By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
For the second consecutive year, Tulalip Heritage High School held its commencement ceremony in the heart of the reservation, welcoming graduates, families, and community members to the Tulalip Gathering Hall for an unforgettable celebration.
Twenty-two graduating seniors made their way into the packed venue amid thunderous applause, smiles, tears, and camera flashes as proud loved ones gathered to witness a milestone years in the making. Holding graduation on the reservation once again ensured easy access for family and friends while embracing the spirit of “Rez Rules.” Graduates were afforded the freedom to express themselves through traditional regalia, cedar woven caps, eagle feathers, vibrant beadwork, and other personal touches that reflected their identities and journeys.
Serving as emcee for the evening was respected educator and artist Tony Hatch, whose warmth and humor helped guide attendees through a ceremony that balanced celebration with heartfelt reflection.
“By hosting this graduation on our reservation, we’re able to do things in our traditional way. Our elders are seated up front, our ancestors are here with us, and together we can honor Creator to start this ceremony in a good way,” said Tony before offering up a Lushootseed prayer.
He then introduced Heritage High’s first year Principal, Gina Bluebird (Oglala Lakota). Gina spent the previous seven years as a teacher at Quil Ceda Elementary before taking the helm at Heritage.
“The class of 2026 students will forever remain in my heart because they were my first class as a school administrator. I am beyond proud to be a visitor on the homeland of the Coast Salish people, and I feel eternally grateful to all the parents for allowing your children to be in my care,” shared Principal Bluebird. “My goal, first and foremost, is to ensure they receive the education that they deserve.
“And it’s not just any education. It’s an education that allows them to walk out these doors and be proud of who they are as Indigenous people,” she continued. “Looking out from this podium and seeing each and every graduate wearing their culture, from cedar and eagle feathers to vibrant colored beadwork and handwoven sashes, that tells me how proud you all are.”
Before a single diploma was awarded, the audience embarked on an emotional journey through time. A slideshow presentation featured every graduate, beginning with infant photos before progressing through childhood, middle school, and ultimately their senior year. The video drew laughter from embarrassing childhood photos, tears from parents recalling years gone by, and plenty of cheers as each student’s story unfolded on the big screen.
The nostalgic look back served as a reminder of the countless moments, sacrifices, and victories that had brought the Class of 2026 to this very day.
Among the evening’s most memorable moments were speeches delivered by student representatives Elijah Fay and Lilly Jefferson, each offering unique perspectives on their educational journeys.
For Elijah, the road to graduation included a significant transition. After transferring to Tulalip Heritage during the tail end of his junior year, he arrived searching for a place where he belonged. In a heartfelt address, Elijah shared how he initially felt lost and out of place while navigating a new school environment. What he found instead was a welcoming community that embraced him and made him feel like a genuine part of the school and local tribal community.
“To my fellow graduates, I can’t thank you all enough. You made space for me. You included me in conversations that I didn’t grow up in. You laughed with me like I’ve always been part of the story. You turned a place that felt unfamiliar into something the felt like home,” shared Elijah. “That kind of acceptance isn’t a small thing when you are the one receiving it, it’s everything. It’s walking into a room and finally being able to breathe. It’s not having to wonder if I belong anymore.”
His message resonated deeply with fellow students who best understand the importance of belonging and being accepted for who they are at such a critical stage in life.
Tulalip’s homegrown Lilly Jefferson approached the podium with her trademark confidence and vision. A longtime advocate for youth leadership and Indigenous education, she challenged her fellow graduates to pursue bold dreams and never underestimate the power of their voices.
“Speak up and speak loud because we are the future,” encouraged Lilly. “Be kind and be nice. Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.
“We often create these imaginary barriers in our head that make excuses for us, like ‘I don’t have enough time’, ‘I’m scared of being judged’, and ‘It’s too difficult’. But I’m standing up here to tell you that we all have things going on behind the scenes. Struggles, hardships, trauma. When are you going to stop and make the decision to not let your fears control your future?
“All of you are powerful and deserving of love and support,” added the inspiration 18-year-old. “Each of you are the greatest project you will ever work on. Restart, reset, and refocus as many times as you need, just never give up on yourself. When you are going through a difficult time remember our ancestor’s who fought tooth and nail for everything we have today. You are the answer to their prayers. We are their dreams they sacrificed everything for. So, walk into every room like your ancestors opened the door. Be loud, take up space, and always be proudly Indigenous.”
Both speeches from the two student speakers drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. Together, their statement’s perfectly captured the spirit of the evening, one that celebrated not only academic achievement but also cultural pride, community responsibility, and the generations who helped pave the way.
Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates crossed the stage one by one to embrace family members, educators, and friends waiting to congratulate them. The atmosphere was electric as cheers echoed throughout the Gathering Hall, each name announced serving as a testament to the academic achievement 12-years in the making.
Then, gathered together before their loved ones for one final moment as Heritage students, the Class of 2026 faced the crowd and, in unison, moved their tassels from right to left. The simple yet powerful gesture signified their transition from students to graduates, drawing one final, thunderous applause from a community that has supported them every step of the way.
Congratulations Class of 2026. The future is yours.