Author: Kim Kalliber

Tulalip Bay Fire brings holiday cheer while raising donations

By Shaelyn Smead, Tulalip News

On December 9-10, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department hosted its annual Santa Run. The department helped spread holiday cheer while collecting non-perishable foods and monetary donations to support the food bank at the Tulalip Church of God.

All around Tulalip, people could hear a mix of sirens, Christmas music, and a jolly, “Ho Ho Ho” from honorary guest, Santa! A firetruck covered in lights and candy canes led the Fire Department parade, as five more trucks and engines followed shortly behind. Families rushed from their houses and stood anxiously by the edge of the road, anticipating their arrival. Children grinned from ear to ear as they ran up to Santa and announced their Christmas wishes. Ole Saint Nick was spotted running up to doors, handing out candy canes, yelling “Merry Christmas,” and asking people of all ages whether they are on the naughty or nice list this year. 

A Santa tracker was available again for this year’s event on the Tulalip Bay Fire Department’s Facebook page, where community members could follow Santa’s GPS location and see which neighborhood he was visiting in real-time. 

Some of the Tulalip areas visited were: 

  • Madison Estates 
  • Tulare
  • Spee-Bi-Dah
  • Tulalip Shores 
  • 83rd Pl Nw
  • Hermosa
  • 43rd St NW
  • Potlach 
  • 56th St NW to 62nd St NW
  • Y-Site
  • Mission Ave 
  • Battle Creek
  • Walter Moses Jr Dr/28th Dr. NW
  • Ezra Hatch RD/ Larry Price Loop Rd
  • Mission Highlands
  • Silver Village

Tulalip Firefighter and Paramedic Lindsay Ross, who has participated in the Santa Run for the past six years said, “This is our community that we take care of daily. We love being able to do this every year, to give back and share these memories with them. We love hanging out with the kids, but we also love visiting the elders. I know they’re a big part of the population and an important part of this community, so visiting and bringing them that Christmas spirit is important to us.”

An abundance of households were prepared to help those less fortunate as firefighters rounded up their canned goods, non-perishables, and monetary donations. 

On December 12, several Tulalip firefighters drove to the Tulalip Church of God to make a special delivery. With hundreds of pounds of food and a $904 check, the Tulalip Church of God was overwhelmingly thankful for everything that was donated by the community. 

“We are so blessed to be partnered with the Tulalip Bay Fire Department and to have such a good relationship with the Tulalip community. Everyone has been so good to us and has made it possible for us to continue helping others. I think this was our biggest Santa Run donation yet!” said the Food Bank Manager Charolette Petrie. 

The food bank is available to community members and is open every Tuesday throughout the year. Contributions from events like the Santa Run help the food bank tremendously and allow more families to get the food they need. Much like the Thanksgiving baskets distributed earlier this year, Christmas baskets will also be given out to anyone in need. If you would like to donate to the Tulalip Church of God, please visit the church at 1330 Marine Dr. NE, Tulalip, WA, or contact them at (360) 653-7876.

TPD Officers and their families celebrate with Santa and Mrs. Claus

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The mission of the Tulalip Police Department is solely based on service to Tulalip’s 2,700 or so citizens who live on the Reservation and the even higher number of non-Tulalips who make up the greater on-Reservation community. The office of the Chief of Police and his many supporting staff considers it their duty and privilege to protect all citizens living within the 22,000-acre sovereign nation that is Tulalip from crime, but also to protect and defend the rights guaranteed under the Tulalip Tribes Constitution.

For all that they do for Tulalip, the entire police department was invited to partake in a special holiday celebration with their families on December 6th in the Orca Ballroom.  

“A huge thank for all the work you do on behalf of this Tribe,” said Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “You each play a critical role in keeping our people safe. We’ve come a long way over the past few decades. As our membership has grown, our business ventures have grown, and our police force has grown. I want to let each and every one of you know that you are valued and appreciated.”

“Like Madam Chair said, I want to thank all of you for being here tonight and allowing us to celebrate you,” added Vice-Chairwoman Misty Napeahi. “We know how much your families have to sacrifice because of your commitment to keep our community safe. This means working the weekends and holidays, missing your children’s game days and award ceremonies, and other special family moments so that you can fulfill your duty to protect and serve Tulalip. My hands go up to every single family member in this room because its through your support that our officers can truly thrive.”

For the officers and support staff who brought their kids along, they were greeted by guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children screeched with glee to chat, hug, and take a keepsake photo with their Christmas icons. 

