Author: Kim Kalliber

Vaping sparks youth art contest

 By Shaelyn Smead, Tulalip News

Since e-cigarettes and vapes entered the U.S. marketplace in 2007, the dangers of smoking have evolved. With many smoking advertisements and manufacturing still targeting younger people, nicotine use amongst adolescents concerns the community. 

According to an article in the Missouri Medicine Journal, over the last 20 years, there has been a decrease in the number of teenagers smoking combustible cigarettes. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrated a decline in teens smoking cigarettes from 70% in 1991 to 28.9% in 2017. The decrease reflects the exhaustive work done by physicians, advocacy groups, and lawmakers. Physicians have worked diligently to improve education on the dangers of smoking and fought to pass new regulations to protect patients.

However, this decrease in combustible cigarettes seems primarily due to increased vaping and e-cigarettes. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released federal data from the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey states that more than 2.5 million middle and high school students use e-cigarettes. 

Tulalip Community Health Prevention Education Specialist Kelly Prayerwarrior said, “It is in the community. Listening to people and parents talk about kids as young as fourth or fifth grade getting suspended from school for vaping. They get it from their older siblings or cousins and want to try it out of curiosity or peer pressure. But outside of that, we see parents and elders smoking and using e-cigarettes, so it’s almost normalized, and our youth don’t understand how damaging it is.”

Kelly and her team recently visited all the middle and high schools in Marysville School District (MSD) to discuss vaping with Native youth. She informed them that are the equivalent of 20 cigarettes per vape, that they contain many harmful chemicals, and other concerning facts about e-cigarettes. Overall she was surprised at how little they understood these products. “They were shocked to hear some of the statistics.” 

The Missouri Medicine Journal also states that every e-cigarette advertisement, from billboards to packaging, to products, was heavily aimed at adolescents. From 2014 to 2016, advertising for vaping exploded on social media, and 78% of middle and high school students were exposed to at least one advertisement. Pods come in colorful and fun packaging and are flavored with mint, gummi bear, frosted sugar cookie, etc., to attract adolescents.

During the school visits, Kelly recalled that a few kids came forward, admitting that most kids they know are vaping. Even going as far as saying they believe the statistics are worse. Several Native advocates from MSD also spoke with Kelly voicing their worries about the widespread use within schools, which caused more concern for the Community Health Department.

So why aren’t more parents aware of their children using these products? Kelly explained that there are many factors. The first is that vapes can be so easily hidden. Many e-cigarettes on the market are the size of a USB drive and can be concealed in small pockets in clothing, bags, or other discreet areas. Additionally, because e-cigarettes don’t contain the fire to make them smoke the same way cigarettes do, they won’t have a lingering smell on their body. Instead, as previously discussed, the vapor smells fruity or minty and quickly disperses into the air without anyone noticing.

  Are some e-cigarettes safer than cigarettes? Kelly said that couldn’t be more false. People are inhaling the smoke and the liquid from the pods. Therefore, their lungs fill with fluid. Many other dangers come from vaping, including addiction, raised blood pressure, heart attacks, cancer, impairment in memory, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior changes, and much more. 

To combat this widespread e-cigarette use, the Community Health Department has created an anti-vaping art contest where MSD middle and high school Native youth, at each school, can win a pair of AirPods Pro, a 43” 4K TV, and TB Stealth 600 G2 headphones. Out of all the schools, a grand prize winner will be chosen and win an OLED Switch Bundle. Additionally, their art will be used for anti-vaping ads across Snohomish County. Submitted art must be a poster-style or digital art piece, show the dangers and health risks of vaping, and must be submitted to their school’s Native American advocate. Submissions are due by March 22, and the winner will be announced on March 28. 

For more information about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes or the anti-vape contest, please get in touch with the Community Health Department at (360) 716 – 4511. 

Donna Cecilia Ancheta-MartinezDonna Cecilia 

September 19, 1946 – February 12, 2023

Donna C. Ancheta-Martinez, 76 of Denver, CO, passed away February 12, 2023.

