The March 21 General Council meeting offers a chance for the community to show up, be heard, and help shape the future of Tulalip
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
As general council elections approach, many community members are calling for change, but what that looks like depends on who shows up and participates. Rising costs of living, from food to housing, have impacted families everywhere, and those concerns are often reflected at the local level, where decisions can directly affect the community. However, that call for change was not reflected in strong attendance at the recent candidate forum.
A mere 50 people attended the Board of Directors candidate forum at the Gathering Hall on Thursday, March 12, underscoring a lack of participation in conversations that shape both the present and the future of the Tulalip Tribes. This year, three seats are up for re-election: Teri Gobin, Hazen Shopbell, and Marlin Fryberg Jr. With leadership decisions on the line, the forum offered voters a key opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities and vision for the community. In addition to those in attendance, approximately 30 viewers tuned in online. The forum was recorded and is available for viewing at iamtulalip.com for those who were unable to attend.
The forum was moderated by Eliza Davis, Executive Director of General Services, who guided candidates through a series of questions on key issues facing the Tribe. Following opening introductions, the candidates who showed up shared their reasons for running and outlined priorities ranging from economic development and housing to cultural preservation and the possibility of a new school. Both incumbents and challengers stepped forward, each offering their own vision for Tulalip’s future.
Angel Cortez was asked about his five-year vision for economic development and self-sufficiency. He said, “I would like to see us invest in food security and food sovereignty,” while also supporting more sustainable business ventures beyond gaming.
Pat Contraro was asked whether she supports disenrollment and, if so, on what grounds. She said, “I believe the code allows for disenrollment for different reasons… it would have to be a very serious reason,” expressing cautious support under strict circumstances.
David Fryberg Jr. was asked about balancing social services and increasing general welfare without sufficient financial capacity. He explained that increasing revenue streams would be key, noting that strong leadership could enable expanded support without cutting programs.
Teri Gobin was asked how she would address violence within the community. She emphasized early education and mentorship, stating, “We need to start educating our kids at a younger age… bringing our culture into the teachings again,” highlighting the importance of keeping youth on a positive path.
Summer Hammons was asked whether Tulalip should be considered a service-based or per capita Tribe and what direction it should take. She said, “I believe there should be a balance of general welfare and services,” while emphasizing prevention programs and community input, adding that Tulalip should remain “a service tribe first” while continuing to grow economically.
Sarah Hart-Carpenter was asked to explain the difference between supporting and enabling, and how programs can uplift tribal members without encouraging dependency. She said, “Our program is about lifting our people, not enabling them… teaching them techniques on how to be successful, strive, and thrive on their own,” while emphasizing care and accountability within the community.
Laverne Jones was asked about her top three priorities for improving community services and how she would achieve them. She responded, “Children first,” emphasizing youth support, prevention, and healthcare as key focus areas.
Kisar Jones-Fryberg was asked about economic development, specifically his long-term vision for diversifying the Tribe’s economy beyond gaming and the first steps he would take. He proposed creating a permanent vendor village near the casino to support entrepreneurs and generate revenue. He also emphasized improving entertainment, stating, “Our entertainment can improve… we need acts and events that bring in people that haven’t been here yet,” focusing on long-term self-sustainability.
Teresa Meece was asked about economic development, specifically about her experience managing budgets and leading organizations. She shared that she worked on three budgets at the old casino and said, “I have been in management for 30 years… I enjoy mentoring young tribal members. They are so eager to learn.”
Misty Williams-Napeahi was asked about cultural teachings and sovereignty, specifically how Tulalip can develop sustainable practices for governing land and resources. She said, “If you have land, you are rich… we need to take care of what we have,” emphasizing the importance of reconnecting youth to the land and protecting natural resources.
Hazen Shopbell was asked about his understanding of Tulalip treaty rights and how he would ensure they are enforced and protected. He said, “I have been protecting our treaty rights for years… it’s a right to hunt, fish, gather, and support your family,” referencing his experience defending sovereignty.
Malory Simpson was asked about policy, noting that all policy is approved by the Board of Directors, and about her qualifications for analyzing policy and ensuring the best outcomes for the Tulalip community. She said, “I have been able to dive further into policy and procedure and find out what works and what might need changing,” adding that strong departmental teams are key to developing effective policies. As the General Council meeting approaches on Saturday, March 21, the decisions now shift from the candidates to the voters.
With 3477 eligible tribal members over the age of 18, turnout will once again determine the outcome. Last year, only 39 percent of eligible voters participated, resulting in a tie vote between candidates Ryan Miller and Jennie Fryberg, a result that could have been different if more voices were heard. With so much on the line, this year’s election is another chance for the community to show up, be heard, and help shape the future of Tulalip.