Author: Kim Kalliber

After 16 years of leading the Tulalip Gaming Organization, Ken Kettler retires

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Ken Kettler came to Tulalip in 2006 with over three decades of gaming leadership experience. He served in a variety of executive and managerial positions with Harrah’s Entertainment for twenty-seven years, before spending the next five years as the General Manager of the Agua Caliente Casino in California. Then, from 2006 – 2022, Ken ushered in an era of financial prosperity that resulted in Tulalip’s gaming enterprise growing from infant to powerhouse.

As long-time, former Board of Director Glen Gobin recalled, the decision to bring Ken on as President of the Tulalip Gaming Organization came in an auspicious time; when Tulalip leadership was struggling to find a unified vision for its fledgling Tulalip Casino. 

“At that time in 2006, prior to Ken, we were a floundering organization going through managers left and right. There were a number of growing pains from trying to develop a business that was brand new to us, and going through 13 managers in about as many years was a huge concern. I happened to be on Tribal Council when we interviewed Ken and it was apparent right away that he shared our dream to make Tulalip a true resort complex.

“Our surrounding competition was getting better and we knew we had to elevate ourselves in order to stay at the forefront,” Glen continued. “After hiring Ken, we quickly started down on the path to making Tulalip a resort destination. With Ken’s expertise and gaming experience, we built a hotel and in doing so created a place where people wanted to come and spend a night or two. We’ve only continued to grow since then, and I for one don’t think we’d be enjoying the financial prosperity we are today if it wasn’t for Ken’s leadership.”

Showered with well wishes and heartwarming memories, the most successful and longest tenured President of the Tulalip Gaming Operation was celebrated with a retirement ceremony in late December. There was no setting more fitting that the Resort Casino’s Orca Ballroom. Attendees formed an intimate gathering of friends, family and business colleagues that brought tears to the Kettler family as they were overjoyed to see how their father was embraced by leadership and elders.

The ceremony started with traditional songs offered by Tulalip youth, led by their cultural liaisons Deyamonta Diaz and Tony Hatch.

“We’re honored to be here today to honor Ken with a couple songs,” said former Board of Director Tony Hatch. “We thank him for all his years of dedication to our people. What better way to show the impact of all the work he’s done than to have your youngest generation share a song in their traditional language? Because Ken’s legacy reaches far beyond the casinos. All he’s created for us is certainly going to positively impact and benefit these kids for years to come. It’s only right then that they and us show our appreciation in a traditional way, with a song.”

For the last sixteen years, Ken was responsible for overseeing the operations of all three properties that make up the Tulalip Gaming Organization: Tulalip Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Bingo. Their overwhelming success during his tenure is also noted as resulting in an unprecedented cash infusion to the Tulalip citizenship, from gradually increasing per capita payments to larger and larger bonuses given out prior to the holidays. Not to mention all the infrastructure, services, and programs that have been developed over that time span that have benefitted multiple generations of Tulalip families. 

“I’ve been the manager/director of Bingo for twenty-five years, the last sixteen of which were under Ken’s leadership,” explained Tammy Taylor. “Ken always told us that ‘we’re better together’, and we are. Every one of us are better together. I’m honored for my children, my grandchildren, and all the children of our Tulalip community and generations to come because they are going to have so many things that benefit their life, things that we can’t even imagine, that are a direct result of what Ken helped create here. That is Ken’s legacy. All my grandchildren know his name and how important he is. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Ken for making us all better.”

While he presided over the Tribe’s gaming enterprise, Ken also served as an active member of the Tulalip Marysville Chamber of Commerce, the Snohomish YMCA Board of Trustees, and the Tulalip Lions Club. He’s also noted as an integral part of building the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club Auction into the annual fundraising juggernaut it is today. 

For all his tireless dedication to Tulalip, Ken was also honored with a family necklace by Glen Gobin and wrapped in a Pendleton blanket by Marci Fryberg and April Brisbois.

“We are so, so grateful for having Ken’s leadership for sixteen years. With him in charge, our revenue has grown so much and allows our community to be positively impacted for generations,” said Tulalip Vice-Chairwoman Misty Napeahi. “We were an infant organization when he came to us, muddling along and doing our best but not getting the results we wanted. Then Ken pulled us together, unified our vision, and made us into the powerhouse we are today. On behalf of Tulalip, my hands go up to you.”

As Ken walks into the green pastures of retirement, he is succeeded as TGO President by Tulalip tribal member Marci Fryberg. 

Ryan’s REZ-ipes named King 5 ‘Best Food Truck 2022’

By Kalvin Valdillez; photos courtesy of Ryan Gobin. 

