By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Tulalip tribal members showed up on Saturday, March 21, for the General Council meeting, proving that participation isn’t just encouraged, it’s essential. This year’s meeting carried added weight, with three seats on the Board of Directors up for election, including incumbents seeking reelection. With many in the community calling for change, that energy was felt throughout the day.
As the meeting got underway, tensions were already high. Community members were quick to voice their concerns, setting the tone for a passionate and, at times, heated discussion.
Among the businesses addressed, several motions were brought forward and passed, including ones supporting Kla Ha Ya Days, an annual festival in Snohomish that welcomes summer, and the Veterans Pow-wow. Additional discussions also focused on increasing staffing at the Youth Center to expand access and provide more opportunities for community members to utilize the facility.
That strong presence carried over to the ballot box. An added incentive also helped drive turnout, as voters were offered new suitcases designed by Tulalip tribal members featuring four different Native design styles to choose from.
In total, 1,608 election votes were cast. In a closely watched race, Hazen Shopbell received the highest total with 662 votes, followed by newly elected Board member Malory Simpson with 558 votes and Teri Gobin with 540 votes.
With the votes counted, attention turned to leadership. In a surprising outcome, Hazen Shopbell was selected as Chairman of the Board. Deborah Parker will serve as Vice Chair, Theresa Sheldon as Secretary, and Ryan Miller as Treasurer.
With the results finalized, the newly elected leaders took time to reflect on the moment and what it means for the community moving forward.
Hazen Shopbell spoke with humility as he addressed the crowd. “I never thought in a billion years I would be standing here,” he said while reflecting on his victory at the podium. Emphasizing unity, he added, “There are 5,400 of us, and we are relatives. We are all in the same canoe together. My last name is Tulalip, not Shopbell, and I am going to support each and every one of you and your families.”
Teri Gobin, who secured one of the three seats, expressed confidence in the Board’s direction and ability to work together. “I feel like we are in a good place, and we will work well together,” she said.
Newly elected board member Malory Simpson shared a message centered on service and community. “I look forward to serving our people. It’s not just a win for me, it’s a win for us,” she said, stressing the importance of making people feel seen and valued.
In the end, the message was simple: show up, be heard, and be counted. The strength of Tulalip lies in its people, and this year’s turnout proved just how powerful that can be.