Please use the following link to download the August 26, 2023 issue of the syəcəb
Author: Kim Kalliber
She Got Game: Empowering Native youth to Rise Above
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
A Native American hoops legend, Rise Above founder Jaci McCormack (Nez Perce) has lived a fascinating life. So much so that a feature-length film is currently underway that will bring her story of triumph over adversity to the big screen. Executive producers include NBA Hall of Famers Gary Payton and Lenny Wilkens, Hollywood icon Danny Glover, and civil rights activist Gus Newport.
While some may recognize her from her previous work as a victims services coordinator in Tulalip’s Prosecutor’s Office, most know her from her bucket-getting prowess on the hardwood. Whether it was taking down championships in the always competitive Native tournament circuit, or being named an Idaho State player of the year, or her 2005 game-winning jump shot that propelled Illinois State University to a Missouri Valley Conference championship and resulting NCAA tournament appearance.
“My story demonstrates that while it isn’t easy to break barriers, it is possible. Representation matters when it comes to Native youth because my story is their story,” Jaci said in an interview with Deadline. “I feel extremely grateful to have found filmmakers and producers that I can trust to tell this story. [They] understand the importance of Indigenous representation in film, and wholeheartedly believe in the social movement this project will support.”
Best known for her role as an executive story editor on the award-winning tv series Reservation Dogs, writer Erica Tremblay (Seneca Nation) has teamed up with Jaci to tell her real-life story of overcoming and rising above the odds in movie form.
“Jaci’s story is an incredible example of Native empowerment, and I was drawn to her personal journey,” said Erica in the same Deadline interview. “There is a real lack of Indigenous representation in film and television and Jaci’s story is exactly what is needed. We need to see members of our communities achieve greatness.”
While the film is currently in development, Jaci continues to instill in the next generation of Native youth the many benefits of both striving for and embracing greatness through her nonprofit, aptly named Rise Above. Through this authentically Native-led organization, young Native boys and girls are empowered to lead healthy lives despite the challenges.
Rise Above is capable of delivering education, prevention skills, and mentorship through culturally sensitive programs tailored to their needs. It’s also capable of delivering memory-making moments through basketball clinics that have become legendary for having clinic coaches and fitness experts who themselves are Native Americans that the kids can point to as shining examples of their dreams manifest.
Such was the case on Saturday, August 19, when an estimated 200 youth from across the Pacific Northwest journeyed to Rise Above’s sports fest 2023 hosted at Seattle University’s Redhawk Center. The list of clinic coaches included Freddy Brown III (Makah), who played collegiate basketball for the University of Montana, and Analyss Benally (Navajo), who played collegiately at San Jose State University and professionally in Europe.
Among the basketball camp participants were several young Tulalip ladies with hoop dreams, such as Charlie Contraro, Shawna Cortez, and twin sisters Cali and Chloe Iukes. Together they represented a Tulalip wave amongst a sea of aspiring ballers intent on sharpening their handles, perfecting their jump shot, and improving their defensive skills to become two-way players effective on both ends of the court.
“Basketball means everything to me,” said Shawna. “I love it so much. Making new friends is one of my favorite parts, and so is having fun during training drills. For me, I’m really small, so I can steal the ball easier when players are dribbling around me; that makes me a good defender. Some players like making passes, others like scoring, I like being a defender because I’m really good at it.”
“My siblings love sports so much. We go to the Marysville YMCA every day, whether to practice to get better or just for the fun of shooting hoops,” added Chloe and Cali’s big sister, Faith. “I hope in time they’ll understand how meaningful this Rise Above camp was, especially with how much work went on behind the scenes from Jaci and her team to make this all possible. But as far as basketball goes, I think my sisters can accomplish anything they set their minds to, as long they continue to put the work in and stay focused on their goals.”
Traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport, basketball is undergoing a transformation as more and more woman-led sports camps rise to prominence. With current and former women collegiate athletes or actual pros at the helm, camps like Rise Above sports fest are rewriting the narrative and proving that the court knows no gender bounds. Native American girls who once felt sidelined are reclaiming their voices and their game, thanks to the guidance of empowered women like Jaci McCormack who walked the same path.
The impact of these camps extends far beyond the bold lines containing 94 ft. by 50 ft. basketball courts. They are nurturing the growth of a new generation of confident young women who carry the lessons they learn into every aspect of life. The skills taught, from teamwork and communication to resilience and time management, equip these girls to thrive both in sports and in their future endeavors.
“This is my second time participating in a Rise Above basketball clinic, and I absolutely love how they operate, especially being so intentional about including us Native youth,” shared JoAnne Sayers (Nez Perce, Tlingit). “It’s so much more than just basketball. They teach us about the power of community, teamwork, and making connections that we can take from here to hopefully add to our support systems when times get tough.
“Living in Seattle, I’m far away from my home reservation, and so organizations like [Rise Above] do a lot for us urban Native kids to bring us together and establish, like, our own tribe through basketball and other sports,” she continued. “Basketball gives us an outlet to maintain good mental health. If you had a bad day, you can find a basketball hoop almost anywhere to go shoot some hoops at and help yourself feel better. And if you had a good day, there’s nothing better than making some buckets and working on your handles. We don’t need alcohol and drugs to relieve stress or anxiety when we’re capable of cleansing our bodies of those things through workouts on the court or in the gym.”
Organizations like Rise Above, and social leaders for change like Jaci, are intent on shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. When young girls witness women excelling as players or leaders, it challenges the long-standing notion that basketball is a man’s world. For example, the weekend’s sports fest was not only simply about teaching basketball skills, but about presenting powerful role models who inspire girls to dream bigger and aim higher.
“For us, its all about the kids. When we can expose our kids to more opportunities, and get them in the same room with folks like a Lenny Wilkens, a George Karl, or a Vin Baker who can share their stories and let the kids know it’s possible to rise above childhood challenges and accomplish their dreams, that’s when amazing things truly happen,” said the Rise Above icon Jaci. “You never know what part of a speech, or a moment of candid care during a sports camp, or witnessing a peer get so excited after learning something new might plant a seed and grow into a lifelong lesson that helps someone down the road to rise above. At the end of the day, I just think the more stories of struggles overcome and challenges conquered heard by our kids by those they look up to strengthen our kids to become more successful in their own lives.
“I feel so blessed to be in the position to show our kids, especially the young girls, that I used to be just like them. I’m just an ordinary rez kid with extraordinary dreams who didn’t give up when times got tough,” added Jaci. “Now, to have lived by hoop dreams and to be able to give back to our communities and see these young girls come to our camps and thrive, it’s incredibly touching. My dream is for them to see what I’m doing for them through support for our people and passion for the game, and that they not only rise above to accomplish their dreams, but they also give back to the generation that follows them. That’s how we break the cycles and rewrite the negative narratives of our people, by supporting each other with a shared vision.”
Rise Above will continue illuminating a new horizon for youth on reservations or within urban communities, like Seattle, who dare to dream of sports greatness. Tulalip lady hoopers like Charlie and Shawna, or sisters Chloe and Cali, are not just learning how to shoot hoops; they are learning how to shoot for the stars. With each dribble, pass, and made basket, these girls are discovering their strength, their voice, and their power to shape the game and their world, on their own terms.
Elders Potlatch: A Celebration of Smiles and Joy
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Suns out, elders out, as the 2023 Tulalip Elder Potlatch was underway on August 17 inside the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Over a thousand elders were in attendance – some from as far north as Canada and as far south as New Mexico – all looking forward to intermingling with their compatriots, friends, and family, which they usually don’t get to see.