She was born Sept. 19, 1946 in Seattle, WA to Perfecto Ancheta and Louise Paul-Ancheta. She grew up in Seattle. She married Hank Martinez on August 16, 2004 in Denver, CO. In 2005 she reunited with her family in Seattle,

She is survived by her husband, Hank (Honey-bunch) Martinez; children, Amy, Steven, Judy; siblings, Ronnie, Dorothy, Billy, John and David; grandchildren, Colette, Dustin, and Kyrie; and aunt Donna Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Jeff; and siblings, Joseph, Phillip, Susan, and Vernon,

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Young leaders of Tulalip announce candidacy for the 2023 Youth Council

 By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

The aroma of freshly prepared salmon wafted out of the Greg Williams Court on the evening of February 16th. Two days prior, the gym was decorated with hearts a plenty for all the lovers and friends of Tulalip during the Education Division’s Valentine’s Day Dance. And although there were less people in attendance and a large stage in place of the dancefloor, the love was still immensely felt at this year’s Youth Council Candidate Forum. Love for their tribe, peers, community, and the future of Tulalip was on full display by sixteen young adults who are devoted to bring about positive change for both their generation and those yet to come.

“I’m running for Tulalip Youth Council as a sixth grader because I want to bring forward new ideas and change,” said Tribal member, Brodie Kane. “I also want to work with other like-minded kids to reach those goals that we set for ourselves – to make our tribe better for now and for the next seven generations.”

With the 2022 Tulalip Youth Council term coming to an end, these enthusiastic and optimistic young leaders officially announced their candidacy for the 2023 Youth Council. The youth beamed with Tulalip pride as they gave heartfelt speeches about several issues that the tribe’s young population often face while growing up on the reservation, and they displayed a strong desire to remedy concerns such as substance abuse, and the tribal welfare system. Additionally, the teens spoke of ways to uplift their peers through events, conferences, and cultural practices.

Senior Youth Council candidate Samara Davis shared, “I’m in my senior year and I enjoy playing music, creating art, and spending time with my family. I think I would make a good representative for the Tulalip Youth Council for the following reasons: I value integrity and respect the wisdom of previous generations. I believe it’s important to speak up about matters that are of concern in our community and create positive solutions. I come from a family that fought for our people and our country by serving in the military.”

She continued, “I participate in community events such as coastal jams, cultural classes, Lushootseed camp, Salmon Ceremony, and the art festival. I’ve helped the Veterans Committee set up for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Tulalip Days, and other events. I worked with Youth Employment for the past two years at both TDS and the youth center, I’ve created flyers, posters, banners, and memorial cards. My goal is to learn and grow to be a better leader because I hope to help and serve my people.”

Now in its seventh year since it’s revival in 2015, the Tulalip Youth Council provides countless opportunities for its members to gain real-life experience throughout their term as they grow into their roles as leaders of the new school. The Youth Council is comprised of a junior council (sixth through eighth grade) and a senior council (ninth through twelfth grade), as well as two senior advisor positions. 

Through the Youth Council, the elected officials serve as the voice of the young people during Tulalip Board meetings. They also address a number of concerns that affect both tribal youth and the tribe as a whole, by organizing events throughout the year such as coastal jams, healing circles, fitness camps, and the Get Drugs Off Our Rez Prevention Walk, to raise awareness and help support their peers in a good and healthy manner. 

Not only does the council host events, but they also help plan and actively take part in other community gatherings and culture-based events as well. Most importantly, the Youth Council works side-by-side with the Tulalip Board of Directors during their one-year term, and therefore they have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the ins and outs of the Tribe’s governmental operations.

Guest speaker and Tulalip BOD member, Hazen Shopbell, expressed, “I want to thank these kids for stepping up. It is a tough job. There’s a lot of responsibility. Making decisions and having passion for your tribe and your people gets tough, but always be honest, have integrity, and bring things to the table. That’s some of the most important words I can give you. There can be a lot of pressure and stress at times, but always follow your heart and your dreams. And always remember your ancestors, your elders, and your teachings.”