While filling their bellies with an assortment of eats from the 4-Diamond catered buffet, officers enjoyed a rare night off to relax with their families and speak casually with Board of Directors Teri, Misty, and Mel Sheldon as they made their rounds to each table. 

As the evening celebration concluded, Chief Sutter reflected, “This was really a great night for all our unsung heroes. They were able to enjoy the moment with their families. For me, seeing officers laugh and smile with their kids while taking picture with Santa and Mrs. Clause was so cool. Our professional often keeps us from having the time to create these special moments, so it really was amazing to see the simple joys of family and friends having light-hearted fun together.” 

Santa and his reindeer visit Tulalip

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

It was a full house at the Don Hatch Youth Center on the evening of December 12th as families gathered for some Christmastime fun during the Tulalip Education Division’s Holiday Celebration. Loaded with fun holiday-themed activities, the youth beamed with excitement and joy as they visited the many stations at the celebration. And to help set the yuletide vibe, DJ Monie kept the crowd amped throughout the night by playing all the Christmas classics and some new mixes as well.  

“We went with a little bit of a variety,” said Danielle Fryberg, Tulalip Education Division Executive Assistant and lead organizer of the Holiday Celebration. “We had cookie decorating, ornament making, stocking coloring; there was a hot cocoa station and everyone really loved that. I think it’s important to have holiday events for the kids. This is a fun time for us to come together as a community and see each other and be with our friends and family.”

A beautiful Christmas dinner was served at the Greg Williams Court. And while attendees enjoyed their meal, they were treated to the beloved Christmas flick, Elf, on an extra-large projection screen. And because the celebration was a three-hour event, Elf was followed by another holiday comedy, Christmas Vacation.

“It’s really important to bring people together to spread holiday cheer, be one as a community, and do fun activities together, and enjoy each other’s time and company,” expressed Jessica Bustad, Executive Director of the Tulalip Education Division.

On the grassy area between the Greg Williams Court and the teen center, Santa Clause parked two of his reindeer before he went inside to take photos with all the families for the evening. Kids of all ages were astounded to see the reindeer adorned with sleigh bells, and they quickly formed a line to meet, pet, and feed the reindeer. Many of the youngins made multiple trips to check on the magical mammals, perhaps to make sure they didn’t fly off to the North Pole without jolly old St. Nicholas. And speaking of Santa, he had quite the busy trip to Tulalip this year as close to one-hundred boys and girls shared a conversation with him before posing for a photo in his sleigh.

The Education Division also hosted a book fair during the Holiday Celebration, and everyone in attendance had the opportunity to select a book to take home and read over the upcoming winter break.

“Anytime the bookfair is here, I get super excited to watch all the kids pick out books,” Jessica stated. “We love books. We’re the education division; we love learning, and we feel it’s important for every child to have books in their homes. Winter break is coming up and our hope is that they’ll have some books at home during the break that they can read. Reading is fun and we need the parents and adults of the community to help the children feel that.”

Everybody who was in attendance of the Holiday Celebration dressed in festive attire; some wore Christmas PJs, others wore Santa hats, but nearly everyone wore an ugly Christmas sweater. At the midway point of the party, DJ Monie announced the start of an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Split into three categories; kids, teens, and adults, the contest helped showcase the creativity and humor of the contestants. Some of the contestants took the time to personalize their sweaters by adding additional decorations, and others simply wore a sweater featuring their favorite characters such as the Grinch, Stitch, and Buddy the elf.  

“That was fun and exciting,” said Ugly Sweater Contest participant, Sandy Pitchforth. “It was great to see all the kids who participated. The highlight of the night for me was all the crafts that were available for the children, and just being able to do things together. It was fun and we’re looking forward to the next events to happen.”

The evening ended with a raffle giveaway and each winner walked away with the gift of their choosing ranging from toys and fishing poles, to air fryers and Bluetooth speaker systems. The Tulalip Education Division’s mission to spread holiday cheer was a great success as the kids left with gifts in their hands, smiles on their faces, and memories to last a lifetime. 

“I won a raffle prize and chose a speaker because I love music,” young Sophia Williams excitedly shared. “We love playing Christmas music loud and I’m really excited to use it for that. My little cousin also won and picked a volleyball for some reason. My favorite part tonight was making a stocking, hanging out with my friend, and just having a good time. This [Holiday Celebration] helps make the community a better place for us all.”