Buses and caravans arrived throughout the morning, and attendees could shop outside from local vendors or enjoy the breakfast being served inside. At 11:00 a.m., the Tulalip Veterans carried the flags inside signaling the beginning on the ceremony. A welcome song by Tulalip tribal member Ray Fryberg and family was sung before acknowledging the oldest elders in attendance.
Dale Jones, Tulalip tribal member, announced Don Smith of Cheyanne as the oldest person in attendance at 95 years old. Then he also acknowledged the most senior Tulalip tribal members, Joan Jones, 90, and Hank Williams, 93. All were blessed with a handmade cedar hat, blanket, and drum.
After the songs were sung, speeches made, and the gifts handed out, lunch was served. On the menu was a feast of clams, crab, salmon, and much more. After the event, those in attendance were given a gift bag with various goodies to be taken home.
Some elders stayed at the Tulalip Resort and Casino. “There were 12 elders that made their way from Nespelem, Colville Tribe,” said Charles McKay. “It was a hot cruise over, but we made it. Having an enjoyable time, I spent the night at the casino, then came over here early in the morning. There are lots of good conversations to be had and good food.”
“You better believe it. I’m having a great time. I wouldn’t miss it for nothing,” Theresa Jones of Lummi said. “I have so much fun talking to my friends from all over. You just don’t get to see everyone like you used to.”
“We drove over early this morning,” said Marilyn Manzano of Yakima Nation. “This is an enjoyable event, and I just love the building. It’s my first time inside it, and it is so pretty that it almost makes me cry. Also, the people are nice here and made everything run smoothly.”
Building up the local recovery community: Family Wellness Court introduces Parent’s Talking Circle
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
On a scorching summer afternoon, four Tribal mothers found comfort inside the courtroom of the Tulalip Justice Center. In a relaxing environment, much different than the typical court setting, the ladies decompressed in the comfort of air conditioning as they joined together at the center of the courtroom and circled up along with the Tulalip Family Wellness Court team.
Established in 2020, the Family Wellness Court has proven to be an effective method in assisting their clients attain and maintain their sobriety. The program accelerates the reunification process between parents and Tulalip children by way of a detailed plan that incorporates their traditional way of life and culture.
This alternative path to the road of recovery has been a major success within the Tulalip community and has reunited numerous families over the past three years. The Family Wellness Court design was based on the success of Tulalip’s Healing to Wellness Court. However, the courthouse made many modifications when developing the Family Wellness Court model.
Although the Family Wellness Court’s game plan mirrors the Healing to Wellness Court model in many aspects, the court wants to stress that the two programs are completely separate from one another. Family Wellness is volunteer-based and works with individuals on their own accord, through either a referral or self-referrals, and is not mandated by the courts. Whereas the Healing to Wellness Court works on criminal cases, where their clients could potentially face jail time if they fall out of compliance. And since the Family Wellness Court is voluntary and does not work on criminal cases, there is no punitive element to the program and the clients do not face jail time if they fall off track.
Overall, the program is built to support, encourage, and assist tribal parents and/or parents of tribal members as they work toward achieving a clean and healthy lifestyle. By following a personalized plan, put together by the individual and the Family Wellness Court team, the parents are actively fighting to regain visitation and custody rights of their kids and bring a close to their open beda?chelh cases.
The Family Wellness Court utilizes the wrap-around approach and brings together several different tribal departments to ensure each of their clients has access to the necessary resources throughout their duration in the program. The team approach plays a large role in the Family Wellness Court and in each participant’s recovery journey.
The team consists of multiple professionals including tribal courthouse judges, officials, attorneys, beda?chelh representatives, counselors and recovery specialists. The idea is that with everybody on the same page and meeting on a regular basis, the client is apt to stay in-compliance and make positive progress in maintaining their sobriety when they know exactly what their team expects from them.
The Tulalip Tribal Court believes that this collaboration between multiple departments, all with the same intent of helping people attain sobriety, is the key to success with Family Wellness Court clients. This helps them establish relationships with the judges and task force members and includes them in the entire process from the moment they accept help from the Family Wellness Court to the moment they are reunified with their children.