It was nothing but love in the comment section of Ryan’s REZ-ipes’ most recent Facebook posts. While some fondly recollected about Ryan Gobin’s early beginnings inside the blue concession trailer in front of Tulalip Bay CrossFit gym, others listed their favorite dishes by one of the most in-demand food trucks and catering services in the Pacific Northwest. “I need me a shrimp n’ steak rice bowl,” said Magdelina Spencer. Jim and Rhenee Florian commented, “We were just there and had your nacho cheese smash burgers, kalbi burrito, fries and cinnamon sugary frybread. SO Good!”. And Melissa Peacock simply shared, “Those smash burgers… heaven!”

Among the hundreds of congratulatory comments, perhaps the most heartfelt came from some of Ryan’s fellow Tulalip community members who beamed with pride about his rise to fame in the food industry. Samantha Rose stated, “So great watching your growth! Great job Ryan!”. “Congratulations! It’s a blessing watching your journey. Keep growing your dreams,” encouraged Sunshine Jess. Elena Wilson, who also cooks on the 2022 Best Food Truck, shared, “Congratulations for all your hard work and dedication to loving the food you serve. [It] means a lot to everyone who shows up to the truck. You earned it, you the best.”

After years of service to his community as a Tulalip Police Officer, Ryan made the courageous decision to follow his lifetime passion in 2016 – a passion that was developed in his adolescent years and inspired by all the cooks within his very own family. After soaking up all the knowledge his family could offer in the art of cuisine, he began experimenting and creating his own recipes. Today, Ryan has thousands of devoted followers hailing from all across the country who love his unique and tasty dishes. 

“I am forever grateful and deeply appreciative for all the support I’ve been given by my family and friends from our Tulalip community for supporting me in my food truck journey,” Ryan shared. “I was recently nominated by King 5 Evening News as the number one food truck in Western Washington. It’s a huge achievement for me, because I’ve worked very hard over the past five years to get where I am today, and I never let anything stop me.”

Now don’t get it twisted, Ryan’s food could easily speak for itself – it is that delicious. However, he has worked his ass off ever since he decided to start his culinary endeavor, not only in the kitchen but on the business end as well. Over the years he went from a local trailer to an upgraded sleek blue food truck that travels around western Washington serving up the likes of frybread, truffle fries, pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, the ever-popular smash burgers, shrimp bowls and a variety of weekly specials and experimental dishes. In addition to investing in a new truck and cultivating a strong following, Ryan has also expanded his services to include catering for large parties to enjoy his food. He has also worked numerous corporate events, baby showers, weddings, and other gatherings. 

Said Ryan, “There have been many hurdles, failures, and lots of sacrifices over the years, but I kept pushing forward in a good way with passion and drive to show my kids and others that you can really do anything you put your mind to. The way I see it is this – if you give up because it gets difficult, it’ll never be a success. Never give up!”

The Tulalip chef and entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many, and he is quick to share his success and guidance with those on the same career path. He humbly expressed, “To me, other food trucks or other food vendors are not my competition. We are all attempting to achieve the same goals – creating amazing foods and making others happy when they eat it, and also supporting our families at the same time. We should all support and help one another. Recently, I had the food truck at the Tulalip Amphitheater for the Lights and Ice Festival, that was such a beautifully set up event full of Tulalip tribal food vendors and everyone supported one another as a big family. That’s what it’s all about! It was all love and warmth together.”

To get an idea of how amazing it is to receive recognition from King 5’s Best in Western Washington Awards, Ryan joins the likes of PNW heavy hitters such as the best taco award winner, Taco Time, and the best burger award winner Dick’s Drive-In. If you have yet to experience the mouth-watering food at Ryan’s REZ-ipes, be sure to follow his Facebook and Instagram pages for the most up-to-date menu items and all the locations that they plan to visit.  

After winning the Best Food Truck of 2022 award, Ryan took to Facebook and shared, “This just goes to show how far you can get when you have an amazing support system at home, have a great team through the years, and never give up! Cheers to many more years of progress and expansions!”

Congratulations to Ryan and the entire Ryan’s REZ-ipes crew. We are excited to see what’s next up on the menu for his tribal member-owned business.

A future for unhoused tribal members

By Shaelyn Smead, Tulalip News

On December 19, Tulalip Tribes hosted the ribbon cutting and blessing for the newly built extension of Village of Hope. The intimate community consists of 17 one- and two-bedroom tiny homes created as permanent residences for unhoused tribal members. Of the 17 tiny houses, seven residents moved in before Christmas, and the other ten are moving in this new year. 

The Village of Hope’s extension project was created in 2018 and overseen by the Executive Director of tribal Services, Teri Nelson. It is the first permanent housing available for unhoused tribal members. Compared to the temporary transitional housing that Tulalip has, tenants can stay for as long as they need if they follow the community requirements and their case manager’s expectations.