The Education Division has plenty more Christmas joy to spread and have a number of events coming up including the Tulalip Youth Council’s Winter Break Kick-Off and the Holiday Powwow. They also have a Christmas Break schedule for those youth (grades 6th-12th) who wish to take part in a movie outing on 12/19, Ice Skating on 12/20, a Christmas Party on 12/21, and Christmas Bingo on 12/22. For more details, please contact the teen center at (360) 716- 4909.

Said Jessica, “The Tulalip Education Division wants to send love and prayers out to our community. We hope everyone has a safe and fun winter break. And we encourage you to keep learning, keep growing your brains, and have fun doing it.”

Susan Jane Jimicum II

May 21, 1992 – December 9, 2022

Susan Jane Jimicum II was born May 21, 1992 and entered into rest on December 9, 2022.

Susan Jane Jimicum, aka little Susie as a child, loved going swimming, playing with her cousins, and traveling to pow-wows during her childhood. At the age of 20, she joined the pow-wow in 2013 and began her spiritual walk of life. As she grew older, Susan met Kendall Godwin Sr. and they married in 2018 and had 2 beautiful boys. As a mother, she loved to cooking, baking and most of all spending time with her kids and spoiling them. She loved going to Great Wolf Lodge with her family as well as traveling with them to Forks and Idaho. She also loved going fishing, canoeing, hiking, going to Silverwood and planning and hosting her children’s birthday parties. She loved shopping for all occasions. Baking was something she especially enjoyed and would randomly bake birthday cakes out of the blue and share with everyone.

She is survived by her mother Susan Jane Jimicum I, father Jeff Hill, husband Kendall Monroe Godwin Sr., children Kendall Monroe Godwin Jr. and Liam Red Godwin, grandfather Tony Aleck; siblings Dario Enemy (Demi), Joseph Jimicum (Brianna), Quinton Hill, Nathan Hill (Taylor), Mara Hill (Tristan), Huggz Moses, Nika Jimicum, Mary Moses, Julene Williams, and Momo; Nieces and nephews Adrian (Maddy) Ward, Amelia Jimicum, Kaleo Enemy, Raymond Hill and Albert Jimicum, Jr., uncle Mitch Jimicum Sr. and aunt Samantha Jimicum and their children and Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Preceded in death by her grandmother Wendy Aleck, aunties Hope Jimicum and Katie Jimicum.

Her greatest love was her husband, her boys, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and of course her mother and father.

An evening service was Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 6:00pm at Tulalip Gathering Hall, 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Washington 98271. A funeral service was Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:00am at Tulalip Gathering Hall, 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Washington. A committal service followed at Mission Beach Cemetery on Tulalip, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SchaeferShipmanFuneral.com for the Jimicum family.

Terri Marie Bagley

September 12, 1963 – December 5, 2022

Terri was a Tulalip Tribal Member. She started her childhood education in Tacoma, WA with her other siblings. Before her scholastic years were completed, Terri started working as a teenager with the Summer Youth Programs in both Puyallup and Tulalip. Once graduation was complete, Terri started working in the gaming industry in Tulalip WA. She worked in the Maintenance Department at Tulalip Bingo. During her time there, she studied to be a dealer for The Tulalip Casino. When she moved to the casino, she worked as a Table Games Dealer, a Pit Boss and a Shift Manager. Dedication to family & work has been top of the list for Terri her whole life. Throughout her many years with her family, she worked hard helping to take care of many that needed her. Whether it was her grandparents, her nieces & nephews or her parents, she always made sure that she was there in their time of need. Terri had some friendships that turned into family members. She adopted into her family; Meg Lunnum, Dorothy Irving, Jolene Bill, and Pam Peters. Her winter pow wow family since January 7, 1990 include but are not limited to Dolly Moses, Susan Moses, Myra Hudson, Mary Stewart, Judy Moses, Wendy Jimicum, Windy Jack, Frank Lawrence, and Paul Harvey.

Left behind are Thelma J. Williams (loving mother), Arthur “Hank” Williams (uncle), M. Judi Patrick (aunt), George Kekumu (stepbrother), Timothy Williams (stepbrother), Cyrina Williams (stepsister), Leslie Bagley (sister), Jamie Bagley (sister), Ron Cooper (brother at heart), Henry Dufresne (brother at heart), Dwight Cassidy (brother at heart), the boys she helped raise Shaun Bagley (nephew), Roy Manson (nephew) and Darin James (nephew).Terri leaves behind multitudes of cousins, nieces, nephews and many relatives that she loved dearly.