Many people are seeing great results with the Family Wellness Court model thanks to required ‘give back hours’. Not only does this afford tribal parents the opportunity to get reacclimated into the community, but also provides them with the chance to return to their ancestral teachings and traditional way of life through cultural engagement at local tribal events and ceremonies. Over the summer, the Family Wellness Court took this notion a step further by implementing the Parent Talking Circle into the program.
“We really wanted to incorporate the culture, especially in the Talking Circle,” explained Family Wellness Court Coordinator, Erika Moore. “We have a lot of parents who are non-tribal, and this is a good way to get our tribal members teaching the non-tribal members, so they in turn can teach their children more about their culture. It gives [tribal members] more confidence in getting back into their culture. And when we see them get back into their culture, they grow exponentially.”
Said Chemical Dependency Professional Arla Ditz, “The Talking Circle is more second nature to tribal members because it’s along the lines of the cultural teachings they were raised with. And it’s not just the culture, it’s that spirituality in general. One of the key things in successful recovery is the spiritual piece, no matter what you believe in or where you come from, it’s a really important part of recovery. And so, when we come into our circle, that really helps support that, and it brings the netting together to be more supportive for the people participating in the program. I think the Talking Circle helps people figure out their goals and achieve them much quicker, and maybe even better.”
Held at the beginning of each month, the Parent Talking Circle allows the clients to connect with each other and share their story, struggles, successes, and goals with the group. In this traditional and no pressure setting, the parents are more open to share and relate to one another’s journey, as well as express any hardships they might be encountering.
During the most recent Parent Talking Circle, the tears were rolling as the participants recounted their lifestyle prior to enrolling in the Family Wellness Court. To see how far each of them has come since the height of their addiction is heartwarming and inspiring. And hearing the moms talk about their daily interactions with their children was quite moving, considering all the adversities they had to overcome to share time and space with their kids once again.
“The Talking Circle has helped me stay accountable and encouraged me to keep going,” shared Tribal member Corrina Gobin. “It’s much more than just a circle. Today, I learned about the four sacred medicines, and it gave me the opportunity to learn something new with the whole group. Each person in the circle, you end up having a close and personal relationship with. We’re all available to help each other, whether it be rides to your kids, or back and forth to treatment, UAs, whatever it may be, they play a significant role in getting us through all the things we need to get through in order to get our kids back. They give me recognition when I’m doing things that are good, and they also call me out for not doing things that are good. I actually look forward to coming to court now because they give me that motivation.”
Tribal member Kerri Deen added, “I feel like it’s been helping me spiritually. Like the discussion today, it was about how to properly use sage and sweetgrass. The Talking Circle helps when we’re at a standstill and we’re struggling to meet our goals. No matter the situation, the team helps us get through those obstacles to get our lives back. It’s amazing and I love it because you don’t feel attacked. It’s more focused on helping each other get everything done so we can get our kids back.”
Though still in its infancy, the Parent’s Talking Circle shows nothing but promise in helping build up the local recovery community and reunify tribal children with their parents in a timely and responsible manner.
If you or a loved one are ready for a new approach to sobriety and reunification with your child, please contact the Family Wellness Court at (360) 716-4771.
Strong winds, and even stronger competition
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
The day was mighty gusty as canoe pullers from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada battled waves in Tulalip Bay on August 18 during Tulalip’s Annual Canoe Races. The two-day event pitted the young and old in different canoe races. Although the waters were choppy, each competitor gave forth an outstanding performance.
Starting at 9:30 am, Saturday’s competition was fierce. Not only were the competitors battling the strong winds and waves, but also each other to take home a trophy and some prize money.
From single-person canoe races to 11-person teams, events for all levels of racers, male or female, gave many a chance at competing. There were races for kids nine and under to races for adults 19 and older, including a special race Saturday evening between co-ed partners of two. This consisted of one male and female partner who had to run with a paddle for about half a mile, then jump into their canoes and paddle for about a two-mile journey.