Teri said, “I’ve been to many conferences and serve on Snohomish County Partnership to End Homelessness as the tribal government board member. Permanent housing has been proven to be more successful than transitional housing. They [residents] don’t have the stressor of the ticking clock, counting down to the moment when they have to move out. Whatever barriers they face, like credit issues, claiming an address, seeking employment, obtaining a driver’s license, etc., they have as much time as they need to accomplish it and better focus on their goals.” 

The project was submitted to the Board of Directors in 2019, where they quickly approved the concept.  The initiative was shaped more definitively after a stakeholder survey was sent out to community members in 2020. After seeing the high demand for shelters and concerns about chemical dependency, an examination of Snohomish County’s statistics for unhoused people was also taken into consideration. All these helped assess the number of homes needed and the specific needs the Village would strive to provide. 

The parcel for the Village was chosen based on its proximity to Behavioral Health, medical care, child care, and other support services that the residents would utilize later on. After seeing the progress with tiny homes and pallet shelters for unhoused communities in various rural areas, it was decided that this would be the route for Village of Hope. 

For a project initiated in 2018, the Village of Hope had obstacles to overcome. Due to various landscaping and covid-related complications, the project took much longer than anticipated. Tulalip’s primary source of income from the casinos took a hit during the pandemic, making the project’s financial status questionable. Inflation was starting to affect supply costs, and the demand for help increased. Ultimately after putting out bids in 2021, native-owned Reece Construction won and began to build. To help finance this project, the Village of Hope received funding from the Tulalip Foundation, the state Department of Commerce, and tribal government.  

Covid-19 regulations during that time also affected the design and structure of the homes. The initial goal was to have a kitchen within the community building for tenants to use, but with extremely limited gatherings allowed, the plan no longer seemed feasible. The designs for the homes were quickly changed to include kitchenettes for each home.

In the hopes of Covid-19 lifting, the Village of Hope built a community building where tenants can gather, do their laundry, utilize the computer work center, partake in cultural practices, and break bread.

In addition, the Village of Hope wanted its tenants to start on the right foot. The units were set to be fully furnished and include household items like pots, pans, bedding, dinnerware, etc. Each tenant has access to tribal resources, such as medical care, behavioral health care, employment training, counseling services, cultural services, education, vocational training, and more.

The Village had approximately 27 applicants, but the 17 residents chosen were based on the severity of their situations. Each tenant was also designated a case manager to help them set and achieve their goals, ensure they’re following community guidelines, and set them up for success. As each tenant’s case is unique, so are specific requirements.

Teri said that the potential tenants worked closely with tribal staff to help create the community guidelines. “We wanted to create a sense of agency. They’re the ones that are going to have to work at it every day, and if they don’t feel like they have a voice in it, then it might make accomplishing their goals more difficult. We wanted to empower them to build their community and support each other,” She said.

Overall, to apply for the Village’s permanent housing and maintain their residency, they must obey the curfew, the tenants must remain sober, they must meet a specific financial status, have an enrolled tribal member living within the unit, and have zero history of sexual crimes/offenses.

With an understanding of the demand to help tribal homelessness, plans are already being set to build additional housing and accommodate tribal members struggling. 

Board Secretary Debra Posey was at the ribbon cutting and spoke fondly about the efforts made toward the Village. “This is what a tribe does. A tribe is about its people and the well-being of its members, and I’m grateful that our people have this opportunity to get out of the cold and start something new. My hands go up to the people who made this possible and the people moving in and beginning their journey. May they finally have some comfort,” Deborah said. 

As the moving day came for some tenants, they were overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotion, with some even comparing the experience to the television show Extreme Makeover. Teri noted, “The world is changing so quickly, and some people could be only two paychecks away from losing their home. And that is exactly what happened to some of these people. Homelessness isn’t an identity, it’s people that are experiencing homelessness.”

If you or someone you know require tribal transitional housing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with dparks@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov to see if you qualify. 

Lena Arlet Jones

OCTOBER 4, 1957 – DECEMBER 26, 2022

Lena Arlet Jones born on October 4, 1957 in Arlington, Washington to Kenneth Moses Sr. and Theresa (Joseph) Moses passed away on December 26, 2022 surrounded by family. Lena, a Tulalip tribal member, respected and honored her Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, Duwamish, Cowichan, Saanich, and Malahat ancestry.

Lena graduated Darrington High School in 1975, where she held the record as the fastest typist and shorthand transcriber. Lena attended Seattle University shortly after high school and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from Antioch University in 1998. She received her Master of Arts in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix in 2005.

Lena started working when she was 13 years old at berry farms. Lena dedicated over 31 years of her life to working for The Tulalip Tribes in Natural Resources, bədaʔčəɬ, the Legal Department, and at the Hibulb Cultural Center. Lena loved working as the Education Curator for Hibulb, where she helped coordinate the film festival, lecture series, workshops, and lesson plans. Lena loved to be a part of the quilting group that annually make Veterans quilts to honor and respect the Tulalip service men and women. 

