By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Tulalip Lushootseed Camp wrapped up its second week of the play “Little Mink and Younger Cousin Tetyika” on Friday, July 19, at the Kenny Moses Building. This marked the end of another successful camp. Each of the two weeks, the camp welcomed 50 kids, providing both a break for the parents and an opportunity for the youth to fully immerse themselves in the culture and language of their ancestors.
Michele Balagot, Lushootseed department manager for over 15 years, was honored for her decades of service in the department at the Lushootseed Camp. Appreciating her contributions, all her former co-workers and employees gifted her a blanket.
The two witnesses, who observe all the work the children have done to put on the play, are also honored. These two are chosen on the day of the play and brought to the front of the audience to get a full view, and then they speak about the work after it is over. One of the witnesses was tribal member Dean Pablo.
He said, “We want to take the time to honor these kids. There was a time when this language couldn’t be spoken, and now our youngest in the community get to speak it in gatherings, and I think that’s something to be proud of.”
Lushootseed Manager Natosha Gobin added, “Seeing the kids consistently for a week is good. I wish we could keep them for longer. But it seems to be the perfect amount of time for this age group to spend one week with us. They are able to pick up all the teachings, and they have fun doing the crafts. The play will never be perfect, but the kids will always remember it.”
“Camp was fun!” said Eddie, a camp student. “My favorite part was when we got to make the paddles. I made an orange one. I learned that when you bother the whale, he will eat you, and you will learn a lesson.”
Another student, Kamille, enthusiastically confirmed that she had a great time at camp. and particularly enjoyed going to the beach. When asked what she learned during the play, she replied, “I learned to sing songs.”
Wrapping up the 27th annual Lushootseed camp, one thing is sure: the kids will come and learn a bit about their culture, but the memories of being a part of the play and being with friends will last a lifetime.