In the face of wind gusts reaching up to 15 mph, creating turbulent waters, dedicated pullers demonstrated unwavering determination, securing victories by multiple boat lengths. A few pullers would find that the seas were not playing around as some rolled over due to being off balance when the wind and the waves hit their canoe.
“You need to do a few things to prepare yourself to be out there on that rough water,” said Buddy Gray, from Cowichan, racing with Lummi. “You’re going to be tired; you’re going to get fatigued. You can’t quit. You paddle out, so you have to paddle back. Having that mental and physical strength is very important, as is healthy eating and keeping yourself hydrated so you don’t cramp up out there.”
Buddy continued, “I’ve always had a different mindset on just paddling to win. I have kids now and have that mindset of being there, showing them a good way, and setting a better example for the next generation, as they are always watching. The more you train, the more you race, the better you get.”
One of the teens who won a few different events in the 16 and under category, Elias Mamac of Lummi, said, “Eat lots of French toast, train, and get some rest to be able to race your best.” When asked why he loves canoe races, Elias said, “Makes me feel good.”
Although the waters were rough and the air was a little smoky, canoe pullers who braved the seas for the chance of victory took home the thrill of competition and great memories.
Gary Leonard McCollum
September 29, 1964 – August 12, 2023
Gary was born September 29,1964 to Jeannie and Alvie McCollum and passed away August 12, 2023.
He liked traveling and sightseeing all over Indian country and participated in Sun Dance, drumming at Summer pow-wows, and participating in ceremonies. He enjoyed going to concerts, listening to music, and playing guitar. Gary loved visiting and joking around with all who met him. He always went on spontaneous adventures with his son Levi. Gary made everyone he was with laugh, he touched many people with his jokes and if you ever met him you know he made a memorable impact.
Gary is survived by his son Levi McCollum and step-son AJ Williams-Yellowwolf sisters Lisa (Lisa) Olver and Mary (Bow) Oman, brother Robert Fryberg. Nieces and nephews Anthony Sanchez, Merissa Sanchez, Colett Boualavanh, Kayla Pablo, Charlo Pablo, David Charley, Joseph Davis, Rocky Renecker, Riley Renecker.
He was preceded in death by hhis parents, baby boy Byron, brother Rocky (Leslie) Renecker, sister Shannon Edwards-Pablo. Aunts Janet McCloud and Marleen Myers. Nephew Louie Pablo III.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
August 19, 2023 syəcəb
Please use the following link to download the August 19, 2023 issue of the syəcəb
Celebrating Tulalip’s LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit community
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
It was blue skies and good vibes on the afternoon of August 13, as dozens of Tulalip citizens joined together to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit community.
While DJ Monie performed a set of all the feel-good summertime anthems, the people couldn’t help but groove to the beat. As they sang along and hit their best moves, infectious smiles and contagious energy spread, lifting everybody’s spirit at the annual Pride Everyday BBQ.
The vibrant colors of the rainbow flag and the transgender flag were the official colors of the event, and they could be seen everywhere – from face paintings to tie-dye shirts, as well as on balloons, cupcakes and cookies. The beautiful gathering took place at the area between the skate park and baseball diamond of the teen center campus. The dance floor was under the shade of the concession stand’s canopy, where several generation-based dance-offs transpired throughout the three-hour event.
In addition to the epic dance battles, a number of fun competitions were held, including two runway showdowns for the titles of best ribbon skirt and best ribbon shirt. And a crowd favorite, the cutest baby contest, in which all participants crawled away with a blue ribbon pinned to their onesies.
Randy Vendiola served as the MC of the event and ensured everything ran smoothly and according to schedule. Tapping into the teachings he picked up as an MC on the powwow trail, Randy had the people engaged and hyped from start to finish. Sage Vendiola was named Grand Marshal and exhibited some impressive hosting skills while assisting Randy throughout the day.