Before the new candidates stepped up to the podium to present their speeches, they paid tribute to the 2022 Youth Council members and the Youth Council Advisor, Shane McLean, for all their hard work over the past year.

Image Enick, current Senior Council Chairman, said, “This is my third year serving on the Youth Council and I learned a lot from my fellow council members, and especially the advocates. I learned a lot about myself. Out of my three terms, one of my favorite moments is when we had the UNITY Conference come here, and we hosted a small conference here in the gym. It was cool to see other kids from different tribes come together.”

The 2022 Senior Youth Council Treasurer, JD Rinker, added, “It felt really good to be up there to represent our youth. I’m proud of all the candidates who sat behind me because I know they can do something great. I’m glad they took that first step because that’s all you need to get started and become a leader in this community. All in all, I think this was a great [forum] for the new candidates.”

This year, current council members are taking it upon themselves to develop a more efficient and fair voting system for the yearly Youth Council elections, and they are hoping to create a process similar to the Tribe’s BOD elections. And for this reason, the Youth Council and all of the 2023 candidates will be meeting in the next few weeks to brainstorm ideas on how to reach as many Tulalip teens as possible, to ensure they have a voice and an opportunity to cast their vote in the upcoming elections. 

When speaking about the Youth Council Candidate Forum, Tulalip Youth Council Advisor, Shane McLean, stated, “It made me really happy and proud. It’s sad to see the old Youth Council go, but it’s good to see new beginnings. I hope that through the Youth Council, our kids can find their passion and reach their goals, and that they also find their strength as Indigenous People. I hope all of our youth know that they are part of the creation, we’re all here on Mother Earth, and they are meant to be here. I want to let everybody know that our youth really need them right now. I think our youth are facing a lot of things and they need as much support as they can get in their lives.”

The Youth Council Candidate Forum was a success, and it was a pleasure for many to witness several young leaders take the initiative to inspire change for the youth and future generations of Tulalip. Stay tuned as the Youth Council fine-tunes their election process, and as the new candidates hit the campaign trail before election day. 

For more information, please contact Shane McLean at (360) 716-4904.

Extended Foster Care – What is it, and how is it helping youth

Submitted by beda?chelh Leadership

When beda?chelh youth are set to turn 18 and age out of foster care, they become eligible for a voluntary program offered by the State of Washington called Extended Foster Care (EFC). This collaborative partnership between the Tribes and the State ensures youth aging out of foster care are able to transition to independence at their own pace. While this could look different for each youth, the idea is to help them successfully transition to independence and self-sufficiency.

Youth who participate in EFC can choose to remain with their placement until age 21 or choose a different independent living option while continuing to receive support services that would typically end when they turn 18. These services can help youth successfully transition to independence. Support services include:

  • A monthly stipend to help towards living expenses
  • Support with placement options, such as Independent Living
  • Transition planning support
  • Accessing community resources 
  • Help locating service providers and setting up appointments
  • Resume building and job searches

Youth can focus on finishing high school, entering college, learning a trade, entering employment, or any activity that helps to remove barriers to independence. Youth in EFC are also responsible to stay in contact with their social worker monthly. To be eligible for EFC, youth must engage in one of the participation requirements. These include actively working on at least one of the following categories:

  • Enrolled in high school or GED program
  • Applied for or enroll in college or a vocational program;
  • Participation in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;
  • Working 80 hours or more a month

While participants can remain in EFC the entire time from ages 18-21 years old participation in the program is flexible, allowing youth to enter and exit as needed until age 21. This allows particiapnts to receive assistance in a manner that meets their individual needs. beda?chelh has been excited to see the progressive growth of the EFC program with 18 youth currently enrolled in EFC.

Hibulb diversifies kids’ knowledge through crafts

By Shaelyn Smead, Tulalip News

On February 11th, like many other weekends at the Hibulb Cultural Center (HCC), the classrooms were occupied with invested patrons looking to learn and understand aspects of Native culture. One of the classes consisted of a kids’ craft, creating a heart necklace made of cedar. 

The Hibulb enriches the lives of visitors through demonstrations, workshops, cultural presentations, and lectures. But the kids’ crafts can reach new audiences: families. 