Terri goes on to meet her ancestors on the other side and they include Raymond A. Bagley (biological father), Cyrus H. Williams (loving stepfather), Cheryl A. Bagley (sister), Linda L. Bagley (sister), Matthew Williams (stepbrother) and her maternal grandparents Wesley Edward Patrick & Joyce Jobey Patrick. Arrangements by Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home and The Tulalip Tribes. Services were held on December the 10th of 2022 at Greg Williams Court at 10:00 am with interment following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SchaeferShipmanFuneral.com for the Bagley family.

Patrick Zachary Grace Iwinski (Zack Muffin Man)

December 12, 1992 – November 15, 2022

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Patrick Zachary Grace Iwinski, loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, passed away at age 29. He succumbed to injuries from a car accident in Reno, NV.  

Zack, Zack the Muffin Man, or Zatrick (he had many nicknames) was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 12, 1992 to Cammy Iwinski and Kelly Grace. Soon after, Timothy Iwinski came into his life. He grew up in Pahrump, Nevada and spent summers in Washington State. He graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2011. He pursued his goals by graduating from University of Nevada – Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology(2015), Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies with Specialization in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services(2020). His difficult thesis, BORED: Boundaries Overstepped, Realizing Empathy & Disclosure: The impact of excessive exposure to violent pornography on adolescent behavior, helped him win the coveted sash. He and his family were extremely proud of his accomplishments.  
Zack moved back home after college and had been living in Henderson working several different jobs. He recently moved back to Reno getting his dream job.  
Zack loved music and had an affinity to the guitar and was in a band – Principles. They worked hard and were finally getting paid gigs!! They have released their second album. Instagram: @principlesband You can catch them streaming on all music platforms. Linktr.ee/principlesband Reno, Nevada  
Zack is preceded in death by his grandparents, Claree & Edwin “Bud” Collette, Darlene & Patrick Grace, Cheryl Iwinski and his loving companion, Angel-Pottumus, a “mutt” he had for over 10 years. He is survived by his parents, Cammy & Timothy Iwinski and Kelly Grace. His brothers Auston (Jordyn) and Nicholas (Shiloa), nephews Emmett, Damian, Benson, and his grandfathers James Iwinski and Michael Nicholson. Zack is from a very large family. There are MANY, MANY Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Great Aunts and Uncles and many friends. Auston & Jordyn’s baby due in December will be honored with the middle name “Grace”.  

A celebration of life will be held on November 26th, 1 to 4pm. Please watch the Principles Instagram Page for more details.  
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or a mental health charity: jedfoundation.org battlefieldaddiction.com/#donate NAMI.org

Festival of Trees raises a record $1.6 million for Providence Children’s Services

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Extravagantly festive Christmas trees and wreaths adorned the Orca Ballroom at the Tulalip Resort Casino during the 37th annual Festival of Trees. The multi-day holiday fundraiser kicked off November 3rd with a free community day and teddy bear celebration. Opportunities to give generously via an online auction accompanied the much anticipated, excitement-filled Holiday Gala and Live Auction held in-person on December 2nd. 

Each year, thousands of community members take part in the Festival of Trees – including volunteers, sponsors, and attendees – to raise funds for Children’s Services at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. For more than three decades, Providence Children’s Center has been providing comprehensive, family-oriented care and highly specialized therapies; such as physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapy for children with a wide variety of special needs.

“Knowing this is one of the largest charitable events for Snohomish County, it is appropriate for us to host and participate with good will and sharing the opportunity to help all children in need,” explained Marilyn Sheldon, manager of Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund, on the importance of hosting the Festival and being the presenting sponsor. “We recognize that over 50% of Tulalip’s population is 0-24 years of age and Providence is our local hospital for care most tribal members use for emergency situations and other needs. Also, this event brings many people to our facilities for the week and encourages them to come back and host their own business/charity event at our venue.”

A highlight of the holiday season, the Festival of Trees provides opportunities for local families and organizations to make a significant contribution to benefit their community neighbors. Not to mention the festive, memory making opportunities for those seeking a post-Covid experience in a heart-warming atmosphere. Whether it’s a decadent black-tie gala or afternoon with cookies and Santa, the Festival’s variety of events offer holiday cheer for all.

The tremendously decorated Christmas trees won’t soon be forgotten as their specialized themes like ‘Gnomes for the Holidays’ and ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ to ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ and ‘Reindeer Games’ capture the imagination.