When asked about the significance of holding an annual Pride event at Tulalip, Sage shared, “I think it’s really important to showcase that we’re individuals as well. We have feelings and should be treated like everyone else. Two Spirit individuals make up such a small percentage of the population, and yet we face tons of discrimination. With all the transphobic laws being passed, and the fearfulness in general, we really have to stay strong and stay together. Anybody who feels worthless, you’re not. I understand and know exactly what you’re going through.”
Throughout time, many tribal nations have held space for their Two Spirit membership, and after years of trauma and forced assimilation, those individuals have felt left out of their respective communities thanks to the structure and mindset of our modern and colonized world.
The Pride Everyday celebrations help establish a foundation for the Tulalip Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ community members, and lets those individuals know that it’s more than okay to be who they truly are and to freely express themselves however they choose. Pride focused events, on reservations throughout the country, help reclaim the narrative, the true lifeways of our ancestors, and the space our Two Spirit loved ones rightfully deserve in our tribal societies.
Music therapist and Tulalip community member Vee Gilman stated, “It’s so good to see the different generations of people coming here together in support of queer and Two Spirit people. I’m white, I’m a settler, so I have a different perspective and I’ve had my own experiences on what it’s like being queer in the world in that way. But I do think that there’s a specific intersection, where sometimes queer and Two Spirit people are viewed as less authentic or are not brought into certain experiences and roles because colonization enforced gender, binary, nuclear family and all of these things. Having these events are so important because our communities are really bound up together. Deliberation for any of us must include all of us. When we have space to celebrate Two Spirit people, it builds up all of our queer community and all of our Native communities together.”
The Pride Everyday BBQ is sponsored by the Tulalip Problem Gambling Program and was originally slated to begin in 2020, but to many people’s disappointment, the event was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic. Although starting two years later than originally intended, the 2022 inaugural Pride Everyday BBQ was a smash, and there was high demand for its return in 2023.
“This event is important because we want to promote, highlight, and put a spotlight on the LGBTQ+/Two Spirit community and all of the inclusivity that the Tulalip Tribes embodies,” said Problem Gambling Coordinator, Sarah Sense Wilson. “We wanted this also to be a multi-generational family friendly event that really honors and celebrates the area Two Spirit community members who contribute to the broader community. Today is all about celebrating, having fun, coming together, enjoying food, enjoying treats, and lifting each other up.”
A handful of local LGBTQ+ members and allies were honored for their advocacy work at Tulalip and in Native societies throughout the region. Amongst the honorees were Tulalip artist Edmond Anderson who designed the logo for the Pride Everyday flyers and banners, Tulalip and Quileute Artist Marysa Joy Sylvester who created the ‘Safe Space’ signs seen throughout the reservation, Cree member and Tulalip community member Phoenix Two Spirit who helped organize the BBQ, as well as activist and Indigenous DJ, Monie Ordonia.
After accepting her award, DJ Monie took a moment to share, “This is our second year of the Pride Everyday BBQ, and this event is important because it allows our children to be who they are – not being afraid to dance because they love it, not being afraid to love who they love regardless of sexual orientation. Thank you all for being here today and making this another successful Tulalip Pride Everyday celebration.”
Phoenix added, “It’s a blessing to see the allies of the community coming together to support the LQBTQ+ and the Two Spirits on the rez, it’s very heartwarming. It’s such a relief, especially for the young people that are coming out to the community. And seeing them come out, dancing and enjoying a good time here, I think that’s the best part, seeing them comfortable in their own skin.”
The event’s aim is to unite, uplift, show support, recognize, and honor those within our tribal community who identify as Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, or asexual. And for two straight years, the Pride Everyday BBQ has been successful on achieving each of the aforementioned goals in a good way.