Museum Assistant Braxton Wagner, who taught the class that day, said, “It is so much fun working with kids. I love to see their limitless creativity and their curiosity flourish. They can be so sweet. I feel like kids are so open and receptive to learning about different cultures and experiences of other people, and these classes are a great opportunity to teach them.”

A diverse gathering of parents and their children joined the class, where they each received a bag of cedar strips and other materials to make the cedar-woven heart necklace. The kids’ crafts typically are simple activities that they can finish together as a family within an hour or so. By extending out to families, projects like these can diversify kids’ knowledge about the many communities surrounding them and expose them to new cultures. 

When the families weren’t concentrating on the cedar project, kids played, and parents exchanged stories and smiles with each other. One of the parents in attendance was a Ph.D. candidate University of Washington Law and Indigenous Taiwanese citizen Margaret Tu (Nikal Kabala’an). Along with her studies of Indigenous peoples, Margaret has begun her travels across Washington to immerse herself in the culture of local tribes.

Margaret spoke about the beauty of Indigenous communities connecting, “We all have faced similar struggles. Colonization, forced relocation, laws around our language and culture, etc. But we also know the fight that we have for our people and cultural preservation. I hope to learn from the Indigenous communities around here, see what has been successful for them, and take that back to my people.”

She found it necessary to bring her kids along in her journey and attend the class, saying, “We don’t have this opportunity in Taiwan to connect with other Indigenous communities. There’s a cultural revitalization movement around us, and I want my kids to be a part of it. So I think exposing them to these educational and learning opportunities while we’re here is important. I know they enjoyed it.”

Studies have found great value in establishing diverse environments for youth. In 2019, the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health stated, “We tend to assume that inclusion alone creates respect for differences. However, it is active conversation and support for children’s understanding of diversity that guards against the development of the stereotypes and prejudice that contribute to biased behavior”.

Simple one-hour classes like these provide new exposure, conversations, and knowledge of our people and culture. 

For more information about HCC classes and events, visit their website at: www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/Events.

The Cupid Shuffle

Education Division shows love for the community with Valentine’s Day dance

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

The lights were dim, and the music was bumping at the Greg Williams Court on the evening of February 14. Multi-colored strobe lights danced about the room in perfect sync with the music, and added to the aesthetic of both romance and good times on Valentine’s Day this year. 

Tables were stationed around a large space that served as a dancefloor at the head of the gym. While the one and only DJ Monie set the vibes at the start of the evening, families and couples slowly trickled in; some grabbed a plate first, while others lined up at the popcorn and balloon animal lines. And before anyone even knew it, the place was packed, and laughter was shared by all deadly aunties and uncles alike. 

This celebration on the National Day of Love was the first of its kind at Tulalip and was a big success. Hosted by the Tribe’s Education Division, the Community Valentine’s Day Dance had well over one hundred people in attendance, many of whom danced the night away. 

“I danced the entire time,” exclaimed Tulalip youth, Tashina Cortez. “There was Cupid’s Shuffle, Cotton Eye Joe, and I really liked Uptown Funk and the Cha-Cha Slide. I thought this was going to be a regular Valentine’s Day, exchange gifts with classmates and go home. But then I found out it was a dance, and it started getting really fun when people actually started to dance.”

Love birds, parents and children, cousins, and best friends showcased their affection for one another by spending some time and sharing a dance together during the Valentine’s Day gathering. In addition to dancing, there were various activities, including a cake walk and a door prize raffle.


The life of the party was a group of local elders who didn’t miss a step or leave the dancefloor for the duration of the three-hour event. A highlight for many was when a young man and a tribal elder broke the age barrier and joined together in a slow dance while a group of teens circled around them and swayed their phone flashlights back and forth, reminiscent of lighters at a rock concert. And just like that, tribal elders were on the floor with the teens learning how to do the stanky leg, the superman, and the nae nae. 