During an elegant gala, the dazzling Christmas trees and wreaths were sold to the highest bidders during a frenetic live auction that saw auctioneer Mark Schenfeld’s contagious energy get table after table to lift bidding paddles. Of course, all proceeds raised at Festival of Trees goes directly to Providence to aid, invest in, and expand programs and infrastructure related to Children’s Services. 

The Children’s Services Fund is designed to provide a full spectrum of support for services that benefit children at Providence. Funding supports programs and services such as Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Center, Boyden Family Autism Center, and Camp Prov, a summer camp for children with special needs. Several of the trees lining the Orca Ballroom were reserved to be put on display throughout the Children’s Center as a special treat for hospitalized kids this holiday season.

“For nearly four decades, funds raised from this annual event have touched countless lives and spanned generations,” stated Festival Chairs, Tom and Kiersti Lane. “Tonight, while we are all celebrating and reigniting Festival traditions, let us pause to reflect and remember the reason we are all here. Your gift tonight will help provide health, hope and happiness for the babies and children in our community who need it most.”

Because of the great generosity of various donors, sponsors and an estimated 530 gala attendees, this year’s Festival of Trees raised a record-breaking $1.6 million. This enormous amount of financial support allows Providence to continue growing and expanding specialized therapies, equipment and educational classes that make miracles happen for children and families every day.

In attendance at the history making fundraiser were two first time Tulalip attendees, Vanessa Flores and Amaya Hernandez. 

  “It was nice to dress up and wear my fancy Air Force Ones,” shared 14-year-old Amaya. “I had a lot of fun being here and listening to all the conversations. I think it’s important for us to host events like this because our Resort is really nice and it’s good for people not from here to see just how nice it is.”

“It’s so important for Tulalip Tribes to give back to the greater community and local charities,” added Vanessa, Quil Ceda Village operations manager. “Providence could host their Festival anywhere, but they choose Tulalip because it’s centrally located in Snohomish County and guarantees a great, friendly staffed event that everyone can feel safe at. Everyone was so kind and giving for a cause close to all our hearts. This is probably the best event I’ve ever attended at our Resort.”

For two decades now, Tulalip has been an important partner to Providence in the Northwest Washington Region by helping provide critical funding and support needed to care for the health of our growing community. Contributions made by Tulalip to Providence General Foundation since 2002 have totaled close to one million dollars. For their dedication to the Festival of Trees, the Tulalip Tribes were honored with the Spirit of Festival Award during 2018’s Festival.

“The lives of thousands of children, that includes Tulalip tribal children, will be helped thanks to the generosity received from the Festival of Trees fundraising efforts,” said Board of Director Mel Sheldon, seventeen-year member of the Providence General Foundation. “We are very fortunate to have a relationship with Providence Medical Center and to support such an amazing opportunity that really looks at the bigger picture. We all want to do our part to create a sustainable and healthy community.”

One of Snohomish County’s largest and most well attended holiday events, the Festival of Trees has been a beloved community tradition for 37 years. The annual outpouring of community spirit, combined with such a magical setting, delivers a wonderful event that unites so many during the holiday season.

Holiday Indigenous gift guide

By Shaelyn Smead, Tulalip News

Whether you’re looking to maintain the culture within your family or step away from modern gift-giving styles, help make your holidays more Indigenous, one gift at a time.

With so many gift options during the holiday season, getting caught up in materialistic items can be very easy. Consumerism has taken over the holidays and monetized relationships within families. The modern world has stressed the idea that you can show someone how much you love them by showing them how much you spend. And these modern-day ideologies differ widely from our traditional roots. 

So, where do we start if we’re looking to switch up this holiday season? Break it down into four traditional-based gifting categories:

  • Teaching 
  • Time spent together
  • Handcrafted work
  • Indigenous-made products

Teaching various Indigenous crafts and skills has kept our culture thriving for many centuries. Gifting traditional teachings down to the next generation is a wonderful cultural present and is deeply rooted in the people we are. Examples of different teachings could be teaching someone how to hunt or fish, teaching our language, traditional song/dance, weaving, cooking Indigenous foods, storytelling, or creating specific crafts like paddles, hats, skirts, drums, earrings, etc. By doing this, you are gifting them a skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives and generations to come. 

Taking a moment with your family and friends to teach them a culture-based skill coincides with the second gift option; spending time together. In the current environment, everyone and everything moves so quickly. Hanging out has turned into text messages exchanged, and face-to-face interactions have significantly dissolved. The hustle and bustle has made it difficult for people to spend quality time together. Being able to disconnect from the outside world and take time away from technology, off the tv, cell phones, social media, etc., allows for more intimate conversations and creates more meaningful quality time. Attending a cultural class, an Indigenous film festival, or an Indigenous-based restaurant are great ways to immerse yourself and your loved ones in culture. One thing that money will never be able to buy is time with the people closest to you. 