Said Sarah, “My hope for the community is that we continue to shine a light on all of the beautiful people contributing to making this community so much more enriched, colorful, and vibrant. We really do need to take the time to lift them up and recognize them.”
Tulalip storms into STEM Kids Day
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
After the Seattle Storm announced its second-ever ‘Storm into STEM Kids Day’ presented by the Pacific Science Center and Department of Health, leadership within Tulalip Education’s division made the decision to add the WNBA game to its lengthy list of summer activities.
Many middle school and high school-aged children are dependent upon the local Youth Center to provide summertime entertainment and memory-making excursions. With the excitement around venturing to Climate Pledge Arena to watch the pros get buckets, an estimated 50 local youth were transported from the reservation to Seattle Center on Tuesday, August 8.
“The kids were so excited for this game! We had 65 tickets total and the ones who came today acted quickly to be a part of the 50 or so kids we brought down,” said activities specialist Cierra Fryberg. “We overheard several of the kids on the shuttle mentioning this was their first time ever attending a Seattle Storm game. For us, it doesn’t get much better than helping them make these memories among friends and family.”
Total game attendance was announced to be a tad over 10,000 for the 12:10 pm tip-off between the Seattle Storm (7-10) and Connecticut Sun (20-7). Over the game’s duration, kids and families were able to engage in multiple activities aimed to boost child interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics available throughout the concourse inside Climate Pledge Arena.
“We love the atmosphere that Kids Day brings to Storm games, and that our Storm platform can provide a fun and educational experience for youth during a Seattle Storm game in the summer,” said Alisha Valavanis, Storm President and CEO. “We are grateful to our partners at the Department of Health and Pacific Science Center for helping create a memorable and meaningful day for these kids.”
Among the many activities planned, highlights from Pacific Science Center included a full-sized model human skeleton that participants could build and take apart, earthquake shake tables to build and test different structures on, and a hand battery, in which kids used their hands to complete a battery circuit.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a leadership team who thinks of our kids and coordinates activities and field trips, like this one, during the summer when our kids are out of school. As adults, we understand that not all kids have opportunities like this, but being Tulalip affords us a lot of benefits, especially as it comes to our children,” said youth enrichment manager Sarah Murphy.
Following the Storm versus Sun conclusion, the Tulalip group was welcomed onto the court for a group picture. Several of the kids took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to imagine themselves as professional basketballers and shoot imaginary buzzer-beaters at the Storm nets. Of course, their imaginary shots hit nothing but nylon…swish.
Drive-in Delight: A night of fun and entertainment for a good cause
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Friends and families gathered on Saturday, August 12, for the 14th annual raise of awareness for Cystic fibrosis (CF). Organized by Kelsie and Dan Pablo of the Tulalip Tribes for their son Keldon, the event raises funds and creates awareness for people suffering from Cystic fibrosis.
The free event, located at the Boom City lot behind the Tulalip Casino, was filled with community members and their families. Hundreds of people showed up to watch The Super Mario Bros on the big screen. With various food trucks and a slew of prizes that could be won in the raffle, the event raised $23,945 while providing enjoyment for all attendees.
“People love the drive-in; it gives them a feeling of the old Thunderbird drive-in that used to be on the rez,” Kelsie said. “This event is open to the community and outside the community to bring people in to enjoy a movie, food trucks, and a raffle while also learning what CF is and its effects on their families.”
“The Cystic fibrosis foundation is an organization that raises funds to find a cure and also for different medications for adults and the youth,” Kelsie said. “The importance of this event is to raise awareness for Cystic fibrosis. This has become more of a community event than one geared toward just CF families.”
Kelsie said, “This event is extremely important to Dan and I, also our family. Our 16-year-old son has CF, and this is our way of doing something that can bring more of a positive light to having a lifelong disease. While also trying to do something to create more of an impact on finding new medications or even a cure, for not only our child but others living with the disease so that they can live a normal life.”
For more information on Cystic fibrosis or to donate, visit www.cff.org/greatstrides.