“We haven’t hosted an all-ages community dance in a long time, so that was really cool to see everyone excited about it,” said Executive Director of the Tulalip Education Division, Jessica Bustad. “It was awesome. It felt so good to see our community in a space together like that, for something positive and for everyone to just have fun. Add to the fact that there were little people all the way to elders dancing, and the elders even outlasted some of the adults!”

This year, February 14th was also Election Day. And as you may know, the Tulalip Education Division was a strong advocate for the levy on this year’s special election ballot, which affects Tulalip students who attend school within the Marysville School District.  Hoping to garner as many yes votes as possible before the 8:00 p.m. deadline, the Education Division took time throughout the dance to remind all eligible voters in attendance to cast their vote. 

Jessica expressed, “Hopefully the levy passes, but aside from the levy, we still have to keep coming together as a community in a positive way to show our children that we can live in a healthy community together.”

Dean Fryberg Sr.

January 22, 1945 – February 11, 2023 

Dean Fryberg Sr. Jee-Leets-Kynum a member of the Tulalip Tribes passed away on February 11, 2023. He was born January 22, 1945 in Everett WA. He lived his life in Tulalip, Washington. 

Dean had a great love for his family, tribal community, and for the lands he was born and raised. He loved walking the beaches and picking up eagle feathers as long as he was able to. 
Dean was a stellar athlete, he was a member of the Tulalip Renegades and Tulalip Chiefs. He excelled at Tulalip hardball as a second baseman, basketball where he was known as “Youngblood” by everyone on the native circuit. He played with precision and great talent, carried a lot of love for the game. Dean also was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan. He traveled to San Francisco with his brother Clarence for boxing.
Dean enjoyed participating in the Paddle to Seattle in 1989 with his brothers, and then to Victoria, BC with his Fryberg family in 1994 for the Commonwealth Games. He continued to pull canoe for as long as he could. His last pull was the 20th anniversary of Paddle to Seattle in Suquamish in 2009. 
Dean was a logger, commercial fisherman, Fish Patrol Officer and a welder at the Tulalip Maintenance shop for many years. He enjoyed pole fishing, pool league, hunting, Sr Bingo, and the Casino with LaDonna. Dean’s love for his family was absolute. 
He leaves behind his children: Dean Fryberg Jr, Jimmy Fryberg, Timmy (Lynn) Fryberg, Robert Fryberg, Loris Fryberg, Stephanie Fryberg and special daughter Lahneen Fasthorse. Dean leaves behind his siblings: Billy (Sharleen) Fryberg, Cy (Karen) Fryberg Sr, Jeanette Fryberg, and special brother Pete (Bonnie) Jerry and grandchildren he raised Dereka, LaDwena, William, Chiefy and LaDonna. Along with 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren. 
Dean is preceded in death by his parents Martin & Josephine Fryberg; Wife LaDonna Fryberg; Brothers Clarence Hatch Sr, Myron Fryberg Sr, Byron Fryberg Sr, LeRoy Fryberg Sr, Gerald Fryberg Sr, Marlin Fryberg Sr and baby sister Josephine Fryberg. Son Hanford James Sr, and grandchildren Jennifer Fryberg and James (J.D.) Fryberg.

A service for Dean will be Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10:00am at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, WA 98271. Dean will be laid to rest following service at Mission Beach Cemetery in Tulalip.

Heritage boys have strong showing at Districts

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Led by a new coaching staff, with head coach Malcom Mack at the helm, the Tulalip Heritage boys basketball team soared to a (7-0) record to open the ’22–’23 season. 

It wasn’t until early January that they finally played legit inner-league competition in rivals Grace Academy and Lummi Nation. Those two teams proved to be too much for the Hawks, who couldn’t match the physicality and tempo of their rivals for a full four quarters. Heritage went (0-4) versus the cream of the Northwest 1B crop. 

Fast forward to the end of January and the Hawks were riding a losing streak, with one no-contest vs. Fellowship Christian because of an on-court scuffle, to conclude the regular season. On the morning of February 1, both players and coaches woke up with an overall (12-6) record, which was good enough for the 3rd best team in the Northwest 1B division. However, they also knew they’d be without a couple starters for multiple games because of post-scuffle suspensions and consequences from accumulating too many technical fouls.

