “At the start of the event, I was a little worried,” she admitted. “Things were slow, and for a moment, we had only a couple of tables filled. But not long after, I looked up, and the room was full. That shift really struck me. I know how difficult it can be to sit through conversations about topics that are uncomfortable or emotionally heavy, like domestic violence. But the people who showed up clearly cared not just about the event, but about the deeper message behind it.”
Throughout the evening, community members listened intently as Malory shared statistics and stories about the realities of domestic violence. “The room was quiet and fully tuned in,” she said. “That moment stayed with me. It was powerful to see our community so present, engaged, and willing to hold space for such an important conversation.”
One of the most moving moments came when a speaker, invited at the last minute, courageously shared her personal story. “She opened up about her journey in a way that was both powerful and deeply moving,” Malory shared. “Afterward, she told me she felt a noticeable sense of relief that she had been carrying a heaviness in her chest, and speaking her truth lifted it. It was a beautiful reminder of how healing it can be to share your story.”
Lead Advocate Marisa Chaves echoed that same sentiment. “What truly stood out this year was how the community came together not only to support survivors, but also to learn how to be a resource for others,” she said. “It was a powerful reminder that awareness is growing, and people want to be part of the solution.”
The event closed with a Coastal Jam, where the sounds of drums and songs carried a message of resilience. “The drums, the songs, the format, they’re more than tradition,” Malory explained. “They’re medicine. They create a sense of connection, grounding, and shared strength. Ending the evening with song and dance brings balance. It allows us to close in a good way, lifting the heaviness and reminding us of our resilience.”
Looking ahead, both Simpson and Chaves hope to continue the momentum through community collaboration and support. “We know real change doesn’t happen in a single night,” Malory said. “Next year, we want to strengthen partnerships and look at ways to include more generations of youth, elders, and new community voices to continue this movement year-round.”
The Legacy of Healing team expressed deep gratitude for the Tulalip Foundation, Tulalip Events, and Tulalip Problem Gambling programs, whose contributions helped make the night possible.
The advocates also emphasized the importance of accessible resources for those in need of support. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available through:
- Legacy of Healing -360-716-4100
- Tulalip Behavioral Health- 360-716-4400
- Mother Nation Domestic Violence Program – 206-722-2321
- TOCLA (Tribal Office of Civil Legal Aid) – 206 816-0577
- Puyallup Tribe Domestic Violence Advisory Center – 253-680-5499
For those who couldn’t attend, the message remains clear: You are not alone. You are not to blame. You deserve safety, respect, and healing.
The Legacy of Healing continues to accept donations to directly support survivors in moments of critical need, from providing emergency meals and shelter to covering essential needs during transitions to safety.
As Malory reflected, “Ending violence begins with awareness, but healing begins with community. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate future for everyone.”