By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Summertime usually steals all the shine when talking about Tulalip events and cultural gatherings. Which is understandable, considering many of these big-name events are practiced outdoors, such as the Stick Games Tournament, the Salmon Ceremony, Boom City’s Fourth of July festivities, the War Canoe Races, and the intertribal Canoe Journey.
But the autumn and winter months are jampacked with celebrations, activities, and gatherings too. Especially this year. Below you will find over 15 upcoming events happening at Tulalip over the next couple months. This includes many holiday themed get togethers as well, ranging from Jack Skellington all the way to Sandy Claws.
So, make sure to jot these dates down on your personal calendars or upload them to your digital apps because we are in for a fun holiday season at Tulalip!
Trunk or Treat. Sunday, October 26at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Boom City
Local nonprofit, Together We’re Better, brings back their popular Halloween-time event! If you’re looking for a safe and fun place to show off your costumes and do a bit of trick-or-treating, be sure to drop by Boom City and check out dozens of spooky themed trunks and displays.
Problem Gambling Family Night. Wednesday, October 29 at 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Tulalip Family Services
The Tulalip Problem Gambling program invites you and your loved ones to their Family Night event. All ages welcome. Dinner provided.
From the event flyer – “Learn about problem gambling, how to support your loved one, and about healing from the impact of gambling addiction. There will be time for Q&A.”
Spooktacular Open House. Thursday, October 30 at 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Youth Center
Join the Tulalip Education Division this Halloween Eve for a movie night, trick or treating, family photos, and pumpkin painting. There will also be tours of the Teen Center campus as well as educational information booths for Tribal families.
The Sacred Stone Camp live reading. Saturday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hibulb Cultural Center
Local Indigenous Author, Rae Rose, will be dropping by the Hibulb Cultural Center for a reading of her new children’s book, The Sacred Stone Camp, which centers around LaDonna BraveBull Allard as she gathered water protectors to protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Ballot Party. Tuesday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Tulalip Admin Room 162
By now, you should’ve received your ballot and voter’s pamphlet in the mail. Be sure to fill that out and bring it on into the Admin building on Election Day. At the Ballot Party, you can register to vote, cast your vote, and enjoy some light refreshments and good company while you perform your civic duty. A raffle will also be held for all party goers!
Season of Healing – November Gatherings. Tuesday, November 4
This year’s second Season of Healing session of the year will feature both a lunchtime lecture as well as a dinner and healing ceremony. The November Season of Healing gatherings will be focused on Honoring our Elders and will feature keynote speakers, James LaBelle Sr. & Susan LaBelle. Lunch will be from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in room 162 of the Admin building. Dinner and Ceremony will be held at the Gathering Hall and will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Flu & Covid Vaccine Pop Up. Wednesday, November 5, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., Tulalip Health Clinic
Protect yourself, your family, and your community. Vaccines will be available for community members of all ages. For more details, please contact (360) 716-4511.
Holiday Native Bazaar. November 14 & 15 at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gathering Hall
This highly anticipated event continues to grow year after year. Dozens of Tulalip artists and entrepreneurs will be in attendance selling the likes of regalia, jewelry, weavings, tasty treats and much more! The first weekend of the Holiday Native Bazaar will be held at the Gathering Hall.
Holiday Round Dance. Friday, November 21 (Time TBD), Everett Community College
Stay tuned as more information about the Holiday Round Dance will soon be released, including Grand Entry time! Below is a quick summary of the annual gathering.
“A night of community, culture, and connection at Everett Community College’s Round Dance, hosted by the First Nations Club & Diversity & Equity Center! An evening of honoring traditions, building relationships, and celebrating Indigenous resilience. Dinner will be provided — come hungry and ready to share a meal. Local vendors — support Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses. All singers welcome! Everyone welcome!”
Lights & Ice Festival
Washington’s largest and most dazzling holiday lights display makes its return for the third consecutive year this November 22 and will run all the way through January 11. If you have yet to experience Lights & Ice at Quil Ceda Village (Tulalip Bingo, Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip Amphitheater), we definitely encourage you and your family to pay a visit this holiday season. Below are some important dates to remember for a handful of Lights & Ice events this year. Every weekend during Lights & Ice, between 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., there will be special guests in attendance including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.
- Lighting Ceremony – Saturday, November 22 at 4:30 p.m.
- Tribal Night – Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Holiday Weekend Market- November 28 & 29 at 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tulalip Thanksgiving Luncheon. Thursday, November 27 12:00-2:00 p.m., Tulalip Resort Orca Ballroom
This event is for Tulalip tribal members only.
Tulalip Day. Friday, November 28
Celebrate your favorite Tribal member(s)! Admin & other Tribal facilities will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Holiday Native Bazaar . December 5 & 6 at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Youth Center
Missed the first weekend of the Holiday Bazaar? Need to cop a few last-minute Christmas gifts? Want to treat yo’ self with some fine Indigenous craftsmanship? Look no further than the Holiday Native Bazaar! Please note that this weekend’s event will be held at the Teen Center.
Season of Healing – December Gatherings, Tuesday, December 9
The December Season of Healing theme is ‘Building a Strong Foundation’ and will feature guest speaker, Camie Goldhammer, the Founding Executive Director of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. The lunch series will be held at the Admin building, room 162, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. And the dinner and honoring ceremony will take place at the Gathering Hall, starting at 5:30 p.m.
MSD Indian Education Department & Tulalip Education Division Holiday Powwow. Saturday, December 20 Grand Entry at 5:00 p.m., Francis J. Sheldon Gymnasium
Where Christmas and culture collide! The fan-favorite holiday powwow draws close to 1,000 people each holiday season. In addition to the soothing sound of jingle dresses and the big reverberation of the round drum, the powwow will also feature Santa’s Workshop, where MSD students can pick out a toy of their liking upon meeting good ol’ St. Nick. Numerous vendors will be in attendance as well, so if you are a last-minute shopper and find yourself still needing to buy presents five days before Christmas, you can pick up a few items at the powwow!