Shortly thereafter the 2023 District Tournament bracket was released and the #5 seeded Hawks drew a team in Providence Classical Christian that they had defeated twice by 30+ points during the regular season. This fact gave the coaching staff confidence their squad would still be victorious even being down a couple key contributors.

Tulalip hosted Providence at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on February 2. The Hawks came out playing well on both ends of the court. After taking an early 12-3 lead, they extended that to 15 points midway in the 3rd quarter when they led 40-25 in front of their emphatic fans. Then things got really interesting. 

Providence didn’t sulk, nor let their bench players stay in. Instead, the away team left their starters in the whole 4th quarter and they battled back to create a real sense of urgency in the Hawks who had led big for most of the game. Tulalip didn’t help matters by going nearly 8 minutes of game play without scoring a point. With under 4-mintues to go, Tulalip’s big lead had been whittled down to just four points, 40-36. Tarynn Fryberg finally ended his team’s scoreless run with a must needed bucket and made free-throw, which ended up being the difference as the Hawks would hold on to muster a 46-40 win.

Two days later Heritage played rival Grace Academy, in their house, and caught a quick and decisive L. The boys couldn’t hang their head for long following the 37-61 loss because they were scheduled for a loser-out game just 48-hours later.

On February 7, once again at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium, the Hawks hosted Shoreline Christian. Tulalip had bested Shoreline during both regular season matchups, but that didn’t deter Shoreline from bringing the heat the third time around. The home team struggled mightily offensively in the first quarter to the tune of trailing 2-13. Coach Mack and his assistants must’ve lit quite a fire under the boys because after battling back to make it 24-29 at the halftime, the Hawks shooters ignited an offensive explosion in the 2nd half. After only putting up 24 points the entire 1st half, they put up a whopping 44 points over the 3rd and 4th quarters to pull out an impressive 68-56 come from behind victory.

With the latest win came a chance to place at Districts and secure a spot in the Tri-District Tournament. All they’d have to do is get one more win against their opponent Lopez Island Lobos in their matchup played at Mount Vernon Christian High School on February 9. The Tulalip faithful travelled well for this away game and did their best to bring high energy fandom from the bleachers. 

Those in attendance were treated to a back and forth, entertaining game between two teams desperate for a win. Tulalip jumped out to an early 12-5 lead, but was plagued by turnovers committed against a Lopez full court trap that resulted in easy transition buckets for the Lobos. With senior guard Louie Gallagher on the bench, the Hawks offense continued to sputter and eventually found themselves trailing 17-20 midway in the 2nd quarter. 

After Louie was reinserted back into the game, he’s intensity on both ends of the courts became contagious as his fellow Hawks began jumping passing lanes and running the floor at a near frantic pace…Rez ball at it’s finest.

After leading 31-25 at halftime, Louie and senior forward Nicholas Rhoads did their best to put away the Lobos with timely passing and interior scoring. Louie even had a chasedown block that sent the Hawks fans into a frenzy. The team fed off that energy and continued to run at every opportunity, eventually pushing their lead to 20 points at 61-41. Tulalip never lifted the throttle and wound up with a huge 80-43 win. Senior players Louis Gallagher scored 27 points and Nicholas Rhoads added 20 points to lead their team.

The crowd pleasing win secured a 5th place finish for the Hawks at Districts and punched their ticket to the Tri-District Tournament. 

It was a tough draw for the home team as they were seeded #11 and had to travel to Orcas Island to play a team that had beaten both Grace and Lummi, both teams Tulalip had struggled against all season. It would indeed be an uphill battle versus an overall better team as the Hawks season ended abruptly with a 71-88 loss on February 11. 

“Overall, it was a good season filled with a lot of team dubs,” shared guard Louie Gallagher. “There were times we trailed in games and had to calm down and come back together as a team with the right energy. Those were the most fun games to me when we showed our ability to refocus against a good team and come back to win by a lot. I loved the support the Tulalip community showed me and my brother Blaine and the entire team all season long, whether it was at home games or traveling to watch our away games. Thank you, Tulalip.”