Lena loved and cared for her sisters and brothers. Often recalled as the most caring person while watching over her siblings growing up. As a sister and aunt, every Christmas, she ensured that all of her siblings, nieces and nephews got gifts. She also provided whatever support she could to the family, whether it be finding them work, donating her time or money to their causes, and sharing her knowledge, teachings, and gifts with the culture and spirituality of our people in the United States and Canada. 

Lena raised four children and has nine wonderful grandchildren who were her world. 

Lena is survived by her children, Monique (Moses) & George Jones (son in-law), Kyle Moses, Derek Jones & Christine Ann Jones (daughter in-law), Aaron Jones & Brit Reed; her grandchildren Eilidh Fleek, Sorcha Fleek, George Jones Jr., Kenneth Jones, Walter Jones, Stomper Jones, Artie and Selena Jones (twins), and Mikel Jones; her siblings Russell Moses (Judy), Lyle Moses, Marcia (Moses) Horne (Manual), Susan Moses, Myra (Moses) Hudson (Hoss); her loved nieces and nephews.

Lena is preceded in death by her parents, Kenny Moses Sr. & Theresa (Joseph) Moses; her grandparents, Peter & Selena Joseph, Edward & Helen (Pierce) Moses; her siblings, Kenneth Moses Jr. & Carolyn (Grenier) Moses, Dolly (Moses) Iukes, and Gladys Moses. 

Lena goes on to join our ancestors.

An evening service will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of her life will be held Sat. Dec. 31, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

In the care of Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home

Hayleigh Jo McGhie

Hayleigh Jo (JoJo) McGhie, 17, passed away on December 8, 2022 at Everett Providence Hospital.
Hayleigh was born in Everett, WA on June 22, 2005 to Brett McGhie and Corrina Gobin. 
Throughout her life, Hayleigh enjoyed numerous hobbies which included being a member of the 4H club where she proudly participated in showing dogs and horses. Arts and Crafts with her mother, while listening to their favorite music was another one of her cherished past times. She loved the outdoors; riding and racing quads alongside her father, standing by a bonfire and camping at fish lake will always be memories her family will treasure. Hayleigh attended Arlington High School and looked forward to walking alongside her graduating class of 2023. She was referred to as a sister to many of her friends and offered a sense of family for many youth in need. JoJo was full of life and love, she will be deeply missed by all of her family. At the end of her journey with us, our precious Hayleigh Jo was able to give the gift of life to numerous others through organ donation.
Hayleigh Jo leaves behind her Mother Corrina Gobin, Father Brett McGhie (Dana), Special Guardian Jerry Jones, Sisters – Keely (Taylor), Mykalee, Jaxsyn, Shelby and Taylor (Branden), Brother – Charlie, Great-Grandma Bev, Grandma Donna (Jerry), Papa Steve, Grandpa Kyle (Michelle), Uncles – Kit, Michael (Nicole) and Kyle (Angela) , Aunts – Krisan (Ross), Lori (John), Stacey, Special Auntie/Cousins – Rebecca, Samantha and Cidney, Nephews – Charles, Hank, Brett, Miles and Jr. Nieces – Beverly and Marilyn. She also leaves behind numerous family members that were dear to her heart; but far too many to list. 
She is preceded in death by her Great-Grandpa Tom, Great-Grandma Jo, Grandma Wendy and Uncle Kenny.

Services for Hayleigh will be Friday, December 23, 2022 at 10:00am at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, WA. Immediately following, Hayleigh will be laid to rest at Mission Beach Cemetery in Tulalip, WA. 

Mary Jo James

Mary Jo James born December 19, 1944 in Everett, WA to Monacella and Leroy Henry passed away December 12, 2022 surrounded by family in her home. She graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School in 1963. After high school she participated in a relocation program beauty school at Mr. Lee’s Beauty School in Vancouver, WA. She came home to marry her high school sweetheart Leonard James, with whom she had four children, Hanford, Jana, Lisa and Derek. Mary Jo was a homemaker, Tulalip Entertainment Center Session Supervisor/Manager and employee of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She is preceded in death by her parents, Monacella and Leroy Henry, sisters Loretta James, Donna Cooper, Patricia Cheer, Elizabeth Henry, brothers Woodworth (Bunny) Henry, Patrick Henry, Oliver Henry, Morrie Henry, Hanford Henry, Duane Henry children Hanford James and Derek James. Survived by brother Leroy Henry, sister Annette Napeahi, children Jana Nordahl and Lisa James-Rodriguez, numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.


A funeral service for Mary Jo will be held Monday, December 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Tulalip Gathering Hall, 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, WA 98271. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Mission Beach Cemetery, Mission Beach Road, Tulalip, WA 98271. December 12, 2022