For many Indigenous artists, creating a handcrafted gift for a family member is invaluable. The act itself is something that certain Indigenous tribes have done for centuries. It’s how we thank each other, honor one another, and share pieces of ourselves. The different gifts reflect a lot of the artist at hand; the time, dedication, love, and medicine they put into their work and how it moves into the person receiving it. A pair of beaded earrings, some smoked salmon, a woven hat, or simply passing down a family heirloom. Knowing that someone took the time and effort to handcraft a gift specifically for you is something money cannot buy. 

If you are someone who hasn’t narrowed in on their craft just yet, supporting other Indigenous artists and stores is a great gift this holiday season. Not only can you find and give unique gifts this way, but you are also supporting the artist at hand. By purchasing from them, they can continue to buy more supplies, hone in on their craft, continue their work, and uplift our culture. Searching for hashtags like “#nativemade” and “#indigenousart” on Instagram and Facebook makes it easier to explore and find new Native artists and artwork to purchase. Similarly, websites like “eighthgeneration.com,” “indiancraftshop.com,” and “prairieedge.com” allow you to shop online for a variety of art from various Indigenous artists across the US. If you want to support specifically from local Indigenous artists, you can also find in-person Native Bazaars in many tribal territories.

As we navigate this modern world, our people have found creative ways to Indigenize different aspects of our lives. By doing so, culture isn’t just an activity but instead is carried with us in everything we do. We have taken holidays like Columbus Day and reclaimed it as Indigenous Peoples Day, and Thanksgiving and reclaimed it as National Day of Mourning. Straying away from materialistic items and Indigenizing the way our people gift this season is just another example of that. 

Mark Your Calendars: Holiday Powwow happening December 17

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

With the arrival of snow, the amazing display of lights at the Tulalip Amphitheater, children on their best behavior in hopes to score big this year, and Mariah Carey blasting from speakers at just about every retail store you visit, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This time of year is special for local Indigenous families and their students who attend the Marysville School District (MSD) because Tulalip is home to an annual gathering where Christmas and culture collide. 

Previously held on a consecutive basis before the pandemic hit, the Tulalip Education Division and the MSD Indian Education Department’s annual holiday powwow makes its official return on Saturday, December 17th. Many are anticipating the sound of jingle dresses and regalia to help celebrate the holiday season, accompanied of course by the deep and beautiful tone of the round drum. 

At holiday powwows of Christmas past, hundreds of people took part in this festive occasion. Whether they hit the dancefloor for the fancy, shawl, jingle or couple’s dances, sang in one of the multiple drum circles, visited with St. Nicholas at Santa’s Workshop, perused the numerous vendor stands for the perfect Christmas gift, or participated in the ever popular cake walk, attendees experienced the Christmas spirit first-hand, Indigenous style. And after the event was postponed for two years in a row, everyone is excited to gather for the holiday powwow in all its splendor once again.

“The foundation of our powwow is to uplift the hearts and spirits of our community,” expressed MSD Native Liaison, Zee Jimicum. “Gathering is a very healing tradition that our people deeply value. Being together keeps us connected. The challenge to stay connected during the pandemic was exacerbated for our communities because we couldn’t gather. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our families and community as we gather to celebrate life. I am not the only one looking forward to our 7th annual holiday powwow, our team is excited to bring our community together again!”

The holiday powwow takes place at the Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium and the Marysville-Tulalip Campus from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry is set to begin at 6:00 p.m. This is a catered event and food will be available to all who shows. Arlie Neskahi is locked in as the Powwow MC, Rocking Horse will serve as Host Drum, and the honor of Head Man and Head Woman is held by Devon Bluehorse and Isabelle Jefferson respectively. Since dinner will be provided, there will be no food vendors, but if you are interested hosting a vendor stand there is a $40 fee with a limit of one six-foot table (must bring own table). 

For additional vendor information, please contact Zee Jimicum at (425) 232-0166 or Zenitha_Jimicum@msvl.k12.wa.us. And for further questions, feel free to reach out to Matt Remle at (360) 965-2100 or Matthew_Remle@msvl.k12.wa.us, as well as Terrance Sabbas at (206) 484-6907 or Terrace_Sabbas@msvl.k12.wa.us.